Chemical and Electrochemical Asymmetric Dihydroxylation of Olefins in I(2)-K(2)CO(3)-K(2)OsO(2)(OH)(4) and I(2)-K(3)PO(4)/K(2)HPO(4)-K(2)OsO(2)(OH)(4) Systems with Sharpless' Ligand.

Science.gov (United States)

Torii, Sigeru; Liu, Ping; Bhuvaneswari, Narayanaswamy; Amatore, Christian; Jutand, Anny

1996-05-03

Iodine-assisted chemical and electrochemical asymmetric dihydroxylation of various olefins in I(2)-K(2)CO(3)-K(2)OsO(2)(OH)(4) and I(2)-K(3)PO(4)/K(2)HPO(4)-K(2)OsO(2)(OH)(4) systems with Sharpless' ligand provided the optically active glycols in excellent isolated yields and high enantiomeric excesses. Iodine (I(2)) was used stoichiometrically for the chemical dihydroxylation, and good results were obtained with nonconjugated olefins in contrast to the case of potassium ferricyanide as a co-oxidant. The potentiality of I(2) as a co-oxidant under stoichiometric conditions has been proven to be effective as an oxidizing mediator in electrolysis systems. Iodine-assisted asymmetric electro-dihydroxylation of olefins in either a t-BuOH/H(2)O(1/1)-K(2)CO(3)/(DHQD)(2)PHAL-(Pt) or t-BuOH/H(2)O(1/1)-K(3)PO(4)/K(2)HPO(4)/(DHQD)(2)PHAL-(Pt) system in the presence of potassium osmate in an undivided cell was investigated in detail. Irrespective of the substitution pattern, all the olefins afforded the diols in high yields and excellent enantiomeric excesses. A plausible mechanism is discussed on the basis of cyclic voltammograms as well as experimental observations.

Regulation of renal Na+-K-ATPase in the rat: role of increased potassium transport

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mujais, S.K.; Chekal, M.A.; Hayslett, J.P.; Katz, A.I.

1986-01-01

The purpose of this study was to characterize the alterations in collecting tubule Na + -K + -ATPase activity produced by sustained increments in dietary potassium in the rat and to evaluate the role of aldosterone in their generation. In adrenal-intact animals, feeding a high-potassium diet or administration of a high physiological dose of aldosterone, which simulates the delivery rate of this hormone during potassium loading, caused marked increments in Na + -K + -ATPase activity in the cortical collecting tubule (CCT) but had no effect on the enzyme in the inner stripe of the medullary collecting tubule (MCT). A significant increase in enzyme activity was also observed after smaller dietary potassium increments and after 4 days of dietary potassium load. In adrenalectomized rats provided with physiological replacement doses of corticosterone and aldosterone, Na + -K + -ATPase activity in both CCT and MCT was similar to that of adrenal-intact controls but remained unchanged after 7 days on the potassium-enriched (10-fold) diet. In contrast, adrenalectomized animals receiving the high physiological dose of aldosterone displayed an increase in Na + -K + -ATPase activity of CCT comparable with that of adrenal-intact animals, whereas the enzyme activity in the MCT was unaffected. In conclusion, 1) following chronic potassium loading Na + -K + -ATPase activity increases significantly in the CCT with no change in its activity in the inner stripe of the MCT; 2) this increase in enzyme activity occurs in a time-dependent fashion and in proportion to the potassium load; and 3) the stimulation of Na + -K + -ATPase activity in adrenal-replaced rats is facilitated by augmented levels of aldosterone, such as those actually observed in adrenal-intact rats subjected to chronic potassium loading

Regulation of renal Na -K-ATPase in the rat: role of increased potassium transport

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mujais, S.K.; Chekal, M.A.; Hayslett, J.P.; Katz, A.I.

1986-08-01

The purpose of this study was to characterize the alterations in collecting tubule Na -K -ATPase activity produced by sustained increments in dietary potassium in the rat and to evaluate the role of aldosterone in their generation. In adrenal-intact animals, feeding a high-potassium diet or administration of a high physiological dose of aldosterone, which simulates the delivery rate of this hormone during potassium loading, caused marked increments in Na -K -ATPase activity in the cortical collecting tubule (CCT) but had no effect on the enzyme in the inner stripe of the medullary collecting tubule (MCT). A significant increase in enzyme activity was also observed after smaller dietary potassium increments and after 4 days of dietary potassium load. In adrenalectomized rats provided with physiological replacement doses of corticosterone and aldosterone, Na -K -ATPase activity in both CCT and MCT was similar to that of adrenal-intact controls but remained unchanged after 7 days on the potassium-enriched (10-fold) diet. In contrast, adrenalectomized animals receiving the high physiological dose of aldosterone displayed an increase in Na -K -ATPase activity of CCT comparable with that of adrenal-intact animals, whereas the enzyme activity in the MCT was unaffected. In conclusion, 1) following chronic potassium loading Na -K -ATPase activity increases significantly in the CCT with no change in its activity in the inner stripe of the MCT; 2) this increase in enzyme activity occurs in a time-dependent fashion and in proportion to the potassium load; and 3) the stimulation of Na -K -ATPase activity in adrenal-replaced rats is facilitated by augmented levels of aldosterone, such as those actually observed in adrenal-intact rats subjected to chronic potassium loading.

Cathepsin K expression is increased in oral lichen planus.

Science.gov (United States)

Siponen, Maria; Bitu, Carolina Cavalcante; Al-Samadi, Ahmed; Nieminen, Pentti; Salo, Tuula

2016-11-01

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an idiopathic T-cell-mediated mucosal inflammatory disease. Cathepsin K (Cat K) is one of the lysosomal cysteine proteases. It is involved in many pathological conditions, including osteoporosis and cancer. The expression and role of Cat K in OLP are unknown. Twenty-five oral mucosal specimens diagnosed histopathologically as OLP and fourteen healthy controls (HC) were used to study the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of Cat K. Colocalization of Cat K with CD1a, Melan-A, CD68, CD45, mast cell tryptase (MCT), and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 4 and 9 were studied using double IHC and/or immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Expression of Cat K was also evaluated in OLP tissue samples before and after topical tacrolimus treatment. Cat K was expressed in a higher percentage of cells in the epithelial zone, and the staining intensity was stronger in the stroma in OLP compared to controls (P < 0.001). In OLP, Cat K was present mostly in melanocytes and macrophages and sporadically in basal keratinocytes, endothelial cells, and extracellularly. Cat K was found also in some fibroblasts in HC and OLP samples. Coexpression of Cat K and TLRs 4 and 9 was seen in some dendritic cells (presumably melanocytes) and macrophages. In OLP, tacrolimus treatment reduced the expression of Cat K in the epithelium but increased it in the stroma. These results suggest that Cat K is involved in the pathogenesis of OLP. Cat K possibly takes part in the modulation of matrix molecules and cellular receptors. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The ternary system K2SO4MgSO4CaSO4

Science.gov (United States)

Rowe, J.J.; Morey, G.W.; Silber, C.C.

1967-01-01

Melting and subsolidus relations in the system K2SO4MgSO4CaSO4 were studied using heating-cooling curves, differential thermal analysis, optics, X-ray diffraction at room and high temperatures and by quenching techniques. Previous investigators were unable to study the binary MgSO4CaSO4 system and the adjacent area in the ternary system because of the decomposition of MgSO4 and CaSO4 at high temperatures. This problem was partly overcome by a novel sealed-tube quenching method, by hydrothermal synthesis, and by long-time heating in the solidus. As a result of this study, we found: (1) a new compound, CaSO4??3MgSO4 (m.p. 1201??C) with a field extending into the ternary system; (2) a high temperature form of MgSO4 with a sluggishly reversible inversion. An X-ray diffraction pattern for this polymorphic form is given; (3) the inversion of ??-CaSO4 (anhydrite) to ??-CaSO4 at 1195??C, in agreement with grahmann; (1) (4) the melting point of MgSO4 is 1136??C and that of CaSO4 is 1462??C (using sealed tube methods to prevent decomposition of the sulphates); (5) calcium langbeinite (K2SO4??2CaSO4) is the only compound in the K2SO4CaSO4 binary system. This resolved discrepancies in the results of previous investigators; (6) a continuous solid solution series between congruently melting K2SOP4??2MgSO4 (langbeinite) and incongruently melting K2SO4??2CaSO4 (calcium langbeinite); (7) the liquidus in the ternary system consists of primary phase fields of K2SO4, MgSO4, CaSO4, langbeinite-calcium langbeinite solid solution, and CaSO4??3MgSO4. The CaSO4 field extends over a large portion of the system. Previously reported fields for the compounds (K2SO4??MgSO4??nCaSO4), K2SO4??3CaSO4 and K2SO4??CaSO4 were not found; (8) a minimum in the ternary system at: 740??C, 25% MgSO4, 6% CaSO4, 69% K2SO4; and ternary eutectics at 882??C, 49% MgSO4, 19% CaSO4, 32% K2SO4; and 880??, 67??5% MgSO4, 5% CaSO4, 27??5% K2SO4. ?? 1967.

Study of K-π- inelastic scattering from K-p interactions at 4.2 GeV/c

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Voorthuis, H.; Groot, A.J. de; Jongejans, B.; Kluyver, J.C.; Kittel, E.W.; Schotanus, D.J.

1976-01-01

The isospin I=3/2K - π - inelastic scattering cross section is determined from the reactions K - p→Δ ++ (K+pions) -- at 4.2 GeV/c incident K - momentum, using a Chew-Low extrapolation method. The available statistics also allowed a determination of the cross sections for individual K - π - reactions by this method. The total inelastic K - π - scattering cross section is found to increase almost linearly with K - π - mass from - π - →(Kππ) -- contribute to the inelastic cross section; higher multiplicity K - π - interactions start to play a role above this mass. (Auth.)

Smad, PI3K/Akt, and Wnt-dependent signaling pathways are involved in BMP-4-induced ESC self-renewal.

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Min Young; Lim, Hyun Woo; Lee, Sang Hun; Han, Ho Jae

2009-08-01

It is known that bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP-4) has a diverse effect on ESCs. However, its precise mechanism in mouse ESCs is not fully understood. We evaluated the effect of BMP-4 on ESC proliferation and its related signal cascades in this study. BMP-4 significantly increased the level of [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation in time- (> or =8 hours) and dose- (> or =10 ng/ml) dependent manners. Additionally, BMP-4 increased cyclin D1 and decreased p27(kip1) expression values in a time-dependent manner. The increases in BMP-4-induced [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation and cyclin D1 expression were inhibited by the BMP-4 receptor antagonist noggin. BMP-4 increased Wnt1 expression. Wnt1 expression was attenuated by Smad4 small interfering RNA (siRNA), and BMP-4-induced cyclin D1 expression was inhibited by Smad4 and Wnt1 siRNAs. BMP-4 also activated beta-catenin, which was blocked by Smad4 and Wnt1 siRNAs. In addition, BMP-4 induced Akt phosphorylation. BMP-4-induced beta-catenin activation and cyclin D1 expression were attenuated by phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K) siRNA and Akt inhibitor. Additionally, downregulation of Smad4, Wnt1, and PI3K expression by siRNA decreased the levels of pluripotency marker mRNAs of ESCs, including Oct4, Sox2, and FoxD3. Our results suggested that BMP-4-induced [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation was significantly attenuated by Smad4, Wnt1, and PI3K knockdown. In conclusion, BMP-4 contributed to the maintenance of cell proliferation and the pluripotent state by Smad, PI3K/Akt, and Wnt1/beta-catenin in mouse ESCs.

Synchronization modulation increases transepithelial potentials in MDCK monolayers through Na/K pumps.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Vu Tran

Full Text Available Transepithelial potential (TEP is the voltage across a polarized epithelium. In epithelia that have active transport functions, the force for transmembrane flux of an ion is dictated by the electrochemical gradient in which TEP plays an essential role. In epithelial injury, disruption of the epithelial barrier collapses the TEP at the wound edge, resulting in the establishment of an endogenous wound electric field (∼100 mV/mm that is directed towards the center of the wound. This endogenous electric field is implicated to enhance wound healing by guiding cell migration. We thus seek techniques to enhance the TEP, which may increase the wound electric fields and enhance wound healing. We report a novel technique, termed synchronization modulation (SM using a train of electric pulses to synchronize the Na/K pump activity, and then modulating the pumping cycles to increase the efficiency of the Na/K pumps. Kidney epithelial monolayers (MDCK cells maintain a stable TEP and transepithelial resistance (TER. SM significantly increased TEP over four fold. Either ouabain or digoxin, which block Na/K pump, abolished SM-induced TEP increases. In addition to the pump activity, basolateral distribution of Na/K pumps is essential for an increase in TEP. Our study for the first time developed an electrical approach to significantly increase the TEP. This technique targeting the Na/K pump may be used to modulate TEP, and may have implication in wound healing and in diseases where TEP needs to be modulated.

CALCULATED REGENERATOR PERFORMANCE AT 4 K WITH HELIUM-4 AND HELIUM-3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Radebaugh, Ray; Huang Yonghua; O'Gallagher, Agnes; Gary, John

2008-01-01

The helium-4 working fluid in regenerative cryocoolers operating with the cold end near 4 K deviates considerably from an ideal gas. As a result, losses in the regenerator, given by the time-averaged enthalpy flux, are increased and are strong functions of the operating pressure and temperature. Helium-3, with its lower boiling point, behaves somewhat closer to an ideal gas in this low temperature range and can reduce the losses in 4 K regenerators. An analytical model is used to find the fluid properties that strongly influence the regenerator losses as well as the gross refrigeration power. The thermodynamic and transport properties of helium-3 were incorporated into the latest NIST regenerator numerical model, known as REGEN3.3, which was used to model regenerator performance with either helium-4 or helium-3. With this model we show how the use of helium-3 in place of helium-4 can improve the performance of 4 K regenerative cryocoolers. The effects of operating pressure, warm-end temperature, and frequency on regenerators with helium-4 and helium-3 are investigated and compared. The results are used to find optimum operating conditions. The frequency range investigated varies from 1 Hz to 30 Hz, with particular emphasis on higher frequencies

The radio galaxy K-z relation to z ~ 4.5

OpenAIRE

Jarvis, Matt J.; Rawlings, Steve; Eales, Steve; Blundell, Katherine M.; Willott, Chris J.

2001-01-01

Using a new radio sample, 6C* designed to find radio galaxies at z > 4 along with the complete 3CRR and 6CE sample we extend the radio galaxy K-z relation to z~4.5. The 6C* K-z data significantly improve delineation of the K-z relation for radio galaxies at high redshift (z > 2). Accounting for non-stellar contamination, and for correlations between radio luminosity and estimates of stellar mass, we find little support for previous claims that the underlying scatter in the stellar luminosity ...

Oxidative Damage, Inflammation, and Toll-Like Receptor 4 Pathway Are Increased in Preeclamptic Patients: A Case-Control Study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fabiana C. B. Bernardi

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Problem. There was no direct correlation between plasma and placental oxidative damage parameters and inflammation and evidence of TLR4 pathway activation in the placenta in preeclamptic (PE patients. Method of Study. 33 PE patients and 33 normotensive pregnant women were included. The maternal section of the placenta and blood were collected to the determination of oxidative damage markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive species and protein carbonyls, inflammatory response (interleukin-6 and myeloperoxidase activity, and activation of the TLR-4-NF-kB pathway. Results. An increase of IL-6 levels in both plasma and placenta was observed, but myeloperoxidase activity was not significantly different comparing the groups. Oxidative damage parameters were increased in plasma and placenta in PE patients. A significant increase of the protein levels of TLR-4 and NF-kB was observed in the placenta. Conclusion. The TLR4-NF-kB pathway is upregulated in PE, probably generating local and systemic inflammatory response that is followed by local and systemic oxidative damage.

On the Vertex-Distinguishing Proper Edge-Coloring of K4,4∨Kt%图K4,4∨Kt的点可区别正常边染色

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

魏甲静; 王治文; 陈祥恩

2012-01-01

讨论了图K4,4∨Kt的点可区别正常边染色及其色数.利用正多边形的对称性构造染色以及组合分析的方法.确定了图K4,4∨Kt的点可区别正常边色数,得到了：当t是奇数且t≥3以及t是偶数且2≤t≤32时,χ′s（K4,4∨Kt）=t＋8;当t是偶数且t≥34时,χ′s（K4,4∨Kt）=t＋9.%In this paper, the authors discuss the vertex-distinguishing proper edge colorings of K4,4∨Kt,and using the symmetry of regular polygons to construct coloring and the methods of combinatorial analysis, determine the vertex-distinguishing proper edge chromatic number of K4,4∨Kt. Finally, the authors show that χ：（K4,4∨Kt）：t＋8 when t is odd with t≥3 and when t is even with 2≤t≤32, and that xs（K4,4∨Kt） =t＋9 when t is even with t≥34.

Cryogenic laboratory (80 K - 4 K)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brad, Sebastian; Steflea, Dumitru

2002-01-01

The technology of low temperature at the beginning of this century, developed for the production of oxygen, nitrogen and rare gases, was the basis for setting up the cryogenic technology in all the companies with these activity fields. The cryogenics section of today comprises engineering and construction of cryogenic plants for science, research and development, space technology, nuclear power techniques. Linde has designed and built a reliable small scale Helium liquefier. This fully automatic cryoliquefier operates for purification, liquefaction as well as re-liquefaction of Helium-gas, evaporated in cryostat systems. The basic equipment of the Linde L5 are the liquefier apparatus, transfer line, medium pressure buffer vessel, automatic purifier, compressor with mechanical oil separation unit, oil adsorber, electrical control unit. The accessories of the Linde L5 are the liquid helium storage tank, high-pressure gas supply, helium recovery unit, and cryocomponents. The cycle compressor C 101 designed as a single stage screw compressor supplies the liquefaction process with approx. 10 g/s of helium at a pressure of 10 to 12 bar and a temperature of approx. 300 K. In the first plate heat exchanger E 201 the gas is cooled down to approx. 70 K. Then the He high-pressure flow is divided: about 7 g/s reach the turbine X 201 via valve 203 (turbine entry) and are expanded there to approx. 4.6 bar, the gas cooling down to 64 K. After further cooling in the heat exchanger E 203 to about 16 K, another power-consuming expansion to 1.2 bar takes place. The implied cooling of the gas results in a temperature of 12 K at the outlet of the turbine X 202. This gas is then transferred to the low-pressure side of the heat exchanger E 204. The smaller part of the He high-pressure gas flow (approx. 3 g/s) is cooled down in the heat exchanger E 202 - E 205 to about 7 K. One part of the cold helium gas (approx. 0.17 g/s) is used in the purifier to cool down the feed gas to air

Totally odd K-4-subdivisions in 4-chromatic graphs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Thomassen, Carsten

2001-01-01

We prove the conjecture made by Bjarne Toft in 1975 that every 4-chromatic graph contains a subdivision of K-4 in which each edge of K-4 corresponds to a path of odd length. As an auxiliary result we characterize completely the subspace of the cycle space generated by all cycles through two fixed...

Analysis of the Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MAP2K4) tumor suppressor gene in ovarian cancer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Davis, Sally J; Choong, David YH; Ramakrishna, Manasa; Ryland, Georgina L; Campbell, Ian G; Gorringe, Kylie L

2011-01-01

MAP2K4 is a putative tumor and metastasis suppressor gene frequently found to be deleted in various cancer types. We aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of this gene to assess its involvement in ovarian cancer. We screened for mutations in MAP2K4 using High Resolution Melt analysis of 149 primary ovarian tumors and methylation at the promoter using Methylation-Specific Single-Stranded Conformation Polymorphism analysis of 39 tumors. We also considered the clinical impact of changes in MAP2K4 using publicly available expression and copy number array data. Finally, we used siRNA to measure the effect of reducing MAP2K4 expression in cell lines. In addition to 4 previously detected homozygous deletions, we identified a homozygous 16 bp truncating deletion and a heterozygous 4 bp deletion, each in one ovarian tumor. No promoter methylation was detected. The frequency of MAP2K4 homozygous inactivation was 5.6% overall, and 9.8% in high-grade serous cases. Hemizygous deletion of MAP2K4 was observed in 38% of samples. There were significant correlations of copy number and expression in three microarray data sets. There was a significant correlation between MAP2K4 expression and overall survival in one expression array data set, but this was not confirmed in an independent set. Treatment of JAM and HOSE6.3 cell lines with MAP2K4 siRNA showed some reduction in proliferation. MAP2K4 is targeted by genetic inactivation in ovarian cancer and restricted to high grade serous and endometrioid carcinomas in our cohort

In vitro comparison in a manikin model: increasing apical enlargement with K3 and K3XF rotary instruments.

Science.gov (United States)

Olivieri, Juan Gonzalo; Stöber, Eva; García Font, Marc; González, Jose Antonio; Bragado, Pablo; Roig, Miguel; Duran-Sindreu, Fernando

2014-09-01

The aim of the study was to compare the K3 and K3XF systems (SybronEndo, Glendora, CA) after 1 and 2 uses by evaluating apical transportation, working length loss, and working time in a manikin model. Mesial canals of 40 extracted first mandibular molars were instrumented. Radiographs taken after instrumentation with #25, #30, #35, and #40 files were superimposed on the preoperative image in both mesiodistal and buccolingual angulations. AutoCAD (Autodesk Inc, San Rafael, CA) was used to measure working length loss and apical transportation at 0, 0.5, and 1 mm from the working length (WL). The working time was measured. Group comparison was analyzed using post hoc Tukey honestly significant difference tests (P < .05). No significant differences were found in apical transportation, working length loss between K3 and K3XF systems, or between the number of uses. Significant differences were found when canal enlargement was performed to a #35-40 (P < .05). K3 instrumentation performed significantly faster (29.6 ± 15.4) than with the K3XF system (40.2 ± 17.7) (P < .05). No differences were observed in working time when comparing the number of uses. K3 and R-phase K3XF rotary systems shaped curved root canals safely with minimal apical transportation, even up to a 40/04 file. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of high NH4+ on K+ uptake, culm mechanical strength and grain filling in wheat

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Lingan eKong

2014-12-01

Full Text Available It is well established that a high external NH4+ concentration depresses many processes in plant development, but the underlying mechanisms are still not well understood. To determine whether the negative effects of high levels of NH4+ are related to competitive cation uptake, wheat was grown in a field with moderate (18 g N m-2 and high (30 g N m-2 supplies of NH4+ in the presence or absence of additional K+ (6 g K2O m-2 to examine culm mechanical strength, the main components of the vascular bundle, nitrogen (N remobilization and the grain-filling rate. The results indicated that an excessive supply of NH4+ significantly decreased culm mechanical strength, the cellulose and lignin contents of vascular bundles, the N remobilization efficiency (NRE and the grain-filling rate compared with a moderate level of NH4+. The additional provision of K+ considerably alleviated these negative effects of high NH4+, resulting in a 19.41%-26.95% increase in culm mechanical strength during grain filling and a 34.59% increase in the NRE. An assay using the scanning ion-selective electrode technique (SIET showed that the net rate of transmembrane K+ influx decreased by 84.62%, and measurements using flame photometry demonstrated that the K+ content decreased by 36.13% in wheat plants subjected to high NH4+. This study indicates that the effects of high NH4+ on culm mechanical strength, cellulose and lignin contents, the NRE and the grain-filling rate are probably associated with inhibition of K+ uptake in wheat.

Crystal structure and dynamics of K2-x(NH4)xSeO4 mixed crystals studied by x-ray and neutron scattering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smirnov, L.S.; Natkaniec, I.; Loose, A.

2006-01-01

The K 2-x (NH 4 ) x SeO 4 mixed crystals have been studied by powder X-ray and neutron diffraction and inelastic incoherent neutron scattering in a wide temperature range from 300 to 16 K. No phase transition is observed in (NH 4 ) 2 SeO 4 in the range from room temperature to 20 K. The reorientation potential barriers of ammonium ions in the K 2-x (NH 4 ) x SeO 4 mixed crystals increase with the increasing concentration of ammonium ions

Luminescence of 1,4-naphthoquinone and the vitamin K system in Shpolskii matrices at 4 K

Science.gov (United States)

Vo-Dinh, Tuan; Wild, Urs P.

This work investigates the high-resolution phosphorescence spectra of 1,4-naphthoquinone and the vitamin K system in Shpolskii solvents at 4 K. The quasi-linear vibronic bands are discussed with regard to spectral assignments and polarization data. The effect of non-totally symmetric vibrations is also discussed.

Structural investigation on K3Gd5(PO4)6 in between 20 K to 1073 K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bevara, Samatha; Achary, S.N.; Tyagi, A.K.; Mishra, K.K.; Ravindran, T.R.; Sinha, A.K.; Sastry, P.U.

2016-01-01

Evolution of crystal structure of K 3 Gd 5 (PO 4 ) 6 in the temperature range from 20 K to 1073 K, as observed from combined variable temperature X-ray diffraction (using both synchrotron source and Cu K α lab source) and Raman spectroscopic studies is communicated in the manuscript. The title compound has an open tunnel containing three dimensional structure built by periodic arrangements of (Gd 5 (PO 4 ) 6 ) 3- ions which in turn are formed by PO 4 tetrahedra and GdO n (n = 8 and 9) polyhedra and these tunnels are occupied by K + ions. The XRD patterns in the entire temperature range of study indicated no change in the crystal structural, which is also supported by differential thermal analyses and Raman spectroscopy. Average axial thermal expansion coefficients between 20K and 1073 K are : α a =10.6 x 10 -6 K -1 , α b = 5.5 x 10 -6 K -1 and α c = 16.4 X 10.6 -6 K -1 . (author)

Role of H3K4 demethylases in complex neurodevelopmental diseases.

Science.gov (United States)

Wynder, Christopher; Stalker, Leanne; Doughty, Martin L

2010-06-01

Significant neurological disorders can result from subtle perturbations of gene regulation that are often linked to epigenetic regulation. Proteins that regulate the methylation of lysine 4 of histone H3 (H3K4) and play a central role in epigenetic regulation, and mutations in genes encoding these enzymes have been identified in both autism and Rett syndrome. The H3K4 demethylases remove methyl groups from lysine 4 leading to loss of RNA polymerase binding and transcriptional repression. When these proteins are mutated, brain development is altered. Currently, little is known regarding how these gene regulators function at the genomic level. In this article, we will discuss findings that link H3K4 demethylases to neurodevelopment and neurological disease.

Balance disorder and increased risk of falls in osteoporosis and kyphosis: significance of kyphotic posture and muscle strength.

Science.gov (United States)

Sinaki, Mehrsheed; Brey, Robert H; Hughes, Christine A; Larson, Dirk R; Kaufman, Kenton R

2005-08-01

This controlled trial was designed to investigate the influence of osteoporosis-related kyphosis (O-K) on falls. Twelve community-dwelling women with O-K (Cobb angle, 50-65 degrees measured from spine radiographs) and 13 healthy women serving as controls were enrolled. Mean age of the O-K group was 76 years (+/-5.1), height 158 cm (+/-5), and weight 61 kg (+/-7.9), and mean age of the control group was 71 years (+/-4.6), height 161 cm (+/-3.8), and weight 66 kg (+/-11.7). Quantitative isometric strength data were collected. Gait was monitored during unobstructed level walking and during stepping over an obstacle of four different heights randomly assigned (2.5%, 5%, 10%, and 15% of the subject's height). Balance was objectively assessed with computerized dynamic posturography consisting of the sensory organization test. Back extensor strength, grip strength, and all lower extremity muscle groups were significantly weaker in the O-K group than the control group (P controls for all conditions of unobstructed and obstructed level walking. Obstacle height had a significant effect on all center-of-mass variables. The O-K subjects had significantly greater balance abnormalities on computerized dynamic posturography than the control group (P =0.002). Data show that thoracic hyperkyphosis on a background of reduced muscle strength plays an important role in increasing body sway, gait unsteadiness, and risk of falls in osteoporosis.

Membrane leakage and increased content of Na+ -K+ pumps and Ca2+ in human muscle after a 100-km run

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Overgaard, Kristian; Lindstrøm, Tue; Ingemann-Hansen, Thorsten

2002-01-01

content, and plasma concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). After completion of a 100-km run, significant increases were found in plasma K+ (from 4.0 +/- 0.1 to 5.5 +/- 0.2 mM, P

Phase formation in the Li2MoO4–K2MoO4–In2(MoO4)3 system and crystal structures of new compounds K3InMo4O15 and LiK2In(MoO4)3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Khal’baeva, Klara M.; Solodovnikov, Sergey F.; Khaikina, Elena G.; Kadyrova, Yuliya M.; Solodovnikova, Zoya A.; Basovich, Olga M.

2012-01-01

XRD study of solid-phase interaction in the Li 2 MoO 4 –K 2 MoO 4 –In 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 system was performed. The boundary K 2 MoO 4 –In 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 system is an non-quasibinary join of the K 2 O–In 2 O 3 –MoO 3 system where a new polymolybdate K 3 InMo 4 O 15 isotypic to K 3 FeMo 4 O 15 was found. In the structure (a=33.2905(8), b=5.8610(1), c=15.8967(4) Å, β=90.725(1)°, sp. gr. C2/c, Z=8, R(F)=0.0407), InO 6 octahedra, Mo 2 O 7 diortho groups and MoO 4 tetrahedra form infinite ribbons {[In(MoO 4 ) 2 (Mo 2 O 7 )] 3− } ∞ along the b-axis. Between the chains, 8- to 10-coordinate potassium cations are located. A subsolidus phase diagram of the Li 2 MoO 4 –K 2 MoO 4 –In 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 system was constructed and a novel triple molybdate LiK 2 In(MoO 4 ) 3 was revealed. Its crystal structure (a=7.0087(2), b=9.2269(3), c=10.1289(3) Å, β=107.401(1)°, sp. gr. P2 1 , Z=2, R(F)=0.0280) contains an open framework of vertex-shared MoO 4 tetrahedra, InO 6 octahedra and LiO 5 tetragonal pyramids with nine- and seven-coordinate potassium ions in the framework channels. - Graphical abstract: Exploring the Li 2 MoO 4 –K 2 MoO 4 –In 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 system showed its partial non-quasibinarity and revealed new compounds K 3 InMo 4 O 15 (isotypic to K 3 FeMo 4 O 15 ) and LiK 2 In(MoO 4 ) 3 which were structurally studied. An open framework of the latter is formed by vertex-shared MoO 4 tetrahedra, InO 6 octahedra and LiO 5 tetragonal pyramids. Highlights: ► Subsolidus phase relations in the Li 2 MoO 4 –K 2 MoO 4 –In 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 system were explored. ► The K 2 MoO 4 –In 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 system is a non-quasibinary join of the K 2 O–In 2 O 3 –MoO 3 system. ► New compounds K 3 InMo 4 O 15 and LiK 2 In(MoO 4 ) 3 were obtained and structurally studied. ► K 3 InMo 4 O 15 is isotypic to K 3 FeMo 4 O 15 and carries bands of InO 6 , MoO 4 and Mo 2 O 7 units. ► An open framework of LiK 2 In(MoO 4 ) 3 is formed by polyhedra MoO 4 , InO 6 and LiO 5 .

Re-patterning of H3K27me3, H3K4me3 and DNA methylation during fibroblast conversion into induced cardiomyocytes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ziqing Liu

2016-03-01

Full Text Available Direct conversion of fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs offers an alternative strategy for cardiac disease modeling and regeneration. During iCM reprogramming, the starting fibroblasts must overcome existing epigenetic barriers to acquire the CM-like chromatin pattern. However, epigenetic dynamics along this reprogramming process have not been studied. Here, we took advantage of our recently generated polycistronic system and determined the dynamics of two critical histone marks, H3K27me3 and H3K4me3, in parallel with gene expression at a set of carefully selected cardiac and fibroblast loci during iCM reprogramming. We observed reduced H3K27me3 and increased H3K4me3 at cardiac promoters as early as day 3, paralleled by a rapid significant increase in their mRNA expression. In contrast, H3K27me3 at loci encoding fibroblast marker genes did not increase until day 10 and H3K4me3 progressively decreased along the reprogramming process; these changes were accompanied by a gradual decrease in the mRNA expression of fibroblast marker genes. Further analyses of fibroblast-enriched transcription factors revealed a similarly late deposition of H3K27me3 and decreased mRNA expression of Sox9, Twist1 and Twist2, three important players in epithelial−mesenchymal transition. Our data suggest early rapid activation of the cardiac program and later progressive suppression of fibroblast fate at both epigenetic and transcriptional levels. Additionally, we determined the DNA methylation states of representative cardiac promoters and found that not every single CpG was equally demethylated during early stages of iCM reprogramming. Rather, there are specific CpGs, whose demethylation states correlated tightly with transcription activation, that we propose are the major contributing CpGs. Our work thus reveals a differential re-patterning of H3K27me3, H3K4me3 at cardiac and fibroblast loci during iCM reprogramming and could provide future genome

Both H4K20 mono-methylation and H3K56 acetylation mark transcription-dependent histone turnover in fission yeast

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang, Hanna; Kwon, Chang Seob; Choi, Yoonjung; Lee, Daeyoup

2016-01-01

Nucleosome dynamics facilitated by histone turnover is required for transcription as well as DNA replication and repair. Histone turnover is often associated with various histone modifications such as H3K56 acetylation (H3K56Ac), H3K36 methylation (H3K36me), and H4K20 methylation (H4K20me). In order to correlate histone modifications and transcription-dependent histone turnover, we performed genome wide analyses for euchromatic regions in G2/M-arrested fission yeast. The results show that transcription-dependent histone turnover at 5′ promoter and 3′ termination regions is directly correlated with the occurrence of H3K56Ac and H4K20 mono-methylation (H4K20me1) in actively transcribed genes. Furthermore, the increase of H3K56Ac and H4K20me1 and antisense RNA production was observed in the absence of the histone H3K36 methyltransferase Set2 and histone deacetylase complex (HDAC) that are involved in the suppression of histone turnover within the coding regions. These results together indicate that H4K20me1 as well as H3K56Ac are bona fide marks for transcription-dependent histone turnover in fission yeast.

Both H4K20 mono-methylation and H3K56 acetylation mark transcription-dependent histone turnover in fission yeast

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yang, Hanna [Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141 (Korea, Republic of); Kwon, Chang Seob [Department of Chemistry and Biology, Korea Science Academy of KAIST, Busan, 614-822 (Korea, Republic of); Choi, Yoonjung, E-mail: jjungii@kaist.ac.kr [Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141 (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Daeyoup, E-mail: daeyoup@kaist.ac.kr [Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141 (Korea, Republic of)

2016-08-05

Nucleosome dynamics facilitated by histone turnover is required for transcription as well as DNA replication and repair. Histone turnover is often associated with various histone modifications such as H3K56 acetylation (H3K56Ac), H3K36 methylation (H3K36me), and H4K20 methylation (H4K20me). In order to correlate histone modifications and transcription-dependent histone turnover, we performed genome wide analyses for euchromatic regions in G2/M-arrested fission yeast. The results show that transcription-dependent histone turnover at 5′ promoter and 3′ termination regions is directly correlated with the occurrence of H3K56Ac and H4K20 mono-methylation (H4K20me1) in actively transcribed genes. Furthermore, the increase of H3K56Ac and H4K20me1 and antisense RNA production was observed in the absence of the histone H3K36 methyltransferase Set2 and histone deacetylase complex (HDAC) that are involved in the suppression of histone turnover within the coding regions. These results together indicate that H4K20me1 as well as H3K56Ac are bona fide marks for transcription-dependent histone turnover in fission yeast.

Refractive indices of K2ZnCl4 crystals in an incommensurate phase under uniaxial stresses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gaba, V.M.; Kogut, Z.O.; Brezvin, R.S.; Stadnik, V.I.

2010-01-01

The influence of uniaxial mechanical stresses directed along the principal crystallophysical axes on refractiveindex temperature dependences in K 2 ZnCl 4 crystals was studied. It is established that the refractive indices ni are quite sensitive to uniaxial stresses. Significant baric shifts of the paraphase-incommensurate-commensurate phase transition points to different temperature regions were observed, which is due to the effect of the uniaxial stress on the K 2 ZnCl 4 crystal structure. It is found that applying uniaxial pressure increases the value of the temperature hysteresis of the commensurate-incommensurate phase transition. (authors)

Expression and significance of TRAIL and NF-kB in osteosarcoma

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Du Xiumin; You Murong; Qi Falian; Hu Chengjin

2005-01-01

To investigate the relationship between expressions of TRAIL, NF-kB and cell proliferation in human osteosarcomas, the expressions of TRAIL and NF-kB in 16 cases of osteosarcoma, 5 cases of giant cell tumor of bone and 6 cases of chondrosarcoma were studied by flow cytometry. The expressions of TRAIL and NF-kB in osteosarcomas of different differentiation states were higher than those in other two kinds of tumors significantly in our study(P 0.05). The expressions of TRAIL and NF-kB in chondrosarcoma and giant cell tumor of bone were not different significantly(P>0.05). The higher expression of TRAIL in osteosarcoma with different differentiation states could not induce apoptosis because of the higher expression of NF-kB. NF-kB may restrain the apoptosis of tumor cells by regulating the NF-kB- induced apoptosis path way in osteosarcoma. (authors)

Free ammonia pre-treatment of secondary sludge significantly increases anaerobic methane production.

Science.gov (United States)

Wei, Wei; Zhou, Xu; Wang, Dongbo; Sun, Jing; Wang, Qilin

2017-07-01

Energy recovery in the form of methane from sludge/wastewater is restricted by the poor and slow biodegradability of secondary sludge. An innovative pre-treatment technology using free ammonia (FA, i.e. NH 3 ) was proposed in this study to increase anaerobic methane production. The solubilisation of secondary sludge was significantly increased after FA pre-treatment at up to 680 mg NH 3 -N/L for 1 day, under which the solubilisation (i.e. 0.4 mg SCOD/mg VS; SCOD: soluble chemical oxygen demand; VS: volatile solids) was >10 times higher than that without FA pre-treatment (i.e. 0.03 mg SCOD/mg VS). Biochemical methane potential assays showed that FA pre-treatment at above 250 mg NH 3 -N/L is effective in improving anaerobic methane production. The highest improvement in biochemical methane potential (B 0 ) and hydrolysis rate (k) was achieved at FA concentrations of 420-680 mg NH 3 -N/L, and was determined as approximately 22% (from 160 to 195 L CH 4 /kg VS added) and 140% (from 0.22 to 0.53 d -1 ) compared to the secondary sludge without pre-treatment. More analysis revealed that the FA induced improvement in B 0 and k could be attributed to the rapidly biodegradable substances rather than the slowly biodegradable substances. Economic and environmental analyses showed that the FA-based technology is economically favourable and environmentally friendly. Since this FA technology aims to use the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) waste (i.e. anaerobic digestion liquor) to enhance methane production from the WWTPs, it will set an example for the paradigm shift of the WWTPs from 'linear economy' to 'circular economy'. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Repeated oral administration of a cathepsin K inhibitor significantly suppresses bone resorption in exercising horses with evidence of increased bone formation and maintained bone turnover.

Science.gov (United States)

Hussein, H; Dulin, J; Smanik, L; Drost, W T; Russell, D; Wellman, M; Bertone, A

2017-08-01

Our investigations evaluated the effect of VEL-0230, a highly specific irreversible inhibitor of cathepsin K (CatK). The objectives of our study were to determine whether repeated dosing of a CatK inhibitor (CatKI) produced a desired inhibition of the bone resorption biomarker (CTX-1), and document the effect of repeated dosing on bone homeostasis, structure, and dynamics of bone resorption and formation in horses. Twelve young exercising horses were randomized in a prospective, controlled clinical trial and received 4 weekly doses of a CatKI or vehicle. Baseline and poststudy nuclear scintigraphy, blood sampling and analysis of plasma bone biomarkers (CTX-1 and osteocalcin), poststudy bone fluorescent labeling, and bone biopsy were performed. Bone specimens were further processed for microcomputed tomography and bone histomorphometry. Each dose of this CatKI transiently inhibited plasma CTX-1 (reflecting inhibition of bone collagen resorption) and increased bone plasma osteocalcin concentrations, with no detectable adverse effect on normal bone turnover in the face of exercise. Bone morphology, density, and formation rate were not different between control and treated group. Further investigation of CatK inhibition in abnormal bone turnover is required in animals with bone diseases. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Increased expression of CYP4Z1 promotes tumor angiogenesis and growth in human breast cancer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yu, Wei; Chai, Hongyan; Li, Ying; Zhao, Haixia; Xie, Xianfei; Zheng, Hao; Wang, Chenlong; Wang, Xue; Yang, Guifang; Cai, Xiaojun; Falck, John R.; Yang, Jing

2012-01-01

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 4Z1, a novel CYP4 family member, is over-expressed in human mammary carcinoma and associated with high-grade tumors and poor prognosis. However, the precise role of CYP4Z1 in tumor progression is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that CYP4Z1 overexpression promotes tumor angiogenesis and growth in breast cancer. Stable expression of CYP4Z1 in T47D and BT-474 human breast cancer cells significantly increased mRNA expression and production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, and decreased mRNA levels and secretion of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), without affecting cell proliferation and anchorage-independent cell growth in vitro. Notably, the conditioned medium from CYP4Z1-expressing cells enhanced proliferation, migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and promoted angiogenesis in the zebrafish embryo and chorioallantoic membrane of the chick embryo. In addition, there were lower levels of myristic acid and lauric acid, and higher contents of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) in CYP4Z1-expressing T47D cells compared with vector control. CYP4Z1 overexpression significantly increased tumor weight and microvessel density by 2.6-fold and 1.9-fold in human tumor xenograft models, respectively. Moreover, CYP4Z1 transfection increased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt, while PI3K or ERK inhibitors and siRNA silencing reversed CYP4Z1-mediated changes in VEGF-A and TIMP-2 expression. Conversely, HET0016, an inhibitor of the CYP4 family, potently inhibited the tumor-induced angiogenesis with associated changes in the intracellular levels of myristic acid, lauric acid and 20-HETE. Collectively, these data suggest that increased CYP4Z1 expression promotes tumor angiogenesis and growth in breast cancer partly via PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 activation. -- Highlights: ► CYP4Z1 overexpression promotes human breast cancer growth and angiogenesis. ► The pro-angiogenic effects of CYP4Z1 have

Increased expression of CYP4Z1 promotes tumor angiogenesis and growth in human breast cancer

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yu, Wei [Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071 (China); Chai, Hongyan [Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071 (China); Li, Ying; Zhao, Haixia; Xie, Xianfei; Zheng, Hao; Wang, Chenlong; Wang, Xue [Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071 (China); Yang, Guifang [Department of Pathology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071 (China); Cai, Xiaojun [Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071 (China); Falck, John R. [Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 (United States); Yang, Jing, E-mail: yangjingliu@yahoo.com.cn [Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071 (China); Research Center of Food and Drug Evaluation, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071 (China)

2012-10-01

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 4Z1, a novel CYP4 family member, is over-expressed in human mammary carcinoma and associated with high-grade tumors and poor prognosis. However, the precise role of CYP4Z1 in tumor progression is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that CYP4Z1 overexpression promotes tumor angiogenesis and growth in breast cancer. Stable expression of CYP4Z1 in T47D and BT-474 human breast cancer cells significantly increased mRNA expression and production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, and decreased mRNA levels and secretion of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), without affecting cell proliferation and anchorage-independent cell growth in vitro. Notably, the conditioned medium from CYP4Z1-expressing cells enhanced proliferation, migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and promoted angiogenesis in the zebrafish embryo and chorioallantoic membrane of the chick embryo. In addition, there were lower levels of myristic acid and lauric acid, and higher contents of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) in CYP4Z1-expressing T47D cells compared with vector control. CYP4Z1 overexpression significantly increased tumor weight and microvessel density by 2.6-fold and 1.9-fold in human tumor xenograft models, respectively. Moreover, CYP4Z1 transfection increased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt, while PI3K or ERK inhibitors and siRNA silencing reversed CYP4Z1-mediated changes in VEGF-A and TIMP-2 expression. Conversely, HET0016, an inhibitor of the CYP4 family, potently inhibited the tumor-induced angiogenesis with associated changes in the intracellular levels of myristic acid, lauric acid and 20-HETE. Collectively, these data suggest that increased CYP4Z1 expression promotes tumor angiogenesis and growth in breast cancer partly via PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 activation. -- Highlights: ► CYP4Z1 overexpression promotes human breast cancer growth and angiogenesis. ► The pro-angiogenic effects of CYP4Z1 have

Magnetoresistance of samarium in the 4.2-300 K range

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Trubitsyn, V.A.; Shalashov, V.F.

1980-01-01

Electric conductivity, transverse and longitudinal magnetoresistance of polycrystalline samarium with the purity of 99.9% in the 4.2-300 K temperature range and in magnetic fields up to 50 ke, are measured. The constituent of specific electric conductivity caused by spin disorder is 30.7 μOhmxcm, m*/m=2.6, the exchange parameter is G=3.1 eVxA 3 . Both transverse and longitudinal magnetoresistance are positive at 4.2 K; and the increase of temperature reveals a number of anomalies, evidently conditioned by the alteration of samarium magnetic structure

Ψ*-(2030) production in K-p reactions at 4.2 GeV/c

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hemingway, R.J.; Armenteros, R.; Berge, J.P.; Diaz, J.; Gay, J.B.; Trepagnier, P.; Jongejans, B.; Massaro, G.G.G.; Voorthuis, H.; Heinen, P.M.; Metzger, W.J.; Tiecke, H.G.; Timmermans, J.J.M.; Lamb, P.R.; McDowell, W.L.

1977-01-01

Significant production of Ψ* - (2030) is observed in the channel K - p→(Σanti K) - K + from a high statistics bubble chamber exposure at 4.2 GeV/c. The mass and width are determined to be 2024 +- 2 MeV and 16 +- 5 MeV respectively. Apart from Σanti K, the only other decay channel is found to be Λanti K. (Auth.)

Addition of granulosa cell mass to the culture medium of oocytes derived from early antral follicles increases oocyte growth, ATP content, and acetylation of H4K12.

Science.gov (United States)

Sugiyama, Miyako; Sumiya, Mei; Shirasuna, Koumei; Kuwayama, Takehito; Iwata, Hisataka

2016-12-01

The main aim of the present study was to examine the hypothesis that an increase in the number of granulosa cells surrounding developing bovine oocytes results in both high ATP levels and an increase in the acetylation level of H4K12 in oocytes grown in vitro. Oocyte-granulosa cell complexes (OGCs) were collected from early antral follicles (EAFs, 0.4-0.7 mm in diameter), and individually cultured on 96-well plates with or without additional granulosa cell mass that had been prepared from other OGCs. After 16 days of culture, we examined: (i) the rate of antrum formation of the OGCs; (ii) the diameter, maturation, and fertilization rate of the oocytes; and (iii) the ATP content and acetylation level of H4K12 in the oocytes grown in vitro. Granulosa cell mass added to the culture medium contributed to the development of OGCs with a higher rate of antrum formation and oocyte growth. Furthermore, the addition of granulosa cells increased the ATP content and acetylation level of H4K12 in oocytes grown in vitro compared with those developed without addition of granulosa cells. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the ATP content in oocytes grown in vitro and the number of granulosa cells in the corresponding OGCs. The results suggest that granulosa cells play a role not only in the development of OGCs and the growth of oocytes, but also in the determination of ATP content and the acetylation of H4K12 in the oocytes developed in vitro.

The Role of GluK4 in Synaptic Plasticity and Affective Behavior in Mice

Science.gov (United States)

Catches, Justin Samuel

Kainate receptors (KARs) are glutamate-gated ion channels that signal through both ionotropic and metabotropic pathways (Contractor et al., 2011). Combinations of five KAR subunits (GluK1-5) form tetrameric receptors with GluK1, GluK2, and GluK3 able to form functional homomeric channels. The high-affinity subunits, GluK4 and GluK5, do not form homomeric channels but modify the properties of heteromeric receptors. Expression of the GluK4 receptor subunit in the forebrain is restricted to the CA3 region of the hippocampus and dentate gyrus regions where KARs modulate synaptic plasticity. In this study, ablation of Grik4, which encodes GluK4, in mice reduced KAR synaptic currents and altered activation properties of postsynaptic receptors but left two forms of presynaptic short-term plasticity intact. Disruption of both Grik4 and Grik5 caused complete loss of the postsynaptic ionotropic KAR current and impaired presynaptic frequency facilitation. Additionally, KAR surface expression was altered at pre- and postsynaptic sites at the MF synapse. Despite the loss of ionotropic signaling, KAR-mediated inhibition of the slow afterhyperpolarization current, which is dependent on metabotropic signaling, was intact in CA3 neurons. Long-term potentiation at the MF-CA3 synapse was reduced, likely through a loss of KAR modulation of excitability of the presynaptic MF axons. Genetic variants in the human GRIK4 gene alter the susceptibility for affective disorders (Bloss and Hunter, 2010). We found that ablation of Grik4 in mice resulted in reduced anxiety and an antidepressant-like phenotype. In the elevated zero-maze, a test for anxiety and risk taking behavior, and in two anxiogenic tests, marble-burying and novelty-induced suppression of feeding, anxiety-like behavior was consistently reduced in knockout animals. In the forced swim, a test of learned helplessness used to determine depression-like behavior, knockout mice demonstrated significantly less immobility suggesting

Mechanistic study on the fluorination of K[B(CN)4] with ClF enabling the high yield and large scale synthesis of K[B(CF3)4] and K[(CF3)3BCN].

Science.gov (United States)

Bernhardt, Eduard; Finze, Maik; Willner, Helge

2011-10-17

The fluorination of K[B(CN)(4)] with ClF is studied by millimolar test reactions in aHF and CH(2)Cl(2) solution and by subsequent identification of intermediates such as B-CF═NCl, B-CF(2)-NCl(2), and B-CF(3) species as well as NCl(3) by (19)F, (11)B NMR, and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. At first one cyano group of K[B(CN)(4)] is converted fast into a CF(3) group, and with increasing fluorination the reaction becomes slower and several intermediates could be observed. On the basis of these results, a synthesis was developed for K[B(CF(3))(4)] on a 0.2 molar scale by treatment of K[B(CN)(4)] diluted in aHF with ClF. The course of the reactions was followed by (i) monitoring the vapor pressure inside the reactor, (ii) observing the heat dissipation during ClF uptake, and (iii) measuring the volume of the released nitrogen gas. Since the fluorination of the last cyano group proceeds very slowly, the selective synthesis of K[(CF(3))(3)BCN] on a 0.2 molar scale is possible, as well. The analysis of the mechanisms, thermodynamics, and kinetics of the fluorination reactions is supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Association between H3K4 methylation and cancer prognosis: A meta-analysis.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Simin; Shen, Luyan; Chen, Ke-Neng

2018-05-08

Histone H3 lysine 4 methylation (H3K4 methylation), including mono-methylation (H3K4me1), di-methylation (H3K4me2), or tri-methylation (H3K4me3), is one of the epigenetic modifications to histone proteins, which are related to the transcriptional activation of genes. H3K4 methylation has both tumor inhibiting and promoting effects, and the prognostic value of H3K4 methylation in cancer remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the association between H3K4 methylation and cancer prognosis. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Embase, and Ovid databases was conducted to identify studies investigating the association between H3K4 methylation and prognosis of patients with malignant tumors. The data and characteristics of each study were extracted, and the hazard ratio (HR) at a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to estimate the effect. A total of 1474 patients in 10 studies were enrolled in this meta-analysis. The pooled HR of 1.52 (95% CI 1.02-2.26) indicated that patients with a lower level of H3K4me2 expression were expected to have shorter overall survival, while the pooled HR of 0.45 (95% CI 0.27-0.74) indicated that patients with a lower level of H3K4me3 expression were expected to have longer overall survival. This meta-analysis indicates that increased H3K4me3 expression and decreased H3K4me2 expression might be predictive factors of poor prognosis in cancer. Further large cohort studies are needed to confirm these findings. © 2018 The Authors. Thoracic Cancer published by China Lung Oncology Group and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Cryogenic test of the 4 K / 2 K insert for the ARIEL e-Linac cryomodule

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Laxdal, R. E.; Ma, Y.; Harmer, P.; Kishi, D.; Koveshnikov, A.; Muller, N.; Vrielink, A.; O'Brien, M.; Ahammed, M.

2014-01-01

The ARIEL project at TRIUMF requires a 50 MeV superconducting electron linac consisting of five nine cell 1.3 GHz cavities divided into three cryomodules with one, two and two cavities in each module respectively. LHe is distributed in parallel to each module at 4 K and at ∼1.2 bar. Each module has a cryogenic insert on board that receives the 4 K liquid and produces 2 K into a cavity phase separator. The module combines a 4 K phase separator, a plate and fin heat exchanger from DATE and a J-T valve expanding into the 2 K phase separator. The unit also supplies 4 K liquid to thermal intercepts in the module in siphon loops that return the vaporized liquid to the 4 K reservoir. For testing purposes the unit is outfitted with a dummy 2 K phase separator and thermal intercepts with variable heaters that mimic the final heat loads in order to test the cryogenic performance. The design of the 4 K / 2 K insert, the results of the cold tests and a summary of the test infrastructure including cryogenics services will be presented

Cryogenic test of the 4 K / 2 K insert for the ARIEL e-Linac cryomodule

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Laxdal, R. E.; Ma, Y.; Harmer, P.; Kishi, D.; Koveshnikov, A.; Muller, N.; Vrielink, A. [TRIUMF, 4004 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC (Canada); O' Brien, M. [University of British Columbia, Vancouver (Canada); Ahammed, M. [Variable Energy Cyclotron Center, Kolkata (India)

2014-01-29

The ARIEL project at TRIUMF requires a 50 MeV superconducting electron linac consisting of five nine cell 1.3 GHz cavities divided into three cryomodules with one, two and two cavities in each module respectively. LHe is distributed in parallel to each module at 4 K and at ∼1.2 bar. Each module has a cryogenic insert on board that receives the 4 K liquid and produces 2 K into a cavity phase separator. The module combines a 4 K phase separator, a plate and fin heat exchanger from DATE and a J-T valve expanding into the 2 K phase separator. The unit also supplies 4 K liquid to thermal intercepts in the module in siphon loops that return the vaporized liquid to the 4 K reservoir. For testing purposes the unit is outfitted with a dummy 2 K phase separator and thermal intercepts with variable heaters that mimic the final heat loads in order to test the cryogenic performance. The design of the 4 K / 2 K insert, the results of the cold tests and a summary of the test infrastructure including cryogenics services will be presented.

Protein Kinase Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase Kinase 4 (MAP4K4) Promotes Obesity-induced Hyperinsulinemia.

Science.gov (United States)

Roth Flach, Rachel J; Danai, Laura V; DiStefano, Marina T; Kelly, Mark; Menendez, Lorena Garcia; Jurczyk, Agata; Sharma, Rohit B; Jung, Dae Young; Kim, Jong Hun; Kim, Jason K; Bortell, Rita; Alonso, Laura C; Czech, Michael P

2016-07-29

Previous studies revealed a paradox whereby mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4 (Map4k4) acted as a negative regulator of insulin sensitivity in chronically obese mice, yet systemic deletion of Map4k4 did not improve glucose tolerance. Here, we report markedly reduced glucose-responsive plasma insulin and C-peptide levels in whole body Map4k4-depleted mice (M4K4 iKO) as well as an impaired first phase of insulin secretion from islets derived from M4K4 iKO mice ex vivo After long-term high fat diet (HFD), M4K4 iKO mice pancreata also displayed reduced β cell mass, fewer proliferating β cells and reduced islet-specific gene mRNA expression compared with controls, although insulin content was normal. Interestingly, the reduced plasma insulin in M4K4 iKO mice exposed to chronic (16 weeks) HFD was not observed in response to acute HFD challenge or short term treatment with the insulin receptor antagonist S961. Furthermore, the improved insulin sensitivity in obese M4K4 iKO mice was abrogated by high exogenous insulin over the course of a euglycemic clamp study, indicating that hypoinsulinemia promotes insulin sensitivity in chronically obese M4K4 iKO mice. These results demonstrate that protein kinase Map4k4 drives obesity-induced hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in part by promoting insulin secretion from β cells in mice. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Automatic magnetic susceptibility measurements between 4 K and 1200 K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Raphael, G.

1969-01-01

We give a detailed description of a Faraday magnetic susceptibility balance which operates from 4 K to 1200 K. Some preliminary results on platinum and tantalum illustrate the precision and the sensitivity of the measurements. The apparatus has been designed for measurements on the plutonium compounds which present severe health hazards. (author) [fr

Germanium thermometers in the temperature range .1000K to 4.20K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hsieh, S.Y.; Sanchez, D.H.

1974-01-01

The sensitivity characteristics of two germanium thermometers that proved to be convenient sensors in the temperature range from .100 0 K to 4.2 0 K, are described. Their resistances change from about 8 x 10 5 ohms at .100 0 K to about 100 ohms at 4.2 0 K. The calibration curves were fitted to natural spline functions of order 3 in the whole range of temperatures. These functions give less than half millidegree standard dispersion against 15 millidegree standard dispersion when usual polynomial interpolations are used. It is discussed what spline functions are, and compare the goodness of spline interpolation with polynomial methods [pt

Controllable solvothermal synthesis and photocatalytic properties of complex (oxy)fluorides K{sub 2}TiOF{sub 4}, K{sub 3}TiOF{sub 5}, K{sub 7}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 4}F{sub 7} and K{sub 2}TiF{sub 6}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sheng Jie [Division of Nanomaterials and Nanochemistry, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Hefei, Anhui 230026 (China); Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026 (China); Tang Kaibin, E-mail: kbtang@ustc.edu.cn [Division of Nanomaterials and Nanochemistry, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Hefei, Anhui 230026 (China); Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026 (China); Cheng Wei; Wang Junli; Nie Yanxiang; Yang Qing [Division of Nanomaterials and Nanochemistry, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Hefei, Anhui 230026 (China); Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026 (China)

2009-11-15

Complex (oxy)fluorides K{sub 2}TiF{sub 6}, K{sub 2}TiOF{sub 4}, K{sub 3}TiOF{sub 5} and K{sub 7}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 4}F{sub 7} have been successfully synthesized for the first time through a controllable solvothermal route involving different solvents, for example, methanol, methanol-H{sub 2}O and methanol-H{sub 2}O{sub 2}. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, N{sub 2} surface area adsorption, scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-vis absorption spectra and X-ray fluorescence. The influences of reaction conditions such as the ratio of methanol to H{sub 2}O{sub 2} or methanol to H{sub 2}O, reaction temperature on the phase, crystallizability and purity of the (oxy)fluorides products were discussed in detail. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic behaviors of the as-prepared K{sub 2}TiF{sub 6}, K{sub 2}TiOF{sub 4}, K{sub 3}TiOF{sub 5} and K{sub 7}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 4}F{sub 7} were evaluated by degradation of rhodamine B molecules, and the results showed that all of the products possessed photocatalytic activities in the order of K{sub 2}TiOF{sub 4} > K{sub 2}TiF{sub 6} > K{sub 7}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 4}F{sub 7} > K{sub 3}TiOF{sub 5} at room temperature under the UV light.

Prognostic significance of increased bone marrow microcirculation in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: results of a prospective DCE-MRI study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Merz, Maximilian; Hillengass, Jens [Department of Radiology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg (Germany); University of Heidelberg, Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Heidelberg (Germany); Moehler, Thomas M.; Ritsch, Judith; Delorme, Stefan [Department of Radiology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg (Germany); Baeuerle, Tobias [University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Department of Radiology, Erlangen (Germany); Zechmann, Christian M. [Rinecker Proton Therapy, Muenchen (Germany); Wagner, Barbara; Hose, Dirk [University of Heidelberg, Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Heidelberg (Germany); Jauch, Anna [University of Heidelberg, Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg (Germany); Kunz, Christina; Hielscher, Thomas [German Cancer Research Center, Department of Biostatistics, Heidelberg (Germany); Laue, Hendrik [Fraunhofer MEVIS, Bremen (Germany); Goldschmidt, Hartmut [University of Heidelberg, Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Heidelberg (Germany); National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg (Germany)

2016-05-15

Aim of this prospective study was to investigate prognostic significance of increased bone marrow microcirculation as detected by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) for survival and local complications in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). We performed DCE-MRI of the lumbar spine in 131 patients with newly diagnosed MM and analysed data according to the Brix model to acquire amplitude A and exchange rate constant k{sub ep}. In 61 patients a second MRI performed after therapy was evaluated to assess changes in vertebral height and identify vertebral fractures. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive association between beta2-microglobulin as well as immunoparesis with DCE-MRI parameters A and k{sub ep}. Additionally, A was negatively correlated with haemoglobin levels and k{sub ep} was positively correlated with LDH levels. Higher baseline k{sub ep} values were associated with decreased vertebral height in a second MRI (P = 0.007) and A values were associated with new vertebral fractures in the lower lumbar spine (P = 0.03 for L4). Pre-existing lytic bone lesions or remission after therapy had no impact on the occurrence of vertebral fractures. Multivariate analysis revealed that amplitude A is an independent adverse risk factor for overall survival. DCE-MRI is a non-invasive tool with significance for systemic prognosis and vertebral complications. (orig.)

Glutamic acid promotes monacolin K production and monacolin K biosynthetic gene cluster expression in Monascus.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Chan; Liang, Jian; Yang, Le; Chai, Shiyuan; Zhang, Chenxi; Sun, Baoguo; Wang, Chengtao

2017-12-01

This study investigated the effects of glutamic acid on production of monacolin K and expression of the monacolin K biosynthetic gene cluster. When Monascus M1 was grown in glutamic medium instead of in the original medium, monacolin K production increased from 48.4 to 215.4 mg l -1 , monacolin K production increased by 3.5 times. Glutamic acid enhanced monacolin K production by upregulating the expression of mokB-mokI; on day 8, the expression level of mokA tended to decrease by Reverse Transcription-polymerase Chain Reaction. Our findings demonstrated that mokA was not a key gene responsible for the quantity of monacolin K production in the presence of glutamic acid. Observation of Monascus mycelium morphology using Scanning Electron Microscope showed glutamic acid significantly increased the content of Monascus mycelium, altered the permeability of Monascus mycelium, enhanced secretion of monacolin K from the cell, and reduced the monacolin K content in Monascus mycelium, thereby enhancing monacolin K production.

Sperm Na+, K+-ATPase α4 and plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) 4 regulation in asthenozoospermia.

Science.gov (United States)

Lestari, Silvia W; Miati, Dessy Noor; Seoharso, P; Sugiyanto, R; Pujianto, Dwi A

2017-10-01

Asthenozoospermia, which is characterized by reduced motility, is one of the etiologies of male infertility. Its biochemical and functional consequences include altered ATPase activity. This study investigated the activities of Na + , K + -ATPase and Ca 2+ -ATPase and the expression of Na + , K + -ATPase α4 and PMCA4 isoforms in human sperm of asthenozoospermic infertile men. Nineteen samples from asthenozoospermic infertile couples were examined in this study. Computerized-assisted semen analysis (CASA) was performed, and the enzyme activity was measured based on the ability of ATPase to release organic phosphate from ATP as a substrate. The Na + , K + -ATPase α4 and PMCA4 isoform expression levels were measured by western immunoblotting, whereas the protein distribution was examined by immunocytochemistry. This showed that the Na + , K + -ATPase activity and the Na + , K + -ATPase α4 isoform expression were lower in the asthenozoospermia group than in the normozoospermia group (8.688±1.161 versus 13.851±1.884 µmol Pi/mg protein/h, respectively; p>0.05). In contrast, the Ca 2+ -ATPase activity was significantly higher in the asthenozoospermia group than in the normozoospermia group (11.154±1.186 versus 2.725±0.545 µmol Pi/mg protein/h, respectively; p0.05). The altered ATPase activity and isoform expression in asthenozoospermia may impair sperm structure and function.

Low PIP4K2B expression in human breast tumors correlates with reduced patient survival: A role for PIP4K2B in the regulation of E-cadherin expression.

Science.gov (United States)

Keune, Willem-Jan; Sims, Andrew H; Jones, David R; Bultsma, Yvette; Lynch, James T; Jirström, Karin; Landberg, Goran; Divecha, Nullin

2013-12-01

Phosphatidylinositol-5-phosphate (PtdIns5P) 4-kinase β (PIP4K2B) directly regulates the levels of two important phosphoinositide second messengers, PtdIns5P and phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2]. PIP4K2B has been linked to the regulation of gene transcription, to TP53 and AKT activation, and to the regulation of cellular reactive oxygen accumulation. However, its role in human tumor development and on patient survival is not known. Here, we have interrogated the expression of PIP4K2B in a cohort (489) of patients with breast tumor using immunohistochemical staining and by a meta-analysis of gene expression profiles from 2,999 breast tumors, both with associated clinical outcome data. Low PIP4K2B expression was associated with increased tumor size, high Nottingham histological grade, Ki67 expression, and distant metastasis, whereas high PIP4K2B expression strongly associated with ERBB2 expression. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that both high and low PIP4K2B expression correlated with poorer patient survival compared with intermediate expression. In normal (MCF10A) and tumor (MCF7) breast epithelial cell lines, mimicking low PIP4K2B expression, using short hairpin RNA interference-mediated knockdown, led to a decrease in the transcription and expression of the tumor suppressor protein E-cadherin (CDH1). In MCF10A cells, knockdown of PIP4K2B enhanced TGF-β-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process required during the development of metastasis. Analysis of gene expression datasets confirmed the association between low PIP4K2B and low CDH1expression. Decreased CDH1 expression and enhancement of TGF-β-induced EMT by reduced PIP4K2B expression might, in part, explain the association between low PIP4K2B expression and poor patient survival.

Role of Human Na,K-ATPase alpha 4 in Sperm Function, Derived from Studies in Transgenic Mice

Science.gov (United States)

McDermott, Jeffrey; Sánchez, Gladis; Nangia, Ajay K.; Blanco, Gustavo

2014-01-01

SUMMARY Most of our knowledge on the biological role of the testis-specific Na,K-ATPase alpha 4 isoform derives from studies performed in non-human species. Here, we studied the function of human Na,K-ATPase alpha 4 after its expression in transgenic mice. Using a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) construct, containing the human ATP1A4 gene locus, we obtained expression of the human α4 transgene specifically in mouse sperm, enriched in the sperm flagellum. The expressed, human alpha 4 was active, and compared to wild-type sperm, those from transgenic mice displayed higher Na,K-ATPase alpha 4 activity and greater binding of fluorescently labeled ouabain, which is typical of the alpha 4 isoform. The expression and activity of endogenous alpha 4 and the other Na,K-ATPase alpha isoform present in sperm, alpha 1, remained unchanged. Male mice expressing the human ATP1A4 transgene exhibited similar testis size and morphology, normal sperm number and shape, and no changes in overall fertility compared to wild-type mice. Sperm carrying the human transgene exhibited enhanced total motility and an increase in multiple parameters of sperm movement, including higher sperm hyperactive motility. In contrast, no statistically significant changes in sperm membrane potential, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, or spontaneous acrosome reaction were found between wild-type and transgenic mice. Altogether, these results provide new genetic evidence for an important role of human Na,K-ATPase alpha 4 in sperm motility and hyperactivation, and establishes a new animal model for future studies of this isoform. PMID:25640246

An oil-in-water self-assembly synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic properties of nano Ag@AgCl surface-sensitized K2Ti4O9

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liang, Yinghua; Lin, Shuanglong; Liu, Li; Hu, Jinshan; Cui, Wenquan

2014-01-01

Highlights: • The plasmatic Ag@AgCl surface-sensitized K 2 Ti 4 O 9 composite photocatalysts. • Ag@AgCl greatly increased visible light absorption for K 2 Ti 4 O 9 . • The photocatalysts exhibited enhanced photocatalytic dye degradation. - Abstract: Nano-sized plasmonic Ag@AgCl surface-sensitized K 2 Ti 4 O 9 composite photocatalysts (hereafter designated as Ag@AgCl/K 2 Ti 4 O 9 ) was synthesized via a facile oil-in-water self-assembly method. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared materials for RhB (Rhodamine B) degradation was examined under visible light irradiation. The results reveal that the size of Ag@AgCl, which evenly dispersed on the surface of K 2 Ti 4 O 9 , distributes about 20–50 nm. The UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra indicate that Ag@AgCl/K 2 Ti 4 O 9 samples have a significantly enhanced optical absorption in 380–700 nm. The photocatalytic activities of the Ag@AgCl/K 2 Ti 4 O 9 samples increase first and then decrease with increasing amount of loading Ag@AgCl and the Ag@AgCl(20 wt.%)/K 2 Ti 4 O 9 sample exhibits the best photocatalytic activity and 94.47% RhB was degraded after irradiation for 2 h. Additionally, studies performed using radical scavengers indicated that O 2 · − and Cl 0 acted as the main reactive species. The electronic interaction was systematically studied and confirmed by the photo-electrochemical measurements

Structure determination of K2ZnBr4 at 291 and 144 K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fabry, J.; Breczewski, T.; Zuniga, F.J.; Arnaiz, A.R.

1993-01-01

The room-temperature phase of K 2 ZnBr 4 is isomorphous with Sr 2 GeS 4 (P2 1 /m) while the low-temperature structure (P2 1 ) is slightly distorted [the phase transition occurs at 155 K]. Both structures contain highly deformed tetrahedral [ZnBr 4 ] 2- molecules with Br(3)-Zn-Br(3') angles of 103.06(5) and 102.49(9) at 291 and 144 K, respectively. This distortion is caused by the repulsion of Br atoms whose distance 3.712(1) and 3.661(2) A at 291 and 144 K, respectively, is below the Br-Br van der Waals distance (3.9 A). The phase transition is accompanied by minor shifts of cations and [ZnBr 4 ] 2- tetrahedra which are simultaneously rotated about a small angle. Below the phase transition point an inversion twin develops whose twin-fraction parameter was refined to 0.459(65). (orig.)

Quality of fresh-cut Iceberg lettuce and spinach irradiated at doses up to 4 kGy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fan Xuetong; Guan Wenqiang; Sokorai, Kimberly J.B.

2012-01-01

Fresh-cut Iceberg lettuce packaged in modified atmosphere packages and spinach in perforated film bags were irradiated with gamma rays at doses of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 kGy. After irradiation, the samples were stored for 14 days at 4 °C. O 2 levels in the packages of fresh-cut Iceberg lettuce decreased and CO 2 levels increased with increasing radiation dose, suggesting that irradiation increased respiration rates of lettuce. Tissue browning of irradiated cut lettuce was less severe than that of non-irradiated, probably due to the lower O 2 levels in the packages. However, samples irradiated at 3 and 4 kGy had lower maximum force and more severe sogginess than the non-irradiated control. In addition, ascorbic acid content of irradiated lettuce was 22–40% lower than the non-irradiated samples after 14 days of storage. The visual appearance of spinach was not affected by irradiation even at a dose of 4 kGy. Consumer acceptance suggested that more people would dislike and would not buy spinach that was treated at 3 and 4 kGy as compared to the non-irradiated sample. Overall, irradiation at doses of 1 and 2 kGy may be employed to enhance microbial safety of fresh-cut Iceberg lettuce and spinach while maintaining quality. - Highlights: ▶ Headspace composition in the modified atmosphere packages of cut lettuce was affected by irradiation. ▶ Fresh-cut lettuce in adapted atmosphere could tolerate 1 or 2 kGy rays without quality deterioration in look and texture. ▶ Lettuce irradiated at doses higher than 2 kGy developed sogginess. ▶ Irradiated spinach maintained a good appearance at doses of 3 and 4 kGy. ▶ Higher doses (3 and 4 kGy) of radiation decreased consumers' likingness and purchase intent of irradiated spinach.

Model of a 80 K liner vacuum system for the 4.2 K cold bore of the SSCL 20 TeV proton collider

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Turner, W.

1993-09-01

In this paper we discuss a model for an 80 K liner system for the beam tube vacuum of the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC). The liner is a coaxial perforated tube fitting inside the ∼4.2 K bore tube of the SSC magnet cryostats. A liner of this type is useful for pumping the gas desorbed by synchrotron radiation out of the view of the radiation and for decoupling the beam current from the 4.2 K refrigeration plant capacity. Addition of cryosorber on the bore tube (e.g., charcoal) greatly increases the H 2 sorption capacity compared to the bare metal surface, thus lengthening the time between beam tube warmups. The model equations are useful for estimating the performance of the beam tube vacuum and for defining the experimental information necessary to make a prediction. Some analysis is also presented for 4.2 K and 20 K liners and a simple 4.2 K beam tube without a liner

Supplement to CCM.D-K4 'Hydrometer' report: linkage of EURAMET.M.D-K4 comparison, SIM.M.D-K4 comparison and the supplementary SIM.M.D-S2 to CCM.D-K4 'Hydrometer'

Science.gov (United States)

Lorefice, S.; Becerra, L. O.

2017-01-01

Evaluation of different types of comparisons to a common set of reference values of a CIPM key comparison is essential to satisfy the concept of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA), where the DoEs of any participant who took part in comparisons should be within the Calibration and Measurement Capability (CMC) section of the CIPM MRA Key Comparison Data Base. The subject of this supplementary report is therefore to present the equivalence of each National Metrological Institute (NMI) participant in the CCM.D-K4 'Hydrometer' key comparison, which was performed in the density range 600 kg/m3 to 2000 kg/m3 at the temperature of 20 °C, and the linkage of the European and Inter-American NMI results performed in the RMO.M.D-K4 comparisons as well as those of the supplementary SIM.M.D-S2 to the common set of KCRVs of the CCM.D-K4 'Hydrometer'. The linking procedure has been obtained by numerical simulation, based on the Monte Carlo method, in which the differences in the results of the different comparison between the intended laboratory and one or more linking laboratory/ies, which took part in both comparisons, are correlated with a continuous function describing the DoEs of the linking laboratory/ies with respect to the common set of KCRVs of the CCM.D-K4. Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Electron spin resonance of gamma, electron, neutron and fission fragments irradiated K2SO4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kamali, J.; Walton, G.N.

1985-01-01

The electron spin resonance (ESR) of K 2 SO 4 irradiated by γ, electron, neutron and fission fragments has been investigated. The ESR spectra are attributed mainly to the formation of SO 3 - , SO 4 - , SO 2 - , and O 3 - radical ions. The most intense radical ion observed was due to the SO 3 - , and the other radicals were relatively much lower in intensity. Thermal annealing showed a significant decrease in the concentration of radical ions. The concentration of SO 3 - was measured in γ-irradiated K 2 SO 4 and K 2 SO 4 containing fission fragments. In fission fragments irradiated K 2 SO 4 , the G-value observed for SO 3 - radical formation was about eight times higher than that of γ-irradiated K 2 SO 4 . This was attributed to the high LET (Linear Energy Transfer) of the fission fragments. (author)

A kinetic study on the catalysis of KCl, K2SO4, and K2CO3 during oxy-biomass combustion.

Science.gov (United States)

Deng, Shuanghui; Wang, Xuebin; Zhang, Jiaye; Liu, Zihan; Mikulčić, Hrvoje; Vujanović, Milan; Tan, Houzhang; Duić, Neven

2018-07-15

Biomass combustion under the oxy-fuel conditions (Oxy-biomass combustion) is one of the approaches achieving negative CO 2 emissions. KCl, K 2 CO 3 and K 2 SO 4 , as the major potassium species in biomass ash, can catalytically affect biomass combustion. In this paper, the catalysis of the representative potassium salts on oxy-biomass combustion was studied using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). Effects of potassium salt types (KCl, K 2 CO 3 and K 2 SO 4 ), loading concentrations (0, 1, 3, 5, 8 wt%), replacing N 2 by CO 2 , and O 2 concentrations (5, 20, 30 vol%) on the catalysis degree were discussed. The comparison between TG-DTG curves of biomass combustion before and after water washing in both the 20%O 2 /80%N 2 and 20%O 2 /80%CO 2 atmospheres indicates that the water-soluble minerals in biomass play a role in promoting the devolatilization and accelerating the char-oxidation; and the replacement of N 2 by CO 2 inhibits the devolatilization and char-oxidation processes during oxy-biomass combustion. In the devolatilization stage, the catalysis degree of potassium monotonously increases with the increase of potassium salt loaded concentration. The catalysis degree order of the studied potassium salts is K 2 CO 3  > KCl > K 2 SO 4 . In the char-oxidation stage, with the increase of loading concentration the three kinds of potassium salts present inconsistent change tendencies of the catalysis degree. In the studied loading concentrations from 0 to 8 wt%, there is an optimal loading concentration for KCl and K 2 CO 3 , at 3 and 5 wt%, respectively; while for K 2 SO 4 , the catalysis degree on char-oxidation monotonically increases with the loading potassium concentration. For most studied conditions, regardless of the potassium salt types or the loading concentrations or the combustion stages, the catalysis degree in the O 2 /CO 2 atmosphere is stronger than that in the O 2 /N 2 atmosphere. The catalysis degree is also affected by the O 2

K0 finding efficiencies in increasing luminosities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hassard, J.F.; Margetides S.

1993-01-01

In early LHC running it is anticipated that experiments will obtain luminosities of 10 32 cm -2 sec -1 , during which typically only one interaction per event will be obtained. But at higher luminosities, necessary for any Higgs and myriad other searches, experiments will have to deal with up to 50 distinct primary processes. Most will be minimum bias, and easily distinguished in terms of trigger. They can still, of course, confuse analysis of high P T events. When it comes to B events, the confusion even from minimum bias events becomes more acute, since B events are not open-quotes high P T close quotes in this environment. The need for vertex discrimination, particularly in z, is well understood; however, a collateral effect - the increasing difficulty in finding tracks at all - has received little attention. The authors show the distribution of the K 0 in the Pythia process B → J/ψK 0 in the space γ vs. η. Confusion in reconstructing the K 0 is acute for many reasons, not the least of which is the way their pions are boosted forward, and even out of acceptance. Extra luminosity merely increases the problems in finding K 0 's, so it must not be assumed that 10 33 cm -2 sec -1 is ten times better than 10 32 cm -2 sec -1

IL-13 regulates human nasal epithelial cell differentiation via H3K4me3 modification

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Yu L

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Lei Yu,1 Na Li,1 Jisheng Zhang,2 Yan Jiang1 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, 2Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China Introduction: Epigenetic regulation has been shown to play an important role in the development of inflammatory diseases, including chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. The latter are characterized by epithelial mis-differentiation and infiltration of inflammatory cytokines. H3K4me3 has been shown to be involved in regulating lineage commitment. However, the underlying mechanisms, especially in human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpC, remain underexplored. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of H3K4me3 in HNEpC differentiation treated with the Th2 cytokine IL-13. Patients and methods: The expression levels of mRNA and proteins were investigated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR assays and Western blot in nasal polyp tissues and human nasal epithelial cells respectively. We measured these levels of H3K4me3, MLL1 and targeted genes compared with control subjects.Results: We demonstrate that expression of H3K4me3 and its methyltransferase MLL1 was significantly upregulated in IL-13-treated HNEpC. This elevation was also observed in nasal polyps. Expression of cilia-related transcription factors FOXJ1 and DNAI2 decreased, while goblet cell-derived genes CLCA1 and MUC5a increased upon IL-13 treatment. Mechanistically, knockdown of MLL1 restored expression of these four genes induced by IL-13. Conclusion: These findings suggest that H3K4me3 is a critical regulator in control of nasal epithelial cell differentiation. MLL1 may be a potential therapeutic target for nasal inflammatory diseases. Keywords: IL-13, H3K4me3 modification, nasal epithelial cell, differentiation 

Effects of Vitamin K3 and K5 on Daunorubicin-resistant Human T Lymphoblastoid Leukemia Cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Nakaoka, Eri; Tanaka, Sachiko; Onda, Kenji; Sugiyama, Kentaro; Hirano, Toshihiko

2015-11-01

Anticancer efficacy of vitamin K derivatives on multidrug-resistant cancer cells has been scarcely investigated. The effects of vitamins K3 and K5 on proliferation of human leukemia MOLT-4 cells and on daunorubicin-resistant MOLT-4/DNR cells were estimated by a WST assay. Apoptotic cells were detected by Annexin V and propidium iodide staining, followed by flow cytometry. Vitamins K3 and K5 significantly inhibited proliferation of leukemic cells at 10 and 100 μM (pVitamin K3 induced cell apoptosis at 10 and 100 μM in both MOLT-4 and MOLT-4/DNR cells (pVitamin K5 also increased apoptotic cells, while rather inducing necrotic cell death. Vitamins K3 and K5 suppress MOLT-4 and MOLT-4/DNR cell-proliferation partially through induction of apoptosis, and these vitamin derivatives can overcome drug resistance due to P-glycoprotein expression. Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

NPA4K development system using object-oriented methodology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jeong, Kwang Seong; Hahn, Do Hee

2000-11-01

NPA4K consists of module programs with several components for various functions. Software components have to be developed systematically by compartment criteria and design method. In this paper, the understandings of a typical Object-Oriented Methodology , UML(Unified Modeling Language), the procedure for NPA4K program development and the architecture for long-term development of NPA4K are introduced

NPA4K development system using object-oriented methodology

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jeong, Kwang Seong; Hahn, Do Hee

2000-11-01

NPA4K consists of module programs with several components for various functions. Software components have to be developed systematically by compartment criteria and design method. In this paper, the understandings of a typical Object-Oriented Methodology , UML(Unified Modeling Language), the procedure for NPA4K program development and the architecture for long-term development of NPA4K are introduced.

Quenching effect on creep of polycrystal nickel at 1.5-4.2 K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gindin, I.A.; Starodubov, Ya.D.; Aksenov, V.K.; Karaseva, E.V.

1977-01-01

Stepwise creep of vacuum-remelted nickel of 99.996% purity at temperatures of 1.5; 2.2 and 4.2 K in the initial and hardened state was studied. It has been established that excess concentration of vacancies reduced the creep rate, especially at low applied stresses (sigma 0.4 sigmasub(B) (T=const) the creep characteristics only slightly depend on the specimen prehistory. The creep of hardened and initial specimens in the investigated temperature range is of an athermal nature up to sigma <= 0.8 sigmasub(B), but at higher stresses an increase in temperature from 1.5 to 4.2 K increases the rate of nonstationary creep of both initial and hardened specimens. The causes for the regularities observed are discussed

[Energy pooling collisions for K(4P) + Cs(5D) in a K-Cs mixture].

Science.gov (United States)

Aihemaiti, Pulati; Dai, Kang; Lu, Xin-hong; Shen, Yi-fan

2005-04-01

The rate coefficients for energy-pooling collisions K(4P) + Cs(5D) --> Cs(6S) + K(4D, 6S) in the K-Cs vapor mixture were measured relative to a known energy-pooling rate coefficient of a homonuclear reaction [i. e., Cs(6P) + Cs(5D) --> Cs(6S) + Cs (7D(J))]. Populations of the Cs(6P, 5D) and K(4P) states were produced by photodissociation of K2 and Cs2 molecules through the use of a dye laser radiation. The resulting fluorescence included the direct components emitted in the decay of the excited states produced by photodissociation and the induced components arising from the collisionally populated states. By combining relative intensities of the components with the effective lifetimes of Cs(6P) and K(4P) states, the rate coefficients (in units of 10(-9) cm3 x s(-1)) for the heteronuclear energy-pooling were found to be 2.6 and 3.6, respectively. The contribution to the rate coefficients from other processes are discussed.

Calibration of thermometers in the range from 4K to 40K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cruz, M.E. de la; Sereni, Julian; Salva, Horacio.

1977-06-01

Carbon and Germanium resistors have been calibrated against a standard in the temperature range from 4K to 40K. From the data, values of temperature are obtained with 0,1% error (std deviation). These calibrations have been also checked against specific heat measurements. (author) [es

[Carcinogenesis and its mechanism of mutant-type[12Asp]K-ras4B gene].

Science.gov (United States)

Gui, Li-ming; Wei, Li-hui; Zhang, Ying-mei; Wang, Jian-liu; Wang, Ying; Chen, Ying; Ma, Da-long

2002-01-01

Ras gene plays an important role in the extra- and intra-cellular signal transduction pathway. It mediates series cascade reactions, and eventually actives transcriptional factors in nucleus. It is unknown on the mechanism of carcinogenesis of Ras gene in endometrial carcinoma, though K-ras mutant is very common in endometrial atypical hyperplasia and carcinoma. On basis of discovering the mutation in 12th codon of K-ras in endometrial carcinoma cell line, HEC-1A, we explored the carcinogenesis and molecular mechanism of mutant-type [12Asp] K-ras4B gene. (1) Full-length [12Asp]K-ras4B cDNA was amplified with RT-PCR, then inserted into pcDI eukaryotic expressive vector. (2) Morphological change, growth kinetics in vitro and tumorigencity in nude mice in vivo after-before transfection were observed. (3) To test the cell growth kinetics by methyl thiazolium tetrazolium (MTT) and [3H]thymidine incorporation method. (1) The authors have successfully constructed eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDI-[12Asp] K-ras4B; (2) To confirm that [12Asp] K-ras4B mutant can trigger the neoplastic transformation of NIH3T3 cells by test in vitro and in vivo. (3) After pMCV-RasN17 plasmid, a Ras mutant were transfected into pcDI-[12Asp] K-ras4B cells, the growth of this cell were restrained significantly in comparison with control group. (4) These findings indicate the expression of RafS621A resulted in remarkable inhibition in proliferation of pcDI-[12Asp]K-ras4B cell (P ras4B cell growth (P ras4B gene alone is able to cause neoplastic transformation in NIH3T3 cells in vitro and in vivo. (2) [12Asp]K-ras4B-induced NIH3T3 cells neoplastic transformation required Raf signaling pathway.

Arsenic silences hepatic PDK4 expression through activation of histone H3K9 methylatransferase G9a

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Xi; Wu, Jianguo; Choiniere, Jonathan [Department of Physiology and Neurobiology and The Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 062696 (United States); Yang, Zhihong [Department of Physiology and Neurobiology and The Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 062696 (United States); Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516 (United States); Huang, Yi [Department of Physiology and Neurobiology and The Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 062696 (United States); School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035 (China); Bennett, Jason [Department of Physiology and Neurobiology and The Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 062696 (United States); Wang, Li, E-mail: li.wang@uconn.edu [Department of Physiology and Neurobiology and The Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 062696 (United States); Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516 (United States); School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035 (China); Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520 (United States)

2016-08-01

It is well established that increased liver cancer incidence is strongly associated with epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes; the latter is contributed by the environmental exposure to arsenic. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) is a mitochondrial protein that regulates the TCA cycle. However, the epigenetic mechanisms mediated by arsenic to control PDK4 expression remain elusive. In the present study, we showed that histone methyltransferase G9a- and Suv39H-mediated histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylations contributed to PDK4 silencing in hepatic cells. The PDK4 expression was induced by G9a inhibitor BRD4770 (BRD) and Suv39H inhibitor Chaetocin (CHA). In contrast, arsenic exposure decreased PDK4 expression by inducing G9a and increasing H3K9 di- and tri-methylations levels (H3K9me2/3). In addition, arsenic exposure antagonizes the effect of BRD by enhancing the enrichment of H3K9me2/3 in the PKD4 promoter. Moreover, knockdown of G9a using siRNA induced PDK4 expression in HCC cells. Furthermore, arsenic decreased hepatic PDK4 expression as well as diminished the induction of PDK4 by BRD in mouse liver and hepatocytes. Overall, the results suggest that arsenic causes aberrant repressive histone modification to silence PDK4 in both HCC cells and in mouse liver. - Graphical abstract: Schematic showing arsenic-mediated epigenetic pathway that inhibits PDK4 expression. (A) BRD induces PDK4 expression by decreasing G9a protein and histone H3K9me2 and H3K9me3 levels as well as diminishing their recruitment to the PDK4 promoter. (B) Arsenic counteracts the effect of BRD by increasing histone H3K9me2 and H3K9me3 levels as well as enhancing their enrichment to the PDK4 promoter. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Histone methyltrasferase G9a inhibitor BRD induces PDK4 expression. • Arsenic decreases PDK4 expression and increases H3K9me2 and me3 levels. • Arsenic enhances H3K9me2/me3 enrichment in the PDK4 promoter. • Arsenic antagonizes the activation of

Arsenic silences hepatic PDK4 expression through activation of histone H3K9 methylatransferase G9a

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, Xi; Wu, Jianguo; Choiniere, Jonathan; Yang, Zhihong; Huang, Yi; Bennett, Jason; Wang, Li

2016-01-01

It is well established that increased liver cancer incidence is strongly associated with epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes; the latter is contributed by the environmental exposure to arsenic. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) is a mitochondrial protein that regulates the TCA cycle. However, the epigenetic mechanisms mediated by arsenic to control PDK4 expression remain elusive. In the present study, we showed that histone methyltransferase G9a- and Suv39H-mediated histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylations contributed to PDK4 silencing in hepatic cells. The PDK4 expression was induced by G9a inhibitor BRD4770 (BRD) and Suv39H inhibitor Chaetocin (CHA). In contrast, arsenic exposure decreased PDK4 expression by inducing G9a and increasing H3K9 di- and tri-methylations levels (H3K9me2/3). In addition, arsenic exposure antagonizes the effect of BRD by enhancing the enrichment of H3K9me2/3 in the PKD4 promoter. Moreover, knockdown of G9a using siRNA induced PDK4 expression in HCC cells. Furthermore, arsenic decreased hepatic PDK4 expression as well as diminished the induction of PDK4 by BRD in mouse liver and hepatocytes. Overall, the results suggest that arsenic causes aberrant repressive histone modification to silence PDK4 in both HCC cells and in mouse liver. - Graphical abstract: Schematic showing arsenic-mediated epigenetic pathway that inhibits PDK4 expression. (A) BRD induces PDK4 expression by decreasing G9a protein and histone H3K9me2 and H3K9me3 levels as well as diminishing their recruitment to the PDK4 promoter. (B) Arsenic counteracts the effect of BRD by increasing histone H3K9me2 and H3K9me3 levels as well as enhancing their enrichment to the PDK4 promoter. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Histone methyltrasferase G9a inhibitor BRD induces PDK4 expression. • Arsenic decreases PDK4 expression and increases H3K9me2 and me3 levels. • Arsenic enhances H3K9me2/me3 enrichment in the PDK4 promoter. • Arsenic antagonizes the activation of

Luminescence and Luminescence Quenching of K2Bi(PO4)(MoO4):Eu3+ Phosphors with Efficiencies Close to Unity.

Science.gov (United States)

Grigorjevaite, Julija; Katelnikovas, Arturas

2016-11-23

A very good light emitting diode (LED) phosphor must have strong absorption, high quantum efficiency, high color purity, and high quenching temperature. Our synthesized K 2 Bi(PO 4 )(MoO 4 ):Eu 3+ phosphors possess all of the mentioned properties. The excitation of these phosphors with the near-UV or blue radiation results in a bright red luminescence dominated by the 5 D 0 → 7 F 2 transition at ∼615 nm. Color coordinates are very stable when changing Eu 3+ concentration or temperature in the range of 77-500 K. Furthermore, samples doped with 50% and 75% Eu 3+ showed quantum efficiencies close to 100% which is a huge benefit for practical application. Temperature dependent luminescence measurements showed that phosphor performance increases with increasing Eu 3+ concentration. K 2 Eu(PO 4 )(MoO 4 ) sample at 400 K lost only 20% of the initial intensity at 77 K and would lose half of the intensity only at 578 K. Besides, the ceramic disks with thicknesses of 0.33 and 0.89 mm were prepared from K 2 Eu(PO 4 )(MoO 4 ) powder, and it turned out that they efficiently converted the radiation of 375 nm LED to the red light. The conversion of 400 nm LED radiation to the red light was not complete; thus, the light sources with various tints of purple color were obtained. The combination of ceramic disks with 455 nm LED yielded the light sources with tints of blue color due to the low absorption of ceramic disk in this spectral range. In addition, these phosphors possess a very unique emission spectra; thus, they could also be applied in luminescent security pigments.

Anomalous rf magnetoresistance in copper at 4/degree/K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Halama, H.J.; Prodell, A.G.; Rogers, J.T.

1988-03-01

We have measured the effect of a magnetic field on the surface resistance of polycrystalline Cu at f = 1.2 GHz and at 4.4/degree/K; under these conditions the surface resistance is well into the anomalous skin effect regime but has not reached its limiting value. We find that the transverse and longitudinal magnetoresistance are an order of magnitude smaller than the DC magnetoresistance and depend quadratically on the field. At low fields we observe a decrease in surface resistance with increasing field which can be interpreted as a size effect of the TF surface current. 17 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab

Desulfurization of organic sulfur from a subbituminous coal by electron-transfer process with K{sub 4}(Fe(CN){sub 6})

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dipu Borah [Pragjyotika J College, Titabar (India). Department of Chemistry

2006-02-01

The desulfurization reaction involving direct electron transfer from potassium ferrocyanide, K{sub 4}(Fe(CN){sub 6}), successfully removed organic sulfur from a subbituminous coal. The temperature variation of desulfurization revealed that increase of temperature enhanced the level of sulfur removal. Moreover, the desulfurization reaction was found to be dependent on the concentration of K{sub 4}(Fe(CN){sub 6}). Gradual increase in the concentration of K{sub 4}(Fe(CN){sub 6}) raised the magnitude of desulfurization, but at higher concentration the variation was not significant. The removal of organic sulfur from unoxidized coal slightly increased with reduced particle size. Desulfurization from oxidized coals (prepared by aerial oxidation) revealed a higher level of sulfur removal in comparison to unoxidized coal. Highest desulfurization of 36.4 wt % was obtained at 90{sup o}C and 0.1 M concentration of K{sub 4}(Fe(CN){sub 6}) in the 100-mesh size oxidized coal prepared at 200{sup o}C. Model sulfur compound study revealed that aliphatic types of sulfur compounds are primarily responsible for desulfurization. Because of higher stability, thiophene and condensed thiophene-type of compounds perhaps remained unaffected by the electron-transfer agent. Infrared study revealed the formation of oxidized sulfur compounds (sulfoxide, sulfone, sulfonic acid, etc.) in the oxidized coals. The desulfurization reaction in different systems is well-represented by the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Application of the transition state theory indicated that the desulfurization reaction proceeds with the absorption of heat (endothermic reaction) and is nonspontaneous in nature. 53 refs., 6 figs., 3 tabs.

Measurement of e+e-→K K ¯J /ψ cross sections at center-of-mass energies from 4.189 to 4.600 GeV

Science.gov (United States)

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

2018-04-01

We investigate the process e+e-→K K ¯J /ψ at center-of-mass energies from 4.189 to 4.600 GeV using 4.7 fb-1 of data collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The Born cross sections for the reactions e+e-→K+K-J /ψ and KS0KS0J /ψ are measured as a function of center-of-mass energy. The energy dependence of the cross section for e+e-→K+K-J /ψ is shown to differ from that for π+π-J /ψ in the region around the Y (4260 ). In addition, there is evidence for a structure around 4.5 GeV in the e+e-→K+K-J /ψ cross section that is not present in π+π-J /ψ .

Differential Effects of Phosphatidylinositol 4-Kinase (PI4K and 3-Kinase (PI3K Inhibitors on Stomatal Responses to Environmental Signals

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Koh Iba

2017-05-01

Full Text Available Specific cellular components including products of phosphatidylinositol (PI metabolism play an important role as signaling molecules in stomatal responses to environmental signals. In this study, pharmacological inhibitors of a set of cellular components, including PI4-kinase (PI4K and PI3K, were used to investigate stomatal closure in response to CO2, darkness, and abscisic acid (ABA. Treatment with PAO, a specific inhibitor of PI4K, specifically inhibited the stomatal response to CO2 compared with that to darkness and ABA. In contrast, treatment with LY294002, a PI3K-specific inhibitor, specifically inhibited the stomatal response to darkness compared with that to CO2 and ABA. The specific inhibitory effects of PAO and LY294002 were also observed as changes in the spatial density of dot-like structures labeled by green fluorescent protein-tagged PATROL1, a protein that controls stomatal aperture possibly via regulation of H+-ATPase amount in guard cell plasma membranes. Our results suggest an important role for PI4K and PI3K in the CO2 and darkness signal transduction pathways, respectively, that mediate PATROL1 dynamics.

Liquid helium-free 15 T superconducting magnet at 4 K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sakuraba, J.; Mikami, Y.; Watazawa, K.; Watanabe, K.; Awaji, S.

2000-01-01

We have successfully demonstrated a 15.1 T liquid helium-free superconducting magnet with a room-temperature bore of 52 mm using a Nb 3 Sn/NbTi hybrid coil, Bi2223 current leads and two Gifford-McMahon cryocoolers. The magnet has 830 mm outside diameter, 1221 mm height and 720 kg weight. The magnet was cooled to 3.6 K in 114 h. A central magnetic field of 15.1 T was achieved in 38 min. The temperature of the coil increased to 5.7 K due to ac losses during the excitation, but it decreased to 4.0 K before reaching 15.1 T. The temperature of the coil remained at a constant value of 3.8 K over the 24 h of operation. The demonstration indicated the usefulness of a liquid helium-free superconducting magnet to generate high magnetic fields up to 15 T. (author)

4K Video Traffic Prediction using Seasonal Autoregressive Modeling

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

D. R. Marković

2017-06-01

Full Text Available From the perspective of average viewer, high definition video streams such as HD (High Definition and UHD (Ultra HD are increasing their internet presence year over year. This is not surprising, having in mind expansion of HD streaming services, such as YouTube, Netflix etc. Therefore, high definition video streams are starting to challenge network resource allocation with their bandwidth requirements and statistical characteristics. Need for analysis and modeling of this demanding video traffic has essential importance for better quality of service and experience support. In this paper we use an easy-to-apply statistical model for prediction of 4K video traffic. Namely, seasonal autoregressive modeling is applied in prediction of 4K video traffic, encoded with HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding. Analysis and modeling were performed within R programming environment using over 17.000 high definition video frames. It is shown that the proposed methodology provides good accuracy in high definition video traffic modeling.

X-ray diffraction studies on K3Gd5 (PO4) 6 between 20K to 1073 K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bevara, Samatha; Achary, S.N.; Tyagi, A.K.; Sinha, A.K.; Sastry, P.U.

2016-01-01

Complex inorganic phosphates have been of interest due to their diversified crystal chemistry depending on composition, preparation condition as well as external parameters like temperature and pressure. In addition varieties of complex phosphates have been considered as potential host matrices for immobilization of radioactive elements as well as for selective separation of ions from high level nuclear waste or heavy metal ion pollutants from environment. Temperature and/or pressure induced structural variations are often noticed in such type complex phosphates. In K 2 O-Gd 2 O 3 -P 2 O 5 , a novel complex phosphate with K 3 Gd 5 (PO 4 ) 6 has been reported recently. In order to study the effect of temperature on crystal structure of K 3 Gd 5 (PO 4 ) 6 variable temperature XRD studies between 20 K to 1073 K were carried out and the results are presented herein

Apoptosis of leukemia K562 and Molt-4 cells induced by emamectin benzoate involving mitochondrial membrane potential loss and intracellular Ca2+ modulation.

Science.gov (United States)

Yun, Xinming; Rao, Wenbing; Xiao, Ciying; Huang, Qingchun

2017-06-01

Leukemia threatens millions of people's health and lives, and the pesticide-induced leukemia has been increasingly concerned because of the etiologic exposure. In this paper, cytotoxic effect of emamectin benzoate (EMB), an excellent natural-product insecticide, was evaluated through monitoring cell viability, cell apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ) in leukemia K562 and Molt-4 cells. Following the exposure to EMB, cell viability was decreased and positive apoptosis of K562 and Molt-4 cells was increased in a concentration- and time- dependent fashion. In the treatment of 10μM EMB, apoptotic cells accounted for 93.0% to K562 cells and 98.9% to Molt-4 cells based on the control, meanwhile, 63.47% of K562 cells and 81.15% of Molt-4 cells exhibited late apoptotic and necrotic features with damaged cytoplasmic membrane. 48h exposure to 10μM EMB increased significantly the great number of cells with mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) loss, and the elevation of [Ca 2+ ] i level was peaked and persisted within 70s in K562 cells whilst 50s in Molt-4 cells. Moreover, a stronger cytotoxicity of EMB was further observed than that of imatinib. The results authenticate the efficacious effect of EMB as a potential anti-leukemia agent and an inconsistency with regard to insecticide-induced leukemia. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Significant association of RNF213 p.R4810K, a moyamoya susceptibility variant, with coronary artery disease.

Science.gov (United States)

Morimoto, Takaaki; Mineharu, Yohei; Ono, Koh; Nakatochi, Masahiro; Ichihara, Sahoko; Kabata, Risako; Takagi, Yasushi; Cao, Yang; Zhao, Lanying; Kobayashi, Hatasu; Harada, Kouji H; Takenaka, Katsunobu; Funaki, Takeshi; Yokota, Mitsuhiro; Matsubara, Tatsuaki; Yamamoto, Ken; Izawa, Hideo; Kimura, Takeshi; Miyamoto, Susumu; Koizumi, Akio

2017-01-01

The genetic architecture of coronary artery disease has not been fully elucidated, especially in Asian countries. Moyamoya disease is a progressive cerebrovascular disease that is reported to be complicated by coronary artery disease. Because most Japanese patients with moyamoya disease carry the p.R4810K variant of the ring finger 213 gene (RNF213), this may also be a risk factor for coronary artery disease; however, this possibility has never been tested. We genotyped the RNF213 p.R4810K variant in 956 coronary artery disease patients and 716 controls and tested the association between p.R4810K and coronary artery disease. We also validated the association in an independent population of 311 coronary artery disease patients and 494 controls. In the replication study, the p.R4810K genotypes were imputed from genome-wide genotyping data based on the 1000 Genomes Project. We used multivariate logistic regression analyses to adjust for well-known risk factors such as dyslipidemia and smoking habits. In the primary study population, the frequency of the minor variant allele was significantly higher in patients with coronary artery disease than in controls (2.04% vs. 0.98%), with an odds ratio of 2.11 (p = 0.017). Under a dominant model, after adjustment for risk factors, the association remained significant, with an odds ratio of 2.90 (95% confidence interval: 1.37-6.61; p = 0.005). In the replication study, the association was significant after adjustment for age and sex (odds ratio = 4.99; 95% confidence interval: 1.16-21.53; p = 0.031), although it did not reach statistical significance when further adjusted for risk factors (odds ratio = 3.82; 95% confidence interval: 0.87-16.77; p = 0.076). The RNF213 p.R4810K variant appears to be significantly associated with coronary artery disease in the Japanese population.

In vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of the halogenated boroxine dipotassium-trioxohydroxytetrafluorotriborate (K2[B3O3F4OH]).

Science.gov (United States)

Ivankovic, Sinisa; Stojkovic, Ranko; Galic, Zoran; Galic, Borivoj; Ostojic, Jelena; Marasovic, Maja; Milos, Mladen

2015-06-01

Dipotassium-trioxohydroxytetrafluorotriborate K2[B3O3F4OH] was listed as a promising new therapeutic for cancer diseases. For in vitro and in vivo investigation of its antitumor effects 4T1 mammary adenocarcinoma, B16F10 melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma SCCVII were used. The detailed in vitro investigation undoubtedly showed that K2[B3O3F4OH] affects the growth of cancer cells. The proliferation of cells depends on the concentration so that aqueous solution of K2[B3O3F4OH], the concentrations of 10(-4) M and less, does not affect cell growth, but the concentrations of 10(-3) M or more, significantly slows cells growth. B16F10 and SCCVII cells show higher sensitivity to the cytotoxic effects of K2[B3O3F4OH] compared to 4T1 cells. Under in vivo conditions, K2[B3O3F4OH] slows the growth of all three tumors tested compared to the control, and the inhibitory effect was most pronounced during the application of the substance. There is almost no difference if K2[B3O3F4OH] was applied intraperitoneally, intratumor, peroral or as ointment. Addition of 5-FU did not further increase the antitumor efficacy of K2[B3O3F4OH].

IGF-1 Promotes Brn-4 Expression and Neuronal Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells via the PI3K/Akt Pathway

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Xinhua; Zhang, Lei; Cheng, Xiang; Guo, Yuxiu; Sun, Xiaohui; Chen, Geng; Li, Haoming; Li, Pengcheng; Lu, Xiaohui; Tian, Meiling; Qin, Jianbing; Zhou, Hui; Jin, Guohua

2014-01-01

Our previous studies indicated that transcription factor Brn-4 is upregulated in the surgically denervated hippocampus in vivo, promoting neuronal differentiation of hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs) in vitro. The molecules mediating Brn-4 upregulation in the denervated hippocampus remain unknown. In this study we examined the levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in hippocampus following denervation. Surgical denervation led to a significant increase in IGF-1 expression in vivo. We also report that IGF-1 treatment on NSCs in vitro led to a marked acceleration of Brn-4 expression and cell differentiation down neuronal pathways. The promotion effects were blocked by PI3K-specific inhibitor (LY294002), but not MAPK inhibitor (PD98059); levels of phospho-Akt were increased by IGF-1 treatment. In addition, inhibition of IGF-1 receptor (AG1024) and mTOR (rapamycin) both attenuated the increased expression of Brn-4 induced by IGF-1. Together, the results demonstrated that upregulation of IGF-1 induced by hippocampal denervation injury leads to activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which in turn gives rise to upregulation of the Brn-4 and subsequent stem cell differentiation down neuronal pathways. PMID:25474202

Targeting Plasmodium PI(4)K to eliminate malaria

Science.gov (United States)

McNamara, Case W.; Lee, Marcus C. S.; Lim, Chek Shik; Lim, Siau Hoi; Roland, Jason; Nagle, Advait; Simon, Oliver; Yeung, Bryan K. S.; Chatterjee, Arnab K.; McCormack, Susan L.; Manary, Micah J.; Zeeman, Anne-Marie; Dechering, Koen J.; Kumar, T. R. Santha; Henrich, Philipp P.; Gagaring, Kerstin; Ibanez, Maureen; Kato, Nobutaka; Kuhen, Kelli L.; Fischli, Christoph; Rottmann, Matthias; Plouffe, David M.; Bursulaya, Badry; Meister, Stephan; Rameh, Lucia; Trappe, Joerg; Haasen, Dorothea; Timmerman, Martijn; Sauerwein, Robert W.; Suwanarusk, Rossarin; Russell, Bruce; Renia, Laurent; Nosten, Francois; Tully, David C.; Kocken, Clemens H. M.; Glynne, Richard J.; Bodenreider, Christophe; Fidock, David A.; Diagana, Thierry T.; Winzeler, Elizabeth A.

2013-12-01

Achieving the goal of malaria elimination will depend on targeting Plasmodium pathways essential across all life stages. Here we identify a lipid kinase, phosphatidylinositol-4-OH kinase (PI(4)K), as the target of imidazopyrazines, a new antimalarial compound class that inhibits the intracellular development of multiple Plasmodium species at each stage of infection in the vertebrate host. Imidazopyrazines demonstrate potent preventive, therapeutic, and transmission-blocking activity in rodent malaria models, are active against blood-stage field isolates of the major human pathogens P. falciparum and P. vivax, and inhibit liver-stage hypnozoites in the simian parasite P. cynomolgi. We show that imidazopyrazines exert their effect through inhibitory interaction with the ATP-binding pocket of PI(4)K, altering the intracellular distribution of phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate. Collectively, our data define PI(4)K as a key Plasmodium vulnerability, opening up new avenues of target-based discovery to identify drugs with an ideal activity profile for the prevention, treatment and elimination of malaria.

Hambatan dalam implementasi program perencanaan persalinan dan pencegahan komplikasi (P4K di Kabupaten Badung

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Putri Mariani

2014-02-01

Full Text Available The family-centered safe birthing initiative (P4K is aimed to reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates. The P4K program involves the distribution of promotional stickers by community health care workers. In 2011, the coverage of the P4K had reached 100% of villages, and 98.9% of expectant mothers had attached the promotional sticker on a visible section of their homes. However, the process is reported not implemented using standard procedures before placing the sticker on their homes. This study is aimed to explore the barriers to the implementation of P4K in Badung. This study was descriptive qualitative using phenomenology approach. Data were collected using focus group discussion (FGD with 20 midwives and 10 cadres, in-depth interviews (with 6 expectant mothers and 3 husbands/family members and participant observation of P4K implementation in community health centers. Secondary data was obtained through relevant P4K document analysis. Informants were purposively selected using the criteria of 1 midwives already trained in P4K, 2 cadres already trained in P4K and 3 P4K participating expectant mothers. Research findings indicate that knowledge, attitude and mother’s and husband’s behaviour impact negatively upon program implementation. There is also an evident of lack of logistical support including: P4K administrational forms, IEC pamphlets and transportation costs. Midwives and participating healthcare providers were having a very good knowledge; however, their behaviour does not demonstrate this. The poor governance of centres and high mobility of expectant mothers are also impacted upon program implementation. Future recommendations include program widening of scope and upscale, increased logistical support, continual monitoring and evaluation, research into program funding governance as well as upscale involvement of stakeholders.

Cluster self-organization of germanate systems: suprapolyhedral precursor clusters and self-assembly of K2Nd4Ge4O13(OH)4, K2YbGe4O10(OH), K2Sc2Ge2O7(OH)2, and KScGe2O6(PYR)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ilyushin, G.D.; Dem'yanets, L.N.

2008-01-01

One performed the computerized (the TOPOS 4.0 software package) geometric and topological analyses of all known types of K, TR-germanates (TR = La-Lu, Y, Sc, In). The skeleton structure are shown as three-dimensional 3D, K, TR, Ge-patterns (graphs) with remote oxygen atoms. TR 4 3 3 4 3 3 + T 4 3 4 3, K 2 YbGe 4 O 14 (OH) pattern, TR 6 6 3 6 + T1 6 8 6 + T2 3 6 8, K 2 Sc 2 Ge 2 O 7 (OH) 2 , TR 6 4 6 4 + T 6 4 6 and KScGe 2 O 6 - TR 6 6 3 6 3 4 + T1 6 3 6 + T2 6 4 3 patterns served as crystal-forming 2D TR,Ge-patterns for K 2 Nd 4 Ge 4 O 13 (OH) 4 . One performed the 3D-simulation of the mechanism of self-arrangement of the crystalline structures: cluster-precursor - parent chain - microlayer - microskeleton (super-precursor). Within K 2 Nd 4 Ge 4 O 13 (OH) 4 , K 2 Sc 2 Ge 2 O 7 (OH) 2 and KScGe 2 O 6 one identified the invariant type of the cyclic hexapolyhedral cluster-precursor consisting of TR-octahedrons linked by diorthogroups stabilized by K atoms. For K 2 Nd 4 Ge 4 O 13 (OH) 4 one determined the type of the cyclic tetrapolyhedral cluster-precursor consisting of TR-octavertices linked by tetrahedrons. The cluster CN within the layer just for KScGe 2 O 6 water-free germanate (the PYR pyroxene analog) is equal to 6 (the maximum possible value), while in the rest OH-containing germanates it constitutes 4. One studied the formation mechanism of Ge-radicals in the form of Ge 2 O 7 and Ge 4 O 13 groupings, GeO 3 chain and the tubular structure consisting of Ge 8 O 20 fixed cyclic groupings [ru

CCM key comparison CCM.D-K4 'Hydrometer'

Science.gov (United States)

Lorefice, S.; Becerra, L. O.; Lenard, E.; Lee, Y. J.; Lee, W. G.; Madec, T.; Meury, P. A.; Caceres, J.; Santos, C.; Vamossy, C.; Man, J.; Fen, K.; Toda, K.; Wright, J.; Bettin, H.; Toth, H.

2016-01-01

This report presents the comparison philosophy, methodology, analysis and the results of the designed CCM.D-K4 key comparison that covered the calibration of high resolution hydrometers for liquid and alcoholometers in the density range 600 kg/m3 to 2000 kg/m3 at the temperature of 20°C. The main purpose of this comparison was not only to evaluate the degree of equivalence in the calibration of high accuracy hydrometers between NMI participants, but also to link, were it is possible, the results of previous comparisons to Key Comparison Reference Values (KCRVs) of CCM.D-K4. Eleven NMI laboratories took part in the CCM.D-K4 divided in two groups (petals). With the CCM.D-K4 purpose, two similar sets consisting of three hydrometers for liquid density determinations and an alcoholometer were circulated to the NMI participants as a travelling standard in the time interval from January 2011 to April 2012. Twelve Key Comparison Reference Values (KCRVs) for each petal have been obtained at the density values related to the tested density marks of the transfer standards by the results of participants. The KCRVs and corresponding uncertainties were calculated by the weighted mean in the case of consistent results, otherwise the median was used. The degree of equivalence (DoE) with respect to the corresponding KCRV was determined for each participant and, in this particular comparison, the Weighted Least Squares (WLS) method was used to link the individual DoE of each participant by a continuous function. Significant drift of the transfer standards was not detected. This report also gives instructions on calculating pair-wise degrees of equivalence, with the addition of any information on correlations that may be necessary to estimate more accurately as well as the procedure for linking international comparisons to the CCM.D-K4. Finally an example of linkage to the CCM.D-K4 is given by dealing with the results of the bilateral comparison between INRiM and NMIA, which was

Magnetoresistivity of copper irradiated at 4.4 K by spallation neutrons

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Klabunde, C.E.; Coltman, R.R. Jr.

1984-01-01

An experiment assembly containing eight differently prepared copper stabilizer specimens was irradiated in the ANL/IPNS-I Radiation Effects Facility. Magnetoresistivity measurements were made on each sample at zero and nine transverse magnetic field strength values up to 6.5 Tesla at each step over three irradiation (4.4 K) and annealing (300 K) cycles. The total neutron fluence was 4.8 x 10 21 n/m 2 (E > 0.1 MeV). The results show a strong dependence upon sample purity and state of cold-work. The data from this experiment will be added to a growing body of data to be used in the design of composite superconductors for fusion magnets

Comparative Analyses of H3K4 and H3K27 Trimethylations Between the Mouse Cerebrum and Testis

KAUST Repository

Cui, Peng; Liu, Wanfe; Zhao, Yuhui; Lin, Qiang; Zhang, Daoyong; Ding, Feng; Xin, Chengqi; Zhang, Zhang; Song, Shuhui; Sun, Fanglin; Yu, Jun; Hu, Songnian

2012-01-01

The global features of H3K4 and H3K27 trimethylations (H3K4me3 and H3K27me3) have been well studied in recent years, but most of these studies were performed in mammalian cell lines. In this work, we generated the genome-wide maps of H3K4me3 and H3K

Conjugation of 10 kDa Linear PEG onto Trastuzumab Fab' Is Sufficient to Significantly Enhance Lymphatic Exposure while Preserving in Vitro Biological Activity.

Science.gov (United States)

Chan, Linda J; Ascher, David B; Yadav, Rajbharan; Bulitta, Jürgen B; Williams, Charlotte C; Porter, Christopher J H; Landersdorfer, Cornelia B; Kaminskas, Lisa M

2016-04-04

The lymphatic system is a major conduit by which many diseases spread and proliferate. There is therefore increasing interest in promoting better lymphatic drug targeting. Further, antibody fragments such as Fabs have several advantages over full length monoclonal antibodies but are subject to rapid plasma clearance, which can limit the lymphatic exposure and activity of Fabs against lymph-resident diseases. This study therefore explored ideal PEGylation strategies to maximize biological activity and lymphatic exposure using trastuzumab Fab' as a model. Specifically, the Fab' was conjugated with single linear 10 or 40 kDa PEG chains at the hinge region. PEGylation led to a 3-4-fold reduction in binding affinity to HER2, but antiproliferative activity against HER2-expressing BT474 cells was preserved. Lymphatic pharmacokinetics were then examined in thoracic lymph duct cannulated rats after intravenous and subcutaneous dosing at 2 mg/kg, and the data were evaluated via population pharmacokinetic modeling. The Fab' displayed limited lymphatic exposure, but conjugation of 10 kDa PEG improved exposure by approximately 11- and 5-fold after intravenous (15% dose collected in thoracic lymph over 30 h) and subcutaneous (9%) administration, respectively. Increasing the molecular weight of the PEG to 40 kDa, however, had no significant impact on lymphatic exposure after intravenous (14%) administration and only doubled lymphatic exposure after subcutaneous administration (18%) when compared to 10 kDa PEG-Fab'. The data therefore suggests that minimal PEGylation has the potential to enhance the exposure and activity of Fab's against lymph-resident diseases, while no significant benefit is achieved with very large PEGs.

Electronic structure of (La,Sr)2CuO4 and Ba0.6K0.4BiO3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Howell, R.H.; Sterne, P.A.; Fluss, M.J.; Kaiser, J.H.; Kitazawa, K.; Kojima, H.; Mosley, W.D.; Dykes, J.W.; Shelton, R.N.

1995-01-01

We have measured and calculated the electron-positron momentum distribution of La 2-x Sr x CuO 4 samples for Sr concentrations of 0, 0.1,0.13, and 0.2 and Ba 0.6 K 0.4 BiO 3 . The momentum distribution of all samples contained features derived from the overlap of the positron distribution with the valence electrons. In addition, discontinuities typical of a Fermi surface are seen in the superconducting samples. The form and position of these features are in general agreement with band theory for both La 2-x Sr x CuO 4 and Ba 0.6 K 0.4 BiO 3 . However the evolution of the Fermi surface with doping in La 2-x Sr x CuO 4 differed significantly from expectations based on single electron band theories. (orig.)

Lipopolysaccharide increases Na(+),K(+)-pump, but not ENaC, expression in guinea-pig airway epithelium.

Science.gov (United States)

Dodrill, Michael W; Beezhold, Donald H; Meighan, Terence; Kashon, Michael L; Fedan, Jeffrey S

2011-01-25

Earlier, we found in functional experiments that lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 4mg/kg; i.p.) hyperpolarized the epithelium by stimulating the transepithelial transport of Na(+) in guinea-pig tracheal epithelium. Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) activity and Na(+),K(+)-pump activity were increased. In this study, we hypothesized that LPS increases the expression of ENaC and the Na(+),K(+)-pump in the epithelium and investigated the levels of transcription and protein abundance. Using qPCR, the effects of LPS on the transcription of αENaC, α(1) Na(+),K(+)-pump, COX-2, eNOS, iNOS, IL-1β, and TNF-α were measured at 3 and 18h. In the epithelium, LPS increased the transcription of COX-2, IL-1β, and, to a nonsignificant extent, TNF-α at 3h, but not at 18h. In alveolar macrophages, TNF-α, and, to a nonsignificant extent, COX-2 and IL-1β were up-regulated at 3h, but not at 18h. Even though LPS stimulated the transcription of some genes, αENaC and α(1) Na(+),K(+)-ATPase transcription were not affected. The expressions of α-, β-, and γ-ENaC and α(1) Na(+),K(+)-pump from the tracheal epithelium and kidney cortex/medulla were investigated by western blotting. All three ENaC subunits were detected as cleavage fragments, yet LPS had no effect on their expression. LPS increased the expression of the α(1) subunit and the α(1), α(2), and α(3) subunits, collectively, of the Na(+),K(+)-pump. Taken together, these data indicate that LPS increases Na(+) transport downstream of the genetic level, in part, by stimulating the expression of the Na(+),K(+)-pump. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Quaternary reciprocal system Na,K//Cl,Co3,MoO4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kochkarov, Zh.A.; Gasanaliev, A.M.

2004-01-01

Quaternary reciprocal system Na,K//Cl,Co 3 ,MoO 4 has been investigated for the first time by differential thermal analysis using the methods of projective and differential geometry. A stable (KCl) 2 -Na 2 CO 3 -K 2 CO 3 -K 2 MoO 4 tetrahedron and (NaCl) 2 -(KCl) 2 -Na 2 CO 3 -K 2 MoO 4 -Na 2 MoO 4 pentatope have been revealed in the system. It has been found that four quadruple invariant points are realized in the Na,K//Cl,Co 3 ,MoO 4 system, including one eutectic and three peritectic points [ru

Reading, Writing & Rings: Science Literacy for K-4 Students

Science.gov (United States)

McConnell, S.; Spilker, L.; Zimmerman-Brachman, R.

2007-12-01

Scientific discovery is the impetus for the K-4 Education program, "Reading, Writing & Rings." This program is unique because its focus is to engage elementary students in reading and writing to strengthen these basic academic skills through scientific content. As science has been increasingly overtaken by the language arts in elementary classrooms, the Cassini Education Program has taken advantage of a new cross-disciplinary approach to use language arts as a vehicle for increasing scientific content in the classroom. By utilizing the planet Saturn and the Cassini-Huygens mission as a model in both primary reading and writing students in these grade levels, young students can explore science material while at the same time learning these basic academic skills. Content includes reading, thinking, and hands-on activities. Developed in partnership with the Cassini-Huygens Education and Public Outreach Program, the Bay Area Writing Project/California Writing Project, Foundations in Reading Through Science & Technology (FIRST), and the Caltech Pre-College Science Initiative (CAPSI), and classroom educators, "Reading, Writing & Rings" blends the excitement of space exploration with reading and writing. All materials are teacher developed, aligned with national science and language education standards, and are available from the Cassini-Huygens website: http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/education/edu-k4.cfm Materials are divided into two grade level units. One unit is designed for students in grades 1 and 2 while the other unit focuses on students in grades 3 and 4. Each includes a series of lessons that take students on a path of exploration of Saturn using reading and writing prompts.

Acetylated Histone H3K9 is associated with meiotic recombination hotspots, and plays a role in recombination redundantly with other factors including the H3K4 methylase Set1 in fission yeast

Science.gov (United States)

Yamada, Shintaro; Ohta, Kunihiro; Yamada, Takatomi

2013-01-01

Histone modifications are associated with meiotic recombination hotspots, discrete sites with augmented recombination frequency. For example, trimethylation of histone H3 lysine4 (H3K4me3) marks most hotspots in budding yeast and mouse. Modified histones are known to regulate meiotic recombination partly by promoting DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation at hotspots, but the role and precise landscape of involved modifications remain unclear. Here, we studied hotspot-associated modifications in fission yeast and found general features: acetylation of H3 lysine9 (H3K9ac) is elevated, and H3K4me3 is not significantly enriched. Mutating H3K9 to non-acetylatable alanine mildly reduced levels of the DSB-inducing protein Rec12 (the fission yeast homologue of Spo11) and DSB at hotspots, indicating that H3K9ac may be involved in DSB formation by enhancing the interaction between Rec12 and hotspots. In addition, we found that the lack of the H3K4 methyltransferase Set1 generally increased Rec12 binding to chromatin but partially reduced DSB formation at some loci, suggesting that Set1 is also involved in DSB formation. These results suggest that meiotic DSB formation is redundantly regulated by multiple chromatin-related factors including H3K9ac and Set1 in fission yeast. PMID:23382177

N=4 Superconformal Bootstrap of the K3 CFT

CERN Multimedia

CERN. Geneva

2015-01-01

We study two-dimensional (4,4) superconformal field theories of central charge c=6, corresponding to nonlinear σ models on K3 surfaces, using the superconformal bootstrap. This is made possible through a surprising relation between the BPS N=4 superconformal blocks with c=6 and bosonic Virasoro conformal blocks with c=28, and an exact result on the moduli dependence of a certain integrated BPS 4-point function. Nontrivial bounds on the non-BPS spectrum in the K3 CFT are obtained as functions of the CFT moduli, that interpolate between the free orbifold points and singular CFT points. We observe directly from the CFT perspective the signature of a continuous spectrum above a gap at the singular moduli, and find numerically an upper bound on this gap that is saturated by the A1 N=4 cigar CFT. We also derive an analytic upper bound on the first nonzero eigenvalue of the scalar Laplacian on K3 in the large volume regime, that depends on the K3 moduli data. As two byproducts, we find an exact equivalence...

Significance of the S100A4 protein in psoriasis

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Zibert, John R; Skov, Lone; Thyssen, Jacob P

2010-01-01

the expression and significance of S100A4 in psoriasis. We found significant upregulation of S100A4 in the dermis of psoriatic skin compared with normal skin. This pattern of S100A4 expression differs considerably from that of other S100 proteins, S100A7 and S100A8/9, with predominant expression in the epidermis...... of psoriasis. Furthermore, we revealed a massive release of the biologically active forms of S100A4 from psoriatic skin. Interestingly, we found stabilization (increase) of p53 in the basal layer of epidermis in close proximity to cells expressing S100A4. To examine the possible implication of S100A4...... in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, we analyzed the effect of S100A4 blocking antibodies in a human psoriasis xenograft SCID mouse model and observed a significant reduction of the epidermal thickness and impairment in cell proliferation and dermal vascularization. In conclusion, we showed strong upregulation...

Near resonant charge transfer in Na(4D)+K+ → Na++K*: Optical pumping of the Na(4D) state and energy dependence of rank 4 alignment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Campbell, E.E.B.; Huelser, H.; Witte, R.; Hertel, I.V.

1990-01-01

Rank 4 alignment has been observed in a quasi one electron system. Relative charge transfer cross sections of the Na 4dσ, 4dπ and 4dδ sublevels for the K + +Na(4D)→K * +Na + system have been measured. A strong energy dependence is observed. The results at energies less than 1 keV may be attributed to rotational coupling of the Na 4dπ state to the K 4fδ state. The Na atom is excited in a two-step process, the first step being excitation to the 3 2 P 3/2 level with a two-mode laser to pump from both hyperfine levels of the ground state simultaneously. This two-mode laser is described in detail. The optical pumping problem is solved using rate equations. The general formula for describing the scattering intensity for cylindrical symmetry, in terms of multipole moments, for atoms excited by two linearly polarised lasers is derived and used to evaluate the experimental results. (orig.)

Phosphorus K4 Crystal: A New Stable Allotrope

OpenAIRE

Jie Liu; Shunhong Zhang; Yaguang Guo; Qian Wang

2016-01-01

The intriguing properties of phosphorene motivate scientists to further explore the structures and properties of phosphorus materials. Here, we report a new allotrope named K 4 phosphorus composed of three-coordinated phosphorus atoms in non-layered structure which is not only dynamically and mechanically stable, but also possesses thermal stability comparable to that of the orthorhombic black phosphorus (A17). Due to its unique configuration, K 4 phosphorus exhibits exceptional properties: i...

IGF-1 promotes Brn-4 expression and neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells via the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xinhua Zhang

Full Text Available Our previous studies indicated that transcription factor Brn-4 is upregulated in the surgically denervated hippocampus in vivo, promoting neuronal differentiation of hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs in vitro. The molecules mediating Brn-4 upregulation in the denervated hippocampus remain unknown. In this study we examined the levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1 in hippocampus following denervation. Surgical denervation led to a significant increase in IGF-1 expression in vivo. We also report that IGF-1 treatment on NSCs in vitro led to a marked acceleration of Brn-4 expression and cell differentiation down neuronal pathways. The promotion effects were blocked by PI3K-specific inhibitor (LY294002, but not MAPK inhibitor (PD98059; levels of phospho-Akt were increased by IGF-1 treatment. In addition, inhibition of IGF-1 receptor (AG1024 and mTOR (rapamycin both attenuated the increased expression of Brn-4 induced by IGF-1. Together, the results demonstrated that upregulation of IGF-1 induced by hippocampal denervation injury leads to activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which in turn gives rise to upregulation of the Brn-4 and subsequent stem cell differentiation down neuronal pathways.

Structure of ferroelastic K3H(SeO4)2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ichikawa, M.; Sato, S.; Komukae, M.; Osaka, T.

1992-01-01

Tripotassium hydrogenbis(selenate), K 3 H(SeO 4 ) 2 , M r = 404.2, monoclinic, A2/a, a = 10.1291 (8), b = 5.9038 (5), c = 14.961 (1) A, β = 103.640 (8) 0 , V = 869.5 (1) A 3 , Z = 4, D x = 3.086 Mg m -3 , λ(Mo Kα) = 0.71073 A, μ = 9.86 mm -1 , F(000) = 760, T = 299 K, R(F) = 0.0294 for 1670 unique reflections. K 3 H(SeO 4 ) 2 is isomorphous with most M 3 H(XO 4 ) 2 -type crystals (M=K,Rb and Cs; Cs; X = S and Se); two SeO 4 groups are connected by a crystallographically symmetric hydrogen bond into a dimer. The bond distances and angles in the SeO 4 group are similar to those in Rb 3 H(SeO 4 ) 2 and Rb 3 D(SeO 4 ) 2 . The hydrogen-bond length, 2.524 (5) A, is the shortest among the members of the M 3 H(SeO 4 ) 2 family exhibiting the low-temperature phase transition. (orig.)

Touch and step potential analysis at 23.9kV to 4.16kV & 13.8kV to 4.16kV distribution substations with pad-mounted transformers, floating grounds, and other exposed ungrounded metal bodies using WinIGS

Science.gov (United States)

Guzman, David G.

An electrical substation is composed of various subsystems that allow for the effective and safe operation of the power grid. One of the subsystems integrating a conventional substation is defined as the ground grid system. This system allows for the effective operation of the power grid and all the electrical equipment connected to it by providing a ground potential reference, commonly known as the system ground. In addition, the ground grid system provides safety to the workers and the public transiting inside or living nearby a substation by reducing the step and touch potential (or voltage) levels present during a system fault. In today's utility industry practices there is an increasing trend for using pad-mounted electrical equipment for substation applications in an effort to construct new or upgrade existing electrical facilities inside limited property spaces. This thesis work presents an analysis for the effects of touch and step voltages at existing distribution substations where 23.9kV to 4.16kV & 13.8kV to 4.16kV pad-mounted transformers and other pad-mounted switchgear was installed to replace the traditional station class equipment. Moreover, this study will expose modeling techniques employed to define and determine the effects of floating grounds and other exposed metal bodies inside or surrounding these substations using WinIGS; this is in an effort to determine any risks of electric shock associated with this type of installations. The results presented in this work are intended to verify the requirements for the ground grid analysis and design for 4.16kV distribution substations with pad-mounted equipment in order to prevent dangerous step and touch voltage levels appearing at these sites during system faults; and ultimately prevent exposing individuals to the risk of an electric shock.

Comparative Analyses of H3K4 and H3K27 Trimethylations Between the Mouse Cerebrum and Testis

KAUST Repository

Cui, Peng

2012-06-08

The global features of H3K4 and H3K27 trimethylations (H3K4me3 and H3K27me3) have been well studied in recent years, but most of these studies were performed in mammalian cell lines. In this work, we generated the genome-wide maps of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 of mouse cerebrum and testis using ChIP-seq and their high-coverage transcriptomes using ribominus RNA-seq with SOLiD technology. We examined the global patterns of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 in both tissues and found that modifications are closely-associated with tissue-specific expression, function and development. Moreover, we revealed that H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 rarely occur in silent genes, which contradicts the findings in previous studies. Finally, we observed that bivalent domains, with both H3K4me3 and H3K27me3, existed ubiquitously in both tissues and demonstrated an invariable preference for the regulation of developmentally-related genes. However, the bivalent domains tend towards a “winner-takes-all” approach to regulate the expression of associated genes. We also verified the above results in mouse ES cells. As expected, the results in ES cells are consistent with those in cerebrum and testis. In conclusion, we present two very important findings. One is that H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 rarely occur in silent genes. The other is that bivalent domains may adopt a “winner-takes-all” principle to regulate gene expression.

Deacetylation of H4-K16Ac and heterochromatin assembly in senescence

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Contrepois Kévin

2012-08-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Cellular senescence is a stress response of mammalian cells leading to a durable arrest of cell proliferation that has been implicated in tumor suppression, wound healing, and aging. The proliferative arrest is mediated by transcriptional repression of genes essential for cell division by the retinoblastoma protein family. This repression is accompanied by varying degrees of heterochromatin assembly, but little is known regarding the molecular mechanisms involved. Results We found that both deacetylation of H4-K16Ac and expression of HMGA1/2 can contribute to DNA compaction during senescence. SIRT2, an NAD-dependent class III histone deacetylase, contributes to H4-K16Ac deacetylation and DNA compaction in human fibroblast cell lines that assemble striking senescence-associated heterochromatin foci (SAHFs. Decreased H4-K16Ac was observed in both replicative and oncogene-induced senescence of these cells. In contrast, this mechanism was inoperative in a fibroblast cell line that did not assemble extensive heterochromatin during senescence. Treatment of senescent cells with trichostatin A, a class I/II histone deacetylase inhibitor, also induced rapid and reversible decondensation of SAHFs. Inhibition of DNA compaction did not significantly affect the stability of the senescent state. Conclusions Variable DNA compaction observed during senescence is explained in part by cell-type specific regulation of H4 deacetylation and HMGA1/2 expression. Deacetylation of H4-K16Ac during senescence may explain reported decreases in this mark during mammalian aging and in cancer cells.

Epigenetics and sex differences in the brain: A genome-wide comparison of histone-3 lysine-4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) in male and female mice.

Science.gov (United States)

Shen, Erica Y; Ahern, Todd H; Cheung, Iris; Straubhaar, Juerg; Dincer, Aslihan; Houston, Isaac; de Vries, Geert J; Akbarian, Schahram; Forger, Nancy G

2015-06-01

Many neurological and psychiatric disorders exhibit gender disparities, and sex differences in the brain likely explain some of these effects. Recent work in rodents points to a role for epigenetics in the development or maintenance of neural sex differences, although genome-wide studies have so far been lacking. Here we review the existing literature on epigenetics and brain sexual differentiation and present preliminary analyses on the genome-wide distribution of histone-3 lysine-4 trimethylation in a sexually dimorphic brain region in male and female mice. H3K4me3 is a histone mark primarily organized as 'peaks' surrounding the transcription start site of active genes. We microdissected the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and preoptic area (BNST/POA) in adult male and female mice and used ChIP-Seq to compare the distribution of H3K4me3 throughout the genome. We found 248 genes and loci with a significant sex difference in H3K4me3. Of these, the majority (71%) had larger H3K4me3 peaks in females. Comparisons with existing databases indicate that genes and loci with increased H3K4me3 in females are associated with synaptic function and with expression atlases from related brain areas. Based on RT-PCR, only a minority of genes with a sex difference in H3K4me3 has detectable sex differences in expression at baseline conditions. Together with previous findings, our data suggest that there may be sex biases in the use of epigenetic marks. Such biases could underlie sex differences in vulnerabilities to drugs or diseases that disrupt specific epigenetic processes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Optically isolated, 2 kHz repetition rate, 4 kV solid-state pulse trigger generator.

Science.gov (United States)

Barnett, D H; Parson, J M; Lynn, C F; Kelly, P M; Taylor, M; Calico, S; Scott, M C; Dickens, J C; Neuber, A A; Mankowski, J J

2015-03-01

This paper presents the design and operation characteristics of a solid-state high voltage pulse generator. Its primary utilization is aimed at triggering a gaseous spark gap with high repeatability. Specifically, the trigger generator is designed to achieve a risetime on the order of 0.1 kV/ns to trigger the first stage, trigatron spark gap of a 10-stage, 500 kV Marx generator. The major design components are comprised of a 60 W constant current DC-DC converter for high voltage charging, a single 4 kV thyristor, a step-up pulse transformer, and magnetic switch for pulse steepening. A risetime of <30 ns and pulse magnitude of 4 kV is achieved matching the simulated performance of the design.

Genetic ablation of the GluK4 kainate receptor subunit causes anxiolytic and antidepressant-like behavior in mice.

Science.gov (United States)

Catches, Justin S; Xu, Jian; Contractor, Anis

2012-03-17

There is a clear link between dysregulation of glutamatergic signaling and mood disorders. Genetic variants in the glutamate receptor gene GRIK4, which encodes the kainate receptor subunit GluK4, alter the susceptibility for depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Here we demonstrate that Grik4(-/-) mice have reduced anxiety and an antidepressant-like phenotype. In the elevated zero-maze, a test for anxiety and risk taking behavior, Grik4(-/-) mice spent significantly more time exploring the open areas of the maze. In anxiogenic tests of marble-burying and novelty-induced suppression of feeding, anxiety-like behavior was consistently reduced in knockout animals. In the forced swim test, a test of learned helplessness that is used to determine depression-like behavior, knockout mice demonstrated significantly less immobility suggesting that Grik4 ablation has an antidepressant-like effect. Finally, in the sucrose preference test, a test for anhedonia in rodents, Grik4(-/-) mice demonstrated increased sucrose preference. Expression of the GluK4 receptor subunit in the forebrain is restricted to the CA3 region of the hippocampus and dentate gyrus regions where KARs are known to modulate synaptic plasticity. We tested whether Grik4 ablation had effects on mossy fiber (MF) plasticity and found there to be a significant impairment in LTP likely through a loss of KAR modulation of excitability of the presynaptic MF axons. These studies demonstrate a clear anxiolytic and antidepressant phenotype associated with ablation of Grik4 and a parallel disruption in hippocampal plasticity, providing support for the importance of this receptor subunit in mood disorders. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Correlation of irradiation-induced transition temperature increases from C sub v and K sub Jc /K sub Ic data

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hiser, A.L. (Materials Engineering Associates, Inc., Lanham, MD (USA))

1990-03-01

Reactor pressure vessel (RPV) surveillance capsules contain Charpy-V (C{sub v}) specimens, but many do not contain fracture toughness specimens; accordingly, the radiation-induced shift (increase) in the brittle-to-ductile transition region ({Delta}T) is based upon the {Delta}T determined from notch ductility (C{sub v}) tests. Since the ASME K{sub Ic} and K{sub IR} reference fracture toughness curves are shifted by the {Delta}T from C{sub v}, assurance that this {Delta}T does not underestimate {Delta}T associated with the actual irradiated fracture toughness is required to provide confidence that safety margins do not fall below assumed levels. To assess this behavior, comparisons of {Delta}T's defined by elastic-plastic fracture toughness and C{sub v} tests have been made using data from RPV base and weld metals in which irradiations were made under test reactor conditions. Using as-measure'' fracture toughness values (K{sub Jc}), average comparisons between {Delta}T(C{sub v}) and {Delta}T(K{sub Jc}) are: (a) All data: {Delta}T(K{sub Jc} 100 MPa{radical}{bar m}) = {Delta}T(C{sub v} 41 J) +10{degree}C; (b) Plates only: {Delta}T(K{sub Jc} 100 MPa{radical}{bar m}) = {Delta}T(C{sub v} 41 J) +15{degree}C; and (c) Welds only: {Delta}T(K{sub Jc} 100 MPa{radical}{bar m}) = {Delta}T(C{sub v} 41 J) {minus}1{degree}C. Fluence rate is found to have no significant effect on the relationship between {Delta}T(C{sub v}) and {Delta}T(K{sub Jc}). 12 refs., 12 figs., 5 tabs.

A 4 K tactical cryocooler using reverse-Brayton machines

Science.gov (United States)

Zagarola, M.; Cragin, K.; McCormick, J.; Hill, R.

2017-12-01

Superconducting electronics and spectral-spatial holography have the potential to revolutionize digital communications, but must operate at cryogenic temperatures, near 4 K. Liquid helium is undesirable for military missions due to logistics and scarcity, and commercial low temperature cryocoolers are unable to meet size, weight, power, and environmental requirements for many missions. To address this need, Creare is developing a reverse turbo-Brayton cryocooler that provides refrigeration at 4.2 K and rejects heat at 77 K to an upper-stage cryocooler or through boil-off of liquid nitrogen. The cooling system is predicted to reduce size, weight, and input power by at least an order of magnitude as compared to the current state-of-the-art 4.2 K cryocooler. For systems utilizing nitrogen boil-off, the boil-off rate is reasonable. This paper reviews the design of the cryocooler, the key components, and component test results.

The Ste20 Family Kinases MAP4K4, MINK1, and TNIK Converge to Regulate Stress-Induced JNK Signaling in Neurons.

Science.gov (United States)

Larhammar, Martin; Huntwork-Rodriguez, Sarah; Rudhard, York; Sengupta-Ghosh, Arundhati; Lewcock, Joseph W

2017-11-15

The c-Jun- N -terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway regulates nervous system development, axon regeneration, and neuronal degeneration after acute injury or in chronic neurodegenerative disease. Dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) is required for stress-induced JNK signaling in neurons, yet the factors that initiate DLK/JNK pathway activity remain poorly defined. In the present study, we identify the Ste20 kinases MAP4K4, misshapen-like kinase 1 (MINK1 or MAP4K6) and TNIK Traf2- and Nck-interacting kinase (TNIK or MAP4K7), as upstream regulators of DLK/JNK signaling in neurons. Using a trophic factor withdrawal-based model of neurodegeneration in both male and female embryonic mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons, we show that MAP4K4, MINK1, and TNIK act redundantly to regulate DLK activation and downstream JNK-dependent phosphorylation of c-Jun in response to stress. Targeting MAP4K4, MINK1, and TNIK, but not any of these kinases individually, is sufficient to protect neurons potently from degeneration. Pharmacological inhibition of MAP4Ks blocks stabilization and phosphorylation of DLK within axons and subsequent retrograde translocation of the JNK signaling complex to the nucleus. These results position MAP4Ks as important regulators of the DLK/JNK signaling pathway. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neuronal degeneration occurs in disparate circumstances: during development to refine neuronal connections, after injury to clear damaged neurons, or pathologically during disease. The dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK)/c-Jun- N -terminal kinase (JNK) pathway represents a conserved regulator of neuronal injury signaling that drives both neurodegeneration and axon regeneration, yet little is known about the factors that initiate DLK activity. Here, we uncover a novel role for a subfamily of MAP4 kinases consisting of MAP4K4, Traf2- and Nck-interacting kinase (TNIK or MAP4K7), and misshapen-like kinase 1 (MINK1 or MAP4K6) in regulating DLK/JNK signaling in neurons. Inhibition of

Study of low vibration 4 K pulse tube cryocoolers

Science.gov (United States)

Xu, Mingyao; Nakano, Kyosuke; Saito, Motokazu; Takayama, Hirokazu; Tsuchiya, Akihiro; Maruyama, Hiroki

2012-06-01

Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. (SHI) has been continuously improving the efficiency and reducing the vibration of a 4 K pulse tube cryocooler. One advantage of a pulse tube cryocooler over a GM cryocooler is low vibration. In order to reduce vibration, both the displacement and the acceleration have to be reduced. The vibration acceleration can be reduced by splitting the valve unit from the cold head. One simple way to reduce vibration displacement is to increase the wall thickness of the tubes on the cylinder. However, heat conduction loss increases while the wall thickness increases. To overcome this dilemma, a novel concept, a tube with non-uniform wall thickness, is proposed. Theoretical analysis of this concept, and the measured vibration results of an SHI lowvibration pulse tube cryocooler, will be introduced in this paper.

New long-zoom lens for 4K super 35mm digital cameras

Science.gov (United States)

Thorpe, Laurence J.; Usui, Fumiaki; Kamata, Ryuhei

2015-05-01

The world of television production is beginning to adopt 4K Super 35 mm (S35) image capture for a widening range of program genres that seek both the unique imaging properties of that large image format and the protection of their program assets in a world anticipating future 4K services. Documentary and natural history production in particular are transitioning to this form of production. The nature of their shooting demands long zoom lenses. In their traditional world of 2/3-inch digital HDTV cameras they have a broad choice in portable lenses - with zoom ranges as high as 40:1. In the world of Super 35mm the longest zoom lens is limited to 12:1 offering a telephoto of 400mm. Canon was requested to consider a significantly longer focal range lens while severely curtailing its size and weight. Extensive computer simulation explored countless combinations of optical and optomechanical systems in a quest to ensure that all operational requests and full 4K performance could be met. The final lens design is anticipated to have applications beyond entertainment production, including a variety of security systems.

Toll-like receptor 4 promotes angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer via PI3K/AKT signaling

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sun, Yunliang; Wu, Congshan; Ma, Jianxia; Yang, Yu; Man, Xiaohua; Wu, Hongyu; Li, Shude

2016-01-01

Deregulation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is closely associated with the progression of various types of cancers, but its role in pancreatic carcinogenesis is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of TLR4 in the angiogenesis of pancreatic cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The culture supernatant (conditioned medium) of PANC-1 cells after appropriate treatment was used for the treatment of HUVECs. The proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs were assessed by MTT, Transwell and Matrigel, respectively. In pancreatic cancer tissues, TLR4, VEGF and CD31 were upregulated as determined by immunohistochemistry and the expression of TLR4 and VEGF was positively correlated with microvessel density as detected by CD31 staining. Activation of TLR4 signaling by LPS in PANC-1 cells resulted in increased VEGF and phosphorylation of AKT, which were abolished by TLR4 silencing with siRNA and PI3K/AKT signaling inhibitor LY294002. The conditioned medium from PANC-1 cells treated with LY294002 or transfected with TRL4 siRNA reduced the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs. In contrast, the conditioned medium from PANC-1 cells treated with LPS stimulated the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs, which was however significantly inhibited by pretreatment of PANC-1 cells with LY294002 or transfection with TRL4 siRNA. Our findings suggest TLR4 may promote angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to induce VEGF expression.

Toll-like receptor 4 promotes angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer via PI3K/AKT signaling

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sun, Yunliang; Wu, Congshan [Department of Gastroenterology, Lianyungang Ganyu People’s Hospital, Ganyu, Jiangsu (China); Ma, Jianxia, E-mail: yz_mjx@163.com [Department of Gastroenterology, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai (China); Yang, Yu [Department of Gastroenterology, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai (China); Man, Xiaohua; Wu, Hongyu; Li, Shude [Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai (China)

2016-10-01

Deregulation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is closely associated with the progression of various types of cancers, but its role in pancreatic carcinogenesis is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of TLR4 in the angiogenesis of pancreatic cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The culture supernatant (conditioned medium) of PANC-1 cells after appropriate treatment was used for the treatment of HUVECs. The proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs were assessed by MTT, Transwell and Matrigel, respectively. In pancreatic cancer tissues, TLR4, VEGF and CD31 were upregulated as determined by immunohistochemistry and the expression of TLR4 and VEGF was positively correlated with microvessel density as detected by CD31 staining. Activation of TLR4 signaling by LPS in PANC-1 cells resulted in increased VEGF and phosphorylation of AKT, which were abolished by TLR4 silencing with siRNA and PI3K/AKT signaling inhibitor LY294002. The conditioned medium from PANC-1 cells treated with LY294002 or transfected with TRL4 siRNA reduced the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs. In contrast, the conditioned medium from PANC-1 cells treated with LPS stimulated the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs, which was however significantly inhibited by pretreatment of PANC-1 cells with LY294002 or transfection with TRL4 siRNA. Our findings suggest TLR4 may promote angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to induce VEGF expression.

H3K27me3 and H3K4me3 chromatin environment at super-induced dehydration stress memory genes of Arabidopsis thaliana.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Ning; Fromm, Michael; Avramova, Zoya

2014-03-01

Pre-exposure to a stress may alter the plant's cellular, biochemical, and/or transcriptional responses during future encounters as a 'memory' from the previous stress. Genes increasing transcription in response to a first dehydration stress, but producing much higher transcript levels in a subsequent stress, represent the super-induced 'transcription memory' genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. The chromatin environment (histone H3 tri-methylations of Lys 4 and Lys 27, H3K4me3, and H3K27me3) studied at five dehydration stress memory genes revealed existence of distinct memory-response subclasses that responded differently to CLF deficiency and displayed different transcriptional activities during the watered recovery periods. Among the most important findings is the novel aspect of the H3K27me3 function observed at specific dehydration stress memory genes. In contrast to its well-known role as a chromatin repressive mechanism at developmentally regulated genes, H3K27me3 did not prevent transcription from the dehydration stress-responding genes. The high H3K27me3 levels present during transcriptionally inactive states did not interfere with the transition to active transcription and with H3K4me3 accumulation. H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 marks function independently and are not mutually exclusive at the dehydration stress-responding memory genes.

Isothermal Reaction of NiO Powder with Undiluted CH4 at 1000 K to 1300 K (727 °C to 1027 °C)

Science.gov (United States)

Altay, Melek Cumbul; Eroglu, Serafettin

2017-08-01

In this study, isothermal reaction behavior of loose NiO powder in a flowing undiluted CH4 atmosphere at the temperature range 1000 K to 1300 K (727 °C to 1027 °C) is investigated. Thermodynamic analyses at this temperature range revealed that single phase Ni forms at the input n_{CH}_{4}^{o} + n_{NiO}^{o}) (n_{CH}_{4}^{{o} + n_{NiO}^{o}) mole fractions ( X_{CH}_{4} ) between 0.2 and 0.5. It was also predicted that free C co-exists with Ni at X_{{{{CH}}_{ 4} }} values higher than 0.5. The experiments were carried out as a function of temperature, time, and CH4 flow rate. Mass measurement, XRD and SEM-EDX were used to characterize the products at various stages of the reaction. At 1200 K and 1300 K (927 °C and 1027 °C), the reaction of NiO with undiluted CH4 essentially consisted of two successive distinct stages: NiO reduction and pyrolytic C deposition on pre-reduced Ni particles. At 1200 K (927 °C), 1100 K (827 °C), and 1000 K (727 °C), complete oxide reduction was observed within 7.5, 17.5, and 45 minutes, respectively. It was suggested that NiO was essentially reduced to Ni by a CH4 decomposition product, H2. Possible reactions leading to NiO reduction were suggested. An attempt was made to describe the NiO reduction kinetics using nucleation-growth and geometrical contraction models. It was observed that the extent of NiO reduction and free C deposition increased with the square root of CH4 flow rate as predicted by a mass transport theory. A mixed controlling mechanism, partly chemical kinetics and partly external gaseous mass transfer, was responsible for the overall reaction rate. The present study demonstrated that the extent of the reduction can be determined quantitatively using the XRD patterns and also using a formula theoretically derived from the basic XRD data.

Morphed and moving: TNFα-driven motility promotes cell dissemination through MAP4K4-induced cytoskeleton remodeling

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Min Ma

2014-04-01

Full Text Available Cell dissemination from an initial site of growth is a highly coordinated and controlled process that depends on cell motility. The mechanistic principles that orchestrate cell motility, namely cell shape control, traction and force generation, are highly conserved between cells of different origins. Correspondingly, the molecular mechanisms that regulate these critical aspects of migrating cells are likely functionally conserved too. Thus, cell motility deregulation of unrelated pathogenesis could be caused and maintained by similar mechanistic principles. One such motility deregulation disorder is the leukoproliferative cattle disease Tropical Theileriosis, which is caused by the intracellular, protozoan parasite Theileria annulata. T. annulata transforms its host cell and promotes the dissemination of parasite-infected cells throughout the body of the host. An analogous condition with a fundamentally different pathogenesis is metastatic cancer, where oncogenically transformed cells disseminate from the primary tumor to form distant metastases. Common to both diseases is the dissemination of motile cells from the original site. However, unlike metastatic cancer, host cell transformation by Theileria parasites can be reverted by drug treatment and cell signaling be analyzed under transformed and non-transformed conditions. We have used this reversible transformation model and investigated parasite control of host cell motile properties in the context of inflammatory signaling in Ma M. et al. [PLoS Pathog (2014 10: e1004003]. We found that parasite infection promotes the production of the inflammatory cytokine TNFα in the host macrophage. We demonstrated that increased TNFα triggers motile and invasive properties by enhancing actin cytoskeleton remodeling and cell motility through the ser/thr kinase MAP4K4. We concluded that inflammatory conditions resulting in increased TNFα could facilitate cell dissemination by activating the actin

Control system for a heavy-ion accelerator complex K4 - K10

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kotov, V.M.; Pose, R.

1992-01-01

Control systems for newly created accelerators, perhaps for the first time, may be designed almost only around international standards for communication and control techniques. This is also true for the project of a control system for the accelerator complex K4-K10 at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research Dubna. Nevertheless, open systems architecture with construction principles being essential for modern systems of such big devices as particle accelerators leaves designers enough possibilities for solving even very sophisticated problems. (author)

Changes in the corneal Na-K ATPase levels in eyes stored in moist chamber at 4°C

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Devi B

1996-01-01

Full Text Available This report deals with a chronological measurement of Na-K ATPase enzyme activity in human and bovine corneas stored in a moist chamber at 4°C. Paired human and bovine eyes were sterilized by the standard eye bank procedure and stored up to 6 days. At the desired time, the corneal endothelium was assayed for Na-K ATPase activity. The protein content of each tissue sample was also determined. In a parallel set of experiments, the viability of identical stored corneas was determined by trypan blue and alizarin red staining technique, and morphometric analysis was done to quantify the extent of the corneal endothelial damage. The human corneas showed that there was a significant progressive decrease in the Na-K ATPase activity as the storage time increased. The decrease was related to morphological endothelial damage.

Quantification of Na+,K+ pumps and their transport rate in skeletal muscle: Functional significance

Science.gov (United States)

2013-01-01

During excitation, muscle cells gain Na+ and lose K+, leading to a rise in extracellular K+ ([K+]o), depolarization, and loss of excitability. Recent studies support the idea that these events are important causes of muscle fatigue and that full use of the Na+,K+-ATPase (also known as the Na+,K+ pump) is often essential for adequate clearance of extracellular K+. As a result of their electrogenic action, Na+,K+ pumps also help reverse depolarization arising during excitation, hyperkalemia, and anoxia, or from cell damage resulting from exercise, rhabdomyolysis, or muscle diseases. The ability to evaluate Na+,K+-pump function and the capacity of the Na+,K+ pumps to fill these needs require quantification of the total content of Na+,K+ pumps in skeletal muscle. Inhibition of Na+,K+-pump activity, or a decrease in their content, reduces muscle contractility. Conversely, stimulation of the Na+,K+-pump transport rate or increasing the content of Na+,K+ pumps enhances muscle excitability and contractility. Measurements of [3H]ouabain binding to skeletal muscle in vivo or in vitro have enabled the reproducible quantification of the total content of Na+,K+ pumps in molar units in various animal species, and in both healthy people and individuals with various diseases. In contrast, measurements of 3-O-methylfluorescein phosphatase activity associated with the Na+,K+-ATPase may show inconsistent results. Measurements of Na+ and K+ fluxes in intact isolated muscles show that, after Na+ loading or intense excitation, all the Na+,K+ pumps are functional, allowing calculation of the maximum Na+,K+-pumping capacity, expressed in molar units/g muscle/min. The activity and content of Na+,K+ pumps are regulated by exercise, inactivity, K+ deficiency, fasting, age, and several hormones and pharmaceuticals. Studies on the α-subunit isoforms of the Na+,K+-ATPase have detected a relative increase in their number in response to exercise and the glucocorticoid dexamethasone but have not

Quantification of Na+,K+ pumps and their transport rate in skeletal muscle: functional significance.

Science.gov (United States)

Clausen, Torben

2013-10-01

During excitation, muscle cells gain Na(+) and lose K(+), leading to a rise in extracellular K(+) ([K(+)]o), depolarization, and loss of excitability. Recent studies support the idea that these events are important causes of muscle fatigue and that full use of the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase (also known as the Na(+),K(+) pump) is often essential for adequate clearance of extracellular K(+). As a result of their electrogenic action, Na(+),K(+) pumps also help reverse depolarization arising during excitation, hyperkalemia, and anoxia, or from cell damage resulting from exercise, rhabdomyolysis, or muscle diseases. The ability to evaluate Na(+),K(+)-pump function and the capacity of the Na(+),K(+) pumps to fill these needs require quantification of the total content of Na(+),K(+) pumps in skeletal muscle. Inhibition of Na(+),K(+)-pump activity, or a decrease in their content, reduces muscle contractility. Conversely, stimulation of the Na(+),K(+)-pump transport rate or increasing the content of Na(+),K(+) pumps enhances muscle excitability and contractility. Measurements of [(3)H]ouabain binding to skeletal muscle in vivo or in vitro have enabled the reproducible quantification of the total content of Na(+),K(+) pumps in molar units in various animal species, and in both healthy people and individuals with various diseases. In contrast, measurements of 3-O-methylfluorescein phosphatase activity associated with the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase may show inconsistent results. Measurements of Na(+) and K(+) fluxes in intact isolated muscles show that, after Na(+) loading or intense excitation, all the Na(+),K(+) pumps are functional, allowing calculation of the maximum Na(+),K(+)-pumping capacity, expressed in molar units/g muscle/min. The activity and content of Na(+),K(+) pumps are regulated by exercise, inactivity, K(+) deficiency, fasting, age, and several hormones and pharmaceuticals. Studies on the α-subunit isoforms of the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase have detected a relative increase in their

Two K versus 4 K storage phosphor chest radiography: detection performance and image quality

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Koelblinger, Claus; Prokop, Mathias; Weber, Michael; Sailer, Johannes; Cartes-Zumelzu, Fabiola; Schaefer-Prokop, Cornelia

2007-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of matrix size (4-K versus 2-K) in digital storage phosphor chest radiographs on image quality and on the detection of CT-proven thoracic abnormalities. In 85 patients who underwent a CT of the thorax, we obtained two additional posteroanterior

Enhanced capacity and stability of K_2FeO_4 cathode with poly(3-hexylthiophene) coating for alkaline super-iron battery

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, Suqin; Wang, Yaoyao; Chen, Shuiliang; Hou, Haoqing; Li, Hongbo

2016-01-01

Highlights: • Conductive polymer coating allows improving capacity and stability of K_2FeO_4. • P3HT-coated K_2FeO_4 is prepared. • High capacity is recorded after storing 6 h (314 mAh g"−"1) for P3HT-coated K_2FeO_4. • Partly oxidized P3HT coating is formed due to the reaction between P3HT and K_2FeO_4. • The mechanism of improving capacity and stability of K_2FeO_4 is proposed. - Abstract: Poly(3-hexylthiophene)-coated K_2FeO_4 (K_2FeO_4@P3HT) was prepared to enhance capacity and stability of K_2FeO_4. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) were performed to characterize K_2FeO_4@P3HT. Discharge performance results showed that the Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) coating layer enhanced the capacity of the K_2FeO_4 in 10 mol L"−"1 KOH electrolyte. K_2FeO_4@P3HT-1% electrode showed a high discharge capacity of 351 mAh g"−"1, about 13% increase comparing to the K_2FeO_4 electrode. Moreover, the stability of K_2FeO_4 electrode was obviously enhanced by P3HT coating, and the discharge capacity of the electrode which was stored in electrolyte for 6 h was improved to 314 mAh g"−"1, increasing about 22.6% compared to that of 314 mAh g"−"1. These desirable properties can be attributed to the in-situ formation of two-layer film on the surface of K_2FeO_4 crystal, which keep electrolyte from directly contacting with K_2FeO_4 and reduce the resistance of charge transfer.

Synthesis of anhydrous K2TiOF4 via a mild hydrothermal method

Science.gov (United States)

Felder, Justin B.; Yeon, Jeongho; zur Loye, Hans-Conrad

2015-10-01

The synthesis of anhydrous K2TiOF4 has been previously attempted by transforming precursor compounds, such as the peroxide (K2Ti(O2)F4), hydrate (K2TiOF4·H2O) and fluoride (K2TiF6). Due to the large structural differences between these precursors and the anhydrous oxyfluorides, however, these preparations have been unsuccessful. Therefore, a direct method of synthesis has been employed to grow single crystals of K2TiOF4 that were characterized by single crystal x-ray diffraction. K2TiOF4 was found to be isostructural with the previously known K2VOF4.

Enhancer-associated H3K4 monomethylation by Trithorax-related, the Drosophila homolog of mammalian Mll3/Mll4.

Science.gov (United States)

Herz, Hans-Martin; Mohan, Man; Garruss, Alexander S; Liang, Kaiwei; Takahashi, Yoh-Hei; Mickey, Kristen; Voets, Olaf; Verrijzer, C Peter; Shilatifard, Ali

2012-12-01

Monomethylation of histone H3 on Lys 4 (H3K4me1) and acetylation of histone H3 on Lys 27 (H3K27ac) are histone modifications that are highly enriched over the body of actively transcribed genes and on enhancers. Although in yeast all H3K4 methylation patterns, including H3K4me1, are implemented by Set1/COMPASS (complex of proteins associated with Set1), there are three classes of COMPASS-like complexes in Drosophila that could carry out H3K4me1 on enhancers: dSet1, Trithorax, and Trithorax-related (Trr). Here, we report that Trr, the Drosophila homolog of the mammalian Mll3/4 COMPASS-like complexes, can function as a major H3K4 monomethyltransferase on enhancers in vivo. Loss of Trr results in a global decrease of H3K4me1 and H3K27ac levels in various tissues. Assays with the cut wing margin enhancer implied a functional role for Trr in enhancer-mediated processes. A genome-wide analysis demonstrated that Trr is required to maintain the H3K4me1 and H3K27ac chromatin signature that resembles the histone modification patterns described for enhancers. Furthermore, studies in the mammalian system suggested a role for the Trr homolog Mll3 in similar processes. Since Trr and mammalian Mll3/4 complexes are distinguished by bearing a unique subunit, the H3K27 demethylase UTX, we propose a model in which the H3K4 monomethyltransferases Trr/Mll3/Mll4 and the H3K27 demethylase UTX cooperate to regulate the transition from inactive/poised to active enhancers.

Shal/K(v4 channels are required for maintaining excitability during repetitive firing and normal locomotion in Drosophila.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yong Ping

2011-01-01

Full Text Available Rhythmic behaviors, such as walking and breathing, involve the coordinated activity of central pattern generators in the CNS, sensory feedback from the PNS, to motoneuron output to muscles. Unraveling the intrinsic electrical properties of these cellular components is essential to understanding this coordinated activity. Here, we examine the significance of the transient A-type K(+ current (I(A, encoded by the highly conserved Shal/K(v4 gene, in neuronal firing patterns and repetitive behaviors. While I(A is present in nearly all neurons across species, elimination of I(A has been complicated in mammals because of multiple genes underlying I(A, and/or electrical remodeling that occurs in response to affecting one gene.In Drosophila, the single Shal/K(v4 gene encodes the predominant I(A current in many neuronal cell bodies. Using a transgenically expressed dominant-negative subunit (DNK(v4, we show that I(A is completely eliminated from cell bodies, with no effect on other currents. Most notably, DNK(v4 neurons display multiple defects during prolonged stimuli. DNK(v4 neurons display shortened latency to firing, a lower threshold for repetitive firing, and a progressive decrement in AP amplitude to an adapted state. We record from identified motoneurons and show that Shal/K(v4 channels are similarly required for maintaining excitability during repetitive firing. We then examine larval crawling, and adult climbing and grooming, all behaviors that rely on repetitive firing. We show that all are defective in the absence of Shal/K(v4 function. Further, knock-out of Shal/K(v4 function specifically in motoneurons significantly affects the locomotion behaviors tested.Based on our results, Shal/K(v4 channels regulate the initiation of firing, enable neurons to continuously fire throughout a prolonged stimulus, and also influence firing frequency. This study shows that Shal/K(v4 channels play a key role in repetitively firing neurons during prolonged

Prognostic significance of XRCC4 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma

Science.gov (United States)

Huang, Xiao-Ying; Yao, Jin-Guang; Wang, Chao; Wei, Zhong-Hong; Ma, Yun; Wu, Xue-Min; Luo, Chun-Ying; Xia, Qiang; Long, Xi-Dai

2017-01-01

Background Our previous investigations have shown that the variants of X-ray repair complementing 4 (XRCC4) may be involved in hepatocellular carcinoma (hepatocarcinoma) tumorigenesis. This study aimed to investigate the possible prognostic significance of XRCC4 expression for hepatocarcinoma patients and possible value for the selection of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatment. Materials and Methods We conducted a hospital-based retrospective analysis (including 421 hepatocarcinoma cases) to analyze the effects of XRCC4 on hepatocarcinoma prognosis and TACE. The levels of XRCC4 expression were tested using immunohistochemistry. The sensitivity of cancer cells to anti-cancer drug doxorubicin was evaluated using the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Results XRCC4 expression was significantly correlated with pathological features including tumor stage, liver cirrhosis, and micro-vessel density. XRCC4 expression was an independent prognostic factor of hepatocarcinoma, and TACE treatments had no effects on prognosis of hepatocarcinoma patients with high XRCC4 expression. More intriguingly, TACE improved the prognosis of hepatocarcinoma patients with low XRCC4 expression. Functionally, XRCC4 overexpression increased while XRCC4 knockdown reduced the IC50 of cancer cells to doxorubicin. Conclusions These results suggest that XRCC4 may be an independent prognostic factor for hepatocarcinoma patients, and that decreasing XRCC4 expression may be beneficial for post-operative adjuvant TACE treatment in hepatocarcinoma. PMID:29152133

[Clinical Significance and Mechanism of PI3K p110β Overexpression
 in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer].

Science.gov (United States)

Xiong, Yan; Qu, Linlin; Li, Dong; Wang, Ying; Li, Ting

2017-12-20

Phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) pathway is one of the most important pathway in cells, which plays an important role in proliferation, growth, differentiation and mobility of cells. The aberrant activation of PI3K pathway was exsited in 50%-70% cases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As the key point in PI3K pathway, expression of PI3K plays a critical role in activity of the pathway, which is closely related with the initiation and development of NSCLC, furthermore with the response of tumor to target treatment. Our study is to analyze the clinical significance and mechanism of PI3K p110β overexpression in NSCLC. Expression of p110β and other proteins in PI3K pathway were detected by immunohistochemistry in 170 cases of NSCLC. Correlation between expression of p110β and clinicopathological characteristics of patients as well as expression of other proteins in PI3K pathway was analyzed. In 170 NSCLC, overexpression of p110β was found in 41.8% of cases. Correlation between overexpression of p110β and Ki 67 index was significant (P=0.040). No significant difference of p110 expression were observed among different cohorts of gender, age, smoking status, classification, grade and stage (P>0.05). Correlation between expression of p110β and other proteins in PI3K pathway was various, positively correlated with PTEN loss (P0.05). Overexpression of p110β is frequently detected in NSCLC. It is closely related with PTEN loss NSCLC, which shows that it plays an important role in maintaining and developing of tumors driven by PTEN loss. It initiates the proliferation of tumor cells in NSCLC without phosphorylating Akt. PIK3CB mutation is not the major cause of overexpression of p110β. Dysregulation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) doesn't show potential of increasing p110β level in cancer tissue, furthermore the expression of p110β in tumors with EGFR mutation is lower than in tumors without EGFR mutation.

Thermoluminescence and glow curves analysis of γ-exposed Eu3+ doped K3Y(PO4)2 nanophosphors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gupta, Palvi; Bedyal, A.K.; Kumar, Vinay; Singh, Vivek K.; Khajuria, Y.; Ntwaeaborwa, O.M.; Swart, H.C.

2016-01-01

Highlights: • First time, a detailed comparative study of the glow curves and kinetic parameters was made on K 3 Y(PO 4 ) 2 nanophosphor. • Combustion method was employed to synthesize the Eu 3+ doped K 3 Y(PO 4 ) 2 nanophosphor. • The nanophosphor exhibited sublinear response suggesting that it is suitable for TL dosimetry. - Abstract: Eu 3+ doped K 3 Y(PO 4 ) 2 nanophosphor was synthesized by combustion synthesis using urea as a fuel. The crystal structure and particle morphology of the nanophosphor were investigated by using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. A Thermoluminescence (TL) study was carried out after exposing the samples to gamma radiation. The TL glow curves exhibited a prominent peak at 407 K and a small hump at 478 K. The intensity of the peaks increased with the increase in the dose of the gamma rays (0.01–5 kGy). The K 3 Y(PO 4 ) 2 : Eu 3+ (2.5 mol%) nanophosphor exhibited sublinear TL response to γ-radiation over a wide range of gamma doses (0.01–5 kGy). The TLanal program was used to analyze the glow curves of the K 3 Y(PO 4 ) 2 nanophosphor at different doses (0.2–5 kGy) and different heating rates (3–10 K/s). A comparative study was done for kinetic trapping parameters that were determined by the peak shape methods of Chen, Grossweiner and Lushchik. The frequency factors (s) for each glow peak were also calculated. The values of the activation energy (E) obtained by the TLanal program were in good agreement with those obtained by the peak shape methods. The effect of different amount of doses and different heating rates are discussed.

Strength of metallic glasses at 4.2-300 K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tabachnikova, E.D.

1987-01-01

Investigation into temperature dependence of metallic glass strength (Ni 78 Si 8 B 14 ; Fe 40 Ni 38 Mo 4 B 18 ; Fe 25 Ni 55 Si 10 B 1 0 ; Fe 61 Co 20 Si 4 B 15 ) is conducted within 300-4.2 K temperature interval. By the character of σ (T) x dependence and fracture mode the alloys investigated are subdivided into two groups. In 1 group alloys the fracture up to 4.2 K has the character typical of ductile fracture. In the second group alloys fracture acquires brittle character with the temperature decrease

PENGETAHUAN DAN SIKAP IBU HAMIL TERHADAP PERENCANAAN PERTOLONGAN PERSALINAN DAN PENCEGAHAN KOMPLIKASI (P4K

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Erni Yuliastuti

2015-09-01

Full Text Available Abstract: Relation Of Knowledge And Attitudes Pregnant With The Delivery Assistance Planning And Prevention Of Complication (P4K. Research aimed was analyze the correlation between knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women with labor planning and prevention of complication. The research method used observational analytic with cross-sectional approach. The research population was 301 pregnant women who were in the working area of Pasar Sabtu Public Health Centre. The sample in the research was 44 respondents who taken purposive sampling on the inclusion criteria. Bivariate analysis with Chi-Square. The result of research showed 56,8% in favor of nonhealth worker as helpers labor force, the majority (79,5% had a good knowledge and 54,5% had a negative attitude. Chi-Square test found no correlation between the level of knowledge with P4K (p=0,056, there was a significant correlation between attitudes to P4K (p=0.000. it is concluded that maternal attitudes related to P4K. Keywords : labour planning, knowledge, attitude Abstrak : Pengetahuan Dan Sikap Ibu Hamil terhadap Perencanaan Pertolongan Persalinan Dan Pencegahan Komplikasi (P4K. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis hubungan pengetahuan dan sikap ibu hamil dengan perencanaan persalinan dan pencegahan komplikasi. Metode penelitian menggunakan observasional analitik dengan pendekatan Cross sectional. Populasi penelitian adalah seluruh ibu hamil yang berada di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Pasar Sabtu sebanyak 301 orang. Sampel berjumlah 44 orang dipilih secara purposive berdasarkan kriteria inklusi. Analisis bivariat menggunakan uji Chi-square. Hasil penelitian didapatkan 56,8% memilih non nakes sebagai tenaga penolong persalinannya, sebagian besar (79,5% memiliki tingkat pengetahuan baik dan 54,5,% mempunyai sikap negatif. Uji Chi-square didapatkan tidak ada hubungan antara tingkat pengetahuan dengan P4K (p= 0.056, ada hubungan antara sikap dengan P4K (p=0,000. Disimpulkan bahwa sikap ibu

Pyroelectric Properties of Potassium and Rubidium Titanyl-Arsenate Single Crystals in the Temperature Range of 4.2-300 K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shaldin, Yu. V.; Matyjasik, S.; Novikova, N. E.; Tseitlin, M.; Mozhaev, E.; Roth, M.

2010-01-01

The temperature dependences of the pyroelectric coefficients of KTiOAsO 4 and RbTiOAsO 4 single crystals grown by flux crystallization have been investigated in the temperature range of 4.2-300 K. With an increase in temperature, superionic conductivity first arises in KTiOAsO4 (at T > 200 K) and then (at T > 270 K) in RbTiOAsO 4 . This conductivity is much higher in the samples polarized at T = 4.2 K. An exponential change in the crystal resistivity along the polar direction is simultaneously observed. The results of measurements in the range of 4.2-200 K indicate larger values of pyroelectric coefficients when compared with potassium and rubidium titanyl-phosphate crystals. A correlation between the pyroelectric coefficients and a change in the lattice constants at isomorphic substitutions of K atoms for Rb and P atoms for As has been revealed within the symmetry approach.

Pyroelectric Properties of Potassium and Rubidium Titanyl-Arsenate Single Crystals in the Temperature Range of 4.2-300 K

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shaldin, Yu. V., E-mail: yuri1999@rambler.ru [Russian Academy of Sciences, Shubnikov Institute of Crystallography (Russian Federation); Matyjasik, S. [International Laboratory of Strong Magnetic Fields and Low Temperatures (Poland); Novikova, N. E. [Russian Academy of Sciences, Shubnikov Institute of Crystallography (Russian Federation); Tseitlin, M.; Mozhaev, E. [Ariel University Center of Samaria (Israel); Roth, M. [Hebrew University, School of Applied Sciences (Israel)

2010-11-15

The temperature dependences of the pyroelectric coefficients of KTiOAsO{sub 4} and RbTiOAsO{sub 4} single crystals grown by flux crystallization have been investigated in the temperature range of 4.2-300 K. With an increase in temperature, superionic conductivity first arises in KTiOAsO4 (at T > 200 K) and then (at T > 270 K) in RbTiOAsO{sub 4}. This conductivity is much higher in the samples polarized at T = 4.2 K. An exponential change in the crystal resistivity along the polar direction is simultaneously observed. The results of measurements in the range of 4.2-200 K indicate larger values of pyroelectric coefficients when compared with potassium and rubidium titanyl-phosphate crystals. A correlation between the pyroelectric coefficients and a change in the lattice constants at isomorphic substitutions of K atoms for Rb and P atoms for As has been revealed within the symmetry approach.

Gas revenue increasingly significant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Megill, R.E.

1991-01-01

This paper briefly describes the wellhead prices of natural gas compared to crude oil over the past 70 years. Although natural gas prices have never reached price parity with crude oil, the relative value of a gas BTU has been increasing. It is one of the reasons that the total amount of money coming from natural gas wells is becoming more significant. From 1920 to 1955 the revenue at the wellhead for natural gas was only about 10% of the money received by producers. Most of the money needed for exploration, development, and production came from crude oil. At present, however, over 40% of the money from the upstream portion of the petroleum industry is from natural gas. As a result, in a few short years natural gas may become 50% of the money revenues generated from wellhead production facilities

N=4 superconformal bootstrap of the K3 CFT

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lin, Ying-Hsuan; Shao, Shu-Heng [Jefferson Physical Laboratory, Harvard University,17 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 (United States); Simmons-Duffin, David [School of Natural Sciences, Institute for Advanced Study,1 Einstein Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540 (United States); Wang, Yifan [Center for Theoretical Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology,77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 (United States); Yin, Xi [Jefferson Physical Laboratory, Harvard University,17 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 (United States)

2017-05-23

We study two-dimensional (4,4) superconformal field theories of central charge c=6, corresponding to nonlinear sigma models on K3 surfaces, using the superconformal bootstrap. This is made possible through a surprising relation between the BPS N=4 superconformal blocks with c=6 and bosonic Virasoro conformal blocks with c=28, and an exact result on the moduli dependence of a certain integrated BPS 4-point function. Nontrivial bounds on the non-BPS spectrum in the K3 CFT are obtained as functions of the CFT moduli, that interpolate between the free orbifold points and singular CFT points. We observe directly from the CFT perspective the signature of a continuous spectrum above a gap at the singular moduli, and find numerically an upper bound on this gap that is saturated by the A{sub 1}N=4 cigar CFT. We also derive an analytic upper bound on the first nonzero eigenvalue of the scalar Laplacian on K3 in the large volume regime, that depends on the K3 moduli data. As two byproducts, we find an exact equivalence between a class of BPS N=2 superconformal blocks and Virasoro conformal blocks in two dimensions, and an upper bound on the four-point functions of operators of sufficiently low scaling dimension in three and four dimensional CFTs.

With a 2k-ADC to 4k-spectrometry via two biased amplifiers

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Goerner, W; Kleeberg, H [Zentralinstitut fuer Kernforschung, Rossendorf bei Dresden (German Democratic Republic)

1978-01-12

In order to obtain the double digital spread in high resolution nuclear spectrometry, two biased amplifiers were linked in parallel mode to the 10 V-input of a 2k-ADC. The arrangement works like a hybrid (1 bit scale - 11 bits Wilkinson) converter. A careful adjustment of the two bias levels (approximately 0V and approximately 6V) and the post-amplification (approximately 2) delivered a good linearity of the 4k-spectrum.

Flux-coherent series SQUID array magnetometers operating above 77 K with superior white flux noise than single-SQUIDs at 4.2 K

Science.gov (United States)

Chesca, Boris; John, Daniel; Mellor, Christopher J.

2015-10-01

A very promising direction to improve the sensitivity of magnetometers based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) is to build a series-array of N non-interacting SQUIDs operating flux-coherently, because in this case their voltage modulation depth, ΔV, linearly scales with N whereas the white flux noise SΦ1/2 decreases as 1/N1/2. Here, we report the realization of both these improvements in an advanced layout of very large SQUID arrays made of YBa2Cu3O7. Specially designed with large area narrow flux focusers for increased field sensitivity and improved flux-coherency, our arrays have extremely low values for SΦ1/2 between (0.25 and 0.44) μΦ0/Hz1/2 for temperatures in the range (77-83) K. In this respect, they outperform niobium/aluminium trilayer technology-based single-SQUIDs operating at 4.2 K. Moreover, with values for ΔV and transimpedance in the range of (10-17) mV and (0.3-2.5) kΩ, respectively, a direct connection to a low-noise room temperature amplifier is allowed, while matching for such readout is simplified and the available bandwidth is greatly increased. These landmark performances suggest such series SQUID arrays are ideal candidates to replace single-SQUIDs operating at 4.2 K in many applications.

Ursolic acid increases glucose uptake through the PI3K signaling pathway in adipocytes.

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Yonghan He

Full Text Available BACKGROUND: Ursolic acid (UA, a triterpenoid compound, is reported to have a glucose-lowering effect. However, the mechanisms are not fully understood. Adipose tissue is one of peripheral tissues that collectively control the circulating glucose levels. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to determine the effect and further the mechanism of action of UA in adipocytes. METHODS AND RESULTS: The 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were induced to differentiate and treated with different concentrations of UA. NBD-fluorescent glucose was used as the tracer to measure glucose uptake and Western blotting used to determine the expression and activity of proteins involved in glucose transport. It was found that 2.5, 5 and 10 µM of UA promoted glucose uptake in a dose-dependent manner (17%, 29% and 35%, respectively. 10 µM UA-induced glucose uptake with insulin stimulation was completely blocked by the phosphatidylinositol (PI 3-kinase (PI3K inhibitor wortmannin (1 µM, but not by SB203580 (10 µM, the inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK, or compound C (2.5 µM, the inhibitor of AMP-activated kinase (AMPK inhibitor. Furthermore, the downstream protein activities of the PI3K pathway, phosphoinositide-dependent kinase (PDK and phosphoinositide-dependent serine/threoninekinase (AKT were increased by 10 µM of UA in the presence of insulin. Interestingly, the activity of AS160 and protein kinase C (PKC and the expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4 were stimulated by 10 µM of UA under either the basal or insulin-stimulated status. Moreover, the translocation of GLUT4 from cytoplasm to cell membrane was increased by UA but decreased when the PI3K inhibitor was applied. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that UA stimulates glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes through the PI3K pathway, providing important information regarding the mechanism of action of UA for its anti-diabetic effect.

Two-week inhalation of budesonide increases muscle Na,K ATPase content but not endurance in response to terbutaline in men.

Science.gov (United States)

Hostrup, M; Jessen, S; Onslev, J; Clausen, T; Porsbjerg, C

2017-07-01

While chronic systemic administration of glucocorticoids increases muscle Na + ,K + ATPase content, such effect is unexplored after therapeutic inhalation. We investigated the effect of therapeutic inhalation of the glucocorticoid budesonide on Na + ,K + ATPase content of skeletal muscle in men. Ten healthy trained subjects, aged 23 ± 4 years (mean ± 95% CI), participated in the study. Before and after 2 weeks of daily inhalation of budesonide (1.6 mg/day), a biopsy was taken from the vastus lateralis muscle for measurement of Na + ,K + ATPase content and blood samples were drawn for determination of plasma budesonide, cortisol, and K + . Subjects' performance during cycling to fatigue at 90% of incremental peak power output (iPPO) was measured in response to 4 mg inhaled terbutaline to maximally stimulate Na + ,K + ATPase activity. Plasma concentrations of budesonide rose to 5.0 ± 1.6 nM with the intervention, whereas no changes were observed in plasma cortisol. Muscle Na + ,K + ATPase content increased (P ≤ 0.01) by 46 ± 34 pmol/(g wet wt) (17% increase) with the intervention. Cycling performance at 90% of iPPO did not change (P = 0.21) with the intervention (203 vs 214 s) in response to terbutaline. The present observations show that therapeutic inhalation of glucocorticoids increases muscle Na + ,K + ATPase content, but does not enhance high-intensity cycling endurance in response to terbutaline. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Enhancer-associated H3K4 monomethylation by trithorax-related, the drosophila homolog of mammalian MLL3/MLL4

NARCIS (Netherlands)

H.-M. Herz (Hans-Martin); M. Mohan (Man); A.S. Garruss (Alexander); K. Liang (Kaiwei); Y.-H. Takahashi (Yoh-hei); K. Mickey (Kristen); O. Voets (Olaf); C.P. Verrijzer (Peter); A. Shilatifard (Ali)

2012-01-01

textabstractMonomethylation of histone H3 on Lys 4 (H3K4me1) and acetylation of histone H3 on Lys 27 (H3K27ac) are histone modifications that are highly enriched over the body of actively transcribed genes and on enhancers. Although in yeast all H3K4 methylation patterns, including H3K4me1, are

Atrial Na,K-ATPase increase and potassium dysregulation accentuate the risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Tran, Cao Thach; Schmidt, Thomas Andersen; Christensen, John Brochorst

2009-01-01

BACKGROUND: Postoperative atrial fibrillation is a common complication to cardiac surgery. Na,K-ATPase is of major importance for the resting membrane potential and action potential. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the importance of Na,K-ATPase concentrations in human atrial...... biopsies and plasma potassium concentrations for the development of atrial fibrillation. METHODS: Atrial myocardial biopsies were obtained from 67 patients undergoing open chest cardiac surgery. Na,K-ATPase was quantified using vanadate-facilitated 3H-ouabain binding. Plasma potassium concentration....../g wet weight (n = 33), p = 0.03]. Also with multivariable analysis, 3H-ouabain-binding site concentration was significantly associated with the development of atrial fibrillation. High increase in plasma potassium concentration during the perioperative period and surgery was associated...

Low Amount of Salinomycin Greatly Increases Akt Activation, but Reduces Activated p70S6K Levels

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sungpil Yoon

2013-08-01

Full Text Available The present study identified a novel salinomycin (Sal-sensitization mechanism in cancer cells. We analyzed the signal proteins Akt, Jnk, p38, Jak, and Erk1/2 in cancer cell lines that had arrested growth following low amounts of Sal treatment. We also tested the signal molecules PI3K, PDK1, GSK3β, p70S6K, mTOR, and PTEN to analyze the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. The results showed that Sal sensitization positively correlates with large reductions in p70S6K activation. Interestingly, Akt was the only signal protein to be significantly activated by Sal treatment. The Akt activation appeared to require the PI3K pathway as its activation was abolished by the PI3K inhibitors LY294002 and wortmannin. The Akt activation by Sal was conserved in the other cell lines analyzed, which originated from other organs. Both Akt activation and C-PARP production were proportionally increased with increased doses of Sal. In addition, the increased levels of pAkt were not reduced over the time course of the experiment. Co-treatment with Akt inhibitors sensitized the Sal-treated cancer cells. The results thereby suggest that Akt activation is increased in cells that survive Sal treatment and resist the cytotoxic effect of Sal. Taken together; these results indicate that Akt activation may promote the resistance of cancer cells to Sal.

Phosphotungstic acid binding in situ to K4Nb6O17 for the effective adsorption-photocatalytic removal of tetracycline

Science.gov (United States)

Gu, Huimin; Lang, Junyu; Ma, Yuli; Gu, Huayu; Song, Yanyong; Chai, Zhanli; Li, Guangshe; Wang, Xiaojing

2018-05-01

In this investigation, phosphotungstic acid (H3PW12O40) was successfully self-assembly implanted into the interspace of K4Nb6O17 nanosheet via an impregnation method to form an adsorption-photocatalytic composite, in which n-type semiconductor K4Nb6O17 was selected as photo-electron emitter and H3PW12O40 was particularly used as an electronic transmitter. By characterizing with X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission (TEM), scan electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and FT-IR spectrum (FT-IR), it confirmed that H3PW12O40 (HPW) was converted to the insoluble tiny particles of K3PW12O40 (KPW) with the remained primary Keggin group via an ion-exchanged H+ of HPW with K+ in K4Nb6O17 in the implanted process and was firmly bound to the surface of K4Nb6O17 to form well sandwich structure. UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy revealed that the band gap of K4Nb6O17-K3PW12O40 have a slight red shift compared with the single K4Nb6O17. Its adsorption-photocatalytic properties were evaluated with the removal of tetracycline as model reaction. Compared with pure K4Nb6O17, tetracycline removal rate can be significantly improved for the as-prepared sandwich. Importantly, the removal could still maintain 70% after five reuses in recycle tests at an acidic solution, inferring a good stability which was mainly ascribed to the formation of water-insoluble K3PW12O40. The separation and transfer process of photogenerated electrons were investigated by surface photovoltage spectroscopy (SPV). It proposed that the KPW anchored firmly on the interlayers of K4Nb6O17 through a O-K-O bridge plays a significantly role in promoting the separation of the photogenerated carriers and preventing the leakage and agglomeration of HPW. The present results showed that the strategy of the phosphotungstic acid binding in situ to K4Nb6O17 was favorable to promote the hetero-photocatalytic efficiency as well as reusability. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Repdigits in k-Lucas sequences

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Since the function x ↦→ x/ log x is increasing for all x>e, it is easy to check that the inequality x log x. < A implies x < 2A log A, whenever A ≥ 3. Thus, taking A := 1.2 × 1013 k4 log2 k, inequality (14) yields n − 1 < 2 (1.2 × 1013k4 log2 k) log(1.2 × 1013 k4 log2 k). < (2.4 × 1013k4 log2 k)(31 + 4 log k + 2 log log k).

IMPLEMENTATION BIRTH PLANNING AND COMPLICATIONS PREVENTIONS PROGRAM (P4K ON COASTAL COMMUNITIES IN MAMUJU

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ashriady Ashriady

2017-01-01

Full Text Available The results of the 97 countries, there is a significant correlation between aid delivery with maternal mortality (Depkes, 2011. Proportion of birth in Indonesia showed 76.1% in Healthcare Facilities and 23.7% in home and another (Kemenkes RI, 2014. In the coastal community primary choices deliveries take place at home, assisted by shamans because mothers feel safe from evil spirits, and convenient for the family attended (Yunarti, 2013. Scope of delivery assistance by health workers in 2006 - 2011 in West Sulawesi has not reached the target of minimum service standards in 2015 by 90%, obstetric complications handled in 2011 in Mamuju 35.1%. The aim of research to analyze the implementation of Birth Planning and Complications Preventions Program (P4K based on the knowledge and attitude of Mother on Coastal Communities in Mamuju. This type of research is survey with cross sectional study design. In the study period in August-October 2016. The population is all Mother toddler who visited IHC 330, 149 of the samples obtained by using the formula, taken by accidental sampling method. The results showed 68 (81.9% of respondents have sufficient knowledge of the implementation of the less well P4K, 113 (79.6% positive attitude to the implementation mother P4K less good, there is no statistical relationship between knowledge and attitude of mothers with implementation P4K. Midwives need intensive assistance in filling and installation sticker P4K at home mom.

The collision cross sections for excitation energy transfer in Rb*(5P3/2)+K(4S1/2)→Rb(5S1/2)+K*(4PJ) processes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Horvatic, V.; Vadla, C.; Movre, M.

1993-01-01

The collisional excitation transfer for the processes Rb * (5P 3/2 ) + K(4S 1/2 ) → Rb(5S 1/2 ) + K * (4P J ), J = 1/2, 3/2, was investigated using two-photon laser excitation techniques with a thermionic heat-pipe diode as a detector. The population densities of the K 4P J levels induced by collisions with excited Rb atoms as well as those produced by direct laser excitation of the potassium atoms were probed through the measurement of the thermionic signals generated due to the ionization of the potassium atoms emerging from the K(4P J ) → K(7S 1/2 ) excitation channel. (orig./WL)

The heat capacity and entropy of the lithium silicides Li17Si4 and Li16.42Si4 in the temperature range from (2 to 873) K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thomas, Daniel; Zeilinger, Michael; Gruner, Daniel; Hüttl, Regina; Seidel, Jürgen; Wolter, Anja U.B.; Fässler, Thomas F.; Mertens, Florian

2015-01-01

Highlights: • High quality experimental heat capacities of the new lithium rich silicides Li 17 Si 4 and Li 16.42 Si 4 are reported. • Two different calorimeters have been used to cover the broad temperature range from (2 to 873) K. • Samples were prepared and characterized (XRD) by the original authors who firstly described these new silicide phases in 2013. • Supply of polynomial heat capacity functions for four temperature intervals. • Calculation of standard entropies and entropies of formation of the lithium silicides. - Abstract: This work presents the heat capacities and standard entropies of the recently described lithium rich silicide phases Li 17 Si 4 and Li 16.42 Si 4 as a function of temperature in the range from (2 to 873) K. The measurements were carried out using two different calorimeters. The heat capacities were determined in the range from T = (2 to 300) K by a relaxation technique using a Physical Properties Measurement System (PPMS) from Quantum Design, and in the range from T = (283 to 873) K by means of a Sensys DSC from Setaram applying the C p -by-step method. The experimental data are given with an accuracy of (1 to 2)% above T = 20 K and the error increases up to 7% below T = 20 K. The results of the measurements at low temperatures permit the calculation of additional thermodynamic parameters such as the standard entropy as well as the temperature coefficients of electronic and lattice contributions to the heat capacity. Additionally, differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) measurements were carried out to verify the phase transition temperatures of the studied lithium silicide phases. The results represent a significant contribution to the data basis for thermodynamic calculations (e.g. CALPHAD) and to the understanding of the phase equilibria in the (Li + Si) system, especially in the lithium rich region

Oral Consumption of Vitamin K2 for 8 Weeks Associated With Increased Maximal Cardiac Output During Exercise.

Science.gov (United States)

McFarlin, Brian K; Henning, Andrea L; Venable, Adam S

2017-07-01

Background • Vitamin K1 and K2 are not typically common in a Western diet because they are found in a variety of fermented foods. Vitamin K2 in particular has been demonstrated to restore mitochondrial function and has a key role in production of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate. Thus, it is reasonable to speculate that dietary supplementation with vitamin K2 could increase the function of muscle with high mitochondrial content (ie, skeletal and cardiac muscle). Objective • The purpose of this study was to determine if 8 wk of dietary supplementation with Vitamin K2 could alter cardiovascular responses to a graded cycle ergometer test. Design • The study was a randomized controlled trial. Setting • The study took place in the Applied Physiology Laboratory of the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of North Texas (Denton, TX, USA). Participants • Participants were aerobically trained males and female athletes (N = 26). Intervention • Participants were randomly assigned either to a control group that received a rice flour placebo or to an intervention group that received vitamin K2. For weeks 1 to 4, participants received 300 mg/d; for weeks 5 to 8, they received 150 mg/d. Subjects assigned to the control group received similar doses to mirror the intervention group. Subjects consumed the supplements during an 8-wk period while they maintained their typical exercise habits. Outcome Measures • At baseline and postintervention, participants completed a standard, graded exercise test on an electronically braked cycle ergometer. Before the test, participants were fitted with a mouth piece, and their oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, respiratory rate, and respiratory exchange ratio were measured. In addition, participants were fitted with skin-mounted electrodes that measured noninvasive cardiac output, stroke volume, and heart rate. To assess the cumulative exercise change, an area-under-the-curve (AUC) value was calculated

K2 and M4: A Unique Opportunity to Unlock the Mysteries of Globular Clusters

Science.gov (United States)

Kuehn, Charles A.; Stello, Dennis; Campbell, Simon; Drury, Jason; de Silva, Gayandhi; Maclean, Ben; Bedding, Timothy R.; Huber, Daniel

2016-01-01

One of the most exciting opportunities presented by K2 is the ability to study variable stars in globular clusters (GCs). The K2 observations allow us to perform ensemble asteroseismology of a population that is much older than that in the open clusters in the original Kepler field. This should help us answer long-standing questions concerning mass loss on the red giant branch and the spread in masses along the horizontal branch. By combining the asteroseismic data with chemical tagging of sub-populations from spectroscopy, we hope to better constrain stellar evolution models and potentially shed some light on the formation history of GCs. The very crowded nature of stars in GCs poses a challenge, however, due to Kepler's large pixels. M4, observed during K2's campaign 2, presents an excellent opportunity to study GCs with a combination of K2 and ground-based data. M4 is one of the two nearest GCs and thus should appear less crowded and brighter; in fact M4 is likely the only GC whose horizontal branch stars, other than RR Lyraes, will be accessible with K2. We discuss our method of obtaining photometry for the stars in M4 and present sample lightcurves for different classes of oscillating stars in the cluster. We also discuss efforts to use ground-based observations to increase the utility of the K2 dataset.

Experimental (155 K) and predicted (151 K) Curie temperature (Tc) of K2ZnBr4: structural confirmation of ferroelectric state below Tc

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abrahams, S.C.

1994-01-01

The temperature T c at which K 2 ZnBr 4 is predicted to transform from the paraelectric to the ferroelectric phase is 151 (19) K, based on the crystal structure determinations at 291 and 144 K by Fabry, Breczewski, Zuniga and Arnaiz and the Abrahams-Kurtz-Jamieson relationship. A dielectric and heat-capacity anomaly in this material at 155 K has been reported elsewhere. The locations reported for the ZnBr 2- 4 and K + ions fulfill the requirements of mirror plane symmetry above T c ; ionic displacements along the polar direction that approach but do not exceed 0.1 A and that violate the mirror symmetry on cooling through T c form the basis of the prediction and satisfy the structural criteria for ferroelectricity in the phase below the transition. (orig.)

ALDH2(E487K) mutation increases protein turnover and promotes murine hepatocarcinogenesis.

Science.gov (United States)

Jin, Shengfang; Chen, Jiang; Chen, Lizao; Histen, Gavin; Lin, Zhizhong; Gross, Stefan; Hixon, Jeffrey; Chen, Yue; Kung, Charles; Chen, Yiwei; Fu, Yufei; Lu, Yuxuan; Lin, Hui; Cai, Xiujun; Yang, Hua; Cairns, Rob A; Dorsch, Marion; Su, Shinsan M; Biller, Scott; Mak, Tak W; Cang, Yong

2015-07-21

Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) in the liver removes toxic aldehydes including acetaldehyde, an intermediate of ethanol metabolism. Nearly 40% of East Asians inherit an inactive ALDH2*2 variant, which has a lysine-for-glutamate substitution at position 487 (E487K), and show a characteristic alcohol flush reaction after drinking and a higher risk for gastrointestinal cancers. Here we report the characterization of knockin mice in which the ALDH2(E487K) mutation is inserted into the endogenous murine Aldh2 locus. These mutants recapitulate essentially all human phenotypes including impaired clearance of acetaldehyde, increased sensitivity to acute or chronic alcohol-induced toxicity, and reduced ALDH2 expression due to a dominant-negative effect of the mutation. When treated with a chemical carcinogen, these mutants exhibit increased DNA damage response in hepatocytes, pronounced liver injury, and accelerated development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Importantly, ALDH2 protein levels are also significantly lower in patient HCC than in peritumor or normal liver tissues. Our results reveal that ALDH2 functions as a tumor suppressor by maintaining genomic stability in the liver, and the common human ALDH2 variant would present a significant risk factor for hepatocarcinogenesis. Our study suggests that the ALDH2*2 allele-alcohol interaction may be an even greater human public health hazard than previously appreciated.

One of the 10 cells of AA Injection Kicker K4

CERN Multimedia

CERN PhotoLab

1979-01-01

The 3.5 GeV/c Antiproton Accumulator (AA) had 2 delay-line type injection kickers, K3 (12 cells) and K4 (10 cells). Here we see one of the K4 cells, with ferrite between stainless-steel plates. Pulse voltage: 61 kV; rise/fall-time 86 ns; flat-top 460 ns; top flatness +-2%. During injection, the open side of the C-shaped kickers was closed off with a fast shutter, so that their stray field would not perturb the stack of already accumulated antiprotons.

αVβ3 Integrin-Targeted Radionuclide Therapy with 64Cu-cyclam-RAFT-c(-RGDfK-)4.

Science.gov (United States)

Jin, Zhao-Hui; Furukawa, Takako; Degardin, Mélissa; Sugyo, Aya; Tsuji, Atsushi B; Yamasaki, Tomoteru; Kawamura, Kazunori; Fujibayashi, Yasuhisa; Zhang, Ming-Rong; Boturyn, Didier; Dumy, Pascal; Saga, Tsuneo

2016-09-01

The transmembrane cell adhesion receptor αVβ3 integrin (αVβ3) has been identified as an important molecular target for cancer imaging and therapy. We have developed a tetrameric cyclic RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) peptide-based radiotracer (64)Cu-cyclam-RAFT-c(-RGDfK-)4, which successfully captured αVβ3-positive tumors and angiogenesis by PET. Here, we subsequently evaluated its therapeutic potential and side effects using an established αVβ3-positive tumor mouse model. Mice with subcutaneous U87MG glioblastoma xenografts received single administrations of 37 and 74 MBq of (64)Cu-cyclam-RAFT-c(-RGDfK-)4 (37 MBq/nmol), peptide control, or vehicle solution and underwent tumor growth evaluation. Side effects were assessed in tumor-bearing and tumor-free mice in terms of body weight, routine hematology, and hepatorenal functions. Biodistribution of (64)Cu-cyclam-RAFT-c(-RGDfK-)4 with ascending peptide doses (0.25-10 nmol) and with the therapeutic dose of 2 nmol were determined at 3 hours and at various time points (2 minutes-24 hours) postinjection, respectively, based on which radiation-absorbed doses were estimated. The results revealed that (64)Cu-cyclam-RAFT-c(-RGDfK-)4 dose dependently slowed down the tumor growth. The mean tumor doses were 1.28 and 1.81 Gy from 37 and 74 MBq of (64)Cu-cyclam-RAFT-c(-RGDfK-)4, respectively. Peptide dose study showed that the tumor uptake of (64)Cu-cyclam-RAFT-c(-RGDfK-)4 dose dependently decreased at doses ≥1 nmol, indicating a saturation of αVβ3 with the administered therapeutic doses (1 and 2 nmol). Combined analysis of the data from tumor-bearing and tumor-free mice revealed no significant toxicity caused by 37-74 MBq of (64)Cu-cyclam-RAFT-c(-RGDfK-)4 Our study demonstrates the therapeutic efficacy and safety of (64)Cu-cyclam-RAFT-c(-RGDfK-)4 for αVβ3-targeted radionuclide therapy. (64)Cu-cyclam-RAFT-c(-RGDfK-)4 would be a promising theranostic drug for cancer imaging and therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(9); 2076-85. ©2016 AACR

Increasing the Roles and Significance of Teachers in Policymaking for K-12 Engineering Education: Proceedings of a Convocation

Science.gov (United States)

Olson, Steve

2017-01-01

Engineering is a small but growing part of K-12 education. Curricula that use the principles and practices of engineering are providing opportunities for elementary, middle, and high school students to design solutions to problems of immediate practical and societal importance. Professional development programs are showing teachers how to use…

Experimental determination and modeling of the solubility phase diagram of the ternary system (Li{sub 2}SO{sub 4} + K{sub 2}SO{sub 4} + H{sub 2}O) at 288.15 K

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Shiqiang, E-mail: wangshiqiang@tust.edu.cn [Tianjin Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Chemistry, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457 (China); Guo, Yafei [Tianjin Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Chemistry, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457 (China); Li, Dongchan [Engineering Research Center of Seawater Utilization Technology of Ministry of Education, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130 (China); Tang, Peng; Deng, Tianlong [Tianjin Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Chemistry, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457 (China)

2015-02-10

Highlights: • Solubility of the ternary system Li{sub 2}SO{sub 4} + K{sub 2}SO{sub 4} + H{sub 2}O at 288.15 K has been measured. • Phase diagram of this system was simulated and calculated by a thermodynamic model. • Li{sub 2}SO{sub 4}·K{sub 2}SO{sub 4} belongs to the incongruent double salt in this system. • Solution density was calculated using empirical equation. - Abstract: The solubility and density in the thermodynamic phase equilibria ternary system (Li{sub 2}SO{sub 4} + K{sub 2}SO{sub 4} + H{sub 2}O) at 288.15 K and 0.1 MPa were investigated experimentally with the method of isothermal dissolution equilibrium. This system at 288.15 K consists of two invariant points, three univariant isothermal dissolution curves; and three crystallization regions. The salt Li{sub 2}SO{sub 4}·K{sub 2}SO{sub 4} belongs to the incongruent double salt, and no solid solution was found. Based on the Pitzer model and its extended Harvie–Weare (HW) model, the mixing ion-interaction parameters of θ{sub Li,K}, ψ{sub Li,K,SO4} at 288.15 K and the solubility equilibrium constants K{sub sp} of solid phases Li{sub 2}SO{sub 4}·H{sub 2}O and Li{sub 2}SO{sub 4}·K{sub 2}SO{sub 4}, which are not reported in the literature were acquired. A comparison between the calculated and experimental results at 288.15 K for the ternary system shows that the calculated solubilities obtained with the extended HW model agree well with experimental data.

Isospin breaking and radiative corrections in K{sub l4} decays; Brisure d'isospin et corrections radiatives au processus K{sub l4}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cuplov, V

2004-04-15

This thesis is dedicated to the impact of electromagnetic corrections on the decays of K{sub l4}. 2 types of electromagnetic contributions have to be considered: first the exchange of virtual photons and secondly the non-perturbative part of meson-photon interactions. We have also considered the effects of isospin breaking. We have shown that the isospin breaking and the electromagnetic corrections affect K{sub l4} decays in the neutral and mixed channels (respectively by 8% and -2%), while the charged channel is unaffected. It also appears that the tree approximation for the computation of the decay rates, is not accurate enough to explain experimental data. In the second part of this work, we give the analytical expressions of the F and G form factors associated with the amplitude of the K{sub l4} process in the charged mode. Infra-red divergencies counterbalance each other in the decay rates calculation when we consider the process K{sub l4{gamma}} where 1 photon is emitted with an energy below the sensitivity of the detector. We have found that the calculation in one loop order represents 75% of the measured value. The impact of radiative corrections is about 0.9% while the isospin breaking effect is about 1.6 per cent.

Cooperative heteroassembly of the adenoviral L4-22K and IVa2 proteins onto the viral packaging sequence DNA.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Teng-Chieh; Maluf, Nasib Karl

2012-02-21

Human adenovirus (Ad) is an icosahedral, double-stranded DNA virus. Viral DNA packaging refers to the process whereby the viral genome becomes encapsulated by the viral particle. In Ad, activation of the DNA packaging reaction requires at least three viral components: the IVa2 and L4-22K proteins and a section of DNA within the viral genome, called the packaging sequence. Previous studies have shown that the IVa2 and L4-22K proteins specifically bind to conserved elements within the packaging sequence and that these interactions are absolutely required for the observation of DNA packaging. However, the equilibrium mechanism for assembly of IVa2 and L4-22K onto the packaging sequence has not been determined. Here we characterize the assembly of the IVa2 and L4-22K proteins onto truncated packaging sequence DNA by analytical sedimentation velocity and equilibrium methods. At limiting concentrations of L4-22K, we observe a species with two IVa2 monomers and one L4-22K monomer bound to the DNA. In this species, the L4-22K monomer is promoting positive cooperative interactions between the two bound IVa2 monomers. As L4-22K levels are increased, we observe a species with one IVa2 monomer and three L4-22K monomers bound to the DNA. To explain this result, we propose a model in which L4-22K self-assembly on the DNA competes with IVa2 for positive heterocooperative interactions, destabilizing binding of the second IVa2 monomer. Thus, we propose that L4-22K levels control the extent of cooperativity observed between adjacently bound IVa2 monomers. We have also determined the hydrodynamic properties of all observed stoichiometric species; we observe that species with three L4-22K monomers bound have more extended conformations than species with a single L4-22K bound. We suggest this might reflect a molecular switch that controls insertion of the viral DNA into the capsid.

Over-expression of histone H3K4 demethylase gene JMJ15 enhances salt tolerance in Arabidopsis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yuan eShen

2014-06-01

Full Text Available Histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3 has been shown to be involved in stress-responsive gene expression and gene priming in plants. However, the role of H3K4me3 resetting in the processes is not clear. In this work we studied the expression and function of Arabidopsis H3K4 demethylase gene JMJ15. We show that the expression of JMJ15 was relatively low and was limited to a number of tissues during vegetative growth but was higher in young floral organs. Over-expression of the gene in gain-of-function mutants reduced the plant height with accumulation of lignin in stems, while the loss-of-function mutation did not produce any visible phenotype. The gain-of-function mutants showed enhanced salt tolerance, whereas the loss-of-function mutant was more sensitive to salt compared to the wild type. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that over-expression of JMJ15 down-regulated many genes which are preferentially marked by H3K4me3 and H3K4me2. Many of the down-regulated genes encode transcription regulators involved in stress responses. The data suggest that increased JMJ15 levels may regulate the gene expression program that enhances stress tolerance.

The absence of the luxS gene increases swimming motility and flagella synthesis in Escherichia coli K12

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ling, Hua; Kang, Aram; Tan, Mui Hua; Qi, Xiaobao; Chang, Matthew Wook

2010-01-01

Research highlights: → This paper provides the first evidence that luxS deletion enhances swimming motility and flagella synthesis in Escherichia coli K12 based on motility, transcriptome, and scanning electron microscopy analyses. → A conceptual genetic regulatory network underlying the increased flagella synthesis was constructed based on the transcriptome and network component analyses, and previously known regulatory relations. → The genetic regulatory network suggests that the increased flagella synthesis and motility might be contributed to by increased flhDC transcription level and/or decreased c-di-GMP concentration in luxS-deficient E. coli. -- Abstract: Despite the significant role of S-ribosylhomocysteinase (LuxS) in the activated methyl cycle pathway and quorum sensing, the connectivity between luxS and other cellular functions remains incomplete. Herein, we show that luxS deletion significantly increases swimming motility and flagella synthesis in Escherichia coli K12 using motility, transcriptome, and scanning electron microscopy assays. Further, based on the transcriptome and network component analyses, and known regulatory relations, we propose a conceptual genetic regulatory network underlying the increased flagella synthesis in response to luxS deletion.

The absence of the luxS gene increases swimming motility and flagella synthesis in Escherichia coli K12

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ling, Hua; Kang, Aram; Tan, Mui Hua; Qi, Xiaobao [School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459 (Singapore); Chang, Matthew Wook, E-mail: Matthewchang@ntu.edu.sg [School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459 (Singapore)

2010-10-29

Research highlights: {yields} This paper provides the first evidence that luxS deletion enhances swimming motility and flagella synthesis in Escherichia coli K12 based on motility, transcriptome, and scanning electron microscopy analyses. {yields} A conceptual genetic regulatory network underlying the increased flagella synthesis was constructed based on the transcriptome and network component analyses, and previously known regulatory relations. {yields} The genetic regulatory network suggests that the increased flagella synthesis and motility might be contributed to by increased flhDC transcription level and/or decreased c-di-GMP concentration in luxS-deficient E. coli. -- Abstract: Despite the significant role of S-ribosylhomocysteinase (LuxS) in the activated methyl cycle pathway and quorum sensing, the connectivity between luxS and other cellular functions remains incomplete. Herein, we show that luxS deletion significantly increases swimming motility and flagella synthesis in Escherichia coli K12 using motility, transcriptome, and scanning electron microscopy assays. Further, based on the transcriptome and network component analyses, and known regulatory relations, we propose a conceptual genetic regulatory network underlying the increased flagella synthesis in response to luxS deletion.

Multilayer Ceramic Regenerator Materials for 4 K Cooling

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Numazawa, T.; Kamiya, K.; Satoh, T.; Nozawa, H.; Yanagitani, T.

2006-01-01

The ceramics oxide magnetic materials have shown excellent properties for use as regenerator materials used in 4 K crycoolers. Currently four kinds of oxide magnetic materials GdVO4, GAP=GdAlO3, GOS=Gd2O2S and Tb2O2S are available for applications for regenerators or thermal anchors from 2 K to 8 K. This paper focused on controlling the heat capacity of the (GdxTb1-x)2O2S system to cover the refrigeration temperatures between 6 K and 8 K. A concept of multilayer regenerator material consisting of multicomponent magnetic materials has been proposed and investigated. Two-layer ceramic material including two kinds of magnetic materials (Gd0.1Tb0.9)2O2S+Tb2O2S was successfully fabricated in the form of regenerator particles with an average diameter of 0.25 mm. Measured heat capacity data showed that it had twin peaks relating to those of (Gd0.1Tb0.9)2O2S and Tb2O2S, and the entire curve became broader and wider. The mechanical properties of strength and hardness of the two-layer ceramic material were the same as other ceramic regenerator materials like GOS. Thus, it is concluded that the multilayer ceramic material is very useful to control the heat capacity of the regenerator particles. The cooling tests using the two-layer ceramic material with HoCu2 and GOS have been done to investigate the 2nd stage regenerator configuration

Deletion of C7L and K1L genes leads to significantly decreased virulence of recombinant vaccinia virus TianTan.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zheng Liu

Full Text Available The vaccinia virus TianTan (VTT has been modified as an HIV vaccine vector in China and has shown excellent performance in immunogenicity and safety. However, its adverse effects in immunosuppressed individuals warrant the search for a safer vector in the following clinic trails. In this study, we deleted the C7L and K1L genes of VTT and constructed six recombinant vaccinia strains VTT△C7L, VTT△K1L, VTT△C7LK1L, VTKgpe△C7L, VTKgpe△K1L and VTT△C7LK1L-gag. The pathogenicity and immunogenicity of these recombinants were evaluated in mouse and rabbit models. Comparing to parental VTT, VTT△C7L and VTT△K1L showed significantly decreased replication capability in CEF, Vero, BHK-21 and HeLa cell lines. In particular, replication of VTT△C7LK1L decreased more than 10-fold in all four cell lines. The virulence of all these mutants were decreased in BALB/c mouse and rabbit models; VTT△C7LK1L once again showed the greatest attenuation, having resulted in no evident damage in mice and erythema of only 0.4 cm diameter in rabbits, compared to 1.48 cm for VTT. VTKgpe△C7L, VTKgpe△K1L and VTT△C7LK1L-gag elicited as strong cellular and humoral responses against HIV genes as did VTKgpe, while humoral immune response against the vaccinia itself was reduced by 4-8-fold. These data show that deletion of C7L and K1L genes leads to significantly decreased virulence without compromising animal host immunogenicity, and may thus be key to creating a more safe and effective HIV vaccine vector.

Flux-coherent series SQUID array magnetometers operating above 77 K with superior white flux noise than single-SQUIDs at 4.2 K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chesca, Boris; John, Daniel; Mellor, Christopher J.

2015-01-01

A very promising direction to improve the sensitivity of magnetometers based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) is to build a series-array of N non-interacting SQUIDs operating flux-coherently, because in this case their voltage modulation depth, ΔV, linearly scales with N whereas the white flux noise S Φ 1/2 decreases as 1/N 1/2 . Here, we report the realization of both these improvements in an advanced layout of very large SQUID arrays made of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 . Specially designed with large area narrow flux focusers for increased field sensitivity and improved flux-coherency, our arrays have extremely low values for S Φ 1/2 between (0.25 and 0.44) μΦ 0 /Hz 1/2 for temperatures in the range (77–83) K. In this respect, they outperform niobium/aluminium trilayer technology-based single-SQUIDs operating at 4.2 K. Moreover, with values for ΔV and transimpedance in the range of (10–17) mV and (0.3–2.5) kΩ, respectively, a direct connection to a low-noise room temperature amplifier is allowed, while matching for such readout is simplified and the available bandwidth is greatly increased. These landmark performances suggest such series SQUID arrays are ideal candidates to replace single-SQUIDs operating at 4.2 K in many applications

3-(2-amino-ethyl)-5-[3-(4-butoxyl-phenyl)-propylidene]-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (K145) ameliorated dexamethasone induced hepatic gluconeogenesis through activation of Akt/FoxO1 pathway.

Science.gov (United States)

Shi, Yanan; Qiao, Jiayun; Mu, Biao; Zuo, Bingfeng; Yuan, Jihong

2017-11-04

3-(2-amino-ethyl)-5-[3-(4-butoxyl-phenyl)-propylidene]-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (K145) is identified as a selective SphK2 inhibitor. It was previously reported as an anti-tumor agent, in this study we demonstrated that K145 was able to regulate hepatic gluconeogenesis and improve glucose intolerance in mice. C57BL/6 mice treated with dexamethasone injection were used as experimental animals, which exhibited impaired glucose tolerance and increased gluconeogenetic enzymes. After K145 treatment, we found that the impairment of glucose tolerance and gluconeogenetic genes mRNA expression were improved. Besides, both in vivo and in votro studies suggested that K145 stimulated insulin dependent Akt phosphorylation and subsequently activates FoxO1 phosphorylation therefore inhibited gluconeogenetic genes expression including PEPCK and G6pase. Our study figures out a potential extent increase the value of developing K145 as therapeutic candidate for diabetes. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Two-week inhalation of budesonide increases muscle Na,K ATPase content but not endurance in response to terbutaline in men

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nielsen, Morten Hostrup; Onslev, Johan; Jessen, Søren Kaare

2017-01-01

of plasma budesonide, cortisol, and K+ . Subjects' performance during cycling to fatigue at 90% of incremental peak power output (iPPO) was measured in response to 4 mg inhaled terbutaline to maximally stimulate Na+ ,K+ ATPase activity. Plasma concentrations of budesonide rose to 5.0 ± 1.6 n......M with the intervention, whereas no changes were observed in plasma cortisol. Muscle Na+ ,K+ ATPase content increased (P ≤ 0.01) by 46 ± 34 pmol/(g wet wt) (17% increase) with the intervention. Cycling performance at 90% of iPPO did not change (P = 0.21) with the intervention (203 vs 214 s) in response to terbutaline...

Two-week inhalation of budesonide increases muscle Na,K ATPase content but not endurance in response to terbutaline in men

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hostrup, M.; Jessen, S.; Onslev, J.

2017-01-01

of plasma budesonide, cortisol, and K+. Subjects' performance during cycling to fatigue at 90% of incremental peak power output (iPPO) was measured in response to 4 mg inhaled terbutaline to maximally stimulate Na+,K+ ATPase activity. Plasma concentrations of budesonide rose to 5.0 ± 1.6 n......M with the intervention, whereas no changes were observed in plasma cortisol. Muscle Na+,K+ ATPase content increased (P ≤ 0.01) by 46 ± 34 pmol/(g wet wt) (17% increase) with the intervention. Cycling performance at 90% of iPPO did not change (P = 0.21) with the intervention (203 vs 214 s) in response to terbutaline...

Bacterial Electrocatalysis of K4[Fe(CN)6] Oxidation

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Zheng, Zhiyong; Xiao, Yong; Wu, Ranran

Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 (MR-1), a model strain of electrochemically active bacteria, can transfer electrons from cell to extracellular electron acceptors including Fe(III) (hydro)oxides. It has been reported that several redox species such as cytochromes in membranes and flavins assist...... in the electron transport (ET) processes. However, the oxidization of metal compounds was barely described. Here we report electrocatalysis of K4[Fe(CN)6] oxidation by MR-1. K4[Fe(CN)6] is a redox inorganic compound and shows a reversible redox process on bare glassy carbon (GCE). This is reflected by a pair...

Neutron scattering studies of K3H(SO4)2 and K3D(SO4)2: the particle-in-a-box model for the quantum phase transition.

Science.gov (United States)

Fillaux, François; Cousson, Alain

2012-08-21

In the crystal of K(3)H(SO(4))(2) or K(3)D(SO(4))(2), dimers SO(4)···H···SO(4) or SO(4)···D···SO(4) are linked by strong centrosymmetric hydrogen or deuterium bonds whose O···O length is ≈2.50 Å. We address two open questions. (i) Are H or D sites split or not? (ii) Is there any structural counterpart to the phase transition observed for K(3)D(SO(4))(2) at T(c) ≈ 85.5 K, which does not exist for K(3)H(SO(4))(2)? Neutron diffraction by single-crystals at cryogenic or room temperature reveals no structural transition and no resolvable splitting of H or D sites. However, the width of the probability densities suggest unresolved splitting of the wavefunctions suggesting rigid entities H(L1/2)-H(R1/2) or D(L1/2)-D(R1/2) whose separation lengths are l(H) ≈ 0.16 Å or l(D) ≈ 0.25 Å. The vibrational eigenstates for the center of mass of H(L1/2)-H(R1/2) revealed by inelastic neutron scattering are amenable to a square-well and we suppose the same potential holds for D(L1/2)-D(R1/2). In order to explain dielectric and calorimetric measurements of mixed crystals K(3)D((1-ρ))H(ρ)(SO(4))(2) (0 ≤ ρ ≤ 1), we replace the classical notion of order-disorder by the quantum notion of discernible (e.g., D(L1/2)-D(R1/2)) or indiscernible (e.g., H(L1/2)-H(R1/2)) components depending on the separation length of the split wavefunction. The discernible-indiscernible isostructural transition at finite temperatures is induced by a thermal pure quantum state or at 0 K by ρ.

Electrochemical studies on Li /K ion exchange behaviour in K4Fe(CN)

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

based,24 sol-gel,17–21 and solid-state16 meth- ods. There are a .... Double potential step chronoamper- ometry was ... removal of moisture as well as water of crystallisa- tion and the .... active material, K4Fe(CN)6, carbon black and graphite.

Complexation in the system K2SeO4-UO2SeO4-H2O

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Serezhkina, L.B.; Kuchumova, N.V.; Serezhkin, V.N.

1994-01-01

Complexation in the system K 2 SeO 4 -UO 2 SeO 4 -H 2 O at 25 degrees C is studied by isothermal solubility. Congruently soluble K 2 UO 2 (SeO 4 ) 2 ·4H 2 O (I) and incongruently soluble K 2 (UO 2 ) 2 (SeO 4 ) 3 ·6H 2 O (II) are observed. The unit-cell constants of I and II are determined from an X-ray diffraction investigation. For I, a = 12,969, b = 11.588, c = 8.533 angstrom, Z = 4, space group Pmmb. For II, a = 23.36, b = 6.784, c = 13.699 angstrom, β = 104.42 degrees, Z = 4, space group P2/m, P2, or Pm. Complexes I and II are representatives of the crystal-chemical groups AB 2 2 M 1 and A 2 T 3 3 M 1 , respectively, of uranyl complexes

Effect of cationic substitution on the double-well hydrogen-bond potential in [K1-x(NH4)x]3H(SO4)2 proton conductors: a single-crystal neutron diffraction study.

Science.gov (United States)

Choudhury, R R; Chitra, R; Selezneva, E V; Makarova, I P

2017-10-01

The structure of the mixed crystal [K 1-x (NH 4 ) x ] 3 H(SO 4 ) 2 as obtained from single-crystal neutron diffraction is compared with the previously reported room-temperature neutron structure of crystalline K 3 H(SO 4 ) 2 . The two structures are very similar, as indicated by the high value of their isostructurality index (94.8%). It was found that the replacement of even a small amount (3%) of K + with NH 4 + has a significant influence on the short strong hydrogen bond connecting the two SO 4 2- ions. Earlier optical measurements had revealed that the kinetics of the superionic transition in the solid solution [K 1-x (NH 4 ) x ] 3 H(SO 4 ) 2 are much faster than in K 3 H(SO 4 ) 2 ; this reported difference in the kinetics of the superionic phase transition in this class of crystal is explained on the basis of the difference in strength of the hydrogen-bond interactions in the two structures.

Trithorax monomethylates histone H3K4 and interacts directly with CBP to promote H3K27 acetylation and antagonize Polycomb silencing

Science.gov (United States)

Tie, Feng; Banerjee, Rakhee; Saiakhova, Alina R.; Howard, Benny; Monteith, Kelsey E.; Scacheri, Peter C.; Cosgrove, Michael S.; Harte, Peter J.

2014-01-01

Trithorax (TRX) antagonizes epigenetic silencing by Polycomb group (PcG) proteins, stimulates enhancer-dependent transcription, and establishes a ‘cellular memory’ of active transcription of PcG-regulated genes. The mechanisms underlying these TRX functions remain largely unknown, but are presumed to involve its histone H3K4 methyltransferase activity. We report that the SET domains of TRX and TRX-related (TRR) have robust histone H3K4 monomethyltransferase activity in vitro and that Tyr3701 of TRX and Tyr2404 of TRR prevent them from being trimethyltransferases. The trxZ11 missense mutation (G3601S), which abolishes H3K4 methyltransferase activity in vitro, reduces the H3K4me1 but not the H3K4me3 level in vivo. trxZ11 also suppresses the impaired silencing phenotypes of the Pc3 mutant, suggesting that H3K4me1 is involved in antagonizing Polycomb silencing. Polycomb silencing is also antagonized by TRX-dependent H3K27 acetylation by CREB-binding protein (CBP). We show that perturbation of Polycomb silencing by TRX overexpression requires CBP. We also show that TRX and TRR are each physically associated with CBP in vivo, that TRX binds directly to the CBP KIX domain, and that the chromatin binding patterns of TRX and TRR are highly correlated with CBP and H3K4me1 genome-wide. In vitro acetylation of H3K27 by CBP is enhanced on K4me1-containing H3 substrates, and independently altering the H3K4me1 level in vivo, via the H3K4 demethylase LSD1, produces concordant changes in H3K27ac. These data indicate that the catalytic activities of TRX and CBP are physically coupled and suggest that both activities play roles in antagonizing Polycomb silencing, stimulating enhancer activity and cellular memory. PMID:24550119

submitter Performance Test of an 8 kA @ 10-T 4.2-K ReBCO-CORC Cable

CERN Document Server

Mulder, Tim; Mentink, Matthias; van der Laan, Danko; Dhalle, Marc; ten Kate, Herman

2016-01-01

CERN is developing high-current ReBCO conductor on round core (CORC) cables for application in future detector and accelerator magnets. A characterization test on a ReBCO-CORC cable sample and its joints is performed in the 10-T FRESCA cable test facility at CERN. The sample is taken from the first 12-m-long CORC production. Key is the characterization of the field- and temperature-dependent critical currents of the CORC cable at 1.9 K and 4.2 K. Secondary objectives include evaluating the response of the CORC cable to quenches and the performance of cylindrical low resistive cable terminals especially designed and manufactured for use on CORC cables. The 7.6-mm CORC cable features 8 kA at 4.2 K and 10 T, and the joint terminals show a 25 ± 5 - nΩ resistance for 20-cm length.

Studying RR Lyrae Stars in M4 with K2

Science.gov (United States)

Kuehn, Charles A.; Drury, Jason; Moskalik, Pawel

2017-01-01

Observations by Kepler/K2 have revolutionized the study of RR Lyrae stars by allowing the detection of new phenomena, such as low amplitude additional modes and period doubling, which had not previously been seen from the ground. During its campaign 2, K2 observed the globular cluster M4, providing the first opportunity to study a sizeable group of RR Lyrae stars that belong to a single population; the other RR Lyrae stars that have been observed from space are field stars in the galactic halo and thus belong to an assortment of populations. We present the results of our study of the RR Lyrae variables in M4 from K2 photometry. We have identified additional, low amplitude pulsation modes in the two observed RRc stars. In three RRab stars we have found the Blazhko effect with periods of 16.6 days, 22.4 days, and 44.5 days.

Real-time capture and reconstruction system with multiple GPUs for a 3D live scene by a generation from 4K IP images to 8K holograms.

Science.gov (United States)

Ichihashi, Yasuyuki; Oi, Ryutaro; Senoh, Takanori; Yamamoto, Kenji; Kurita, Taiichiro

2012-09-10

We developed a real-time capture and reconstruction system for three-dimensional (3D) live scenes. In previous research, we used integral photography (IP) to capture 3D images and then generated holograms from the IP images to implement a real-time reconstruction system. In this paper, we use a 4K (3,840 × 2,160) camera to capture IP images and 8K (7,680 × 4,320) liquid crystal display (LCD) panels for the reconstruction of holograms. We investigate two methods for enlarging the 4K images that were captured by integral photography to 8K images. One of the methods increases the number of pixels of each elemental image. The other increases the number of elemental images. In addition, we developed a personal computer (PC) cluster system with graphics processing units (GPUs) for the enlargement of IP images and the generation of holograms from the IP images using fast Fourier transform (FFT). We used the Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) as the development environment for the GPUs. The Fast Fourier transform is performed using the CUFFT (CUDA FFT) library. As a result, we developed an integrated system for performing all processing from the capture to the reconstruction of 3D images by using these components and successfully used this system to reconstruct a 3D live scene at 12 frames per second.

A study of peripherally produced K+K--pairs in the reaction π-p → K+K-n at 18.4 GeV/c

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hentschel, G.

1976-09-01

We have measured 27,008 events at small p-n four momentum transfers, determined resonance and differential cross sections and branching ratios. As one result of the analysis we find the s-wave enhancement at threshold, which reaches the unitarity limit in the extrapolated data. As a further result we have determined the parameters of the PHI-meson to be M(PHI) = 1,018.4 +- 0.7 MeV, Gamma(phi) = 4.5 +- sup(2.2)sub(2.1) MeV and a cross section sigmasub(phi → KantiK) = (58 +- sup(2.7)sub(1.6)) μb. A comparison of the cross sections for ω- and phi-production shows the same dependence on incident beam momentum. The rho-exchange amplitude gives a good fit to the observed Treiman-Yang-angle distribution. For the ω-phi-mixing angle we get theta 1 = (41 +- sup(5.7)sub(4.7)) 0 and theta 2 = (29.3 +- sup(5.7)sub(4.7)) 0 . In comparison with other experiments we find no dependence on beam momentum. Above 1,500 MeV the decay g 0 → K + K - and the production of a new resonance, the h-meson, are observed the first time experimentally. The resonance parameters are: Msub(g) = 1,692 +- 6 MeV, Gammasub(g) = 205 +- 20 MeV and g → antiKK = 3.15 +- 0.22 μb. Using the results of another experiment we calculate a branching ratio of BR(g → antiKK/g → ππ) = 0.193 +- 0.025. (orig./BJ) [de

The Meiotic Recombination Activator PRDM9 Trimethylates Both H3K36 and H3K4 at Recombination Hotspots In Vivo.

Science.gov (United States)

Powers, Natalie R; Parvanov, Emil D; Baker, Christopher L; Walker, Michael; Petkov, Petko M; Paigen, Kenneth

2016-06-01

In many mammals, including humans and mice, the zinc finger histone methyltransferase PRDM9 performs the first step in meiotic recombination by specifying the locations of hotspots, the sites of genetic recombination. PRDM9 binds to DNA at hotspots through its zinc finger domain and activates recombination by trimethylating histone H3K4 on adjacent nucleosomes through its PR/SET domain. Recently, the isolated PR/SET domain of PRDM9 was shown capable of also trimethylating H3K36 in vitro, raising the question of whether this reaction occurs in vivo during meiosis, and if so, what its function might be. Here, we show that full-length PRDM9 does trimethylate H3K36 in vivo in mouse spermatocytes. Levels of H3K4me3 and H3K36me3 are highly correlated at hotspots, but mutually exclusive elsewhere. In vitro, we find that although PRDM9 trimethylates H3K36 much more slowly than it does H3K4, PRDM9 is capable of placing both marks on the same histone molecules. In accord with these results, we also show that PRDM9 can trimethylate both K4 and K36 on the same nucleosomes in vivo, but the ratio of K4me3/K36me3 is much higher for the pair of nucleosomes adjacent to the PRDM9 binding site compared to the next pair further away. Importantly, H3K4me3/H3K36me3-double-positive nucleosomes occur only in regions of recombination: hotspots and the pseudoautosomal (PAR) region of the sex chromosomes. These double-positive nucleosomes are dramatically reduced when PRDM9 is absent, showing that this signature is PRDM9-dependent at hotspots; the residual double-positive nucleosomes most likely come from the PRDM9-independent PAR. These results, together with the fact that PRDM9 is the only known mammalian histone methyltransferase with both H3K4 and H3K36 trimethylation activity, suggest that trimethylation of H3K36 plays an important role in the recombination process. Given the known requirement of H3K36me3 for double strand break repair by homologous recombination in somatic cells, we

Spectroscopic properties of Fe2+ ions at tetragonal sites-Crystal field effects and microscopic modeling of spin Hamiltonian parameters for Fe2+ (S=2) ions in K2FeF4 and K2ZnF4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rudowicz, C.; Piwowarska, D.

2011-01-01

Magnetic and spectroscopic properties of the planar antiferromagnet K 2 FeF 4 are determined by the Fe 2+ ions at tetragonal sites. The two-dimensional easy-plane anisotropy exhibited by K 2 FeF 4 is due to the zero field splitting (ZFS) terms arising from the orbital singlet ground state of Fe 2+ ions with the spin S=2. To provide insight into the single-ion magnetic anisotropy of K 2 FeF 4 , the crystal field theory and the microscopic spin Hamiltonian (MSH) approach based on the tensor method is adopted. Survey of available experimental data on the crystal field energy levels and free-ion parameters for Fe 2+ ions in K 2 FeF 4 and related compounds is carried out to provide input for microscopic modeling of the ZFS parameters and the Zeeman electronic ones. The ZFS parameters are expressed in the extended Stevens notation and include contributions up to the fourth-order using as perturbation the spin-orbit and electronic spin-spin couplings within the tetragonal crystal field states of the ground 5 D multiplet. Modeling of the ZFS parameters and the Zeeman electronic ones is carried out. Variation of these parameters is studied taking into account reasonable ranges of the microscopic ones, i.e. the spin-orbit and spin-spin coupling constants, and the energy level splittings, suitable for Fe 2+ ions in K 2 FeF 4 and Fe 2+ :K 2 ZnF 4 . Conversions between the ZFS parameters in the extended Stevens notation and the conventional ones are considered to enable comparison with the data of others. Comparative analysis of the MSH formulas derived earlier and our more complete ones indicates the importance of terms omitted earlier as well as the fourth-order ZFS parameters and the spin-spin coupling related contributions. The results may be useful also for Fe 2+ ions at axial symmetry sites in related systems, i.e. Fe:K 2 MnF 4 , Rb 2 Co 1-x Fe x F 4 , Fe 2+ :Rb 2 CrCl 4 , and Fe 2+ :Rb 2 ZnCl 4 . - Highlights: → Truncated zero field splitting (ZFS) terms for Fe 2+ in K

Differences in Physical Performance Measures Among Patients With Unilateral Lower-Limb Amputations Classified as Functional Level K3 Versus K4.

Science.gov (United States)

Sions, Jaclyn Megan; Beisheim, Emma Haldane; Manal, Tara Jo; Smith, Sarah Carolyn; Horne, John Robert; Sarlo, Frank Bernard

2018-02-01

To determine whether differences in physical function, assessed via self-report questionnaires and physical performance tests, exist between individuals with lower-limb loss using a prosthetic device classified as a K3 versus a K4 functional level. Cross-sectional study. A university physical therapy amputee clinic. Participants (N=55) were included if they (1) were aged ≥18 years with a unilateral transfemoral or transtibial amputation; (2) were classified as K3 or K4 functional level; (3) completed all relevant outcome measures; and (4) were currently using a prosthesis. Not applicable. Locomotor Capabilities Index (LCI), Prosthetic Evaluation Questionnaire-Mobility Section (PEQ-MS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), Amputee Mobility Predictor (AMPPRO), and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). K level was determined by group consensus based on a standardized clinical evaluation. After controlling for covariates, patients classified as K3 had slower TUG times (P=.002) and self-selected and fast gait speeds (Pclinical evaluations to help differentiate between individuals of higher functional mobility. The LCI and PEQ-MS may be less useful in classifying individuals as K3 versus K4 because of a ceiling effect. Copyright © 2018 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High cell density cultivation of Escherichia coli K4 in a microfiltration bioreactor: a step towards improvement of chondroitin precursor production

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

De Rosa Mario

2011-02-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The bacteria Escherichia coli K4 produces a capsular polysaccharide (K4 CPS whose backbone is similar to the non sulphated chondroitin chain. The chondroitin sulphate is one of the major components of the extra-cellular matrix of the vertebrate connective tissues and a high value molecule, widely employed as active principle in the treatment of osteoarthritis. It is usually obtained by extraction from animal tissues, but the risk of virus contaminations, as well as the scarceness of raw material, makes this productive process unsafe and unable to satisfy the growing market demand. In previous studies a new biotechnological process to produce chondroitin from Escherichia coli K4 capsular polysaccharide was investigated and a 1.4 g·L-1 K4 CPS concentration was reached using fed-batch fermentation techniques. In this work, on the trail of these results, we exploited new fermentation strategies to further improve the capsular polysaccharide production. Results The inhibitory effect of acetate on the bacterial cells growth and K4 CPS production was studied in shake flask conditions, while a new approach, that combined the optimization of the feeding profiles, the improvement of aeration conditions and the use of a microfiltration bioreactor, was investigated in three different types of fermentation processes. High polysaccharide concentrations (4.73 ± 0.2 g·L-1, with corresponding average yields (0.13 ± 0.006 gK4 CPS·gcdw-1, were obtained; the increase of K4 CPS titre, compared to batch and fed-batch results, was of 16-fold and 3.3-fold respectively, while average yield was almost 3.5 and 1.4 fold higher. Conclusion The increase of capsular polysaccharide titre confirmed the validity of the proposed fermentation strategy and opened the way to the use of the microfiltration bioreactor for the biotechnological production of chondroitin.

Flux-coherent series SQUID array magnetometers operating above 77 K with superior white flux noise than single-SQUIDs at 4.2 K

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chesca, Boris, E-mail: B.Chesca@lboro.ac.uk; John, Daniel [Department of Physics, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU (United Kingdom); Mellor, Christopher J. [School of Physics and Astronomy, Nottingham University, Nottingham NG7 2RD (United Kingdom)

2015-10-19

A very promising direction to improve the sensitivity of magnetometers based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) is to build a series-array of N non-interacting SQUIDs operating flux-coherently, because in this case their voltage modulation depth, ΔV, linearly scales with N whereas the white flux noise S{sub Φ}{sup 1/2} decreases as 1/N{sup 1/2}. Here, we report the realization of both these improvements in an advanced layout of very large SQUID arrays made of YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7}. Specially designed with large area narrow flux focusers for increased field sensitivity and improved flux-coherency, our arrays have extremely low values for S{sub Φ}{sup 1/2} between (0.25 and 0.44) μΦ{sub 0}/Hz{sup 1/2} for temperatures in the range (77–83) K. In this respect, they outperform niobium/aluminium trilayer technology-based single-SQUIDs operating at 4.2 K. Moreover, with values for ΔV and transimpedance in the range of (10–17) mV and (0.3–2.5) kΩ, respectively, a direct connection to a low-noise room temperature amplifier is allowed, while matching for such readout is simplified and the available bandwidth is greatly increased. These landmark performances suggest such series SQUID arrays are ideal candidates to replace single-SQUIDs operating at 4.2 K in many applications.

Radiation measurements by pn junction InSb detector at the temperature from 4.2 K to 115 K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kanno, Ikuo; Yoshihara, Fumiki; Nouchi, Ryo; Sugiura, Osamu; Murase, Yasuhiro; Nakamura, Tatsuya; Katagiri, Masaki

2003-01-01

We fabricated the pn junction-type detectors on a p-type InSb substrate. Both sides of the InSb substrate were etched using a mixture of nitric and lactic acids. On the top side surface, Sn and Al were deposited by heat evaporation and then the Sn was diffused into the p-type InSb by lamp annealing and resulted in the n-type layer. Based on the confirmation of the performance of the InSb detector at temperatures of 0.5 K and 4.2 K, we concentrated on the measurement of alpha particles by the pm junction-type InSb detectors at higher operating temperatures of up to 115 K. The InSb detector showed a wide temperature operating range. We can conclude that all of the voltage was induced slowly by the holes at 4.2 K and mainly as a result of electrons at 77 K. (T. Tanaka)

Accumulation and translocation peculiarities of "1"3"7Cs and "4"0K in the soil – plant system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marčiulionienė, Danutė; Lukšienė, Benedikta; Jefanova, Olga

2015-01-01

Long-term investigations (1996–2008) were conducted into the "1"3"7Cs and "4"0K in the soil of forests, swamps and meadows in different regions of Lithuania, as well as in the plants growing in these media. The "1"3"7Cs and "4"0K activity concentrations, the "1"3"7Cs/"4"0K activity concentration ratio and accumulation, and translocation in the system, i.e. from the soil to plant roots to above-ground plant part of these radionuclides, were evaluated after gamma-spectrometric measurements using a high purity germanium (HPGe) detector. Based on the obtained data, it can be asserted that in the tested plant species, the "1"3"7Cs and "4"0K accumulation, the transfer from soil to roots and translocation within the plants depend on the plant species and environmental ecological conditions. The "1"3"7Cs/"4"0K activity concentration ratios in the same plant species in different regions of Lithuania are different and this ratio depends on the biotope (forest, swamp or meadow) in which the plant grows and on the location of the growing region. Based on the determined trends of statistically reliable inverse dependence between the activity concentrations in both soil and plants, it can be stated that the exchange of "1"3"7Cs and "4"0K in plants and soil is different. Different accumulations and translocations of investigated radionuclides in the same plant species indicate diverse biological metabolism of "1"3"7Cs and its chemical analogue "4"0K in plants. A competitive relationship exists between "1"3"7Cs and "4"0K in plants as well as in the soil. - Highlights: • Investigations of "1"3"7Cs and "4"0K were performed in different ecological conditions. • The data indicate a diverse biological metabolism of "1"3"7Cs and "4"0K in plant species. • A pronounced association between "1"3"7Cs and "4"0K in soil and plants is not statistically significant. • A competitive relationship exists between "1"3"7Cs and "4"0K in plants as well as in the soil. • The ratio of "1

On the Vertex-Distinguishing Proper Edge-coloring of K3,4 ∨ Kt%图K3,4∨Kt的点可区别正常边染色

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

魏甲静; 王治文; 陈祥恩

2012-01-01

Let f be a proper edge coloring of G. For each x ∈ V(G), let S(x) denote the set of all colors of the edges incident with x. If (A) u, v∈ V(G), u ≠ v, we have S(u)≠ S(v), then f is called a vertex distinguishing proper edge coloring of G. The minimum number k for which there exists a vertex distinguishing proper edge coloring of G using k colors is called the vertex distinguishing proper edge chromatic number of G and denoted by x's(G). In this paper, we discuss vertex-distinguishing proper edge colorings of K3,4∨Kt. By using symmetry of regular polygons to construct coloring and methods of combinatorial analysis, we showed that for t is even with t ≥ 2 or t is odd with 3 ≤ t ≤ 25, we have x's(K3,4 ∨ Kt) =t+7; for t is odd with t ≥ 27, we have X's(K3,4∨Kt)=t+8.%设f是图G的一个正常边染色.对任意x∈V(G),令S(x)表示与点x相关联的边的颜色所构成的集合.若对任意u,v∈V(G),u≠v,有S(u)≠S(v),则称f是图G的一个点可区别正常边染色.对一个图G进行点可区别正常边染色所需的最少的颜色的数目称为G的点可区别正常边色数,记为x＇s(G).讨论了图K3,4 ∨Kt的点可区别正常边染色及其色数,利用正多边形的对称性构造染色以及组合分析的方法,确定了图K3,4 ∨Kt的点可区别正常边色数,得到了当t是大于等于2的偶数以及t是奇数且3≤t≤25时,x＇s(K3,4 ∨Kt)=t+7;当t是奇数且t≥27时,x＇s(K3,4∨Kt)=t+8.

K(MoO24O3(AsO4

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Raja Jouini

2013-06-01

Full Text Available A new compound with a non-centrosymmetric structure, potassium tetrakis[dioxomolybdenum(IV] arsenate trioxide, K(MoO24O3(AsO4, has been synthesized by a solid-state reaction. The [(MoO24O3(AsO4]+ three-dimensional framework consists of single arsenate AsO4 tetrahedra, MoO6 octahedra, MoO5 bipyramids and bioctahedral units of edge-sharing Mo2O10 octahedra. The [Mo2O8]∞ octahedral chains running along the a-axis direction are connected through their corners to the AsO4 tetrahedra, MoO6 octahedra and MoO5 bipyramids, so as to form large tunnels propagating along the a axis in which the K+ cations are located. This structure is compared with compounds containing M2O10 (M = Mo, V, Fe dimers and with those containing M2O8 (M = V chains.

Development of nitronic 50 fusion welding techniques for 4 K service

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dalder, E.N.C.; Juhas, M.C.

1981-01-01

The Mirror Fusion Test Facility (MFTF-B) is a large magnetic fusion energy experiment in the tandem mirror configuration. The requirement that each pair of Yin-Yang magnets, one pair at each end of the experiment, not undergo excessive lateral motion during seismic events was found to require excessively thick (> 12.7 mm) walled tubing in the support-struts, which accelerated the flow of heat inward to the 4 K magnet case from the nearby 300 K wall of the rector vessel, when any of the Cr-Ni austenite stainless steels, such as Type 304 with a 300 K yield-strength (sigma y) of 307 mpa (min.) was considered. Since the cold end of the lateral restraining strut was to be at or near 4 K, the additional constraints of good austenite stability and resistance to brittle fracture at 4 K existed. After consideration of these constraints against available information on Cr-Ni and Cr-Mn-Ni-N 2 austenitic stainless steels, grade XM-19 (Fe-22 Cr-12 Ni-5 Mn-.04 C-.02 N 2 was chosen. The mechanical properties of these welds were studied

Impact of calcium ion on cytotoxic effect of the boroxine derivative, K2[B3O3F4OH].

Science.gov (United States)

Ivankovic, Sinisa; Stojkovic, Ranko; Maksimovic, Milka; Galic, Borivoj; Milos, Mladen

2016-01-01

The effect of Ca 2+ ions on the cytotoxic ability of boron heterocyclic compound dipotassium-trioxohydroxytetrafluorotriborate (K 2 [B 3 O 3 F 4 OH]), on in vitro tumor cells (mammary adenocarcinoma 4T1, melanoma B16F10 and squamous cell carcinoma SCCVII) and non-tumoral fibroblast cells (mouse dermal L929 and hamster lung V79) was examined. At small concentrations of Ca 2+ ions (0.42 mM), K 2 [B 3 O 3 F 4 OH] (3.85 mM) has a very strong cytotoxic effect on all cancer cells tested (89.1, 85.6 and 84.6%) and significantly less effect on normal cells (19.5 and 24.2%), respectively. Applying larger concentrations of Ca 2+ ions (9.42-72.42 mM), at the same concentration of K 2 [B 3 O 3 F 4 OH], no significant cytotoxic effect was detected on cancer cells and normal cells investigated. The selective ability of K 2 [B 3 O 3 F 4 OH], in the medium with a low concentration of Ca 2+ ions has a strong cytotoxic effect on cancer cells and very weak effect in normal cells, opens up the possibility of its application in antitumor therapy.

The reactions K-p → π-+Σ+-(1385) at 4.2 GeV/c

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Holmgren, S.O.; Aguilar-Benitez, M.; Barreiro, F.; Hemingway, R.J.; Losty, M.J.; Worden, R.P.; Zatz, J.; Kluyver, J.C.; Massaro, G.G.G.; Kittel, E.W.; Walle, R.T. van de

1977-01-01

The reactions K - p → π - Σ + (1385) and K - p → π + Σ - (1385) are studied at 4.2 GeV/c incident momentum using data from a high statistics bubble chamber experiment corresponding to approximately 80 events/μb. The total and differential cross sections are presented. Amplitude analyses are performed and the complete Σ +- (1385) helicity spin density matrices are extracted. The results are compared with the predictions of the additive quark model and exchange degeneracy. A substantial cross section is observed for the reaction K - p → π + Σ - (1385) in the forward direction, which implies exotic meson quantum numbers in the t-channel. One possible interpretation of this process provides an explanation for the small but significant violations of the additive quark model predictions observed in the reaction K - p → π - Σ + (1385) at low four-momentum transfer. In the backward direction unnatural parity exchange is shown to give a larger contribution to K - p → Σ - (1385)π + than natural parity exchange. (Auth.)

Theoretical investigation of the Omega(g,u)(+/-) states of K2 dissociating adiabatically up to K(4p 2P(3/2)) + K(4p 2P(3/2)).

Science.gov (United States)

Jraij, A; Allouche, A R; Magnier, S; Aubert-Frécon, M

2009-06-28

A theoretical investigation of the electronic structure of the K(2) molecule, including spin-orbit effects, has been performed. Potential energies have been calculated over a large range of R up to 75a(0) for the 88 Omega(g,u)(+/-) states dissociating adiabatically into the limits up to K(4p (2)P(3/2))+K(4p (2)P(3/2)). Equilibrium distances, transition energies, harmonic frequencies, as well as depths for wells and heights for barriers are reported for all of the bound Omega(g,u)(+/-) states. Present ab initio calculations are shown to be able to reproduce quite accurately the small structures (wells and barrier) displayed at very long-range (R>50a(0)) by the (2,3)1(u) and (2)0(g)(-) purely long-range states. As the present data could help experimentalists, we make available extensive tables of energy values versus internuclear distances in our database at the web address http://www-lasim.univ-lyon1.fr/spip.php?rubrique99.

Vitamin K supplementation increases vitamin K tissue levels but fails to counteract ectopic calcification in a mouse model for pseudoxanthoma elasticum.

Science.gov (United States)

Gorgels, Theo G M F; Waarsing, Jan H; Herfs, Marjolein; Versteeg, Daniëlle; Schoensiegel, Frank; Sato, Toshiro; Schlingemann, Reinier O; Ivandic, Boris; Vermeer, Cees; Schurgers, Leon J; Bergen, Arthur A B

2011-11-01

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is an autosomal recessive disorder in which calcification of connective tissue leads to pathology in skin, eye and blood vessels. PXE is caused by mutations in ABCC6. High expression of this transporter in the basolateral hepatocyte membrane suggests that it secretes an as-yet elusive factor into the circulation which prevents ectopic calcification. Utilizing our Abcc6 (-/-) mouse model for PXE, we tested the hypothesis that this factor is vitamin K (precursor) (Borst et al. 2008, Cell Cycle). For 3 months, Abcc6 (-/-) and wild-type mice were put on diets containing either the minimum dose of vitamin K required for normal blood coagulation or a dose that was 100 times higher. Vitamin K was supplied as menaquinone-7 (MK-7). Ectopic calcification was monitored in vivo by monthly micro-CT scans of the snout, as the PXE mouse model develops a characteristic connective tissue mineralization at the base of the whiskers. In addition, calcification of kidney arteries was measured by histology. Results show that supplemental MK-7 had no effect on ectopic calcification in Abcc6 ( -/- ) mice. MK-7 supplementation increased vitamin K levels (in skin, heart and brain) in wild-type and in Abcc6 (-/-) mice. Vitamin K tissue levels did not depend on Abcc6 genotype. In conclusion, dietary MK-7 supplementation increased vitamin K tissue levels in the PXE mouse model but failed to counteract ectopic calcification. Hence, we obtained no support for the hypothesis that Abcc6 transports vitamin K and that PXE can be cured by increasing tissue levels of vitamin K.

Ω- produced in K-p reactions at 4.2 GeV/c

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hemingway, R.J.; Armenteros, R.; Dionisi, C.; Gavillet, Ph.; Gurtu, A.; Holmgren, S.O.; Losty, M.J.; Marin, J.C.; Mazzucato, M.; Montanet, L.; Banting, M.; Blokzijl, R.; Groot, A.J. de; Jongejans, B.; Kluyver, J.C.; Leeuwen, W.M. van; Massaro, G.G.G.; Tenner, A.G.; Wolters, G.F.; Heinen, P.M.; Kittel, E.W.; Metzger, W.J.; Tiecke, H.G.J.M.; Timmermans, J.J.M.; Walle, R.T. van de; Foster, B.; Grossmann, P.; Lamb, P.R.; Lloyd, J.L.; Wells, J.

1978-01-01

Forty Ω - events have been observed in a large (133 events/μb) experiment at 4.2 GeV/c incident K - momentum. Thirty nine of the events come from the three-body reaction K - p→Ω - K + K 0 . The Ω - is mainly produced in the forward hemisphere (direction of the incident K - ). The lifetime is measured to be tau=(0.75(+0.14-0.11))x10 -10 sec., substantially less than the Particle Data Group value of (1.3(+0.3-0.2)x10 -10 sec. The mass is determined to be 1671.7+-0.6 MeV, in good agreement with other determinations. The decay asymmetry parameter α (for the decay mode Ω - →ΛK - ) is found to be -0.2+-0.4. (Auth.)

Increased growth and root Cu accumulation of Sorghum sudanense by endophytic Enterobacter sp. K3-2: Implications for Sorghum sudanense biomass production and phytostabilization.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Ya; Wang, Qi; Wang, Lu; He, Lin-Yan; Sheng, Xia-Fang

2016-02-01

Endophytic bacterial strain K3-2 was isolated from the roots of Sorghum sudanense (an bioenergy plant) grown in a Cu mine wasteland soils and characterized. Strain K3-2 was identified as Enterobacter sp. based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Strain K3-2 exhibited Cu resistance and produced 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophores, and arginine decarboxylase. Pot experiments showed that strain K3-2 significantly increased the dry weight and root Cu accumulation of Sorghum sudanense grown in the Cu mine wasteland soils. Furthermore, increase in total Cu uptake (ranging from 49% to 95%) of the bacterial inoculated-Sorghum sudanense was observed compared to the control. Notably, most of Cu (83-86%) was accumulated in the roots of Sorghum sudanense. Furthermore, inoculation with strain K3-2 was found to significantly increase Cu bioconcentration factors and the proportions of IAA- and siderophore-producing bacteria in the root interiors and rhizosphere soils of Sorghum sudanense compared with the control. Significant decrease in the available Cu content was also observed in the rhizosphere soils of the bacterial-inoculated Sorghum sudanense. The results suggest that the endophytic bacterial strain K3-2 may be exploited for promoting Sorghum sudanense biomass production and Cu phytostabilization in the Cu mining wasteland soils. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Structural, optical and electronic properties of K2Ba(NO3)4 crystal

Science.gov (United States)

Isaenko, L. I.; Korzhneva, K. E.; Goryainov, S. V.; Goloshumova, A. A.; Sheludyakova, L. A.; Bekenev, V. L.; Khyzhun, O. Y.

2018-02-01

Nitrate crystals reveal nonlinear optical properties and could be considered as converters of laser radiation in the short-wave region. The conditions for obtaining and basic properties of K2Ba(NO3)4 double nitrate crystals were investigated. Crystal growth was implemented by slow cooling in the temperature range of 72-49 °C and low rate evaporation. The structural analysis of K2Ba(NO3)4 formation on the basis of two mixed simple nitrate structures is discussed. The main groups of oscillations in K2Ba(NO3)4 crystal were revealed using Raman and IR spectroscopy, and the table of vibrations for this compound was compiled. The electronic structure of K2Ba(NO3)4 was elucidated in the present work from both experimental and theoretical viewpoints. In particular, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was employed in the present work to measure binding energies of the atoms constituting the titled compound and its XPS valence-band spectrum for both pristine and Ar+ ion-bombarded surfaces. Further, total and partial densities of states of constituent atoms of K2Ba(NO3)4 have been calculated. The calculations reveal that the O 2p states dominate in the total valence-band region of K2Ba(NO3)4 except of its bottom, where K 3p and Ba 5p states are the principal contributors, while the bottom of the conduction band is composed mainly of the unoccupied O 2p states, with somewhat smaller contributions of the N 2p∗ states as well. With respect to the occupation of the valence band by the O 2p states, the present band-structure calculations are confirmed by comparison on a common energy scale of the XPS valence-band spectrum and the X-ray emission O Kα band for the K2Ba(NO3)4 crystal under study. Furthermore, the present calculations indicate that the K2Ba(NO3)4 compound is a direct-gap material.

Crossed molecular beam-tunable laser determination of velocity dependence of intramultiplet mixing: K(4p2P1/2)+He →K(4p2P3/2)+He

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anderson, R.W.; Goddard, T.P.; Parravano, C.; Warner, J.

1976-01-01

The velocity dependence of intramultiplet mixing, K(4p 2 P 1 / 2 ) +He→K(4p 2 P 3 / 2 )+He, has been measured over the relative velocity range v=1.3--3.4 km/sec. The cross section appears to fit a linear function Q (v) =A (v-v 0 ), where a=6.3 x 10 -4 A 2 and v 0 = 7.9 x 10 4 cm/sec. The value of A is obtained by normalization to the literature thermal average cross section. The intramultiplet mixing theory of Nikitin is modified to yield Q (v) for the process. The modified theory correctly exhibits detailed balancing, and it is normalized to provide a very good fit to the observed Q (v). The magnitude of the normalization factor, however, is larger than that predicted from recent pseudopotential calculations of the excited state potentials. The temperature dependence of intramultiplet mixing is predicted. The use of laser polarization to determine the m/subj/ dependence of the process K(4p 2 P 3 / 2 +He→K(4p 2 P 1 / 2 )+He and other collision processes of excited 2 P 3 / 2 states is examined

Plastic behaviour of Zircaloy-4 in the temperature range 77-1000 K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Derep, J.L.; Ibrahim, S.; Rouby, D.; Fantozzi, G.; Gobin, P.

1979-01-01

Tensile tests were carried out on Zircaloy-4 over a temperature range 77-1000 K. So, we have determined the flow stress variations as a function of temperature and strain rate. Two thermally activated zones were observed between about 77 and 600 K, a plateau stress between 600 and 700 K and an other thermally activated zone above 700 K. The various mechanisms which can be responsible for the thermally activated and athermal zones are discussed in the light of experimental results. The mechanical behaviour of Zircaloy-4 appears similar to the zirconium-oxygen alloys one. (orig.) [de

Construction of non-viral vector (mPEG5k-PCL1.2k)1.4-g-PEI10k and its gene delivery efficacy in vitro

OpenAIRE

Wei HUANG; Ming LV; Zhong-gao GAO; Ming-ji JIN; Fei-fei YANG; Yu-li WANG

2011-01-01

Objective To construct(mPEG5k-PCL1.2k)1.4-g-PEI10k,a copolymer designed as delivery vector for non-viral gene therapy,and explore its cytotoxicity and efficacy in delivery of plasmid DNA(pDNA).Methods The copolymer,mPEG5k-PCL1.2k-OH,was prepared by ring-opening polymerization and then followed by a conversion of hydroxyl terminal(-OH) into N-hydroxysuccinimide(NHS) to prepare mPEG5k-PCL1.2k-NHS.One of the branches,PEI10k,was then reacted with mPEG5k-PCL1.2k-NHS to synthesize a ternary copolym...

Reducing bioavailability and phytotoxicity of 2,4-dinitrotoluene by sorption on K-smectite clay.

Science.gov (United States)

Roberts, Michael G; Rugh, Clayton L; Li, Hui; Teppen, Brian J; Boyd, Stephen A

2007-02-01

Smectite clays demonstrate high affinities for nitroaromatics that strongly depend on the exchangeable cation. The K-smectites have high affinities for nitroaromatics, but Ca-smectites do not. Here we evaluate the ability of K-smectite to attenuate the bioavailability and hence toxicity of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) to the aquatic plant duckweed. In the absence of K-smectite, 2,4-DNT was highly toxic to duckweed. Small amounts of K-smectite reduced toxicity substantially, presumably by reducing 2,4-DNT bioavailability via sorption.

Preliminary results on a 4 kJ, 140 k A plasma focus

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silva, Patricio; Favre, Mario; Chuaqui, Hernan; Wyndham, Edmund

1996-01-01

Preliminary results on the operation of a 4 kJ, 140 kA Plasma Focus device are presented. The machine operates Hydrogen and Hydrogen-Argon mixtures at pressures between 400 m Torr to 10 Torr. Main diagnostics include electric and current measurements, time and space resolved X-ray observations, with limited spectral resolution, and B-dot sensors to monitor the evolution of de current sheet during the run up phase of the discharge. The results indicate that good focus is obtained in the above pressure range. This is inferred from I-dot traces and Pin diode and pin-hole camera X-ray observations. The B-dot loops suggest that a symmetric current sheet is produced. These results show that the machine exhibits a reliable performance, which allows further studies on dense transient plasmas to be developed. (author)

4-Acetylantroquinonol B suppresses autophagic flux and improves cisplatin sensitivity in highly aggressive epithelial cancer through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liu, Mingche [Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of biomedical engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan (China); Department of Urology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan (China); Department of Urology, School of Medicine, college of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan (China); Bamodu, Oluwaseun Adebayo [Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan (China); Department of Medical Research & Education, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan (China); Huang, Wen-Chien [Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan (China); Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan (China); Zucha, Muhammad Ary [Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan (China); Lin, Yen-Kuang [Biostatistics and Research Consultation Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan (China); Wu, Alexander T.H. [The Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan (China); Huang, Chun-Chih [Center for General Education, National Taitung University, Taitung, Taiwan (China); Lee, Wei-Hwa [Department of Pathology, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan (China); Yuan, Chiou-Chung [Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan (China); Hsiao, M. [Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan (China); Deng, Li [Beijing Bioprocess Key Laboratory, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing (China); Amoy-BUCT Industrial Bio-technovation Institute, Amoy (China); and others

2017-06-15

Targeting residual self-renewing, chemoresistant cancerous cells may represent the key to overcoming therapy resistance. The entry of these quiescent cells into an activated state is associated with high metabolic demand and autophagic flux. Therefore, modulating the autophagy pathway in aggressive carcinomas may be beneficial as a therapeutic modality. In this study, we evaluated the anti-tumor activities of 4-acetylantroquinonol B (4-AAQB) in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells, particularly its ability to modulate autophagy through autophagy-related genes (Atg). Atg-5 was overexpressed in invasive ovarian cancer cell lines and tissue (OR: 5.133; P = 0.027) and depleting Atg-5 in ES-2 cell lines significantly induced apoptosis. 4-AAQB effectively suppressed viability of various subtypes of ovarian cancer. Cells with higher cisplatin-resistance were more responsive to 4-AAQB. For the first time, we demonstrate that 4-AAQB significantly suppress Atg-5 and Atg-7 expression with decreased autophagic flux in ovarian cancer cells via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway. Similar to Atg-5 silencing, 4-AAQB-induced autophagy inhibition significantly enhanced cell death in vitro. These results are comparable to those of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). In addition, 4-AAQB/cisplatin synergistically induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. In vivo, 4-AAQB/cisplatin also significantly induced apoptosis and autophagy in an ES-2 mouse xenografts model. This is the first report demonstrating the efficacy of 4-AAQB alone or in combination with cisplatin on the suppression of ovarian cancer via Atg-5-dependent autophagy. We believe these findings will be beneficial in the development of a novel anti-ovarian cancer therapeutic strategy. - Highlights: • Atg-5 is overexpressed in ovarian cancer and silencing Atg-5 induces apoptosis. • 4-AAQB suppresses autophagy and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. • 4-AAQB + cisplatin synergistically suppresses ovarian cancer via

4-Acetylantroquinonol B suppresses autophagic flux and improves cisplatin sensitivity in highly aggressive epithelial cancer through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu, Mingche; Bamodu, Oluwaseun Adebayo; Huang, Wen-Chien; Zucha, Muhammad Ary; Lin, Yen-Kuang; Wu, Alexander T.H.; Huang, Chun-Chih; Lee, Wei-Hwa; Yuan, Chiou-Chung; Hsiao, M.; Deng, Li

2017-01-01

Targeting residual self-renewing, chemoresistant cancerous cells may represent the key to overcoming therapy resistance. The entry of these quiescent cells into an activated state is associated with high metabolic demand and autophagic flux. Therefore, modulating the autophagy pathway in aggressive carcinomas may be beneficial as a therapeutic modality. In this study, we evaluated the anti-tumor activities of 4-acetylantroquinonol B (4-AAQB) in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells, particularly its ability to modulate autophagy through autophagy-related genes (Atg). Atg-5 was overexpressed in invasive ovarian cancer cell lines and tissue (OR: 5.133; P = 0.027) and depleting Atg-5 in ES-2 cell lines significantly induced apoptosis. 4-AAQB effectively suppressed viability of various subtypes of ovarian cancer. Cells with higher cisplatin-resistance were more responsive to 4-AAQB. For the first time, we demonstrate that 4-AAQB significantly suppress Atg-5 and Atg-7 expression with decreased autophagic flux in ovarian cancer cells via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway. Similar to Atg-5 silencing, 4-AAQB-induced autophagy inhibition significantly enhanced cell death in vitro. These results are comparable to those of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). In addition, 4-AAQB/cisplatin synergistically induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. In vivo, 4-AAQB/cisplatin also significantly induced apoptosis and autophagy in an ES-2 mouse xenografts model. This is the first report demonstrating the efficacy of 4-AAQB alone or in combination with cisplatin on the suppression of ovarian cancer via Atg-5-dependent autophagy. We believe these findings will be beneficial in the development of a novel anti-ovarian cancer therapeutic strategy. - Highlights: • Atg-5 is overexpressed in ovarian cancer and silencing Atg-5 induces apoptosis. • 4-AAQB suppresses autophagy and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. • 4-AAQB + cisplatin synergistically suppresses ovarian cancer via

Ideas: NCTM Standards-Based Instruction, Grades K-4.

Science.gov (United States)

Hynes, Michael C., Ed.

This document is a collection of activity-based mathematics lessons for grades K-4 from the "Ideas" department in "Arithmetic Teacher: Mathematics Education through the Middle Grades." Each lesson includes background information, objectives, directions, extensions, and student worksheets. A matrix is included which correlates…

Synthesis, structural characteristics and dielectric properties of a new K{sub 2}NiF{sub 4}-type phase Sr{sub 2}Mn{sub 0.5}Ti{sub 0.5}O{sub 4}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chupakhina, T.I., E-mail: chupakhina@ihim.uran.ru [Institute of Solid State Chemistry of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 91, Pervomaiskaya Str., Ekaterinburg (Russian Federation); Melnikova, N.V. [Ural Federal University, 19, Mira Str., Ekaterinburg (Russian Federation); Gyrdasova, O.I. [Institute of Solid State Chemistry of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 91, Pervomaiskaya Str., Ekaterinburg (Russian Federation)

2016-06-15

A new K{sub 2}NiF{sub 4}-type phase Sr{sub 2}Mn{sub 0,5}Ti{sub 0,5}O{sub 4} have been synthesized by a sol–gel procedure and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. There are no oxide ion vacancies in these materials; oxidation states of manganese and titanium were estimated as +4. Rietveld profile analysis shows that the phase crystallizes with tetragonal unit cell in the space group I4/mmm. Substitution of Ti{sup 4+} for Mn{sup 4+} does not affect the distortion of coordination polyhedra (Mn,Ti)O{sub 6} and SrO{sub 9}. The dielectric properties of the ceramic samples are caused by structural and charge characteristics, regular coordination polyhedra SrO{sub 9} and lack of charge ordering, which can lead to significant permittivity. Increase of the dielectric constant at temperatures above 453 K is caused mainly by the grain boundary processes explained in terms of the Maxwell–Wagner polarization model. - Highlights: • The new complex oxide Sr{sub 2}Mn{sub 0,5}Ti{sub 0,5}O{sub 4} was prepared. • The structures of the compound were analyzed by Rietveld refinement. • Distortions of SrO{sub 9} and (Mn,Ti)O{sub 6} polyhedra are not strong. • Dielectric properties are determined by regular structure and lack of charge ordering. • Permittivity increase under heat is associated with processes at the grain boundaries.

Lipopolysaccharide hyperpolarizes guinea pig airway epithelium by increasing the activities of the epithelial Na(+) channel and the Na(+)-K(+) pump.

Science.gov (United States)

Dodrill, Michael W; Fedan, Jeffrey S

2010-10-01

Earlier, we found that systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 4 mg/kg) hyperpolarized the transepithelial potential difference (V(t)) of tracheal epithelium in the isolated, perfused trachea (IPT) of the guinea pig 18 h after injection. As well, LPS increased the hyperpolarization component of the response to basolateral methacholine, and potentiated the epithelium-derived relaxing factor-mediated relaxation responses to hyperosmolar solutions applied to the apical membrane. We hypothesized that LPS stimulates the transepithelial movement of Na(+) via the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)/Na(+)-K(+) pump axis, leading to hyperpolarization of V(t). LPS increased the V(t)-depolarizing response to amiloride (10 μM), i.e., offset the effect of LPS, indicating that Na(+) transport activity was increased. The functional activity of ENaC was measured in the IPT after short-circuiting the Na(+)-K(+) pump with basolateral amphotericin B (7.5 μM). LPS had no effect on the hyperpolarization response to apical trypsin (100 U/ml) in the Ussing chamber, indicating that channel-activating proteases are not involved in the LPS-induced activation of ENaC. To assess Na(+)-K(+) pump activity in the IPT, ENaC was short-circuited with apical amphotericin B. The greater V(t) in the presence of amphotericin B in tracheas from LPS-treated animals compared with controls revealed that LPS increased Na(+)-K(+) pump activity. This finding was confirmed in the Ussing chamber by inhibiting the Na(+)-K(+) pump via extracellular K(+) removal, loading the epithelium with Na(+), and observing a greater hyperpolarization response to K(+) restoration. Together, the findings of this study reveal that LPS hyperpolarizes the airway epithelium by increasing the activities of ENaC and the Na(+)-K(+) pump.

Exercise increases the plasma membrane content of the Na+ -K+ pump and its mRNA in rat skeletal muscles.

Science.gov (United States)

Tsakiridis, T; Wong, P P; Liu, Z; Rodgers, C D; Vranic, M; Klip, A

1996-02-01

Muscle fibers adapt to ionic challenges of exercise by increasing the plasma membrane Na+-K+ pump activity. Chronic exercise training has been shown to increase the total amount of Na+-K+ pumps present in skeletal muscle. However, the mechanism of adaptation of the Na+-K+ pump to an acute bout of exercise has not been determined, and it is not known whether it involves alterations in the content of plasma membrane pump subunits. Here we examine the effect of 1 h of treadmill running (20 m/min, 10% grade) on the subcellular distribution and expression of Na+-K+ pump subunits in rat skeletal muscles. Red type I and IIa (red-I/IIa) and white type IIa and IIb (white-IIa/IIb) hindlimb muscles from resting and exercised female Sprague-Dawley rats were removed for subcellular fractionation. By homogenization and gradient centrifugation, crude membranes and purified plasma membranes were isolated and subjected to gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting by using pump subunit-specific antibodies. Furthermore, mRNA was isolated from specific red type I (red-I) and white type IIb (white-IIb) muscles and subjected to Northern blotting by using subunit-specific probes. In both red-I/IIa and white-IIa/IIb muscles, exercise significantly raised the plasma membrane content of the alpha1-subunit of the pump by 64 +/- 24 and 55 +/- 22%, respectively (P < 0.05), and elevated the alpha2-polypeptide by 43 +/- 22 and 94 +/- 39%, respectively (P < 0.05). No significant effect of exercise could be detected on the amount of these subunits in an internal membrane fraction or in total membranes. In addition, exercise significantly increased the alpha1-subunit mRNA in red-I muscle (by 50 +/- 7%; P < 0.05) and the beta2-subunit mRNA in white-IIb muscles (by 64 +/- 19%; P < 0.01), but the alpha2- and beta1-mRNA levels were unaffected in this time period. We conclude that increased presence of alpha1- and alpha2-polypeptides at the plasma membrane and subsequent elevation of the alpha1- and beta2

[Regulation of [12Asp]K-ras4B on transcriptional activity of estrogen receptor in endometrial carcinoma HEC-1A cell lines].

Science.gov (United States)

Gui, Li-ming; Wei, Li-hui; Xu, Ming-xu; Wang, Jian-liu; Zhong, Ying-cheng; Li, Xiao-ping; Tu, Zheng; Sun, Peng-ming; Ma, Da-long

2004-01-01

To investigate the effect of mutant-type [(12)Asp]K-ras4B gene on the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) alpha and beta and their transcriptional activity as a transcription factor in endometrial carcinoma HEC-1A cell line. (1) Effect of [(12)Asp]K-ras4B on the expression of ER alpha and beta were determined using Western blot assay. (2) Eukaryotic expression plasmid pGL3-luciferase-ERE containing luciferase report gene and estrogen receptor element (ERE) was constructed, and co-transfected into NIH3T3 and HEC-1A cell lines with pEGFP-N1 to examine the effect of [(12)Asp]K-ras4B on ER transcription that is regulated by estradiol. In addition, they were transfected into pSV5-HER0 (containing full length wide type ERalpha cDNA) and pCMV-rafS621A (inhibiting raf kinase) plasmids to test the effect of [(12)Asp]K-ras4B/raf signal pathway on transcriptional activity of ER proteins. (1) Protein level of ERs expressed in pcDI transfected control cells was low while it was increased for 3.6-fold (97 +/- 25, 349 +/- 67, P ras4B NIH3T3 cells after transfection. (2) In pcDI-[(12)Asp]K-ras4B NIH3T3 cells, the ratios for ERalpha and and ERbeta levels before transfection of rafS621A plasmids to that after the transfection, were 2.4:1 (724 +/- 45, 310 +/- 46, P HEC-1A cells, these ratios were 2.1:1 (566 +/- 22, 279 +/- 30, P ras4B NIH3T3 cells, 19-fold (141 +/- 39, 2644 +/- 331, P HEC-1A cells, respectively, when compared with those in the absence of E(2). (4) In pSV5-HER0 transfected pcDI-[(12)Asp] K-ras4B NIH3T3 cells and HEC-1A cells, compared to the untransfected cells, the ER transcriptional activity in the transfected cells increased markedly. The luciferase activity was increased for 8-fold (1048 +/- 91, 8099 +/- 452, P HEC-1A cells and pcDI-[(12)Asp]K-ras4B NIH3T3 cells. The ratio of luciferase activities in pcDI-[(12)Asp]K-ras4B NIH3T3 and HEC-1A cells, before and after transfection was 7.8:1 (1184 +/- 168, 152 +/- 27, P ras4B can enhance the expression of ERalpha and

Synthesis and Characterization of New Nickel Phosphates, ANi4(PO4)3 (A=K, Rb)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Im, Yoonmi; Kim, Pilsoo; Yun, Hoseop

2014-01-01

Quaternary nickel orthophosphates, ANi 4 (PO 4 ) 3 (A=Alkali metals) have been extensively investigated because they show interesting properties such as ionic conductivities, optical, and magnetic behaviors. They are built up from NiO 6 octahedra and PO 4 tetrahedra. These basic building blocks are connected via common oxygen atoms to form the three-dimensional frameworks and the alkali metal ions reside in the empty space. For NaNi 4 (PO 4 ) 3 , two different structures have been reported and this can be caused by the different reaction conditions. While NaNi 4 (PO 4 ) 3 prepared as single crystals with the use of NaCl flux at 1373 K crystallizes in the space group Amam and show a partial disorder of one of the PO 4 tetrahedra, NaNi 4 (PO 4 ) 3 and KNi 4 (PO 4 ) 3 synthesized with alkali metal nitrate at 1073 K as powders adopt an ordered structure with the space group Pnnm. As far as we know, no structural studies of KNi 4 (PO 4 ) 3 from single crystal diffraction data have been reported yet and RbNi 4 (PO 4 ) 3 is a new compound. In this paper we report on the synthesis and structural investigations using single crystals of two nickel orthophosphates, KNi 4 (PO 4 ) 3 and RbNi 4 (PO 4 ) 3

Thermoluminescence and glow curves analysis of γ-exposed Eu{sup 3+} doped K{sub 3}Y(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} nanophosphors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gupta, Palvi; Bedyal, A.K. [School of Physics, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra-182320, J& K (India); Kumar, Vinay, E-mail: vinaykdhiman@yahoo.com [School of Physics, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra-182320, J& K (India); Department of Physics, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300 (South Africa); Singh, Vivek K.; Khajuria, Y. [School of Physics, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra-182320, J& K (India); Ntwaeaborwa, O.M.; Swart, H.C. [Department of Physics, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300 (South Africa)

2016-01-15

Highlights: • First time, a detailed comparative study of the glow curves and kinetic parameters was made on K{sub 3}Y(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} nanophosphor. • Combustion method was employed to synthesize the Eu{sup 3+} doped K{sub 3}Y(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} nanophosphor. • The nanophosphor exhibited sublinear response suggesting that it is suitable for TL dosimetry. - Abstract: Eu{sup 3+} doped K{sub 3}Y(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} nanophosphor was synthesized by combustion synthesis using urea as a fuel. The crystal structure and particle morphology of the nanophosphor were investigated by using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. A Thermoluminescence (TL) study was carried out after exposing the samples to gamma radiation. The TL glow curves exhibited a prominent peak at 407 K and a small hump at 478 K. The intensity of the peaks increased with the increase in the dose of the gamma rays (0.01–5 kGy). The K{sub 3}Y(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}: Eu{sup 3+} (2.5 mol%) nanophosphor exhibited sublinear TL response to γ-radiation over a wide range of gamma doses (0.01–5 kGy). The TLanal program was used to analyze the glow curves of the K{sub 3}Y(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} nanophosphor at different doses (0.2–5 kGy) and different heating rates (3–10 K/s). A comparative study was done for kinetic trapping parameters that were determined by the peak shape methods of Chen, Grossweiner and Lushchik. The frequency factors (s) for each glow peak were also calculated. The values of the activation energy (E) obtained by the TLanal program were in good agreement with those obtained by the peak shape methods. The effect of different amount of doses and different heating rates are discussed.

BDE-99 (2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether) triggers epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer cells via PI3K/Akt/Snail signaling pathway.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Fei; Ruan, Xin-Jian; Zhang, Hong-Yan

2015-01-01

The gut is in direct contact with BDE-99 (2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether), one of the most abundant PBDE congeners in the environment and in human tissues. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of BDE-99 on colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. The effects of BDE-99 on cell proliferation were measured by CCK-8 assay in the CRC cell line HCT-116. Wound healing and transwell migration/invasion assays were used to test the migration and invasion of CRC cells. Factors related to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were measured by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis for mRNA and protein levels, respectively. BDE-99 was found to increase migration and invasion and trigger EMT in HCT-116 cells; EMT was characterized by cells acquiring mesenchymal spindle-like morphology and by increased expression of N-cadherin with a concomitant decrease in E-cadherin. BDE-99 treatment also increased the protein and mRNA levels of the transcription factor Snail, but not Slug, Twist, and ZEB1. Knockdown of Snail by siRNA significantly attenuated BDE-99-induced EMT in HCT-116 cells, suggesting that Snail plays a crucial role in BDE-99-induced EMT. The PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 completely blocked BDE-99-induced Snail and invasion of HCT-116 cells. Our results revealed that BDE-99 can trigger the EMT of colon cancer cells via the PI3K/AKT/Snail signaling pathway. This study provides new insight into the tumorigenesis and metastasis of CRC stimulated by BDE-99 and possibly other PBDE congeners.

S6K1 Is Required for Increasing Skeletal Muscle Force during Hypertrophy.

Science.gov (United States)

Marabita, Manuela; Baraldo, Martina; Solagna, Francesca; Ceelen, Judith Johanna Maria; Sartori, Roberta; Nolte, Hendrik; Nemazanyy, Ivan; Pyronnet, Stéphane; Kruger, Marcus; Pende, Mario; Blaauw, Bert

2016-10-04

Loss of skeletal muscle mass and force aggravates age-related sarcopenia and numerous pathologies, such as cancer and diabetes. The AKT-mTORC1 pathway plays a major role in stimulating adult muscle growth; however, the functional role of its downstream mediators in vivo is unknown. Here, we show that simultaneous inhibition of mTOR signaling to both S6K1 and 4E-BP1 is sufficient to reduce AKT-induced muscle growth and render it insensitive to the mTORC1-inhibitor rapamycin. Surprisingly, lack of mTOR signaling to 4E-BP1 only, or deletion of S6K1 alone, is not sufficient to reduce muscle hypertrophy or alter its sensitivity to rapamycin. However, we report that, while not required for muscle growth, S6K1 is essential for maintaining muscle structure and force production. Hypertrophy in the absence of S6K1 is characterized by compromised ribosome biogenesis and the formation of p62-positive protein aggregates. These findings identify S6K1 as a crucial player for maintaining muscle function during hypertrophy. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Phosphatidylinositol (4,5)bisphosphate inhibits K+-efflux channel activity in NT1 tobacco cultured cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Ma, Xiaohong; Shor, Oded; Diminshtein, Sofia; Yu, Ling; Im, Yang Ju; Perera, Imara; Lomax, Aaron; Boss, Wendy F; Moran, Nava

2009-02-01

In the animal world, the regulation of ion channels by phosphoinositides (PIs) has been investigated extensively, demonstrating a wide range of channels controlled by phosphatidylinositol (4,5)bisphosphate (PtdInsP2). To understand PI regulation of plant ion channels, we examined the in planta effect of PtdInsP2 on the K+-efflux channel of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), NtORK (outward-rectifying K channel). We applied a patch clamp in the whole-cell configuration (with fixed "cytosolic" Ca2+ concentration and pH) to protoplasts isolated from cultured tobacco cells with genetically manipulated plasma membrane levels of PtdInsP2 and cellular inositol (1,4,5)trisphosphate: "Low PIs" had depressed levels of these PIs, and "High PIs" had elevated levels relative to controls. In all of these cells, K channel activity, reflected in the net, steady-state outward K+ currents (IK), was inversely related to the plasma membrane PtdInsP2 level. Consistent with this, short-term manipulations decreasing PtdInsP2 levels in the High PIs, such as pretreatment with the phytohormone abscisic acid (25 microM) or neutralizing the bath solution from pH 5.6 to pH 7, increased IK (i.e. NtORK activity). Moreover, increasing PtdInsP2 levels in controls or in abscisic acid-treated high-PI cells, using the specific PI-phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 (2.5-4 microM), decreased NtORK activity. In all cases, IK decreases stemmed largely from decreased maximum attainable NtORK channel conductance and partly from shifted voltage dependence of channel gating to more positive potentials, making it more difficult to activate the channels. These results are consistent with NtORK inhibition by the negatively charged PtdInsP2 in the internal plasma membrane leaflet. Such effects are likely to underlie PI signaling in intact plant cells.

Reaction Dynamics of CH{sub 3} + HBr → CH{sub 4} + Br at 150-1000 K

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ree, Jongbaik [Chonnam National Univ., Gwangju (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Yoo Hang [Inha Univ., Incheon (Korea, Republic of); Shin, Hyung Kyu [Univ. of Nevado, Nevado (United States)

2013-08-15

The kinetics of the radical-polar molecule reaction CH{sub 3} + HBr → CH{sub 4} + Br has been studied at temperatures between 150 and 1000 K using classical dynamics procedures. Potential energy surfaces constructed using analytical forms of inter- and intramolecular interaction energies show a shallow well and barrier in the entrance channel, which affect the collision dynamics at low temperatures. Different collision models are used to distinguish the reaction occurring at low- and high-temperature regions. The reaction proceeds rapidly via a complex-mode mechanism below room temperature showing strong negative temperature dependence, where the effects of molecular attraction, H-atom tunneling and recrossing of collision complexes are found to be important. The temperature dependence of the rate constant between 400 and 1000 K is positive, the values increasing in accordance with the increase of the mean speed of collision. The rate constant varies from 7.6 Χ 10{sup -12} at 150 K to 3.7 Χ 10{sup -12} at 1000 K via a minimum value of 2.5 Χ 10{sup -12} cm{sup 3} molecule{sup -1} s{sup -1} at 400 K.

Estrogen increases Nrf2 activity through activation of the PI3K pathway in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wu, Juanjuan, E-mail: jwu32@emory.edu [Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle, Suite 4211 WMB, Atlanta, GA 30322 (United States); Williams, Devin [Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310 (United States); Walter, Grant A. [Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle, Suite 4211 WMB, Atlanta, GA 30322 (United States); Thompson, Winston E. [Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310 (United States); Sidell, Neil [Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle, Suite 4211 WMB, Atlanta, GA 30322 (United States)

2014-11-01

The actions of the transcription factor Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) in breast cancer have been shown to include both pro-oncogenic and anti-oncogenic activities which is influenced, at least in part, by the hormonal environment. However, direct regulation of Nrf2 by steroid hormones (estrogen and progesterone) has received only scant attention. Nrf2 is known to be regulated by its cytosolic binding protein, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and by a Keap1-independent mechanism involving a series of phosphorylation steps mediated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β). Here, we report that estrogen (E2) increases Nrf2 activity in MCF7 breast cancer cells through activation of the PI3K/GSK3β pathway. Utilizing antioxidant response element (ARE)-containing luciferase reporter constructs as read-outs for Nrf2 activity, our data indicated that E2 increased ARE activity >14-fold and enhanced the action of the Nrf2 activators, tertiary butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) and sulforaphane (Sul) 4 to 9 fold compared with cells treated with tBHQ or Sul as single agents. This activity was shown to be an estrogen receptor-mediated phenomenon and was antagonized by progesterone. In addition to its action on the reporter constructs, mRNA and protein levels of heme oxygenase 1, an endogenous target gene of Nrf2, was markedly upregulated by E2 both alone and in combination with tBHQ. Importantly, E2-induced Nrf2 activation was completely suppressed by the PI3K inhibitors LY294002 and Wortmannin while the GSK3β inhibitor CT99021 upregulated Nrf2 activity. Confirmation that E2 was, at least partly, acting through the PI3K/GSK3β pathway was indicated by our finding that E2 increased the phosphorylation status of both GSK3β and Akt, a well-characterized downstream target of PI3K. Together, these results demonstrate a novel mechanism by which E2 can regulate Nrf2 activity in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer

Contraction-induced increases in Na+-K+-ATPase mRNA levels in human skeletal muscle are not amplified by activation of additional muscle mass

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nordsborg, Nikolai; Thomassen, Martin; Lundby, Carsten

2005-01-01

The present study tested the hypothesis that exercise with a large compared with a small active muscle mass results in a higher contraction-induced increase in Na+-K+-ATPase mRNA expression due to greater hormonal responses. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Na+-K+-ATPase subunit a1, a2, a3, a......% of the a2 expression, and no reliable detection of a3 and a4 was possible. In conclusion, activation of additional muscle mass does not result in a higher exercise-induced increase in Na+-K+-ATPase subunit-specific mRNA.......4, ß1, ß2, and ß3 mRNA in human skeletal muscle was investigated. On two occasions, eight subjects performed one-legged knee extension exercise (L) or combined one-legged knee extension and bilateral arm cranking (AL) for 5.00, 4.25, 3.50, 2.75, and 2.00 min separated by 3 min of rest. Leg exercise...

Textural gain and subsequent loss in irradiated apples, carrots and potatoes with increase in dose from 0.03 to 1.0 kGy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cathalin, J.; McNulty, P.

1996-01-01

Cored samples (16mm X 15mm diameter) of apples, carrots and potatoes were irradiated in an Isomedix Gammacell 1000 irradiator at a dose rate of approximately 9Gy/min. Texture was measured using unrestrained uniaxial compression to microrupture on the JJ Universal Testing Machine. The loading rate was 6mm/min. Texture or firmness was assessed as the force to microrupture; the force required for various microrupture sample deformations (25%, 50% and 75%); the apparent Young's Modulus (ratio of the average stress to the average strain to microrupture); and the microrupture energy (area under the force-deformation curve). As the dose increased from 0.03 up to about 0.1 kGy, a gain in texture generally occurred in all products ranging from 3% to 16%. A transition area from gain to loss occurred within the 0.1 to 0.3 kGy range. Loss of texture occurred in all products as the dose increased from 0.3 to 1.0kGy, the loss ranging from 4% to 30%. The greatest loss of texture occurred in apples and the least loss in carrots. There textural trends may have commercial significance in low dose irradiation processes such as sprout inhibition, senescence delay and disinfestation

2-Aminopyridine-Based Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase Kinase 4 (MAP4K4) Inhibitors: Assessment of Mechanism-Based Safety.

Science.gov (United States)

Dow, Robert L; Ammirati, Mark; Bagley, Scott W; Bhattacharya, Samit K; Buckbinder, Leonard; Cortes, Christian; El-Kattan, Ayman F; Ford, Kristen; Freeman, Gary B; Guimarães, Cristiano R W; Liu, Shenping; Niosi, Mark; Skoura, Athanasia; Tess, David

2018-04-12

Studies have linked the serine-threonine kinase MAP4K4 to the regulation of a number of biological processes and/or diseases, including diabetes, cancer, inflammation, and angiogenesis. With a majority of the members of our lead series (e.g., 1) suffering from time-dependent inhibition (TDI) of CYP3A4, we sought design avenues that would eliminate this risk. One such approach arose from the observation that carboxylic acid-based intermediates employed in our discovery efforts retained high MAP4K4 inhibitory potency and were devoid of the TDI risk. The medicinal chemistry effort that led to the discovery of this central nervous system-impaired inhibitor together with its preclinical safety profile is described.

A 6 kW at 4.5 K helium refrigerator for CERN's Cryogenic Test Station

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gistau, G.M.; Bonneton, M.

1994-01-01

For purposes of testing the present LEP superconducting resonant cavities and the future LHC magnets, CERN built a test station the cryogenic power of which is presently supplied by a dedicated 6 kW at 4.5 K helium refrigerator. The thermodynamic cycle is discussed and special emphasis is put on a new cryogenic expansion turbine operating in the liquid phase. Information is given about: the cycle screw compressors' performances, the general performance of the refrigerator, the expected efficiency enhancement due to the liquid turbine, an off-design turn down operation

Epitaxial effects in thin films of high-Tc cuprates with the K2NiF4 structure

Science.gov (United States)

Naito, Michio; Sato, Hisashi; Tsukada, Akio; Yamamoto, Hideki

2018-03-01

La2-xSrxCuO4 (LSCO) and La2-xBaxCuO4 (LBCO) have been recognized as the archetype materials of "hole-doped" high-Tc superconductors. Their crystal structures are relatively simple with a small number of constituent cation elements. In addition, the doping level can be varied by the chemical substitution over a wide range enough to obtain the full spectrum of doping-dependent electronic and magnetic properties. These attractive features have dedicated many researchers to thin-film growth of LSCO and LBCO. The critical temperature (Tc) of LSCO and LBCO is sensitive to strain as manifested by a positive pressure coefficient of Tc in bulk samples. In general, films are strained if they are grown on lattice-mismatched substrates (epitaxial strain). Early attempts (before 1997) at the growth of LSCO and LBCO films resulted in depressed Tc below 30 K as they were grown on a commonly used SrTiO3 substrate (in-plane lattice parameter asub = 3.905 Å): the in-plane lattice parameters of LSCO and LBCO are ≤3.80 Å, and hence tensile epitaxial strain is introduced. The situation was changed by the use of LaSrAlO4 substrates with a slightly shorter in-plane lattice constant (asub = 3.756 Å). On LaSrAlO4 substrates, the Tc reaches 45 K in La1.85Sr0.15CuO4, 47 K in La1.85Ba0.15CuO4, and 56 K in ozone-oxidized La2CuO4+δ films, substantially higher than the Tc's of the bulk compounds. The Tc increase in La1.85Sr0.15CuO4 films on LaSrAlO4 and decrease on SrTiO3 are semi-quantitatively in accord with the phenomenological estimations based on the anisotropic strain coefficients of Tc (dTc/dεi). In this review article, we describe the growth and properties of films of cuprates having the K2NiF4 structure, mainly focusing on the increase/decrease of Tc by epitaxial strain and quasi-stable phase formation by epitaxial stabilization. We further extract the structural and/or physical parameters controlling Tc toward microscopic understanding of the variation of Tc by epitaxial strain.

Viscosity of saturated helium-3-helium-4 mixture below 200 mK

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Zeegers, J.C.H.; Waele, de A.T.A.M.; Gijsman, H.M.

1991-01-01

The shear viscosity of saturated3He-4He mixture has been measured at temperatures between 7 mK and 200 mK using a vibrating-wire viscometer and a calibrated pressure cell. The reliability of the vibrating-wire technique was tested by measuring the viscosity of pure4He. The results are internally

The inhibitory effect of vitamin K on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption.

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Wei-Jie; Kim, Min Seuk; Ahn, Byung-Yong

2015-10-01

To further understand the correlation between vitamin K and bone metabolism, the effects of vitamins K1, menaquinone-4 (MK-4), and menaquinone-7 (MK-7) on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption were comparatively investigated. Vitamin K2 groups (MK-4 and MK-7) were found to significantly inhibit RANKL-medicated osteoclast cell formation of bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) in a dose-dependent manner, without any evidence of cytotoxicity. The mRNA expression of specific osteoclast differentiation markers, such as c-Fos, NFATc1, OSCAR, and TRAP, as well as NFATc1 protein expression and TRAP activity in RANKL-treated BMMs were inhibited by vitamin K2, although MK-4 exhibited a significantly greater efficiency compared to MK-7. In contrast, the same dose of vitamin K1 had no inhibitory effect on RANKL-induced osteoclast cell formation, but increased the expression of major osteoclastogenic genes. Interestingly, vitamins K1, MK-4 and MK-7 all strongly inhibited osteoclastic bone resorption (p vitamins K1, MK-4 and MK-7 have anti-osteoporotic properties, while their regulation effects on osteoclastogenesis are somewhat different.

The E23K variant of Kir6.2 associates with impaired post-OGTT serum insulin response and increased risk of type 2 diabetes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nielsen, Eva-Maria D; Hansen, Lars; Carstensen, Bendix

2003-01-01

.013). In the present study, the association of the E23K polymorphism with type 2 diabetes was not significant (P = 0.26). However, the K23K genotype significantly associated with type 2 diabetes in a meta-analysis of white case and control subjects (n = 2,824, odds ratio [OR] 1.49, P = 0.00022). In conclusion......The E23K polymorphism of the pancreatic beta-cell ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channel subunit Kir6.2 (KCNJ11) is associated with type 2 diabetes in whites, and a recent in vitro study of the E23K variant suggests that the association to diabetes might be explained by a slight inhibition of serum...... 803 type 2 diabetic patients and 862 glucose-tolerant control subjects. The E23K variant was associated with significant reductions in the insulinogenic index (P = 0.022) and serum insulin levels under the response curve during an OGTT (0-120 min) (P = 0.014) as well as with an increase in BMI (P = 0...

Search for the decay B^0 --> K^0_S K^0_S K^0_L

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aubert, B.

2006-06-27

The authors present the first search for the decay B{sup 0} {yields} K{sub S}{sup 0} K{sub S}{sup 0} K{sub L}{sup 0} using a data sample of 232 million B{bar B} pairs. They find no statistically significant evidence for the non-resonant component of this decay. Our central value for the branching fraction, assuming the tru Dalitz distribution is uniform and excluding the {phi} resonance, is {Beta}(B{sup 0} {yields} K{sub S}{sup 0} K{sub S}{sup 0} K{sub L}{sup 0}) = (2.4{sub -2.5}{sup +2.7} {+-} 0.6) x 10{sup -6} where the errors are statistical and systematic, respectively. They set a single-side Bayesian upper limit of {Beta}(B{sup 0} {yields} K{sub S}{sup 0} K{sub S}{sup 0} K{sub L}{sup 0}) < 6.4 x 10{sup -6} at 90% confidence level using a uniform prior probability for physical values. Assuming the worst-case true Dalitz distribution, where the signal is entirely in the region of lowest efficiency, the 90% confidence level upper limit is {Beta}(B{sup 0} {yields} K{sub S}{sup 0} K{sub S}{sup 0} K{sub L}{sup 0}) < 14 x 10{sup -6}.

Parameter estimation for mathematical models of a nongastric H+(Na+)-K+(NH4+)-ATPase

Science.gov (United States)

Nadal-Quirós, Mónica; Moore, Leon C.

2015-01-01

The role of nongastric H+-K+-ATPase (HKA) in ion homeostasis of macula densa (MD) cells is an open question. To begin to explore this issue, we developed two mathematical models that describe ion fluxes through a nongastric HKA. One model assumes a 1H+:1K+-per-ATP stoichiometry; the other assumes a 2H+:2K+-per-ATP stoichiometry. Both models include Na+ and NH4+ competitive binding with H+ and K+, respectively, a characteristic observed in vitro and in situ. Model rate constants were obtained by minimizing the distance between model and experimental outcomes. Both 1H+(1Na+):1K+(1NH4+)-per-ATP and 2H+(2Na+):2K+(2NH4+)-per-ATP models fit the experimental data well. Using both models, we simulated ion net fluxes as a function of cytosolic or luminal ion concentrations typical for the cortical thick ascending limb and MD region. We observed that 1) K+ and NH4+ flowed in the lumen-to-cytosol direction, 2) there was competitive behavior between luminal K+ and NH4+ and between cytosolic Na+ and H+, 3) ion fluxes were highly sensitive to changes in cytosolic Na+ or H+ concentrations, and 4) the transporter does mostly Na+/K+ exchange under physiological conditions. These results support the concept that nongastric HKA may contribute to Na+ and pH homeostasis in MD cells. Furthermore, in both models, H+ flux reversed at a luminal pH that was <5.6. Such reversal led to Na+/H+ exchange for a luminal pH of <2 and 4 in the 1:1-per-ATP and 2:2-per-ATP models, respectively. This suggests a novel role of nongastric HKA in cell Na+ homeostasis in the more acidic regions of the renal tubules. PMID:26109090

Parameter estimation for mathematical models of a nongastric H+(Na+)-K(+)(NH4+)-ATPase.

Science.gov (United States)

Nadal-Quirós, Mónica; Moore, Leon C; Marcano, Mariano

2015-09-01

The role of nongastric H(+)-K(+)-ATPase (HKA) in ion homeostasis of macula densa (MD) cells is an open question. To begin to explore this issue, we developed two mathematical models that describe ion fluxes through a nongastric HKA. One model assumes a 1H(+):1K(+)-per-ATP stoichiometry; the other assumes a 2H(+):2K(+)-per-ATP stoichiometry. Both models include Na+ and NH4+ competitive binding with H+ and K+, respectively, a characteristic observed in vitro and in situ. Model rate constants were obtained by minimizing the distance between model and experimental outcomes. Both 1H(+)(1Na(+)):1K(+)(1NH4 (+))-per-ATP and 2H(+)(2Na(+)):2K(+)(2NH4 (+))-per-ATP models fit the experimental data well. Using both models, we simulated ion net fluxes as a function of cytosolic or luminal ion concentrations typical for the cortical thick ascending limb and MD region. We observed that (1) K+ and NH4+ flowed in the lumen-to-cytosol direction, (2) there was competitive behavior between luminal K+ and NH4+ and between cytosolic Na+ and H+, 3) ion fluxes were highly sensitive to changes in cytosolic Na+ or H+ concentrations, and 4) the transporter does mostly Na+ / K+ exchange under physiological conditions. These results support the concept that nongastric HKA may contribute to Na+ and pH homeostasis in MD cells. Furthermore, in both models, H+ flux reversed at a luminal pH that was <5.6. Such reversal led to Na+ / H+ exchange for a luminal pH of <2 and 4 in the 1:1-per-ATP and 2:2-per-ATP models, respectively. This suggests a novel role of nongastric HKA in cell Na+ homeostasis in the more acidic regions of the renal tubules. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

Mechanisms of Membrane Binding of Small GTPase K-Ras4B Farnesylated Hypervariable Region*

Science.gov (United States)

Jang, Hyunbum; Abraham, Sherwin J.; Chavan, Tanmay S.; Hitchinson, Ben; Khavrutskii, Lyuba; Tarasova, Nadya I.; Nussinov, Ruth; Gaponenko, Vadim

2015-01-01

K-Ras4B belongs to a family of small GTPases that regulates cell growth, differentiation and survival. K-ras is frequently mutated in cancer. K-Ras4B association with the plasma membrane through its farnesylated and positively charged C-terminal hypervariable region (HVR) is critical to its oncogenic function. However, the structural mechanisms of membrane association are not fully understood. Here, using confocal microscopy, surface plasmon resonance, and molecular dynamics simulations, we observed that K-Ras4B can be distributed in rigid and loosely packed membrane domains. Its membrane binding domain interaction with phospholipids is driven by membrane fluidity. The farnesyl group spontaneously inserts into the disordered lipid microdomains, whereas the rigid microdomains restrict the farnesyl group penetration. We speculate that the resulting farnesyl protrusion toward the cell interior allows oligomerization of the K-Ras4B membrane binding domain in rigid microdomains. Unlike other Ras isoforms, K-Ras4B HVR contains a single farnesyl modification and positively charged polylysine sequence. The high positive charge not only modulates specific HVR binding to anionic phospholipids but farnesyl membrane orientation. Phosphorylation of Ser-181 prohibits spontaneous farnesyl membrane insertion. The mechanism illuminates the roles of HVR modifications in K-Ras4B targeting microdomains of the plasma membrane and suggests an additional function for HVR in regulation of Ras signaling. PMID:25713064

On the studies of thermodynamics properties of fast neutron irradiated (LixK1-x)2SO4 crystals

Science.gov (United States)

El-Khatib, A. M.; Kassem, M. E.; Gomaa, N. G.; Mahmoud, S. A.

The effect of fast neutron irradiation on the thermodynamic properties of (LixK1-x)2SO4, (x = 0.1, 0.2,˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙0.5) has been studied. The measurements were carried out in the vicinity of phase transition. The study reveals that as the lithium content decreases the first high temperature phase Tc = 705 K disappears, while the second one is shifted to lower temperature. It is observed also that the specific heat, Cp, decreases sharply with neutron integrated fluence φ and increases once more. Both entropy and enthalpy changes increase with the increase of neutron integrated fluence.

Enhancing the photovoltaic performance of CdTe/CdS solar cell via luminescent downshifting using K{sub 2}SiF{sub 6}:Mn{sup 4+} phosphors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Talewar, R. A., E-mail: talewarrupesh@gmail.com; Joshi, C. P. [Physics Department, Shri Ramdeobaba College of Engineering & Management, Katol Road, Nagpur 440013 (India); Moharil, S. V. [Department of Physics, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440010 (India)

2016-05-23

The efficiency of CdTe/CdS solar cell can be significantly improved by using luminescent down-shifting material on their front surface. Taking this into account a red emitting phosphor K{sub 2}Si{sub 1-x}F{sub 6}:xMn{sup 4+} (x=10 to 25 mol %) has been synthesized through wet chemical method. The as-synthesized materials were characterized by powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. The photoluminescence studies of K{sub 2}SiF{sub 6}:Mn{sup 4+} revealed enhancement in the emission intensity, when Mn{sup 4+} concentration was increased from 10 mol % to 25 mol %. This red emitting phosphor efficiently absorbs the photons typically in the region 300-500 nm and re-emits in the region where the photovoltaic device exhibits significantly better response. The results show the possibility of enhancing the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of CdTe thin film solar cell by modifying the absorption spectra and utilising the energy in the UV-blue part of the solar spectrum.

Robust s± pairing in CaK (Fe1-xNix) 4As4 (x =0 and 0.05) from the response to electron irradiation

Science.gov (United States)

Teknowijoyo, S.; Cho, K.; Kończykowski, M.; Timmons, E. I.; Tanatar, M. A.; Meier, W. R.; Xu, M.; Bud'ko, S. L.; Canfield, P. C.; Prozorov, R.

2018-04-01

Controlled pointlike disorder introduced by 2.5-MeV electron irradiation was used to probe the superconducting state of single crystals of CaK (Fe1-xNix) 4As4 superconductor at x =0 and 0.05 doping levels. Both compositions show an increase of the residual resistivity and a decrease of the superconducting transition temperature, Tc, at the rate of d Tc/d ρ (Tc) ≈0.19 K/(μ Ω cm ) for x =0 and 0.38 K/(μ Ω cm ) for x =0.05 , respectively. In the Ni-doped compound (x =0.05 ), the coexisting spin-vortex crystal (SVC) magnetic phase is suppressed at the rate of d TN/d ρ (TN) ≈ 0.16 K/(μ Ω cm ). The low-temperature variation of London penetration depth is well approximated by the power-law function, Δ λ (T ) =A Tn , with n ≈2.5 for x =0 and n ≈1.9 for x =0.05 in the pristine state. Detailed analysis of λ (T ) and Tc evolution with disorder is consistent with two effective nodeless energy gaps in the density of states due to robust s± pairing. Overall the behavior of CaK (Fe1-xNix) 4As4 at x =0 is similar to a slightly overdoped Ba1 -yKyFe2As2 at y ≈ 0.5, and at x =0.05 to an underdoped composition at y ≈ 0.2.

K0.78Na0.22MoO2AsO4

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ahmed Driss

2013-08-01

Full Text Available The title compound, potassium sodium dioxidomolybdenum(VI arsenate, K0.78Na0.22MoO2AsO4, was synthesized by a solid-state reaction route. The structure is built up from corner-sharing MoO6 octahedra and AsO4 tetrahedra, creating infinite [MoAsO8]∞ chains running along the b-axis direction. As, Mo and all but one O atom are on special positions (4c with m symmetry and K (occupancy 0.78 is on a position (4a of -1 in the tunnels. The possible motion of the alkali cations has been investigated by means of the bond-valance sum (BVS model. The simulation shows that the Na+ motion appears to be easier mainly along the b-axis direction. Structural relationships between the different compounds of the AMoO2AsO4 (A = Ag, Li, Na, K, Rb series and MXO8 (M = V; X = P, As chains are discussed.

E1B-55K mediated regulation of RNF4 STUbL promotes HAdV gene expression.

Science.gov (United States)

Müncheberg, Sarah; Hay, Ron T; Ip, Wing H; Meyer, Tina; Weiß, Christina; Brenke, Jara; Masser, Sawinee; Hadian, Kamyar; Dobner, Thomas; Schreiner, Sabrina

2018-04-25

HAdV E1B-55K is a multifunctional regulator of productive viral replication and oncogenic transformation in non-permissive mammalian cells. These functions depend on E1B-55K's posttranslational modification with the SUMO protein and its binding to HAdV E4orf6. Both early viral proteins recruit specific host factors to form an E3 Ubiquitin ligase complex that targets antiviral host substrates for proteasomal degradation. Recently, we reported that the PML-NB-associated factor Daxx represses efficient HAdV productive infection and is proteasomally degraded via a SUMO-E1B-55K-dependent, E4orf6-independent pathway, the details of which remained to be established.RNF4, a cellular SUMO-targeted Ubiquitin ligase (STUbL), induces ubiquitinylation of specific SUMOylated proteins and plays an essential role during DNA repair. Here, we show that E1B-55K recruits RNF4 to the insoluble nuclear matrix fraction of the infected cell to support RNF4/Daxx association, promoting Daxx PTM, and thus inhibiting this antiviral factor. Removing RNF4 from infected cells using RNAi resulted in blocking the proper establishment of viral replication centers and significantly diminished viral gene expression. These results provide a model for how HAdV antagonize the antiviral host responses by exploiting the functional capacity of cellular STUbLs. Thus, RNF4 and its STUbL function represent a positive factor during lytic infection and a novel candidate for future therapeutic antiviral intervention strategies. IMPORTANCE Daxx is a PML-NB-associated transcription factor, which was recently shown to repress efficient HAdV productive infection. To counteract this antiviral measurement during infection, Daxx is degraded via a novel pathway including viral E1B-55K and host proteasomes. This virus-mediated degradation is independent of the classical HAdV E3 Ubiquitin ligase complex, which is essential during viral infection to target other host antiviral substrates. To maintain productive viral life

Temperature control for liquid-helium cryostats below 4.2 K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Escorne, M.; Mauger, A.

1983-01-01

We report the operational characteristics of a membrane type of manostat and of a throttle valve system which we have constructed to regulate the pressure P above the liquid-helium bath. The choice of the manostat rather than the other device depends on the nature of the experiments to be performed: in the membrane type of manostat, the temperature is determined with an accuracy limited by the fluctuations ΔT around the mean value T. With throttle valves, the accuracy is limited by the drift of T in time. The performance of both devices prove to be sufficiently good as they stand, since the departure from T in the course of the experiments is lower than 10 -2 K in the whole range 1.4< T<4.2 K, being well inside this limit below 2 K. The need for expensive and complex electronic regulations to improve the temperature control is thus exceptional

Comparison of image quality between mammography dedicated monitor and UHD 4K monitor, using standard mammographic phantom: A preliminary study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Ji Young; Cha, Soon Joo; Hong, Sung Hwan; Kim, Su Young; Kim, Yong Hoon; Kim, You Sung; Kim, Jeong A [Dept. of Radiology, Inje Unveristy Ilsan Paik Hospital, Goyang (Korea, Republic of)

2017-03-15

Using standard mammographic phantom images, we compared the image quality obtained between a mammography dedicated 5 megapixel monitor (5M) and a UHD 4K (4K) monitor with digital imaging and communications in medicine display, to investigate the possibility of clinical application of 4K monitors. Three different exposures (autoexposure, overexposure and underexposure) images of mammographic phantom were obtained, and six radiologists independently evaluated the images in 5M and 4K without image modulation, by scoring of fibers, groups of specks and masses within the phantom image. The mean score of each object on both monitors was independently analyzed, using t-test and interobserver reliability by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of SPSS. The overall mean scores of fiber, group of specks, and mass in 5M were 4.25, 3.92, and 3.28 respectively, and scores obtained in 4K monitor were 3.81, 3.58, and 3.14, respectively. No statistical difference was seen in scores of fiber and mass between the two monitors at all exposure conditions, but the score of group of specks in 4K was statistically lower in the overall (p = 0.0492) and in underexposure conditions (p = 0.012). The ICC for interobserver reliability was excellent (0.874). Our study suggests that since the mammographic phantom images are appropriate with no significant difference in image quality observed between the two monitors, the 4K monitor could be used for clinical studies. Since this is a small preliminary study using phantom images, the result may differ in actual mammographic images, and subsequent investigation with clinical mammographic images is required.

Structural determinants of the outer shell of β-carboxysomes in Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942: roles for CcmK2, K3-K4, CcmO, and CcmL.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Benjamin D Rae

Full Text Available Cyanobacterial CO(2-fixation is supported by a CO(2-concentrating mechanism which improves photosynthesis by saturating the primary carboxylating enzyme, ribulose 1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO, with its preferred substrate CO(2. The site of CO(2-concentration is a protein bound micro-compartment called the carboxysome which contains most, if not all, of the cellular RuBisCO. The shell of β-type carboxysomes is thought to be composed of two functional layers, with the inner layer involved in RuBisCO scaffolding and bicarbonate dehydration, and the outer layer in selective permeability to dissolved solutes. Here, four genes (ccmK2-4, ccmO, whose products were predicted to function in the outer shell layer of β-carboxysomes from Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, were investigated by analysis of defined genetic mutants. Deletion of the ccmK2 and ccmO genes resulted in severe high-CO(2-requiring mutants with aberrant carboxysomes, whilst deletion of ccmK3 or ccmK4 resulted in cells with wild-type physiology and normal ultrastructure. However, a tandem deletion of ccmK3-4 resulted in cells with wild-type carboxysome structure, but physiologically deficient at low CO(2 conditions. These results revealed the minimum structural determinants of the outer shell of β-carboxysomes from this strain: CcmK2, CcmO and CcmL. An accessory set of proteins was required to refine the function of the pre-existing shell: CcmK3 and CcmK4. These data suggested a model for the facet structure of β-carboxysomes with CcmL forming the vertices, CcmK2 forming the bulk facet, and CcmO, a "zipper protein," interfacing the edges of carboxysome facets.

CFP1 Regulates Histone H3K4 Trimethylation and Developmental Potential in Mouse Oocytes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chao Yu

2017-08-01

Full Text Available Trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine-4 (H3K4me3 is associated with eukaryotic gene promoters and poises their transcriptional activation during development. To examine the in vivo function of H3K4me3 in the absence of DNA replication, we deleted CXXC finger protein 1 (CFP1, the DNA-binding subunit of the SETD1 histone H3K4 methyltransferase, in developing oocytes. We find that CFP1 is required for H3K4me3 accumulation and the deposition of histone variants onto chromatin during oocyte maturation. Decreased H3K4me3 in oocytes caused global downregulation of transcription activity. Oocytes lacking CFP1 failed to complete maturation and were unable to gain developmental competence after fertilization, due to defects in cytoplasmic lattice formation, meiotic division, and maternal-zygotic transition. Our study highlights the importance of H3K4me3 in continuous histone replacement for transcriptional regulation, chromatin remodeling, and normal developmental progression in a non-replicative system.

Minoxidil sulfate induced the increase in blood-brain tumor barrier permeability through ROS/RhoA/PI3K/PKB signaling pathway.

Science.gov (United States)

Gu, Yan-ting; Xue, Yi-xue; Wang, Yan-feng; Wang, Jin-hui; Chen, Xia; ShangGuan, Qian-ru; Lian, Yan; Zhong, Lei; Meng, Ying-nan

2013-12-01

Adenosine 5'-triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel (KATP channel) activator, minoxidil sulfate (MS), can selectively increase the permeability of the blood-tumor barrier (BTB); however, the mechanism by which this occurs is still under investigation. Using a rat brain glioma (C6) model, we first examined the expression levels of occludin and claudin-5 at different time points after intracarotid infusion of MS (30 μg/kg/min) by western blotting. Compared to MS treatment for 0 min group, the protein expression levels of occludin and claudin-5 in brain tumor tissue of rats showed no changes within 1 h and began to decrease significantly after 2 h of MS infusion. Based on these findings, we then used an in vitro BTB model and selective inhibitors of diverse signaling pathways to investigate whether reactive oxygen species (ROS)/RhoA/PI3K/PKB pathway play a key role in the process of the increase of BTB permeability induced by MS. The inhibitor of ROS or RhoA or PI3K or PKB significantly attenuated the expression of tight junction (TJ) protein and the increase of the BTB permeability after 2 h of MS treatment. In addition, the significant increases in RhoA activity and PKB phosphorylation after MS administration were observed, which were partly inhibited by N-2-mercaptopropionyl glycine (MPG) or C3 exoenzyme or LY294002 pretreatment. The present study indicates that the activation of signaling cascades involving ROS/RhoA/PI3K/PKB in BTB was required for the increase of BTB permeability induced by MS. Taken together, all of these results suggested that MS might increase BTB permeability in a time-dependent manner by down-regulating TJ protein expression and this effect could be related to ROS/RhoA/PI3K/PKB signal pathway. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

INPP4B reverses docetaxel resistance and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in prostate cancer

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chen, Haiwen; Li, Hongliang, E-mail: honglianglity@sina.com; Chen, Qi

2016-08-26

Docetaxel efficiency in the therapy of prostate cancer (PCa) patients is limited due to the development of chemoresistance. Recent studies have implied a role of INPP4B in tumor chemoresistance, while the effects of INPP4B on docetaxel resistance in PCa have not been elucidated. In the present study, the docetaxel-resistant human PCa cell lines PC3-DR and DU-145-DR were established from the parental cell lines PC3 and DU-145, and the expression and role of INPP4B in docetaxel-resistant PCa cells were investigated. The results demonstrated that INPP4B expression was significantly downregulated in docetaxel-resistant cells. Overexpression of INPP4B increased the sensitivity to docetaxel and promoted cell apoptosis in PC3-DR and DU-145-DR cells. In addition, INPP4B overexpression downregulated the expression of the mesenchymal markers fibronectin, N-cadherin, and vimentin, and upregulated the expression level of the epithelial maker E-cadherin. Furthermore, INPP4B overexpression markedly inhibited the PI3K/Akt pathway. We also found that IGF-1, the inhibitor of PI3K/Akt, markedly blocked the change in EMT markers induced by overexpression of INPP4B, and reversed the resistance of PC3-DR and DU-145-DR cells to docetaxel, which is sensitized by Flag-INPP4B. In summary, the presented data indicate that INPP4B is crucial for docetaxel-resistant PCa cell survival, potentially by regulating EMT through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. - Highlights: • INPP4B is downregulated in docetaxel-resistant PCa cells. • INPP4B inhibits cell proliferation. • INPP4B induces cell apoptosis. • INPP4B inhibits PCa cell EMT.

Effect of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on translocation of 42K deposited on leaves of lettuce and maize plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chamel, A.

1975-01-01

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) applied in solution (10μg per plant) on a leaf of lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa, cv. Grosse Blonde Paresseuse) decreases the translocation of 42 K from the treated leaf, both in pretreatment and in simultaneous action if the interval of time was sufficiently long between the foliar applications. The metabolic action of 2,4-D seemed to proceed in the treated leaf. The results may be explainded by stimulation of metabolic activity and consequently of retention, already observed by several authors, with 2,4-D and other phytohormones. 2,4-D had not a comparable effect on the translocation of 42 K from the leaves of maize plants (Zea mays Dekalb 202) even if the amount applied was higher and the duration of the pretreatment more significant. However, for this species slight stimulation with 2,4-D of the retention of 42 K in the sheath of the treated leaf was observed. The results obtained with lettuce and maize might fit to the pattern of selectivity found for other aspects of the metabolism. (author)

Press-pack components electro-thermo-fluidic modeling: application to the Integrated Gate Commutated Thyristor 4,5 kV-4 kA; Modelisation des couplages electro-thermo-fluidiques des composants en boitier press-pack: application a l'integrated gate commutated thyristor 4,5kV-4kA

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Feral, H.

2005-09-15

Temperature is an important parameter when you use semi-conductors. In the multi MW power converters the semiconductor losses are upper than kW. The thermal analyzes of the semiconductor package and cooling system must be performed to understand the thermal limitations. The maximal temperature can not be upper than 150 deg. C for silicon components. The temperature variations have an impact on the component life time. The thermal phenomena in the power electronic component can not be dissociated with the electric phenomena (losses) and fluidic phenomena (cooling). An electro-thermo-fluidic modelling method has been elaborated. The method is used to study an IGCT (Integrated Gate commutated Thyristor) 4.5 kV 4 kA in the switching cell with his water cooling system. The IGCT use a press-pack floating mount package technology. The thermal contact resistances have an important impact on the heat transfer in the package. The thermal contact resistances have been estimated with a profile-metric measure and a direct measure. To validate the method and tune the model, thermal, electric and fluidic measurements are performed in an IGCT in MW switching operation. The last chapter introduces the model applications. The model is used to study the water flow direction in the IGCT cooling system. Transient simulations are used to study the temperature fluctuation on an arc furnace melting cycle. (author)

Endozepine-4 levels are increased in hepatic coma.

Science.gov (United States)

Malaguarnera, Giulia; Vacante, Marco; Drago, Filippo; Bertino, Gaetano; Motta, Massimo; Giordano, Maria; Malaguarnera, Michele

2015-08-14

To evaluate the serum levels of endozepine-4, their relation with ammonia serum levels, the grading of coma and the severity of cirrhosis, in patients with hepatic coma. In this study we included 20 subjects with Hepatic coma, 20 subjects with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) and 20 subjects control. All subjects underwent blood analysis, Child Pugh and Model for End - stage liver disease (MELD) assessment, endozepine-4 analysis. Subjects with hepatic coma showed significant difference in endozepine-4 (P blood ammonia concentration was noted to be raised in patients with hepatic coma, with the highest ammonia levels being found in those who were comatose. We also found a high correlation between endozepine-4 and ammonia (P < 0.001). In patients with grade IV hepatic coma, endozepine levels were significantly higher compared to other groups. This study suggests that an increased level of endozepine in subjects with higher levels of MELD was observed. In conclusion, data concerning involvement of the GABA-ergic system in HE coma could be explained by stage-specific alterations.

Mechanisms of membrane binding of small GTPase K-Ras4B farnesylated hypervariable region.

Science.gov (United States)

Jang, Hyunbum; Abraham, Sherwin J; Chavan, Tanmay S; Hitchinson, Ben; Khavrutskii, Lyuba; Tarasova, Nadya I; Nussinov, Ruth; Gaponenko, Vadim

2015-04-10

K-Ras4B belongs to a family of small GTPases that regulates cell growth, differentiation and survival. K-ras is frequently mutated in cancer. K-Ras4B association with the plasma membrane through its farnesylated and positively charged C-terminal hypervariable region (HVR) is critical to its oncogenic function. However, the structural mechanisms of membrane association are not fully understood. Here, using confocal microscopy, surface plasmon resonance, and molecular dynamics simulations, we observed that K-Ras4B can be distributed in rigid and loosely packed membrane domains. Its membrane binding domain interaction with phospholipids is driven by membrane fluidity. The farnesyl group spontaneously inserts into the disordered lipid microdomains, whereas the rigid microdomains restrict the farnesyl group penetration. We speculate that the resulting farnesyl protrusion toward the cell interior allows oligomerization of the K-Ras4B membrane binding domain in rigid microdomains. Unlike other Ras isoforms, K-Ras4B HVR contains a single farnesyl modification and positively charged polylysine sequence. The high positive charge not only modulates specific HVR binding to anionic phospholipids but farnesyl membrane orientation. Phosphorylation of Ser-181 prohibits spontaneous farnesyl membrane insertion. The mechanism illuminates the roles of HVR modifications in K-Ras4B targeting microdomains of the plasma membrane and suggests an additional function for HVR in regulation of Ras signaling. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

The reactions K-p→Λπ0, Λeta, Λeta' at 4.2 GeV/c

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marzano, F.; Hemingway, R.J.; Loverre, P.F.; Marechal, B.; Schrempp, B.; Blokzijl, R.; Hoogland, W.; Kluyver, J.C.; Massaro, G.G.G.; Tiecke, H.G.; Walle, R.T. van de; Vergeest, J.S.M.

1977-01-01

In a high statistics CERN 2 m bubble chamber experiment the differential cross sections and polarizations of the Λ for the reactions K - p→Λπ 0 , Λeta, Λeta' at 4.2 GeV/c have been measured. The reaction K - p→Λeta exhibits a pronounced dip around -t approximately 0.5 (GeV/c) 2 and all three reactions show a significant backward peaking (-u 2 ). The Λ polarization in the reaction K - p→Λπ 0 is measured to be significantly different from zero throughout most of the available t-range. Forward cross sections enable a determination of Rsub(T), the ratio of singlet/octet coupling eta 1 KK**/eta 8 KK**. Backward cross sections are utilized to estimate the effective eta-nucleon coupling constant gsub(etaNN) 2 over the -u range 0-1.5 (GeV/c) 2 . (Auth.)

Nuclear and nucleolar localization signals and their targeting function in phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase PI4K230

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kakuk, Annamaria; Friedlaender, Elza; Vereb, Gyoergy; Lisboa, Duarte; Bagossi, Peter; Toth, Gabor; Gergely, Pal; Vereb, Gyoergy

2008-01-01

PI4K230, an isoform of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase, known primarily as a cytoplasmic membrane-bound enzyme, was detected recently also in the nucleolus of several cells. Here we provide mechanistic insight on the targeting function of its putative nuclear localization signal (NLS) sequences using molecular modeling, digitonin-permeabilized HeLa cells and binding to various importins. The synthetic sequence 916 NFNHIHKRIRRVADKYLSG 934 comprising a putative monopartite NLS (NLS1), targeted covalently bound fluorescent BSA to the nucleoplasm via classical importin α/β mechanism employing importins α1 and α3 but not α5. This transport was inhibited by wheat germ agglutinin and GTPγS. The sequence 1414 SKKTNRGSQLHKYYMKRRTL 1433 , a putative bipartite NLS (NLS2) proved ineffective in nuclear targeting if conjugated to fluorescently labeled BSA. Nonetheless, NLS2 or either of its basic clusters directed to the nucleolus soybean trypsin inhibitor that can pass the nuclear pore complex passively; moreover, an expressed 58 kDa fragment of PI4K230 (AA1166-1667) comprising NLS2 was also imported into the nucleus by import factors of reticulocyte lysate or by importin α1/β or α3/β complexes and localized to the nucleolus. We conclude that the putative bipartite NLS itself is a nucleolar targeting signal, and for nuclear import PI4K230 requires a larger sequence around it or, alternatively, the monopartite NLS

File list: His.PSC.50.H4K16ac.AllCell [Chip-atlas[Archive

Lifescience Database Archive (English)

Full Text Available His.PSC.50.H4K16ac.AllCell mm9 Histone H4K16ac Pluripotent stem cell SRX212325,SRX2...98193,SRX212326,SRX298194 http://dbarchive.biosciencedbc.jp/kyushu-u/mm9/assembled/His.PSC.50.H4K16ac.AllCell.bed ...

File list: His.PSC.20.H4K16ac.AllCell [Chip-atlas[Archive

Lifescience Database Archive (English)

Full Text Available His.PSC.20.H4K16ac.AllCell mm9 Histone H4K16ac Pluripotent stem cell SRX298193,SRX2...12325,SRX212326,SRX298194 http://dbarchive.biosciencedbc.jp/kyushu-u/mm9/assembled/His.PSC.20.H4K16ac.AllCell.bed ...

Annexin A4 fucosylation enhances its interaction with the NF-kB p50 and promotes tumor progression of ovarian clear cell carcinoma.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Huimin; Deng, Lu; Cai, Mingbo; Zhuang, Huiyu; Zhu, Liancheng; Hao, Yingying; Gao, Jian; Liu, Juanjuan; Li, Xiao; Lin, Bei

2017-12-08

To study the structural relationship between annexin A4 and the Lewis y antigen and compare their expression and significance in ovarian clear cell carcinoma, and to explore how annexin A4 fucose glycosylation effects the interaction between annexin A4 and NF-kB p50, and how it promotes tumour progression of ovarian clear cell carcinoma. Structural relationships between annexin A4 and Lewis y antigen were detected using immunoprecipitation. Annexin A4 and Lewis y antigen expression in various subtypes of ovarian cancer tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the relation between their expression was examined. Any interactions between annexin A4 and NF-kB p50 in ovarian clear cell carcinoma were detected by co-immunoprecipitation. Then looked for changes in expression of Lewis y antigen, annexin A4, NF-kB p50 and a number of downstream related molecules before and after transfection annexin A4 or FUT1, and also analyzed changes in biological processes. Lewis y antigen is a part of annexin A4 structure. The expression rate of both annexin A4 and Lewis y antigen was significantly higher in ovarian clear cell carcinoma than in other subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancer, and are associated with the clinical stages, chemotherapy resistance and poor prognostic. The interaction between annexin A4 and NF-kB p50 promoted cell proliferation, adhesion, invasion, metastasis ability and autophagy, and inhibits apoptosis, Lewis y enhanced this interaction. Annexin A4 contains Lewis y structure, Lewis y antigen modification of annexin A4 enhances its interaction with NF-kB p50, which promotes ovarian clear cell carcinoma malignancy progression.

PdTe: a 4.5 K type-II BCS superconductor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tiwari, Brajesh; Goyal, Reena; Jha, Rajveer; Awana, V P S; Dixit, Ambesh

2015-01-01

We report on the structure and physical properties of the polycrystalline PdTe superconductor, which is synthesized by the solid state reaction route via the quartz vacuum encapsulation technique at 750 °C. The as synthesized compound is crystallized in hexagonal crystal structure with P63/mmc space group. Both transport and magnetic measurements showed that PdTe is a bulk superconductor below 4.5 K. Isothermal magnetization (MH) and magneto-transport (R(T)H) measurements provided the values of the lower (H c1 ) and upper (H c2 ) critical fields as 250 Oe and 1200 Oe respectively at 2 K, establishing that the compound is clearly a type-II superconductor. The coherence length (ξ 0 ) and Ginzburg–Landau parameter (κ) are estimated from the experimentally determined upper and lower critical fields, and are 449 Å and 1.48 respectively. Thermodynamic heat capacity measurements under different magnetic fields, i.e. C p (T)H, showed a clear transition at 4.5 K (T c ), which shifts gradually to lower temperatures with application of field. The values of Debye temperature (Θ D ) and electronic specific heat coefficient (γ) obtained from C p (T) data are found to be 203 K and 6.01 mJ mol −1 K −2 . The observed specific heat jump (ΔC/γT c ) is 1.33, thus suggesting a possible weak coupling case for the PdTe superconductor. (paper)

Increased frequency of retinopathy of prematurity over the last decade and significant regional differences.

Science.gov (United States)

Holmström, Gerd; Tornqvist, Kristina; Al-Hawasi, Abbas; Nilsson, Åsa; Wallin, Agneta; Hellström, Ann

2018-03-01

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) causes childhood blindness globally in prematurely born infants. Although increased levels of oxygen supply lead to increased survival and reduced frequency of cerebral palsy, increased incidence of ROP is reported. With the help of a Swedish register for ROP, SWEDROP, national and regional incidences of ROP and frequencies of treatment were evaluated from 2008 to 2015 (n = 5734), as well as before and after targets of provided oxygen changed from 85-89% to 91-95% in 2014. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was found in 31.9% (1829/5734) of all infants with a gestational age (GA) of <31 weeks at birth and 5.7% of the infants (329/5734) had been treated for ROP. Analyses of the national data revealed an increased incidence of ROP during the 8-year study period (p = 0.003), but there was no significant increase in the frequency of treatment. There were significant differences between the seven health regions of Sweden, regarding both incidence of ROP and frequency of treatment (p < 0.001). Comparison of regional data before and after the new oxygen targets revealed a significant increase in treated ROP in one region [OR: 2.24 (CI: 1.11-4.49), p = 0.024] and a borderline increase in one other [OR: 3.08 (CI: 0.99-9.60), p = 0.052]. The Swedish national ROP register revealed an increased incidence of ROP during an 8-year period and significant regional differences regarding the incidence of ROP and frequency of treatment. © 2017 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Photoluminescence and thermoluminescence properties of Tb3+ doped K3Gd(PO4)2 nanophosphor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gupta, Palvi; Bedyal, A.K.; Kumar, Vinay; Khajuria, Y.; Lochab, S.P.; Pitale, S.S.; Ntwaeaborwa, O.M.; Swart, H.C.

2014-01-01

Energy level diagram of Tb 3+ ion in the K 3 Gd(PO 4 ) 2 host lattice. - Highlights: • First time, a detailed TL and PL study on undoped and Tb 3+ doped K 3 Gd(PO 4 ) 2 nanophosphor. • Combustion method was employed to synthesize the Tb 3+ doped K 3 Gd(PO 4 ) 2 nanophosphor. • Mechanism of excitation and emission in undoped and Tb 3+ doped K 3 Gd(PO 4 ) 2 nanophosphor was given. - Abstract: Tb 3+ doped nanoparticulate K 3 Gd(PO 4 ) 2 phosphor was prepared by combustion method using urea as a fuel. The structure, optical and luminescent properties of the phosphor were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), and thermoluminescence (TL) spectroscopy. In undoped K 3 Gd(PO 4 ) 2 , the excitation and emission peaks at 273 nm and 323 nm belongs to the 8 S 7/2 → 6 I J(J=7/2) and 6 P J(J=7/2) → 8 S 7/2 transitions of Gd 3+ while green emission was observed in the Tb 3+ doped K 3 Gd(PO 4 ) 2 . TL study was carried out after exposing the samples to γ-radiations (0.1–5 kGy) in the K 3 Gd(PO 4 ) 2 :Tb 3+ (1.5 mol%). The calculated kinetic parameters were compared with different methods. The band gap of the phosphor was estimated as 5.80 eV. The green shade of the Tb 3+ ion with the CIE coordinates (x, y) as (0.29, 0.54) was in good agreement with the well known green phosphors

Phase diagrams and physicochemical properties of Li+,K+(Rb+)//borate-H2O systems at 323 K

Science.gov (United States)

Feng, Shan; Yu, Xudong; Cheng, Xinglong; Zeng, Ying

2017-11-01

The phase and physicochemical properties diagrams of Li+,K+(Rb+)//borate-H2O systems at 323 K were constructed using the experimentally measured solubilities, densities, and refractive indices. The Schreinemakers' wet residue method and the X-ray diffraction were used for the determination of the compositions of solid phase. Results show that these two systems belong to the hydrate I type, with no solid solution or double salt formation. The borate phases formed in our experiments are RbB5O6(OH)4 · 2H2O, Li2B4O5(OH)4 · H2O, and K2B4O5(OH)4 · 2H2O. Comparison between the stable phase diagrams of the studied system at 288, 323, and 348 K show that in this temperature range, the crystallization form of salts do not changed. With the increase in temperature, the crystallization field of Li2B4O5(OH)4 · H2O salt at 348 K is obviously larger than that at 288 K. In the Li+,K+(Rb+)//borate-H2O systems, the densities and refractive indices of the solutions (at equilibrium) increase along with the mass fraction of K2B4O7 (Rb2B4O7), and reach the maximum values at invariant point E.

Itinerant ferromagnetism in the As 4p conduction band of Ba_{0.6}K_{0.4}Mn_{2}As_{2} identified by X-ray magnetic circular dichroism.

Science.gov (United States)

Ueland, B G; Pandey, Abhishek; Lee, Y; Sapkota, A; Choi, Y; Haskel, D; Rosenberg, R A; Lang, J C; Harmon, B N; Johnston, D C; Kreyssig, A; Goldman, A I

2015-05-29

X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) measurements on single-crystal and powder samples of Ba_{0.6}K_{0.4}Mn_{2}As_{2} show that the ferromagnetism below T_{C}≈100  K arises in the As 4p conduction band. No XMCD signal is observed at the Mn x-ray absorption edges. Below T_{C}, however, a clear XMCD signal is found at the As K edge which increases with decreasing temperature. The XMCD signal is absent in data taken with the beam directed parallel to the crystallographic c axis indicating that the orbital magnetic moment lies in the basal plane of the tetragonal lattice. These results show that the previously reported itinerant ferromagnetism is associated with the As 4p conduction band and that distinct local-moment antiferromagnetism and itinerant ferromagnetism with perpendicular easy axes coexist in this compound at low temperature.

The 4.5K refrigerators for the LHC are all present and correct!

CERN Document Server

2004-01-01

Acceptance procedures for the last of the LHC 4.5 K refrigerators have been completed at Point 6. All that now remains to be done, to have the LHC refrigeration system ready by the end of 2005, is to upgrade the refrigerators recovered from LEP and install the 1.8 K cooling system. By now you will be well aware that the LHC's superconducting magnets cannot operate unless they are cooled to 1.8 K (-271°C) (see Bulletin 13-14/2002). Eight 4.5 K refrigerators, one for each sector of the LHC, are required to achieve this. In December last year the last of these refrigerators, specially designed for the LHC, was accepted at Point 6. "It is a big step forwards for the LHC's refrigeration system, as it takes its cooling capacity at 4.5 K to 140 kW, that is to say almost 40,000 litres of liquid helium per hour, a capacity never previously attained. The progress achieved since the days of LEP is impressive, particularly if one bears in mind the extent of the infrastructure required, " (see...

Effects of NH4+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ on the Cesium Adsorption/Desorption in Binding Sites of Vermiculitized Biotite.

Science.gov (United States)

Yin, Xiangbiao; Wang, Xinpeng; Wu, Hao; Takahashi, Hideharu; Inaba, Yusuke; Ohnuki, Toshihiko; Takeshita, Kenji

2017-12-05

The reversibility of cesium adsorption in contaminated soil is largely dependent on its interaction with micaceous minerals, which may be greatly influenced by various cations. Herein, we systematically investigated the effects of NH 4 + , K + , Mg 2+ , and Ca 2+ on the adsorption/desorption of Cs + into different binding sites of vermiculitized biotite (VB). Original VB was initially saturated by NH 4 + , K + , or Mg 2+ ; we then evaluated the adsorption of Cs + on three treated VBs, and the desorption by extraction with NH 4 + , K + , Mg 2+ , or Ca 2+ was further evaluated. Our structural analysis and Cs + extractability determinations showed that NH 4 + and K + both collapsed the interlayers of VB, resulting in the dominant adsorption of Cs + to external surface sites on which Cs + was readily extracted by NH 4 + , K + , Mg 2+ , or Ca 2+ irrespective of their species, whereas Mg 2+ maintained the VB with expanded interlayers, leading to the overwhelming adsorption of Cs + in collapsed interlayer sites on which the Cs + desorption was difficult and varied significantly by the cations used in extraction. The order of Cs + extraction ability from the collapsed interlayers was K + ≫ Mg 2+ ≈ Ca 2+ ≫ NH 4 + . These results could provide important insights into Cs migration in soil and its decontamination for soil remediation.

The higher level of complexity of K-Ras4B activation at the membrane.

Science.gov (United States)

Jang, Hyunbum; Banerjee, Avik; Chavan, Tanmay S; Lu, Shaoyong; Zhang, Jian; Gaponenko, Vadim; Nussinov, Ruth

2016-04-01

Is nucleotide exchange sufficient to activate K-Ras4B? To signal, oncogenic rat sarcoma (Ras) anchors in the membrane and recruits effectors by exposing its effector lobe. With the use of NMR and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we observed that in solution, farnesylated guanosine 5'-diphosphate (GDP)-bound K-Ras4B is predominantly autoinhibited by its hypervariable region (HVR), whereas the GTP-bound state favors an activated, HVR-released state. On the anionic membrane, the catalytic domain adopts multiple orientations, including parallel (∼180°) and perpendicular (∼90°) alignments of the allosteric helices, with respect to the membrane surface direction. In the autoinhibited state, the HVR is sandwiched between the effector lobe and the membrane; in the active state, with membrane-anchored farnesyl and unrestrained HVR, the catalytic domain fluctuates reinlessly, exposing its effector-binding site. Dimerization and clustering can reduce the fluctuations. This achieves preorganized, productive conformations. Notably, we also observe HVR-autoinhibited K-Ras4B-GTP states, with GDP-bound-like orientations of the helices. Thus, we propose that the GDP/GTP exchange may not be sufficient for activation; instead, our results suggest that the GDP/GTP exchange, HVR sequestration, farnesyl insertion, and orientation/localization of the catalytic domain at the membrane conjointly determine the active or inactive state of K-Ras4B. Importantly, K-Ras4B-GTP can exist in active and inactive states; on its own, GTP binding may not compel K-Ras4B activation.-Jang, H., Banerjee, A., Chavan, T. S, Lu, S., Zhang, J., Gaponenko, V., Nussinov, R. The higher level of complexity of K-Ras4B activation at the membrane. © FASEB.

The 4 K Stirling cryocooler demonstration. Final report No. 8, 1 May 1990-30 April 1992

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stacy, W.D.

1992-09-01

This report briefly summarizes the results and conclusions from an SBIR program intended to demonstrate an innovative Stirling cycle cryocooler concept for efficiently lifting heat from 4 K. Refrigeration at 4 K, a temperature useful for superconductors and sensitive instruments, is beyond the reach of conventional regenerative thermodynamic cycles due to the rapid loss of regenerator matrix heat capacity at temperatures below about 20 K. To overcome this fundamental limit, the cryocooler developed under this program integrated three unique features: recuperative regeneration between the displacement gas flow streams of two independent Stirling cycles operating at a 180 degree phase angle, tailored distortion of the two expander volume waveforms from sinusoidal to perfectly match the instantaneous regenerator heat flux from the two cycles and thereby unload the regenerator, and metal diaphragm working volumes to promote near isothermal expansion and compression processes. Use of diaphragms also provides unlimited operating life potential and eliminates bearings and high precision running seals. A phase 1 proof-of-principle experiment demonstrated that counterflow regenerator operation between 77 K and 4 K increases regenerator effectiveness by minimizing metal temperature transient cycling. In phase 2, a detailed design package for a breadboard cryocooler was completed. Fabrication techniques were successfully developed for manufacturing high precision miniature parallel plate recuperators, and samples were produced and inspected. Process development for fabricating suitably flat diaphragms proved more difficult and expensive than anticipated, and construction of the cryocooler was suspended at a completion level of approximately 75%. Subsequent development efforts on other projects have successfully overcome diaphragm fabrication difficulties

Increased Levels of NF-kB-Dependent Markers in Cancer-Associated Deep Venous Thrombosis.

Science.gov (United States)

Malaponte, Grazia; Signorelli, Salvatore S; Bevelacqua, Valentina; Polesel, Jerry; Taborelli, Martina; Guarneri, Claudio; Fenga, Concettina; Umezawa, Kazou; Libra, Massimo

2015-01-01

Several studies highlight the role of inflammatory markers in thrombosis as well as in cancer. However, their combined role in cancer-associated deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and the molecular mechanisms, involved in its pathophysiology, needs further investigations. In the present study, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1β), matrix metalloproteases-9 (MMP-9), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tissue factor (TF), fibrinogen and soluble P-selectin, were analyzed in plasma and in monocyte samples from 385 cancer patients, of whom 64 were concomitantly affected by DVT (+). All these markers were higher in cancer patients DVT+ than in those DVT-. Accordingly, significantly higher NF-kB activity was observed in cancer patients DVT+ than DVT-. Significant correlation between data obtained in plasma and monocyte samples was observed. NF-kB inhibition was associated with decreased levels of all molecules in both cancer DVT+ and DVT-. To further demonstrate the involvement of NF-kB activation by the above mentioned molecules, we treated monocyte derived from healthy donors with a pool of sera from cancer patients with and without DVT. These set of experiments further suggest the significant role played by some molecules, regulated by NF-kB, and detected in cancer patients with DVT. Our data support the notion that NF-kB may be considered as a therapeutic target for cancer patients, especially those complicated by DVT. Treatment with NF-kB inhibitors may represent a possible strategy to prevent or reduce the risk of DVT in cancer patients.

Search strange (S = -2) dibaryons in the reaction K-+d->K++MM at 1,4 GeV/c

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

D'Agostini, G.; Auriemma, G.; Marini, G.; Martellotti, G.; Massa, F.; Nigro, A.; Rambaldi, A.; Sciubba, A.

1982-01-01

The reaction K - + d -> K + + MM has been studied at 1.4 GeV/c, to search for Q = -1, S = -2 dibaryonic states, in the mass range approx.= 2.1-2.5 GeV/c 2 . No evidence for the presence of structures has been found and upper limits for the backward production differential cross section for narrow states are established. (orig.)

Enhancement of blue upconversion luminescence in hexagonal NaYF{sub 4}:Yb,Tm by using K and Sc ions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kale, Vishal, E-mail: vishal.kale@utu.fi; Soukka, Tero [University of Turku, Department of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry/Biotechnology (Finland); Hoelsae, Jorma; Lastusaari, Mika [University of Turku, Department of Chemistry (Finland)

2013-08-15

Hexagonal ({beta})-NaYF{sub 4} is recognized as one of the most efficient hosts for NIR to blue and green upconversion (UC). A new method to tune the blue UC emission in {beta}-NaYF{sub 4}:Yb,Tm nanocrystals through the possible substitution of the host material with different concentrations of K{sup +} and Sc{sup 3+} ions was investigated in detail. In this work, Na{sub 1-x}K{sub x}YF{sub 4}:Yb,Tm and NaY{sub 1-x}Sc{sub x}F{sub 4}:Yb,Tm nanocrystals were synthesized with varying Na:K and Y:Sc ratios. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and UC luminescence spectroscopy showed that size, morphology, and UC luminescence intensity were affected by the addition of K{sup +} and Sc{sup 3+} ions. Substituted ions disturbed the local symmetry and also resulted in changes in the crystal field. The distance between Yb{sup 3+} and Tm{sup 3+} was affected by different concentration of K{sup +} and Sc{sup 3+} ions, and those differences in the distance are responsible for tuning UC luminescence. This study revealed that when the concentration of K{sup +} and Sc{sup 3+} ions were nominally increased from 20 to 100 mol% during synthesis, hexagonal NaYF{sub 4} changed to structurally different KYF{sub 4} and Na{sub 3}ScF{sub 6} so that the solid solubility became difficult. We also demonstrate that the added K{sup +} does not enter into the NaYF{sub 4} lattice, but it still plays an important role by controlling the Na/R ratio. K{sup +} and Sc{sup 3+} ion concentration of 20 mol% during the synthesis was found to result in materials with size 30-35 nm, and shows ca. four times brighter UC emission than the previously reported lanthanide based nanocrystals. The enhancement in UC luminescence intensity makes upconversion nanophosphors versatile imaging tools for diagnosis.Graphical Abstract.

Measured Performance of Four New 18 kW@4.5 K Helium Refrigerators for the LHC Cryogenic System

CERN Document Server

Gruehagen, Henning

2005-01-01

The cryogenic system for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) under construction at CERN will include four new 4.5 K-helium refrigerators, to cover part of the cooling needs of the LHC at the 4.5-20 K and 50-75 K levels. Two refrigerators are delivered by Air Liquide, France, and two by Linde Kryotechnik, Switzerland. During the last three years, all four refrigerators have been installed and commissioned at four different points along the LHC. The specified requirements of the refrigerators are presented, with special focus on the capacities at the various temperature levels. The capacities of the refrigerators were measured using a dedicated test cryostat, and the measured performance for all four installations is presented, and compared to the guaranteed performance in the original proposal of the suppliers. Finally, the process design of the two supplies is compared, and their differences and similarities briefly analysed.

Dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors, GSK2126458 and PKI-587, suppress tumor progression and increase radiosensitivity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Tongxin; Sun, Quanquan; Li, Qi; Yang, Hua; Zhang, Yuqin; Wang, Rong; Lin, Xiaoshan; Xiao, Dong; Yuan, Yawei; Chen, Longhua; Wang, Wei

2015-02-01

Although combined chemoradiotherapy has provided considerable improvements for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), recurrence and metastasis are still frequent. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway plays a critical role in tumor formation and tumor cell survival after radiation-induced DNA damage. In the present study, we evaluated whether inhibition of PI3K/mTOR by two novel dual inhibitors, GSK2126458 and PKI-587, could suppress tumor progression and sensitize NPC cells to radiation. Four NPC cell lines (CNE-1, CNE-2, 5-8F, and 6-10B) were used to analyze the effects of GSK216458 and PKI-587 on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, clonogenic survival, amount of residual γ-H2AX foci, cell cycle, and apoptosis after radiation. A 5-8F xenograft model was used to evaluate the in vivo effects of the two compounds in combination with ionizing radiation (IR). Both GSK216458 and PKI-587 effectively inhibited cell proliferation and motility in NPC cells and suppressed phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR, S6, and 4EBP1 proteins in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, both compounds sensitized NPC cells to IR by increasing DNA damage, enhancing G2-M cell-cycle delay, and inducing apoptosis. In vivo, the combination of IR with GSK2126458 or PKI-587 significantly inhibited tumor growth. Antitumor effect was correlated with induction of apoptosis and suppression of the phosphorylation of mTOR, Akt, and 4EBP1. These new findings suggest the usefulness of PI3K/mTOR dual inhibition for antitumor and radiosensitizing. The combination of IR with a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, GSK2126458 or PKI-587, might be a promising therapeutic strategy for NPC. ©2014 American Association for Cancer Research.

Melting curve of helium from 4 to 25 K

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Krause, J K; Swenson, C A [Ames Lab., Iowa (USA)

1976-07-01

New data for the melting curve of He/sup 4/ for temperatures between 4 and 25 K agree with earlier results by Mills and Grilly (Phys. Rev.; 99:480 (1955)) and by Crawford and Daniels (J. Chem. Phys.; 55:5651 (1971)), but disagree with the relationship given by Glassford and Smith (Cryogenics; 6:193 (1966) who carried out equation of state studies on fluid and solid He/sup 4/. The reasons for the disagreement are not clear, but can be interpreted in terms of temperature scale inaccuracies which could have influenced all of their results.

Compact 4-kHz XeF-laser with multisectional discharge gap

Science.gov (United States)

Andramanov, A. V.; Kabaev, S. A.; Lazhintsev, Boris V.; Nor-Arevyan, Vladimir A.; Selemir, V. D.

2005-03-01

An electric-discharge XeF-laser with a pulse repetition rate up to 4 kHz was developed. The laser electrode unit was made on the basis of plate-like electrodes with inductive-capacity discharge stabilization. The narrow discharge width laser energy was 3 mJ by using He/Xe/NF3 and Ne/Xe/NF3 mixtures at the total pressure of 0.8 atm and 1.2 atm, respectively. The maximum laser efficiency was ~ 0.73% The gas flow was formed with the help of a diametrical fan rotated by the direct-current motor with 80 W power. The gas velocity of 20 m/s in the interelectrode gap was achieved. The laser pulse energy for a pulse repetition rate up to 3.5...4 kHz was virtually equal to the laser pulse energy in the infrequently-repeating-pulse regime. The average output power of 12 W at the pulse repetition rate of 4 kHz was achieved. The relative root-mean-square pulse-to-pulse variation of the output energy σ = 2.5% was reached.

Semi-inclusive B->K(K*)X decays with initial bound state effects

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

He, Xiao-Gang; Jin, Changhao; Ma, J. P.

2001-01-01

The effects of the initial b quark bound state for the semi-inclusive decays B->K(K * )X are studied using light cone expansion and heavy quark effective theory methods. We find that the initial bound state effects on the branching ratios and CP asymmetries are small. In the light cone expansion approach, the CP-averaged branching ratios are increased by about 2% with respect to the free b-quark decay. For {bar B} 0 ->K - (K *- )X, the CP-averaged branching ratios are sensitive to the phase γ and the CP asymmetry can be as large as 7% (14%), whereas for B - ->{bar K} 0 ({bar K} *0 )X the CP-averaged branching ratios are not sensitive to γ and the CP asymmetries are small ( -4 [(0.25 - 2.0)x10 -4 ] for {bar B} 0 ->K - (K *- )X and (0.77 - 0.84)x10 -4 [(0.67 - 0.74)x10 -4 ] for B - ->{bar K} 0 ({bar K} *0 )X, depending on the value of the CP violating phase γ. In the heavy quark effective theory approach, we find that the branching ratios are decreased by about 10% and the CP asymmetries are not affected. These predictions can be tested in the near future

A study of non-charge-exchange anti K0π- production in the reaction K-p→anti K0π-p at 4.2 GeV/c

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Engelen, J.J.; Holwerda, M.J.; Kittel, E.W.; Tieke, H.G.J.M.; Vergeest, J.S.M.; Grossmann, P.; Lyons, L.; McDowell, L.

1978-01-01

The anti K 0 π - system produced in the reaction K - p→anti K 0 π - p at 4.2 GeV/c is studied using high-statistics bubble-chamber data. The spin-parity structure is analyzed as a function of the anti K 0 π - mass up to 1.52 GeV. Production of K*(890) and K*(1420) is observed in helicity-0 and helicity-1 states. Contributions of natural and unnatural parity exchange are present. Considerable S-wave production is observed over the whole mass region considered. The t' dependence of the K*(890) and K*(1420) amplitudes is also studied. A comparison of the results on K*(890) production with the results of an analysis of charge-exchange K*(890) production, allows the separation of I=0 and I=1 exchange amplitudes. Some qualitative remarks are made concerning K*(1420) production. (Auth.)

Crystal Structure and Spectroscopic Characterization of K8(VO)2O(SO4)6:

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Rasmussen, Søren Birk; Rasmussen, Rikke Christina; Fehrmann, Rasmus

2003-01-01

Red and yellow dichroistic crystals of a vanadium(V) compound, potassium (mu-oxo, di-mu-suifato)bis(oxodisulfato-vanadate), K-8(VO)(2)O(SO4)(6), have been obtained from the ternary catalytic model melt system K2S2O7-K2SO4-V2O5. By slow cooling of the melt from 420 to 355 degreesC, crystal growth...

Mechanism of thermal decomposition of K{sub 2}FeO{sub 4} and BaFeO{sub 4}: A review

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sharma, Virender K., E-mail: vsharma@sph.tamhsc.edu [Texas A& M University, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health (United States); Machala, Libor [Palacky University, Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Departments of Experimental Physics and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Science (Czech Republic)

2016-12-15

This paper presents thermal decomposition of potassium ferrate(VI) (K{sub 2}FeO{sub 4}) and barium ferrate(VI) (BaFeO{sub 4}) in air and nitrogen atmosphere. Mössbauer spectroscopy and nuclear forward scattering (NFS) synchrotron radiation approaches are reviewed to advance understanding of electron-transfer processes involved in reduction of ferrate(VI) to Fe(III) phases. Direct evidences of Fe {sup V} and Fe {sup IV} as intermediate iron species using the applied techniques are given. Thermal decomposition of K{sub 2}FeO{sub 4} involved Fe {sup V}, Fe {sup IV}, and K{sub 3}FeO{sub 3} as intermediate species while BaFeO{sub 3} (i.e. Fe {sup IV}) was the only intermediate species during the decomposition of BaFeO{sub 4}. Nature of ferrite species, formed as final Fe(III) species, of thermal decomposition of K{sub 2}FeO{sub 4} and BaFeO{sub 4} under different conditions are evaluated. Steps of the mechanisms of thermal decomposition of ferrate(VI), which reasonably explained experimental observations of applied approaches in conjunction with thermal and surface techniques, are summarized.

Phase transformation of Ca4[Al6O12]SO4 and its disordered crystal structure at 1073 K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kurokawa, Daisuke; Takeda, Seiya; Colas, Maggy; Asaka, Toru; Thomas, Philippe; Fukuda, Koichiro

2014-01-01

The phase transformation of Ca 4 [Al 6 O 12 ]SO 4 and the crystal structure of its high-temperature phase were investigated by differential thermal analysis, temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy and high-temperature X-ray powder diffraction (CuKα 1 ). We determined the starting temperature of the orthorhombic-to-cubic transformation during heating (=711 K) and that of the reverse transformation during cooling (=742 K). The thermal hysteresis was negative (=−31 K), suggesting the thermoelasticity of the transformation. The space group of the high temperature phase is I4 ¯ 3m with the unit-cell dimensions of a=0.92426(2) nm and V=0.78955(2) nm 3 (Z=2) at 1073 K. The initial structural model was derived by the direct methods and further refined by the Rietveld method. The final structural model showed the orientational disordering of SO 4 tetrahedra. The maximum-entropy method-based pattern fitting method was used to confirm the validity of the split-atom model, in which conventional structure bias caused by assuming intensity partitioning was minimized. At around the transformation temperature during heating, the vibrational spectra, corresponding to the Raman-active SO 4 internal stretching mode, showed the continuous and gradual change in the slope of full width at half maximum versus temperature curve. This strongly suggests that the orthorhombic-to-cubic phase transformation would be principally accompanied by the statistical disordering in orientation of the SO 4 tetrahedra, without distinct dynamical reorientation. - Graphical abstract: (Left) Three-dimensional electron-density distributions of the SO 4 tetrahedron with the split-atom model, and (right) a bird's eye view of electron densities on the plane parallel to (111). - Highlights: • Crystal structure of Ca 4 [Al 6 O 12 ]SO 4 at 1073 K is determined by powder XRD. • The atom arrangements are represented by the split-atom model. • The MPF method is used to confirm the validity of the model. �

The higher level of complexity of K-Ras4B activation at the membrane

Science.gov (United States)

Jang, Hyunbum; Banerjee, Avik; Chavan, Tanmay S.; Lu, Shaoyong; Zhang, Jian; Gaponenko, Vadim; Nussinov, Ruth

2016-01-01

Is nucleotide exchange sufficient to activate K-Ras4B? To signal, oncogenic rat sarcoma (Ras) anchors in the membrane and recruits effectors by exposing its effector lobe. With the use of NMR and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we observed that in solution, farnesylated guanosine 5′-diphosphate (GDP)-bound K-Ras4B is predominantly autoinhibited by its hypervariable region (HVR), whereas the GTP-bound state favors an activated, HVR-released state. On the anionic membrane, the catalytic domain adopts multiple orientations, including parallel (∼180°) and perpendicular (∼90°) alignments of the allosteric helices, with respect to the membrane surface direction. In the autoinhibited state, the HVR is sandwiched between the effector lobe and the membrane; in the active state, with membrane-anchored farnesyl and unrestrained HVR, the catalytic domain fluctuates reinlessly, exposing its effector-binding site. Dimerization and clustering can reduce the fluctuations. This achieves preorganized, productive conformations. Notably, we also observe HVR-autoinhibited K-Ras4B-GTP states, with GDP-bound-like orientations of the helices. Thus, we propose that the GDP/GTP exchange may not be sufficient for activation; instead, our results suggest that the GDP/GTP exchange, HVR sequestration, farnesyl insertion, and orientation/localization of the catalytic domain at the membrane conjointly determine the active or inactive state of K-Ras4B. Importantly, K-Ras4B-GTP can exist in active and inactive states; on its own, GTP binding may not compel K-Ras4B activation.—Jang, H., Banerjee, A., Chavan, T. S, Lu, S., Zhang, J., Gaponenko, V., Nussinov, R. The higher level of complexity of K-Ras4B activation at the membrane. PMID:26718888

Search for two-photon production of resonances decaying into K anti K and K anti K. pi

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Althoff, M; Braunschweig, W; Kirschfink, F J; Martyn, H U; Rosskamp, R; Siebke, H; Wallraff, W; Eisenmann, J; Fischer, H M; Hartmann, H

1985-11-01

An analysis of the production of Ksub(s)/sup 0/Ksub(s)/sup 0/ and Ksup(+-)Ksub (s)/sup 0/..pi..sup(-+) by two quasi-real photons is presented. The cross section for ..gamma gamma..->K/sup 0/ anti K/sup 0/, which is given for the ..gamma gamma.. invariant mass range from K anti K threshold to 2.5 GeV, is dominated by the f'(1,525) resonance and an enhancement near the K anti K threshold. Upper limits on the product of the two-photon width times the branching ratio into K anti K pairs are given for THETA(1,700), h(2,030), and zeta(2,220). For exclusive two-photon production of Ksup(+-)Ksub(s)/sup 0/..pi..-+ no significant signal was observed. Upper limits are given on the cross section of ..gamma gamma..->K/sup +/ anti K/sup 0/..pi../sup -/ or K/sup -/K/sup 0/..pi../sup +/ between 1.4 and 3.2 GeV and on the product of the ..gamma gamma.. width times the branching ratio into the Kanti K..pi.. final states for the etasub(c)(2,980) and the iota(1,440), yielding GAMMA(..gamma gamma..->iota(1,440)) . BR(iota(1,440)-> K anti K..pi..) < 2.2keV at 95% C.L.

Significant Electronic Thermal Transport in the Conducting Polymer Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Weathers, Annie; Khan, Zia Ullah; Brooke, Robert

2015-01-01

Suspended microdevices are employed to measure the in-plane electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient of suspended poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) thin films. The measured thermal conductivity is higher than previously reported for PEDOT and generally increases...... with the electrical conductivity. The increase exceeds that predicted by the Wiedemann–Franz law for metals and can be explained by significant electronic thermal transport in PEDOT....

46 CFR 4.03-65 - Significant harm to the environment.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Significant harm to the environment. 4.03-65 Section 4... MARINE CASUALTIES AND INVESTIGATIONS Definitions § 4.03-65 Significant harm to the environment. Significant harm to the environment means— (a) In the navigable waters of the United States, a discharge of...

A calorimetric and thermodynamic investigation of A2[(UO2)2(MoO4)O2] compounds with A = K and Rb and calculated phase relations in the system (K2MoO4 + UO3 + H2O)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lelet, Maxim I.; Suleimanov, Evgeny V.; Golubev, Aleksey V.; Geiger, Charles A.; Bosbach, Dirk; Alekseev, Evgeny V.

2015-01-01

Highlights: • We determined the low temperature heat capacity of A 2 [(UO 2 ) 2 (MoO 4 )O 2 ] compounds with A = K and Rb. • We determined enthalpy of formation of K 2 [(UO 2 ) 2 (MoO 4 )O 2 ] by HF solution calorimetry. • We calculated Δ f G° (T = 298 K) of all phases from studied series. • Using obtained data we performed a thermodynamic modelling in the system (K 2 MoO 4 + UO 3 + H 2 O). - Abstract: A calorimetric and thermodynamic investigation of two alkali-metal uranyl molybdates with general composition A 2 [(UO 2 ) 2 (MoO 4 )O 2 ], where A = K and Rb, was performed. Both phases were synthesized by solid-state sintering of a mixture of potassium or rubidium nitrate, molybdenum (VI) oxide and gamma-uranium (VI) oxide at high temperatures. The synthetic products were characterised by X-ray powder diffraction and X-ray fluorescence methods. The enthalpy of formation of K 2 [(UO 2 ) 2 (MoO 4 )O 2 ] was determined using HF-solution calorimetry giving Δ f H° (T = 298 K, K 2 [(UO 2 ) 2 (MoO 4 )O 2 ], cr) = −(4018 ± 8) kJ · mol −1 . The low-temperature heat capacity, C p °, was measured using adiabatic calorimetry from T = (7 to 335) K for K 2 [(UO 2 ) 2 (MoO 4 )O 2 ] and from T = (7 to 326) K for Rb 2 [(UO 2 ) 2 (MoO 4 )O 2 ]. Using these C p ° values, the third law entropy at T = 298.15 K, S°, is calculated as (374 ± 1) J · K −1 · mol −1 for K 2 [(UO 2 ) 2 (MoO 4 )O 2 ] and (390 ± 1) J · K −1 · mol −1 for Rb 2 [(UO 2 ) 2 (MoO 4 )O 2 ]. These new experimental results, together with literature data, are used to calculate the Gibbs energy of formation, Δ f G°, for both phases giving: Δ f G° (T = 298 K, K 2 [(UO 2 ) 2 (MoO 4 )O 2 ], cr) = (−3747 ± 8) kJ · mol −1 and Δ f G° (T = 298 K, Rb 2 [(UO 2 ) 2 (MoO 4 )], cr) = −3736 ± 5 kJ · mol −1 . Smoothed C p °(T) values between 0 K and 320 K are presented, along with values for S° and the functions [H°(T) − H°(0)] and [G°(T) − H°(0)], for both phases. The

K/sub 4/Si/sub 4/Te/sub 10/, the first tellurosilicate with adamantane-like Si/sub 4/Te/sub 10//sup 4 -/ anions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Eisenmann, B; Schaefer, H [Technische Hochschule Darmstadt (Germany, F.R.). Fachbereich Anorganische Chemie und Kernchemie

1982-08-01

The new compound K/sub 4/Si/sub 4/Te/sub 10/ crystallizes in the orthorhombic system (space group Pnma) with following constants: a = 2125.8(8) pm, b = 1200.5(7) pm, c = 1060.8(7) pm. The structure is characterized by SiTe/sub 4/ tetrahedra, connected by common corners to adamantane-like Si/sub 4/Te/sub 10//sup 4 -/ units.

Electrochemical Behavior of Molten V2O5-K2S2O7-KHSO4 Systems

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Petrushina, Irina; Bjerrum, Niels; Berg, Rolf W.

1997-01-01

The electrochemical behavior of K2S2O7-KHSO4-V2O5, K2S2O7-V2O4 and K2S2O7-KHSO4-V2O4 melts was studied in argon and SO2/air atmospheres using a gold electrode. In order to identify the voltammetric waves due to KHSO4, molten KHSO4 and mixtures of K2S2O7-KHSO4 were investigated by voltammetry...

Genome-Wide H3K4me3 Analysis in Angus Cattle with Divergent Tenderness.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chunping Zhao

Full Text Available Tenderness is one of the most important properties of meat quality, which is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. As an intensively studied epigenetic marker, histone methylation, occurring on arginine and lysine residues, has pivotal regulatory functions on gene expression. To examine whether histone methylation involves in beef tenderness variation, we analyzed the transcriptome and H3K4me3 enrichment profiles of muscle strips obtained from the longissimus dorsi (LD of Angus steers previously classify to the tender or tough group. We first plotted a global bovine H3K4me3 map on chromosomes and called peak-enriched regions and genes. We found that majorities of H3K4me3 on genes were occupying the first intron and intergenic regions and its maps displayed similar patterns in tender and tough groups, with high H3K4me3 enrichment surrounding the transcription start site (TSS. We also explored the relationship of H3K4me3 and gene expression. The results showed that H3K4me3 enrichment is highly positively correlated with gene expression across the whole genome. Cluster analysis results confirmed the relationship of H3K4me3 enrichment and gene expression. By using a pathway-based approach in genes with H3K4me3 enrichment in promoter regions from the tender cluster, we revealed that those genes involved in the development of different tissues-connective tissue, skeletal and muscular system and functional tissues-; while in tough group those genes engaged in cell death, lipid metabolism and small molecule biochemistry. The results from this study provide a deep insight into understanding of the mechanisms of epigenetic regulations in meat quality and beef tenderness.

Commissioning of the 4 K Outer Cryostat for the CUORE Experiment

CERN Document Server

Ferri, E; Biassoni, M; Bucci, C; Ceruti, G; Chiarini, A; Clemenza, M; Cremonesi, O; Datskov, V; Dossena, S; Faverzani, M; Franceschi, M A; Gaigher, R; Gorla, P; Guetti, M; Ligi, C; Napolitano, T; Nucciotti, A; Pelosi, A; Perego, M; Previtali, E; Sisti, M; Taffarello, L; Terranova, F

2014-01-01

The Cryogenic Underground Observatory for Rare Events (CUORE) is a 1-ton scale bolometric experiment. The CUORE detector is an array of 988 TeO crystals arranged in a cylindrical, compact, and granular structure of 19 towers. These detectors will need a base temperature lower than 10 mK in order to meet the performance specifications. To cool the CUORE detector, a large cryogen free cryostat with five pulse tubes and one custom designed high power dilution refrigerator has been designed. The three vessels that form the outer shell of the CUORE cryostat were produced in 2012 and are now assembled in the Gran Sasso National Laboratories (LNGS). We report here the detailed description of the 4 K outer cryostat for the CUORE experiment together with the results of the validation tests done at the production site in 2012 and of the first commissioning to 4 K at LNGS in 2013.

The H3K4me3/2 histone demethylase RBR-2 controls axon guidance by repressing the actin-remodeling gene wsp-1

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Mariani, Luca; Lussi, Yvonne C.; Vandamme, Julien

2016-01-01

. Here, we show that RBR-2, the sole homolog of the KDM5 family of H3K4me3/2 demethylases in Caenorhabditis elegans, ensures correct axon guidance by controlling the expression of the actin regulator wsp-1. Loss of rbr-2 results in increased levels of H3K4me3 at the transcriptional start site of wsp-1...

Plant Explants Grown on Medium Supplemented with Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Have a Significant Increase in Embryogenesis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Inese Kokina

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Development of nanotechnology leads to the increasing release of nanoparticles in the environment that results in accumulation of different NPs in living organisms including plants. This can lead to serious changes in plant cultures which leads to genotoxicity. The aims of the present study were to detect if iron oxide NPs pass through the flax cell wall, to compare callus morphology, and to estimate the genotoxicity in Linum usitatissimum L. callus cultures induced by different concentrations of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Two parallel experiments were performed: experiment A, where flax explants were grown on medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l, 1 mg/l, and 1.5 mg/l Fe3O4 NPs for callus culture obtaining, and experiment B, where calluses obtained from basal MS medium were transported into medium supplemented with concentrations of NPs identical to experiment A. Obtained results demonstrate similarly in both experiments that 25 nm Fe3O4 NPs pass into callus cells and induce low toxicity level in the callus cultures. Nevertheless, calluses from experiment A showed 100% embryogenesis in comparison with experiment B where 100% rhizogenesis was noticed. It could be associated with different stress levels and adaptation time for explants and calluses that were transported into medium with Fe3O4 NPs supplementation.

Phase formation in the K2MoO4-Lu2(MoO4)3-Hf(MoO4)2 system and the structural study of triple molybdate K5LuHf(MoO4)6

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Romanova, E.Yu.; Bazarov, B.G.; Tushinova, Yu.L.; Fedorov, K.N.; Bazarova, Zh.G.; Klevtsova, R.F.; Glinskaya, L.A.

2007-01-01

Interactions in the ternary system K 2 MoO 4 -Lu 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 -Hf(MoO 4 ) 2 have been studied by X-ray powder diffraction and differential thermal analysis. A new triple (potassium lutetium hafnium) molybdate with the 5 : 1 : 2 stoichiometry has been found. Monocrystals of this molybdate have been grown. Its X-ray diffraction structure has been refined (an X8 APEX automated diffractometer, MoK α radiation, 1960 F(hkl), R = 0.0166). The trigonal unit cell has the following parameters: a = 10.6536(1) A, c = 37.8434(8) A, V=3719.75(9) A, Z = 6, space group R3-bar c. The mixed 3D framework of the structure is built of Mo tetrahedra sharing corners with two independent (Lu,Hf)O 6 octahedra. Two sorts of potassium atoms occupy large framework voids [ru

Increase in Ice Nucleation Efficiency of Feldspars, Kaolinite and Mica in Dilute NH3 and NH4+-containing Solutions

Science.gov (United States)

Kumar, A.; Marcolli, C.; Luo, B.; Krieger, U. K.; Peter, T.

2017-12-01

Semivolatile species present in the atmosphere are prone to adhere to mineral dust particle surfaces during long range transport, and could potentially change the particle surface properties and its ice nucleation (IN) efficiency. Immersion freezing experiments were performed with microcline (K-feldspar), known to be highly IN active, suspended in aqueous solutions of ammonia, (NH4)2SO4, NH4HSO4, NH4NO3, NH4Cl, Na2SO4, H2SO4, K2SO4 and KCl to investigate the effect of solutes on the IN efficiency. Freezing of emulsified droplets investigated with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) showed that the heterogeneous ice nucleation temperatures deviate from the water activity-based IN theory, describing heterogeneous ice nucleation temperatures as a function of solution water activity by a constant offset with respect to the ice melting point curve (Zobrist et al. 2008). IN temperatures enhanced up to 4.5 K were observed for very dilute NH3 and NH4+-containing solutions while a decrease was observed as the concentration was further increased. For all solutes with cations other than NH4+, the IN efficiency decreased. An increase of the IN efficiency in very dilute NH3 and NH4+-containing solutions followed by a decrease with increasing concentration was also observed for sanidine (K-feldspar) and andesine (Na/Ca-feldspar). This is an important indication towards specific chemical interactions between solutes and the feldspar surface which is not captured by the water activity-based IN theory. A similar trend is present but less pronounced in case of kaolinite and mica, while quartz is barely affected. We hypothesize that the hydrogen bonding of NH3 molecules with surface -OH groups could be the reason for the enhanced freezing temperatures in dilute ammonia and ammonium containing solutions as they could form an ice-like overlayer providing hydrogen bonding groups for ice to nucleate on top of it. This implies to possibilities of enhanced IN efficiency, especially

An enhancement at the Σanti K threshold (1680) MeV observed in K-p reactions at 4.2 GeV/c

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dionisi, C.; Diaz, J.; Armenteros, R.; Gavillet, Ph.; Gurtu, A.; Hemingway, R.J.; Mazzucato, M.; Blokzijl, R.; Kluyver, J.C.; Massaro, G.G.G.; Metzger, W.J.; Schotanus, J.; Tiecke, H.G.; Foster, B.; Lamb, P.R.; McDowell, W.L.

1978-01-01

An enhancement in the (Σanti K) mass spectrum at threshold is observed in K - p interactions at 4.2 GeV/c. It appears both in the neutral and negative charge states. Corresponding Λanti K mass distributions show weak evidence for an effect close to this threshold (approximately 1680 MeV). Although the interpretation of the (Σanti K) enhancement by itself is ambiguous, a (Σanti K) - (Λanti K) coupled channel analysis gives results compatible with its interpretation as a new Ψ*. (Auth.)

Fruit extracts of Momordica charantia potentiate glucose uptake and up-regulate Glut-4, PPAR gamma and PI3K.

Science.gov (United States)

Kumar, Ramadhar; Balaji, S; Uma, T S; Sehgal, P K

2009-12-10

Momordica charantia fruit is a widely used traditional medicinal herb as, anti-diabetic, anti-HIV, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-leukemic, anti-microbial, and anti-tumor. The present study is undertaken to investigate the possible mode of action of fruit extracts derived from Momordica charantia (MC) and study its pharmacological effects for controlling diabetic mellitus. Effects of aqueous and chloroform extracts of Momordica charantia fruit on glucose uptake and up-regulation of glucose transporter (Glut-4), peroxisome proliferator activator receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K), were investigated to show its efficacy as a hypoglycaemic agent. Dose dependent glucose uptake assay was performed on L6 myotubes using 2-deoxy-D-[1-(3)H] glucose. Up-regulatory effects of the extracts on the mRNA expression level of Glut-4, PPAR gamma and PI3K have been studied. The association of Momordica charantia with the aqueous and chloroform extracts of Momordica charantia fruit at 6 microg/ml has shown significant up-regulatory effect, respectively, by 3.6-, 2.8- and 3.8-fold on the battery of targets Glut-4, PPAR gamma and PI3K involved in glucose transport. The up-regulation of glucose uptake was comparable with insulin and rosiglitazone which was approximately 2-fold over the control. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of the cyclohexamide on Momordica charantia fruit extract mediated glucose uptake suggested the requirement of new protein synthesis for the enhanced glucose uptake. This study demonstrated the significance of Glut-4, PPAR gamma and PI3K up-regulation by Momordica charantia in augmenting the glucose uptake and homeostasis.

A genome-wide RNAi screen identifies FOXO4 as a metastasis-suppressor through counteracting PI3K/AKT signal pathway in prostate cancer.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bing Su

Full Text Available Activation of the PI3K/AKT signal pathway is a known driving force for the progression to castration-recurrent prostate cancer (CR-CaP, which constitutes the major lethal phenotype of CaP. Here, we identify using a genomic shRNA screen the PI3K/AKT-inactivating downstream target, FOXO4, as a potential CaP metastasis suppressor. FOXO4 protein levels inversely correlate with the invasive potential of a panel of human CaP cell lines, with decreased mRNA levels correlating with increased incidence of clinical metastasis. Knockdown (KD of FOXO4 in human LNCaP cells causes increased invasion in vitro and lymph node (LN metastasis in vivo without affecting indices of proliferation or apoptosis. Increased Matrigel invasiveness was found by KD of FOXO1 but not FOXO3. Comparison of differentially expressed genes affected by FOXO4-KD in LNCaP cells in culture, in primary tumors and in LN metastases identified a panel of upregulated genes, including PIP, CAMK2N1, PLA2G16 and PGC, which, if knocked down by siRNA, could decrease the increased invasiveness associated with FOXO4 deficiency. Although only some of these genes encode FOXO promoter binding sites, they are all RUNX2-inducible, and RUNX2 binding to the PIP promoter is increased in FOXO4-KD cells. Indeed, the forced expression of FOXO4 reversed the increased invasiveness of LNCaP/shFOXO4 cells; the forced expression of FOXO4 did not alter RUNX2 protein levels, yet it decreased RUNX2 binding to the PIP promoter, resulting in PIP downregulation. Finally, there was a correlation between FOXO4, but not FOXO1 or FOXO3, downregulation and decreased metastasis-free survival in human CaP patients. Our data strongly suggest that increased PI3K/AKT-mediated metastatic invasiveness in CaP is associated with FOXO4 loss, and that mechanisms to induce FOXO4 re-expression might suppress CaP metastatic aggressiveness.

The K-p charge exchange and elastic scattering reactions at 4.2 GeV/c

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marzano, F.; Toet, D.Z.; Gavillet, Ph.; Gay, J.B.; Hemingway, R.J.; Marechal, B.; Blokzijl, R.; Jongejans, B.; Kluyver, J.C.; Wolters, G.F.; Grossmann, P.; Wells, J.

1977-01-01

In this letter results are presented on the reactions K - p→anti K 0 n and K - p→K - p from a high statistics CERN 2 m etre hydrogen bubble chamber exposure a t 4.15 GeV/c. The behaviour of the differential cross section as a function of four-momentum transfer shows remarkable similarities between the two reactions studied. From a comparison of the data with K + p elastic scattering at 4.27 GeV/c some conclusions are drawn concerning the magnitude of the contributing amplitudes. (Auth.)

Observation of B Meson Decays to omegapi+, omegaK+, and omegaK0

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smith, James G

2003-01-01

The authors present preliminary measurements of B meson decays to B + → ωπ + , B + → ωK + , and B 0 → ωK 0 . The data were recorded with the BABAR detector and correspond to 88.9 x 10 6 B(bar B) pairs produced in e + e - annihilation at the Υ(4S) resonance. They find statistically significant signals for all three channels: Β(B + → ωπ + ) = (5.4 ± 1.0 ± 0.5) x 10 -6 , Β(B + → ωK + ) = (5.0 ± 1.0 ± 0.4) x 10 -6 , and Β(B 0 → ωK 0 ) = (5.3 -1.2 +1.4 ± 0.5) x 10 -6 . They also measure time-integrated charge asymmetries Α ch (B + → ωπ + ) = 0.04 ± 0.17 ± 0.01 and Α ch (B + → ωK + ) = -0.05 ± 0.16 ± 0.01

MicroRNA-129-5p inhibits the development of autoimmune encephalomyelitis-related epilepsy by targeting HMGB1 through the TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Ai-Hua; Wu, Ya-Ting; Wang, Yu-Ping

2017-06-01

The study aimed to explore the effects of microRNA-129-5p (miR-129-5p) on the development of autoimmune encephalomyelitis (AE)-related epilepsy by targeting HMGB1 through the TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway in a rat model. AE-related epilepsy models were established. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control, model, miR-129-5p mimics, miR-129-5p inhibitor, HMGB1 shRNA, TLR4/NF-kB (TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway was inhibited) and miR-129-5p mimics+HMGB1 shRNA groups respectively. Latency to a first epilepsy seizure attack was recorded. Neuronal injuries in the hippocampus regions were detected using HE, Nissl and FJB staining methods 24h following model establishment. Microglial cells were detected by OX-42 immunohistochemistry. Expressions of miR-129-5p, HMGB1 and TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway-related proteins were detected by qRT-PCR. Protein expressions of HMGB1 and TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway-related proteins were detected by Western blotting. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay showed that miR-129-5p was negatively targeting HMGB1. Neurons of hippocampal tissues in rats were heavily injured by an injection of lithium chloride. Compared with the model and control groups, neuronal injury of the hippocampus and AE-related epilepsy decreased and microglial cells increased in the miR-129-5p mimics, HMGB1 shRNA and TLR4/NF-kB groups; however, in the miR-129-5p inhibitor group, miR-129-5p expression decreased, HMGB1 expression increased, TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway was activated, latency to a first epilepsy seizure attack was shortened, and neuronal injury increased. This study provides evidence that miR-129-5p inhibits the development of AE-related epilepsy by suppressing HMGB1 expression and inhibiting TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Increasing Diversity in K-12 School Leadership. Policy Brief 2018-3

Science.gov (United States)

Castro, Andrene; Germain, Emily; Gooden, Mark

2018-01-01

Principals represent the most "visible" form of leadership in schools, but current workforce data show that K-12 school principals are overwhelmingly white and fail to reflect the diversity within the student population. With increased policy focus on teacher diversity, equal attention must also be directed towards the lack of diversity…

Cross-species Analyses Unravel the Complexity of H3K27me3 and H4K20me3 in the Context of Neural Stem Progenitor Cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Rhodes, Christopher T; Sandstrom, Richard S; Huang, Shu-Wei Angela; Wang, Yufeng; Schotta, Gunnar; Berger, Mitchel S; Lin, Chin-Hsing Annie

2016-06-01

Neural stem progenitor cells (NSPCs) in the human subventricular zone (SVZ) potentially contribute to life-long neurogenesis, yet subtypes of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) contain NSPC signatures that highlight the importance of cell fate regulation. Among numerous regulatory mechanisms, the post-translational methylations onto histone tails are crucial regulator of cell fate. The work presented here focuses on the role of two repressive chromatin marks tri-methylations on histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) and histone H4 lysine 20 (H4K20me3) in the adult NSPC within the SVZ. To best model healthy human NSPCs as they exist in vivo for epigenetic profiling of H3K27me3 and H4K20me3, we utilized NSPCs isolated from the adult SVZ of baboon brain ( Papio anubis ) with brain structure and genomic level similar to human. The putative role of H3K27me3 in normal NSPCs predominantly falls into the regulation of gene expression, cell cycle, and differentiation, whereas H4K20me3 is involved in DNA replication/repair, metabolism, and cell cycle. Using conditional knock-out mouse models to diminish Ezh2 and Suv4-20h responsible for H3K27me3 and H4K20me3, respectively, we found that both repressive marks have irrefutable function for cell cycle regulation in the NSPC population. While both EZH2/H3K27me3 and Suv4-20h/H4K20me3 have implication in cancers, our comparative genomics approach between healthy NSPCs and human GBM specimens revealed that substantial sets of genes enriched with H3K27me3 and H4K20me3 in the NSPCs are altered in the human GBM. In sum, our integrated analyses across species highlight important roles of H3K27me3 and H4K20me3 in normal and disease conditions in the context of NSPC.

Cross-species analyses unravel the complexity of H3K27me3 and H4K20me3 in the context of neural stem progenitor cells

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Christopher T. Rhodes

2016-06-01

Full Text Available Neural stem progenitor cells (NSPCs in the human subventricular zone (SVZ potentially contribute to lifelong neurogenesis, yet subtypes of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM contain NSPC signatures that highlight the importance of cell fate regulation. Among numerous regulatory mechanisms, the posttranslational methylations onto histone tails are crucial regulator of cell fate. The work presented here focuses on the role of 2 repressive chromatin marks trimethylations on histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3 and histone H4 lysine 20 (H4K20me3 in the adult NSPC within the SVZ. To best model healthy human NSPCs as they exist in vivo for epigenetic profiling of H3K27me3 and H4K20me3, we used NSPCs isolated from the adult SVZ of baboon brain (Papio anubis with brain structure and genomic level similar to human. The putative role of H3K27me3 in normal NSPCs predominantly falls into the regulation of gene expression, cell cycle, and differentiation, whereas H4K20me3 is involved in DNA replication/repair, metabolism, and cell cycle. Using conditional knockout mouse models to diminish Ezh2 and Suv4-20h responsible for H3K27me3 and H4K20me3, respectively, we found that both repressive marks have irrefutable function for cell cycle regulation in the NSPC population. Although both EZH2/H3K27me3 and Suv4-20h/H4K20me3 have implication in cancers, our comparative genomics approach between healthy NSPCs and human GBM specimens revealed that substantial sets of genes enriched with H3K27me3 and H4K20me3 in the NSPCs are altered in the human GBM. In sum, our integrated analyses across species highlight important roles of H3K27me3 and H4K20me3 in normal and disease conditions in the context of NSPC.

Preliminary results on a 4 kJ, 140 k A plasma focus; Resultados preliminares en un plasma foco de 4 KJ

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Silva, Patricio; Favre, Mario; Chuaqui, Hernan; Wyndham, Edmund [Pontificia Univ. Catolica de Chile, Santiago (Chile). Facultad de Fisica

1997-12-31

Preliminary results on the operation of a 4 kJ, 140 kA Plasma Focus device are presented. The machine operates Hydrogen and Hydrogen-Argon mixtures at pressures between 400 m Torr to 10 Torr. Main diagnostics include electric and current measurements, time and space resolved X-ray observations, with limited spectral resolution, and B-dot sensors to monitor the evolution of de current sheet during the run up phase of the discharge. The results indicate that good focus is obtained in the above pressure range. This is inferred from I-dot traces and Pin diode and pin-hole camera X-ray observations. The B-dot loops suggest that a symmetric current sheet is produced. These results show that the machine exhibits a reliable performance, which allows further studies on dense transient plasmas to be developed. (author). 5 refs., 5 figs.

Structural basis for recognition of H3K56-acetylated histone H3-H4 by the chaperone Rtt106

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Su, Dan; Hu, Qi; Li, Qing; Thompson, James R; Cui, Gaofeng; Fazly, Ahmed; Davies, Brian A; Botuyan, Maria Victoria; Zhang, Zhiguo; Mer, Georges [Mayo

2013-04-08

Dynamic variations in the structure of chromatin influence virtually all DNA-related processes in eukaryotes and are controlled in part by post-translational modifications of histones. One such modification, the acetylation of lysine 56 (H3K56ac) in the amino-terminal α-helix (αN) of histone H3, has been implicated in the regulation of nucleosome assembly during DNA replication and repair, and nucleosome disassembly during gene transcription. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the histone chaperone Rtt106 contributes to the deposition of newly synthesized H3K56ac-carrying H3-H4 complex on replicating DNA, but it is unclear how Rtt106 binds H3-H4 and specifically recognizes H3K56ac as there is no apparent acetylated lysine reader domain in Rtt106. Here, we show that two domains of Rtt106 are involved in a combinatorial recognition of H3-H4. An N-terminal domain homodimerizes and interacts with H3-H4 independently of acetylation while a double pleckstrin-homology (PH) domain binds the K56-containing region of H3. Affinity is markedly enhanced upon acetylation of K56, an effect that is probably due to increased conformational entropy of the αN helix of H3. Our data support a mode of interaction where the N-terminal homodimeric domain of Rtt106 intercalates between the two H3-H4 components of the (H3-H4)₂ tetramer while two double PH domains in the Rtt106 dimer interact with each of the two H3K56ac sites in (H3-H4)₂. We show that the Rtt106-(H3-H4)₂ interaction is important for gene silencing and the DNA damage response.

Modulation by K+ Plus NH4+ of microsomal (Na+, K+)-ATPase activity in selected ontogenetic stages of the diadromous river shrimp Macrobrachium amazonicum (Decapoda, Palaemonidae).

Science.gov (United States)

Leone, Francisco A; Bezerra, Thais M S; Garçon, Daniela P; Lucena, Malson N; Pinto, Marcelo R; Fontes, Carlos F L; McNamara, John C

2014-01-01

We investigate the synergistic stimulation by K(+) plus NH4 (+) of (Na(+), K(+))-ATPase activity in microsomal preparations of whole zoea I and decapodid III, and in juvenile and adult river shrimp gills. Modulation of (Na(+), K(+))-ATPase activity is ontogenetic stage-specific, and particularly distinct between juveniles and adults. Although both gill enzymes exhibit two different sites for K(+) and NH4 (+) binding, in the juvenile enzyme, these two sites are equivalent: binding by both ions results in slightly stimulated activity compared to that of a single ionic species. In the adult enzyme, the sites are not equivalent: when one ion occupies its specific binding site, (Na(+), K(+))-ATPase activity is stimulated synergistically by ≈ 50% on binding of the complementary ion. Immunolocalization reveals the enzyme to be distributed predominantly throughout the intralamellar septum in the gill lamellae of juveniles and adults. Western blot analyses demonstrate a single immunoreactive band, suggesting a single (Na(+), K(+))-ATPase α-subunit isoform that is distributed into different density membrane fractions, independently of ontogenetic stage. We propose a model for the modulation by K(+) and NH4 (+) of gill (Na(+), K(+))-ATPase activity. These findings suggest that the gill enzyme may be regulated by NH4 (+) during ontogenetic development in M. amazonicum.