Novel Quantitative Real-Time LCR for the Sensitive Detection of SNP Frequencies in Pooled DNA: Method Development, Evaluation and Application

Science.gov (United States)

Psifidi, Androniki; Dovas, Chrysostomos; Banos, Georgios

2011-01-01

Background Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) have proven to be powerful genetic markers for genetic applications in medicine, life science and agriculture. A variety of methods exist for SNP detection but few can quantify SNP frequencies when the mutated DNA molecules correspond to a small fraction of the wild-type DNA. Furthermore, there is no generally accepted gold standard for SNP quantification, and, in general, currently applied methods give inconsistent results in selected cohorts. In the present study we sought to develop a novel method for accurate detection and quantification of SNP in DNA pooled samples. Methods The development and evaluation of a novel Ligase Chain Reaction (LCR) protocol that uses a DNA-specific fluorescent dye to allow quantitative real-time analysis is described. Different reaction components and thermocycling parameters affecting the efficiency and specificity of LCR were examined. Several protocols, including gap-LCR modifications, were evaluated using plasmid standard and genomic DNA pools. A protocol of choice was identified and applied for the quantification of a polymorphism at codon 136 of the ovine PRNP gene that is associated with susceptibility to a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy in sheep. Conclusions The real-time LCR protocol developed in the present study showed high sensitivity, accuracy, reproducibility and a wide dynamic range of SNP quantification in different DNA pools. The limits of detection and quantification of SNP frequencies were 0.085% and 0.35%, respectively. Significance The proposed real-time LCR protocol is applicable when sensitive detection and accurate quantification of low copy number mutations in DNA pools is needed. Examples include oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes, infectious diseases, pathogenic bacteria, fungal species, viral mutants, drug resistance resulting from point mutations, and genetically modified organisms in food. PMID:21283808

Involvement of CD8+ T cell-mediated immune responses in LcrV DNA vaccine induced protection against lethal Yersinia pestis challenge.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Shixia; Goguen, Jon D; Li, Fusheng; Lu, Shan

2011-09-09

Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis) is the causative pathogen of plague, a highly fatal disease for which an effective vaccine, especially against mucosal transmission, is still not available. Like many bacterial infections, antigen-specific antibody responses have been traditionally considered critical, if not solely responsible, for vaccine-induced protection against Y. pestis. Studies in recent years have suggested the importance of T cell immune responses against Y. pestis infection but information is still limited about the details of Y. pestis antigen-specific T cell immune responses. In current report, studies are conducted to identify the presence of CD8+ T cell epitopes in LcrV protein, the leading antigen of plague vaccine development. Furthermore, depletion of CD8+ T cells in LcrV DNA vaccinated Balb/C mice led to reduced protection against lethal intranasal challenge of Y. pestis. These findings establish that an LcrV DNA vaccine is able to elicit CD8+ T cell immune responses against specific epitopes of this key plague antigen and that a CD8+ T cell immune response is involved in LcrV DNA vaccine-elicited protection. Future studies in plague vaccine development will need to examine if the presence of detectable T cell immune responses, in particular CD8+ T-cell immune responses, will enhance the protection against Y. pestis in higher animal species or humans. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

LCR/MEL: A versatile system for high-level expression of heterologous proteins in erythroid cells.

NARCIS (Netherlands)

M. Needham; C. Gooding; K. Hudson; M. Antoniou (Michael); F.G. Grosveld (Frank); M. Hollis

1992-01-01

textabstractWe have used the human globin locus control region (LCR) to assemble an expression system capable of high-level, integration position-independent expression of heterologous genes and cDNAs in murine erythroleukaemia (MEL) cells. The cDNAs are inserted between the human beta-globin

Comparison between Radiology Science Laboratory, Brazil (LCR) and National Research Council, Canada (NRC) of the absorbed dose in water using Fricke dosimetry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Salata, Camila; David, Mariano Gazineu; Almeida, Carlos Eduardo de

2014-01-01

The absorbed dose to water standards for HDR brachytherapy dosimetry developed by the Radiology Science Laboratory, Brazil (LCR) and the National Research Council, Canada (NRC), were compared. The two institutions have developed absorbed dose standards based on the Fricke dosimetry system. There are significant differences between the two standards as far as the preparation and readout of the Fricke solution and irradiation geometry of the holder. Measurements were done at the NRC laboratory using a single Ir-192 source. The comparison of absorbed dose measurements was expressed as the ratio Dw(NRC)/Dw(LCR), which was found to be 1.026. (author)

Oral vaccination with LcrV from Yersinia pestis KIM delivered by live attenuated Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium elicits a protective immune response against challenge with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Yersinia enterocolitica.

Science.gov (United States)

Branger, Christine G; Torres-Escobar, Ascención; Sun, Wei; Perry, Robert; Fetherston, Jacqueline; Roland, Kenneth L; Curtiss, Roy

2009-08-27

The use of live recombinant attenuated Salmonella vaccines (RASV) synthesizing Yersinia proteins is a promising approach for controlling infection by Yersinia species. In this study, we constructed attenuated Salmonella strains which synthesize a truncated form of LcrV, LcrV196 and evaluated the immune response and protective efficacy elicited by these strains in mice against two other major species of Yersinia: Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Yersinia enterocolitica. Surprisingly, we found that the RASV strain alone was sufficient to afford nearly full protection against challenge with Y. pseudotuberculosis, indicating the likelihood that Salmonella produces immunogenic cross-protective antigens. In contrast, lcrV196 expression was required for protection against challenge with Y. enterocolitica strain 8081, but was not sufficient to achieve significant protection against challenge with Y. enterocolitica strain WA, which expressed a divergent form of lcrV. Nevertheless, we are encouraged by these findings to continue pursuing our long-term goal of developing a single vaccine to protect against all three human pathogenic species of Yersinia.

A Boy with an LCR3/4-Flanked 10q22.3q23.2 Microdeletion and Uncommon Phenotypic Features

Science.gov (United States)

Petrova, E.; Neuner, C.; Haaf, T.; Schmid, M.; Wirbelauer, J.; Jurkutat, A.; Wermke, K.; Nanda, I.; Kunstmann, E.

2014-01-01

The recurrent 10q22.3q23.2 deletion with breakpoints within low copy repeats 3 and 4 is a rare genomic disorder, reported in only 13 patients to date. The phenotype is rather uncharacteristic, which makes a clinical diagnosis difficult. A phenotypic feature described in almost all patients is a delay in speech development, albeit systematic studies are still pending. In this study, we report on a boy with an LCR3/4-flanked 10q22.3q23.2 deletion exhibiting an age-appropriate language development evaluated by a standardized test at an age of 2 years and 3 months. The boy was born with a cleft palate – a feature not present in any of the patients described before. Previously reported cases are reviewed, and the role of the BMPR1A gene is discussed. The phenotype of patients with an LCR3/4-flanked 10q22.3q23.2 deletion can be rather variable, so counseling the families regarding the prognosis of an affected child should be done with caution. Long-term studies of affected children are needed to delineate the natural history of this rare disorder. PMID:24550761

Quantificação de fluxo do líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) por ressonância magnética

OpenAIRE

Jesuíta, Patrícia Filipa

2012-01-01

Mestrado em Radiações Aplicadas às Tecnologias da Saúde. Especialização: Ressonância Magnética. Para que a identificação da hidrocefalia normotensiva ou comunicante crónica do adulto, possa ser identificada através de exames de quantificação de fluxo do LCR no aqueduto de Sylvius através de imagem por ressonância magnética de contraste de fase é necessário conhecer quais os valores normativos para indivíduos adultos e saudáveis. Esta Investigação tem como objectivo a determinação desses va...

The C-terminal domain of Nrf1 negatively regulates the full-length CNC-bZIP factor and its shorter isoform LCR-F1/Nrf1β; both are also inhibited by the small dominant-negative Nrf1γ/δ isoforms that down-regulate ARE-battery gene expression.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Yiguo; Qiu, Lu; Li, Shaojun; Xiang, Yuancai; Chen, Jiayu; Ren, Yonggang

2014-01-01

The C-terminal domain (CTD, aa 686-741) of nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 1 (Nrf1) shares 53% amino acid sequence identity with the equivalent Neh3 domain of Nrf2, a homologous transcription factor. The Neh3 positively regulates Nrf2, but whether the Neh3-like (Neh3L) CTD of Nrf1 has a similar role in regulating Nrf1-target gene expression is unknown. Herein, we report that CTD negatively regulates the full-length Nrf1 (i.e. 120-kDa glycoprotein and 95-kDa deglycoprotein) and its shorter isoform LCR-F1/Nrf1β (55-kDa). Attachment of its CTD-adjoining 112-aa to the C-terminus of Nrf2 yields the chimaeric Nrf2-C112Nrf1 factor with a markedly decreased activity. Live-cell imaging of GFP-CTD reveals that the extra-nuclear portion of the fusion protein is allowed to associate with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane through the amphipathic Neh3L region of Nrf1 and its basic c-tail. Thus removal of either the entire CTD or the essential Neh3L portion within CTD from Nrf1, LCR-F1/Nrf1β and Nrf2-C112Nrf1, results in an increase in their transcriptional ability to regulate antioxidant response element (ARE)-driven reporter genes. Further examinations unravel that two smaller isoforms, 36-kDa Nrf1γ and 25-kDa Nrf1δ, act as dominant-negative inhibitors to compete against Nrf1, LCR-F1/Nrf1β and Nrf2. Relative to Nrf1, LCR-F1/Nrf1β is a weak activator, that is positively regulated by its Asn/Ser/Thr-rich (NST) domain and acidic domain 2 (AD2). Like AD1 of Nrf1, both AD2 and NST domain of LCR-F1/Nrf1β fused within two different chimaeric contexts to yield Gal4D:Nrf1β607 and Nrf1β:C270Nrf2, positively regulate their transactivation activity of cognate Gal4- and Nrf2-target reporter genes. More importantly, differential expression of endogenous ARE-battery genes is attributable to up-regulation by Nrf1 and LCR-F1/Nrf1β and down-regulation by Nrf1γ and Nrf1δ.

Differential structural status of the RNA counterpart of an undecamer quasi-palindromic DNA sequence present in LCR of human β-globin gene cluster.

Science.gov (United States)

Kaushik, Mahima; Kukreti, Shrikant

2015-01-01

Our previous work on structural polymorphism shown at a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (A → G) site located on HS4 region of locus control region (LCR) of β-globin gene has established a hairpin → duplex equilibrium corresponding to A → B like DNA transition (Kaushik M, Kukreti, R., Grover, D., Brahmachari, S.K. and Kukreti S. Nucleic Acids Res. 2003; Kaushik M, Kukreti S. Nucleic Acids Res. 2006). The G-allele of A → G SNP has been shown to be significantly associated with the occurrence of β-thalassemia. Considering the significance of this 11-nt long quasi-palindromic sequence [5'-TGGGG(G/A)CCCCA; HP(G/A)11] of β-globin gene LCR, we further explored the differential behavior of the same DNA sequence with its RNA counterpart, using various biophysical and biochemical techniques. In contrast to its DNA counterpart exhibiting a A → B structural transition and an equilibrium between duplex and hairpin forms, the studied RNA oligonucleotide sequence [5'-UGGGG(G/A)CCCCA; RHP(G/A)11] existed only in duplex form (A-conformation) and did not form hairpin. The single residue difference from A to G led to the unusual thermal stability of the RNA structure formed by the studied sequence. Since, naturally occurring mutations and various SNP sites may stabilize or destabilize the local DNA/RNA secondary structures, these structural transitions may affect the gene expression by a change in the protein-DNA recognition patterns.

Standard practice for measuring the ultrasonic velocity in polyethylene tank walls using lateral longitudinal (LCR) waves

CERN Document Server

American Society for Testing and Materials. Philadelphia

2011-01-01

1.1 This practice covers a procedure for measuring the ultrasonic velocities in the outer wall of polyethylene storage tanks. An angle beam lateral longitudinal (LCR) wave is excited with wedges along a circumferential chord of the tank wall. A digital ultrasonic flaw detector is used with sending-receiving search units in through transmission mode. The observed velocity is temperature corrected and compared to the expected velocity for a new, unexposed sample of material which is the same as the material being evaluated. The difference between the observed and temperature corrected velocities determines the degree of UV exposure of the tank. 1.2 The practice is intended for application to the outer surfaces of the wall of polyethylene tanks. Degradation typically occurs in an outer layer approximately 3.2-mm (0.125-in.) thick. Since the technique does not interrogate the inside wall of the tank, wall thickness is not a consideration other than to be aware of possible guided (Lamb) wave effects or reflection...

Fine-tuning synthesis of Yersinia pestis LcrV from runaway-like replication balanced-lethal plasmid in a Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium vaccine induces protection against a lethal Y. pestis challenge in mice.

Science.gov (United States)

Torres-Escobar, Ascención; Juárez-Rodríguez, María Dolores; Gunn, Bronwyn M; Branger, Christine G; Tinge, Steven A; Curtiss, Roy

2010-06-01

A balanced-lethal plasmid expression system that switches from low-copy-number to runaway-like high-copy-number replication (pYA4534) was constructed for the regulated delayed in vivo synthesis of heterologous antigens by vaccine strains. This is an antibiotic resistance-free maintenance system containing the asdA gene (essential for peptidoglycan synthesis) as a selectable marker to complement the lethal chromosomal DeltaasdA allele in live recombinant attenuated Salmonella vaccines (RASVs) such as Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strain chi9447. pYA4534 harbors two origins of replication, pSC101 and pUC (low and high copy numbers, respectively). The pUC replication origin is controlled by a genetic switch formed by the operator/promoter of the P22 cro gene (O/P(cro)) (P(R)), which is negatively regulated by an arabinose-inducible P22 c2 gene located on both the plasmid and the chromosome (araC P(BAD) c2). The absence of arabinose, which is unavailable in vivo, triggers replication to a high-copy-number plasmid state. To validate these vector attributes, the Yersinia pestis virulence antigen LcrV was used to develop a vaccine against plague. An lcrV sequence encoding amino acids 131 to 326 (LcrV196) was optimized for expression in Salmonella, flanked with nucleotide sequences encoding the signal peptide (SS) and the carboxy-terminal domain (CT) of beta-lactamase, and cloned into pYA4534 under the control of the P(trc) promoter to generate plasmid pYA4535. Our results indicate that the live Salmonella vaccine strain chi9447 harboring pYA4535 efficiently stimulated a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response that protected mice against lethal challenge with Y. pestis strain CO92 introduced through either the intranasal or subcutaneous route.

Fine-Tuning Synthesis of Yersinia pestis LcrV from Runaway-Like Replication Balanced-Lethal Plasmid in a Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Vaccine Induces Protection against a Lethal Y. pestis Challenge in Mice▿

Science.gov (United States)

Torres-Escobar, Ascención; Juárez-Rodríguez, María Dolores; Gunn, Bronwyn M.; Branger, Christine G.; Tinge, Steven A.; Curtiss, Roy

2010-01-01

A balanced-lethal plasmid expression system that switches from low-copy-number to runaway-like high-copy-number replication (pYA4534) was constructed for the regulated delayed in vivo synthesis of heterologous antigens by vaccine strains. This is an antibiotic resistance-free maintenance system containing the asdA gene (essential for peptidoglycan synthesis) as a selectable marker to complement the lethal chromosomal ΔasdA allele in live recombinant attenuated Salmonella vaccines (RASVs) such as Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strain χ9447. pYA4534 harbors two origins of replication, pSC101 and pUC (low and high copy numbers, respectively). The pUC replication origin is controlled by a genetic switch formed by the operator/promoter of the P22 cro gene (O/Pcro) (PR), which is negatively regulated by an arabinose-inducible P22 c2 gene located on both the plasmid and the chromosome (araC PBAD c2). The absence of arabinose, which is unavailable in vivo, triggers replication to a high-copy-number plasmid state. To validate these vector attributes, the Yersinia pestis virulence antigen LcrV was used to develop a vaccine against plague. An lcrV sequence encoding amino acids 131 to 326 (LcrV196) was optimized for expression in Salmonella, flanked with nucleotide sequences encoding the signal peptide (SS) and the carboxy-terminal domain (CT) of β-lactamase, and cloned into pYA4534 under the control of the Ptrc promoter to generate plasmid pYA4535. Our results indicate that the live Salmonella vaccine strain χ9447 harboring pYA4535 efficiently stimulated a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response that protected mice against lethal challenge with Y. pestis strain CO92 introduced through either the intranasal or subcutaneous route. PMID:20308296

Estudo comparativo do LCR de pacientes com neurocriptococose sem AIDS e com AIDS Comparison between CSF samples from AIDS and non-AIDS patients with neurocryptococcosis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

João Baptista dos Reis-Filho

1994-06-01

Full Text Available Até a década de 80, antes do surgimento da AIDS, a criptococose era relativamente rara. Verificou-se que esta doença afeta muito frequentemente os pacientes com AIDS e pode ser a primeira manifestação desta síndrome. O objetivo deste trabalho é o de comparar o resultado dos exames das amostras do LCR inicial na meningencefalite por criptococo entre pacientes com e sem AIDS. Este trabalho é baseado no estudo de 41 pacientes com neurocriptococose sem AIDS e de 23 pacientes com neurocriptococose e AIDS. Este estudo permitiu verificar que a reação inflamatória, no sistema nervoso, quando presente, foi de menor intensidade nos pacientes com AIDS; a reação inflamatória esteve presente em todos os pacientes sem AIDS e ausente em 21,7% dos pacientes com AIDS; o quadro inflamatório crônico, semelhante ao da meningencefalite tuberculosa, clássico nas meningencefalites por criptococo, ocorreu raramente nos pacientes com AIDS; em média, o número de criptococos no LCR foi maior nos pacientes com AIDS; pode ser feito diagnóstico presuntivo da AIDS quando o criptococo estiver presente no LCR que não apresenta alterações citológicas e bioquímicas.Neurocryptococcosis was a rare nervous system infection. With the rising number of patients with AIDS it became a very frequent disease. This infection is supposed to infect patients with some kind of immunodeficiency and the CSF alterations often simulate tuberculous meningitis. The purpose of this research was to compare the CSF changes in AIDS and non-AIDS patients with meningoencephalitis caused by Cr. neoformans. There were analysed 41 CSF samples from non-AIDS patients with neurocryptococcosis and 23 CSF samples from AIDS patients with neurocryptococcosis. The results of this research allowed to conclude that the inflammatory changes in the CSF from AIDS patients showed a lower intensity compared to those non-AIDS patients. These results showed as well, that the CSF samples from non

Proteomic and biochemical basis for enhanced growth yield of Enterobacter sp. LCR1 on insoluble phosphate medium.

Science.gov (United States)

Kumar, Arvind; Rai, Lal Chand

2015-01-01

Proteomics and biochemical analyses were used to unravel the basis for higher growth yield of Enterobacter sp. LCR1 on insoluble phosphate medium compared to soluble. Proteomic analysis using 2-DE, MALDI-TOF/MS and LC-MS revealed the involvement of nine proteins. Down-regulation of fructose bisphosphate aldolase with decreased concentrations of glucose-6-phosphate and fructose-6-phosphate indicated diminished glycolysis. However, up-regulation of phosphoglycerate mutase, increase in the activities of 6-phosphogluconate dehydratase, 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate aldolase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase suggested induction of Entner-Doudoroff and pentose phosphate pathways. These pathways generate sufficient energy from gluconic acid, which is also used for biosynthesis as indicated by up-regulation of elongation factor Tu, elongation factor G and protein disulfide isomerase. Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation resulting from organic acid oxidation leads to overexpressed manganese superoxide dismutase and increased activities of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase. Thus the organism uses gluconate instead of glucose for energy, while alleviating extra ROS formation by oxidative defense enzymes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Establishment of radiation qualities for radiodiagnostics in LCR/UERJ according to IEC 61267 and TRS 457

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silva, D.B. da; Magalhaes, L.A.G.; Estrada, J.J.S.; Pires, E.J.; David, M.G.; Ferreira, N.M.P.D.

2015-01-01

The main goal of this work is to establish the radiation qualities of the Laboratório de Ciências Radiológicas (LCR) conventional X-ray equipment for calibrations in radiodiagnostics according to the recommendations of IEC 61267 and TRS 457. Tests were conducted to evaluate the homogeneity of the radiation field, high voltage applied to the X-ray tube, scattering, half-value layers (HVL) and homogeneity coefficients. The results obtained that characterize the radiation field, satisfy the conditions required by TRS 457. Invasive high voltage measures presented results compatible with the requirements of this standard. The HVL measures showed that for the first HVL the tolerance limits of IEC 61267, and the values for the homogeneity coefficients were within the limits established. The quality tests performed in this work were highly satisfactory in meeting the standard requirements. Thus, the main goal was achieved, and the methodology can be used by other similar X-ray systems. - Highlights: • Establishment the radiation qualities for X-ray calibrations in radiodiagnostics. • Comparison to kV between invasive and noninvasive method. • Determination of additional filtrations suggested by IEC 61267. • Determination of the radiation scattered by the experimental setup as TRS 457. • Determination of HVLs as TRS 457.

Characterization of mechanical properties and electrochemical behaviour in a Hank´s solution of 316L/Cr1-xAlxN system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Osorio, D M; Caicedo, J C; Zambrano, G; Aperador, W; Benitez-Castro, A M; Giraldo-Betancur, A L; Muñoz-Saldaña, J; Yañez-Limón, J M; Sanchez, O

2017-01-01

Cr 1-x Al x N hard coatings were successfully deposited by R.F. reactive magnetron co-sputtering in an Ar/N2 gas mixture using chromium and aluminium targets on 316L stainless steel substrates. Crystallographic orientations associated to the Cr 1-x Al x N FCC based in the conjugate complex of CrN and w-AlN phases, with ao=4.18Å lattice parameter for the ternary Cr 1-x Al x N compound were identified by X-Ray diffraction. The thickness and roughness of the deposited coatings are 1.00±0.05nm and 2.65±0.6nm, respectively. The mechanical properties were determined by nanoindentation leading to a hardness of 27.8±2.6GPa and elastic modulus of 346GPa. The corrosion resistance of the coated 316L/Cr 1-x Al x N system under simulated body fluid (SBF, Hank’s solution) was determined via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A reduction in the corrosion rate of 99% in relation to uncoated 316L stainless steel substrate was found by Tafel. Thus, these coatings seem to be excellent candidates to be used in biomedical applications. (paper)

Determination of the phosphorylated neurofilament subunit NF-H (pNF-H in cerebro-spinal fluid as biomarker in acute traumatic spinal cord injuries / Dozarea neurofilamentelor fosforilate (subunitatea pNF-H ȋn LCR ca biomarker ȋn traumatismul vertebro-medular acut

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ungureanu Didona

2014-09-01

Full Text Available Obiectivul studiului. Obiectivul acestui studiu a fost dozarea neurofilamentelor fosforilate (subunitatea pNF-H în lichidul cefalorahidian al pacienţilor cu leziuni traumatice ale măduvei spinării şi stabilirea unei corelaţii intre valoarea pNF-H şi gravitatea leziunilor medulare. Material şi metode. Studiul a inclus 15 pacienţi cu leziuni traumatice acute medulare: opt pacienţi cu leziuni medulare complete şi şapte pacienţi cu leziuni medulare incomplete. Gravitatea leziunilor medulare a fost apreciată folosind scala ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association scale şi la toti pacientii s-a aplicat tratamentul chirurgical în primele 24 de ore (decompresiune medulară şi stabilizare vertebrală. S-a facut determinarea zilnică a pNF-H din LCR folosind testul ELISA specific şi am corelat aceste valori cu evoluţia clinică. Rezultate. Subunitatea pNF-H a fost evidenţiată în LCR la toţi pacienţii cu traumatisme acute vertebro-medulare şi valorile au fost diferite în cazurile leziunilor medulare complete faţa de leziunile incomplete. Nivelul pNF-H din LCR a fost de zece până la o sută de ori mai mare în leziunile medulare complete fata de cazurile cu leziuni incomplete, unde nivelul acestui biomarker a fost aproape normal. Pacienţii cu o evoluţie neurologică favorabilă după tratament au avut un model specific al valorilor zilnice de pNF-H: o creştere bruscă până la o valoare maximă apoi o scădere progresivă până la normal. Valorile maxime au fost diferite în fiecare caz, de 10 ori până la 170 de ori mai mari faţă de normal. Concluzii. Forma fosforilată a subunităţii neurofilamentelor cu greutate moleculară mare pNF-H din lichidul cefalorahidian poate fi un biomarker specific pentru leziunile acute traumatice ale măduvei spinării corelat cu severitatea leziunilor medulare. pNF-H pare a fi un biomarker predictiv deoarece modelul evolutiv al valorilor sale arată reducerea sau blocarea leziunilor

Correlation between voluntary cough and laryngeal cough reflex flows in patients with traumatic brain injury.

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Sang Chul; Kang, Seong-Woong; Kim, Min Tae; Kim, Yong Kyun; Chang, Won Hyuk; Im, Sang Hee

2013-08-01

To correlate voluntary cough and laryngeal cough reflex (LCR) flows in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Cross-sectional study. University rehabilitation hospital. Patients with TBI (n=25) and healthy controls (n=48). Not applicable. Peak cough flows (PCFs) and LCR flows were measured using a peak flow meter at the oral-nasal interface. The largest value of 3 attempts was recorded for PCF and LCR, respectively. LCR was elicited by 20% solution of pharmaceutic-grade citric acid dissolved in sterile .15M NaCl solution that was inhaled from a nebulizer. PCF was 447.4 ± 99.0 L/min in the control group and 211.7 ± 58.2 L/min in the patient group. LCR was 209.2 ± 63.8L/min in the control group and 170.0 ± 59.7 L/min in the patient group. Both PCF (P=.000) and LCR (P=.013) were significantly reduced in patients with TBI compared to that of the control group. LCR was strongly related to the PCF in both control (R=.645; P=.000) and patient (R=.711; P=.000) groups. As LCR can be measured as a numerical value and significantly correlates with PCF, LCR can be used to estimate cough ability of patients with TBI who cannot cooperate with PCF measurement. Copyright © 2013 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Aplicación de un puente LCR en la caracterización de superficies de níquel tratadas voltamperométricamente en medio ácido en ausencia y presencia de ion cloruro

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gregori, J.

2003-10-01

Full Text Available Impedance spectra for nickel electrodes at his corrosion potential after voltammetric treatment in acid media has been obtained. A LCR bridge has been used, controlling the applied potential by means of a potentiostat. The passive layer, generated after successive potential scans, has been characterized by means of the interfacial double layer capacitance and the faradaic impedance. The generalized corrosion, and also the localized attack, have been observed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM, whilst the scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM has been used in order to realize the morphological analysis of the surfaces. In this way we want to correlate the morphological changes in the electrode surface after the successive scans in the acid media in absence and in presence of chloride with the impedance electrochemical response of the interface. When chloride is present in the acid media the charge transport across the interface is less impeded. The localized corrosion damages the passive layer electrogenerated after successive scans.

Se obtuvieron espectros de impedancias de electrodos de níquel a su potencial de corrosión, tras su tratamiento voltamperométrico en medio ácido. Para ello, se utilizó un puente LCR controlando el potencial aplicado mediante un potenciostato. La capa de pasivado, generada tras ciclados sucesivos de potencial, se caracterizó a través de los valores de la capacidad interfacial de doble capa y de los de impedancia faradaica. La corrosión generalizada y también la localizada se observaron mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM, mientras que se utilizó la microscopía de efecto túnel (STM para realizar el análisis morfológico de las superficies. De este modo, se pretende correlacionar los cambios morfológicos producidos en la superficie electródica tras ciclados sucesivos en medio ácido en presencia y ausencia de iones cloruro, con la respuesta electroquímica de impedancias de

Structural analysis of inter-genus complexes of V-antigen and its regulator and their stabilization by divalent metal ions.

Science.gov (United States)

Basu, Abhishek; Das, Atanu; Mondal, Abhisek; Datta, Saumen

2016-03-01

Gram-negative bacteria like Yersinia, Pseudomonas, and Aeromonas need type III secretion system (T3SS) for their pathogenicity. V-antigen and its regulator are essential for functioning of T3SS. There is significant functional conservation amongst V-antigen and its regulator belonging to the Ysc family. In this study, we have structurally characterized the inter-genus complexes of V-antigen and its regulator. ConSurf analysis demonstrates that V-antigens belonging to the Ysc family show high structural identity predominantly confined to the two long helical regions. The regulator of V-antigen shows high conservation in its first intramolecular coiled-coil domain, responsible for interaction with V-antigen. ∆LcrG(1-70) localizes within the groove formed by long helices of LcrV, as observed in PcrV-∆PcrG(13-72) interaction. Inter-genus complexes of LcrV-PcrG and PcrV-LcrG exhibited elongated conformation and 1:1 heterodimeric state like the native complex of PcrV-PcrG and LcrV-LcrG. Both native and inter-genus complexes showed rigid tertiary structure, solvent-exposed hydrophobic patches, and cooperative melting behavior with high melting temperature. LcrV-PcrG and PcrV-LcrG showed nanomolar affinity of interaction, identical to PcrV-PcrG interaction, but stronger than LcrV-LcrG interaction. Calcium (a secretion blocker of T3SS) propels all the complexes towards a highly monodisperse form. Calcium and magnesium increase the helicity of the native and inter-genus complexes, and causes helix-helix stabilization. Stabilization of helices leads to a slight increase in the melting temperature by 1.5-2.0 °C. However, calcium does not alter the affinity of interaction of V-antigen and its regulator, emphasizing the effect of divalent of cations at the structural level without any regulatory implications. Therefore, the structural conservation of these inter-genus complexes could be the basis for their functional complementation.

Intranasal delivery of a protein subunit vaccine using a Tobacco Mosaic Virus platform protects against pneumonic plague.

Science.gov (United States)

Arnaboldi, Paul M; Sambir, Mariya; D'Arco, Christina; Peters, Lauren A; Seegers, Jos F M L; Mayer, Lloyd; McCormick, Alison A; Dattwyler, Raymond J

2016-11-11

Yersinia pestis, one of history's deadliest pathogens, has killed millions over the course of human history. It has attributes that make it an ideal choice to produce mass casualties and is a prime candidate for use as a biological weapon. When aerosolized, Y. pestis causes pneumonic plague, a pneumonia that is 100% lethal if not promptly treated with effective antibiotics. Currently, there is no FDA approved plague vaccine. The current lead vaccine candidate, a parenterally administered protein subunit vaccine comprised of the Y. pestis virulence factors, F1 and LcrV, demonstrated variable levels of protection in primate pneumonic plague models. As the most likely mode of exposure in biological attack with Y. pestis is by aerosol, this raises a question of whether this parenteral vaccine will adequately protect humans against pneumonic plague. In the present study we evaluated two distinct mucosal delivery platforms for the intranasal (IN) administration of LcrV and F1 vaccine proteins, a live bacterial vector, Lactobacillus plantarum, and a Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) based delivery platform. IN administration of L. plantarum expressing LcrV, or TMV-conjugated to LcrV and F1 (TMV-LcrV+TMV-F1) resulted in the similar induction of high titers of IgG antibodies and evidence of proinflammatory cytokine secretion. However, only the TMV-conjugate delivery platform protected against subsequent lethal challenge with Y. pestis. TMV-LcrV+TMV-F1 co-vaccinated mice had no discernable morbidity and no mortality, while mice vaccinated with L. plantarum expressing LcrV or rLcrV+rF1 without TMV succumbed to infection or were only partially protected. Thus, TMV is a suitable mucosal delivery platform for an F1-LcrV subunit vaccine that induces complete protection against pneumonic infection with a lethal dose of Y. pestis in mice. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison among performances of a ligase chain reaction-based assay and two enzyme immunoassays in detecting Chlamydia trachomatis in urine specimens from men with nongonococcal urethritis.

Science.gov (United States)

Deguchi, T; Yasuda, M; Uno, M; Tada, K; Iwata, H; Komeda, H; Maeda, S; Latila, V; Saito, I; Kawada, Y

1996-01-01

We evaluated the performances of a ligase chain reaction (LCR)-based assay and two enzyme immunoassays (Chlamydiazyme and IDEIA) in the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in urine specimens. We compared the results of testing urine specimens by these assays with those of urethral swab culture by examining samples from 131 men with nongonococcal urethritis. Discrepant results were analyzed by testing urethral swab specimens for C. trachomatis by a PCR-based assay. After the resolution of discrepant results, the sensitivity of urethral swab culture was 85.3%, whereas those of the LCR assay, Chlamydiazyme, and IDEIA with urine specimens were 94.1, 82.4, and 94.1%, respectively. The LCR assay and IDEIA were more sensitive than was urethral swab culture. In addition, the LCR assay, with a sensitivity equal to that of IDEIA, was more specific. Overall, the LCR assay proved to be superior to the enzyme immunoassays in detecting C. trachomatis in urine specimens. Testing urine specimens by LCR assay should be a helpful alternative method for diagnosing C. trachomatis urethral infection in men with nongonococcal urethritis. PMID:8784574

Distribution of Fos-Like Immunoreactivity, Catecholaminergic and Serotoninergic Neurons Activated by the Laryngeal Chemoreflex in the Medulla Oblongata of Rats.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Xiaolu; Guo, Ruichen; Zhao, Wenjing

2015-01-01

The laryngeal chemoreflex (LCR) induces apnea, glottis closure, bradycardia and hypertension in young and maturing mammals. We examined the distribution of medullary nuclei that are activated by the LCR and used immunofluorescent detection of Fos protein as a cellular marker for neuronal activation to establish that the medullary catecholaminergic and serotoninergic neurons participate in the modulation of the LCR. The LCR was elicited by the infusion of KCl-HCl solution into the laryngeal lumen of adult rats in the experimental group, whereas the control group received the same surgery but no infusion. In comparison, the number of regions of Fos-like immunoreactivity (FLI) that were activated by the LCR significantly increased in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), the vestibular nuclear complex (VNC), the loose formation of the nucleus ambiguus (AmbL), the rostral ventral respiratory group (RVRG), the ventrolateral reticular complex (VLR), the pre-Bötzinger complex (PrBöt), the Bötzinger complex (Böt), the spinal trigeminal nucleus (SP5), and the raphe obscurus nucleus (ROb) bilaterally from the medulla oblongata. Furthermore, 12.71% of neurons with FLI in the dorsolateral part of the nucleus of the solitary tract (SolDL) showed tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactivity (TH-ir, catecholaminergic), and 70.87% of neurons with FLI in the ROb were serotoninergic. Our data demonstrated the distribution of medullary nuclei that were activated by the LCR, and further demonstrated that catecholaminergic neurons of the SolDL and serotoninergic neurons of the ROb were activated by the LCR, indicating the potential central pathway of the LCR.

Distribution of Fos-Like Immunoreactivity, Catecholaminergic and Serotoninergic Neurons Activated by the Laryngeal Chemoreflex in the Medulla Oblongata of Rats.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xiaolu Wang

Full Text Available The laryngeal chemoreflex (LCR induces apnea, glottis closure, bradycardia and hypertension in young and maturing mammals. We examined the distribution of medullary nuclei that are activated by the LCR and used immunofluorescent detection of Fos protein as a cellular marker for neuronal activation to establish that the medullary catecholaminergic and serotoninergic neurons participate in the modulation of the LCR. The LCR was elicited by the infusion of KCl-HCl solution into the laryngeal lumen of adult rats in the experimental group, whereas the control group received the same surgery but no infusion. In comparison, the number of regions of Fos-like immunoreactivity (FLI that were activated by the LCR significantly increased in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS, the vestibular nuclear complex (VNC, the loose formation of the nucleus ambiguus (AmbL, the rostral ventral respiratory group (RVRG, the ventrolateral reticular complex (VLR, the pre-Bötzinger complex (PrBöt, the Bötzinger complex (Böt, the spinal trigeminal nucleus (SP5, and the raphe obscurus nucleus (ROb bilaterally from the medulla oblongata. Furthermore, 12.71% of neurons with FLI in the dorsolateral part of the nucleus of the solitary tract (SolDL showed tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactivity (TH-ir, catecholaminergic, and 70.87% of neurons with FLI in the ROb were serotoninergic. Our data demonstrated the distribution of medullary nuclei that were activated by the LCR, and further demonstrated that catecholaminergic neurons of the SolDL and serotoninergic neurons of the ROb were activated by the LCR, indicating the potential central pathway of the LCR.

Human cancer risk estimation for 1,3-butadiene: An assessment of personal exposure and different microenvironments.

Science.gov (United States)

Huy, Lai Nguyen; Lee, Shun Cheng; Zhang, Zhuozhi

2018-03-01

This study estimated the lifetime cancer risk (LCR) attributable to 1,3-butadiene (BD) personal exposure and to other microenvironments, including residential home, outdoor, in-office, in-vehicle, and dining. Detailed life expectancy by country (WHO), inhalation rate and body weight by gender reported by USEPA were used for the calculation, focusing on adult population (25≤Agepersonal exposure exceeded the USEPA benchmark of 1×10 -6 in many cities. For outdoor BD exposure, LCR estimations in 45 out of 175 cities/sites (sharing 26%) exceeded the USEPA benchmark. Out of the top 20 cities having high LCR estimations, developing countries contributed 19 cities, including 14, 3, 1, 1 cities in China, India, Chile, and Pakistan. One city in the United States was in the list due to the nearby industrial facilities. The LCR calculations for BD levels found in residential home, in-vehicle and dining microenvironments also exceeded 1×10 -6 in some cities, while LCR caused by in-office BD levels had the smallest risk. Four cities/regions were used for investigating source distributions to total LCR results because of their sufficient BD data. Home exposure contributed significantly to total LCR value (ranging 56% to 86%), followed by in-vehicle (4% to 38%) and dining (4 to 7%). Outdoor microenvironment shared highly in Tianjin with 6%, whereas in-office contributed from 2-3% for all cities. High LCR estimations found in developing countries highlighted the greater cancer risk caused by BD in other cities without available measurement data. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Inmunoglobulinas en el líquido cefalorraquídeo y síndromes meníngeos

OpenAIRE

Saballs Radresa, Pere

2011-01-01

Descripció del recurs: 8 setembre 2011 L'objectiu principal de l'estudi és determinar els valors normals i patològics (meningismes i meningitis) de les immunoglobulines en el líquid cefaloraquídic (LCR) per immunodifusió radial (IR). S'estudien un total de 180 síndromes meníngies i 334 LCR. Es van examinar LCR els dies 1-2, del 3 al 5, del 5 al 9 i el desè dia o posteriors. Els LCR sense patologia meníngia van mostrar IgG de 7,2 mg/100 ml. No s'hi detectava IgM ni IgA. Es van estudiar 180 ...

Contribuição de reações de imunofluorescência no líquido cefalorraqueano ao estudo da neurocisticercose

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

J. A. Livramento

1981-09-01

Full Text Available São revistos os principais elementos da síndrome do LCR na neurocisticercose bem como os conceitos imunobiológicos atuais da doença. Foram estudadas 1.577 amostras de LCR de 1.282 pacientes com afecções diversas do sistema nervoso divididos em 3 grupos: 1- 459 pacientes com LCR normal; 2- 600 pacientes com alterações do LCR mas com reações imunológicas não reagentes; 3- 233 pacientes divididos em 8 subgrupos que apresentavam uma ou mais das reações imunológicas reagente. Foi analisado o comportamento das reações imunofluorescência para sífilis, cisticercose e toxoplasmose. Na análise dos resultados foi concluído que a reação de imunofluorescência para cisticercose apresenta sensibilidade e especificidade semelhante as de fixação de complemento no LCR, no entanto não considerando os resultados de atraso de hemólise, na reação de fixação do complemento, a imunofluorescência para cisticercose mostra diferença significativa à semelhança do que ocorre quando comparada as reações para sífilis; a concordância entre os resultados positivos de reações de fixação de complemento e imunofluorescência no LCR contribui para maior segurança imunodiagnóstica, sendo particularmente útil naqueles casos em que ocorreram reações de fixação do complemento anticomplementares; a positividade da reação de imunofluorescência para cisticercose no LCR deve ser incorporada a síndrome do LCR na neurocisticercose e contribui de modo eficaz ao estudo imunobiológico da afecção.

Proteinas do liquido cefalorraqueano: III. Valores normais das imuneglobulinas G, A e M (variações ligadas a cor, sexo e idade

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lucia M. Singer Vermes

1983-03-01

Full Text Available É apresentada inicialmente revisão de literatura a respeito dos resultados obtidos na determinação das taxas de imuneglobulinas do LCR normal, mediante diferentes métodos, assim como da influência dos fatores cor, sexo e idade, nestes valores. Mediante imunodifusão radial foram determinados os níveis de IgG, IgA e IgM do LCR normal de 115, 78 e 45 pessoas, respectivamente. Todas as amostras de LCR foram obtidas por punção sub-occipital (LCR-SO. Os resultados destas determinações permitiram concluir que: a as taxas médias de IgG, IgA e IgM do LCR de pretos ou pardos não diferem daquelas de brancos; b não existem variações ligadas ao sexo, nem à idade, em crianças com 1 a 11 anos, nas taxas das imuneglobulinas estudadas, no LCR; c os níveis fisiológicos em crianças com 1 a 11 anos, para IgG variam entre 0,21 e 2,93 mg/100 ml; os teores absolutos médios de IgG de crianças são inferiores àqueles encontrados em adultos; os níveis percentuais médios de IgG de crianças não diferem daqueles de adultos; d as taxas de IgA do LCR de crianças, tanto em valores absolutos como relativos, são, em média, inferiores àquelas encontradas em adultos, não ultrapassando, em condições normais, 0,15 mg/100 ml (0,7% do total protéico; e em adultos, não se observam variações ligadas ao sexo, nem à idade, nos níveis das imuneglobulinas estudadas, no LCR-SO; as taxas normais de IgG encontradas no LCR-SO de adultos são de 0,51 a 4,00 mg/100 ml; em crianças e adultos, as taxas fisiológicas desta imuneglobulina, em termos percentuais, são de 3 a 12%; o LCR-SO normal de adultos contém IgA em concentrações de até 0,32 mg/100 ml (0,9% do total protéico; f a IgM encontra-se no LCR-SO normal, tanto de crianças como de adultos, em níveis muito baixos, não ultrapassando 0,2 mg/100 ml (0,25% do total protéico.

Validating Fricke dosimetry for the measurement of absorbed dose to water for HDR 192Ir brachytherapy: a comparison between primary standards of the LCR, Brazil, and the NRC, Canada

Science.gov (United States)

Salata, Camila; Gazineu David, Mariano; de Almeida, Carlos Eduardo; El Gamal, Islam; Cojocaru, Claudiu; Mainegra-Hing, Ernesto; McEwen, Malcom

2018-04-01

Two Fricke-based absorbed dose to water standards for HDR Ir-192 dosimetry, developed independently by the LCR in Brazil and the NRC in Canada have been compared. The agreement in the determination of the dose rate from a HDR Ir-192 source at 1 cm in a water phantom was found to be within the k  =  1 combined measurement uncertainties of the two standards: D NRC/D LCR  =  1.011, standard uncertainty  =  2.2%. The dose-based standards also agreed within the uncertainties with the manufacturer’s stated dose rate value, which is traceable to a national standard of air kerma. A number of possible influence quantities were investigated, including the specific method for producing the ferrous-sulphate Fricke solution, the geometry of the holder, and the Monte Carlo code used to determine correction factors. The comparison highlighted the lack of data on the determination of G(Fe3+) in this energy range and the possibilities for further development of the holders used to contain the Fricke solution. The comparison also confirmed the suitability of Fricke dosimetry for Ir-192 primary standard dose rate determinations at therapy dose levels.

Implementation of the qualities of radiodiagnostic: mammography

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pacífico, Leonardo; Magalhães, Luís A.G.; Fernandes, Elisabeth, E-mail: leonardocpacifico@gmail.com [Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), RJ (Brazil); Peixoto, José Guilherme P. [Instituto de Radioproteção e Dosimetria (IRD/CNEN-RJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil)

2017-07-01

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the expanded uncertainty and present the result of the internal audit performed at the Laboratory of Radiological Sciences (LCR). The qualities of the mammographic bundles that are references in the LCR calibrations had their uncertainties and conformities with the standard evaluated. The expanded uncertainty was 1.40%, and the result of the internal audit was satisfactory. We conclude that LCR can perform calibrations on mammography qualities for end users. (author)

Modelling the liquidity ratio as macroprudential instrument

OpenAIRE

Jan Willem van den End; Mark Kruidhof

2012-01-01

The Basel III Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) is a microprudential instrument to strengthen the liquidity position of banks. However, if in extreme scenarios the LCR becomes a binding constraint, the interaction of bank behaviour with the regulatory rule can have negative externalities. We simulate the systemic implications of the LCR by a liquidity stress-testing model, which takes into account the impact of bank reactions on second round feedback effects. We show that a flexible approach of ...

Implementation of the qualities of radiodiagnostic: mammography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pacífico, Leonardo; Magalhães, Luís A.G.; Fernandes, Elisabeth; Peixoto, José Guilherme P.

2017-01-01

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the expanded uncertainty and present the result of the internal audit performed at the Laboratory of Radiological Sciences (LCR). The qualities of the mammographic bundles that are references in the LCR calibrations had their uncertainties and conformities with the standard evaluated. The expanded uncertainty was 1.40%, and the result of the internal audit was satisfactory. We conclude that LCR can perform calibrations on mammography qualities for end users. (author)

Fretting fatigue behaviour of Ni-free high-nitrogen stainless steel in a simulated body fluid

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Norio Maruyama, Sachiko Hiromoto, Eiji Akiyama and Morihiko Nakamura

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Fretting fatigue behaviour of Ni-free high-nitrogen steel (HNS with a yield strength of about 800 MPa, which was prepared by nitrogen gas pressurized electroslag remelting, was studied in air and in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS(-. For comparison, fretting fatigue behaviour of cold-rolled SUS316L steel (SUS316L(CR with similar yield strength was examined. The plain fatigue limit of HNS was slightly lower than that of SUS316L(CR although the former had a higher tensile strength than the latter. The fretting fatigue limit of HNS was higher than that of SUS316L(CR both in air and in PBS(-. A decrease in fatigue limit of HNS by fretting was significantly smaller than that of SUS316L(CR in both environments, indicating that HNS has better fretting fatigue resistance than SUS316L(CR. The decrease in fatigue limit by fretting is discussed taking into account the effect of friction stress due to fretting and the additional influences of wear, tribocorrosion and plastic deformation in the fretted area.

Proteinas do liquido cefalorraqueano: II. Valores normais das frações proteicas obtidas por eletroforese (variações ligadas a cor, sexo e idade

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lucia M. Singer Vermes

1983-03-01

Full Text Available Mediante dosagens de proteínas totais e eletroforese sobre acetato de celulose de 213 amostras de LCR normal, obtidas por punção da cisterna magna, foram efetuados estudos para verificação de variações ligadas à cor, sexo e idade. Os resultados obtidos permitiram concluir que: 1. não existem diferenças ligadas à cor no proteinograma do LCR; 2. em crianças, os fatores sexo e idade não influem nos valores estudados; 3. as taxas de proteínas totais e frações protéicas do LCR normal de criança diferem das de homens e de mulheres; 4. em adultos ocorrem variações ligadas ao sexo no proteinograma do LCR; 5. em adultos, proteínas totais e todas frações protéicas, quando expressas em mg/100 ml, aumentam com o avançar da idade. Foram estabelecidas, para a metodologia usada, as taxas fisiológicas do proteinograma do LCR de crianças, homens e mulheres, separadamente.

Sex-Specific Consequences of Neonatal Stress on Cardio-Respiratory Inhibition Following Laryngeal Stimulation in Rat Pups

Science.gov (United States)

Baldy, Cécile; Chamberland, Simon

2017-01-01

Abstract The presence of liquid near the larynx of immature mammals triggers prolonged apneas with significant O2 desaturations and bradycardias. When excessive, this reflex (the laryngeal chemoreflex; LCR) can be fatal. Our understanding of the origins of abnormal LCR are limited; however, perinatal stress and male sex are risk factors for cardio-respiratory failure in infants. Because exposure to stress during early life has deleterious and sex-specific consequences on brain development it is plausible that respiratory reflexes are vulnerable to neuroendocrine dysfunction. To address this issue, we tested the hypothesis that neonatal maternal separation (NMS) is sufficient to exacerbate LCR-induced cardio-respiratory inhibition in anesthetized rat pups. Stressed pups were separated from their mother 3 h/d from postnatal days 3 to 12. At P14–P15, pups were instrumented to monitor breathing, O2 saturation (Spo2), and heart rate. The LCR was activated by water injections near the larynx (10 µl). LCR-induced apneas were longer in stressed pups than controls; O2 desaturations and bradycardias were more profound, especially in males. NMS increased the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous EPSCs (sEPSCs) in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMNV) of males but not females. The positive relationship between corticosterone and testosterone observed in stressed pups (males only) suggests that disruption of neuroendocrine function by stress is key to sex-based differences in abnormal LCR. Because testosterone application onto medullary slices augments EPSC amplitude only in males, we propose that testosterone-mediated enhancement of synaptic connectivity within the DMNV contributes to the male bias in cardio-respiratory inhibition following LCR activation in stressed pups. PMID:29308430

Effect of variable annual precipitation and nutrient input on nitrogen and phosphorus transport from two Midwestern agricultural watersheds

Science.gov (United States)

Kalkhoff, Stephen J.; Hubbard, Laura E.; Tomer, Mark D.; James, D.E.

2016-01-01

Precipitation patterns and nutrient inputs affect transport of nitrate (NO3-N) and phosphorus (TP) from Midwest watersheds. Nutrient concentrations and yields from two subsurface-drained watersheds, the Little Cobb River (LCR) in southern Minnesota and the South Fork Iowa River (SFIR) in northern Iowa, were evaluated during 1996–2007 to document relative differences in timings and amounts of nutrients transported. Both watersheds are located in the prairie pothole region, but the SFIR exhibits a longer growing season and more livestock production. The SFIR yielded significantly more NO3-N than the LCR watershed (31.2 versus 21.3 kg NO3-N ha− 1 y− 1). The SFIR watershed also yielded more TP than the LCR watershed (1.13 versus 0.51 kg TP ha− 1 yr− 1), despite greater TP concentrations in the LCR. About 65% of NO3-N and 50% of TP loads were transported during April–June, and < 20% of the annual loads were transported later in the growing season from July–September. Monthly NO3-N and TP loads peaked in April from the LCR but peaked in June from the SFIR; this difference was attributed to greater snowmelt runoff in the LCR. The annual NO3-N yield increased with increasing annual runoff at a similar rate in both watersheds, but the LCR watershed yielded less annual NO3-N than the SFIR for a similar annual runoff. These two watersheds are within 150 km of one another and have similar dominant agricultural systems, but differences in climate and cropping inputs affected amounts and timing of nutrient transport.

L-Carnitine halts apoptosis and myelosuppression induced by carboplatin in rat bone marrow cell cultures (BMC).

Science.gov (United States)

Abd-Allah, Adel R A; Al-Majed, Abdulhakeem A; Al-Yahya, Abdulaziz A; Fouda, Soliman I; Al-Shabana, Othman A

2005-07-01

Carboplatin (CP), a second generation platinum compound, is effective against various types of cancers, producing less nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity but more myelotoxicity than cisplatinum. CP-myelosuppression is the rate-limiting step of its clinical use. Prevention of CP-myelosuppression is a major target in the field of chemotherapy. Therefore, the present study investigates the use of L-carnitine (LCR)-an antioxidant, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and immunostimulant nontoxic natural compound-to protect against CP-induced myelosuppression. The viability of BMC was studied using a trypan blue exclusion technique following incubation with CP and/or LCR as a function of time and concentration. Apoptosis was tested for by detecting the amount of DNA fragmentation and the visualization of DNA ladders upon gel electrophoresis. Bone marrow progenitor cell function was examined by colony forming unit assay. Cellular contents of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also estimated. Results revealed that LC50 of CP is 4.7 mM and the highest safe concentration of LCR is 5 mM. Co-exposure of LCR+CP rescued BMC viability by 37% compared to the CP-treated cultures. The LCR halts CP-induced apoptosis and it significantly improves the function of the bone marrow progenitors by increasing the number of colony-forming units as a response to granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating factors. Finally, LCR restores CP-induced GSH depletion and prevents MDA elevation in BMC. In summary, the results suggest that LCR is able to protect against CP-induced myelosuppression, which suggests its use as an adjuvant therapy. This finding merits further investigation into the mechanism(s) of such protection as well as its interaction with CP antitumor activity.

Generation of human auditory steady-state responses (SSRs). II: Addition of responses to individual stimuli.

Science.gov (United States)

Santarelli, R; Maurizi, M; Conti, G; Ottaviani, F; Paludetti, G; Pettorossi, V E

1995-03-01

In order to investigate the generation of the 40 Hz steady-state response (SSR), auditory potentials evoked by clicks were recorded in 16 healthy subjects in two stimulating conditions. Firstly, repetition rates of 7.9 and 40 Hz were used to obtain individual middle latency responses (MLRs) and 40 Hz-SSRs, respectively. In the second condition, eight click trains were presented at a 40 Hz repetition rate and an inter-train interval of 126 ms. We extracted from the whole train response: (1) the response-segment taking place after the last click of the train (last click response, LCR), (2) a modified LCR (mLCR) obtained by clearing the LCR from the amplitude enhancement due to the overlapping of the responses to the clicks preceding the last within the stimulus train. In comparison to MLRs, the most relevant feature of the evoked activity following the last click of the train (LCRs, mLCRs) was the appearance in the 50-110 ms latency range of one (in 11 subjects) or two (in 2 subjects) additional positive-negative deflections having the same periodicity as that of MLR waves. The grand average (GA) of the 40 Hz-SSRs was compared with three predictions synthesized by superimposing: (1) the GA of MLRs, (2) the GA of LCRs, (3) the GA of mLCRs. Both the MLR and mLCR predictions reproduced the recorded signal in amplitude while the LCR prediction amplitude resulted almost twice that of the 40 Hz-SSR. With regard to the phase, the MLR, LCR and mLCR closely predicted the recorded signal. Our findings confirm the effectiveness of the linear addition mechanism in the generation of the 40 Hz-SSR. However the responses to individual stimuli within the 40 Hz-SSR differ from MLRs because of additional periodic activity. These results suggest that phenomena related to the resonant frequency of the activated system may play a role in the mechanisms which interact to generate the 40 Hz-SSR.

Influence of the cerebrospinal fluid laboratory parameters in the ELISA test for neurocysticercosis using a total cysticerci antigen Influência dos parâmetros laboratoriais do líquido cefalorraquidiano no teste ELISA para neurocisticercose utilizando antígeno total de cisticerco

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cristiane S. Casanova

2006-03-01

Full Text Available To evaluate if the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF parameters may influence the cysticercosis immunoreactivity response in the CSF. CSF samples of 109 patients were analyzed and classified in three groups, according to the neurological manifestations and the reactivity in antibody-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Ab-ELISA testing in CSF for neurocysticercosis (NC: group A, 18 patients with neurological disorders compatible with NC and reactive Ab-ELISA in CSF for NC; group B, 50 patients with neurological disorders non-compatible with NC and reactive Ab-ELISA for NC; group C, 41 patients with neurological disorders non-compatible with NC and non-reactive Ab-ELISA in CSF for NC. The CSF analysis in group A was compatible with NC. The group B in comparison to the groups A and C presents higher frequency and intensity of hypercytosis, presence of red blood cells in CSF, protein concentration and immunological reactive test for other etiological agents (pAvaliar se os parâmetros do líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR podem influenciar na reatividade da resposta imune específica do LCR na neurocisticercose (NC. Amostras de LCR de 109 pacientes foram analisadas e classificadas em três grupos, de acordo com as manifestações neurológicas e reatividade do teste de Ab-ELISA para NC no LCR. Grupo A, 18 pacientes com enfermidades neurológicas compatíveis com NC e reatividade do teste Ab-ELISA para NC no LCR; grupo B, 50 pacientes com enfermidades neurológicas não compatíveis com NC e reatividade do teste Ab-ELISA para NC no LCR; grupo C, 41 pacientes com enfermidades neurológicas não compatíveis com NC e na ausência de reatividade do teste de Ab-ELISA para NC no LCR. A análise do LCR do grupo A foi compatível com NC. O grupo B apresentou maior freqüência e intensidade da pleocitose, da presença de hemácias no LCR, hiperproteinorraquia, reatividade imune para outros agentes etiológicos em comparação aos grupos A e C (p<0.05. Os dados indicam

Neurocriptococose por Cryptococcus neoformans não capsulado

OpenAIRE

Lacaz, C.S.; Heins-Vaccari, Elisabeth M.; Melo, Natalina T.; Moreno-Carvalho, O.A.; Sampaio, M.L.S.; Nogueira, L.S.; Badaró, R.J.S.; Livramento, J.A.

1993-01-01

Os autores registram um caso de neurocriptococose em paciente HIV-negativo, por Cryptococcus neoformans acapsulado ou deficiente em cápsula. O quadro neurológico era de meningoencefalite subaguda, compatível ao diagnóstico de neurotuberculose, pelo exame do líquido cefalorraqueano (LCR), Estruturas leveduriformes foram encontradas no interior de macrófagos, ao exame citomorfológico do LCR. Cultivo do sedimento do LCR revelou a presença de Cryptococcus neoformans não capsulado (identificação b...

Aerobic capacity mediates susceptibility for the transition from steatosis to steatohepatitis.

Science.gov (United States)

Morris, E Matthew; McCoin, Colin S; Allen, Julie A; Gastecki, Michelle L; Koch, Lauren G; Britton, Steven L; Fletcher, Justin A; Fu, Xiarong; Ding, Wen-Xing; Burgess, Shawn C; Rector, R Scott; Thyfault, John P

2017-07-15

Low intrinsic aerobic capacity is associated with increased all-cause and liver-related mortality in humans. Low intrinsic aerobic capacity in the low capacity runner (LCR) rat increases susceptibility to acute and chronic high-fat/high-sucrose diet-induced steatosis, without observed increases in liver inflammation. Addition of excess cholesterol to a high-fat/high-sucrose diet produced greater steatosis in LCR and high capacity runner (HCR) rats. However, the LCR rat demonstrated greater susceptibility to increased liver inflammatory and apoptotic markers compared to the HCR rat. The progressive non-alcoholic fatty liver disease observed in the LCR rats following western diet feeding was associated with further declines in liver fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial respiratory capacity compared to HCR rats. Low aerobic capacity increases risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver-related disease mortality, but mechanisms mediating these effects remain unknown. We recently reported that rats bred for low aerobic capacity (low capacity runner; LCR) displayed susceptibility to high fat diet-induced steatosis in association with reduced hepatic mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and respiratory capacity compared to high aerobic capacity (high capacity runner; HCR) rats. Here we tested the impact of aerobic capacity on susceptibility for progressive liver disease following a 16-week 'western diet' (WD) high in fat (45% kcal), cholesterol (1% w/w) and sucrose (15% kcal). Unlike previously with a diet high in fat and sucrose alone, the inclusion of cholesterol in the WD induced hepatomegaly and steatosis in both HCR and LCR rats, while producing greater cholesterol ester accumulation in LCR compared to HCR rats. Importantly, WD-fed low-fitness LCR rats displayed greater inflammatory cell infiltration, serum alanine transaminase, expression of hepatic inflammatory markers (F4/80, MCP-1, TLR4, TLR2 and IL-1β) and effector caspase (caspase 3 and 7

Systems-level computational modeling demonstrates fuel selection switching in high capacity running and low capacity running rats

Science.gov (United States)

Qi, Nathan R.

2018-01-01

High capacity and low capacity running rats, HCR and LCR respectively, have been bred to represent two extremes of running endurance and have recently demonstrated disparities in fuel usage during transient aerobic exercise. HCR rats can maintain fatty acid (FA) utilization throughout the course of transient aerobic exercise whereas LCR rats rely predominantly on glucose utilization. We hypothesized that the difference between HCR and LCR fuel utilization could be explained by a difference in mitochondrial density. To test this hypothesis and to investigate mechanisms of fuel selection, we used a constraint-based kinetic analysis of whole-body metabolism to analyze transient exercise data from these rats. Our model analysis used a thermodynamically constrained kinetic framework that accounts for glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and mitochondrial FA transport and oxidation. The model can effectively match the observed relative rates of oxidation of glucose versus FA, as a function of ATP demand. In searching for the minimal differences required to explain metabolic function in HCR versus LCR rats, it was determined that the whole-body metabolic phenotype of LCR, compared to the HCR, could be explained by a ~50% reduction in total mitochondrial activity with an additional 5-fold reduction in mitochondrial FA transport activity. Finally, we postulate that over sustained periods of exercise that LCR can partly overcome the initial deficit in FA catabolic activity by upregulating FA transport and/or oxidation processes. PMID:29474500

Feasibility of Residual Stress Nondestructive Estimation Using the Nonlinear Property of Critical Refraction Longitudinal Wave

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yu-Hua Zhang

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Residual stress has significant influence on the performance of mechanical components, and the nondestructive estimation of residual stress is always a difficult problem. This study applies the relative nonlinear coefficient of critical refraction longitudinal (LCR wave to nondestructively characterize the stress state of materials; the feasibility of residual stress estimation using the nonlinear property of LCR wave is verified. The nonlinear ultrasonic measurements based on LCR wave are conducted on components with known stress state to calculate the relative nonlinear coefficient. Experimental results indicate that the relative nonlinear coefficient monotonically increases with prestress and the increment of relative nonlinear coefficient is about 80%, while the wave velocity only decreases about 0.2%. The sensitivity of the relative nonlinear coefficient for stress is much higher than wave velocity. Furthermore, the dependence between the relative nonlinear coefficient and deformation state of components is found. The stress detection resolution based on the nonlinear property of LCR wave is 10 MPa, which has higher resolution than wave velocity. These results demonstrate that the nonlinear property of LCR wave is more suitable for stress characterization than wave velocity, and this quantitative information could be used for residual stress estimation.

Language, Learners and Levels. Progression and Variation

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Haan, P.J.M. de; Vries, C.M. de; Vuuren, S. van

2017-01-01

Learner Corpus Research (LCR) is a vibrant discipline, which combines methodological rigour in the analysis of authentic learner data with a focus on practical pedagogical application. Following earlier successful conferences in Louvain and Bergen, the third LCR conference, hosted by Radboud

Analysis of critically refracted longitudinal waves

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pei, Ning, E-mail: npei@iastate.edu; Bond, Leonard J., E-mail: npei@iastate.edu [Center for Nondestructive Evaluation, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 (United States)

2015-03-31

Fabrication processes, such as, welding, forging, and rolling can induce residual stresses in metals that will impact product performance and phenomena such as cracking and corrosion. To better manage residual stress tools are needed to map their distribution. The critically refracted ultrasonic longitudinal (LCR) wave is one such approach that has been used for residual stress characterization. It has been shown to be sensitive to stress and less sensitive to the effects of the texture of the material. Although the LCR wave is increasingly widely applied, the factors that influence the formation of the LCR beam are seldom discussed. This paper reports a numerical model used to investigate the transducers' parameters that can contribute to the directionality of the LCR wave and hence enable performance optimization when used for industrial applications. An orthogonal test method is used to study the transducer parameters which influence the LCR wave beams. This method provides a design tool that can be used to study and optimize multiple parameter experiments and it can identify which parameter or parameters are of most significance. The simulation of the sound field in a 2-D 'water-steel' model is obtained using a Spatial Fourier Analysis method. The effects of incident angle, standoff, the aperture and the center frequency of the transducer were studied. Results show that the aperture of the transducer, the center frequency and the incident angle are the most important factors in controlling the directivity of the resulting LCR wave fields.

Imunodiagnóstico da neurocisticercose: teste imunoenzimático com antígenos quimicamente ligados a suportes para pesquisa de anticorpos em soro e líquido cefalorraquiano

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Adelaide José Vaz

1988-02-01

Full Text Available Foi padronizado o teste imunoenzimático, ELISA, utilizando-se componentes antigênicos de Cysticercus cellulosae quimicamente ligados a suportes sólidos constituídos de discos de tecido-resina (ELISA-d, para pesquisa de anticorpos em soro líquido cefalorraquiano (LCR, ensaiando-se uma única diluição do espécime clínico. O suporte tecido-resina foi composto de tecido de poliéster impregnado com resina polimerizada de N-metilol-acrilamida, apresentando grupos N-metilol livres, capazes de reagir covalentemente com grupos funcionais de proteínas e polissacarídeos presentes no extrato antigênico salino total obtido de cisticercos. Foram ensaiados 38 soros e 74 LCR de pacientes com neurocisticercose comprovada e 50 soros e 107 LCR do grupo controle (pacientes com quadros clínicos neurológicos diversos e indivíduos supostamente normais. Obtivemos os seguintes índices de sensibilidade e especificidade: 94,7% e 92,0% para o teste realizado no soro e 98,6% e 100% para o teste realizado no LCR. O teste ELISA-d mostrou-se eficiente para o diagnóstico da neurocisticercose, principalmente quando realizado no LCR, com vantagens de estabilidade, facilidade de execução e baixo custo.

Region-specific differences in bioenergetic proteins and protein response to acute high fat diet in brains of low and high capacity runner rats.

Science.gov (United States)

Gan, Li; Ma, Delin; Li, Min; Yang, Fu-Chen; Rogers, Robert S; Wheatley, Joshua L; Koch, Lauren G; Britton, Steven L; Thyfault, John P; Geiger, Paige C; Stanford, John A

2018-05-01

Aerobic capacity is a strong predictor of mortality. Low capacity runner (LCR) rats exhibit reduced mitochondrial function in peripheral organs. A high fat diet (HFD) can worsen metabolic phenotype in LCR rats. Little is known about metabolic changes in the brains of these rats, however. This study examined protein markers of mitochondrial function and metabolism as a function of aerobic running capacity and an acute HFD in four brain regions: the striatum, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and substantia nigra. After 3 days HFD or chow diets, we measured peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC1-α), nuclear respiratory factors 1 (Nrf-1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), and phosphorylated (activated) AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) protein levels in the four brain regions. LCR rats exhibited lower levels of mitochondrial proteins (PGC1-α, Nrf-1, TFAM), and greater p-AMPK, in striatum, but not in the other brain regions. Mitochondrial protein levels were greater in HFD LCR striatum, while p-AMPK was lower in this group. Markers of lower mitochondrial biogenesis and increased metabolic demand were limited to the LCR striatum, which nevertheless maintained the capacity to respond to an acute HFD challenge. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CARACTERIZAÇÃO DE FRUTOS E PROPAGAÇÃO DE PORTA-ENXERTOS HÍBRIDOS DE CITROS EM AMBIENTE PROTEGIDO

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

MARIA JÚLIA DA SILVA RODRIGUES

2015-06-01

Full Text Available A diversificação de uso de porta-enxertos de citros é importante no Brasil devido à presença de diversos estresses abióticos e bióticos, além da busca por atributos horticulturais desejáveis como nanismo, alta eficiência de produção e indução de boa qualidade aos frutos. Para a seleção de um genótipo com potencial de uso como porta-enxerto, porém, o desempenho na fase de propagação também é relevante. Assim, caracterizaram-se os frutos e avaliou-se a propagação em ambiente protegido de porta-enxertos híbridos de citros obtidos ou selecionados pelo Programa de Melhoramento Genético de Citros da Embrapa: citrandarins ‘Indio’, ‘Riverside’ e ‘San Diego’, híbridos HTR-051, TSKC x (LCR x TR-040 e 059, LVK x LCR-010 e 038, TSKC x CTTR-002, TSKC x CTSW-041 e LCR x TR-001, além das variedades comerciais citrumelo ‘Swingle 4475’, trifoliata ‘Flying Dragon’, limoeiro ‘Cravo Santa Cruz’ e tangerineira ‘Sunki Tropical’. Foram avaliados variáveis biométricas, fisiológicas e coeficientes técnicos. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e 50 plantas na parcela ou 20 frutos por genótipo, conforme a avaliação. Citrumelo ‘Swingle’ e LVK x LCR-010 apresentaram alta produção de sementes por fruto, enquanto HTR-051 e LCR x TR-001 produziram as menores quantidades. A poliembrionia foi superior para TSKC x CTTR-002, TSKC x (LCR x TR–040, LCR x TR-001, citrandarins ‘Indio’, ‘Riverside’ e ‘San Diego’ e tangerineira ‘Sunki Tropical’, tendo trifoliata ‘Flying Dragon’ e LVK x LCR-010 apenas 45% de poliembrionia média. A emergência de citrandarin ‘Riverside’ foi mais rápida e uniforme em relação aos demais genótipos. O crescimento vegetativo da parte aérea e do sistema radicular foi superior para citrandarin ‘Riverside’, TSKC x (LCR x TR-059, tangerineira ‘Sunki Tropical’, citrumelo ‘Swingle’ e limoeiro ‘Cravo’ e seus h

The quality of travel clinics in the Netherlands

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Moerland, Wendy; Koeman, Susan C.; van den Hoek, Anneke; Warris-Versteegen, Anita A.; Inspector, Health; Overbosch, David; Sonder, Gerard J. B.

2006-01-01

In 1996, the Dutch National Coordination Center for Travelers' Health Advice (LCR) was established to improve uniformity in health advice to travelers and in the quality of national vaccination centers. In this study, we evaluate the influence of LCR guidelines on the quality of travel clinics in

Adhesion of Human Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus to Cervical and Vaginal Cells and Interaction with Vaginosis-Associated Pathogens

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sophie Coudeyras

2008-01-01

Full Text Available Objectives. The ability of a probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain (Lcr35 to adhere to cervical and vaginal cells and to affect the viability of two main vaginosis-associated pathogens, Prevotella bivia, Gardnerella vaginalis, as well as Candida albicans was investigated. Methods. Adhesion ability was determined in vitro with immortalized epithelial cells from the endocervix, ectocervix, and vagina. Coculture experiments were performed to count viable pathogens cells in the presence of Lcr35. Results. Lcr35 was able to specifically and rapidly adhere to the three cell lines. In coculture assays, a decrease in pathogen cell division rate was observed as from 4 hours of incubation and bactericidal activity after a longer period of incubation, mostly with P. bivia. Conclusion. The ability of Lcr35 to adhere to cervicovaginal cells and its antagonist activities against vaginosis-associated pathogens suggest that this probiotic strain is a promising candidate for use in therapy.

Electroforese em papel das proteínas do líqüido cefalorraquidiano: IV. valores normais

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. Spina-França

1960-03-01

Full Text Available Foram analisadas, mediante electroforese em papel, as proteínas do LCR cisternal de 30 pessoas adultas (13 sadias e 17 portadoras de neuroses; as médias encontradas em relação às diversas frações proteicas foram as seguintes: pré-albumina 2,2%; albumina 51,6%; globulinas α1 5,0%, α2 8,7%, β (incluindo os percentuais da fração τ 21,6% e γ 10,9%. Em relação aos resultados encontrados para as frações proteicas do soro sangüíneo de 30 pessoas adultas (17 normais e 13 portadoras de neuroses incluindo 7 daquelas cujo LCR foi estudado, o perfil das proteínas do LCR mostrou-se diferente, pois no LCR verifica-se a presença da fração pré-albumina, maior riqueza em globulinas β e pequeno teor de γ-globulina.

Eating habits modulate short term memory and epigenetical regulation of brain derived neurotrophic factor in hippocampus of low- and high running capacity rats.

Science.gov (United States)

Torma, Ferenc; Bori, Zoltan; Koltai, Erika; Felszeghy, Klara; Vacz, Gabriella; Koch, Lauren; Britton, Steven; Boldogh, Istvan; Radak, Zsolt

2014-08-01

Exercise capacity and dietary restriction (DR) are linked to improved quality of life, including enhanced brain function and neuro-protection. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the key proteins involved in the beneficial effects of exercise on brain. Low capacity runner (LCR) and high capacity runner (HCR) rats were subjected to DR in order to investigate the regulation of BDNF. HCR-DR rats out-performed other groups in a passive avoidance test. BDNF content increased significantly in the hippocampus of HCR-DR groups compared to control groups (p<0.05). The acetylation of H3 increased significantly only in the LCR-DR group. However, chip-assay revealed that the specific binding between acetylated histone H3 and BNDF promoter was increased in both LCR-DR and HCR-DR groups. In spite of these increases in binding, at the transcriptional level only, the LCR-DR group showed an increase in BDNF mRNA content. Additionally, DR also induced the activity of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), while the content of SIRT1 was not altered. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) was elevated in HCR-DR groups. But, based on the levels of nuclear respiratory factor-1 and cytocrome c oxidase, it appears that DR did not cause mitochondrial biogenesis. The data suggest that DR-mediated induction of BDNF levels includes chromatin remodeling. Moreover, DR does not induce mitochondrial biogenesis in the hippocampus of LCR/HCR rats. DR results in different responses to a passive avoidance test, and BDNF regulation in LCR and HCR rats. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Implementation of the qualities of radiodiagnostic: mammography

Science.gov (United States)

Pacífico, L. C.; Magalhães, L. A. G.; Peixoto, J. G. P.; Fernandes, E.

2018-03-01

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the expanded uncertainty of the mammographic calibration process and present the result of the internal audit performed at the Laboratory of Radiological Sciences (LCR). The qualities of the mammographic beans that are references in the LCR, comprises two irradiation conditions: no-attenuated beam and attenuated beam. Both had satisfactory results, with an expanded uncertainty equals 2,1%. The internal audit was performed, and the degree of accordance with the ISO/IEC 17025 was evaluated. The result of the internal audit was satisfactory. We conclude that LCR can perform calibrations on mammography qualities for end users.

Importance of globin gene order for correct developmental expression.

NARCIS (Netherlands)

O. Hanscombe (Olivia); D. Whyatt (David); P.J. Fraser (Peter); N. Yannoutsos (Nikos); D.R. Greaves (David); N.O. Dillon (Niall); F.G. Grosveld (Frank)

1991-01-01

textabstractWe have used transgenic mice to study the influence of position of the human globin genes relative to the locus control region (LCR) on their expression pattern during development. The LCR, which is located 5' of the globin gene cluster, is normally required for the activation of all the

An experimental investigation of electrical conductivities in ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

by HIOKI 3522 LCR/Z Meter (Japan). The a.c. conductivities were measured to depict the. Arrhenius behaviour of solid specimen with temperature variation setup and HIOKI 3522 LCR/Z Meter by using two-probe method. The temperature variation of a.c. con- ductivities were recorded by Tektronix DTM 900 Thermo-.

Infiltración meningea por leucemia a celulas plasmáticas y por linfoma no Hodgkin: estudio citomorfologico en el liquido cefalo-raquideo

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Arnaldo Tabares Olives

1982-06-01

Full Text Available Son presentadas las características citomorfológicas anormales encontradas en el LCR de dos pacientes, uno de ellos sufriendo de leucemia aguda a células plasmáticas y otro de linfoma mixto no Hodgkin. Se enfatiza la importancia del estudio del LCR en estas patologias.

Differentiated psychopharmacological treatment in three genetic subtypes of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Verhoeven, W.M.A.; Egger, J.I.M.; Leeuw, N. de

2017-01-01

Introduction: The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), mostly caused by the common deletion including the TBX- and COMT-genes (LCR22A-D), is highly associated with somatic anomalies. The distal deletion (distal of LCR22D) comprises the MAPK1-gene and is associated with specific heart defects. The

Race, deprivation, and immigrant isolation: The spatial demography of air-toxic clusters in the continental United States.

Science.gov (United States)

Liévanos, Raoul S

2015-11-01

This article contributes to environmental inequality outcomes research on the spatial and demographic factors associated with cumulative air-toxic health risks at multiple geographic scales across the United States. It employs a rigorous spatial cluster analysis of census tract-level 2005 estimated lifetime cancer risk (LCR) of ambient air-toxic emissions from stationary (e.g., facility) and mobile (e.g., vehicular) sources to locate spatial clusters of air-toxic LCR risk in the continental United States. It then tests intersectional environmental inequality hypotheses on the predictors of tract presence in air-toxic LCR clusters with tract-level principal component factor measures of economic deprivation by race and immigrant status. Logistic regression analyses show that net of controls, isolated Latino immigrant-economic deprivation is the strongest positive demographic predictor of tract presence in air-toxic LCR clusters, followed by black-economic deprivation and isolated Asian/Pacific Islander immigrant-economic deprivation. Findings suggest scholarly and practical implications for future research, advocacy, and policy. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nested Inversion Polymorphisms Predispose Chromosome 22q11.2 to Meiotic Rearrangements.

Science.gov (United States)

Demaerel, Wolfram; Hestand, Matthew S; Vergaelen, Elfi; Swillen, Ann; López-Sánchez, Marcos; Pérez-Jurado, Luis A; McDonald-McGinn, Donna M; Zackai, Elaine; Emanuel, Beverly S; Morrow, Bernice E; Breckpot, Jeroen; Devriendt, Koenraad; Vermeesch, Joris R

2017-10-05

Inversion polymorphisms between low-copy repeats (LCRs) might predispose chromosomes to meiotic non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) events and thus lead to genomic disorders. However, for the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), the most common genomic disorder, no such inversions have been uncovered as of yet. Using fiber-FISH, we demonstrate that parents transmitting the de novo 3 Mb LCR22A-D 22q11.2 deletion, the reciprocal duplication, and the smaller 1.5 Mb LCR22A-B 22q11.2 deletion carry inversions of LCR22B-D or LCR22C-D. Hence, the inversions predispose chromosome 22q11.2 to meiotic rearrangements and increase the individual risk for transmitting rearrangements. Interestingly, the inversions are nested or flanking rather than coinciding with the deletion or duplication sizes. This finding raises the possibility that inversions are a prerequisite not only for 22q11.2 rearrangements but also for all NAHR-mediated genomic disorders. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Plexo coróide hipertrofiado (demonstrado angiogràficamente e hidrocefalia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gilberto Machado de Almeida

1964-12-01

Full Text Available É discutido e mesmo pôsto em dúvida por alguns autores, o papel desempenhado pelo aumento de produção do líquido cefalorraqueano (LCR, na patogênese da hidrocefalia. No caso apresentado foram encontrados os seguintes elementos que indicam ser o aumento de produção do LCR a causa da hipertensão intracraniana: 1 hipertrofia dos plexos coróides sugerida pelas angiografias e confirmada pelo ato cirúrgico e necropsia; 2 ausência de bloqueio ao trânsito do LCR; 3 grande aumento do espaço subaracnói-deo, mais evidente ao nível das cisternas, inclusive inter-hemisférica e silviana.

Proteinograma do líquido cefalorraquidiano e do sôro sangüíneo na mielose funicular

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. Spina-França

1962-09-01

Full Text Available O presente estudo compreende a análise do proteinograma do LCR de 14 pacientes portadores de mielose funicular; em 12 foi feito também o estudo do proteinograma do sôro. Os resultados foram analisados e relacionados a outros aspectos dos casos estudados, como o tempo de duração da doença, a intensidade da sintomatologia neurológica, as alterações hematológicas e a capacidade de absorção da radiocianocobalamina. O proteinograma do LCR era do tipo liquórico propriamente dito, apresentando como particularidade o aumento do teor de β-globulina, o qual é descrito como representativo das afecções de tipo degenerativo do SNC. No soro a principal modificação verificada foi a presença da fração intermediária entre as globulinas β e γ, fato anteriormente assinalado por Furtado. A análise estatística permitiu verificar que havia estreita correlação entre o teor de β-globulina no LCR e a intensidade do quadro neurológico. O teor liquórico de β-globulina parece estar vinculado ao predomínio da lesão central sôbre a periférica, predomínio que se correlaciona ao déficit de absorção de vitamina B12. O teor de β-globulina no LCR mostrou-se também proporcional à deficiência de fator intrínseco no suco gástrico. Por outro lado, a elevação do teor dessa fração proteica no LCR mostrou-se inversamente proporcional à absorção intestinal de vitamina B12. O aumento de β-globulina no LCR parece, por isso, refletir mais de perto o acometimento do sistema nervoso central na verdadeira moléstia de AddisonBiermer. Nos casos em que não havia déficit do fator intrínseco o teor dessa globulina no LCR motrava-se mais próximo da normalidade.

Effects of intrinsic aerobic capacity and ovariectomy on voluntary wheel running and nucleus accumbens dopamine receptor gene expression.

Science.gov (United States)

Park, Young-Min; Kanaley, Jill A; Padilla, Jaume; Zidon, Terese; Welly, Rebecca J; Will, Matthew J; Britton, Steven L; Koch, Lauren G; Ruegsegger, Gregory N; Booth, Frank W; Thyfault, John P; Vieira-Potter, Victoria J

2016-10-01

Rats selectively bred for high (HCR) and low (LCR) aerobic capacity show a stark divergence in wheel running behavior, which may be associated with the dopamine (DA) system in the brain. HCR possess greater motivation for voluntary running along with greater brain DA activity compared to LCR. We recently demonstrated that HCR are not immune to ovariectomy (OVX)-associated reductions in spontaneous cage (i.e. locomotor) activity. Whether HCR and LCR rats differ in their OVX-mediated voluntary wheel running response is unknown. To determine whether HCR are protected from OVX-associated reduction in voluntary wheel running. Forty female HCR and LCR rats (age ~27weeks) had either SHM or OVX operations, and given access to a running wheel for 11weeks. Weekly wheel running distance was monitored throughout the intervention. Nucleus accumbens (NAc) was assessed for mRNA expression of DA receptors at sacrifice. Compared to LCR, HCR ran greater distance and had greater ratio of excitatory/inhibitory DA mRNA expression (both line main effects, PWheel running distance was significantly, positively correlated with the ratio of excitatory/inhibitory DA mRNA expression across animals. In both lines, OVX reduced wheel running (Pwheel running, they had greater OVX-induced reduction in wheel running than LCR such that no differences were found 11weeks after OVX between HCROVX and LCROVX (interaction, Pwheel running in HCR was associated with an OVX-mediated reduction in the ratio of excitatory/inhibitory DA mRNA expression. The DA system in the NAc region may play a significant role in motivation to run in female rats. Compared to LCR, HCR rats run significantly more, which associates with greater ratio of excitatory/inhibitory DA mRNA expression. However, despite greater inherent motivation to run and an associated brain DA mRNA expression profile, HCR rats are not protected against OVX-induced reduction in wheel running or OVX-mediated reduction in the ratio of excitatory

Hijacking of the pleiotropic cytokine interferon-γ by the type III secretion system of Yersinia pestis.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Claire Gendrin

Full Text Available Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of bubonic plague, employs its type III secretion system to inject toxins into target cells, a crucial step in infection establishment. LcrV is an essential component of the T3SS of Yersinia spp, and is able to associate at the tip of the secretion needle and take part in the translocation of anti-host effector proteins into the eukaryotic cell cytoplasm. Upon cell contact, LcrV is also released into the surrounding medium where it has been shown to block the normal inflammatory response, although details of this mechanism have remained elusive. In this work, we reveal a key aspect of the immunomodulatory function of LcrV by showing that it interacts directly and with nanomolar affinity with the inflammatory cytokine IFNγ. In addition, we generate specific IFNγ mutants that show decreased interaction capabilities towards LcrV, enabling us to map the interaction region to two basic C-terminal clusters of IFNγ. Lastly, we show that the LcrV-IFNγ interaction can be disrupted by a number of inhibitors, some of which display nanomolar affinity. This study thus not only identifies novel potential inhibitors that could be developed for the control of Yersinia-induced infection, but also highlights the diversity of the strategies used by Y. pestis to evade the immune system, with the hijacking of pleiotropic cytokines being a long-range mechanism that potentially plays a key role in the severity of plague.

Redução na concentração de glicose no cérebro de camundongos inoculados com liquido cefalorraquiano de pacientes com esclerose lateral amiotrófica

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

J. M. Godoy

1990-12-01

Full Text Available Os autores analisam, por técnica cromatográfica, as concentrações de glicose no cérebro de camundongos inoculados com L.CR de 4 pacientes com ELA. Foi encontrada redução na, concentração do carboidrato no material estudado, sugerindo a presença de fator extrínseco veiculado pelo LCR.

The Effects of Largest Claim and Excess of Loss Reinsurance on a Company’s Ruin Time and Valuation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yuguang Fan

2017-01-01

Full Text Available We compare two types of reinsurance: excess of loss (EOL and largest claim reinsurance (LCR, each of which transfers the payment of part, or all, of one or more large claims from the primary insurance company (the cedant to a reinsurer. The primary insurer’s point of view is documented in terms of assessment of risk and payment of reinsurance premium. A utility indifference rationale based on the expected future dividend stream is used to value the company with and without reinsurance. Assuming the classical compound Poisson risk model with choices of claim size distributions (classified as heavy, medium and light-tailed cases, simulations are used to illustrate the impact of the EOL and LCR treaties on the company’s ruin probability, ruin time and value as determined by the dividend discounting model. We find that LCR is at least as effective as EOL in averting ruin in comparable finite time horizon settings. In instances where the ruin probability for LCR is smaller than for EOL, the dividend discount model shows that the cedant is able to pay a larger portion of the dividend for LCR reinsurance than for EOL while still maintaining company value. Both methods reduce risk considerably as compared with no reinsurance, in a variety of situations, as measured by the standard deviation of the company value. A further interesting finding is that heaviness of tails alone is not necessarily the decisive factor in the possible ruin of a company; small and moderate sized claims can also play a significant role in this.

LDB1-mediated enhancer looping can be established independent of mediator and cohesin.

Science.gov (United States)

Krivega, Ivan; Dean, Ann

2017-08-21

Mechanistic studies in erythroid cells indicate that LDB1, as part of a GATA1/TAL1/LMO2 complex, brings erythroid-expressed genes into proximity with enhancers for transcription activation. The role of co-activators in establishing this long-range interaction is poorly understood. Here we tested the contributions of the RNA Pol II pre-initiation complex (PIC), mediator and cohesin to establishment of locus control region (LCR)/β-globin proximity. CRISPR/Cas9 editing of the β-globin promoter to eliminate the RNA Pol II PIC by deleting the TATA-box resulted in loss of transcription, but enhancer-promoter interaction was unaffected. Additional deletion of the promoter GATA1 site eliminated LDB1 complex and mediator occupancy and resulted in loss of LCR/β-globin proximity. To separate the roles of LDB1 and mediator in LCR looping, we expressed a looping-competent but transcription-activation deficient form of LDB1 in LDB1 knock down cells: LCR/β-globin proximity was restored without mediator core occupancy. Further, Cas9-directed tethering of mutant LDB1 to the β-globin promoter forced LCR loop formation in the absence of mediator or cohesin occupancy. Moreover, ENCODE data and our chromatin immunoprecipitation results indicate that cohesin is almost completely absent from validated and predicted LDB1-regulated erythroid enhancer-gene pairs. Thus, lineage specific factors largely mediate enhancer-promoter looping in erythroid cells independent of mediator and cohesin. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research 2017.

Limerick Clare Energy Plan

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Connolly, David; Mathiesen, Brian Vad; Dubuisson, Xavier

2012-01-01

The Limerick-Clare Region (LCR) has a long history of innovation within the energy sector in Ireland, which includes the construction of Ireland’s largest hydro plant, Ardnacrusha, in the late 1920’s as well as Ireland’s largest power plant, Moneypoint, in the 1980’s. Currently, energy systems...... worldwide are facing a new challenge, to transition to low-carbon sustainable forms of energy and therefore, the LCR has the opportunity to become a leading innovator within the energy sector once again. This study investigates how the LCR can begin the transition to a sustainable energy system by outlining...... some key actions between now and 2020. Furthermore, a long-term vision is also presented to illustrate how these actions contribute to the final objective of a low-carbon 100% renewable energy system....

Alveolus-capillary permeability on both normal and HIV seroreactive individuals

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

José Carlos Carriel

2007-11-01

Full Text Available The aim of this study was to evaluate the alveolus-capillary permeability by the lung clearance rate of 99mTc-DTPA(Technetium99m-diethylene triamine penta-acetate, (LCR-DTPA, both in normal and in asymptomatic HIV seroreactive patients. Thirty individuals were studied, 21 seronegative normal volunteers and 9 HIV seroreactive patients presenting normal chest radiography and no respiratory infection symptoms. LCR-DTPA was determined by inhaling 99mTc-DTPA and obtaining images in a gamma camera. The 99mTc-DTPA clearance rate in normal individuals was 0.99±0.15%.min-1 and in patients 2.31±1.25%.min-1. There was a significant statistical difference between the two groups (pA integridade funcional da barreira alvéolo-capilar pode ser alterada por diversas condições patológicas e por outros fatores como a irritação do epitélio alveolar, provocada pelo fumo etc, levando a um aumento da permeabilidade alvéolo-capilar. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a permeabilidade do epitélio pulmonar através da determinação da taxa de depuração pulmonar do aerossol de 99mTc-DTPA (LCR-DTPA em indivíduos normais e em pacientes assintomáticos HIV sororreativos. Foram estudados 30 indivíduos, sendo 21 voluntários normais e 9 HIV sororreativos sem sintomas de infecção oportunista, com radiografias de tórax normais ou sem sinais sugestivos de infecção pulmonar. A LCR-DTPA foi determinada após inalação de 99mTc-DTPA sob a forma de aerossóis e contagem externa da radiação, em função do tempo, em gama câmara. A LCR-DTPA dos controles foi de 0.99±0.15 %.min-1 e nos pacientes sororreativos,de 2.31±1.15%.min-1 houve diferença significativa entre os dois grupos (p< 0.05. Dois pacientes tiveram LCR-DTPA acima de 4,3%.min-1, estes desenvolveram um mês após o exame. Observou-se que os pacientes sororreativos por Imunodeficiência Adquirida (SIDA, sem sintomas específicos para pneumocistose que posteriormente desenvolveram a doença, a

Resveratrol Attenuates Exercise-Induced Adaptive Responses in Rats Selectively Bred for Low Running Performance

OpenAIRE

Hart, Nikolett; Sarga, Linda; Csende, Zsolt; Koch, Lauren G.; Britton, Steven L.; Davies, Kelvin J.A.; Radak, Zsolt

2013-01-01

Low capacity runner (LCR) rats have been developed by divergent artificial selection for treadmill endurance capacity to explore an aerobic biology-disease connection. The beneficial effects of resveratrol supplementation have been demonstrated in endurance running. In this study it was examined whether 12 weeks of treadmill exercise training and/or resveratrol can retrieve the low running performance of the LCR and impact mitochondrial biogenesis and quality control. Resveratrol regressed ru...

Lateral cephalometric analysis for treatment planning in orthodontics based on MRI compared with radiographs: A feasibility study in children and adolescents.

Science.gov (United States)

Heil, Alexander; Lazo Gonzalez, Eduardo; Hilgenfeld, Tim; Kickingereder, Philipp; Bendszus, Martin; Heiland, Sabine; Ozga, Ann-Kathrin; Sommer, Andreas; Lux, Christopher J; Zingler, Sebastian

2017-01-01

The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is equivalent to lateral cephalometric radiographs (LCR, "gold standard") in cephalometric analysis. The applied MRI technique was optimized for short scanning time, high resolution, high contrast and geometric accuracy. Prior to orthodontic treatment, 20 patients (mean age ± SD, 13.95 years ± 5.34) received MRI and LCR. MRI datasets were postprocessed into lateral cephalograms. Cephalometric analysis was performed twice by two independent observers for both modalities with an interval of 4 weeks. Eight bilateral and 10 midsagittal landmarks were identified, and 24 widely used measurements (14 angles, 10 distances) were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed by using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman analysis and two one-sided tests (TOST) within the predefined equivalence margin of ± 2°/mm. Geometric accuracy of the MRI technique was confirmed by phantom measurements. Mean intraobserver ICC were 0.977/0.975 for MRI and 0.975/0.961 for LCR. Average interobserver ICC were 0.980 for MRI and 0.929 for LCR. Bland-Altman analysis showed high levels of agreement between the two modalities, bias range (mean ± SD) was -0.66 to 0.61 mm (0.06 ± 0.44) for distances and -1.33 to 1.14° (0.06 ± 0.71) for angles. Except for the interincisal angle (p = 0.17) all measurements were statistically equivalent (p feasibility of orthodontic treatment planning without radiation exposure based on MRI. High-resolution isotropic MRI datasets can be transformed into lateral cephalograms allowing reliable measurements as applied in orthodontic routine with high concordance to the corresponding measurements on LCR.

The Thunderbeat and Other Energy Devices in Laparoscopic Colorectal Resections: Analysis of Outcomes and Costs.

Science.gov (United States)

Allaix, Marco Ettore; Arezzo, Alberto; Giraudo, Giuseppe; Arolfo, Simone; Mistrangelo, Massimiliano; Morino, Mario

2017-12-01

The THUNDERBEAT™ (TB) is a recently developed energy-based device. To date, there are no clinical studies comparing TB and other energy sources, such as standard electrosurgery (ES), ultrasonic coagulating shears (US) and electrothermal bipolar vessel sealers (EBVS) in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection (LCR). The aim of this study was to compare outcomes and costs in patients undergoing LCR with TB, US, EBVS, or ES for both benign and malignant colorectal diseases. This study is a retrospective analysis of a prospective database of patients undergoing LCR. Unselected consecutive patients who had the laparoscopic dissection conducted by using TB were compared with consecutive patients undergoing LCR with US, EBVS, or ES. Mean operative time did not significantly differ between the groups (P = .947). Estimated blood loss was significantly higher in the ES group (P < .001). Device-related complications occurred in 2.5% of ES patients, in 2.5% of US patients, and in 5% of EBVS patients, while no complications occurred in TB patients (P = .768). No significant differences were observed in postoperative complication rates between the groups. Mean postoperative hospital stay was similar in the groups. Cost analysis showed no significant differences between US (1519.1 ± 303 €), EBVS (1474.4 ± 372.8 €), and TB (1474.3 ± 176.3 €) (P = .737). This is the first clinical study comparing TB and other energy-based devices in LCR. They all appear to be equally safe and effective. Costs of surgery are very similar. Further large randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these data.

Meningopatia leucémica em paciente com remissão hematológica tratado com sucesso pelo Amethopterin Intratecal

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mário Ritter

1965-03-01

Full Text Available É apresentado um caso de meningopatia leucêmica com um quadro de hipertensão intracraniana, que surgiu 18 meses após a remissão clínica e hematológica de leucemia aguda. A terapêutica por via intratecal com o Amethopterin, na dose de 5 mg, repetida 6 vêzes e com intervalos de 5 a 7 dias, proporcionou melhora clínica imediata e normalização do LCR após dois meses de tratamento. O paciente continuou bem clinicamente e com o sangue e o LCR normais após 4 meses de observação. A experiência dêste caso e daqueles citados na literatura justificam que todos os pacientes leucêmicos sejam cuidadosamente observados a fim de se poder diagnosticar precocemente uma complicação neurológica, para que o tratamento adequado possa permitir maior sobrevida. O exame do LCR tem importância decisiva no diagnóstico desta complicação; ulteriormente, os exames seriados do LCR orientam a duração e a intensidade do tratamento. A padronização do tratamento das complicações neurológicas das leucemias constitui campo aberto às investigações.

Líquido cefalorraqueano em infecção do sistema nervoso central por leveduras do gênero Candida: análise de 11 casos

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

J. A. Livramento

1989-09-01

Full Text Available Foram estudadas 44 amostras de liqüido cefalorraqueano (LCR de 11 pacientes em que foi possível fazer diagnóstico etiológico de comprometimento do sistema nervoso central (SNC por leveduras do gênero Candida. Todos os pacientes apresentavam fatores de risco para a afecção. Cinco apresentavam quadro de meningite crônica a esclarecer; dois, síndrome de imunodeficiência adquirida; dois, traumatismo crânioencefálico seguido de meningite crônica; um, coagulação intravascular disseminada seguida de septicemia; um, candi-díase sistêmica pós-transplante renal. O diagnóstico etiológico foi feito pelo exame do LCR, possibilitando em 9 o isolamento da levedura por crescimento em meio de cultura. Em dois o diagnóstico foi feito pela presença das leveduras ao exame direto e, em um deles, também pela positividade da reação de fixação de complemento para Candida realizada em três amostras sucessivas de LCR. Discute-se a importância das alterações encontradas no exame do LCR na candidíase do SNC.

PODAAC-TEMSC-2LCR5

Data.gov (United States)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration — This dataset represents Version 2 of the JPL GRACE Mascon Equivalent Water Height RL05M.1, providing global water storage anomalies relative to a time-mean of...

Neurocisticercose na infância: I. diagnóstico clinico e laboratorial

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

L. Bruck

1991-03-01

Full Text Available Foram revisados aspectos clínicos e laboratoriais de 34 casos de neurocisticercose na infância (15 meses a 13 anos. Os principais sintomas foram: hipertensão intracraniana, 21 casos (62%; epilepsia, 20 casos (59%; hemiplegia, 4 casos (12%. A tomografia computadorizada de crânio (TAC (33 pacientes mostrou cistos em atividade em 26 (79% e calcificações em 2 (6%. A reação de fixação de complemento ou imunofluorescência para cisticercose foi reagente em 77% no LCR (20/26 pacientes e 78% no soro (18/23 pacientes. Pleocitose no LCR ocorreu em 57% dos casos (15/26 pacientes e eosinofilorraquia em 27% (7/26 pacientes. A TAC foi o melhor exame para o diagnóstico, confirmado pelos testes imunológicos no LCR e soro.

Design of a 9-loop quasi-exponential waveform generator.

Science.gov (United States)

Banerjee, Partha; Shukla, Rohit; Shyam, Anurag

2015-12-01

We know in an under-damped L-C-R series circuit, current follows a damped sinusoidal waveform. But if a number of sinusoidal waveforms of decreasing time period, generated in an L-C-R circuit, be combined in first quarter cycle of time period, then a quasi-exponential nature of output current waveform can be achieved. In an L-C-R series circuit, quasi-exponential current waveform shows a rising current derivative and thereby finds many applications in pulsed power. Here, we have described design and experiment details of a 9-loop quasi-exponential waveform generator. In that, design details of magnetic switches have also been described. In the experiment, output current of 26 kA has been achieved. It has been shown that how well the experimentally obtained output current profile matches with the numerically computed output.

Exercise Prevents Enhanced Postoperative Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Decline and Rectifies the Gut Microbiome in a Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome.

Science.gov (United States)

Feng, Xiaomei; Uchida, Yosuke; Koch, Lauren; Britton, Steve; Hu, Jun; Lutrin, David; Maze, Mervyn

2017-01-01

Postoperative cognitive decline (PCD) can affect in excess of 10% of surgical patients and can be considerably higher with risk factors including advanced age, perioperative infection, and metabolic conditions such as obesity and insulin resistance. To define underlying pathophysiologic processes, we used animal models including a rat model of metabolic syndrome generated by breeding for a trait of low aerobic exercise tolerance. After 35 generations, the low capacity runner (LCR) rats differ 10-fold in their aerobic exercise capacity from high capacity runner (HCR) rats. The LCR rats respond to surgical procedure with an abnormal phenotype consisting of exaggerated and persistent PCD and failure to resolve neuroinflammation. We determined whether preoperative exercise can rectify the abnormal surgical phenotype. Following institutional approval of the protocol each of male LCR and male HCR rats were randomly assigned to four groups and subjected to isoflurane anesthesia and tibia fracture with internal fixation (surgery) or anesthesia alone (sham surgery) and to a preoperative exercise regimen that involved walking for 10 km on a treadmill over 6 weeks (exercise) or being placed on a stationary treadmill (no exercise). Feces were collected before and after exercise for assessment of gut microbiome. Three days following surgery or sham surgery the rats were tested for ability to recall a contextual aversive stimulus in a trace fear conditioning paradigm. Thereafter some rats were euthanized and the hippocampus harvested for analysis of inflammatory mediators. At 3 months, the remainder of the rats were tested for memory recall by the probe test in a Morris Water Maze. Postoperatively, LCR rats exhibited exaggerated cognitive decline both at 3 days and at 3 months that was prevented by preoperative exercise. Similarly, LCR rats had excessive postoperative neuroinflammation that was normalized by preoperative exercise. Diversity of the gut microbiome in the

Variações fisiológicas da pressão do líquido cefalorraqueano na cisterna magna

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. Spina-França

1963-03-01

Full Text Available É feito estudo de revisão das variações fisiológicas da pressão do LCR ao nível da cisterna magna (punção suboccipital. Em relação à série de 1.500 pacientes com afecções do sistema nervoso e sem sintomatologia de hipotensão ou de hipertensão intracraniana, a pressão média normal do LCR ao nível da cisterna magna foi de 11,9 cm de água (paciente calmo, decúbito lateral horizontal. As variações fisiológicas de pressão, segundo os achados, têm como limites os valôres de 4,1 e 19,7 cm de água. Êsses valôres permitem caracterizar, para a cisterna magna, a existência de hipotensão do LCR quando a pressão fôr menor ou igual a 4 cm de água; a hipertensão é caracterizada por valores iguais ou maiores do que 20 cm de água. A pressão do LCR ao nível da cisterna magna é menor do que no fundo de saco lombar. Para série de 276 pacientes o valor médio achado para êste último nível foi de 16,7 cm de água (decúbito lateral horizontal. A diferença entre as médias foi altamente significativa. Não foram verificadas modificações da pressão do LCR ao nível da cisterna magna que pudessem ser relacionadas ao sexo. Sem que representassem dados de interêsse para a prática, foram verificadas variações ligadas à côr e à idade dos pacientes. Em média a pressão do LCR se mostrou menor entre pacientes prêtos e amarelos que entre os brancos e os mulatos. Um declínio do valor médio da pressão foi verificado à medida em que aumentava a idade dos pacientes. Êste declínio mostrou-se maior para o grupo de pacientes com idade acima de 60 anos.

Proton, muon and ¹³C hyperfine coupling constants of C₆₀X and C₇₀X (X = H, Mu).

Science.gov (United States)

Brodovitch, Jean-Claude; Addison-Jones, Brenda; Ghandi, Khashayar; McKenzie, Iain; Percival, Paul W

2015-01-21

The reaction of H atoms with fullerene C70 has been investigated by identifying the radical products formed by addition of the atom muonium (Mu) to the fullerene in solution. Four of the five possible radical isomers of C70Mu were detected by avoided level-crossing resonance (μLCR) spectroscopy, using a dilute solution of enriched (13)C70 in decalin. DFT calculations were used to predict muon and (13)C isotropic hyperfine constants as an aid to assigning the observed μLCR signals. Computational methods were benchmarked against previously published experimental data for (13)C60Mu in solution. Analysis of the μLCR spectrum resulted in the first experimental determination of (13)C hyperfine constants in either C70Mu or C70H. The large number of values confirms predictions that the four radical isomers have extended distributions of unpaired electron spin.

Stabilization of diastolic calcium signal via calcium pump regulation of complex local calcium releases and transient decay in a computational model of cardiac pacemaker cell with individual release channels.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alexander V Maltsev

2017-08-01

Full Text Available Intracellular Local Ca releases (LCRs from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR regulate cardiac pacemaker cell function by activation of electrogenic Na/Ca exchanger (NCX during diastole. Prior studies demonstrated the existence of powerful compensatory mechanisms of LCR regulation via a complex local cross-talk of Ca pump, release and NCX. One major obstacle to study these mechanisms is that LCR exhibit complex Ca release propagation patterns (including merges and separations that have not been characterized. Here we developed new terminology, classification, and computer algorithms for automatic detection of numerically simulated LCRs and examined LCR regulation by SR Ca pumping rate (Pup that provides a major contribution to fight-or-flight response. In our simulations the faster SR Ca pumping accelerates action potential-induced Ca transient decay and quickly clears Ca under the cell membrane in diastole, preventing premature releases. Then the SR generates an earlier, more synchronized, and stronger diastolic LCR signal activating an earlier and larger inward NCX current. LCRs at higher Pup exhibit larger amplitudes and faster propagation with more collisions to each other. The LCRs overlap with Ca transient decay, causing an elevation of the average diastolic [Ca] nadir to ~200 nM (at Pup = 24 mM/s. Background Ca (in locations lacking LCRs quickly decays to resting Ca levels (<100 nM at high Pup, but remained elevated during slower decay at low Pup. Release propagation is facilitated at higher Pup by a larger LCR amplitude, whereas at low Pup by higher background Ca. While at low Pup LCRs show smaller amplitudes, their larger durations and sizes combined with longer transient decay stabilize integrals of diastolic Ca and NCX current signals. Thus, the local interplay of SR Ca pump and release channels regulates LCRs and Ca transient decay to insure fail-safe pacemaker cell operation within a wide range of rates.

A Replication-Defective Human Type 5 Adenovirus-Based Trivalent Vaccine Confers Complete Protection against Plague in Mice and Nonhuman Primates.

Science.gov (United States)

Sha, Jian; Kirtley, Michelle L; Klages, Curtis; Erova, Tatiana E; Telepnev, Maxim; Ponnusamy, Duraisamy; Fitts, Eric C; Baze, Wallace B; Sivasubramani, Satheesh K; Lawrence, William S; Patrikeev, Igor; Peel, Jennifer E; Andersson, Jourdan A; Kozlova, Elena V; Tiner, Bethany L; Peterson, Johnny W; McWilliams, David; Patel, Snehal; Rothe, Eric; Motin, Vladimir L; Chopra, Ashok K

2016-07-01

Currently, no plague vaccine exists in the United States for human use. The capsular antigen (Caf1 or F1) and two type 3 secretion system (T3SS) components, the low-calcium-response V antigen (LcrV) and the needle protein YscF, represent protective antigens of Yersinia pestis We used a replication-defective human type 5 adenovirus (Ad5) vector and constructed recombinant monovalent and trivalent vaccines (rAd5-LcrV and rAd5-YFV) that expressed either the codon-optimized lcrV or the fusion gene designated YFV (consisting of ycsF, caf1, and lcrV). Immunization of mice with the trivalent rAd5-YFV vaccine by either the intramuscular (i.m.) or the intranasal (i.n.) route provided protection superior to that with the monovalent rAd5-LcrV vaccine against bubonic and pneumonic plague when animals were challenged with Y. pestis CO92. Preexisting adenoviral immunity did not diminish the protective response, and the protection was always higher when mice were administered one i.n. dose of the trivalent vaccine (priming) followed by a single i.m. booster dose of the purified YFV antigen. Immunization of cynomolgus macaques with the trivalent rAd5-YFV vaccine by the prime-boost strategy provided 100% protection against a stringent aerosol challenge dose of CO92 to animals that had preexisting adenoviral immunity. The vaccinated and challenged macaques had no signs of disease, and the invading pathogen rapidly cleared with no histopathological lesions. This is the first report showing the efficacy of an adenovirus-vectored trivalent vaccine against pneumonic plague in mouse and nonhuman primate (NHP) models. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Liquido cefalorraqueano no récem-nascido pré-termo sadio

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

F. A. C. V. Vaz

1977-09-01

Full Text Available Estudo da composição do LCR de 54 recém-nascidos prematuros sadios no segundo dia de vida. Os prematuros estudados precediam de gestações sem inter-corrências com parto não-traumático, apresentavam Apgar entre 6 e 9 aos 5 minutos de vida e não apresentavam anormalidades quanto ao exame clínico, neurológico, hematimétrico e gasométrico. Da composição do LCR foram estu-dades a citometria e as concentrações de proteínas totais, glicose, bilirrubina e hemoglobina. As estimativas encontradas permitem aceitar como limites das variações fisiológicas da composição do LCR do RN-PT os seguintes valores: leucócitos até 16 por mm ³; hemácias até 1.280 por mm3; proteínas totais até 300 mg/100 ml; bilirrubina de 10 a 80 µM/l; hemoglobina até 8 µM/l; glicose: cerca de 2/3 da concentração no sangue. Em relação à composição do LCR de 79 recém-nascidos normais a termo, avaliada mediante os mesmos métodos e no mesmo laboratório, são significativamente maiores as concentrações de proteínas totais e de bilirrubina, bem como estar presente a hemoglobina, pigmento não demonstrado no recém-nascido a termo. É discutida a importância da imaturidade da barreira hêmato-liquórica quanto às características do LCR apontadas, considerando-se encontrar-se ela ainda menos diferenciada no recém-nascido prematuro que no recém-nascido a termo.

Localização da lesão e achados do líquido cefalorraqueano na meningite tuberculosa: diferenças nos compartimentos lombar, cisternal e ventricular Location of the lesion and the cerebrospinal fluid findings in tuberculous meningitis: differences in the lumbar, cisternal and ventricular compartiments

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rafael R. Heringer

2005-06-01

Full Text Available A tuberculose permanece como uma das doenças infecciosas mais freqüentes no mundo. No presente estudo, relatamos um caso de meningite tuberculosa, que evoluiu com bloqueio do fluxo do líquido cefalorraqueano (LCR, causando dificuldade diagnóstica. Discute-se a importância da localização da lesão e sua influência no exame do LCR como apoio ao diagnóstico da meningite tuberculosa. No caso relatado, a pesquisa do bacilo álcool-ácido resistente foi positiva no LCR cisternal e negativa no LCR lombar e ventricular, demonstrando que a maior acurácia do teste esteve relacionada a maior proximidade da lesão inflamatória.Tuberculosis remains one of the most prevalent infectious diseases worldwide. In the present study, we describe a case of tuberculous meningitis that caused cerebrospinal fluid (CSF flow block, leading to difficulties in the diagnosis. The importance of the lesion site and its influence on CSF analysis as a support for the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis is discussed. In this case, the search for acid-fast bacilii was positive in the cisternal CSF, but not in the ventricular and lumbar CSF, demonstrating the relationship between the accuracy of the test and the location of the inflamatory lesion disease.

Likviditní riziko podle Basel III v EU

OpenAIRE

Mošnová, Alžběta

2014-01-01

In order to address the deficiencies in the banking regulation revealed by the recent financial crisis the Basel III introduces two minimum standards for funding liquidity, Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR). The goal of this thesis is to analyze whether the NSFR is defined optimally or whether the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) will be forced to relax NSFR conditions similarly as happened by the LCR. Based on the approximation of the NSFR betwee...

Índices para estimar o tempo transcorrido entre o surto hemorrágico subaracnóideo e a colheita de líquido cefalorraqueano

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

José M. Marlet

1973-12-01

Full Text Available O autor simulou, experimentalmente, acidente vascular cerebral hemorrágico em cães injetando sangue do próprio animal no espaço subaracnóideo, colhendo amostras diárias de LCR durante 14 dias, sendo estudada a evolução das concentrações de oxiemoglobina e de bilirrubina, empregando métodos espectrofotométricos. Define um coeficiente hemoglobínico como a relação entre a concentração de oxiemoglobina e o total de pigmentos do LCR e um índice hemoglobina-bilirrubina como a relação entre as concentrações de oxiemoglobina e bilirrubina. Depois do tratamento estatístico, chega à conclusão de que ambos permitem estimar o tempo transcorrido desde o surto hemorrágico subaracnóideo e a colheita de LCR. São apresentadas sugestões quanto à aplicabilidade prática destes indicadores em Neurologia e Medicina Preventiva.

Equivalent-circuit model for the thickness-shear mode resonator with a viscoelastic film near film resonance.

Science.gov (United States)

Martin, S J; Bandey, H L; Cernosek, R W; Hillman, A R; Brown, M J

2000-01-01

We derive a lumped-element, equivalent-circuit model for the thickness-shear mode (TSM) resonator with a viscoelastic film. This modified Butterworth-Van Dyke model includes in the motional branch a series LCR resonator, representing the quartz resonance, and a parallel LCR resonator, representing the film resonance. This model is valid in the vicinity of film resonance, which occurs when the acoustic phase shift across the film is an odd multiple of pi/2 rad. For low-loss films, this model accurately predicts the frequency changes and damping that arise at resonance and is a reasonable approximation away from resonance. Elements of the parallel LCR resonator are explicitly related to film properties and can be interpreted in terms of elastic energy storage and viscous power dissipation. The model leads to a simple graphical interpretation of the coupling between the quartz and film resonances and facilitates understanding of the resulting responses. These responses are compared with predictions from the transmission-line and Sauerbrey models.

Neurocriptococose por Cryptococcus neoformans não capsulado

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

C.S. Lacaz

1993-09-01

Full Text Available Os autores registram um caso de neurocriptococose em paciente HIV-negativo, por Cryptococcus neoformans acapsulado ou deficiente em cápsula. O quadro neurológico era de meningoencefalite subaguda, compatível ao diagnóstico de neurotuberculose, pelo exame do líquido cefalorraqueano (LCR, Estruturas leveduriformes foram encontradas no interior de macrófagos, ao exame citomorfológico do LCR. Cultivo do sedimento do LCR revelou a presença de Cryptococcus neoformans não capsulado (identificação bioquímica. A inoculação da amostra em camundongo, por via intraperitoneal, permitiu a produção de cápsula que desaparecia em cultivos. Foi estudada a micromorfologia do fungo à microscopia eletrônica de varredura. A evolução foi favorável com o emprego da anfotericina B associada a 5-fluorocitosina. Não foi caracterizada a variadade de Criptococcus neoformans agente do processo.

The Impact of the Basel III Liquidity Regulations on the Bank Lending Channel: A Luxembourg case study

OpenAIRE

Gaston Giordana; Ingmar Schumacher

2011-01-01

In this paper we study the impact of the Basel III liquidity regulations, namely the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and the Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR), on the bank lending channel in Luxembourg. For this aim we built, based on individual bank data, time series of the LCR and NSFR for a sample of banks covering between 82% and 100% of total assets of the banking sector. Additionally, we simulated the optimal balance sheet adjustments needed to adhere to the regulations. We extend the exis...

Physiological basis of the low calcium response in Yersinia pestis.

OpenAIRE

Fowler, J M; Brubaker, R R

1994-01-01

It is established that duplication in vitro of that amount of Ca2+ (2.5 mM) and Mg2+ (1.5 mM) present in blood permits vegetative growth of Yersinia pestis with repression of virulence factors encoded by the Lcr plasmid (Lcr+); similar simulation of intracellular fluid (no Ca2+ and 20 mM Mg2+) promotes bacteriostasis with induction of these virulence determinants. However, proliferation of yersiniae in mice occurs primarily within necrotic focal lesions (supplied by Ca(2+)-deficient host cell...

Plague in Guinea Pigs and Its Prevention by Subunit Vaccines

Science.gov (United States)

Quenee, Lauriane E.; Ciletti, Nancy; Berube, Bryan; Krausz, Thomas; Elli, Derek; Hermanas, Timothy; Schneewind, Olaf

2011-01-01

Human pneumonic plague is a devastating and transmissible disease for which a Food and Drug Administration–approved vaccine is not available. Suitable animal models may be adopted as a surrogate for human plague to fulfill regulatory requirements for vaccine efficacy testing. To develop an alternative to pneumonic plague in nonhuman primates, we explored guinea pigs as a model system. On intranasal instillation of a fully virulent strain, Yersinia pestis CO92, guinea pigs developed lethal lung infections with hemorrhagic necrosis, massive bacterial replication in the respiratory system, and blood-borne dissemination to other organ systems. Expression of the Y. pestis F1 capsule was not required for the development of pulmonary infection; however, the capsule seemed to be important for the establishment of bubonic plague. The mean lethal dose (MLD) for pneumonic plague in guinea pigs was estimated to be 1000 colony-forming units. Immunization of guinea pigs with the recombinant forms of LcrV, a protein that resides at the tip of Yersinia type III secretion needles, or F1 capsule generated robust humoral immune responses. Whereas LcrV immunization resulted in partial protection against pneumonic plague challenge with 250 MLD Y. pestis CO92, immunization with recombinant F1 did not. rV10, a vaccine variant lacking LcrV residues 271-300, elicited protection against pneumonic plague, which seemed to be based on conformational antibodies directed against LcrV. PMID:21406168

O líquido cefalorraqueano no post-mortem

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. Spina-França

1969-12-01

Full Text Available Foi estudado o LCR de 45 cadáveres, sendo os resultados considerados em função do tempo decorrido entre o momento da morte e a colheita do LCR (TOC. Obedecendo a esse critério os casos foram assim grupados: 1 aqueles com TOC até 4 horas; 2 aqueles com TOC de 4 a 8 horas; 3 aqueles com TOC de 8 horas ou mais. Com o aumento do TOC a presença de hemácias no LCR de cadáveres se torna mais freqüente e mais intensa. A mistura de sangue ao LCR prejudica a avaliação das modificações cadavéricas de outros componentes do LCR, conforme foi demonstrado para as concentrações de cloretos glicose e proteínas totais, para o perfil protêico e para a atividade de transaminases. Assim sendo, para avaliar as modificações da composição do LCR próprias ao post-mortem devem ser considerados apenas os casos com menos de 1000 hemácias/mm³. O número normal de leucócitos foi proporcionalmente mais comum nas amostras provenientes de cadáveres cujo TOC era igual ou superior a 8 horas. A pleocitose foi observada com mais freqüência que o número normal de leucócitos, sendo mais comumente ligeira ou discreta. Quantidades superiores a 50 leucócitos/mm³ foram observadas geralmente em casos relativos a pacientes que faleceram na vigência de processos infecciosos agudos. As concentrações de cloretos e de glicose no LCR tendem a cair no postmortem e as diminuições mostraram-se, em média, tanto mais intensas quanto maior o TOC. A hipoglicorraquia foi, em média mais acentuada nos casos com pleoeitose mais intensa. A concentração de uréia tende a elevar-se de modo precoce, não tendo sido encontradas médias significativamente diversas em função do TOC. A atividade de TGO tende a elevar-se no post-mortem sendo esta elevação, em média, mais nítida a partir do grupo de casos com TOC de 4 até 8 horas. Ocorre também tendência a aumento da atividade de TGP; esta se mostrou menos intensa que a de TGO e, em média, foi mais nítida a

Leptomeningite esporotricótica

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. Spina-França

1970-03-01

Full Text Available Registro de caso de paciente branco de 22 anos de idade com leptomeningite sub-aguda por Sporotrichum Schenckii tratada com sucesso pela anfotericina-B. O fungo foi isolado mediante cultura do LCR; sua inoculação em testículo de rato determinou quadro histopatológico próprio à esporotricose; a partir da lesão testicular o fungo foi novamente isolado mediante culturas. A reação de fixação do complemento para esporotricose mostrou-se positiva no LCR e no soro do paciente.

Avaliação neurológica de pacientes adultos com linfoma não-Hodgkin: estudo prospectivo Neurologic evaluation of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in adult patients: a prospective study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

SYLVIA REGINA MIELLI

1998-12-01

Full Text Available Estudo prospectivo incluindo 67 pacientes adultos com linfoma não-Hodgkin, considerados segundo o "Working Formulation". A população foi estudada como um todo, quer apresentasse ou não anticorpos anti-HIV no soro. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a avaliação neurológica e o exame do líquido cefalorraqueano (LCR foi realizado em 63 deles. Os achados neurológicos e do exame do LCR foram correlacionados. Mostraram-se significativas as associações: dor tóraco-lombar localizada e alterações do LCR (presença de células neoplásicas, aumento da concentração proteica e/ou aumento do teor de globulinas gama; anormalidade da força muscular nos membros inferiores e alterações do LCR nos pacientes HIV soro-negativos. Houve correlação entre o aparecimento de sinais de comprometimento dos nervos cranianos III, IV e VI e a detecção de células neoplásicas no LCR.This prospective study included 67 adult patients with low, intermediate or high malignancy degrees of non-Hodgkin' s lymphomas according to the Working Formulation. Patients with or without anti-HIV antibodies in the serum were considered. All patients were submitted to neurologic evaluation, and 63 of them to examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF. Patients presenting neurologic signs and symptoms were 42 (62.7%. Neurologic findings and CSF changes were correlated. The association of localized thoraco-lumbar pain and CSF changes (presence of neoplastic cells, increased protein concentration and/or increased gamma globulin content was statistically significant, as the association of abnormal muscle strength in the lower limbs and CSF changes in patients without HIV antibodies in the serum. Cranial nerve dysfunction (III, IV and VI cranial nerves correlated with the finding of neoplastic cells in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Isoenzimas de adenosina deaminasa en líquido cefalorraquídeo como ayuda diagnóstica en tuberculosis meníngea

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Helí Jaime Barrón-Pastor

2012-07-01

Full Text Available Introducción: La tuberculosis (TB sigue siendo uno de las principales causas de muerte en el mundo. La TB meníngea como complicación requiere detección pronta e instalación inmediata de la terapia apropiada. Dada la baja sensibilidad de la baciloscopia y del cultivo del bacilo tuberculoso, se presenta el estudio de las isoenzimas adenosina deaminasa (ADA como contribución al diagnóstico diferencial de la TB meníngea. Objetivo: Determinar la actividad de isoenzimas ADA en líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR de pacientes con TB meníngea. Diseño: Investigación descriptiva, con muestreo no probabilístico. Institución: Centro de Investigación de Bioquímica y Nutrición, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. Material biológico: Muestras de LCR de pacientes con TB. Intervenciones: Se consideró muestras de LCR con actividad ADA mayor a 9 U/L, que fueron conservadas a -40 °C hasta la corrida electroforética en sistema vertical. El análisis estadístico se realizó aplicando Mann - Withney, con un nivel de significancia de 0,1 para comparar los valores ADA de TB meníngea frente a otras enfermedades del sistema nervioso central (SNC. Principales medidas de resultados: Isoenzimas ADA1m, ADA1cp y ADA2. Resultados: Las medianas de la actividad de ADA total en LCR de pacientes tuberculosos fueron mayores que en otras enfermedades parainfectivas del SNC. ADA1cp tuvo mayor contribución para ADA total en ambos casos, mostrando mayor incremento en tuberculosis meníngea. También, ADA2 aumentó en TB meníngea frente a otras enfermedades del SNC. Conclusiones: Las isoenzimas ADA en LCR expresan niveles elevados de ADA2 en tuberculosis meníngea, como consecuencia del incremento de la línea celular monocito-macrófago.

Computer algorithms for automated detection and analysis of local Ca2+ releases in spontaneously beating cardiac pacemaker cells.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alexander V Maltsev

Full Text Available Local Ca2+ Releases (LCRs are crucial events involved in cardiac pacemaker cell function. However, specific algorithms for automatic LCR detection and analysis have not been developed in live, spontaneously beating pacemaker cells. In the present study we measured LCRs using a high-speed 2D-camera in spontaneously contracting sinoatrial (SA node cells isolated from rabbit and guinea pig and developed a new algorithm capable of detecting and analyzing the LCRs spatially in two-dimensions, and in time. Our algorithm tracks points along the midline of the contracting cell. It uses these points as a coordinate system for affine transform, producing a transformed image series where the cell does not contract. Action potential-induced Ca2+ transients and LCRs were thereafter isolated from recording noise by applying a series of spatial filters. The LCR birth and death events were detected by a differential (frame-to-frame sensitivity algorithm applied to each pixel (cell location. An LCR was detected when its signal changes sufficiently quickly within a sufficiently large area. The LCR is considered to have died when its amplitude decays substantially, or when it merges into the rising whole cell Ca2+ transient. Ultimately, our algorithm provides major LCR parameters such as period, signal mass, duration, and propagation path area. As the LCRs propagate within live cells, the algorithm identifies splitting and merging behaviors, indicating the importance of locally propagating Ca2+-induced-Ca2+-release for the fate of LCRs and for generating a powerful ensemble Ca2+ signal. Thus, our new computer algorithms eliminate motion artifacts and detect 2D local spatiotemporal events from recording noise and global signals. While the algorithms were developed to detect LCRs in sinoatrial nodal cells, they have the potential to be used in other applications in biophysics and cell physiology, for example, to detect Ca2+ wavelets (abortive waves, sparks and

The Type III Secretion System-Related CPn0809 from Chlamydia pneumoniae.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Astrid C Engel

Full Text Available Chlamydia pneumoniae is an intracellular Gram-negative bacterium that possesses a type III secretion system (T3SS, which enables the pathogen to deliver, in a single step, effector proteins for modulation of host-cell functions into the human host cell cytosol to establish a unique intracellular niche for replication. The translocon proteins located at the top of the T3SS needle filament are essential for its function, as they form pores in the host-cell membrane. Interestingly, unlike other Gram-negative bacteria, C. pneumoniae has two putative translocon operons, named LcrH_1 and LcrH_2. However, little is known about chlamydial translocon proteins. In this study, we analyzed CPn0809, one of the putative hydrophobic translocators encoded by the LcrH_1 operon, and identified an 'SseC-like family' domain characteristic of T3S translocators. Using bright-field and confocal microscopy, we found that CPn0809 is associated with EBs during early and very late phases of a C. pneumoniae infection. Furthermore, CPn0809 forms oligomers, and interacts with the T3SS chaperone LcrH_1, via its N-terminal segment. Moreover, expression of full-length CPn0809 in the heterologous host Escherichia coli causes a grave cytotoxic effect that leads to cell death. Taken together, our data indicate that CPn0809 likely represents one of the translocon proteins of the C. pneumoniae T3SS, and possibly plays a role in the translocation of effector proteins in the early stages of infection.

Carbon Footprint of Housing in the Leeds City Region - A Best Practice Scenario Analysis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Barrett, John; Dawkins, Elena (Stockholm Environment Inst. (Sweden))|(Univ. of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD (United Kingdom))

2008-06-15

The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) was commissioned by the Environment Agency to carry out a carbon footprint analysis of the housing sector, using the Leeds City Region (LCR) as an example. The aim was to determine our ability to meet the 80 per cent by 2050 challenge of energy efficiency in the housing sector. The study relates specifically to LCR but its findings will help any planning and development teams make the right decisions and gain the resources necessary to meet carbon budgets at regional and local levels. With a growing population and an additional 263,000 housing units to be built within LCR by 2026, the housing sector would need to reduce its expected total carbon dioxide emissions by 38 million tonnes between 2010 and 2026 to be on track for 80 per cent savings in 2050. The report outlines the most detailed analysis to date of the required measures to deliver a growth-based regional housing strategy, alongside reducing carbon emissions. If the city region's new and existing housing is to attain the levels of energy efficiency necessary to deliver these carbon savings, big changes will be required in the way we build, maintain and run our homes over the next 20 years. There are pockets of good practice already in the region and the study shows that by combining innovative measures on construction standards, improvements to existing housing, low and zero carbon technologies and changing behaviour of householders, LCR can achieve the necessary savings to meet its carbon budget

PMS2 inactivation by a complex rearrangement involving an HERV retroelement and the inverted 100-kb duplicon on 7p22.1.

Science.gov (United States)

Vogt, Julia; Wernstedt, Annekatrin; Ripperger, Tim; Pabst, Brigitte; Zschocke, Johannes; Kratz, Christian; Wimmer, Katharina

2016-11-01

Biallelic PMS2 mutations are responsible for more than half of all cases of constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD), a recessively inherited childhood cancer predisposition syndrome. The mismatch repair gene PMS2 is partly embedded within one copy of an inverted 100-kb low-copy repeat (LCR) on 7p22.1. In an individual with CMMRD syndrome, PMS2 was found to be homozygously inactivated by a complex chromosomal rearrangement, which separates the 5'-part from the 3'-part of the gene. The rearrangement involves sequences of the inverted 100-kb LCR and a human endogenous retrovirus element and may be associated with an inversion that is indistinguishable from the known inversion polymorphism affecting the ~0.7-Mb sequence intervening the LCR. Its formation is best explained by a replication-based mechanism (RBM) such as fork stalling and template switching/microhomology-mediated break-induced replication (FoSTeS/MMBIR). This finding supports the hypothesis that the inverted LCR can not only facilitate the formation of the non-allelic homologous recombination-mediated inversion polymorphism but it also promotes the occurrence of more complex rearrangements that can be associated with a large inversion, as well, but are mediated by a RBM. This further suggests that among the inversion polymorphism on 7p22.1, more complex rearrangements might be hidden. Furthermore, as the locus is embedded in a common fragile site (CFS) region, this rearrangement also supports the recently raised hypothesis that CFS sequence motifs may facilitate replication-based rearrangement mechanisms.

Comparison between {sup 241}AmBe (α, n) sources in the calibration of survey monitors for neutrons in magnitude H⁎(10); Comparação entre fontes de {sup 241}AmBe (α,n) na calibração de monitores de área para nêutrons na grandeza H⁎(10)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pereira, W.W.; Filho, C.A.L.S.; Silva, F.S.; Patrão, K.C.S., E-mail: walsanwagner@gmail.com [Instituto de Radioproteção e Dosimetria (IRD/CNEN-RJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil); Estrada, J.J.S. [Fundação Técnico Educacional Souza Marques, Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil); Alves, C.F.E.; Magalhães, L.A.G.; Leite, S.P. [Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), RJ (Brazil)

2017-07-01

Recently the Laboratório de Ciências Radiológicas (LCR / UERJ) characterized a {sup 241}AmBe (α, n) neutron source for metrological use. This source comes from the Oil Company and it was originally used in well logging tools. In this work, this source was used in the calibration of an survey meter using procedures and facilities of the Laboratório Nacional de Metrologia das Radiações Ionizantes (LN/LNMRI). The results of the calibration with the LCR neutron source agreed with those obtained when the LN/LNMRI neutron source was used. (author)

Diode laser lidar wind velocity sensor using a liquid-crystal retarder for non-mechanical beam-steering

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Rodrigo, Peter John; Iversen, Theis Faber Quist; Hu, Qi

2014-01-01

it either transmits throughor reflects off a polarization splitter. The room-temperature switching timebetween the two LOS is measured to be in the order of 100μs in one switchdirection but 16 ms in the opposite transition. Radial wind speedmeasurement (at 33 Hz rate) while the lidar beam is repeatedly...... the lidar probe beam in two different lines-of-sight (LOS) with a 60° angular separation. Dual-LOS beam-steering isimplemented optically with no moving parts by means of a controllableliquid-crystal retarder (LCR). The LCR switches the polarization betweentwo orthogonal linear states of the lidar beam so...

Dissection of the complex phenotype in cuticular mutants of Arabidopsis reveals a role of SERRATE as a mediator.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Derry Voisin

2009-10-01

Full Text Available Mutations in LACERATA (LCR, FIDDLEHEAD (FDH, and BODYGUARD (BDG cause a complex developmental syndrome that is consistent with an important role for these Arabidopsis genes in cuticle biogenesis. The genesis of their pleiotropic phenotypes is, however, poorly understood. We provide evidence that neither distorted depositions of cutin, nor deficiencies in the chemical composition of cuticular lipids, account for these features, instead suggesting that the mutants alleviate the functional disorder of the cuticle by reinforcing their defenses. To better understand how plants adapt to these mutations, we performed a genome-wide gene expression analysis. We found that apparent compensatory transcriptional responses in these mutants involve the induction of wax, cutin, cell wall, and defense genes. To gain greater insight into the mechanism by which cuticular mutations trigger this response in the plants, we performed an overlap meta-analysis, which is termed MASTA (MicroArray overlap Search Tool and Analysis, of differentially expressed genes. This suggested that different cell integrity pathways are recruited in cesA cellulose synthase and cuticular mutants. Using MASTA for an in silico suppressor/enhancer screen, we identified SERRATE (SE, which encodes a protein of RNA-processing multi-protein complexes, as a likely enhancer. In confirmation of this notion, the se lcr and se bdg double mutants eradicate severe leaf deformations as well as the organ fusions that are typical of lcr and bdg and other cuticular mutants. Also, lcr does not confer resistance to Botrytis cinerea in a se mutant background. We propose that there is a role for SERRATE-mediated RNA signaling in the cuticle integrity pathway.

Esquistossomose do sistema nervoso central relato de um caso

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. S. Ferreira

1990-09-01

Full Text Available O comprometimento do sistema nervoso na esquistossomose mansônica é evento raramente diagnosticado na evolução desta parasitose. Os autores descrevem o caso de uma paciente de 23 anos, natural de São Francisco-MG, que apresentava há duas semanas quadro de ceíaléia, vômitos em jato, febre e sonolência; o exame neurológico mostrava rigidez de nuca, paresia com hipertonia muscular bilateral em membros superiores, perda de motricidade e sensibilidade em membros inferiores. Não se palpava hepato-esplenomegalia. O exame do liqüido cefalorraquidiano (LCR mostrou hipoglicorraquia (28 mg%, hiperproteinorraquia (113 mg% e pleocitose acentuada (949 células/mm3, com predomínio de neutrófilos (70%, além de eosinofilorraquia (9%. A reação de imunofluorescência indireta para esquistossomose, no LCR, realizada em cortes de fígado com granuloma peri-ovular foi reagente (IgG: 1/16; IgM: 1/4. As pesquisas de fungos e b.a.a.r. no LCR, assim como a cultura para b.a.a.r. (após 60 dias e as reações imunológicas para neurocisticercose foram negativas. Uma tomografia computadorizada do cérebro e medula espinhal não evidenciou anormalidades. No exame parasitologico das fezes foi identificada a presença de ovos viáveis de S. mansoni. Instituiu-se tratamento com corticóides e praziquantel (60 mg/kg/dia; 7 dias tendo havido regressão das alterações do LCR, permanecendo entretanto seqüelas neurológicas graves (paraplegia e bexiga neurogênica.

Nucleus accumbens cocaine-amphetamine regulated transcript mediates food intake during novelty conflict

Science.gov (United States)

Burghardt, PR; Krolewski, DM; Dykhuis, KE; Ching, J; Pinawin, AM; Britton, SL; Koch, LG; Watson, SJ; Akil, H.

2016-01-01

Obesity is a persistent and pervasive problem, particularly in industrialized nations. It has come to be appreciated that the metabolic health of an individual can influence brain function and subsequent behavioral patterns. To examine the relationship between metabolic phenotype and central systems that regulate behavior, we tested rats with divergent metabolic phenotypes (Low Capacity Runner: LCR vs. High Capacity Runner: HCR) for behavioral responses to the conflict between hunger and environmental novelty using the novelty suppressed feeding (NSF) paradigm. Additionally, we measured expression of mRNA, for peptides involved in energy management, in response to fasting. Following a 24-h fast, LCR rats showed lower latencies to begin eating in a novel environment compared to HCR rats. A 48-h fast equilibrated the latency to begin eating in the novel environment. A 24-h fast differentially affected expression of cocaine-amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) mRNA in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), where 24-h of fasting reduced CART mRNA in LCR rats. Bilateral microinjections of CART 55–102 peptide into the NAc increased the latency to begin eating in the NSF paradigm following a 24-h fast in LCR rats. These results indicate that metabolic phenotype influences how animals cope with the conflict between hunger and novelty, and that these differences are at least partially mediated by CART signaling in the NAc. For individuals with poor metabolic health who have to navigate food-rich and stressful environments, changes in central systems that mediate conflicting drives may feed into the rates of obesity and exacerbate the difficulty individuals have in maintaining weight loss. PMID:26926827

Parasites of native and nonnative fishes of the Little Colorado River, Grand Canyon, Arizona

Science.gov (United States)

Choudhury, A.; Hoffnagle, T.L.; Cole, Rebecca A.

2004-01-01

A 2-yr, seasonal, parasitological study of 1,435 fish, belonging to 4 species of native fishes and 7 species of nonnative fishes from the lower Little Colorado River (LCR) and tributary creeks, Grand Canyon, Arizona, yielded 17 species of parasites. These comprised 1 myxozoan (Henneguya exilis), 2 copepods (Ergasilus arthrosis and Lernaea cyprinacea), 1 acarine (Oribatida gen. sp.), 1 piscicolid leech (Myzobdella lugubris), 4 monogeneans (Gyrodactylus hoffmani, Gyrodactylus sp., Dactylogyrus extensus, and Ligictaluridus floridanus), 4 nematodes (Contracaecum sp., Eustrongylides sp., Rhabdochona sp., and Truttaedacnitis truttae), 3 cestodes (Bothriocephalus acheilognathi, Corallobothrium fimbriatum, and Megathylacoides giganteum), and 2 trematodes (Ornithodiplostomum sp. and Posthodiplostomum sp.). Rhabdochona sp. was the only adult parasite native to the LCR. Infection intensities of Ornithodiplostomum sp. and B. acheilognathi were positively correlated with length of the humpback chub Gila cypha. Adult helminths showed a high degree of host specificity, except B. acheilognathi, which was recovered from all fish species examined but was most abundant in cyprinids. Abundance of B. acheilognathi in the humpback chub was highest in the fall and lowest in the summer in both reaches of the LCR. There was no major taxonomic difference in parasite assemblages between the 2 different reaches of the river (LC1 and LC2). Parasite community diversity was very similar in humpback chub, regardless of sampling site or time. The parasite fauna of the LCR is numerically dominated by B. acheilognathi and metacercariae of Ornithodiplostomum sp. The richest and most diverse component community occurred in a nonnative species, the channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, but infracommunity species richness was highest in a native host, humpback chub.

Systemic Liquidity Shocks and Banking Sector Liquidity Characteristics on the Eve of Liquidity Coverage Ratio Application - The Case of the Czech Republic1

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Brůna Karel

2016-01-01

Full Text Available The paper contains an analysis of the economic and regulatory concept of bank liquidity in the context of systemic liquidity shock. A formal model analysis shows that the application of liquidity coverage ratio (LCR based on Basel III will lead to a significant adaptation of banks liquidity management. LCR causes a change in bank’s liquidity allocation and funding to be less effective and more costly and restrictive for providing credits comparing with economic determinants. It is demonstrated that the application of LCR underestimates actual liquidity position of a bank and leads to allocation ineffectiveness. The empirical part contains simulation of impacts of systemic liquidity shock on the banking sector’s ability to withstand the unfavourable credit shock while solvency is maintained. The results confirm the robustness of the Czech banking system ensuing from the systemic surplus of liquidity, high volume of bank capital and its high profitability. The estimations of the VAR model show that the relations between liquidity characteristics of banks, sources of aggregate liquidity shock, interbank market illiquidity and the credit facilities of the Czech National Bank are relatively weak, supporting the conclusion that the banks face liquidity shocks of non-persistent character.

Structural, optical and dielectric properties of pure and chromium (Cr) doped nickel oxide nanoparticles

Science.gov (United States)

Gupta, Jhalak; Ahmed, Arham S.

2018-05-01

The pure and Cr doped nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles have been synthesized by cost effective co-precipitation method having nickel nitrate as initial precursor. The synthesized samples were characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Visible Spectroscopy(UV-Vis) and LCR meter for structural, optical and dielectric properties respectively. The crystallite size of pure nickel oxide nanoparticles characterized by XRD using Debye Scherer's formula was found to be 21.7nm and the same decreases on increasing Cr concentration whereas optical and dielectric properties were analyzed by UV-Vis and LCR meter respectively. The energy band gaps were determined by UV-Vis using Tauc relation.

Non-native fish control below Glen Canyon Dam - Report from a structured decision-making project

Science.gov (United States)

Runge, Michael C.; Bean, Ellen; Smith, David; Kokos, Sonja

2011-01-01

of objectives, with the values of individual agencies and tribes deliberately preserved. Trout removal strategies aimed at the Paria to Badger Rapid reach (PBR), with a variety of permutations in deference to cultural values, and with backup removal at the Little Colorado River reach (LCR) if necessary, were identified as top-ranking portfolios for all agencies and Tribes. These PBR/LCR removal portfolios outperformed LCR-only removal portfolios, for cultural reasons and for effectiveness - the probability of keeping the humpback chub population above a desired threshold was estimated to be higher under the PBR/LCR portfolios than the LCR-only portfolios. The PBR/LCR removal portfolios also outperformed portfolios based on flow manipulations, primarily because of the effect of sport fishery and wilderness recreation objectives, as well as cultural objectives. The preference for the PBR/LCR removal portfolios was quite robust to variation in the objective weights and to uncertainty about the underlying dynamics, at least over the ranges of uncertainty investigated. Examination of the effect of uncertainty on the recommended outcomes allowed us to complete a 'value of information' analysis. The results of this analysis led to an adaptive strategy that includes three possible long-term management actions (no action; LCR removal; or PBR removal) and seeks to reduce uncertainty about the following two issues: the degree to which rainbow trout limit chub populations, and the effectiveness of PBR removal to reduce trout emigration downstream into Marble and eastern Grand Canyons, where the largest population of humpback chub exist. In the face of uncertainty about the effectiveness of PBR removal, a case might be made for including flow manipulations in an adaptive strategy, but formal analysis of this case was not conducted. The full set of conclusions described above is not definitive, however. This analysis described in this report is a simplified depiction of the t

Advantages of laparoscopic compared to conventional surgery are not related to an innate immune response of peritoneal immune activation: an animal study in rats.

Science.gov (United States)

Lingohr, Philipp; Dohmen, Jonas; Matthaei, Hanno; Schwandt, Timo; Stein, Kathy; Hong, Gun-Soo; Steitz, Julia; Longerich, Thomas; Bölke, Edwin; Wehner, Sven; Kalff, Jörg C

2017-06-01

Laparoscopic surgery (LS) has proved superior compared to conventional surgery (CS) regarding morbidity, length of hospital stay, rate of wound infection and time until recovery. An improved preservation of the postoperative immune function is assumed to contribute to these benefits though the role of the local peritoneal immune response is still poorly understood. Our study investigates the peritoneal immune response subsequent to abdominal surgery and compares it between laparoscopic and conventional surgery to find an immunological explanation for the clinically proven benefits of LS. Wistar rats (N = 140) underwent laparoscopic cecum resection (LCR; N = 28), conventional cecum resection (CCR; N = 28), laparoscopic sham operation (LSO; N = 28), conventional sham operation (CSO; N = 28), or no surgical treatment (CTRL; N = 28). Postoperatively, peritoneal lavages were performed, leukocytes isolated and analyzed regarding immune function and phagocytosis activity. Immune function was inhibited postoperatively in animals undergoing LCR or CCR compared to CTRL reflected by a lower TNF-α (CTRL 3956.65 pg/ml, LCR 2018.48 pg/ml (p = 0.023), CCR 2793.78 pg/ml (n.s.)) and IL-6 secretion (CTRL 625.84 pg/ml, LCR 142.84 pg/ml (p = 0.009), CCR 169.53 pg/ml (p = 0.01)). Phagocytosis was not affected in rats undergoing any kind of surgery compared to CTRL. Neither cytokine secretion nor phagocytosis activity differed significantly between laparoscopic and conventional surgery. According to our findings the benefits associated with LS compared to CS cannot be explained by differences in the postoperative peritoneal innate immune response. Further studies are needed to elucidate the causes for a more favorable postoperative outcome in patients after LS compared to CS.

Diagnóstico e tratamento da criptococose do sistema nervoso central: considerações sobre 16 casos

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. Spina-França

1968-06-01

Full Text Available Revisão de 16 casos de criptococose do SNC acompanhados no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo entre 1951 e 1966. O diagnóstico baseou-se na demonstração de C. neoformansno LCR e/ou nos dados de necropsia. A revisão foi feita para salientar a importância do diagnóstico precoce da doença visando o tratamento por anfotericina-B. Dos 4 pacientes tratados com tal medicamento, dois faleceram. Nestes casos o tratamento fora iniciado tardiamente, quando a doença se achava nos estadios finais de evolução. Nos dois casos em que a medicação foi iniciada em tempo hábil, a evolução foi favorável, encontrando-se os pacientes em boas condições clínicas e com remissão das alterações do LCR. Estes dois últimos casos são descritos com maior detalhe. Baseados na casuística apresentada os autores chamam a atenção para os quadros clínicos observados mais comumente, em especial para a dissociação entre o quadro de hipertensão intracraniana, em geral exuberante, e o de meningencefalite. Chamam os autores a atenção também para o fato de poderem as alterações do LCR levar à confusão com outros tipos de meningencefalite, especialmente a tuberculosa. Para o esclarecimento diagnóstico salientam a importância do exame direto do sedimento do LCR preparado com tinta da China. O reconhecimento da levedura ao exame direto na série analisada ocorreu em 9 casos.

Síndrome de calcificações dos gânglios da base, leucodistrofia e pleocitose linfomonocitária crônica do líquido cefalorraqueano: registro de um caso

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aron J. Diament

1986-06-01

Full Text Available Em 1966 Norman e Tingey descreveram síndrome de micrencefalia, calcificações estrio-cerebelares e leucodistrofia, síndrome esta que, em 1968, acrescida de nanismo, Lyon e col. tornaram a relatar. Esses autores não descreveram alterações do LCR. Em 1984, Aicardi e Goutièrres descreveram 8 crianças pertencentes a 5 famílias, com a síndrome antes referida, porém com a diferença de as calcificações serem dos gânglios de base, além de haver pleocitose do LCR crônica linfomononuclear. Todos os pacientes tiveram evolução progressiva e caráter familiar, com provável herança autossômica recessiva. É propósito deste registro relatar caso semelhante, num paciente branco do sexo masculino, com 6 meses e meio de idade e que apresentou quadro semelhante, diagnosticado aos 3 meses de idade: nanismo e microcefalia limiares, calcificações dos gânglios de base e leucodistrofia à TC. Seis exames de LCR sucessivos mostraram pleocitose de predomínio linfomononuclear. Fez-se estudo das subpopulações de linfócitos T-ativos e T-ávidos, o qual sugeriu sinalização local no sistema do LCR. São discutidos o diagnóstico diferencial e a estranha combinação de provável etiologia genética associada a mecanismo imunitário, revelando processo inflamatório local. Processaram-se pesquisas no intuito de afastar etiologia a vírus, as quais se revelaram negativas, o que não afasta esta hipótese.

Voluntary Running Aids to Maintain High Body Temperature in Rats Bred for High Aerobic Capacity

Science.gov (United States)

Karvinen, Sira M.; Silvennoinen, Mika; Ma, Hongqiang; Törmäkangas, Timo; Rantalainen, Timo; Rinnankoski-Tuikka, Rita; Lensu, Sanna; Koch, Lauren G.; Britton, Steven L.; Kainulainen, Heikki

2016-01-01

The production of heat, i.e., thermogenesis, is a significant component of the metabolic rate, which in turn affects weight gain and health. Thermogenesis is linked to physical activity (PA) level. However, it is not known whether intrinsic exercise capacity, aging, and long-term voluntary running affect core body temperature. Here we use rat models selectively bred to differ in maximal treadmill endurance running capacity (Low capacity runners, LCR and High capacity Runners, HCR), that as adults are divergent for aerobic exercise capacity, aging, and metabolic disease risk to study the connection between PA and body temperature. Ten high capacity runner (HCR) and ten low capacity runner (LCR) female rats were studied between 9 and 21 months of age. Rectal body temperature of HCR and LCR rats was measured before and after 1-year voluntary running/control intervention to explore the effects of aging and PA. Also, we determined whether injected glucose and spontaneous activity affect the body temperature differently between LCR and HCR rats at 9 vs. 21 months of age. HCRs had on average 1.3°C higher body temperature than LCRs (p temperature level of HCRs to similar levels with LCRs. The opportunity to run voluntarily had a significant impact on the body temperature of HCRs (p temperature at a similar level as when at younger age. Compared to LCRs, HCRs were spontaneously more active, had higher relative gastrocnemius muscle mass and higher UCP2, PGC-1α, cyt c, and OXPHOS levels in the skeletal muscle (p temperature of LCRs. However, glucose injection resulted in a lowering of the body temperature of LCRs (p temperature compared to rats born with low exercise capacity and disease risk. Voluntary running allowed HCRs to maintain high body temperature during aging, which suggests that high PA level was crucial in maintaining the high body temperature of HCRs. PMID:27504097

Granuloma eosinófilo da coluna cervical com manifestação neurológica, liquorica e radiológica atípica

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Umbertina Conti Reed

1975-06-01

Full Text Available É relatado um caso de granuloma eosinófilo da coluna cervical em menino branco de 10 anos de idade que apresentava dor cervical na altura de C5-C6, hemiparesia direita que evoluiu ulteriormente para tetraparesia, mista, de tipo motonêuronio inferior para membros superiores e de tipo motonêuronio superior para membros inferiores. O exame do líquido cefalorraquano (LCR revelou alterações de tipo inflamatório. Radiografias da coluna cervical mostravam apenas aspecto irregular da apófise espinhosa de C6 com rarefação na base. Houve acentuada e rápida melhora do quadro neurológico e normalização do LCR na vigência de córticoterapia e, reagravamento da sintomatologia neurológica bem como das alterações no LCR após supressão da referida medicação. A biópsia do processo espinhoso da sexta vértebra cervical revelou tratar-se de granuloma eosinófilo. A evolução foi excelente após radioterapia local associada a corticosteróides. São discutidas as características do caso e daqueles referidos na literatura.

DNA is structured as a linear "jigsaw puzzle" in the genomes of Arabidopsis, rice, and budding yeast.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Yun-Hua; Zhang, Meiping; Wu, Chengcang; Huang, James J; Zhang, Hong-Bin

2014-01-01

Knowledge of how a genome is structured and organized from its constituent elements is crucial to understanding its biology and evolution. Here, we report the genome structuring and organization pattern as revealed by systems analysis of the sequences of three model species, Arabidopsis, rice and yeast, at the whole-genome and chromosome levels. We found that all fundamental function elements (FFE) constituting the genomes, including genes (GEN), DNA transposable elements (DTE), retrotransposable elements (RTE), simple sequence repeats (SSR), and (or) low complexity repeats (LCR), are structured in a nonrandom and correlative manner, thus leading to a hypothesis that the DNA of the species is structured as a linear "jigsaw puzzle". Furthermore, we showed that different FFE differ in their importance in the formation and evolution of the DNA jigsaw puzzle structure between species. DTE and RTE play more important roles than GEN, LCR, and SSR in Arabidopsis, whereas GEN and RTE play more important roles than LCR, SSR, and DTE in rice. The genes having multiple recognized functions play more important roles than those having single functions. These results provide useful knowledge necessary for better understanding genome biology and evolution of the species and for effective molecular breeding of rice.

Air kerma standard for calibration of well-type chambers in Brazil using {sup 192}Ir HDR sources and its traceability

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Di Prinzio, Renato; Almeida, Carlos Eduardo de [Laboratorio de Ciencias Radiologicas-Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (LCR/UERJ), R. Sao Francisco Xavier, 524, Pavilhao Haroldo Lisboa da Cunha, Terreo, Sala 136-Maracana, CEP 20550-900-Rio de Janeiro/RJ-Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil) and Instituto de Radioprotecao e Dosimetria-Comissao Nacional de Energia Nuclear (IRD/CNEN), Av. Salvador Allende, s/n, Jacarepagua-CE22780-160-Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil); Laboratorio de Ciencias Radiologicas-Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (LCR/UERJ), R. Sao Francisco Xavier, 524, Pavilhao Haroldo Lisboa da Cunha, Terreo, Sala 136-Maracana, CEP 20550-900-Rio de Janeiro/RJ-Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil)

2009-03-15

In Brazil there are over 100 high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy facilities using well-type chambers for the determination of the air kerma rate of {sup 192}Ir sources. This paper presents the methodology developed and extensively tested by the Laboratorio de Ciencias Radiologicas (LCR) and presently in use to calibrate those types of chambers. The system was initially used to calibrate six well-type chambers of brachytherapy services, and the maximum deviation of only 1.0% was observed between the calibration coefficients obtained and the ones in the calibration certificate provided by the UWADCL. In addition to its traceability to the Brazilian National Standards, the whole system was taken to University of Wisconsin Accredited Dosimetry Calibration Laboratory (UWADCL) for a direct comparison and the same formalism to calculate the air kerma was used. The comparison results between the two laboratories show an agreement of 0.9% for the calibration coefficients. Three Brazilian well-type chambers were calibrated at the UWADCL, and by LCR, in Brazil, using the developed system and a clinical HDR machine. The results of the calibration of three well chambers have shown an agreement better than 1.0%. Uncertainty analyses involving the measurements made both at the UWADCL and LCR laboratories are discussed.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for oligometastatic lung tumors from colorectal cancer and other primary cancers in comparison with primary lung cancer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takeda, Atsuya; Kunieda, Etsuo; Ohashi, Toshio; Aoki, Yousuke; Koike, Naoyoshi; Takeda, Toshiaki

2011-01-01

Purpose: To analyze local control of oligometastatic lung tumors (OLTs) compared with that of primary lung cancer after stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Materials and methods: Retrospective record review of patients with OLTs who received SBRT with 50 Gy in 5 fractions. Local control rates (LCRs), toxicities, and factors of prognostic significance were assessed. Results: Twenty-one colorectal OLTs, 23 OLTs from other origins, and 188 primary lung cancers were included. Multivariate analysis revealed only tumor origin was prognostically significant (p < 0.05). The 1-year/2-year LCRs in colorectal OLTs and OLTs from other origins were 80%/72% and 94%/94%, respectively. The LCR in colorectal OLTs was significantly worse than that in OLTs from the other origins and primary lung cancers with pathological and clinical diagnosis (p < 0.05, p < 0.0001 and p < 0.005). Among 44 OLT patients, Grades 2 and 3 radiation pneumonitis were identified in 2 and 1 patients, respectively. No other toxicities of more than Grade 3 occurred. Conclusion: SBRT for OLTs is tolerable. The LCR for OLTs from origins other than colorectal cancer is excellent. However, LCR for colorectal OLTs is worse than that from other origins. Therefore dose escalation should be considered to achieve good local control for colorectal OLTs.

Redetection of human papillomavirus type 16 infections of the cervix in mid-adult life

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aaron Ermel

2018-06-01

Full Text Available Purpose: To assess whether HPV 16 originally detected in adolescent women can be redetected in adulthood. Methods: A convenience sample of 27 adult women with known HPV 16 detection during adolescence was assessed for HPV 16 redetection. A comparison of the long control region (LCR DNA sequences was performed on some of the original and redetected HPV 16 isolates. Results: Median age at reenrollment was 27.5 years (interquartile range of 26.7–29.6. Reenrollment occurred six years on average after the original HPV 16 detection. Eleven of 27 women had HPV 16 redetected. Some of these HPV 16 infections had apparently cleared during adolescence. LCR sequencing was successful in paired isolates from 6 women; in 5 of 6 cases the redetected HPV 16 isolates were identical to those detected during adolescence, Conclusions: HPV 16 may be episodically detected in young women, even over long time periods. HPV 16 redetection with identical LCR sequences suggests low-level persistent infection rather than true clearance, although newly acquired infection with an identical HPV 16 isolate cannot be excluded. However, this study suggests that a new HPV 16-positive test in a clinical setting may not indicate a new infection. Keywords: Human papillomavirus (HPV, Redetection, Latency, Long control region, Sequencing

Microsatellite and single nucleotide polymorphisms in the β-globin locus control region-hypersensitive Site 2: SPECIFICITY of Tunisian βs chromosomes.

Science.gov (United States)

Ben Mustapha, Maha; Moumni, Imen; Zorai, Amine; Douzi, Kaïs; Ghanem, Abderraouf; Abbes, Salem

2012-01-01

The diversity of sickle cell disease severity is attributed to several cis acting factors, among them the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and (AT) rich region in the β-locus control region (β-LCR). This contains five DNase I hypersensitive sites (HS) located 6 to 22 kb upstream to the ϵ gene. The most important of these is the HS2 (5' β-LCR-HS2), characterized by the presence of three different SNPs and a microsatellite region known to be in association with β(S) chromosomes in various populations. The aim of this study was to present the molecular investigation of the 5' β-LCR-HS2 site in normal and sickle cell disease individuals in order to determine if there is any correlation or specificity between these molecular markers, the β(S) Tunisian chromosomes and phenotypical expression of sickle cell disease. One hundred and twenty-four chromosomes from Tunisian individuals (49 β(S) carriers and 13 normal individuals) were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing for the polymorphic short tandem microsatellite repeats (AT)(X)N(12)(AT)(Y) and the three SNPs (rs7119428, rs9736333 and rs60240093) of the 5' β-LCR-HS2. Twelve configurations of the microsatellite motif were found with an ancestral configuration elaborated by ClustalW software. Normal and mutated alleles were observed at the homozygous and heterozygous states for the three SNPs. Correlation between microsatellites and SNPs suggests that mutant SNP alleles were mainly associated, in the homozygous sickle cell disease phenotype, with the (AT)(8)N(12)GT(AT)(7) configuration, whereas, normal SNP alleles were associated with the (AT)(X)N(12)(AT)(11) configurations in normal β(A) chromosomes. The correlation of these various configurations with Hb F expression was also investigated. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed the correlation between the homozygous sickle cell disease phenotype, mutated SNP alleles and the Benin microsatellite configuration (AT)(8)N(12)GT

Performance Analysis of 5G Transmission over Fading Channels with Random IG Distributed LOS Components

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Dejan Jaksic

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Mathematical modelling of the behavior of the radio propagation at mmWave bands is crucial to the development of transmission and reception algorithms of new 5G systems. In this study we will model 5G propagation in nondeterministic line-of-sight (LOS conditions, when the random nature of LOS component ratio will be observed as Inverse Gamma (IG distributed process. Closed-form expressions will be presented for the probability density function (PDF and cumulative distribution function (CDF of such random process. Further, closed-form expressions will be provided for important performance measures such as level crossing rate (LCR and average fade duration (AFD. Capitalizing on proposed expressions, LCR and AFD will be discussed in the function of transmission parameters.

Admittance, Conductance, Reactance and Susceptance of New Natural Fabric Grewia Tilifolia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

V. V. RAMANA C. H.

2010-08-01

Full Text Available This article deals with the admittance, conductance, reactance and susceptance of new natural fabric Grewia tilifolia. Grewia tilifolia is a tree found in India, Sri Lanka, Tropical Africa, Burma and Nepal. The fabric samples of Grewia tilifolia were extracted from the bark of the tree. The admittance, conductance, reactance and susceptance were measured as a function of frequency in the range from 1 kHz to 500 kHz, temperature in the range from 30 °C to 210 °C. Using an LCR Meter (HIOKI 3532-50 LCR Hi Tester, Koizumi, Japan the above parameters were measured. Grewia tilifolia is a subtropical medicinal tree; the stem bark is widely used in traditional Indian medicines to cure pneumonia, bronchitis and urinary infectious disorders.

The critical distance in laser-induced plasmas: an operative definition

Science.gov (United States)

Delle Side, D.; Giuffreda, E.; Nassisi, V.

2016-05-01

We propose a method to estimate a precise value for the critical distance Lcr after which three-body recombination stops to produce charge losses in an expanding laser-induced plasma. We show in particular that the total charge collected has a ``reversed sigmoid'' shape as a function of the target-to-detector distance. Fitting the total charge data with a logistic related function, we could consider as Lcr the intercept of the tangent to this curve in its inflection point. Furthermore, this value scales well with theoretical predictions. From the application point of view, this could be of great practical interest, since it provide a reliable way to precisely determine the geometry of the extraction system in Laser Ion Sources.

The value of csf analysis for the differential diagnosis of HTLV-I associated myelopathy and multiple sclerosis Valor da análise do LCR para o diagnóstico diferencial de mielopatia associada ao HTLV-I e esclerose múltipla

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marzia Puccioni-Sohler

1995-12-01

Full Text Available Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF and serum of 17 patients with HAM/TSP (HTLV-I associated myelopathy/ tropical spastic paraparesis, six with multiple sclerosis and six with idiopathic epilepsy (non inflammatory control from Brazil were analysed for the presence of intrathecal synthesis of virus-specific antibodies against measles, rubella, varicella zoster virus and herpes simplex virus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA. All HAM/TSP and multiple sclerosis cases had an intrathecal immune response (oligoclonal IgG. In HAM/TSP, only 1/17 case showed a polyspecific intrathecal immune response against measles and rubella virus. In multiple sclerosis, specific antibodies against measles and rubella (MRZ response were observed in all patients but not in the control with idiopathic epilepsy. The diagnostic and theoretical relevance of mono- and polyspecific immune responses is discussed for these chronic neurological diseases.Amostras de líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR e soro de 17 pacientes brasileiros com HAM/TSP, seis com esclerose múltipla e seis com epilepsia idiopática (controle não-inflamatório foram analisadas para a presença de anticorpos para os vírus do sarampo, rubéola, varicela zoster e herpes simples pelo método de ELISA. Todos os casos de HAM/TSP e esclerose múltipla tinham resposta imune intratecal (IgG oligoclonal. Somente 1/17 casos de HAM/TSP apresentavam resposta imune poliespecifica intratecal para sarampo e rubéola. Anticorpos específicos para sarampo e rubeola (resposta MRZ foram observados em todos os pacientes com esclerose múltipla, mas não nos controles com epilepsia idiopática. A relevância das respostas poliespecifica e monoespecifica é discutida para essas doenças neurológicas crônicas.

Prevention of pneumonic plague in mice, rats, guinea pigs and non-human primates with clinical grade rV10, rV10-2 or F1-V vaccines

Science.gov (United States)

Quenee, Lauriane E.; Ciletti, Nancy A.; Elli, Derek; Hermanas, Timothy M.; Schneewind, Olaf

2012-01-01

Yersinia pestis causes plague, a disease with high mortality in humans that can be transmitted by fleabite or aerosol. A US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-licensed plague vaccine is currently not available. Vaccine developers have focused on two subunits of Y. pestis: LcrV, a protein at the tip of type III secretion needles, and F1, the fraction 1 pilus antigen. F1-V, a hybrid generated via translational fusion of both antigens, is being developed for licensure as a plague vaccine. The rV10 vaccine is a non-toxigenic variant of LcrV lacking residues 271–300. Here we developed Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) protocols for rV10. Comparison of clinical grade rV10 with F1-V did not reveal significant differences in plague protection in mice, guinea pigs or cynomolgus macaques. We also developed cGMP protocols for rV10-2, a variant of rV10 with an altered affinity tag. Immunization with rV10-2 adsorbed to aluminum hydroxide elicited antibodies against LcrV and conferred pneumonic plague protection in mice, rats, guinea pigs, cynomolgus macaques and African Green monkeys. The data support further development of rV10-2 for FDA Investigational New Drug (IND) authorization review and clinical testing. PMID:21763383

Investigating the compatibility of PEEK polymer for the fabrication of sample cells for use in muon spin spectroscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chandrasena, L; McKenzie, I; Brodovitch, J-C; Mozafari, M; Percival, P W; Cottrell, S P

2014-01-01

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a thermoplastic polymer with a wide range of applications due to its chemical inertness and thermal stability, and for these reasons sample cells for gas and liquid phase μSR have been constructed from PEEK. Muon levelcrossing resonance (μLCR) studies of PEEK revealed a broad, strong μLCR signal that, we hypothesize, is due to multiple overlapping resonances from the various muonium (Mu) adducts of PEEK. To investigate this, two monomer units from PEEK (4,4'-dihydroxybenzophenone and para-dimethoxybenzene) were studied in solution using transverse-field muon spin rotation (TF-μSR) and μLCR. Two different muoniated radicals were formed by Mu addition to 4,4 / - dihydroxybenzophenone and one radical was formed in para-dimethoxybenzene. The μSR spectra were assigned by comparing the experimentally measured muon and proton hyperfine coupling constants with values calculated for the possible structures using Gaussian-09 software with the B3LYP functional and 6-31G basis set. Good agreement was found for cyclohexadienyl- type radicals formed by Mu addition to the benzene rings of the monomer units. We can also infer that these radicals are being formed in PEEK, and based on this we conclude that sample cells made of PEEK are unsuitable for many types of μSR experiment

Ablative dose proton beam therapy for stage I and recurrent non-small cell lung carcinomas. Ablative dose PBT for NSCLC

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Sung Uk; Cho, Kwan Ho; Kim, Joo Young; Kim, Dae Yong; Kim, Tae Hyun; Suh, Yang-Gun; Kim, Yeon-Joo [Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Proton Therapy Center, Goyang (Korea, Republic of); Moon, Sung Ho [Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Proton Therapy Center, Goyang (Korea, Republic of); Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Center for Lung Cancer, Goyang (Korea, Republic of); Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Proton Therapy Center, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 410-769 (Korea, Republic of); Pyo, Hong Ryull [Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2016-09-15

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ablative dose hypofractionated proton beam therapy (PBT) for patients with stage I and recurrent non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). A total of 55 patients with stage I (n = 42) and recurrent (n = 13) NSCLC underwent hypofractionated PBT and were retrospectively reviewed. A total dose of 50-72 CGE (cobalt gray equivalent) in 5-12 fractions was delivered. The median follow-up duration was 29 months (range 4-95 months). There were 24 deaths (43.6%) during the follow-up period: 11 died of disease progression and 13 from other causes. Kaplan-Meier overall survival rate (OS) at 3 years was 54.9% and the median OS was 48.6 months (range 4-95 months). Local progression was observed in 7 patients and the median time to local progression was 9.3 months (range 5-14 months). Cumulative actuarial local control rate (LCR), lymph node metastasis-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival rates at 3 years were 85.4, 78.4, and 76.5%, respectively. Larger tumor diameter was significantly associated with poorer LCR (3-year: 94% for ≤3 cm vs. 65% for >3 cm, p = 0.006) on univariate analysis and also an independent prognostic factor for LCR (HR 6.9, 95% CI = 1.3-37.8, p = 0.026) on multivariate analysis. No grade 3 or 4 treatment-related toxicities developed. One grade 5 treatment-related adverse event occurred in a patient with symptomatic idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Ablative dose hypofractionated PBT was safe and promising for stage I and recurrent NSCLC. (orig.) [German] Beurteilung von Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit hypofraktionierter Protonentherapie (PBT) mit ablativen Dosen fuer nichtkleinzellige Lungenkarzinome (NSCLC) im Stadium I und rekurrierende NSCLC. Retrospektiv wurden insgesamt 55 NSCLC-Patienten (Stadium I: n = 42; rekurrierender Tumor: n = 13), analysiert. Sie waren mit einer Gesamtdosis von 50-72 CGE (''cobalt gray equivalent'') in 5-12 Fraktionen behandelt worden. Der Median der Follow

Identification of a new DPY19L2 mutation and a better definition of DPY19L2 deletion breakpoints leading to globozoospermia.

Science.gov (United States)

Ghédir, Houda; Ibala-Romdhane, Samira; Okutman, Ozlem; Viot, Géraldine; Saad, Ali; Viville, Stéphane

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to analyze DPY19L2 sequence variants to investigate the mechanism leading to the entire DPY19L2 deletion in a large cohort of infertile globozoospermic patients. An improved analysis of the DPY19L2 deletion breakpoints (BPs) allowed us to identify two BPs located in a small 1 kb region and to more precisely localize the BPs reported previously. Three genes [spermatogenesis associated 16 (SPATA16), protein interacting with PRKCA (PICK1) and DPY19L2] were previously correlated with globozoospermia, but a homozygous deletion of the entire DPY19L2 was identified as the most frequent alteration causing this phenotype. In addition, several point mutations in this gene were reported. In previous work, we have identified nine BPs for the DPY19L2 deletion clustered in two hotspot regions, while others reported a total of five BPs. We screened for the DPY19L2 deletion and for mutations in the DPY19L2, SPATA16 and PICK1 genes in a cohort of 21 Tunisian globozoospermic patients. In order to characterize the DPY19L2 deletion BPs, we sequenced a 2 kb fragment on low copy repeat (LCR) 1 and LCR2 in Tunisian fertile controls to distinguish between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and LCR-specific markers. Molecular analyses performed on 18 genetically independent individuals showed that 11 (61.1%) were homozygous for the DPY19L2 deletion, 2 (11.1%) were homozygous for the non-synonymous mutation (p.R298C) in exon 8, 1 patient (5.6%) was homozygous for a new splice-site mutation at the junction exon-intron 16 [c.1579_1580+4delAGGTAAinsTCAT] and no DPY19L2, SPATA16 or PICK1 mutations were identified for 4 patients (22.2%). By defining 15 specific LCR markers, we characterized 2 BPs for the DPY19L2 deletion in 11 patients showing the homozygous deletion. Using 20 non-LCR-specific SNPs, we identified 8 distinct haplotypes. A limitation of this study is the small number of patients owing to the rarity of this form of male infertility. Our data showed

50 MeV lithium ion beam irradiation effects in poly vinylidene fluoride

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Unknown

visible, FT-IR spectroscopy,. XRD technique and electrical frequency response using LCR bridge. ... change has been observed after irradiation, indicating that this polymer is ... during the last few decades because of their low cost, easy.

Application of LCR Waves to Inspect Aircraft Structures

Science.gov (United States)

2013-01-01

the manufacturing of aircraft Aluminum, where alloys for coatings and structural reinforcements are laminated . This process produces a symmetry...AS4), unidirectional, pre-impregnated ( prepreg ) with epoxy matrix (HexPly® 8552 from Hexcel®). Table 1 shows the materials’ properties. The...Figure 5 – Manufacturing of composite parts. Left: cutting machine. Right: Autoclave Table 1. Physical and mechanical properties of prepreg

Singlet oxygen explicit dosimetry to predict local tumor control for HPPH-mediated photodynamic therapy

Science.gov (United States)

Penjweini, Rozhin; Kim, Michele M.; Ong, Yi Hong; Zhu, Timothy C.

2017-02-01

This preclinical study examines four dosimetric quantities (light fluence, photosensitizer photobleaching ratio, PDT dose, and reacted singlet oxygen ([1O2]rx)) to predict local control rate (LCR) for 2-(1-Hexyloxyethyl)-2-devinyl pyropheophorbide (HPPH)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT). Mice bearing radiation-induced fibrosarcoma (RIF) tumors were treated with different in-air fluences (135, 250 and 350 J/cm2) and in-air fluence rates (50, 75 and 150 mW/cm2) at 0.25 mg/kg HPPH and a drug-light interval of 24 hours using a 1 cm diameter collimated laser beam at 665 nm wavelength. A macroscopic model was used to calculate ([1O2]rx)) based on in vivo explicit dosimetry of the initial tissue oxygenation, photosensitizer concentration, and tissue optical properties. PDT dose was defined as a temporal integral of drug concentration and fluence rate (φ) at a 3 mm tumor depth. Light fluence rate was calculated throughout the treatment volume based on Monte-Carlo simulation and measured tissue optical properties. The tumor volume of each mouse was tracked for 30 days after PDT and Kaplan-Meier analyses for LCR were performed based on a tumor volume <=100 mm3, for four dose metrics: fluence, HPPH photobleaching rate, PDT dose, and ([1O2]rx)). The results of this study showed that ([1O2]rx)) is the best dosimetric quantity that can predict tumor response and correlate with LCR.

Phase transitions and their co-existence in TlGaSe2–TlCrS2(Se2 ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

bDepartment of Physics, Gebze Institute of Technology, Gebze 41400, Kocaeli, Turkey .... automatic digital precision LCR meters at a frequency of. 1 kHz. .... We car- ried out indexing in the hexagonal crystalline structure (see table 2). 3.

Passivation of boron in silicon by hydrogen and muonium: calculation of electric field gradients, quadrupole resonance frequencies and cross relaxation functions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maric, Dj.M.; Meier, P.F.; Vogel, S.; Davis, E.A.

1991-01-01

The possibility of studying impurity passivation complexes in semiconductors by quadrupole resonance spectroscopy is examined. The problem is illustrated for the case of boron in silicon passivated with hydrogen or, equivalently, with muonium, since the radioactive light isotope in principle offers a greater sensitivity for detection of the spectra. Ab initio calculations on suitable cluster models of the passivation complexes provide estimates of the electric field gradients at the quadrupolar nuclei, and thereby predictions of the quadrupole resonance frequencies. Detection via cross-relaxation techniques is proposed, notably muon level crossing resonance (μLCR), and illustrated by calculation of the time dependence of the muon polarization function. Possible reasons for the absence of quadrupolar resonances in μLCR spectra recorded in exploratory experiments are discussed; these include the existence of a local tunnelling mode for the lighter isotope. (author)

Free radicals formed by H(Mu) addition to triphenylene and dodecahydrotriphenylene

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Brodovitch, Jean-Claude [TRIUMF and Department of Chemistry, 8888 University Drive, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby B.C., V5A 1S6 (Canada); Ghandi, Khashayar [TRIUMF and Department of Chemistry, 8888 University Drive, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby B.C., V5A 1S6 (Canada); McKenzie, Iain [TRIUMF and Department of Chemistry, 8888 University Drive, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby B.C., V5A 1S6 (Canada); Percival, Paul W. [TRIUMF and Department of Chemistry, 8888 University Drive, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby B.C., V5A 1S6 (Canada)]. E-mail: percival@sfu.ca; Schueth, Joachim [TRIUMF and Department of Chemistry, 8888 University Drive, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby B.C., V5A 1S6 (Canada)

2006-03-31

Muonium has been used as an H atom analogue to investigate the free radicals formed by H addition to the fused polyaromatic hydrocarbon triphenylene. Although there are three inequivalent sites of attack in this molecule, only two radicals were detected. Muon and proton hyperfine constants were determined by transverse field {mu}SR and LCR, respectively. With the help of quantum calculations, all the signals can be assigned to radicals formed by Mu addition to C-H sites, while there is no evidence for addition to the tertiary carbons at ring junctions. To force attack on a tertiary carbon, a complementary study was conducted on the dodecahydrotriphenylene molecule. As expected, only one radical is formed. From LCR measurements the number of non-equivalent protons are interpreted as the results of the conformational effect of the saturated side rings.

Free radicals formed by H(Mu) addition to triphenylene and dodecahydrotriphenylene

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brodovitch, Jean-Claude; Ghandi, Khashayar; McKenzie, Iain; Percival, Paul W.; Schueth, Joachim

2006-01-01

Muonium has been used as an H atom analogue to investigate the free radicals formed by H addition to the fused polyaromatic hydrocarbon triphenylene. Although there are three inequivalent sites of attack in this molecule, only two radicals were detected. Muon and proton hyperfine constants were determined by transverse field μSR and LCR, respectively. With the help of quantum calculations, all the signals can be assigned to radicals formed by Mu addition to C-H sites, while there is no evidence for addition to the tertiary carbons at ring junctions. To force attack on a tertiary carbon, a complementary study was conducted on the dodecahydrotriphenylene molecule. As expected, only one radical is formed. From LCR measurements the number of non-equivalent protons are interpreted as the results of the conformational effect of the saturated side rings

GBA manager: an online tool for querying low-complexity regions in proteins.

Science.gov (United States)

Bandyopadhyay, Nirmalya; Kahveci, Tamer

2010-01-01

Abstract We developed GBA Manager, an online software that facilitates the Graph-Based Algorithm (GBA) we proposed in our earlier work. GBA identifies the low-complexity regions (LCR) of protein sequences. GBA exploits a similarity matrix, such as BLOSUM62, to compute the complexity of the subsequences of the input protein sequence. It uses a graph-based algorithm to accurately compute the regions that have low complexities. GBA Manager is a user friendly web-service that enables online querying of protein sequences using GBA. In addition to querying capabilities of the existing GBA algorithm, GBA Manager computes the p-values of the LCR identified. The p-value gives an estimate of the possibility that the region appears by chance. GBA Manager presents the output in three different understandable formats. GBA Manager is freely accessible at http://bioinformatics.cise.ufl.edu/GBA/GBA.htm .

Description of the Charge Transfer States at the Pentacene/C60 Interface: Combining Range-Separated Hybrid Functionals with the Polarizable Continuum Model

KAUST Repository

Zheng, Zilong; Bredas, Jean-Luc; Coropceanu, Veaceslav

2016-01-01

are usually performed on small-size donor/acceptor complexes and as result do not account for electronic polarization effects. Here, using a pentacene/C60 complex as a model system, we discuss the ability of long-range corrected (LCR) hybrid functionals

Exame do líquido cefalorraquidiano: influência da temperatura, tempo e preparo da amostra na estabilidade analítica Cerebrospinal fluid exam: influence of sample preparation, temperature and time on analytical stability

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Luciana Ferreira Dimas

2008-04-01

Full Text Available O líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR é um fluido biológico que está em íntima relação com o sistema nervoso central (SNC. Por isso, o exame do LCR constitui um método de grande valia para o diagnóstico e o acompanhamento de diversas afecções neurológicas. Entretanto, existem poucos estudos sobre a estabilidade de seus analitos durante a etapa pré-analítica. OBJETIVO: Identificar dados existentes sobre a influência da temperatura e do tempo de estocagem, dos ciclos de congelamento/descongelamento e pré-tratamentos (centrifugação, desnaturação, adição de soro na estabilidade dos analitos do LCR. MÉTODO: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática de artigos da literatura, usando palavras-chave da língua inglesa como storage, cerebrospinal fluid, CSF, stability, temperature e period, com base nos serviços de dados de PubMed, Highwire Press, Lilacs e Amazonas Library, os quais permitem a pesquisa bibliográfica de citações e artigos científicos. RESULTADO: A busca encontrou nove artigos, resultado da escassez de trabalhos sobre o assunto. Os analitos do LCR estudados incluíram células (número e morfologia, proteínas totais, glicose, lactato, aminoácidos, creatina, creatinina, biomarcadores e enzimas. As metodologias se basearam em microscopia óptica, ensaio imunossorvente ligado à enzima (ELISA, Imunoblot/SDS-PAGE e fotometria. CONCLUSÃO: A revisão da literatura confirma que a estabilidade da amostra de LCR sofre influência da temperatura, do tempo de estocagem e das condições de preparo pré-analítico. Os achados desta revisão sistemática podem contribuir para a ampliação dos conhecimentos no exame do LCR, assim como o melhor entendimento sobre a estabilidade da amostra.The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF is a biological fluid that is in close relation with the central nervous system (CNS. Therefore, the CSF examination constitutes an invaluable method in the diagnosis and monitoring of countless neurological diseases

Proteínas totais do liquido cefalorraqueano obtido por punção da cisterna magna: valores normais. Variações ligadas ao sexo Total protein content of normal cisternal cerebrospinal fluid: Variations related to sex

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

L. M. Singer Vermes

1976-12-01

Full Text Available Aplicando o método de Lowry, determinamos as proteínas totais do LCR considerado normal de 98 pessoas: 58 do sexo masculino e 40 do feminino. Todas as amostras de LCR foram obtidas por punção da cisterna magna (LCR-SO. Mediante tratamento estatístico dos valores obtidos, estabelecemos as taxas normais de proteinorraquia cisternal para a população mista: limite superior de 40,36 mg/100 ml, valor médio de 26,78 mg/100 e limite inferior de 13,20 mg/100 ml. Estes valores são superiores àqueles referidos na literatura. Foi verificado que a proteinorraquia total é, em média, significantemente maior nos indivíduos do sexo masculino, que nos de feminino. Consequentemente estabelecemos em separado os níveis normais de proteínas totais do LCR-SO para pessoas do sexo masculino e feminino. As taxas médias de proteínas totais do LCR-SO de pessoas do sexo masculino e feminino são de 28,76 e 23,91 mg/100 ml, respectivamente; os limites normais vão de 16,96 a 47,13 mg/100 ml para o sexo masculino e de 14,76 a 42,76 mg/100 ml para o sexo feminino.The total protein content of CSF collected from the cisterna magna (cisternal fluid of 98 patients (58 males and 40 females with no neurological diseases was determined by the colorimetric method devised by Lowry and co-workers. This method has been previously chosen based mainly on it's sensitivity, accuracy and low fluid consumption. The CSF samples were normal with regard to pressure, color, citology and it's content in glucose, chloride and urea. Complement fixation tests for syphilis and cisticercosis, as well as the globulin tests (Pandy, Nonne — Appelt and Takata-Ara were negative. The average value and the normal range of cisternal fluid total protein was calculated for the mixed population (males and females. The mean protein value was 26.78 mg/100 ml, the lower and upper limits were respectively 13.20 and 40.36 mg/100 ml. These data are higher than those stated in some publications, and

Factors associated to the positive cerebrospinal fuid culture in the tuberculous meningitis Fatores associados à positividade da cultura do líquido cefalorraquidiano na meningite tuberculosa

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marzia Puccioni-Sohler

2007-03-01

Full Text Available Central nervous system involvement is the most common neurological complication in the course of tuberculosis. The lack of rapid and sensitive tests delays the early diagnosis. Here, we retrospectively reviewed the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF examination of 30 patients with tuberculous meningitis confirmed by bacteriological tests (culture and/or polymerase chain reaction. The purpose of the present study was to determine the CSF parameters associated to the positive CSF culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in tuberculous meningitis. We found higher frequency of positive CSF culture in patients infected with HIV as well in patients with high number of neutrophils and high protein content (characteristic in the early or acute-stage patients, which suggests that the positive culture found in these patients may be associated with the presence of high bacillary load in CSF occurring in these stages.A meningite tuberculosa é a complicação neurológica mais freqüente no curso da tuberculose. Entretanto, a carência de testes rápidos e sensíveis dificulta o diagnóstico precoce, contribuindo para o elevado índice de letalidade desta condição. Na presente análise, é feita revisão dos achados do líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR de 30 pacientes com o diagnóstico de meningite tuberculosa confirmado pelo exame bacteriológico. O objetivo do estudo consiste em caracterizar os parâmetros associados à positividade da cultura para Mycobacterium tuberculosis no LCR. Observamos maior freqüência de cultura positiva entre os pacientes infectados pelo HIV e naqueles que apresentam aumento de neutrófilos e da concentração de proteína no LCR. Nossos achados se justificam pelo fato de que na co-infecção com o HIV ocorre maior carga bacilífera em comparação aos pacientes não co-infectados. A presença de neutrofilorraquia e hiperproteinorraquia são marcadores de inflamação aguda, onde se supõe existir também maior concentração de bact

DNA methylation-histone modification relationships across the desmin locus in human primary cells

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Clelland Gayle K

2009-05-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background We present here an extensive epigenetic analysis of a 500 kb region, which encompasses the human desmin gene (DES and its 5' locus control region (LCR, the only muscle-specific transcriptional regulatory element of this type described to date. These data complement and extend Encyclopaedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE studies on region ENr133. We analysed histone modifications and underlying DNA methylation patterns in physiologically relevant DES expressing (myoblast/myotube and non-expressing (peripheral blood mononuclear primary human cells. Results We found that in expressing myoblast/myotube but not peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC cultures, histone H4 acetylation displays a broadly distributed enrichment across a gene rich 200 kb region whereas H3 acetylation localizes at the transcriptional start site (TSS of genes. We show that the DES LCR and TSS of DES are enriched with hyperacetylated domains of acetylated histone H3, with H3 lysine 4 di- and tri-methylation (H3K4me2 and me3 exhibiting a different distribution pattern across this locus. The CpG island that extends into the first intron of DES is methylation-free regardless of the gene's expression status and in non-expressing PBMCs is marked with histone H3 lysine 27 tri-methylation (H3K27me3. Conclusion Overall, our results constitute the first study correlating patterns of histone modifications and underlying DNA methylation of a muscle-specific LCR and its associated downstream gene region whilst additionally placing this within a much broader genomic context. Our results clearly show that there are distinct patterns of histone H3 and H4 acetylation and H3 methylation at the DES LCR, promoter and intragenic region. In addition, the presence of H3K27me3 at the DES methylation-free CpG only in non-expressing PBMCs may serve to silence this gene in non-muscle tissues. Generally, our work demonstrates the importance of using multiple, physiologically relevant

Spontaneous, local diastolic subsarcolemmal calcium releases in single, isolated guinea-pig sinoatrial nodal cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Sirenko, Syevda G; Yang, Dongmei; Maltseva, Larissa A; Kim, Mary S; Lakatta, Edward G; Maltsev, Victor A

2017-01-01

Uptake and release calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) (dubbed "calcium clock"), in the form of spontaneous, rhythmic, local diastolic calcium releases (LCRs), together with voltage-sensitive ion channels (membrane clock) form a coupled system that regulates the action potential (AP) firing rate. LCRs activate Sodium/Calcium exchanger (NCX) that accelerates diastolic depolarization and thus participating in regulation of the time at which the next AP will occur. Previous studies in rabbit SA node cells (SANC) demonstrated that the basal AP cycle length (APCL) is tightly coupled to the basal LCR period (time from the prior AP-induced Ca2+ transient to the diastolic LCR occurrence), and that this coupling is further modulated by autonomic receptor stimulation. Although spontaneous LCRs during diastolic depolarization have been reported in SANC of various species (rabbit, cat, mouse, toad), prior studies have failed to detect LCRs in spontaneously beating SANC of guinea-pig, a species that has been traditionally used in studies of cardiac pacemaker cell function. We performed a detailed investigation of whether guinea-pig SANC generate LCRs and whether they play a similar key role in regulation of the AP firing rate. We used two different approaches, 2D high-speed camera and classical line-scan confocal imaging. Positioning the scan-line beneath sarcolemma, parallel to the long axis of the cell, we found that rhythmically beating guinea-pig SANC do, indeed, generate spontaneous, diastolic LCRs beneath the surface membrane. The average key LCR characteristics measured in confocal images in guinea-pig SANC were comparable to rabbit SANC, both in the basal state and in the presence of β-adrenergic receptor stimulation. Moreover, the relationship between the LCR period and APCL was subtended by the same linear function. Thus, LCRs in guinea-pig SANC contribute to the diastolic depolarization and APCL regulation. Our findings indicate that coupled-clock system

Influence of Cu doping on the structural, electrical and optical ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

tions: They can be used as UV absorbent, antibacterial treatment material [10], catalytic ... inductance capacitance resistance (LCR) measurements and optical ... Hi-tester (Model:3522-50 Hioki, Japan) over the frequency range 100 .... A mathematical expression relating the crystallite size and strain-induced broadening.

Airborne gravity field Measurements - status and developments

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Olesen, Arne Vestergaard; Forsberg, René

2016-01-01

English Abstract:DTU-Space has since 1996 carried out large area airborne surveys over both polar, tropical and temperate regions, especially for geoid determination and global geopotential models. Recently we have started flying two gravimeters (LCR and Chekan-AM or inertial navigation systems) ...

Demystifying Controlling Copper Corrosion

Science.gov (United States)

The LCR systematically misses the highest health and corrosion risk sites for copper. Additionally, there are growing concerns for WWTP copper in sludges and discharge levels. There are many corrosion control differences between copper and lead. This talk explains the sometimes c...

Regression of oral lichenoid lesions after replacement of dental restorations.

Science.gov (United States)

Mårell, L; Tillberg, A; Widman, L; Bergdahl, J; Berglund, A

2014-05-01

The aim of the study was to determine the prognosis and to evaluate the regression of lichenoid contact reactions (LCR) and oral lichen planus (OLP) after replacement of dental restorative materials suspected as causing the lesions. Forty-four referred patients with oral lesions participated in a follow-up study that was initiated an average of 6 years after the first examination at the Department of Odontology, i.e. the baseline examination. The patients underwent odontological clinical examination and answered a questionnaire with questions regarding dental health, medical and psychological health, and treatments undertaken from baseline to follow-up. After exchange of dental materials, regression of oral lesions was significantly higher among patients with LCR than with OLP. As no cases with OLP regressed after an exchange of materials, a proper diagnosis has to be made to avoid unnecessary exchanges of intact restorations on patients with OLP.

Collimation system for a laboratory of primary and secondary ionizing radiation calibration

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oliveira, S.R.; David, M.G.

2003-01-01

This work is part of a cooperation plan between the LNMRI/IRD and the LCR/UERJ, for the a primary calibration at the IRD and a secondary laboratory at the LCR, both calibrated for mammographic beams which will be part a Calibration National Network. For the mounting of the primary laboratory, the first step was to install two additional collimators in order to guarantee that the beam area over the ionization chamber to satisfy the calibration international standards. So, the collimators were constructed obeying the geometric rules, the first being of conic format and the second of the cylindrical format, therefore avoiding the effects of the scattering radiation on the edges. By using this collimation system it was possible to verify the uniformity of the radiation field incident the ionization chamber to be over 98% of the total area, guaranteeing better precision of the measurement

Hepatoprotective potential of Lavandula coronopifolia extracts against ethanol induced oxidative stress-mediated cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Farshori, Nida Nayyar; Al-Sheddi, Ebtsam S; Al-Oqail, Mai M; Hassan, Wafaa H B; Al-Khedhairy, Abdulaziz A; Musarrat, Javed; Siddiqui, Maqsood A

2015-08-01

The present investigations were carried out to study the protective potential of four extracts (namely petroleum ether extract (LCR), chloroform extract (LCM), ethyl acetate extract (LCE), and alcoholic extract (LCL)) of Lavandula coronopifolia on oxidative stress-mediated cell death induced by ethanol, a known hepatotoxin in human hapatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. Cells were pretreated with LCR, LCM, LCE, and LCL extracts (10-50 μg/ml) of L. coronopifolia for 24 h and then ethanol was added and incubated further for 24 h. After the exposure, cell viability using (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and neutral red uptake assays and morphological changes in HepG2 cells were studied. Pretreatment with various extracts of L. coronpifolia was found to be significantly effective in countering the cytotoxic responses of ethanol. Antioxidant properties of these L. coronopifolia extracts against reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and glutathione (GSH) levels induced by ethanol were investigated. Results show that pretreatment with these extracts for 24 h significantly inhibited ROS generation and LPO induced and increased the GSH levels reduced by ethanol. The data from the study suggests that LCR, LCM, LCE, and LCL extracts of L. coronopifolia showed hepatoprotective activity against ethanol-induced damage in HepG2 cells. However, a comparative study revealed that the LCE extract was found to be the most effective and LCL the least effective. The hepatoprotective effects observed in the study could be associated with the antioxidant properties of these extracts of L. coronopifolia. © The Author(s) 2013.

Variation in the ovine cortisol response to systemic bacterial endotoxin challenge is predominantly determined by signalling within the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

You Qiumei; Karrow, Niel A.; Cao Honghe; Rodriguez, Alexander; Mallard, Bonnie A.; Boermans, Herman J.

2008-01-01

Bi-directional communication between the neuroendocrine and immune systems is designed, in part, to maintain or restore homeostasis during physiological stress. Exposure to endotoxin during Gram-negative bacterial infection for example, elicits the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA). The secretion of adrenal glucocorticoids subsequently down regulates the host inflammatory response, minimizing potential tissue damage. Sequence and epigenetic variants in genes involved in regulating the neuroendocrine and immune systems are likely to contribute to individual differences in the HPAA response, and this may influence the host anti-inflammatory response to toxin exposure and susceptibility to inflammatory disease. In this study, high (HCR) and low (LCR) cortisol responders were selected from a normal population of 110 female sheep challenged iv with Escherichia coli endotoxin (400 ng/kg) to identify potential determinants that contribute to variation in the cortisol response phenotype. This phenotype was stable over several years in the HCR and LCR animals, and did not appear to be attributed to differences in expression of hepatic immune-related genes or systemic pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations. Mechanistic studies using corticotrophin-releasing factor (0.5 μg/kg body weight), arginine vasopressin (0.5 μg/kg), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (0.5 μg/kg) administered iv demonstrated that variation in this phenotype is largely determined by signalling within the HPAA. Future studies will use this ovine HCR/LCR model to investigate potential genetic and epigenetic variants that may contribute to variation in cortisol responsiveness to bacterial endotoxin

L-Carnitine Ameliorates Immunological-induced Hepatitis in rats

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abd-Allah, Adel R.A.

2006-01-01

Immunological mediated hepatitis can be initiated by bacterial product; Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The later is increased during severe infection, bacterial overgrowth or translocation. LPS stimulates Kupffer cells. Activation of the kupffer cells contributes to the onset of liver injuries by producing and releasing cytotoxic agents, inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species. In the present study, L-carnitine, a natural antioxidant and immunoprotective agent, is used to protect against LPS-induced hepatitis. Liver content of glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and the DNA adduct 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-HDG) are estimated. Serum activity of liver enzymes ALT, AST, and Gamma-GT, in addition to IL2 level are also estimated. Moreover, liver histopathological changes are determined. Results revealed that LPS (5mg/kg once i.p) significantly increased 8-HDG, MDA, NO and depleted GSH in the liver of the treated rats. It also increased serum IL2 and activity of all the estimated liver enzyme markers indicating massive hepatic cellular damage as also shown as a necrotic damage in liver histological sections. LCR administered (500mg/kg) 3h before LPS protected against LPS-induced lethality by 100%. LCR also prevented the increase in liver content of 8-HDG, MDA and NO. It reduced the depleted GSH and prevented the necrotic damage in the liver tissue as shown by normalization of ALT, AST and Gamma-Gt as well as IL2 and a remarkable improvement in liver histology. These data suggest that LCr could be used as an adjuvant therapy in severely infected and specific patients to counteract LPS-induced liver hepatitis. (author)

Singlet oxygen explicit dosimetry to predict long-term local tumor control for BPD-mediated photodynamic therapy

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Michele M.; Penjweini, Rozhin; Ong, Yi Hong; Zhu, Timothy C.

2017-02-01

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a well-established treatment modality for cancer and other malignant diseases; however, quantities such as light fluence, photosensitizer photobleaching rate, and PDT dose do not fully account for all of the dynamic interactions between the key components involved. In particular, fluence rate (Φ) effects are not accounted for, which has a large effect on the oxygen consumption rate. In this preclinical study, reacted singlet oxygen [1O2]rx was investigated as a dosimetric quantity for PDT outcome. The ability of [1O2]rx to predict the long-term local tumor control rate (LCR) for BPD-mediated PDT was examined. Mice bearing radioactivelyinduced fibrosarcoma (RIF) tumors were treated with different in-air fluences (250, 300, and 350 J/cm2) and in-air ϕ (75, 100, and150 mW/cm2) with a BPD dose of 1 mg/kg and a drug-light interval of 3 hours. Treatment was delivered with a collimated laser beam of 1 cm diameter at 690 nm. Explicit dosimetry of initial tissue oxygen concentration, tissue optical properties, and BPD concentration was used to calculate [1O2]rx. Φ was calculated for the treatment volume based on Monte-Carlo simulations and measured tissue optical properties. Kaplan-Meier analyses for LCR were done for an endpoint of tumor volume defined as the product of the timeintegral of photosensitizer concentration and Φ at a 3 mm tumor depth. Preliminary studies show that [1O2]rx better correlates with LCR and is an effective dosimetric quantity that can predict treatment outcome.

Human γ-globin genes silenced independently of other genes in the β-globin locus.

NARCIS (Netherlands)

N.O. Dillon (Niall); F.G. Grosveld (Frank)

1991-01-01

textabstractErythropoiesis during human development is characterized by switches in expression of beta-like globin genes during the transition from the embryonic through fetal to adult stages. Activation and high-level expression of the genes is directed by the locus control region (LCR), located 5'

Drift reduction in strapdown airborne gravimetry using a simple thermal correction

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Becker, David; Nielsen, J. Emil; Ayres-Sampaio, Diogo

2015-01-01

Previous work has shown, that strapdown airborne gravimeters can have a comparable or even superior performance in the higher frequency domain (resolution of few kilometres), compared to classical stable-platform air gravimeters using springs, such as the LaCoste and Romberg (LCR) S-gravimeter. H...

77 FR 27186 - Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish

Science.gov (United States)

2012-05-09

... and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS... Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to help guide management and conservation efforts. The applications may be... salmon, and LCR steelhead. The purpose of this research is to determine fish species presence and...

Comparison between open and arthroscopic procedure for lateral clavicle resection

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Duindam, N.; Kuiper, J.W.P.; Hoozemans, M.J.M.; Burger, B.J.

2014-01-01

Purpose: Arthroscopic lateral clavicle resection (LCR) is increasingly used, compared to an open approach, but literature does not clearly indicate which approach is preferable. The goal of this study was to compare function and pain between patients who underwent lateral clavicle resection using an

Structural characterization and properties of YCrO3 nanoparticles ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

2018-02-05

Feb 5, 2018 ... C. As-prepared YCrO3 nanoparticles were characterized by various sophisticated techniques like. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analyzer, high frequency. LCR-meter, superconducting quantum interface device magnetometer and P–E loop ...

34 CFR 222.39 - How does a State educational agency identify generally comparable local educational agencies for...

Science.gov (United States)

2010-07-01

..., low-income families, children with disabilities, neglected or delinquent children, low-achieving..., DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION IMPACT AID PROGRAMS Payments for Federally Connected Children Under Section 8003(b... fiscal year for which the LCR is being computed—20 percent or more of its ADA composed of children...

A comparison of stable platform and strapdown airborne gravity

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Glennie, C.L.; Schwarz, K.P.; Bruton, A.M.

2000-01-01

To date, operational airborne gravity results have been obtained using either a damped two-axis stable platform gravimeter system such as the LaCoste and Romberg (LCR) S-model marine gravimeter or a strapdown inertial navigation system (INS), showing comparable accuracies. In June 1998 three flight...

Estimating disperser abundance using open population models that incorporate data from continuous detection PIT arrays

Science.gov (United States)

Dzul, Maria C.; Yackulic, Charles B.; Korman, Josh

2017-01-01

Autonomous passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag antenna systems continuously detect individually marked organisms at one or more fixed points over long time periods. Estimating abundance using data from autonomous antennae can be challenging, because these systems do not detect unmarked individuals. Here we pair PIT antennae data from a tributary with mark-recapture sampling data in a mainstem river to estimate the number of fish moving from the mainstem to the tributary. We then use our model to estimate abundance of non-native rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss that move from the Colorado River to the Little Colorado River (LCR), the latter of which is important spawning and rearing habitat for federally-endangered humpback chub Gila cypha. We estimate 226 rainbow trout (95% CI: 127-370) entered the LCR from October 2013-April 2014. We discuss the challenges of incorporating detections from autonomous PIT antenna systems into mark-recapture population models, particularly in regards to using information about spatial location to estimate movement and detection probabilities.

Optimal residential smart appliances scheduling considering distribution network constraints

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yu-Ree Kim

2016-01-01

Full Text Available As smart appliances (SAs are more widely adopted within distribution networks, residential consumers can contribute to electricity market operations with demand response resources and reduce their electricity bill. However, if the schedules of demand response resources are determined only by the economic electricity rate signal, the schedule can be unfeasible due to the distribution network constraints. Furthermore, it is impossible for consumers to understand the complex physical characteristics and reflect them in their everyday behaviors. This paper introduces the concept of load coordinating retailer (LCR that deals with demand responsive appliances to reduce electrical consumption for the given distribution network constraints. The LCR can play the role of both conventional retailer and aggregated demand response provider for residential customers. It determines the optimal schedules for the aggregated neighboring SAs according to their types within each distribution feeder. The optimization algorithms are developed using Mixed Integer Linear Programming, and the distribution network is solved by the Newton–Raphson AC power flow.

Multiple antigens of Yersinia pestis delivered by live recombinant attenuated Salmonella vaccine strains elicit protective immunity against plague.

Science.gov (United States)

Sanapala, Shilpa; Rahav, Hannah; Patel, Hetal; Sun, Wei; Curtiss, Roy

2016-05-05

Based on our improved novel Salmonella vaccine delivery platform, we optimized the recombinant attenuated Salmonella typhimurium vaccine (RASV) χ12094 to deliver multiple Yersinia pestis antigens. These included LcrV196 (amino acids, 131-326), Psn encoded on pYA5383 and F1 encoded in the chromosome, their synthesis did not cause adverse effects on bacterial growth. Oral immunization with χ12094(pYA5383) simultaneously stimulated high antibody titers to LcrV, Psn and F1 in mice and presented complete protection against both subcutaneous (s.c.) and intranasal (i.n.) challenges with high lethal doses of Y. pestis CO92. Moreover, no deaths or other disease symptoms were observed in SCID mice orally immunized with χ12094(pYA5383) over a 60-day period. Therefore, the trivalent S. typhimurium-based live vaccine shows promise for a next-generation plague vaccine. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stress-Triggered Phase Separation Is an Adaptive, Evolutionarily Tuned Response

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Riback, Joshua A.; Katanski, Christopher D.; Kear-Scott, Jamie L.; Pilipenko, Evgeny V.; Rojek, Alexandra E.; Sosnick, Tobin R.; Drummond, D. Allan

2017-03-01

In eukaryotic cells, diverse stresses trigger coalescence of RNA-binding proteins into stress granules. In vitro, stress-granule-associated proteins can demix to form liquids, hydrogels, and other assemblies lacking fixed stoichiometry. Observing these phenomena has generally required conditions far removed from physiological stresses. We show that poly(A)-binding protein (Pab1 in yeast), a defining marker of stress granules, phase separates and forms hydrogels in vitro upon exposure to physiological stress conditions. Other RNA-binding proteins depend upon low-complexity regions (LCRs) or RNA for phase separation, whereas Pab1’s LCR is not required for demixing, and RNA inhibits it. Based on unique evolutionary patterns, we create LCR mutations, which systematically tune its biophysical properties and Pab1 phase separation in vitro and in vivo. Mutations that impede phase separation reduce organism fitness during prolonged stress. Poly(A)-binding protein thus acts as a physiological stress sensor, exploiting phase separation to precisely mark stress onset, a broadly generalizable mechanism.

Chlorogenic acid, anthocyanin and flavan-3-ol biosynthesis in flesh and skin of Andean potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum subsp. andigena).

Science.gov (United States)

Valiñas, Matías Ariel; Lanteri, María Luciana; Ten Have, Arjen; Andreu, Adriana Balbina

2017-08-15

Natural variation of Andean potato was used to study the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds. Levels of phenolic compounds and corresponding structural gene transcripts were examined in flesh and skin of tubers. Phenolic acids, mainly chlorogenic acid (CGA), represent the major compounds, followed by anthocyanins and flavan-3-ols. High-anthocyanin varieties have high levels of CGA. Both metabolite and transcript levels were higher in skin than in flesh and showed a good correspondence. Two hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA transferases (HCT/HQT) have been involved in CGA production, of which HCT reflects CGA levels. Catechin was found in pigmented tissues whereas epicatechin was restricted to tuber skin. Transcripts of leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LCR), which generates catechin, could not be detected. Anthocyanidin reductase (ANR) transcripts, the enzyme responsible for epicatechin production, showed similar levels among samples. These data suggest that the biosynthesis of flavan-3-ols in potato tuber would require ANR but not LCR and that an epimerization process is involved. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Review of a model to assess stranding of juvenile salmon by ship wakes along the Lower Columbia River, Oregon and Washington

Science.gov (United States)

Kock, Tobias J.; Plumb, John M.; Adams, Noah S.

2013-01-01

Long period wake waves from deep draft vessels have been shown to strand small fish, particularly juvenile Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tschawytcha, in the lower Columbia River (LCR). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for maintaining the shipping channel in the LCR and recently conducted dredging operations to deepen the shipping channel from an authorized depth of 40 feet(ft) to an authorized depth of 43 ft (in areas where rapid shoaling was expected, dredging operations were used to increase the channel depth to 48 ft). A model was developed to estimate stranding probabilities for juvenile salmon under the 40- and 43-ft channel scenarios, to determine if channel deepening was going to affect wake stranding (Assessment of potential stranding of juvenile salmon by ship wakes along the Lower Columbia River under scenarios of ship traffic and channel depth: Report prepared for the Portland District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland, Oregon). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers funded the U.S. Geological Survey to review this model. A total of 30 review questions were provided to guide the review process, and these questions are addressed in this report. In general, we determined that the analyses by Pearson (2011) were appropriate given the data available. We did identify two areas where additional information could have been provided: (1) a more thorough description of model diagnostics and model selection would have been useful for the reader to better understand the model framework; and (2) model uncertainty should have been explicitly described and reported in the document. Stranding probability estimates between the 40- and 43-ft channel depths were minimally different under most of the scenarios that were examined by Pearson (2011), and a discussion of the effects of uncertainty given these minimal differences would have been useful. Ultimately, however, a stochastic (or simulation) model would provide the best opportunity to illustrate

Gut microbiota are linked to increased susceptibility to hepatic steatosis in low aerobic capacity rats fed an acute high fat diet

Science.gov (United States)

Poor aerobic fitness is linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and increased all-cause mortality. We previously found that low capacity running (LCR) rats fed acute high fat diet (HFD; 45% kcal from fat) for 3 days resulted in positive energy balance and increased hepatic steatosis compared with...

Inhibitory effect on Streptococcus mutans and mechanical properties of the chitosan containing composite resin

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ji-Sun Kim

2013-02-01

Full Text Available Objectives This study evaluated the antibacterial effect and mechanical properties of composite resins (LCR, MCR, HCR incorporating chitosan with three different molecular weights (L, Low; M, Medium; H, High. Materials and Methods Streptococcus (S. mutans 100 mL and each chitosan powder were inoculated in sterilized 10 mL Brain-Heart Infusion (BHI solution, and was centrifuged for 12 hr. Absorbance of the supernatent was measured at OD660 to estimate the antibacterial activities of chitosan. After S. mutans was inoculated in the disc shaped chitosan-containing composite resins, the disc was cleansed with BHI and diluted with serial dilution method. S. mutans was spread on Mitis-salivarius bacitracin agar. After then, colony forming unit (CFU was measured to verify the inhibitory effect on S. mutans biofilm. To ascertain the effect on the mechanical properties of composite resin, 3-point bending and Vickers hardness tests were done after 1 and 3 wk water storage, respectively. Using 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA and Scheffe test, statistical analysis was done with 95% significance level. Results All chitosan powder showed inhibition effect against S. mutans. CFU number in chitosan-containing composite resins was smaller than that of control resin without chitosan. The chitosan containing composite resins did not show any significant difference in flexural strength and Vickers hardness in comparison with the control resin. However, the composite resin, MCR showed a slightly decreased flexural strength and the maximum load than those of control and the other composite resins HCR and LCR. Conclusions LCR and HCR would be recommended as a feasible antibacterial restorative due to its antibacterial nature and mechanical properties.

Singlet oxygen explicit dosimetry to predict long-term local tumor control for Photofrin-mediated photodynamic therapy

Science.gov (United States)

Penjweini, Rozhin; Kim, Michele M.; Ong, Yi Hong; Zhu, Timothy C.

2017-02-01

Although photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an established modality for the treatment of cancer, current dosimetric quantities do not account for the variations in PDT oxygen consumption for different fluence rates (φ). In this study we examine the efficacy of reacted singlet oxygen concentration ([1O2]rx) to predict long-term local control rate (LCR) for Photofrin-mediated PDT. Radiation-induced fibrosarcoma (RIF) tumors in the right shoulders of female C3H mice are treated with different in-air fluences of 225-540 J/cm2 and in-air fluence rate (φair) of 50 and 75 mW/cm2 at 5 mg/kg Photofrin and a drug-light interval of 24 hours using a 1 cm diameter collimated laser beam at 630 nm wavelength. [1O2]rx is calculated by using a macroscopic model based on explicit dosimetry of Photofrin concentration, tissue optical properties, tissue oxygenation and blood flow changes during PDT. The tumor volume of each mouse is tracked for 90 days after PDT and Kaplan-Meier analyses for LCR are performed based on a tumor volume defined as a temporal integral of photosensitizer concentration and Φ at a 3 mm tumor depth. φ is calculated throughout the treatment volume based on Monte-Carlo simulation and measured tissue optical properties. Our preliminary studies show that [1O2]rx is the best dosimetric quantity that can predict tumor response and correlate with LCR. Moreover, [1O2]rx calculated using the blood flow changes was in agreement with [1O2]rx calculated based on the actual tissue oxygenation.

C3c intrathecal synthesis evaluation in patients with multiple sclerosis Evaluación de la síntesis intratecal de C3c en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bárbara Padilla-Docal

2007-09-01

Full Text Available INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS is a chronic, inflammatory and progressive disease of the central nervous system in which local inflammatory injuries of the brain white matter appears, being the most outstanding feature the myeline loss (demyelination. OBJECTIVE: To determine if the complement system might be involved in the MS immunopathogeny favouring the mechanism intervening in the myelin destruction. METHOD: Samples of sera and CSF from twelve patients with a diagnosis of MS obtained at the moment of the admission to the hospital at the beginning of the break out, were collected. Levels of C3c and albumin in sera and in CSF were quantified using radial immunodiffusion plates. RESULTS: High values over 80% of intrathecal synthesis were obtained except in one of the patients. CONCLUSION: Intrathecal synthesis of C3c and its liberation to the CSF means that the activation of the complement system in any of the two ways has taken place, and that once performed its biological functions, has suffered a degradation process.INTRODUCCIÓN: La esclerosis múltiple (EM es una enfermedad crónica, inflamatoria y progresiva del sistema nervioso central que cursa con la aparición de lesiones inflamatorias focales en la sustancia blanca cerebral, en las que lo más llamativo es la pérdida de mielina (desmielinización. OBJETIVO: Conocer si el sistema de complemento puede estar involucrado en la inmunopatogenia de la EM favoreciendo los mecanismos que median la destrucción de la mielina. MÉTODO: Se colectaron muestras de suero y LCR de doce pacientes con diagnóstico de EM obtenidas en el momento del ingreso al inicio del brote. Se cuantificaron los niveles de C3c y albúmina en suero y en LCR en placas de inmunodifusión radial. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron altos valores que superan el 80% de síntesis intratecal, menos en uno de los pacientes. CONCLUSION: La síntesis intratecal de C3c y su liberación al LCR significa que ha sucedido la activaci

Nb2O5

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Unknown

Temperature-variation was carried out in a cell (connected to the LCR meter) inserted in a small furnace which was controlled by a temperature controller. The high frequency dielectric constant of various samples were measured at. ~14 GHz by coupling the dielectric resonator to a microstripline. 3. Results and discussion.

Psoriasis

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Linder, Michael Dennis; Piaserico, Stefano; Augustin, Matthias

2016-01-01

and patterns of risk. We argue that concepts from LCR and LCE could be widely applied in dermatology, in general, and, more precisely, in the study of chronic inflammatory skin diseases, e.g. atopic eczema and psoriasis. The life course approach can generally be applied in two different ways. It may be used...

Role of polyvinyl alcohol in the conductivity behaviour of ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

ity value approaching that of liquid electrolytes. On account of ... cal conductivity measurements were performed on a Hioki make LCR meter (Model. 3520) in ... be correlated to loosening of the macromolecular chains in the presence of PVA. ... Thus the observed broadness (393–433 K) can be assigned to co-existence of.

Electrical characterization of zirconium substituted barium titanate ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Nyquist (Cole–Cole) plots show both inter and intra grain boundary ... talline solids in a wide range of frequencies and temperature. ... measurements were carried out using a precision. LCR meter (HP 4284A) at an oscillation amplitude of 1 V. Impedance measurements were carried out in the tempera- ture range of 300.

Scintigraphy of the Pericerebral Subarachnoidspaces; Scintigraphie des Espaces Sous-Arachnoidiens Pericerebraux

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Oberson, R.; Martini, T. [Institut Universitaire de Radiologie Medicale, Hopital Cantonal, Lausanne (Switzerland)

1969-05-15

-auricular shunt of the C.S.F. in cases of symptomatic hydrocephalus of traumatic or occult origin in adult or child patients. The study was based on an analysis of over 100 scintigrams of the pericerebral subarachnoid cavities. From this, the authors were gradually able to work out the normal and pathological symptomatology of this field, from the point of view of both cisternal morphology and fluid hydrodynamics. (author) [French] L'exploration des espaces sous-arachnoiediens pericerebraux par les radioisotopes (cisternographie radioisotopique ou 'RISA- cisternography' ) prend une place de plus en plus importante parmi les techniques neuroradioisotopiques de diagnostic. Elle fournit de precieux renseignements sur la permeabilite des espaces sous-arachnoiediens et sur la dynamique du liquide cephalo-rachidien (LCR). On doit actuellement la considerer comme indispensable et irremplacable dans le diagnostic de certaines affections neurologiques, tout comme la gamma-encephalographie et les techniques neuroradiologiques plus classiques (angiographie et pneumographie cerebrales). En effet, cet examen est seul a preciser l'aspect morphologique global des espaces sous-arachnoiediens pericerebraux; tout en renseignant sur la permeabilite des citernes pericerebrales et des sillons de la convexite, il fournit une image scintigraphique typique et symetrique, facile a observer, de face et de profil, des voies principales de circulation du LCR cisternal. L'image scintigraphique d'une citerne indique qu'elle est permeable et que l'espace sous-jacent l'est aussi. Du point de vue dynamique, la cisternographie radioisotopique, outre la demonstration par voie scintigraphique de la permeabilite des citernes, met en evidence le schema normal ou pathologique de la dynamique du LCR. Le schema normal de progression du LCR est actuellement bien etabli. Il est du plus haut interet de le connaitre afin de distinguer deja quelques syndromes pathologiques: la presence d'une fistule de LCR (la

Deteccion de antigeno del polisacarido capsular de Cryptococcus neoformans en pacientes con SIDA y neurocriptococosis en São Paulo, Brasil

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

B. Calvo

1991-12-01

Full Text Available Antígeno del polisacárido capsular (Ag PC de Cryptococcus neoformans fue detectado por la técnica de aglutinación de latex (AL en LCR y suero de pacientes con Sindrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida (SIDA y primer episodio de neurocriptococosis, usando como patrón el examen micológico (examen directo y cultivo de LCR. Se obtuvo una sensibilidad del 100% de AL para detectar AgPC de C. neoformans, el cual por su rápidez permite tratamiento específico precoz. Títulos iniciales de AgPC de la levadura en esos pacientes pueden ser > 1.000.000, pareciendo que cuando esos títulos están presentes en suero, se relacionan con mortalidad durante el tratamiento. En los pacientes que sobrevivieron se observó que el examen micológico directo y AgPC de C. neoformans, en LCR y suero, permanecen positivos aún después de tratamiento y mejoría clínica del paciente.Capsular polysaccharide antigen (AgPC of Cryptococcus neoformans was detected by latex agglutination technique (LA in cerebrospinal fluid and serum of patients with AIDS during their first central nervous system manifestation of the disease. Direct mycological examination and culture were used as controls. Sensitivity was 100% by LA allowing an early specific treatment of cryptococcosis. Initial titres of AgPC in such patients can be > 1000000 and it appears that when such titres are present in the serum they are related to mortality during treatment. Surviving patients showed positivity of the direct mycological examination and AgPC of C. neoformans in cerebrospinal fluid and sera even after treatment and clinical recovery.

Issues concerning the determination of solubility products of sparingly soluble crystalline solids. Solubility of HfO{sub 2}(cr)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rai, Dhanpat [Rai Enviro-Chem, LLC, Yachats, OR (United States); Kitamura, Akira [Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Ibaraki (Japan); Rosso, Kevin M. [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA (United States); Sasaki, Takayuki; Kobayashi, Taishi [Kyoto Univ. (Japan)

2016-11-01

Solubility studies were conducted with HfO{sub 2}(cr) solid as a function HCl and ionic strength ranging from 2.0 to 0.004 mol kg{sup -1}. These studies involved (1) using two different amounts of the solid phase, (2) acid washing the bulk solid phase, (3) preheating the solid phase to 1400 C, and (4) heating amorphous HfO{sub 2}(am) suspensions to 90 C to ascertain whether the HfO{sub 2}(am) converts to HfO{sub 2}(cr) and to determine the solubility from the oversaturation direction. Based on the results of these treatments it is concluded that the HfO{sub 2}(cr) contains a small fraction of less crystalline, but not amorphous, material [HfO{sub 2}(lcr)] and this, rather than the HfO{sub 2}(cr), is the solubility-controlling phase in the range of experimental variables investigated in this study. The solubility data are interpreted using both the Pitzer and SIT models and they provide log{sub 10} K{sup 0} values of -(59.75±0.35) and -(59.48±0.41), respectively, for the solubility product of HfO{sub 2}(lcr)[HfO{sub 2}(lcr) + 2H{sub 2}O ↔ Hf{sup 4+} + 4OH{sup -}]. The log{sub 10} of the solubility product of HfO{sub 2}(cr) is estimated to be < -63. The observation of a small fraction of less crystalline higher solubility material is consistent with the general picture that mineral surfaces are often structurally and/or compositionally imperfect leading to a higher solubility than the bulk crystalline solid. This study stresses the urgent need, during interpretation of solubility data, of taking precautions to make certain that the observed solubility behavior for sparingly-soluble solids is assigned to the proper solid phase.

Índices para estimar o tempo transcorrido entre o surto hemorrágico subaracnóideo e a colheita de líquido cefalorraqueano Appraisement of the time elapsed between cerebro-vascular accidents and cerebrospinal fluid examination. An experimental study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

José M. Marlet

1973-12-01

Full Text Available O autor simulou, experimentalmente, acidente vascular cerebral hemorrágico em cães injetando sangue do próprio animal no espaço subaracnóideo, colhendo amostras diárias de LCR durante 14 dias, sendo estudada a evolução das concentrações de oxiemoglobina e de bilirrubina, empregando métodos espectrofotométricos. Define um coeficiente hemoglobínico como a relação entre a concentração de oxiemoglobina e o total de pigmentos do LCR e um índice hemoglobina-bilirrubina como a relação entre as concentrações de oxiemoglobina e bilirrubina. Depois do tratamento estatístico, chega à conclusão de que ambos permitem estimar o tempo transcorrido desde o surto hemorrágico subaracnóideo e a colheita de LCR. São apresentadas sugestões quanto à aplicabilidade prática destes indicadores em Neurologia e Medicina Preventiva.Hemorrhagic cerebro-vascular accidents were simulated in dogs by injecting their own blood in the subarachnoidal space. Gathering daily samples of cerebrospinal fluid during 14 days the evolution of the concentrations of oxyhemoglobin and bilirubin using the spectrosphotometric method was studied. The author defines hemoglobin coefficient as being the relatinship between the oxyhemoglobin concentration and the sum of the cerebrospinal fluid pigments and the hemoglobin-bilirubin index as the relationship between the oxyhemoglobin and the bilirubin concentration. After statistical treatment the author concludes that both permit to calculate the time span between the subarachnoidal hemorrhage and the examination of the cerebrospinal fluid. Some suggestions on the practical applicability of these indexes in Clinical Neurology and Preventive Medicine are discussed.

Can neck irradiation be an alternative to neck dissection in early stage carcinoma oral tongue operated for primary alone? Experience from a single institute

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sushmita Ghoshal

2016-07-01

Full Text Available Purpose: To study pattern of failure, locoregional control rates (LCR and disease free survival (DFS in post-operative patients of carcinoma oral tongue, and to study the impact of nodal dissection on DFS in stage I and II patients.Methods: 102 patients of carcinoma oral tongue treated between January 2009 and December 2013 were analyzed. All patients were operated for primary disease, but neck dissection was done in 78 (76.5% patients only. However, radiation to primary site along with neck region was received by all patients. Pattern of failure, LCR and DFS were estimated.Results: At median follow up of 12 months, 10.8% patients failed locally, 10.8% in nodal region, 2.9% both at local and nodal site, and 5.9% patients failed distally. 2 year LCR and DFS was 71.2%, 90.9%, 79.5%, 0% and 55.2%, 64.4%, 57.8%, 0% in stage I, II, III, IV respectively. 2 year DFS in stage I patients, who underwent nodal dissection and post-operative radiation (14 patients was 64.3% and in whom only neck irradiation was done (15 patients, it was 45.8%, however difference was not significant (p = 0.5. But in stage II patients, 33 patients who underwent nodal dissection and post-operative radiation, 2 year DFS was 85.4% and it was 21.4% in 7 patients who underwent neck radiation only, and difference showed trend towards significance (p = 0.05. 2 or more positive lymph nodes post dissection was the only poor prognostic factor that correlated with DFS (p = 0.02Conclusion: While in stage I, neck irradiation alone can be a possible alternative to neck dissection and post-operative radiation; for stage II, neck dissection is mandatory.

Crosstalk between mitochondrial and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ cycling modulates cardiac pacemaker cell automaticity.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yael Yaniv

Full Text Available Mitochondria dynamically buffer cytosolic Ca(2+ in cardiac ventricular cells and this affects the Ca(2+ load of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR. In sinoatrial-node cells (SANC the SR generates periodic local, subsarcolemmal Ca(2+ releases (LCRs that depend upon the SR load and are involved in SANC automaticity: LCRs activate an inward Na(+-Ca(2+ exchange current to accelerate the diastolic depolarization, prompting the ensemble of surface membrane ion channels to generate the next action potential (AP.To determine if mitochondrial Ca(2+ (Ca(2+ (m, cytosolic Ca(2+ (Ca(2+ (c-SR-Ca(2+ crosstalk occurs in single rabbit SANC, and how this may relate to SANC normal automaticity.Inhibition of mitochondrial Ca(2+ influx into (Ru360 or Ca(2+ efflux from (CGP-37157 decreased [Ca(2+](m to 80 ± 8% control or increased [Ca(2+](m to 119 ± 7% control, respectively. Concurrent with inhibition of mitochondrial Ca(2+ influx or efflux, the SR Ca(2+ load, and LCR size, duration, amplitude and period (imaged via confocal linescan significantly increased or decreased, respectively. Changes in total ensemble LCR Ca(2+ signal were highly correlated with the change in the SR Ca(2+ load (r(2 = 0.97. Changes in the spontaneous AP cycle length (Ru360, 111 ± 1% control; CGP-37157, 89 ± 2% control in response to changes in [Ca(2+](m were predicted by concurrent changes in LCR period (r(2 = 0.84.A change in SANC Ca(2+ (m flux translates into a change in the AP firing rate by effecting changes in Ca(2+ (c and SR Ca(2+ loading, which affects the characteristics of spontaneous SR Ca(2+ release.

Issues concerning the determination of solubility products of sparingly soluble crystalline solids. Solubility of HfO2(cr)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rai, Dhanpat; Kitamura, Akira; Rosso, Kevin M.; Sasaki, Takayuki; Kobayashi, Taishi

2016-01-01

Solubility studies were conducted with HfO 2 (cr) solid as a function HCl and ionic strength ranging from 2.0 to 0.004 mol kg -1 . These studies involved (1) using two different amounts of the solid phase, (2) acid washing the bulk solid phase, (3) preheating the solid phase to 1400 C, and (4) heating amorphous HfO 2 (am) suspensions to 90 C to ascertain whether the HfO 2 (am) converts to HfO 2 (cr) and to determine the solubility from the oversaturation direction. Based on the results of these treatments it is concluded that the HfO 2 (cr) contains a small fraction of less crystalline, but not amorphous, material [HfO 2 (lcr)] and this, rather than the HfO 2 (cr), is the solubility-controlling phase in the range of experimental variables investigated in this study. The solubility data are interpreted using both the Pitzer and SIT models and they provide log 10 K 0 values of -(59.75±0.35) and -(59.48±0.41), respectively, for the solubility product of HfO 2 (lcr)[HfO 2 (lcr) + 2H 2 O ↔ Hf 4+ + 4OH - ]. The log 10 of the solubility product of HfO 2 (cr) is estimated to be < -63. The observation of a small fraction of less crystalline higher solubility material is consistent with the general picture that mineral surfaces are often structurally and/or compositionally imperfect leading to a higher solubility than the bulk crystalline solid. This study stresses the urgent need, during interpretation of solubility data, of taking precautions to make certain that the observed solubility behavior for sparingly-soluble solids is assigned to the proper solid phase.

Hemorragia subaracnoídea com tomografia de crânio sem sinais de sangramento Subarachnoidal hemorrhage with cranial tomography without bleeding signals

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Silvio Francisco

1997-09-01

Full Text Available Foram observados 23 casos de pacientes com suspeita clínica de hemorragia subaracnoídea (HSA, com tomografia de crânio (CT sem sinais de sangramento, com diagnóstico definitivo realizado por exame de líquido cefalorraquiano(LCR. Desses, 20 casos foram submetidos a angiografia cerebral. Estabeleceu-se a classificação clínica de Hunt & Hess. Os principais achados neste estudo foram:1 um terço dos pacientes apresentou intervalo de tempo entre o ictus e a realização da CT e do LCR entre 24 e 48 horas, período de maior sensiblidade da CT; 2 dos pacientes estudados com angiografia cerebral, 55% tiveram o diagnóstico de aneurisma com predomínio no território de carótida e cerebral anterior; 3 o grau clínico dominante foi Hunt & Hess I e II. Todos os achados encontrados demonstraram a necessidade da realização de LCR em suspeita de HSA sem sinais de sangramento na CT.We observed 23 pacients with clinical hypothesis of subarachnoidal hemorrhage (SAH having cranial tomography (CT without bleeding signals. The final diagnosis of SAH was made upon the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF results. Twenty cases were submitted to brain angiography. They were focused under the clinical classification of Hunt & Hess. The main results were: 1 1/3 of patients had interval time between 24 and 48 hours after ictus and before CT and CSF making; this was the most sensitive CT time; 2 55% of patients with brain angiography had aneurysm predominantly in the carotid and anterior cerebral artery territory; 3 the dominant clinical degree was Hunt & Hess I e II. Conclusion: the results demonstrate the need of CSF test in case of SAH clinical diagnosis with CT showing no bleeding signals.

Determination of soluble ICAM-1 and TNFalphaR in the cerebrospinal fluid and serum levels in a population of Brazilian patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis Determinação dos níveis de ICAM-1 e TNFalfaR solúvel no líquido cefalorraqueano e soro numa população de pacientes brasileiros com esclerose múltipla forma surto-remissão

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Soniza Vieira Alves-Leon

2001-03-01

Full Text Available Cytokines and adhesion molecules have been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS, a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. In this study we analyzed intrathecal (CSF and serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1 and TNFalphaR (60kD from 20 patients with clinically definite MS during acute relapse or stable disease. Comparing to control groups of healthy individuals and patients with intervertebral herniated disc, MS patients showed increased levels (pCitocinas e moléculas de adesão estão implicadas na patogênese da esclerose múltipla (EM, uma doença inflamatória crônica do sistema nervoso central. Neste estudo, nós determinamos os níveis solúveis da molécula de adesão intercelular (sICAM-1 e TNFalfaR (60kD no soro e líquido cefalorraqueano (LCR de 20 pacientes com EM clinicamente definida durante surto ou remissão. Os pacientes com EM apresentaram, em comparação com os grupos controle formados por indivíduos sadios e com hérnia de disco intervertebral submetidos a mielografia, níveis significativamente (p< 0.001 elevados de sICAM-1 e TNFalfaR tanto no soro como no LCR. Independente do estágio da doença, nenhuma diferença significativa foi encontrada entre os pacientes durante o surto (657±124.9 ng/ml ou na remissão (627±36.2 ng/ml. Um aumento consistente dos níveis de TNFalfaR no soro e LCR, apontam para a existência de processo inflamatório continuado no tecido cerebral dos pacientes com EM, a despeito da ausência de sinais clínicos de doença em atividade.

Virulence Plasmid (pYV-Associated Expression of Phenotypic Virulent Determinants in Pathogenic Yersinia Species: A Convenient Method for Monitoring the Presence of pYV under Culture Conditions and Its Application for Isolation/Detection of Yersinia pestis in Food

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Saumya Bhaduri

2011-01-01

Full Text Available In Yersinia pestis, Y. pseudotuberculosis, and Y. enterocolitica, phenotypic expression of virulence plasmid (pYV: 70-kb-associated genetic determinants may include low-calcium response (Lcr, pinpoint colony, size = 0.36 mm, colony morphology (size = 1.13 mm, crystal violet (CV binding (dark-violet colony, Congo Red (CR uptake (red pinpoint colony, size = 0.36 mm, autoagglutination (AA = cells agglutinate, and hydrophobicity (HP = clumping of cells. Y. pseudotuberculosis is chromosomally closely related to Y. pestis; whereas, Y. enterocolitica is chromosomally more distantly related to Y. pestis and Y. pseudotuberculosis. All three species demonstrate Lcr, CV binding, and CR uptake. The colony morphology/size, AA, and HP characteristics are expressed in both Y. pseudotuberculosis and Y. enterocolitica but not in Y. pestis. Congo red uptake in Y. pestis was demonstrated only on calcium-deficient CR magnesium oxalate tryptic soy agar (CR-MOX, whereas this phenotype was expressed on both CR-MOX and low-calcium agarose media in Y. pseudotuberculosis and Y. enterocolitica. These phenotypes were detectable at 37°C within 24 h in Y. enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis but did not appear until 48 h in Y. pestis due to its slower growth rate at 37°C. The pYV is unstable (i.e., easily lost under a variety of culture conditions in all three species but is more unstable in Y. pestis. The specific CR uptake by Y. pestis in CR-MOX and the delayed time interval to express Lcr and CR uptake provide a means to differentiate Y. pestis from Y. enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis. These differences in pYV expression in Y. pestis can be used for its isolation and detection in food.

Preparation of nanocrystalline ferroelectric BaNb2O6 by citrate gel ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Unknown

microscopic (TEM) investigations revealed that the average particle size is 50 nm for the calcined powders. The room temperature dielectric constant at 1 kHz is found to be 1000. ... hysteresis loop parameters were measured with the aid of a home-built Sawyer-Tower circuit. A LCR meter was used to measure the room ...

Portable water quality monitoring system

Science.gov (United States)

Nizar, N. B.; Ong, N. R.; Aziz, M. H. A.; Alcain, J. B.; Haimi, W. M. W. N.; Sauli, Z.

2017-09-01

Portable water quality monitoring system was a developed system that tested varied samples of water by using different sensors and provided the specific readings to the user via short message service (SMS) based on the conditions of the water itself. In this water quality monitoring system, the processing part was based on a microcontroller instead of Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) machines to receive the results. By using four main sensors, this system obtained the readings based on the detection of the sensors, respectively. Therefore, users can receive the readings through SMS because there was a connection between Arduino Uno and GSM Module. This system was designed to be portable so that it would be convenient for users to carry it anywhere and everywhere they wanted to since the processor used is smaller in size compared to the LCR machines. It was also developed to ease the user to monitor and control the water quality. However, the ranges of the sensors' detection still a limitation in this study.

Identification of a 450-bp region of human papillomavirus type 1 that promotes episomal replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chattopadhyay, Anasuya; Schmidt, Martin C.; Khan, Saleem A.

2005-01-01

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) replicate as nuclear plasmids in infected cells. Since the DNA replication machinery is generally conserved between humans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we studied whether HPV-1 DNA can replicate in yeast. Plasmids containing a selectable marker (with or without a yeast centromere) and either the full-length HPV-1 genome or various regions of the viral long control region (LCR) and the 3' end of the L1 gene were introduced into S. cerevisiae and their ability to replicate episomally was investigated. Our results show that HPV-1 sequences promote episomal replication of plasmids although the yeast centromere is required for plasmid retention. We have mapped the autonomously replicating sequence activity of HPV-1 DNA to a 450 base-pair sequence (HPV-1 nt 6783-7232) that includes 293 nucleotides from the 5' region of the viral LCR and 157 nucleotides from the 3' end of the L1 gene. The HPV-1 ARS does not include the binding sites for the viral E1 and E2 proteins, and these proteins are dispensable for replication in S. cerevisiae

Leptomeningite esporotricótica Leptomeningitis due to Sporotrichum Schenkii

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. Spina-França

1970-03-01

Full Text Available Registro de caso de paciente branco de 22 anos de idade com leptomeningite sub-aguda por Sporotrichum Schenckii tratada com sucesso pela anfotericina-B. O fungo foi isolado mediante cultura do LCR; sua inoculação em testículo de rato determinou quadro histopatológico próprio à esporotricose; a partir da lesão testicular o fungo foi novamente isolado mediante culturas. A reação de fixação do complemento para esporotricose mostrou-se positiva no LCR e no soro do paciente.The case of a 32 years old white man with leptomeningitis due to S. Schenckii is reported. Amphotericin-B was successfully used in the treatment. Fungi isolated from CSF culture were morphologically identified as 8. Schenckii; their inoculation in rat's testicle determined the inflammatory reaction proper to sporotrichosis. Cultures made with material from these lesions permitted to isolate S. Schenckii again. The complement fixation test for sporotrichosis was positive in the CSF and blood serum.

Biochemical components and dry matter of lemon and mandarin hybrids under salt stress

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Francisco V. da S. Sá

Full Text Available ABSTRACT The objective was to study the biochemical changes and dry matter content in lemon and mandarin hybrids under salt stress during rootstock formation. For this, a study was conducted in randomized complete block, using a 2 x 5 factorial scheme, with two salinity levels (0.3 and 4.0 dS m-1 applied in five citrus rootstock genotypes (1. TSKC x CTARG - 019; 2. LRF; 3. TSKC x (LCR x TR - 040; 4. LCRSTC and 5. LVK, with three replicates and four plants per plot. At 90 days after sowing, saline treatments started to be applied and continued until 120 days after sowing, the moment in which the plants were collected for evaluation of biochemical characteristics and phytomass accumulation. The increase in water salinity negatively affected the biochemical components and dry matter accumulation of citrus genotypes. The genotypes TSKC x (LCR x TR - 040, LCRSTC and LVK were the least affected by salt stress, standing out as the materials most tolerant to salinity.

Human papillomavirus genotypes and phylogenetic analysis of HPV-16 variants in HIV-1 infected subjects in Italy.

Science.gov (United States)

Tanzi, Elisabetta; Amendola, Antonella; Bianchi, Silvia; Fasolo, M Michela; Beretta, Rosangela; Pariani, Elena; Zappa, Alessandra; Frati, Elena; Orlando, Giovanna

2009-05-29

A cross-sectional study was carried out to improve the state of evidence regarding the spectrum of HPV types and HPV-16 LCR variants circulating among men and women infected with HIV-1 in Italy. This study, conducted in 518 HIV-positive subjects (346 males and 172 females), showed a high prevalence of HPV anal infections (88.7%) in men and of cervical infections (65.1%) in women. A wide spectrum of HPV genotypes has been observed, as both single and multiple infections. Low-risk HPV types 6, 11 and 61 were frequently detected. HPV-16 was the prevalent high-risk type. Fourteen different HPV-16 LCR variants were found. Ten belonged to the European lineage (78.7% were detected in Italian subjects and 21.3% in foreign-born, all homo/bisexual men), two to the Asiatic lineage and two to the African-2 lineage. This study underlines the great genotypic heterogeneity characterizing anal and cervical HPV infections and the marked polymorphism of the predominant HPV-16 in this high-risk population in Italy.

Real-time ligation chain reaction for DNA quantification and identification on the FO-SPR.

Science.gov (United States)

Knez, Karel; Spasic, Dragana; Delport, Filip; Lammertyn, Jeroen

2015-05-15

Different assays have been developed in the past years to meet point-of-care diagnostic tests requirements for fast and sensitive quantification and identification of targets. In this paper, we developed the ligation chain reaction (LCR) assay on the Fiber Optic Surface Plasmon Resonance (FO-SPR) platform, which enabled simultaneous quantification and cycle-to-cycle identification of DNA during amplification. The newly developed assay incorporated FO-SPR DNA melting assay, previously developed by our group. This required establishment of several assay parameters, including buffer ionic strength and thermal ramping speed as these parameters both influence the ligation enzyme performance and the hybridization yield of the gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) on the FO-SPR sensor. Quantification and identification of DNA targets was achieved over a wide concentration range with a calibration curve spanning 7 orders of magnitude and LOD of 13.75 fM. Moreover, the FO-SPR LCR assay could discriminate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) without any post reaction analysis, featuring thus all the essential requirements of POC tests. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Etiologie particuliere de l'encephalite limbique : la neurosyphilis (a ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

... temporo-limbiques, la sérologie de la syphilis fut positive dans le sang et le LCR. Le diagnostic d'encéphalite limbique syphilitique fut retenu sur un ensemble d'arguments clinique, biologique et radiologique. Le traitement spécifique de la neurosyphilis a permis une amélioration de l'état neurologique des deux patients.

International Conference on Electronic Properties of Two-Dimensional Systems (5th) Held at Oxford, England on 5-9 September 1983.

Science.gov (United States)

1983-01-01

Science and MFigure 3. Energy levels In 500A-well Refe renes e -W w Dm. 1 structure. The thin lines how the Fig.,Landai ls In free space. R ett. 2...3, Avenue Descartes , B.P. 15 - 95450 LIMEIL BREVANNES P. DELESCLUSE, J. CHEVRIER, T. LINN II. EXPERIMENTAL THOMSON-CSf, L.C.R., B.P. 10 - 91401 ORSAY

Bulletin of Materials Science | Indian Academy of Sciences

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Effect of temperature and frequency variation on a.c. conductivity of bamboo was determined by using a 4274 A Multi-Frequencies LCR meter. Electrical measurements were carried out in the temperature range 24–120°C and in the frequency range 4–100 kHz. It was observed that the a.c. conductivity increased initially and ...

Chaotic Dynamics and Application of LCR Oscillators Sharing Common Nonlinearity

Science.gov (United States)

Jeevarekha, A.; Paul Asir, M.; Philominathan, P.

2016-06-01

This paper addresses the problem of sharing common nonlinearity among nonautonomous and autonomous oscillators. By choosing a suitable common nonlinear element with the driving point characteristics capable of bringing out chaotic motion in a combined system, we obtain identical chaotic states. The dynamics of the coupled system is explored through numerical and experimental studies. Employing the concept of common nonlinearity, a simple chaotic communication system is modeled and its performance is verified through Multisim simulation.

Value of overall treatment time on the effect of intensity-modulated radiotherapy for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Su Shengfa; Lu Taixiang; Zhao Chong; Han Fei; Xiao Weiwei; Li Jiaxin; Chen Chunyan

2010-01-01

Objective: To investigate the prognostic value of overall treatment time (OTT) for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Methods: From May 2001 to April 2007, 376 patients with locally advanced NPC treated with IMRT were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were divided into OTT≤45 days group and OTT >45 days group. The treatment outcomes between the two groups were analyzed. Results: Between the groups with OTT≤45 days and OTT > 45 days, the 2-year local control rate (LCR) was 94.9% and 93.1% (χ 2 = 2.83, P > 0.05) for all patients, 96.3% and 98.7% (χ 2 =2.83, P>0.05) for patients with T 3 disease, 92.2% and 83.1%(χ 2 = 6.30, P 4 , and 93.1% and 97.5% (χ 2 = 4.69, P = 0.030) when chemotherapy was concurrently administered.The 2-year LCR was 98%, 96% and 93% (χ 2 = 2.20, P = 0.531) for patients with treatment interruption before, within and after the 3rd week of IMRT, The Cox regression analysis found that OTT was an independent prognostic factor for LCR in T 4 disease.The Linear regression showed that the 2-year LCR was decreased by 2.7% per day of delay. Between the groups with OTT≤45 days and OTT >45 days, the 2-year estimated disease-specific survival (DSS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and overall survival (OS) were 84.1% vs.78.7% (χ 2 = 0.02, P = 0.881), 87.0% vs.86.1% (χ 2 = 0.85, P = 0.358), and 91.7% vs. 92.2% (χ 2 = 0.06, P = 0.806), respectively.The further stratified analysis found that the DSS, DMFS and OS were similar between the two groups in T 3 (83.7% vs. 83.2%, χ 2 =0.07, P=0.798; 86.6% vs. 85.7%, χ 2 =0.02, P = 0.898 ; and 93.7% vs. 94.8%, χ 2 =0.03, P=0.862) and T 4 disease (81.4% vs. 72.3%, χ 2 = 0.16, P = 0.687; 82.6% vs. 86.9%, χ 2 = 1.78, P =0.182; and 88.3% vs. 87.5%, χ 2 =0.60, P =0.438).In multivariate analysis, T-stage and N-stage were the independent prognostic factors for both DFS and OS, and N-stage was the independent prognostic

Effects O2 plasma surface treatment on the electrical properties of the ITO substrate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hong, Jin-Woong; Oh, Dong-Hoon; Shim, Sang-Min; Lee, Young-Sang; Kang, Yong-Gil; Shin, Jong-Yeol

2012-01-01

The indium-tin-oxide (ITO) substrate is used as a transparent electrode in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic photovoltaic cells. The effect of an O 2 plasma surface treatment on the electrical properties of the ITO substrate was examined. The four-point probe method, an atomic force microscope (AFM), a LCR meter, a Cole-Cole plot, and a conductive mechanism analysis were used to assess the properties of the treated ITO substrates. The four-point probe method and the AFM study revealed a lower ITO surface resistance of 17.6 Ω/sq and an average roughness of 2 nm, respectively, for a substrate treated by a plasma at 250 W for 40 s. The lower surface resistance of the ITO substrate treated at 250 W for 40 s was confirmed by using a LCR meter. An amorphous fluoropolymer (AF) was deposited on an ITO substrate treated under the optimal conditions and on a non-plasma treated ITO substrate as well. The potential barriers for charge injection in these devices were 0.25 eV and 0.15 eV, respectively, indicating a 0.1-eV decrease due to the plasma treatment.

ENCEFALITIS HERPÉTICA EN PREESCOLAR CONFIRMADO POR REACCIÓN EN CADENA DE LA POLIMERASA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Christian M. Chiara Chilet

2014-01-01

Full Text Available La Encefalitis Herpética (EH es una enfermedad infecciosa del Sistema Nervioso Central (SNC severa, causado casi exclusivamente por el virus Herpes simple(VHS tipo 1, sin tratamiento existe una mortalidad del 70%. Se describe un preescolar diagnosticado de EH confirmado por Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa(RCP en Líquido Cefalorraquídeo (LCR, quien ingresa al Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen(HNGAI con un cuadro clínico progresivo de 23 díasde evolución, caracterizado por fiebre (38.5 °C, trastorno de conciencia, malestar general, movimientos involuntarios y rigidez generalizada. El tratamiento instauradofue Aciclovir por 21 días. El propósito de este caso clínico es dar a conocer que el diagnóstico de EH se basa principalmente en su sospecha en todo pacientecon encefalitis y su confirmación diagnóstica mediante RCP en LCR. El cuadro clínico, los resultados de laboratorio y la imagenología son importantes para eldiagnóstico, tratamiento precoz y el pronóstico.Palabras Clave: Herpes Simple, Encefalitis, Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa, Preescolar

Airborne gravimetry for geoid and GOCE

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Forsberg, R.; Olesen, A. V.; Nielsen, E.

2014-01-01

DTU-Space has since 1996 carried out large area airborne surveys over both polar, tropical and temperate regions, especially for geoid determination and global geopotential models. Recently we have started flying two gravimeters (LCR and Chekan-AM) side by side for increased reliability and redun......DTU-Space has since 1996 carried out large area airborne surveys over both polar, tropical and temperate regions, especially for geoid determination and global geopotential models. Recently we have started flying two gravimeters (LCR and Chekan-AM) side by side for increased reliability...... in Antarctica and Tanzania based on DTU-Space aerogravity and GOCE. In both cases the airborne data validate GOCE to very high degrees, and confirms the synergy of airborne gravity and GOCE. For Antarctica, the deep interior Antarctic survey (continued in 2013 from a remote field camp), shows...... that it is possible efficiently to cover even the most remote regions on the planet with good aerogravity. With the recent termination of the GOCE mission, it is therefore timely to initiate a coordinated, preferably international, airborne gravity effort to cover the polar gap south of 83° S; such a survey can...

O líquido cefalorraqueano no post-mortem The cerebrospinal fluid in the post-mortem

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. Spina-França

1969-12-01

Full Text Available Foi estudado o LCR de 45 cadáveres, sendo os resultados considerados em função do tempo decorrido entre o momento da morte e a colheita do LCR (TOC. Obedecendo a esse critério os casos foram assim grupados: 1 aqueles com TOC até 4 horas; 2 aqueles com TOC de 4 a 8 horas; 3 aqueles com TOC de 8 horas ou mais. Com o aumento do TOC a presença de hemácias no LCR de cadáveres se torna mais freqüente e mais intensa. A mistura de sangue ao LCR prejudica a avaliação das modificações cadavéricas de outros componentes do LCR, conforme foi demonstrado para as concentrações de cloretos glicose e proteínas totais, para o perfil protêico e para a atividade de transaminases. Assim sendo, para avaliar as modificações da composição do LCR próprias ao post-mortem devem ser considerados apenas os casos com menos de 1000 hemácias/mm³. O número normal de leucócitos foi proporcionalmente mais comum nas amostras provenientes de cadáveres cujo TOC era igual ou superior a 8 horas. A pleocitose foi observada com mais freqüência que o número normal de leucócitos, sendo mais comumente ligeira ou discreta. Quantidades superiores a 50 leucócitos/mm³ foram observadas geralmente em casos relativos a pacientes que faleceram na vigência de processos infecciosos agudos. As concentrações de cloretos e de glicose no LCR tendem a cair no postmortem e as diminuições mostraram-se, em média, tanto mais intensas quanto maior o TOC. A hipoglicorraquia foi, em média mais acentuada nos casos com pleoeitose mais intensa. A concentração de uréia tende a elevar-se de modo precoce, não tendo sido encontradas médias significativamente diversas em função do TOC. A atividade de TGO tende a elevar-se no post-mortem sendo esta elevação, em média, mais nítida a partir do grupo de casos com TOC de 4 até 8 horas. Ocorre também tendência a aumento da atividade de TGP; esta se mostrou menos intensa que a de TGO e, em média, foi mais nítida a

Central nervous system metastases from breast carcinoma: a clinical and laboratorial study in 47 patients Metástases do sistema nervoso central por câncer de mama: estudo clínico-laboratorial em 47 pacientes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

ALUÍZIO B.B. MACHADO

1998-06-01

Full Text Available In this retrospective study, 47 patients with clinical diagnosis of central nervous system metastases of breast cancer were evaluated by computerized tomography (CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF examination. The patients were divided in 2 groups: 1, without leptomeningeal neoplasm and 2, with leptomeningeal neoplasm. In the group 2, the time interval between the primary disease and the central nervous system metastasis as well as the survival time were shorter than in group 1 (40 and 4.3 months in group 2 versus 57 and 10 months respectively, in group 1. In both groups the most common neurological symptoms and signs were intracranial hypertension and motor deficits. The most sensitive diagnostic methods were CT and MRI in group 1, and the CSF examination in group 2. The use of the tumor markers CEA and CA-15.3 in the routine examination of CSF showed promising results, mainly in leptomeningeal forms.Neste estudo retrospectivo, 47 pacientes com diagnóstico clínico de metástases do sistema nervoso por câncer de mama foram avaliados por tomografia computadorizada (TC, ressonância nuclear magnética (RNM e por exames do líquido cefalorraqueano (LCR. Os pacientes foram divididos em 2 grupos: 1, sem neoplasia leptomeníngea e 2, com neoplasia leptomeníngea. No grupo 2 o intervalo de tempo entre a doença primária e o comprometimento do sistema nervoso e o tempo de sobrevida foram menores do que no grupo 1 (40 e 4,3 meses no grupo 2 versus 57 e 10 meses respectivamente, no grupo 1. Os sinais e sintomas neurológicos mais frequentes foram hipertensão intracraniana e déficits motores. Os exames mais sensíveis para o diagnóstico foram a TC e RNM no grupo 1 e o exame do LCR no grupo 2. O uso dos marcadores CEA e CA-15.3 na rotina do LCR mostrou resultados promissores, particularmente nas formas leptomeníngeas.

New insights into ocean tide loading corrections on tidal gravity data in Canary Islands

Science.gov (United States)

Arnoso, J.; Benavent, M.; Bos, M. S.; Montesinos, F. G.

2009-04-01

The Canary Islands are an interesting area to investigate ocean tides loading effects due to the complex coastline of the islands and the varying bathymetry. We present here the quality of five recent global oceanic tidal models, GOT00.2, GOT4.7, FES2004, TPXO.7.1 and AG2006, by comparing their predicted ocean tide loading values with results from tidal gravity observations made on three islands, Lanzarote, Tenerife and El Hierro, for the four harmonic constituents O1, K1, M2 and S2. In order to improve the accuracy of the loading corrections on the gravity tide measurements, we have used the high resolution regional oceanic model CIAM2 to supplement the global models considered here. This regional model has been obtained by assimilating TOPEX/Poseidon altimetry at crossovers and along-track points and tide gauge observations into a hydrodynamic model. The model has a 5'Ã-5' resolution and covers the area between the coordinates 26°.5N to 30°.0N and 19°.0W to 12°.5W. The gravity tide observing sites have been occupied by three different LaCoste&Romberg (LCR) spring gravimeters during different periods of observation. We considered here the most recent gravity tide observations made with LCR Graviton-EG1194 in El Hierro Island, for a period of 6 months during 2008. In the case of Tenerife and Lanzarote sites we have used observation periods of 6 months and 8 years with LCR-G665 and LCR-G434 gravimeters, respectively. The last two sites have been revisited in order to improve the previous tidal analysis results. Thus, the gravity ocean tide loading corrections, based on the five global ocean tide models supplemented with the regional model CIAM2 allowed us to review the normalization factors (scale factor and phase lag) of both two gravimeters. Also, we investigated the discrepancies of the corrected gravimetric factors with the DDW elastic and inelastic non hydrostatic body tide model (Dehant et al., 1999). The lowest values are found for inelastic model in the

Simulation of a room for neutron instrument calibration at LCR/UERJ

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Medeiros, M.P.C.; Estrada, J.J.S.; Gomes, R.G.; Santos, R.F.G.; Leite, S.P.; Alves, C.F.E.; Rebello, W.F.; Almeida, C.E. de

2013-01-01

In this work the MCNPX code was used to design a calibrating room for neutron detectors to be implemented in the Laboratorio de Ciencias Radiologicas of UERJ. The calibration room containing a neutron irradiator with a 241 Am-Be source, a linear positioning system, radiation detectors and a shadow cone was modeled. The ambient dose equivalent rate, ııı ∗ ı10ı, in adjacent to the calibration room areas, as well as neutron scattering caused by the room itself were calculated. Using an occupancy factor of 1/16 for all adjacent areas, 3.8 cm of 5% borated polyethylene or 5.5 cm of concrete for shielding is enough to satisfy radiation safety requirements. (author)

Dielectric properties of proton irradiated PES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shah, Nilam; Singh, N.L.; Singh, K.P.

2005-01-01

Polyethersulfone films were irradiated with 3 MeV proton beam at fluences ranging from 10 13 to 10 15 ions/cm 2 . AC electrical properties of irradiated samples were studied in the frequency range 100 Hz to 1MHz by LCR meter. There is an exponential increase in conductivity with frequency but the effect of irradiation is not significant. The dielectric loss/constant are observed to change with fluence. (author)

Internal Stress Monitoring of In-Service Structural Steel Members with Ultrasonic Method.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Zuohua; He, Jingbo; Teng, Jun; Wang, Ying

2016-03-23

Internal stress in structural steel members is an important parameter for steel structures in their design, construction, and service stages. However, it is hard to measure via traditional approaches. Among the existing non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, the ultrasonic method has received the most research attention. Longitudinal critically refracted (Lcr) waves, which propagate parallel to the surface of the material within an effective depth, have shown great potential as an effective stress measurement approach. This paper presents a systematic non-destructive evaluation method to determine the internal stress in in-service structural steel members using Lcr waves. Based on theory of acoustoelasticity, a stress evaluation formula is derived. Factor of stress to acoustic time difference is used to describe the relationship between stress and measurable acoustic results. A testing facility is developed and used to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method. Two steel members are measured by using the proposed method and the traditional strain gauge method for verification. Parametric studies are performed on three steel members and the aluminum plate to investigate the factors that influence the testing results. The results show that the proposed method is effective and accurate for determining stress in in-service structural steel members.

Internal Stress Monitoring of In-Service Structural Steel Members with Ultrasonic Method

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Zuohua; He, Jingbo; Teng, Jun; Wang, Ying

2016-01-01

Internal stress in structural steel members is an important parameter for steel structures in their design, construction, and service stages. However, it is hard to measure via traditional approaches. Among the existing non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, the ultrasonic method has received the most research attention. Longitudinal critically refracted (Lcr) waves, which propagate parallel to the surface of the material within an effective depth, have shown great potential as an effective stress measurement approach. This paper presents a systematic non-destructive evaluation method to determine the internal stress in in-service structural steel members using Lcr waves. Based on theory of acoustoelasticity, a stress evaluation formula is derived. Factor of stress to acoustic time difference is used to describe the relationship between stress and measurable acoustic results. A testing facility is developed and used to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method. Two steel members are measured by using the proposed method and the traditional strain gauge method for verification. Parametric studies are performed on three steel members and the aluminum plate to investigate the factors that influence the testing results. The results show that the proposed method is effective and accurate for determining stress in in-service structural steel members. PMID:28773347

Neurocisticercosis en un hospital de la ciudad de Buenos Aires: estudio de once casos

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. M. Villa

1993-09-01

Full Text Available Fueron examinados 11 pacientes adultos con el diagnostico presuntivo de neuro-cisticercosis, 8 de ellos provenientes de Bolivia y los restantes del interior de la Argentina. Como manifestacion clinica inicial el 82% de ellos mostro convulsiones y el 73% cefaleas. Ambas alteraciones podían estar combinadas en el mismo paciente o presentarse en forma independiente. La tomografia computada de cerebro evidencio calcificaciones y quistes en 5 enfermos, solo calcificaciones en 3, hidrocefalia en 2 y un unico quiste en 1. En 7 casos se efectuo ELISA en el LCR, de ellos 6 resultaron positivos. El tratamiento medico se hizo en base a la administración de praziquantel o albendazol con buena evolución de los pacientes en todos los casos. El tratamiento quirúrgico fue indicado solo en el caso en que una lesion actuase como masa ocupante con aumento de la presión endocraneana (1 caso o produjera obstruccion de la circulacon del LCR llevando a una hidrocefalia (2 casos. El estudio presente pretende alertar sobre la posibilidad que nuevas regiones, como la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, puedan ingresar dentro del area endemica latinoamericana a consecuencia de los movimientos migratorios internos y externos y el asentamiento de portadores de la parasitosis en el perimetro urbano.

LED Current Balance Using a Variable Voltage Regulator with Low Dropout vDS Control

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hung-I Hsieh

2017-02-01

Full Text Available A cost-effective light-emitting diode (LED current balance strategy using a variable voltage regulator (VVR with low dropout vDS control is proposed. This can regulate the multiple metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs of the linear current regulators (LCR, maintaining low dropout vDS on the flat vGS-characteristic curves and making all drain currents almost the same. Simple group LCRs respectively loaded with a string LED are employed to implement the theme. The voltage VVdc from a VVR is synthesized by a string LED voltage NvD, source voltage vR, and a specified low dropout vDS = VQ. The VVdc updates instantly, through the control loop of the master LCR, which means that all slave MOSFETs have almost the same biases on their flat vGS-characteristic curves. This leads to all of the string LED currents being equal to each other, producing an almost even luminance. An experimental setup with microchip control is built to verify the estimations. Experimental results show that the luminance of all of the string LEDs are almost equal to one another, with a maximum deviation below 1% during a wide dimming range, while keeping all vDS of the MOSFETs at a low dropout voltage, as expected.

Diagnostic value of MRS-quantified brain tissue lactate level in identifying children with mitochondrial disorders

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lunsing, Roelineke J.; Strating, Kim; Koning, Tom J. de; Sijens, Paul E.

2017-01-01

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of children with or without neurometabolic disease is used for the first time for quantitative assessment of brain tissue lactate signals, to elaborate on previous suggestions of MRS-detected lactate as a marker of mitochondrial disease. Multivoxel MRS of a transverse plane of brain tissue cranial to the ventricles was performed in 88 children suspected of having neurometabolic disease, divided into 'definite' (n = 17, ≥1 major criteria), 'probable' (n = 10, ≥2 minor criteria), 'possible' (n = 17, 1 minor criterion) and 'unlikely' mitochondrial disease (n = 44, none of the criteria). Lactate levels, expressed in standardized arbitrary units or relative to creatine, were derived from summed signals from all voxels. Ten 'unlikely' children with a normal neurological exam served as the MRS reference subgroup. For 61 of 88 children, CSF lactate values were obtained. MRS lactate level (>12 arbitrary units) and the lactate-to-creatine ratio (L/Cr >0.22) differed significantly between the definite and the unlikely group (p = 0.015 and p = 0.001, respectively). MRS L/Cr also differentiated between the probable and the MRS reference subgroup (p = 0.03). No significant group differences were found for CSF lactate. MRS-quantified brain tissue lactate levels can serve as diagnostic marker for identifying mitochondrial disease in children. (orig.)

Human β-globin locus control region: Analysis of the 5' DNase I hypersensitive site HS 2 in transgenic mice

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Caterina, J.J.; Ryan, T.M.; Pawlik, K.M.; Townes, T.M.; Brinster, R.L.; Behringer, R.R.; Palmiter, R.D.

1991-01-01

The human β-globin locus control region (LCR) is essential for high-level expression of human var-epsilon-, γ-, and β-globin genes. Developmentally stable DNase I hypersensitive sites (designated HS) mark sequences within this region that are important for LCR activity. A 1.9-kilobase (kb) fragment containing the 5' HS 2 site enhances human β-globin gene expression 100-fold in transgenic mice and also confers position-independent expression. To further define important sequences within this region, deletion mutations of the 1.9-kb fragment were introduced upstream of the human β-globin gene, and the constructs were tested for activity in transgenic mice. Although enhancer activity was gradually lost with deletion of both 5' and 3' sequences, a 373-base-pair (BP) fragment retained the ability to confer relative position-independent expression. Three prominent DNase I footprints were observed in this region with extracts from the human erythroleukemia cell line K-562, one of which contained duplicated binding sites for transcription factor AP-1 (activator protein 1). When the 1.9-kb fragment containing an 19-bp deletion of the AP-1 binding sites was tested in transgenic mice, enhancer activity decreased 20-fold but position-independent expression was retained

Novel Method for 5G Systems NLOS Channels Parameter Estimation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Vladeta Milenkovic

2017-01-01

Full Text Available For the development of new 5G systems to operate in mm bands, there is a need for accurate radio propagation modelling at these bands. In this paper novel approach for NLOS channels parameter estimation will be presented. Estimation will be performed based on LCR performance measure, which will enable us to estimate propagation parameters in real time and to avoid weaknesses of ML and moment method estimation approaches.

The Effects of Liquidity Regulation on Bank Assets and Liabilities

OpenAIRE

Patty Duijm; Peter Wierts

2014-01-01

Under Basel III rules, banks become subject to a liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) from 2015 onwards, to promote short-term resilience. We investigate the effects of such liquidity regulation on bank liquid assets and liabilities. Results indicate co-integration of liquid assets and liabilities, to maintain a minimum short-term liquidity buffer. Still, microprudential regulation has not prevented an aggregate liquidity cycle characterised by a pro-cyclical pattern in the size of balance sheets a...

Studi Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy dari Lembaran Polyvinyl Alcohol dengan Penambahan Liclo4 sebagai Bahan Elektolit Baterai Li-ion

OpenAIRE

Gunawan, Indra; Wahyudianingsih, Wahyudianingsih; Sudaryanto, Sudaryanto

2016-01-01

ELECTROCHEMICALIMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY STUDY OF POLYVINYL ALCOHOL SHEETWITHADDITION OFLiClO4AS ELECTROLYTE MATERIAL OF Li-ION BATTERAY. Solid polymer electrolyte materials for Li ion battery have been prepared using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) added by lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) salt with various concentration. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) study of the material was done by making a Nyquist plot of the measurement with a LCR meter. These electrolyte materials prepared by using PVA...

African Journal of Neurological Sciences 2010 - Vol. 29, No 2 http ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Un orifice médian de la fosse cérébrale postérieure sans fistule de liquide céphalo-rachidien (LCR) est retrouvé. Le scanner cérébral révèle une large masse kystique du vermis sans rehaussement après injection de produit de contraste qui communique avec le sinus dermique. Un abord sous-occipital a permis l'exérèse.

Chromosome 15q24 microdeletion syndrome

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Magoulas Pilar L

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Abstract Chromosome 15q24 microdeletion syndrome is a recently described rare microdeletion syndrome that has been reported in 19 individuals. It is characterized by growth retardation, intellectual disability, and distinct facial features including long face with high anterior hairline, hypertelorism, epicanthal folds, downslanting palpebral fissures, sparse and broad medial eyebrows, broad and/or depressed nasal bridge, small mouth, long smooth philtrum, and full lower lip. Other common findings include skeletal and digital abnormalities, genital abnormalities in males, hypotonia, behavior problems, recurrent infections, and eye problems. Other less frequent findings include hearing loss, growth hormone deficiency, hernias, and obesity. Congenital malformations, while rare, can be severe and include structural brain anomalies, cardiovascular malformations, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, imperforate anus, and myelomeningocele. Karyotypes are typically normal, and the deletions were detected in these individuals by array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH. The deletions range in size from 1.7-6.1 Mb and usually result from nonallelic homologous recombination (NAHR between paralogous low-copy repeats (LCRs. The majority of 15q24 deletions have breakpoints that localize to one of five LCR clusters labeled LCR15q24A, -B, -C, -D, and -E. The smallest region of overlap (SRO spans a 1.2 Mb region between LCR15q24B to LCR15q24C. There are several candidate genes within the SRO, including CYP11A1, SEMA7A, CPLX3, ARID3B, STRA6, SIN3A and CSK, that may predispose to many of the clinical features observed in individuals with 15q24 deletion syndrome. The deletion occurred as a de novo event in all of the individuals when parents were available for testing. Parental aCGH and/or FISH studies are recommended to provide accurate genetic counseling and guidance regarding prognosis, recurrence risk, and reproductive options. Management

[Application of Bayes Probability Model in Differentiation of Yin and Yang Jaundice Syndromes in Neonates].

Science.gov (United States)

Mu, Chun-sun; Zhang, Ping; Kong, Chun-yan; Li, Yang-ning

2015-09-01

To study the application of Bayes probability model in differentiating yin and yang jaundice syndromes in neonates. Totally 107 jaundice neonates who admitted to hospital within 10 days after birth were assigned to two groups according to syndrome differentiation, 68 in the yang jaundice syndrome group and 39 in the yin jaundice syndrome group. Data collected for neonates were factors related to jaundice before, during and after birth. Blood routines, liver and renal functions, and myocardial enzymes were tested on the admission day or the next day. Logistic regression model and Bayes discriminating analysis were used to screen factors important for yin and yang jaundice syndrome differentiation. Finally, Bayes probability model for yin and yang jaundice syndromes was established and assessed. Factors important for yin and yang jaundice syndrome differentiation screened by Logistic regression model and Bayes discriminating analysis included mothers' age, mother with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gestational age, asphyxia, or ABO hemolytic diseases, red blood cell distribution width (RDW-SD), platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR), serum direct bilirubin (DBIL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cholinesterase (CHE). Bayes discriminating analysis was performed by SPSS to obtain Bayes discriminant function coefficient. Bayes discriminant function was established according to discriminant function coefficients. Yang jaundice syndrome: y1= -21. 701 +2. 589 x mother's age + 1. 037 x GDM-17. 175 x asphyxia + 13. 876 x gestational age + 6. 303 x ABO hemolytic disease + 2.116 x RDW-SD + 0. 831 x DBIL + 0. 012 x ALP + 1. 697 x LCR + 0. 001 x CHE; Yin jaundice syndrome: y2= -33. 511 + 2.991 x mother's age + 3.960 x GDM-12. 877 x asphyxia + 11. 848 x gestational age + 1. 820 x ABO hemolytic disease +2. 231 x RDW-SD +0. 999 x DBIL +0. 023 x ALP +1. 916 x LCR +0. 002 x CHE. Bayes discriminant function was hypothesis tested and got Wilks' λ =0. 393 (P =0. 000). So Bayes

Coordination chemistry of the tiing tris(2-sallicilamidoetil)amina

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fernandez Montalto, A. C.

1997-01-01

Synthesizes a new one tiing hexadented denominated tris (2-salicilamidoetil)amina, starting from the tris (2-aminoetil) amina and three equivalent of fenilo salicilato (salol). The aductos that are formed starting from this tiing with metallic ions of transition di- and trivalent, they are complex of the type LHM and LM respectively, showing a sphere of coordination pseudooctaedrica. The complex Lfe, Lcr and LHCu were synthesized, which were characterized by means of methods spectroscopy and magnetic [es

Opportunities and benefits of local content requirement policy: case of Eastern Siberian oil and gas industry

OpenAIRE

Semykina, Irina

2015-01-01

This paper explores the regional economic impact of mineral resource endowment and offers specific inputs to the debate on the local content requirement (LCR) policy, gaining urgency in modern economic and political environment. Focusing on the experience of the Eastern Siberia the paper examines the way national companies operate in the newly developing oil and gas provinces of Russia. The analysis of key economic indices shows that the existing approach based on rent-seeking strategy doesn?...

The Liquidity Coverage Ratio: the need for further complementary ratios?

OpenAIRE

Ojo, Marianne

2013-01-01

This paper considers components of the Liquidity Coverage Ratio – as well as certain prevailing gaps which may necessitate the introduction of a complementary liquidity ratio. The definitions and objectives accorded to the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) highlight the focus which is accorded to time horizons for funding bank operations. A ratio which would focus on the rate of liquidity transformations and which could also serve as a complementary metric gi...

A measuring instrument for telecommunication and application technology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Baek, Ju Gi; Lee, Gi Hack

2006-08-01

This is a guide book for an engineer in IT. It is divided two parts. The first part is composed with basic equipment such as power supply, multimeter, LCR-meter, function generator, an oscilloscope, frequency counter, level meter and an attenuator. The second part contains RF signal generator, spectrum analyzer and logic analyzer. This part introduces HC-G220S, vector signal generator, Agilent spectrum analyzer and HC 7802 model, 54620A logic analyzer and TA4000 model.

Self Assembly and Pyroelectric Poling for Organics

Science.gov (United States)

2015-07-06

These “static” charges are the origin of electric field ( Edi ) creation inside the dielectric medium. If the loss of pyroelectric charges is...negligibly small, it would yield Edi = γΔT/[ε0(εdi + εcrLdi/Lcr)] (1) where ε0, εcr, and εdi are the dielectric permittivities of free space, the pyroelectric...field ( Edi ) in the dielectric thin film, and the small open arrows at the thin layer of dielectrics represent the direction of electric fields. The

Meningoradiculitis due to Cryptococcus neofermans in an immunocompetent patient Meningorradiculite lombossacra causada por Cryptococcus neoformans em paciente imunocompetente

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Leonardo Deus-Silva

2004-03-01

Full Text Available Meningoradiculitis refers to combined involvement of meninges and nerve roots. The most frequent location is the lumbosacral region. Etiology is diverse, including inflammatory, infectious and neoplastic disorders. Meningoradiculitis is a rare form of involvement in cryptococcal infection. We describe a case of subacute lower limbs flaccid paresis diagnosed as lumbosacral meningoradiculitis in view of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF inflammatory changes and typical enhancement on MRI of lumbar spine. Cryptococcus neoformans was isolated from CSF. Extensive screening yielded no immunodeficiencies.Meningorradiculite refere-se ao envolvimento simultâneo das meninges e das raízes dos nervos. O local mais freqüentemente acometido é a região lombossacra. Patologias inflamatórias, infecciosas e neoplásicas são as causas mais freqüentes. Meningorradiculite é manifestação rara de infecção por Cryptococcus neoformans. Descrevemos um caso de paresia flácida dos membros inferiores, com diagnóstico de meningorradiculite lombossacra baseado nos achados clínicos, de ressonância magnética da coluna lombar e em alterações inflamatórias do líquido cefalorraqueano (LCR. Avaliação microbiológica do LCR revelou a presença de Cryptococcus neoformans e extensa investigação clínica e laboratorial excluiu imunodeficiências primárias e adquiridas.

Diagnostic value of MRS-quantified brain tissue lactate level in identifying children with mitochondrial disorders

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lunsing, Roelineke J.; Strating, Kim [University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Department of Child Neurology, Groningen (Netherlands); Koning, Tom J. de [University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Department of Pediatric Metabolic Diseases, Groningen (Netherlands); Sijens, Paul E. [University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Department of Radiology, Groningen (Netherlands)

2017-03-15

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of children with or without neurometabolic disease is used for the first time for quantitative assessment of brain tissue lactate signals, to elaborate on previous suggestions of MRS-detected lactate as a marker of mitochondrial disease. Multivoxel MRS of a transverse plane of brain tissue cranial to the ventricles was performed in 88 children suspected of having neurometabolic disease, divided into 'definite' (n = 17, ≥1 major criteria), 'probable' (n = 10, ≥2 minor criteria), 'possible' (n = 17, 1 minor criterion) and 'unlikely' mitochondrial disease (n = 44, none of the criteria). Lactate levels, expressed in standardized arbitrary units or relative to creatine, were derived from summed signals from all voxels. Ten 'unlikely' children with a normal neurological exam served as the MRS reference subgroup. For 61 of 88 children, CSF lactate values were obtained. MRS lactate level (>12 arbitrary units) and the lactate-to-creatine ratio (L/Cr >0.22) differed significantly between the definite and the unlikely group (p = 0.015 and p = 0.001, respectively). MRS L/Cr also differentiated between the probable and the MRS reference subgroup (p = 0.03). No significant group differences were found for CSF lactate. MRS-quantified brain tissue lactate levels can serve as diagnostic marker for identifying mitochondrial disease in children. (orig.)

Effects of Aerobic Capacity on Thrombin-Induced Hydrocephalus and White Matter Injury.

Science.gov (United States)

Ni, Wei; Gao, Feng; Zheng, Mingzhe; Koch, Lauren G; Britton, Steven L; Keep, Richard F; Xi, Guohua; Hua, Ya

2016-01-01

We have previously shown that intracerebral hemorrhage-induced brain injury is less in rats bred for high aerobic capacity (high capacity runners; HCR) compared with those bred for low aerobic capacity (low capacity runners; LCRs). Thrombin, an essential component in the coagulation cascade, is produced after cerebral hemorrhage. Intraventricular injection of thrombin causes significant hydrocephalus and white matter damage. In the present study, we examined the effect of exercise capacity on thrombin-induced hydrocephalus and white matter damage. Mid-aged (13-month-old) female LCRs (n = 13) and HCRs (n = 12) rats were used in this study. Rats received an intraventricular injection of thrombin (3 U, 50 μl). All rats underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 24 h and were then euthanized for brain histology and Western blot. The mortalities were 20 % in LCRs and 33 % in HCRs after thrombin injection (p > 0.05). No rats died after saline injection. Intraventricular thrombin injection resulted in hydrocephalus and periventricular white matter damage as determined on MRI. In LCR rats, thrombin induced significant ventricle enlargement (23.0 ± 2.3 vs12.8 ± 1.9 mm(3) in LCR saline group; p hydrocephalus in rats with low aerobic capacity. A differential effect of thrombin may contribute to differences in the effects of cerebral hemorrhage with aerobic capacity.

Dielektrične lastnosti vodnih raztopin nekaterih mono- in polisaharidov

OpenAIRE

Gubenšek, Špela

2017-01-01

V magistrskem delu smo raztopinam različnih saharidov določali dielektrične lastnosti. Analizirali smo vodne raztopine glukoze, fruktoze, inulina, dekstrina, maltodekstrina, oligofruktoze in glukozno-fruktoznega sirupa. Saharide smo okarakterizirali tako, da smo določili njihove reducirajoče lastnosti in v glukozno-fruktoznem sirupu delež fruktoze. Za določanje dielektrične konstante v območju frekvenc izmenične napetosti med 20 kHz in 2 MHz smo uporabili kapacitivno metodo in LCR merilnik. ...

Liquidity regulation and the implementation of monetary policy

OpenAIRE

Morten L. Bech; Todd Keister

2013-01-01

In addition to revamping existing rules for bank capital, Basel III introduces a new global framework for liquidity regulation. One part of this framework is the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR), which requires banks to hold sufficient high-quality liquid assets to survive a 30-day period of market stress. As monetary policy typically involves targeting the interest rate on loans of one of these assets — central bank reserves — it is important to understand how this regulation may impact the ef...

Caso: Infección cutánea en el punto de punción de anestesia subaracnoidea

OpenAIRE

López Pérez, Jesús; Castañer Ramón-Llín, Carla; Furones Tormo, Beatriz; Fernández Fernández, María Adoración; García Ferreira, Joaquín; Fayos de la Asunción, Miguel E

2012-01-01

Mujer de 76 años de edad, con antecedentes de asma bronquial en tratamiento con bromuro de ipatropio e hipertiroidismo tratado con carbimazol. Artrosis generalizada y gonartrosis bilateral. Propuesta para cirugía traumatológica de protesis total de rodilla derecha. Se realiza técnica locorregional mediante anestesia subaracnoidea resultando exitosa tras 4 intentos fallidos de punción, confirmando salida de LCR transparente. Se administra bupivacaina isobárica 14 mg. más 20 mcg de fentanilo...

Structural materials performance research at JRC-Institute for Energy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Haehner, P.

2009-01-01

The DG-JRC structure and activities are presented in the paper. The Generation IV reactor concepts Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR), Supercritical Water Reactor (SCWR) and Lead Cooled Reactor (LCR) are currently under study at the JRC. Requirements for innovative nuclear systems and material-related operational condition are under investigation. Considering the operational experience with current nuclear industry, these conditions imply demanding challenges from the structural materials point of view. The European Projects and initiatives and coordinated research programs are also presented

Label-Free LC-MS Profiling of Skeletal Muscle Reveals Heart-Type Fatty Acid Binding Protein as a Candidate Biomarker of Aerobic Capacity

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zulezwan A. Malik

2013-12-01

Full Text Available Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis provides robust comparative analysis of skeletal muscle, but this technique is laborious and limited by its inability to resolve all proteins. In contrast, orthogonal separation by SDS-PAGE and reverse-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC coupled to mass spectrometry (MS affords deep mining of the muscle proteome, but differential analysis between samples is challenging due to the greater level of fractionation and the complexities of quantifying proteins based on the abundances of their tryptic peptides. Here we report simple, semi-automated and time efficient (i.e., 3 h per sample proteome profiling of skeletal muscle by 1-dimensional RPLC electrospray ionisation tandem MS. Solei were analysed from rats (n = 5, in each group bred as either high- or low-capacity runners (HCR and LCR, respectively that exhibited a 6.4-fold difference (1,625 ± 112 m vs. 252 ± 43 m, p < 0.0001 in running capacity during a standardized treadmill test. Soluble muscle proteins were extracted, digested with trypsin and individual biological replicates (50 ng of tryptic peptides subjected to LC-MS profiling. Proteins were identified by triplicate LC-MS/MS analysis of a pooled sample of each biological replicate. Differential expression profiling was performed on relative abundances (RA of parent ions, which spanned three orders of magnitude. In total, 207 proteins were analysed, which encompassed almost all enzymes of the major metabolic pathways in skeletal muscle. The most abundant protein detected was type I myosin heavy chain (RA = 5,843 ± 897 and the least abundant protein detected was heat shock 70 kDa protein (RA = 2 ± 0.5. Sixteen proteins were significantly (p < 0.05 more abundant in HCR muscle and hierarchal clustering of the profiling data highlighted two protein subgroups, which encompassed proteins associated with either the respiratory chain or fatty acid oxidation. Heart-type fatty acid binding protein (FABPH was 1

Eletroforese em acetato de celulose das proteínas do líquido cefalorraqueano: valores normais

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Izelino Caldas Filho

1977-09-01

Full Text Available Foi feita eletroforese das proteinas de LCR colhido por via lombar de 19 pacientes neurologicamente normais entre 10 e 54 anos. A proteinorraquia total variou entre 10 e 28 mg% (método de Meulemans. Sete pacientes eram normais e 12 apresentavam neuroses. As médias das frações separadas pela eletroforese foram: pré-albumina 4.3%; albumina 54.8%; globulina alfa-1 5.9%; globulina alfa-2 8.3%; globulinas beta 15.5%; globulinas gama 11.2%.

Phylogenomic approaches to common problems encountered in the analysis of low copy repeats: The sulfotransferase 1A gene family example

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Benner Steven A

2005-03-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Blocks of duplicated genomic DNA sequence longer than 1000 base pairs are known as low copy repeats (LCRs. Identified by their sequence similarity, LCRs are abundant in the human genome, and are interesting because they may represent recent adaptive events, or potential future adaptive opportunities within the human lineage. Sequence analysis tools are needed, however, to decide whether these interpretations are likely, whether a particular set of LCRs represents nearly neutral drift creating junk DNA, or whether the appearance of LCRs reflects assembly error. Here we investigate an LCR family containing the sulfotransferase (SULT 1A genes involved in drug metabolism, cancer, hormone regulation, and neurotransmitter biology as a first step for defining the problems that those tools must manage. Results Sequence analysis here identified a fourth sulfotransferase gene, which may be transcriptionally active, located on human chromosome 16. Four regions of genomic sequence containing the four human SULT1A paralogs defined a new LCR family. The stem hominoid SULT1A progenitor locus was identified by comparative genomics involving complete human and rodent genomes, and a draft chimpanzee genome. SULT1A expansion in hominoid genomes was followed by positive selection acting on specific protein sites. This episode of adaptive evolution appears to be responsible for the dopamine sulfonation function of some SULT enzymes. Each of the conclusions that this bioinformatic analysis generated using data that has uncertain reliability (such as that from the chimpanzee genome sequencing project has been confirmed experimentally or by a "finished" chromosome 16 assembly, both of which were published after the submission of this manuscript. Conclusion SULT1A genes expanded from one to four copies in hominoids during intra-chromosomal LCR duplications, including (apparently one after the divergence of chimpanzees and humans. Thus, LCRs may

Label-Free LC-MS Profiling of Skeletal Muscle Reveals Heart-Type Fatty Acid Binding Protein as a Candidate Biomarker of Aerobic Capacity.

Science.gov (United States)

Malik, Zulezwan Ab; Cobley, James N; Morton, James P; Close, Graeme L; Edwards, Ben J; Koch, Lauren G; Britton, Steven L; Burniston, Jatin G

2013-12-01

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis provides robust comparative analysis of skeletal muscle, but this technique is laborious and limited by its inability to resolve all proteins. In contrast, orthogonal separation by SDS-PAGE and reverse-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) affords deep mining of the muscle proteome, but differential analysis between samples is challenging due to the greater level of fractionation and the complexities of quantifying proteins based on the abundances of their tryptic peptides. Here we report simple, semi-automated and time efficient ( i.e ., 3 h per sample) proteome profiling of skeletal muscle by 1-dimensional RPLC electrospray ionisation tandem MS. Solei were analysed from rats (n = 5, in each group) bred as either high- or low-capacity runners (HCR and LCR, respectively) that exhibited a 6.4-fold difference (1,625 ± 112 m vs . 252 ± 43 m, p ions, which spanned three orders of magnitude. In total, 207 proteins were analysed, which encompassed almost all enzymes of the major metabolic pathways in skeletal muscle. The most abundant protein detected was type I myosin heavy chain (RA = 5,843 ± 897) and the least abundant protein detected was heat shock 70 kDa protein (RA = 2 ± 0.5). Sixteen proteins were significantly ( p ion (551.21 m/z ) of the doubly-charged peptide SLGVGFATR (454.19 m/z ) of residues 23-31 of FABPH. SRM was conducted on technical replicates of each biological sample and exhibited a coefficient of variation of 20%. The abundance of FABPH measured by SRM was 2.84-fold greater ( p = 0.0095) in HCR muscle. In addition, SRM of FABPH was performed in vastus lateralis samples of young and elderly humans with different habitual activity levels (collected during a previous study) finding FABPH abundance was 2.23-fold greater ( p = 0.0396) in endurance-trained individuals regardless of differences in age. In summary, our findings in HCR/LCR rats provide protein-level confirmation for

Un modelo de predicción de meningitis bacteriana en recién nacidos con pleocitosis del líquido cefalorraquídeo

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Manuel Díaz Álvarez

Full Text Available Introducción: se han desarrollado herramientas de predicción de meningitis bacteriana (MB en pacientes pediátricos, pero ellas no incluyen el período neonatal. Objetivo: diseñar y validar un modelo de predicción de MB en pacientes neonatales quienes presentan pleocitosis del líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR al ser evaluados por variables clínicas y de laboratorio. Pacientes y método: estudio retrospectivo y analítico, que incluyó 320 pacientes neonatales evaluados por probable infección, en quienes se hizo el diagnóstico de meningitis, 45 con MB y 275 con meningitis aséptica, e ingresados en el Servicio de Neonatología del Hospital Pediátrico Universitario "Juan M. Márquez", entre Febrero de 1992 y Diciembre del 2009. Se creó un Modelo Predictivo de Meningitis Bacteriana, sobre la base de un conjunto de variables identificadas mediante procedimientos de análisis uni y multivariado. El modelo se diseñó a partir de una población «de derivación», y se contrastó en otro grupo, este "de validación". Resultados: las variables seleccionadas para integrar el modelo predictivo fueron: 1 Apariencia de estado tóxico-infeccioso, 2 Convulsiones en el transcurso de la enfermedad, 3 Tinción de Gram del LCR positiva, 4 Proporción de leucocitos polimorfonucleares en el LCR >80%, y 5 Glucorraquia <1.0 mMol/l. Con estas variables se alcanzaron sensibilidad y valor predictivo negativo de 100.0%. Con el modelo propuesto, en el grupo de derivación no hubo ningún paciente malclasificado con predicción negativa de MB pero portador de este tipo de infección. En el grupo de validación, el modelo tuvo un desempeño similar, lo cual lo acredita como un modelo de predicción validado internamente. Conclusiones: el modelo de predicción diseñado descansa en variables de evaluación rutinarias, y permitió identificar inequívocamente la totalidad de los pacientes neonatales con MB. Su empleo podría ser una herramienta útil en la toma de

Retroviral vectors encoding ADA regulatory locus control region provide enhanced T-cell-specific transgene expression.

Science.gov (United States)

Trinh, Alice T; Ball, Bret G; Weber, Erin; Gallaher, Timothy K; Gluzman-Poltorak, Zoya; Anderson, French; Basile, Lena A

2009-12-30

Murine retroviral vectors have been used in several hundred gene therapy clinical trials, but have fallen out of favor for a number of reasons. One issue is that gene expression from viral or internal promoters is highly variable and essentially unregulated. Moreover, with retroviral vectors, gene expression is usually silenced over time. Mammalian genes, in contrast, are characterized by highly regulated, precise levels of expression in both a temporal and a cell-specific manner. To ascertain if recapitulation of endogenous adenosine deaminase (ADA) expression can be achieved in a vector construct we created a new series of Moloney murine leukemia virus (MuLV) based retroviral vector that carry human regulatory elements including combinations of the ADA promoter, the ADA locus control region (LCR), ADA introns and human polyadenylation sequences in a self-inactivating vector backbone. A MuLV-based retroviral vector with a self-inactivating (SIN) backbone, the phosphoglycerate kinase promoter (PGK) and the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP), as a reporter gene, was generated. Subsequent vectors were constructed from this basic vector by deletion or addition of certain elements. The added elements that were assessed are the human ADA promoter, human ADA locus control region (LCR), introns 7, 8, and 11 from the human ADA gene, and human growth hormone polyadenylation signal. Retroviral vector particles were produced by transient three-plasmid transfection of 293T cells. Retroviral vectors encoding eGFP were titered by transducing 293A cells, and then the proportion of GFP-positive cells was determined using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Non T-cell and T-cell lines were transduced at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.1 and the yield of eGFP transgene expression was evaluated by FACS analysis using mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) detection. Vectors that contained the ADA LCR were preferentially expressed in T-cell lines. Further improvements

Retroviral vectors encoding ADA regulatory locus control region provide enhanced T-cell-specific transgene expression

Science.gov (United States)

2009-01-01

Background Murine retroviral vectors have been used in several hundred gene therapy clinical trials, but have fallen out of favor for a number of reasons. One issue is that gene expression from viral or internal promoters is highly variable and essentially unregulated. Moreover, with retroviral vectors, gene expression is usually silenced over time. Mammalian genes, in contrast, are characterized by highly regulated, precise levels of expression in both a temporal and a cell-specific manner. To ascertain if recapitulation of endogenous adenosine deaminase (ADA) expression can be achieved in a vector construct we created a new series of Moloney murine leukemia virus (MuLV) based retroviral vector that carry human regulatory elements including combinations of the ADA promoter, the ADA locus control region (LCR), ADA introns and human polyadenylation sequences in a self-inactivating vector backbone. Methods A MuLV-based retroviral vector with a self-inactivating (SIN) backbone, the phosphoglycerate kinase promoter (PGK) and the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP), as a reporter gene, was generated. Subsequent vectors were constructed from this basic vector by deletion or addition of certain elements. The added elements that were assessed are the human ADA promoter, human ADA locus control region (LCR), introns 7, 8, and 11 from the human ADA gene, and human growth hormone polyadenylation signal. Retroviral vector particles were produced by transient three-plasmid transfection of 293T cells. Retroviral vectors encoding eGFP were titered by transducing 293A cells, and then the proportion of GFP-positive cells was determined using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Non T-cell and T-cell lines were transduced at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.1 and the yield of eGFP transgene expression was evaluated by FACS analysis using mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) detection. Results Vectors that contained the ADA LCR were preferentially expressed in T

Utilização do teste de eritroimunoadsorção por captura no imunodiagnóstico da neurocisticercose Capture erytroimmunoadsorption test for neurocysticercosis immunodiagnosis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Carmen Silvia de M. Pialarissi

1994-04-01

Full Text Available Foi padronizado o teste de eritroimunoadsorção por captura (EIAC para detecção de anticorpos específicos anti-cisticercos de Taenia solium, classe IgG, no líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR de pacientes com neurocisticercose. O reagente empregado para detecção de anticorpos específicos foi preparado com hemácias de carneiro em uma concentração de 0,25%, sensibilizadas com antígeno extrato salino bruto (ESB obtido do Cysticercus cellulosae. A concentração ótima de ESB para sensibilização das hemácias de carneiro foi de 40ug/ml. O rendimento do ESB foi de 0,lug proteína/cavidade. A sensibilidade do teste foi de 84,5% (limite de confiança 95% de 75% a 94%, quando aplicado a 58 amostras de LCR de pacientes com neurocisticercose; e a especificidade foi de 95,3% (limite de confiança 95% de 90,7% a 99,9% quando 85 amostras de LCR do grupo controle foram analisadas. O teste EIAC foi eficiente para o diagnóstico da neurocisticercose, e é importante para os laboratórios de saúde pública, tendo em vista a fácil execução, alto rendimento e baixo custo.The capture erytroimmunoadsorption (C-EIA test was standardized for detection of Taenia solium cysticercus-IgG specific antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF from patients with ncurocysticercosis. For the C-EIA test performance a reagent for specific antibody detection was prepared using sheep's red blood cells (SRBC in a concentration of 0.25% sensitized with crude saline extract antigen (SEA obtained from Cysticercus cellulosae. The optimum concentration of SEA for SRBC sensitization was 40ug/ml. The yield of SEA was 0.lug protein/cavity. When 58 CSF samples from patients with neurocysticercosis were analysed the sensitivity of the test was found to be 84.5% and the confidence limit of 95% probability (CL 95% ranged from 75% to 94%. The specificity was 95.3% (CL 95% from 90.7% to 99.9% when CSF samples from the control group were analysed. The C-EIA test was shown to be efficient

Resonant nuclear battery may aid in mitigating the greenhouse effect

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brown, P.M.

1989-01-01

A new process for the direct conversion of radioactive decay energy directly into electricity of a usable form is currently being developed by Peripheral Systems, Inc. of Portland, Oregon. United States Patent 4,835,433 was issued May 30, 1989 to protect this Resonant Nuclear Power Supply. When developed, this system promises cheap, reliable power from a package small and light enough to be mobile and an energy density great enough for use as a space-based power supply. One of the potential domestic applications could be to power electric automobiles. Use in highly populated areas would have a tremendous beneficial effect on the ecology. The principle of operation for the resonant nuclear power supply is an LCR (inductance capacitance resistance) resonant tank circuit oscillating at its self-resonant frequency (at resonance, the inductive reactance and the capacitive reactance cancel to leave the ohmic resistance of the circuit as the only major loss of energy). A means for absorbing the natural radioactive decay energy emitted from an alpha or beta source is provided in the primary tank circuit and contributes an amount of energy, by means of the beta voltaic effect, in excess of the energy required to sustain the oscillation of the LCR primary tank. A transformer is impedance matched to this oscillating primary circuit for efficient energy transfer of the excess energy to a secondary output circuit, which yields net electrical power in a high-frequency usable form to drive a load

A recurrent deletion syndrome at chromosome bands 2p11.2-2p12 flanked by segmental duplications at the breakpoints and including REEP1.

Science.gov (United States)

Stevens, Servi J C; Blom, Eveline W; Siegelaer, Ingrid T J; Smeets, Eric E J G L

2015-04-01

We identified an identical and recurrent 9.4-Mbp deletion at chromosome bands 2p11.2-2p12, which occurred de novo in two unrelated patients. It is flanked at the distal and proximal breakpoints by two homologous segmental duplications consisting of low copy repeat (LCR) blocks in direct orientation, which have >99% sequence identity. Despite the fact that the deletion was almost 10 Mbp in size, the patients showed a relatively mild clinical phenotype, that is, mild-to-moderate intellectual disability, a happy disposition, speech delay and delayed motor development. Their phenotype matches with that of previously described patients. The 2p11.2-2p12 deletion includes the REEP1 gene that is associated with spastic paraplegia and phenotypic features related to this are apparent in most 2p11.2-2p12 deletion patients, but not in all. Other hemizygous genes that may contribute to the clinical phenotype include LRRTM1 and CTNNA2. We propose a recurrent but rare 2p11.2-2p12 deletion syndrome based on (1) the identical, non-random localisation of the de novo deletion breakpoints in two unrelated patients and a patient from literature, (2) the patients' phenotypic similarity and their phenotypic overlap with other 2p deletions and (3) the presence of highly identical LCR blocks flanking both breakpoints, consistent with a non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR)-mediated rearrangement.

A comparative performance study of a photovoltaic concentrator system with discrete mirror and continuos profile for two different absorber shapes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

H, Saiful; Rezau, K.M [University of Dhaka, Dhaka (Bangladesh)

2000-07-01

Profiles of parabolic concentrators of discrete mirror and continuos surface mirror have been designed for combined electrical thermal photovoltaic systems. In the design the changes of concentration ratio, effect of reflection, angle of incidence over the absorber have been taken into account for maximum energy collection. The performances of the system are studied for solar cells of modified grid finger for illuminations from 1-10 sun. The local concentration ratio (LCR) distribution over the absorbers for both the concentrator, the optical efficiency, thermal efficiency, electrical and thermal power output and overall efficiency have been evaluated for different values of beam radiation concentration ratio and focal distance. [Spanish] Se han disenado perfiles de concentradores parabolicos de espejo discreto y de superficie continua para sistemas fotovoltaicos combinados electricos y termicos. En el diseno los cambios de la proporcion de concentracion, del efecto de la reflexion, del angulo de incidencia sobre el observador se han tenido en cuenta para una maxima recoleccion de energia. Los rendimientos del sistema se han estudiado para celdas solares de parrilla modificada para iluminaciones solares de 1-10. Han sido evaluados para diferentes valores de la proporcion de la concentracion de la radiacion en el rayo y la distancia focal la proporcion de concentracion local (LCR) de la distribucion en los absorbedores, para el concentrador la eficiencia optica, la eficiencia termica, electrica, la produccion de energia termica y electrica y la eficiencia total.

Synthesis and characterization of PVA blended LiClO4 as electrolyte material for battery Li-ion

Science.gov (United States)

Gunawan, I.; Deswita; Sugeng, B.; Sudaryanto

2017-07-01

It have been synthesized the materials for Li ion battery electrolytes, namely PVA with the addition of LiClO4 salt were varied 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% by weight respectively. The objective of this study is to control the ionic conductivity in traditional polymer electrolytes, to improve ionic conductivity with the addition of lithium perchlorat (LiClO4). These electrolyte materials prepared by PVA powder was dissolved into distilled water and added LiClO4 salt were varied. After drying the solution, PVA sheet blended LiClO4 salt as electrolyte material for Li ion battery obtained. PVA blended LiClO4 salt crystallite form was confirmed using X-Ray Difraction (XRD) equipment. Observation of the morphology done by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). While the electrical conductivity of the material is measured using LCR meter. The results of XRD pattern of LiClO4 shows intense peaks at angles 2θ = 23.2, 32.99, and 36.58°, which represent the crystalline nature of the salt. Particles morphology of the sample revealed by scanning electron microscopy are irregular in shape and agglomerated, with mean size 200-300 nm. It can be concluded that polycrystalline particles are composed of large number of crystallites. The study of conductivity by using LCR meter shows that all the graphs represent the DC and AC conductivity phenomena.

Detección de Mycobacterium tuberculosis mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en una población seleccionada del noroccidente de México

OpenAIRE

Morán Moguel María Cristina; Aceves Hernández Dolores; Peña Montes de Oca Patricia Maribel; Gallegos Arreola Martha Patricia; Flores Martínez Silvia Esperanza; Montoya Fuentes Héctor; Figuera Luis E.; Villa Manzanares Luis; Sánchez Corona José

2000-01-01

Este estudio compara la detección de Mycobacterium tuberculosis mediante baciloscopia (tinción de Ziehl-Neelsen), cultivo en medio de Löwenstein-Jensen y reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (RCP) realizada con ADN extraído directamente de distintos tipos de muestras. Se analizaron 252 muestras (114 de esputo, 96 de orina, 15 de LCR y 27 de otros tipos) de 160 pacientes con sospecha de tuberculosis en cualquiera de sus formas que acudieron al Laboratorio de Patología Clínica del Hospital de Es...

Geodetic and geophysical results from a Taiwan airborne gravity survey: Data reduction and accuracy assessment

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hwang, C.W.; Hsiao, Y.S.; Shih, H.C.

2007-01-01

[ 1] An airborne gravity survey was conducted over Taiwan using a LaCoste and Romberg (LCR) System II air-sea gravimeter with gravity and global positioning system (GPS) data sampled at 1 Hz. The aircraft trajectories were determined using a GPS network kinematic adjustment relative to eight GPS ...... using airborne and surface gravity data and the other using surface data only, and the former yields a better agreement with the GPS-derived geoidal heights. Bouguer anomalies derived from airborne gravity by a rigorous numerical integration reveal important tectonic features....

Esclerose múltipla simulando tumor cerebral: apresentação de caso com comprovação histopatológica

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Charles Peter Tilbery

1995-06-01

Full Text Available Os autores apresentam o caso de uma paciente com 41 anos de idade que iniciou seu quadro clínico com hemiparesia direita progressiva. A RNM revelou massa expansiva na região temporoparietal esquerda e lesão menor na área frontal direita. O exame do LCR foi normal. Devido à possibilidade de se tratar de tumor ou abscesso, a paciente foi submetida a biópsia cerebral. O resultado revelou tratar-se de área de desmielinização, sendo negativos os testes efetuados para vírus.

Validación de las características citobioquímicas del líquido cefalorraquídeo para el diagnóstico de meningitis tuberculosa en pacientes pediátricos Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño 2005 - 2015

OpenAIRE

Muñoz Huerta, Pamela Rocío

2016-01-01

La meningitis tuberculosa constituye la forma más grave de infección extrapulmonar por Mycobacterium tuberculosis en la infancia, presentando gran morbilidad asociada a corto y a largo plazo. Es también elevado el índice de mortalidad. Su diagnóstico se hace difícil debido al costo de pruebas definitivas como la reacción en cadena a la polimerasa y el tiempo prolongado en resultar positivos los cultivos del LCR. Se hace necesario poseer herramientas para un adecuado diagnóstico y así empezar ...

Electronics for technicians

CERN Document Server

Crane, P W

2013-01-01

Electronics for Technicians covers the basic fundamentals of electronics, including the operation of devices and circuits. The book is meant to help the technician to obtain numerical answers to actual circuit problems. This volume consists of seven chapters, the first of which introduces the reader to the basic rules for circuits containing resistive and reactive elements. Charge and discharge of a capacitor through a resistor is discussed, along with charge and discharge of an inductance through a resistance, application of sinusoidal voltages to simple networks, and series and parallel LCR

Estudio comparativo de RM perfusión en pacientes diagnosticados de hidrocefalia normotensiva con pacientes controles.

OpenAIRE

Carrascosa Bisquert, Blanca

2012-01-01

Diversos estudis han demostrat que existeix una disminució en la irrigació de la substància blanca periventricular en pacients diagnosticats d'hidrocefàlia normotensiva quan es comparen amb subjectes normals. Amb l'objectiu de demostrar aquestes troballes, pacients afectes d'aquesta patología es van sotmetre a una RM cerebral morfológica, un estudi de dinàmica de fluxe de LCR i un estudi de perfusió. Amb aquestes exploracions es va demostrar un augment en l'índex d'Evans i una disminución del...

Strapdown Airborne Gravimetry Using a Combination of Commercial Software and Stable-Platform Gravity Estimates

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jensen, Tim E.; Nielsen, J. Emil; Olesen, Arne V.

2017-01-01

into the long-wavelengths of the gravity estimates. This has made the stable-platform approach the preferred method for geodetic applications. In the summer of 2016, during a large airborne survey in Malaysia, a SIMU system was flown alongside a traditional LaCoste&Romberg (LCR) gravimeter. The SIMU......For the past two decades, airborne gravimetry using a Strapdown Inertial Measurement Unit (SIMU) has been producing gravity estimates comparable to the traditional stable-platform single-axis gravimeters. The challenge has been to control the long term drift of the IMU sensors, propagating...

Linfoma primário de células T no líquido cefalorraquidiano de cão: relato de caso

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

L.F. Moraes

2012-12-01

Full Text Available Relata-se o diagnóstico de linfoma primário no sistema nervoso central em um cão Labrador Retrievier, de 10 anos de idade, que apresentava episódios convulsivos, incoordenação nos membros posteriores, head tilt, ataxia e sensibilidade diminuída no lado esquerdo. Constataram-se alterações laterais esquerdas, como ausências de propriocepção e de posicionamento tátil, alterações posteriores nas provas de carrinho de mão e de reação ao pulo e diminuição da extensão da postura e hemilocomoção. No líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR, houve predomínio de linfócitos atípicos, caracterizados pela presença de anisocitose e anisocariose, nucléolos evidentes e anisonucleose, basofilia e microvacuolização citoplasmáticas, mitoses atípicas e corpúsculos linfoglandulares, compatíveis com linfoma, confirmado pelo exame histológico e imunocitoquímico, o qual revelou origem T, com expressão CD3+ e CD79-. A tomografia computadorizada não foi conclusiva e evidenciou diversas áreas hipodensas e intensificação de contraste na região de sulcos e giros do parênquima encefálico. A coleta do LCR foi essencial na rapidez do diagnóstico definitivo, indicando a natureza rara desta lesão primária.

Avaliação da Barreira Hemato-Encefálica no transplante de medula óssea Blood-Brain Barrier evaluation in bone marrow transplantation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sérgio Monteiro de Almeida

1997-01-01

Full Text Available A barreira hemato-encefálica (BHE contribui para o isolamento imunológico do sistema nervoso central (SNC. Sua avaliação nunca foi realizada em pacientes submetidos a transplante de medula óssea (TMO. Neste estudo a integridade da BHE foi avaliada através das proteínas do LCR, de forma quantitativa, a fim de observar a incidência e entender a fisiopatologia da doença do enxerto contra o hospedeiro crônica (DECH-C no SNC. Foram estudadas amostras pareadas de LCR e soro de 33 pacientes com leucemia mielóide crônica submetidos a TMO alogênico, de doador aparentado, HLA idêntico. As amostras foram coletadas nos períodos pré TMO, pós TMO e concomitante à DECH-C. Não foi evidenciada quebra de BHE durante a DECH-C em nenhum dos casos estudados.The blood-brain barrier (BBB contributes to the central nervous system (CNS immunological isolation. BBB has never been studied in patients who developed chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD after allogeneic bone marrow transplants (BMT, from HLA identical related donors. BBB disruption was investigated through the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF proteins, quantitative and graphically, in order to detect the incidence and possible pathophysiology of the CNS involvement in chronic GVHD. Thirty three CSF and matched serum samples from chronic myeloid leukemia patients were collected pre BMT, pos BMT and during chronic GVHD. There was no evidence of BBB disruption in any patient studied.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Ablation With Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy in Inoperable Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systemic Review and Pooled Analysis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bi, Nan [Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (United States); Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital and Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing (China); Shedden, Kerby [Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (United States); Zheng, Xiangpeng [Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (United States); Kong, Feng-Ming, E-mail: fskong@iupui.edu [Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (United States); Department of Radiation Oncology, Indiana University, Indianapolis (United States)

2016-08-01

Purpose: To performed a systematic review and pooled analysis to compare clinical outcomes of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of medically inoperable stage I non-small cell lung cancer. Methods and Materials: A comprehensive literature search for published trials from 2001 to 2012 was undertaken. Pooled analyses were performed to obtain overall survival (OS) and local tumor control rates (LCRs) and adverse events. Regression analysis was conducted considering each study's proportions of stage IA and age. Results: Thirty-one studies on SBRT (2767 patients) and 13 studies on RFA (328 patients) were eligible. The LCR (95% confidence interval) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years for RFA was 77% (70%-85%), 48% (37%-58%), 55% (47%-62%), and 42% (30%-54%) respectively, which was significantly lower than that for SBRT: 97% (96%-98%), 92% (91%-94%), 88% (86%-90%), and 86% (85%-88%) (P<.001). These differences remained significant after correcting for stage IA and age (P<.001 at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years; P=.04 at 5 years). The effect of RFA was not different from that of SBRT on OS (P>.05). The most frequent complication of RFA was pneumothorax, occurring in 31% of patients, whereas that for SBRT (grade ≥3) was radiation pneumonitis, occurring in 2% of patients. Conclusions: Compared with RFA, SBRT seems to have a higher LCR but similar OS. More studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to validate such findings.

Application of anti-leptospira ELISA-lgM for the etiologic elucidation of meningitis Aplicação do ELISA-IgM anti-leptospira na elucidação etiológica das meningites

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marcos V Silva

1996-04-01

Full Text Available Leptospirosis is one of the causes of meningitis, although its importance is not well known. In the present study we contributed to this knowledge by demonstrating specific IgM class anti-leptospira antibodies by the immunoenzymatic method ELISA in 14.6% of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF samples from 171 patients with meningitis considered to be of indeterminate etiology. The frequencies of positivity were similar in cases with predominance of polymorphonuclear or lymphomononuclear leucocytes in the CSF. Age distribution showed a predominance of the 5 to 15 year age range (72%, and sex distribution showed a predominance of males (68%. The authors discuss the contribution of this method to the etiologic elucidation of meningitis.A Leptospirose é uma das causas de meningite, embora sua importância seja pouco conhecida. O presente estudo contribui para este conhecimento ao demonstrar anticorpos específicos da classe IgM anti-Leptospira pelo método imunoenzimático (ELISA, em 14,6% das amostras de líqüido cefalorraquianos (LCR de 171 pacientes com meningite considerada de etiología indeterminada. As freqüências de positividade foram parecidas nos casos com predomínio no LCR de leucócitos polimorfonucleares ou linfomononucleares. A distribuição por idade mostrou predomínio na faixa etária entre 5 e 15 anos (72% e por sexo o predomínio do masculino (68%. Os autores discutem a contribuição desse método na elucidação etiológica das meningites.

{sup 106}Ruthenium Plaque Therapy (RPT) for Retinoblastoma

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Murakami, Naoya, E-mail: namuraka@ncc.go.jp [Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo (Japan); Suzuki, Shigenobu [Department of Ophthalmic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo (Japan); Ito, Yoshinori [Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo (Japan); Yoshimura, Ryoichi [Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Oncology, Head and Neck Reconstruction Division, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo (Japan); Inaba, Koji; Kuroda, Yuki; Morota, Madoka; Mayahara, Hiroshi; Sakudo, Mototake; Wakita, Akihisa; Okamoto, Hiroyuki; Sumi, Minako; Kagami, Yoshikazu [Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo (Japan); Nakagawa, Keiichi; Ohtomo, Kuni [Department of Radiology, University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo (Japan); Itami, Jun [Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo (Japan)

2012-09-01

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of episcleral {sup 106}ruthenium plaque therapy (RPT) in the management of retinoblastoma. Methods and Materials: One hundred one RPTs were retrospectively analyzed that were performed in 90 eyes of 85 patients with retinoblastoma at National Cancer Center Hospital between 1998 and 2008. Each RPT had a corresponding tumor and 101 tumors were considered in the analysis of local control. Median follow-up length was 72.8 months. Median patient age at the RPT was 28 months. Median prescribed doses at reference depth and outer surface of the sclera were 47.4 Gy and 162.3 Gy, respectively. Results: Local control rate (LCR) and ocular retention rate (ORR) at 2 years were 33.7% and 58.7%, respectively. Unilateral disease, International Classification of Retinoblastoma group C or more advanced at the first presentation or at the time of RPT, vitreous and/or subretinal seeding, tumor size greater than 5 disc diameter (DD), reference depth greater than 5 mm, dose rate at reference depth lower than 0.7 Gy/hour, dose at the reference depth lower than 35 Gy, and (biologically effective dose with an {alpha}/{beta} ratio of 10 Gy) at the reference depth lower than 40 Gy{sub 10} were associated with unfavorable LCR. Two patients died of metastatic disease. Radiation complications included retinal detachment in 12 eyes (13.3%), proliferative retinopathy in 6 (6.7%), rubeosis iris in 2 (2.2%), and posterior subcapsular cataract in 23 (25.6%). Conclusion: RPT is an effective eye-preserving treatment for retinoblastoma.

Correlation of a hypoxia based tumor control model with observed local control rates in nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with chemoradiotherapy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Avanzo, Michele; Stancanello, Joseph; Franchin, Giovanni; Sartor, Giovanna; Jena, Rajesh; Drigo, Annalisa; Dassie, Andrea; Gigante, Marco; Capra, Elvira [Department of Medical Physics, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano 33081 (Italy); Research and Clinical Collaborations, Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen 91052 (Germany); Department of Radiation Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano 33081 (Italy); Department of Medical Physics, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano 33081 (Italy); Oncology Centre, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ (United Kingdom); Department of Medical Physics, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano 33081 (Italy); Department of Radiation Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano 33081 (Italy); Department of Medical Physics, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano 33081 (Italy)

2010-04-15

Purpose: To extend the application of current radiation therapy (RT) based tumor control probability (TCP) models of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) to include the effects of hypoxia and chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Methods: A TCP model is described based on the linear-quadratic model modified to account for repopulation, chemotherapy, heterogeneity of dose to the tumor, and hypoxia. Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine which parameters exert the greatest influence on the uncertainty of modeled TCP. On the basis of the sensitivity analysis, the values of specific radiobiological parameters were set to nominal values reported in the literature for NPC or head and neck tumors. The remaining radiobiological parameters were determined by fitting TCP to clinical local control data from published randomized studies using both RT and CRT. Validation of the model was performed by comparison of estimated TCP and average overall local control rate (LCR) for 45 patients treated at the institution with conventional linear-accelerator-based or helical tomotherapy based intensity-modulated RT and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Results: Sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the model is most sensitive to the radiosensitivity term {alpha} and the dose per fraction. The estimated values of {alpha} and OER from data fitting were 0.396 Gy{sup -1} and 1.417. The model estimate of TCP (average 90.9%, range 26.9%-99.2%) showed good correlation with the LCR (86.7%). Conclusions: The model implemented in this work provides clinicians with a useful tool to predict the success rate of treatment, optimize treatment plans, and compare the effects of multimodality therapy.

HPV DNA methylation at the early promoter and E1/E2 integrity: A comparison between HPV16, HPV18 and HPV45 in cervical cancer.

Science.gov (United States)

Amaro-Filho, Sérgio Menezes; Pereira Chaves, Cláudia Bessa; Felix, Shayany Pinto; Basto, Diogo Lisbôa; de Almeida, Liz Maria; Moreira, Miguel Angelo Martins

2018-04-09

To compare and describe type-specific characteristics of HPV16, HPV18 and HPV45 in cervical cancer with respect to 3'LCR methylation and disruption of E1/E2. The methylation level of 137 cervical cancer samples (70 with HPV16, 37 with HPV18, and 30 with HPV45) of Brazilian patients was analyzed by pyrosequencing. PCR amplifications were performed to characterize E1 and E2 disruption as an episomal surrogate. The 3'LCR of HPV16 showed a higher methylation at all CpG sites (7%, 9%, 11%, 10% and 10%) than homologous HPV18 regions (4%, 5%. 6%, 9% and 5%) and HPV45 regions (7%, 7% and 5%). Presence of intact E1/E2 was associated with higher HPV16 and HPV18 methylation levels at all CpG sites (p < 0.05). Disruption of E1/E2 was more frequently found in HPV45 (97%) and HPV18 (84%) than in HPV16 DNA (30%). HPV16 disruption was more frequently found in E1 (48%) unlike HPV18, where it was found in E2 (61%). Concomitant disruption of E1/E2 was most frequent in HPV45 (72%). The findings showed a higher methylation associated with intact E1/E2 for HPV16 and HPV18. The closely phylogenetic related HPV18 and HPV45 share a similar methylation level and the frequency of viral genome disruption. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of the past and current duplication activities in the human 22q11.2 region

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Morrow Bernice

2011-01-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Segmental duplications (SDs on 22q11.2 (LCR22, serve as substrates for meiotic non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR events resulting in several clinically significant genomic disorders. Results To understand the duplication activity leading to the complicated SD structure of this region, we have applied the A-Bruijn graph algorithm to decompose the 22q11.2 SDs to 523 fundamental duplication sequences, termed subunits. Cross-species syntenic analysis of primate genomes demonstrates that many of these LCR22 subunits emerged very recently, especially those implicated in human genomic disorders. Some subunits have expanded more actively than others, and young Alu SINEs, are associated much more frequently with duplicated sequences that have undergone active expansion, confirming their role in mediating recombination events. Many copy number variations (CNVs exist on 22q11.2, some flanked by SDs. Interestingly, two chromosome breakpoints for 13 CNVs (mean length 65 kb are located in paralogous subunits, providing direct evidence that SD subunits could contribute to CNV formation. Sequence analysis of PACs or BACs identified extra CNVs, specifically, 10 insertions and 18 deletions within 22q11.2; four were more than 10 kb in size and most contained young AluYs at their breakpoints. Conclusions Our study indicates that AluYs are implicated in the past and current duplication events, and moreover suggests that DNA rearrangements in 22q11.2 genomic disorders perhaps do not occur randomly but involve both actively expanded duplication subunits and Alu elements.

Evolution of a meander in a constricted reach of a dryland alluvial channel: Little Colorado River, Arizona

Science.gov (United States)

Block, D.

2013-12-01

Lateral migration of river meander systems is complex, particularly in drylands where fluvial processes are discontinuous. Analysis of aerial photography and GPS tracking of cutbank erosion can further empirical knowledge of meander development. Moreover, discharge records link landscape response to hydroclimatic variability. In the semiarid Little Colorado River valley, extreme erosive episodes typically result from snowmelt flow, or lately, rain-on-snow events. The 90-km reach of the Little Colorado River (LCR), from Winslow to Leupp, Arizona, meanders within a 5-km-wide valley. Near Winslow, however, the LCR is disconnected from its floodplain by a 12-km-long levee. The levee restricts the floodplain to only 450 m wide in one location. In this severely constricted river stretch, a flood event in January 2008 relocated a meander bend. Bend development followed a common sequence of migration phases long noted in the literature, but at a very rapid pace. During the flood event one meander limb migrated ~200 m, following the general northwesterly flow direction of the river. Movement vectors of meander inflection points, apex, and apical line characterize changes in bend morphology. Before the 2008 flood event the apical line of the meander bend had azimuth 50°; after the 2008 flood event the apical line of the meander bend had azimuth 345°. Since that event, the meander bend has migrated an additional ~200 m through a combination of translation, extension, and rotation. The data provide information on geomorphic response to bimodal precipitation patterns in a human-perturbed channel reach.

The Impact of XmnI-HBG2, BCL11A and HBS1L-MYB Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms on Hb F Variation of Hematologically Normal Iranian Individuals.

Science.gov (United States)

Keyhani, Elaheh; Jafari Vesiehsari, Mahjoobeh; Talebi Kakroodi, Setareh; Darabi, Elham; Zamani, Fahimeh; Karimlou, Masoud; Kamali, Koorosh; Neishabury, Maryam

2016-06-01

The impact of Hb F on severity of sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia (β-thal) is well documented. The XmnI-HBG2, BCL11A and HBS1L-MYB single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been introduced as the most important factors causing variation in fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) levels in different population studies. However, the extent of their effect could be population-specific. In this study, multivariate linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of Hb F with age, sex, and eight SNPs, including XmnI-HBG2, four BCL11A, two HBS1L-MYB SNPs and the polymorphic palindromic 5' hypersensitive 4-locus control region (5'HS4-LCR). One hundred and twenty-two hematologically normal individuals, from a previous study cohort, constituted our study population. In multivariate regression analyses, no association of Hb F was observed with age or sex of the individuals and SNPs in this study. We conducted a univariate regression analysis to further investigate the results, which among all the factors only detected XmnI-HBG2 and 5'HS4 SNPs as significant modifiers of Hb F. The significance of these two factors disappeared in a bivariate analysis. These results suggest that either XmnI-HBG2 or 5'HS4-LCR have a stronger contribution in Hb F variations of the Iranian population than BCL11A and HBS1L-MYB SNPs. Furthermore, the effect of low population size and technical limitations on obtained results could not be ruled out.

Encefalitis por virus San Luis en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires durante el brote de dengue 2009

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Horacio López

2011-06-01

Full Text Available Se presenta un paciente de 80 años de edad, residente en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, con diagnóstico serológico para el virus de la encefalitis de San Luis (SLE durante el brote de dengue ocurrido entre enero y mayo de 2009. Presentaba leucemia linfoide crónica en tratamiento con clorambucilo, cáncer de próstata tratado con hormonoterapia y radioterapia, e imágenes óseas compatibles con metástasis. El estudio del líquido cefalorraquídeo demostró pleocitosis con predominio de mononucleares y proteinorraquia elevada. El resultado de los cultivos para bacterias, hongos y micobacterias, así como el PCR en LCR para herpes virus, HSV, CMV y EBV, fue negativo. Se detectaron anticuerpos IgM para virus SLE tanto en LCR como en muestra de suero, con seroconversión IgG por neutralización en cultivos celulares y resultados negativos para los demás Flavivirus con circulación en Argentina. Se revisan evidencias sobre la presencia de virus de San Luis en nuestro país, y se señala la importancia de la confirmación diagnóstica y el estudio de otros Flavivirus en casos sospechosos de dengue con presentación grave o atípica. Este trabajo remarca la necesidad de fortalecer tanto la vigilancia epidemiológica del virus SLE, como el control vectorial para prevenir las diferentes infecciones transmitidas por mosquitos y conocer su efecto en Salud Pública en la Argentina.

Aerobic endurance capacity affects spatial memory and SIRT1 is a potent modulator of 8-oxoguanine repair.

Science.gov (United States)

Sarga, L; Hart, N; Koch, L G; Britton, S L; Hajas, G; Boldogh, I; Ba, X; Radak, Z

2013-11-12

Regular exercise promotes brain function via a wide range of adaptive responses, including the increased expression of antioxidant and oxidative DNA damage-repairing systems. Accumulation of oxidized DNA base lesions and strand breaks is etiologically linked to for example aging processes and age-associated diseases. Here we tested whether exercise training has an impact on brain function, extent of neurogenesis, and expression of 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase-1 (Ogg1) and SIRT1 (silent mating-type information regulation 2 homolog). To do so, we utilized strains of rats with low- and high-running capacity (LCR and HCR) and examined learning and memory, DNA synthesis, expression, and post-translational modification of Ogg1 hippocampal cells. Our results showed that rats with higher aerobic/running capacity had better spatial memory, and expressed less Ogg1, when compared to LCR rats. Furthermore, exercise increased SIRT1 expression and decreased acetylated Ogg1 (AcOgg1) levels, a post-translational modification important for efficient repair of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG). Our data on cell cultures revealed that nicotinamide, a SIRT1-specific inhibitor, caused the greatest increase in the acetylation of Ogg1, a finding further supported by our other observations that silencing SIRT1 also markedly increased the levels of AcOgg1. These findings imply that high-running capacity is associated with increased hippocampal function, and SIRT1 level/activity and inversely correlates with AcOgg1 levels and thereby the repair of genomic 8-oxoG. Copyright © 2013 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Correlation of a hypoxia based tumor control model with observed local control rates in nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with chemoradiotherapy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Avanzo, Michele; Stancanello, Joseph; Franchin, Giovanni; Sartor, Giovanna; Jena, Rajesh; Drigo, Annalisa; Dassie, Andrea; Gigante, Marco; Capra, Elvira

2010-01-01

Purpose: To extend the application of current radiation therapy (RT) based tumor control probability (TCP) models of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) to include the effects of hypoxia and chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Methods: A TCP model is described based on the linear-quadratic model modified to account for repopulation, chemotherapy, heterogeneity of dose to the tumor, and hypoxia. Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine which parameters exert the greatest influence on the uncertainty of modeled TCP. On the basis of the sensitivity analysis, the values of specific radiobiological parameters were set to nominal values reported in the literature for NPC or head and neck tumors. The remaining radiobiological parameters were determined by fitting TCP to clinical local control data from published randomized studies using both RT and CRT. Validation of the model was performed by comparison of estimated TCP and average overall local control rate (LCR) for 45 patients treated at the institution with conventional linear-accelerator-based or helical tomotherapy based intensity-modulated RT and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Results: Sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the model is most sensitive to the radiosensitivity term α and the dose per fraction. The estimated values of α and OER from data fitting were 0.396 Gy -1 and 1.417. The model estimate of TCP (average 90.9%, range 26.9%-99.2%) showed good correlation with the LCR (86.7%). Conclusions: The model implemented in this work provides clinicians with a useful tool to predict the success rate of treatment, optimize treatment plans, and compare the effects of multimodality therapy.

Benchmarking electrical methods for rapid estimation of root biomass.

Science.gov (United States)

Postic, François; Doussan, Claude

2016-01-01

To face climate change and subsequent rainfall instabilities, crop breeding strategies now include root traits phenotyping. Rapid estimation of root traits in controlled conditions can be achieved by using parallel electrical capacitance and its linear correlation with root dry mass. The aim of the present study was to improve robustness and efficiency of methods based on capacitance and other electrical variables, such as serial/parallel resistance, conductance, impedance or reactance. Using different electrode configurations and stem contact electrodes, we have measured the electrical impedance spectra of wheat plants grown in pots filled with three types of soil. For each configuration, parallel capacitance and other linearly independent electrical variables were computed and their quality as root dry mass estimator was evaluated by a 'sensitivity score' that we derived from Pearson's correlation coefficient r and linear regression parameters. The highest sensitivity score was obtained by parallel capacitance at an alternating current frequency of 116 Hz in three-terminal configuration. Using a clamp, instead of a needle, as a stem electrode did not significantly affect the capacitance measurements. Finally, in handheld LCR meter equivalent conditions, capacitance had the highest sensitivity score and determination coefficient (r (2) = 0.52) at 10 kHz frequency. Our benchmarking of linear correlations between different electrical variables and root dry mass enables to determine more coherent practices for ensuring a sensitive and robust root dry mass estimation, including in handheld LCR meter conditions. This would enhance the value of electrical capacitance as a tool for screening crops in relation with root systems in breeding programs.

Communication grounding facility

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Gye Seong

1998-06-01

It is about communication grounding facility, which is made up twelve chapters. It includes general grounding with purpose, materials thermal insulating material, construction of grounding, super strength grounding method, grounding facility with grounding way and building of insulating, switched grounding with No. 1A and LCR, grounding facility of transmission line, wireless facility grounding, grounding facility in wireless base station, grounding of power facility, grounding low-tenton interior power wire, communication facility of railroad, install of arrester in apartment and house, install of arrester on introduction and earth conductivity and measurement with introduction and grounding resistance.

Evaluation of the uncertainties in the TLD radiosurgery postal dose system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Campos, Luciana Tourinho; Leite, Sandro Passos; Almeida, Carlos Eduardo Veloso de; Magalhães, Luís Alexandre Gonçalves

2017-01-01

Radiosurgery is a single-fraction radiation therapy procedure for treating intracranial lesions using a stereotactic apparatus and multiple narrow beams delivered through noncoplanar isocentric arcs. The Radiological Science Laboratory (LCR/UERJ) operates a postal audit programme in SRT and SRS. The purpose of the programme is to verify the target localization accuracy and the dosimetric conditions of the TPS. The programme works in such a way those TLDs are sent to the centre where they are to be irradiated to a certain dose. The aim of the present work is estimate the uncertainties in the process of dose determination, using experimental data. (author)

Meningomielorradiculopatia na esquistossomose mansônica: avaliação clínica e do líquido cefalorraqueano em 16 casos

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

P. N. B. Salum

1981-09-01

Full Text Available Apresentação de 16 casos de meningomielorradiculopatia esquistossomótica quanto à evolução clínica e do dual citoproteico do líquido cefalorraqueano. É salientado haver tendência à remissão da pleiocitose e manutenção da hiperpro-teinorraquia com o decorrer do tempo de doença. Também é salientado não haver relação entre a evolução clínica, o tratamento medicamentoso e a evolução das variáveis analisadas no LCR.

Evaluation of the uncertainties in the TLD radiosurgery postal dose system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Campos, Luciana Tourinho; Leite, Sandro Passos; Almeida, Carlos Eduardo Veloso de; Magalhães, Luís Alexandre Gonçalves, E-mail: tc_luciana@yahoo.com.br [Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil)

2017-07-01

Radiosurgery is a single-fraction radiation therapy procedure for treating intracranial lesions using a stereotactic apparatus and multiple narrow beams delivered through noncoplanar isocentric arcs. The Radiological Science Laboratory (LCR/UERJ) operates a postal audit programme in SRT and SRS. The purpose of the programme is to verify the target localization accuracy and the dosimetric conditions of the TPS. The programme works in such a way those TLDs are sent to the centre where they are to be irradiated to a certain dose. The aim of the present work is estimate the uncertainties in the process of dose determination, using experimental data. (author)

Muonated cyclohexadienyl radicals observed by level crossing resonance in dilute solutions of benzene in hexane subjected to muon-irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Walker, D.C.; Barnabas, M.V.; Venkateswaran, K.

1988-11-01

Benzene is used here as a scavenger of muonium to produce the muonated cyclohexadienyl radical in dilute solutions in n-hexane. The radical was identified by level crossing resonance spectroscopy (LCR) by observing the proton resonance of the -CHMu group occurring at 2.059T. Its yield is found to equal the sum of the muonium atom yield and the 'missing' muon yield in hexane (total 35% of the incident muons). Consequently, the complete dispersement of muons in different chemical associations is now accounted for in a saturated hydrocarbon liquid, and is seen to be similar to that in water

Implantation of radiation qualities for mammography in accordance with the IEC 61627 and TRS 457 criteria; Implantacao das qualidades de radiacao para mamografia, segundo os criterios da IEC 61627 e do TRS 457

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pires, Evandro J.; David, Mariano G.; Almeida, Carlos Eduardo de, E-mail: pires@lcr.uerj.b [Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (LCR/UERJ), RJ (Brazil). Lab de Ciencias Radiologicas; Peixoto, J. Guilherme, E-mail: guilhem@ird.gov.b [Instituto de Radioprotecao e Dosimetria (IRD/CNEN-RJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil)

2009-07-01

In this work it is discussed the technical conditions of the implantation of radiation qualities adequate for dosemeter applied to mammography at the Radiological Science Laboratory (RSL) of the University of State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It performed tests for evaluation the homogeneity of the radiation field, the scattering, the half-layers and the system stability. The test results point for adequacy of the laboratory installed at the LCR for calibration of the mentioned dosemeters in seven qualities of radiation and the expanded uncertainty with better capacity of measurement at those qualities was of {+-}1.8% (k = 2)

Alteraciones cognitivas en pacientes con hidrocefalia crónica del adulto ("normotensiva"): Propuesta de un protocolo para su evaluación clínica

OpenAIRE

Benejam, B.; Poca, M.A.; Junqué, C.; Solana, E.; Sahuquillo, J.

2008-01-01

La hidrocefalia crónica del adulto (HCA), o hidrocefalia a presión normal, se caracteriza por una alteración de la marcha, una incontinencia de esfínteres y un deterioro cognitivo progresivo, asociado a una dilatación variable del sistema ventricular. El tratamiento habitual consiste en la colocación de un sistema de derivación de líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR). Dadas las características de los pacientes y el riesgo implícito de la cirugía, es fundamental realizar un diagnóstico correcto del s...

Implantation of radiation qualities for mammography in accordance with the IEC 61627 and TRS 457 criteria

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pires, Evandro J.; David, Mariano G.; Almeida, Carlos Eduardo de

2009-01-01

In this work it is discussed the technical conditions of the implantation of radiation qualities adequate for dosemeter applied to mammography at the Radiological Science Laboratory (RSL) of the University of State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It performed tests for evaluation the homogeneity of the radiation field, the scattering, the half-layers and the system stability. The test results point for adequacy of the laboratory installed at the LCR for calibration of the mentioned dosemeters in seven qualities of radiation and the expanded uncertainty with better capacity of measurement at those qualities was of ±1.8% (k = 2)

ESTUDIO DE MARCADORES BIOLOGICOS EN LA ENFERMEDAD DE ALZHEIMER

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

B. Calvo

2006-02-01

, siendo la causa mas frecuente de demencia en los paises occidentales. Su prevalencia va en aumento, debido al envejecimiento de la población. Por la edad de aparición la EA se puede clasificar en presenil ó de inicio temprano si aparece antes de los 60-65 años y senil o de inicio tardio si aparece después.En esta revisión se estudian los principales parámetros biológicos a utilizar en la enfermedad de Alzheimer e intentar diferenciarla de otras patologías degenerativas, ya que el diagnostico precoz de la EA es de gran importancia.El gen Apo E esta localizado en el cromosoma humano 19 y contiene 4 exones que codifica la apolipoproteina E de 299 aminoácidos. Las tres isoenzimas de la Apo E son la Apo E2, E3 y E4 y son productos de los tres alelos de cada locus génico. Tres fenotipos homozigoticos (apo E2/2, E3/3 y E4/4 y tres heterizigóticos (apo E3/2, E4/3 y E4/2 resultan de la expresión de cada uno de los tres alelos. La sustitución de los aminoácidos en los codones 112 y 158 conllevan a las diferencias entre apo E2, E3 y E4.Como la tau se trata de una proteína intracelular el nivel hallado en LCR es bajo. El desarrollo de una elevada afinidad por los anticuerpos monoclonales altamente específicos para la tau ha conducido al desarrollo de test para la detección de la tau en LCR y un número elevado de pacientes con Alhzeimer y controles han mostrado una elevada expresión de la tau en las células neuronales afectadas. Además los test basados en la determinación cuantitativa de la proteína tau en el LCR puede ser de gran ayuda en el diagnóstico de la EA.En la actualidad, el marcador en LCR que muestra mayor especificidad es fosfo-tau. No obstante la determinación conjunta de los tres marcadores tau, fosfo-tau y AB42 en LCR, aumenta la especificidad y sensibilidad respecto a su utilización individual.

Re-Introduction of Lower Columbia River Chum Salmon into Duncan Creek, 2002-2003 Annual Report.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hillson, Todd D. (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, WA)

2003-10-15

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) listed Lower Columbia River chum as threatened under the auspices of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in March of 1999 (64 FR 14508, March 25, 1999). The listing was in response to reduction in abundance from historical levels of more than half a million returning adults to fewer than 10,000 present day spawners. Harvest, loss of habitat, changes in flow regimes, riverbed movement and heavy siltation have been largely responsible for the decline of Columbia River chum salmon. The timing of seasonal changes in river flow and water temperatures is perhaps the most critical factor in structuring the freshwater life history of this species. This is especially true of the population located directly below Bonneville Dam where hydropower operations can block access to spawning sites, dewater redds, strand fry, cause scour or fill of redds and increase sedimentation of spawning gravels. Currently, only two main populations are recognized as genetically distinct in the Columbia River, although spawning has been documented in most lower Columbia River tributaries. The first is located in the Grays River (RKm 34) (Grays population), a tributary of the Columbia, and the second is a group of spawners that utilize the Columbia River just below Bonneville Dam (RKm 235) adjacent to Ives Island and in Hardy and Hamilton creeks (Lower Gorge population). A possible third population of mainstem spawners, found in the fall of 1999, were located spawning above the I-205 bridge (approximately RKm 182), this aggregation is referred to as the Woods Landing/Rivershore population or the I-205 group. The recovery strategy for Lower Columbia River (LCR) chum as outlined in Hatchery Genetic Management Plans (HGMP) has three main tasks. First, determine if remnant populations of LCR chum salmon exist in LCR tributaries. Second, if such populations exist, develop stock-specific recovery plans involving habitat restoration including the creation of

Human papillomavirus type-16 variants in Quechua aboriginals from Argentina.

Science.gov (United States)

Picconi, María Alejandra; Alonio, Lidia Virginia; Sichero, Laura; Mbayed, Viviana; Villa, Luisa Lina; Gronda, Jorge; Campos, Rodolfo; Teyssié, Angélica

2003-04-01

Cervical carcinoma is the leading cause of cancer death in Quechua indians from Jujuy (northwestern Argentina). To determine the prevalence of HPV-16 variants, 106 HPV-16 positive cervical samples were studied, including 33 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), 28 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), 9 invasive cervical cancer (ICC), and 36 samples from women with normal colposcopy and cytology. HPV genome variability was examined in the L1 and E6 genes by PCR-hybridization. In a subset of 20 samples, a LCR fragment was also analyzed by PCR-sequencing. Most variants belonged to the European branch with subtle differences that depended on the viral gene fragment studied. Only about 10% of the specimens had non-European variants, including eight Asian-American, two Asian, and one North-American-1. E6 gene analysis revealed that 43% of the samples were identical to HPV-16 prototype, while 57% corresponded to variants. Interestingly, the majority (87%) of normal smears had HPV-16 prototype, whereas variants were detected mainly in SIL and ICC. LCR sequencing yielded 80% of variants, including 69% of European, 19% Asian-American, and 12% Asian. We identified a new variant, the Argentine Quechua-51 (AQ-51), similar to B-14 plus two additional changes: G7842-->A and A7837-->C; phylogenetic inference allocated it in the Asian-American branch. The high proportion of European variants may reflect Spanish colonial influence on these native Inca descendants. The predominance of HPV-16 variants in pathologic samples when compared to normal controls could have implications for the natural history of cervical lesions. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Selection-, age-, and exercise-dependence of skeletal muscle gene expression patterns in a rat model of metabolic fitness.

Science.gov (United States)

Ren, Yu-Yu; Koch, Lauren G; Britton, Steven L; Qi, Nathan R; Treutelaar, Mary K; Burant, Charles F; Li, Jun Z

2016-11-01

Intrinsic aerobic exercise capacity can influence many complex traits including obesity and aging. To study this connection we established two rat lines by divergent selection of untrained aerobic capacity. After 32 generations the high capacity runners (HCR) and low capacity runners (LCR) differed in endurance running distance and body fat, blood glucose, other health indicators, and natural life span. To understand the interplay among genetic differences, chronological age, and acute exercise we performed microarray-based gene expression analyses in skeletal muscle with a 2×2×2 design to simultaneously compare HCR and LCR, old and young animals, and rest and exhaustion. Transcripts for mitochondrial function are expressed higher in HCRs than LCRs at both rest and exhaustion and for both age groups. Expression of cell adhesion and extracellular matrix genes tend to decrease with age. This and other age effects are more prominent in LCRs than HCRs, suggesting that HCRs have a slower aging process and this may be partly due to their better metabolic health. Strenuous exercise mainly affects transcription regulation and cellular response. The effects of any one factor often depend on the other two. For example, there are ∼140 and ∼110 line-exercise "interacting" genes for old and young animals, respectively. Many genes highlighted in our study are consistent with prior reports, but many others are novel. The gene- and pathway-level statistics for the main effects, either overall or stratified, and for all possible interactions, represent a rich reference dataset for understanding the interdependence among lines, aging, and exercise. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Microstructural, optical and dielectric properties of La{sub 0.8}Ba{sub 0.2}FeO{sub 3} nanostructures synthesized by sol-gel combustion method

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ali, S. Asad, E-mail: asadsyyed@gmail.com; Naseem, Swaleha; Khan, Wasi; Naqvi, A. H. [Centre of Excellence in Materials Science (Nanomaterials), Department of Applied Physics, Z.H. College of Engg. & Technology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002 (India); Malik, Aisha [Department of Electrical Engineering, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-202002 (India)

2015-06-24

Barium doped lanthanum ferrite (LaFeO{sub 3}) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by gel combustion method and calcinated at 700°C. Microstructural studies were carried by XRD and SEM techniques. The results of structural characterization show the formation of all samples in single phase without any impurity. Optical properties were studied by UV- visible technique. The energy band gap was calculated and obtained 3.01 eV. Dielectric properties characterized by LCR meter and have been observed appreciable changes. The observed behavior of the dielectric properties can be attributed on the basis of Koop’s theory based on Maxwell-Wagner two layer models in studied nanoparticles.

Synchronization of a Josephson junction array in terms of global variables

Science.gov (United States)

Vlasov, Vladimir; Pikovsky, Arkady

2013-08-01

We consider an array of Josephson junctions with a common LCR load. Application of the Watanabe-Strogatz approach [Physica DPDNPDT0167-278910.1016/0167-2789(94)90196-1 74, 197 (1994)] allows us to formulate the dynamics of the array via the global variables only. For identical junctions this is a finite set of equations, analysis of which reveals the regions of bistability of the synchronous and asynchronous states. For disordered arrays with distributed parameters of the junctions, the problem is formulated as an integro-differential equation for the global variables; here stability of the asynchronous states and the properties of the transition synchrony-asynchrony are established numerically.

Line Balancing Using Largest Candidate Rule Algorithm In A Garment Industry: A Case Study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

V. P.Jaganathan

2014-12-01

Full Text Available The emergence of fast changes in fashion has given rise to the need to shorten production cycle times in the garment industry. As effective usage of resources has a significant effect on the productivity and efficiency of production operations, garment manufacturers are urged to utilize their resources effectively in order to meet dynamic customer demand. This paper focuses specifically on line balancing and layout modification. The aim of assembly line balance in sewing lines is to assign tasks to the workstations, so that the machines of the workstation can perform the assigned tasks with a balanced loading. Largest Candidate Rule Algorithm (LCR has been deployed in this paper.

Etiology of bacterial meningitis among children aged 2-59 months in Salvador, Northeast Brazil, before and after routine use of Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine Etiologia da meningite bacteriana em crianças com idade entre 2 e 59 meses em Salvador, Nordeste do Brasil, antes e depois do uso rotineiro da vacina para Haemophilus influenzae tipo b

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cristiana M. Nascimento-Carvalho

2004-06-01

Haemophilus influenzae tipo b (Hib. MÉTODO: Variáveis demográficas, clínicas e liquóricas (LCR foram coletadas da ficha de cada paciente com idade entre 2 e 59 meses, cujo exame de LCR foi realizado no Laboratório de LCR - Fundação José Silveira, entre janeiro de 1989 e dezembro de 2001. Cada exame de LCR foi realizado por completo conforme os métodos padronizados. O diagnóstico etiológico foi baseado ou em cultura e ou teste de aglutinação em látex. Quando o agente foi identificado apenas no GRAM, o diagnóstico foi descritivo. MBEI foi definida como glicose 100 mg / dl, celularidade global > 20 células / mm³ e percentual de neutrófilos > 80%. RESULTADOS: Dos 1519 pacientes, 894 (58,9% tiveram exames normais e MB foi diagnosticada em 95 (6,2%. Os agentes etiológicos foram: Hib (44,2%, meningococo (13,7%, bacilos Gram-negativos (11,6%, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (6,3%, pneumococo (4,2%, outros agentes (4,2%; MBEI foi diagnosticada em 15,8% dos casos de MB. Ao analisar a freqüência da MBEI e por Hib entre todos os exames realizados a cada ano, os picos foram registrados em 1989 (5,3% e 1990 (16,9%, respectivamente, diminuindo para 0,7% e 0% em 2001. CONCLUSÃO: É possível que a implementação do uso da vacina conjugada para Hib durante a década de 1990 tenha decrescido não apenas a ocorrência da meningite por Hib mas também a MBEI.

CT urography: segmentation of urinary bladder using CLASS with local contour refinement

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cha, Kenny; Hadjiiski, Lubomir; Chan, Heang-Ping; Caoili, Elaine M; Cohan, Richard H; Zhou, Chuan

2014-01-01

We are developing a computerized system for bladder segmentation on CT urography (CTU), as a critical component for computer-aided detection of bladder cancer. The presence of regions filled with intravenous contrast and without contrast presents a challenge for bladder segmentation. Previously, we proposed a conjoint level set analysis and segmentation system (CLASS). In case the bladder is partially filled with contrast, CLASS segments the non-contrast (NC) region and the contrast-filled (C) region separately and automatically conjoins the NC and C region contours; however, inaccuracies in the NC and C region contours may cause the conjoint contour to exclude portions of the bladder. To alleviate this problem, we implemented a local contour refinement (LCR) method that exploits model-guided refinement (MGR) and energy-driven wavefront propagation (EDWP). MGR propagates the C region contours if the level set propagation in the C region stops prematurely due to substantial non-uniformity of the contrast. EDWP with regularized energies further propagates the conjoint contours to the correct bladder boundary. EDWP uses changes in energies, smoothness criteria of the contour, and previous slice contour to determine when to stop the propagation, following decision rules derived from training. A data set of 173 cases was collected for this study: 81 cases in the training set (42 lesions, 21 wall thickenings, 18 normal bladders) and 92 cases in the test set (43 lesions, 36 wall thickenings, 13 normal bladders). For all cases, 3D hand segmented contours were obtained as reference standard and used for the evaluation of the computerized segmentation accuracy. For CLASS with LCR, the average volume intersection ratio, average volume error, absolute average volume error, average minimum distance and Jaccard index were 84.2 ± 11.4%, 8.2 ± 17.4%, 13.0 ± 14.1%, 3.5 ± 1.9 mm, 78.8 ± 11.6%, respectively, for the training set and 78.0 ± 14.7%, 16.4 ± 16.9%, 18.2 ± 15

Síndrome de hipotensión intracraneal espontánea Spontaneous intracranial hypotension

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Juan Ignacio Rojas

2006-10-01

Full Text Available El síndrome de hipotensión intracraneal espontánea constituye una entidad clínica cuya principal manifestación es la cefalea ortostática. Esta se acompaña de un descenso en la presión del líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR y un realce difuso de las paquimeninges evidenciable en la resonancia magnética encefálica, sin que medie historia de trauma craneoencefálico o punción lumbar. Mujer de 24 años de edad sin antecedentes de importancia y cefalea holocraneana de carácter opresivo de 15 días de evolución. La misma se exacerbaba con la bipedestación y cedía con el decúbito. En la punción lumbar se observó pleocitosis a predominio linfocítico, hiperproteinorraquia y abundantes glóbulos rojos, siendo la presión de apertura del LCR de 20 mm H2O. La resonancia magnética encefálica mostró un realce paquimeníngeo difuso luego de la administración del gadolinio. La cisternografía radioisotópica con tecnecio 99 señaló el sitio de pérdida de LCR a nivel dorsal alto, confirmándose la sospecha diagnóstica de hipotensión intracraneal espontánea. La paciente recibió tratamiento médico conservador con evolución clínica favorable. Los hallazgos en los exámenes complementarios y las características clínicas de la cefalea, permitirán confirmar el diagnóstico de hipotensión intracraneal espontánea, evitando de esta manera la realización de procedimientos innecesarios.Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is an infrequent clinical entity characterized by orthostatic headache, low cerebrospinal fluid pressure, and magnetic resonance imaging findings of diffuse pachymeningeal gadolinium enhancement without previous history of head trauma or lumbar puncture. A 24 year-old healthy woman was referred after having daily headaches for two weeks. She described a headache that occurred soon after assuming an upright position and disappeared after resuming a recumbent position. The cerebrospinal fluid showed pleocytosis primarily

Exercise of laboratory comparison for contamination monitor calibration between LNMRI/IRD and LCR/UERJ - 2016

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cabral, T.S.; David, M.

2016-01-01

This work was motivated by the need to decide on the best methodology to be applied in the next contamination monitor calibration comparisons with the Brazilian network of calibration radiation monitors. The calibration factor was chosen as a response calibration performed in the four monitors used in this comparison because it does not require the detector area or probe thereby reducing an important variable. It was observed that the variation of the positioning system may have an influence up to 10% in calibration. The results obtained for the calibration factor showed a difference of up to 31.2%. (author)

Blood morphology and the levels of selected cytokines related to hematopoiesis in occupational short-term exposure to lead

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dobrakowski, Michał; Boroń, Marta; Czuba, Zenon P.; Birkner, Ewa; Chwalba, Artur; Hudziec, Edyta; Kasperczyk, Sławomir

2016-01-01

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of a short-term exposure to lead on the blood morphology and the levels of selected cytokines related to hematopoiesis in occupationally exposed workers. The study population included 37 males occupationally exposed to lead for 36 to 44 days. Their blood lead level raised from 10.7 ± 7.67 μg/dl at baseline to the level of 49.1 ± 14.1 μg/dl at the end of the study. The level of hemoglobin and values of MCH and MCHC were decreased due to a short-term exposure to lead by 2%, 2%, and 1%, respectively. The counts of WBC, LYM, and MXD increased significantly by 5%, 7%, and 35%. Similarly, the count of PLT increased by 7%, while PDW, MPV, and P-LCR decreased by 6%, 3%, and 9%, respectively. The levels of IL-7, G-CSF, HGF, PDGF AB/BB, SCF, and PECAM-1, decreased significantly by 30%, 33%, 8%, 30%, 25%, and 20%, respectively. A short-term occupational exposure to lead results in a decreased hemoglobin level and increased counts of WBC and PLT. Changes in counts and proportions of different types of leukocytes and decreased values of PLT indices, such as PDW, MPV, and P-LCR, due to the subacute lead-exposure may be associated with lead-induced decreased levels of cytokines related to hematopoiesis, including SCF, G-CSF, IL-7, and PDGF. - Highlights: • Subacute exposure to lead results in a decreased hemoglobin level. • Subacute exposure to lead results in increased counts of WBC and PLT. • Subacute exposure to lead decreases the levels of SCF, G-CSF, IL-7, and PDGF.

Antigenic profiling of Yersinia pestis infection in the Wyoming coyote (Canis latrans)

Science.gov (United States)

Vernati, G.; Edwards, W.H.; Rocke, T.E.; Little, S.F.; Andrews, G.P.

2011-01-01

Although Yersinia pestis is classified as a "high-virulence" pathogen, some host species are variably susceptible to disease. Coyotes (Canis latrans) exhibit mild, if any, symptoms during infection, but antibody production occurs postinfection. This immune response has been reported to be against the F1 capsule, although little subsequent characterization has been conducted. To further define the nature of coyote humoral immunity to plague, qualitative serology was conducted to assess the antiplague antibody repertoire. Humoral responses to six plasmid-encoded Y. pestis virulence factors were first examined. Of 20 individual immune coyotes, 90% were reactive to at least one other antigen in the panel other than F1. The frequency of reactivity to low calcium response plasmid (pLcr)-encoded Yersinia protein kinase A (YpkA) and Yersinia outer protein D (YopD) was significantly greater than that previously observed in a murine model for plague. Additionally, both V antigen and plasminogen activator were reactive with over half of the serum samples tested. Reactivity to F1 was markedly less frequent in coyotes (35%). Twenty previously tested antibody-negative samples were also examined. While the majority were negative across the panel, 15% were positive for 1-3 non-F1 antigens. In vivo-induced antigen technology employed to identify novel chromosomal genes of Y. pestis that are up-regulated during infection resulted in the identification of five proteins, including a flagellar component (FliP) that was uniquely reactive with the coyote serum compared with immune serum from two other host species. Collectively, these data suggest that humoral immunity to pLcr-encoded antigens and the pesticin plasmid (pPst)-encoded Pla antigen may be relevant to plague resistance in coyotes. The serologic profile of Y. pestis chromosomal antigens up-regulated in vivo specific to C. latrans may provide insight into the differences in the pathogen-host responses during Y. pestis infection.

Diagnostic Performance of Three Phase Bone Scan for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 with Optimally Modified Image Criteria

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kwon, Hyun Woo; Paeng, Jin Chul; Nahm, Francins Sahngun; Kim, Seog Gyun; Zehra, Tanzeel; Oh, So Won; Lee, Hyo Sang; Kang, Keon Wook; Chung, June Key; Lee, Myung Chul; Lee, Dong Soo [Seoul National Univ. College of Medicine, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2011-12-15

Although the three phase bone scan (TBPS) is one of the widely used imaging studies for diagnosing complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS 1), there is some controversy regarding the TPBS image criteria for CRPS 1. In this study, we modified the image criteria using image pattern and quantitative analysis in the patients diagnosed using the most recent consensus clinical diagnostic criteria. The study included 140 patients with suspected CRPS 1 (CRPS 1, n=79; non CRPS, n=61; mean age 39{+-}15 years) who underwent TPBS. The clinical diagnostic criteria for CRPS 1 revised by the Budapest consensus group were used for confirmative diagnosis. Patients were classified according to flow/pool and delayed uptake (DU) image patterns, and the time interval between the initiating event and TPBS (TI{sup eventscan)}. Quantitative analysis for lesion to contralateral ratio (LCR) was performed. Modified TPBS image criteria were created and evaluated for optimal diagnostic performance. Both increased and decreased periarticular DU were significant image findings for CRPS 1 (CRPS 1 positive rate=73% in the increased DU group, 75% in the decreased DU group). The TI{sup eventscand}id not differ significantly between the different image pattern groups. Quantitative analysis revealed an LCR of 1.43 was the optimal cutoff value for CRPS 1 and diagnostic performance was significantly improved in the increased DU group (area under the curve=0.732). Given the modified image criteria, the sensitivity and specificity of TPBS for diagnosing CRPS 1 were 80% and 72%, respectively. Optimally modified TPBS image criteria for CRPS 1 were suggested using image pattern and quantitative analysis. With the criteria, TPBS is an effective imaging study for CRPS 1 even with the most recent consensus clinical diagnostic criteria.

Tratamento da criptococose do sistema nervoso pelo Amphotericin B

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Dante Giorgi

1959-12-01

Full Text Available Os autores descrevem a evolução dos conhecimentos sôbre a meningoen-cefalite produzida pelo Criptococcus neoformans, analisando as dificuldades anteriormente havidas para o diagnóstico em vida, as quais foram superadas depois que se usou rotineiramente a pesquisa do cogumelo no LCR pelo método de coloração de tinta da China e pela cultura. Assinalam, a seguir, o aparecimento do Amphotericin B, novo antibiótico fungicida que veio modificar o prognóstico desta afecção. Apresentam sua experiência com 14 casos de meningite por criptococos diagnosticados em vida e referem pormenorizadamente 2 casos tratados com o Amphotericin B. O primeiro, de paciente portadora desta afecção, evoluindo de maneira crônica, com períodos de exacerbação que melhoram nitidamente com o Amphotericin B e que está com uma sobrevida de 20 meses. O segundo, de paciente portadora de forma aguda desta afecção que teve cura clínica e está com LCR absolutamente normal, com seguimento de 11 meses. Em ambos os casos foi usada a via endovenosa, sendo feitas séries de 10 injeções, cada uma de 50 mg de Amphotericin B em 500 ml de sôro glicosado a 5%. No primeiro caso foram feitas 4 séries e no segundo apenas duas. Não foram registradas reações colaterais de importância. Os autores terminam considerando o Amphotericin B como um elemento que veio tornar muito mais favorável o prognóstico desta afecção até então mortal.

The golden proportion in facial soft-tissues of Vietnamese females.

Science.gov (United States)

Nguyen, Minh Son; Saag, Mare; Le, Van Nho; Nguyen, Thuy Trang; Nguyen, Bui Bao Tien; Jagomägi, Triin

2016-01-01

Objective of the current study was to evaluate proportions of frontal facial soft-tissues of Vietnamese females correspond to the golden proportion (GP). Sixty frontal facial photographs of Vietnamese female students aged 19 years were selected. The selected participants had symmetrical face, a Class I relationship occlusion, complete lip closure, and no history of trauma and orthodontic treatment. The photographic record was set-up with a white backdrop, fill light, a reflector, a camera Canon 650D and subjects were asked to sit in a standard position. Trichion (TR), Temporal soft tissue (TS), Lateral canthus (LC), Lateral nasal (LN), Chilion (CH), and Menton (ME) point were used for photometric measurements on CorelDRAW Graphic X3 software. The vertical facial proportions (mean, percentage compared with GP) were significantly higher than the GP including: LC-CH:CH-ME (1.661, 102%), LN-ME:LC-LN (1.729, 106%), TR-ME:LC-ME (1.739, 107%), TR-LN:LN-ME (1.759, 108%). Whereas TR-ME:LN-ME; CH-ME:LN-CH; LC-LN:LN-CH had ratios of 84% - 92% and were significantly smaller in comparison with GP. The horizontal facial proportions of CHR-L:LNR-L, LCR-L:CHR-L and TSR-L:LCR-L deviated from the GP with mean values of 1.221, 1.922 and 1.229, respectively. The new mean values of TR-ME:LC-ME (1.733), TR-LN:LN-ME (1.732), LC-ME:TR-LC (1.374), CH-ME:LN-CH (1.524), which were predictable changes in proportions, can be significantly converged to the GP if LC-CH:CH-ME is equal to the GP. Soft-tissue facial proportions of Vietnamese females did not correspond to the GP. Changing the lower third face may create harmony vertical facial proportions.

Blood morphology and the levels of selected cytokines related to hematopoiesis in occupational short-term exposure to lead

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dobrakowski, Michał, E-mail: michal.dobrakowski@poczta.fm [Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Jordana 19, 41-808 Zabrze (Poland); Boroń, Marta [Institute of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health in Sosnowiec, ul. Kościelna 13, 41-200 Sosnowiec (Poland); Czuba, Zenon P. [Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Jordana 19, 41-808 Zabrze (Poland); Birkner, Ewa [Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Jordana 19, 41-808 Zabrze (Poland); Chwalba, Artur [SP ZOZ Municipal Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, ul. Strzelców Bytomskich 11, 41-500 Chorzów (Poland); Hudziec, Edyta; Kasperczyk, Sławomir [Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Jordana 19, 41-808 Zabrze (Poland)

2016-08-15

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of a short-term exposure to lead on the blood morphology and the levels of selected cytokines related to hematopoiesis in occupationally exposed workers. The study population included 37 males occupationally exposed to lead for 36 to 44 days. Their blood lead level raised from 10.7 ± 7.67 μg/dl at baseline to the level of 49.1 ± 14.1 μg/dl at the end of the study. The level of hemoglobin and values of MCH and MCHC were decreased due to a short-term exposure to lead by 2%, 2%, and 1%, respectively. The counts of WBC, LYM, and MXD increased significantly by 5%, 7%, and 35%. Similarly, the count of PLT increased by 7%, while PDW, MPV, and P-LCR decreased by 6%, 3%, and 9%, respectively. The levels of IL-7, G-CSF, HGF, PDGF AB/BB, SCF, and PECAM-1, decreased significantly by 30%, 33%, 8%, 30%, 25%, and 20%, respectively. A short-term occupational exposure to lead results in a decreased hemoglobin level and increased counts of WBC and PLT. Changes in counts and proportions of different types of leukocytes and decreased values of PLT indices, such as PDW, MPV, and P-LCR, due to the subacute lead-exposure may be associated with lead-induced decreased levels of cytokines related to hematopoiesis, including SCF, G-CSF, IL-7, and PDGF. - Highlights: • Subacute exposure to lead results in a decreased hemoglobin level. • Subacute exposure to lead results in increased counts of WBC and PLT. • Subacute exposure to lead decreases the levels of SCF, G-CSF, IL-7, and PDGF.

Diagnostic Performance of Three Phase Bone Scan for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 with Optimally Modified Image Criteria

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kwon, Hyun Woo; Paeng, Jin Chul; Nahm, Francins Sahngun; Kim, Seog Gyun; Zehra, Tanzeel; Oh, So Won; Lee, Hyo Sang; Kang, Keon Wook; Chung, June Key; Lee, Myung Chul; Lee, Dong Soo

2011-01-01

Although the three phase bone scan (TBPS) is one of the widely used imaging studies for diagnosing complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS 1), there is some controversy regarding the TPBS image criteria for CRPS 1. In this study, we modified the image criteria using image pattern and quantitative analysis in the patients diagnosed using the most recent consensus clinical diagnostic criteria. The study included 140 patients with suspected CRPS 1 (CRPS 1, n=79; non CRPS, n=61; mean age 39±15 years) who underwent TPBS. The clinical diagnostic criteria for CRPS 1 revised by the Budapest consensus group were used for confirmative diagnosis. Patients were classified according to flow/pool and delayed uptake (DU) image patterns, and the time interval between the initiating event and TPBS (TI eventscan) . Quantitative analysis for lesion to contralateral ratio (LCR) was performed. Modified TPBS image criteria were created and evaluated for optimal diagnostic performance. Both increased and decreased periarticular DU were significant image findings for CRPS 1 (CRPS 1 positive rate=73% in the increased DU group, 75% in the decreased DU group). The TI eventscand id not differ significantly between the different image pattern groups. Quantitative analysis revealed an LCR of 1.43 was the optimal cutoff value for CRPS 1 and diagnostic performance was significantly improved in the increased DU group (area under the curve=0.732). Given the modified image criteria, the sensitivity and specificity of TPBS for diagnosing CRPS 1 were 80% and 72%, respectively. Optimally modified TPBS image criteria for CRPS 1 were suggested using image pattern and quantitative analysis. With the criteria, TPBS is an effective imaging study for CRPS 1 even with the most recent consensus clinical diagnostic criteria.

Epidemiologic analysis of a sarcoid outbreak involving 12 of 111 donkeys in Northern Italy.

Science.gov (United States)

Abel-Reichwald, Hans; Hainisch, Edmund K; Zahalka, Sophie; Corteggio, Annunziata; Borzacchiello, Giuseppe; Massa, Barbara; Merlone, Luca; Nasir, Lubna; Burden, Faith; Brandt, Sabine

2016-11-30

Equine sarcoids develop upon bovine papillomavirus type 1 or 2 (BPV1, BPV2) infection in conjunction with trauma and represent the most common tumour disease in horses and other equids, including donkeys. In face of a sarcoid outbreak involving 12 of 111 donkeys and mules at the 'Rifugio degli Asinelli', a subsidiary charity organization of The Donkey Sanctuary, non-invasively collected sample material including crusts, dandruff, swabs and hair roots was collected from sarcoid-affected and 26 healthy donkeys, as well as dandruff from a grooming kit and tabanids caught from or in the vicinity of sarcoid patients. In addition five previously collected sarcoids stored in formalin were provided. DNA isolated from collected material was tested for the presence of the BPV1/2 E5 oncogene using PCR. Positive samples were further analysed by E2/E4 and LCR PCR and amplicon sequencing to determine a possible common source of infection via comparative alignment of intralesional BPV1/2 gene variants. IC/PCR was used to assess sample aliquots for the presence of BPV1/2 virions, and IHC to analyse five tumours for BPV1 E5 and L1 protein expression. All sarcoid-affected donkeys, two of 55 tabanids and dandruff from a curry comb tested positive for BPV1/2 E5, yet negative by IC/PCR. Healthy animals were BPV1/2-free. IHC revealed different levels of intralesional E5 and L1 expression. A series of BPV1 E5, E2, and LCR variants and BPV2 E5 were detected from donkeys, indicating that they had accidently developed sarcoids at about the same time rather than having acquired disease from each other. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Occurrence of commonly used pesticides in personal air samples and their associated health risk among paddy farmers.

Science.gov (United States)

Hamsan, Hazwanee; Ho, Yu Bin; Zaidon, Siti Zulfa; Hashim, Zailina; Saari, Nazamid; Karami, Ali

2017-12-15

Tanjung Karang, Selangor, is widely known for its paddy cultivation activity and hosts the third largest paddy field in Malaysia. Pesticides contamination in agriculture fields has become an unavoidable problem, as pesticides are used to increase paddy productivity and reduce plant disease. Human exposure to agrichemicals is common and could results in both acute and chronic health effects, such as acute and chronic neurotoxicity. This study aims to determine the concentrations of commonly used pesticides (azoxystrobin, buprofezin, chlorantraniliprole, difenoconazole, fipronil, imidacloprid, isoprothiolane, pretilachlor, propiconazole, pymetrozine, tebuconazole, tricyclazole, and trifloxystrobin) in personal air samples and their associated health risks among paddy farmers. Eighty-three farmers from Tangjung Karang, Selangor were involved in this study. A solid sorbent tube was attached to the farmer's breathing zone with a clip, and an air pump was fastened to the belt to collect personal air samples. Pesticides collected in the XAD-2 resin were extracted with acetone, centrifuged, concentrated via nitrogen blowdown and reconstituted with 1mL of 3:1 ultrapure water/HPLC-grade methanol solution. The extract was analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The target compounds were detected with a maximum concentration reaching up to 462.5ngm -3 (fipronil). The hazard quotient (HQ) was less than 1 and the hazard index (HI) value was 3.86×10 -3 , indicating that the risk of pesticides related diseases was not significant. The lifetime cancer risk (LCR) for pymetrozine was at an acceptable level (LCR<10 -6 ) with 4.10×10 -8 . The results reported in this study can be beneficial in terms of risk management within the agricultural community. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Treatment outcome with low-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy in early-stage oral tongue cancers

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bhalavat Rajendra

2009-01-01

Full Text Available Purpose : Although radical radiotherapy is known to be equally effective for early-stage oral tongue cancers (T1-2 N0 with the added advantage of organ and function preservation, surgery remains the preferred treatment. We present outcome of patients treated with brachytherapy (BT either radical or boost. Materials and Methods : Fifty-seven patients (T1/T2 31/26 were studied. Seventeen patients (30% were treated with radical BT (50-67 Gy while 40 (70% with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT + BT (36-56 Gy + 15-38 Gy]. Low-dose-rate (LDR BT was delivered with 192 Ir wires, using plastic bead technique with varied dose rates (< 60 cGy/h in 29 patients, 60-90 cGy/h in 17, and> 90 cGy/h in 11. Results : The overall local control (LCR was achieved in 59.7% (34/57 patients. LCR for T1 and T2 was 67.8% and 50%, respectively. A total of 23 patients had failures [local: 20 (T1: 8; T2: 12 patients, node: 5 (T1:2; T2: 3, and local + nodal: 3]. Overall 5-year disease-free survival and overall survival (OAS were 51% and 67%, respectively and those for T1 and T2 was 64.5/77.4% and 38.5/54% respectively (P = 0.002. All 16 patients were salvaged. Median survival after salvage treatment was 13.5 months (6-100 months. Soft tissue necrosis was observed in 12.3% (7/57 and osteoradionecrosis in two patients. Conclusion : BT, as an integral part of radical radiation therapy in early-stage tongue cancers, appears to be an effective alternative treatment modality with preservation of the organ and function without jeopardizing the outcome.

Characterization and health risk assessment of VOCs in occupational environments in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Science.gov (United States)

Colman Lerner, J. E.; Sanchez, E. Y.; Sambeth, J. E.; Porta, A. A.

2012-08-01

To detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor air in small enterprises in La Plata city and surrounding areas, sampling was conducted using passive diffusion monitors (3M-3500) and analysis of the samples were performed byCG-FID. Analytic methodology was optimized for 23 VOCs (n-alkanes, cycloalkanes, aromatic and chlorinated compounds, ketones and terpenes compounds) by determining the recovery factor and detection limit for each analyte. Different recovery values were obtained by desorbing with a mixture of dichloromethane: methanol (50:50), with a standard deviation lower than 5%. Enterprise analyzed included chemical analysis laboratories, sewing workrooms, electromechanical repair and car painting centers, take away food shops, and a photocopy center. The highest levels of VOCs were found to be in electromechanical repair and car painting centers (hexane, BTEX, CHCl3, CCl4) followed by chemical analysis laboratories and sewing workrooms. Cancer and noncancer risks were assessed using conventional approaches (HQ and LCR, US EPA) using the benzene, trichloroethylene, chloroform for cancer risk, and toluene, xylene and n-hexane, for noncancer risks as markers. The results showed different LCR for benzene and trichloroethylene between the different indoor environments analyzed (electromechanical repair and car painting center ≫ others) and chloroform (laboratory > others), but comparing with the results obtained by other research, are in similar order of magnitude for equivalents activities. Similar finding were founded for HQ. Comparing these results with the worker protection legislation the electromechanical repair and car painting center and chemical analysis laboratories are close to the limits advised by OSHA and ACGIH. These facts show the importance of the use of abatement technologies for the complete reduction of VOCs levels, to mitigate their impact in the worker's health and their venting to the atmosphere.

Are children's dental panoramic tomographs and lateral cephalometric radiographs sufficiently optimized?

Science.gov (United States)

Pakbaznejad Esmaeili, Elmira; Ekholm, Marja; Haukka, Jari; Evälahti, Marjut; Waltimo-Sirén, Janna

2016-02-01

Children are especially vulnerable to harmful effects of ionizing radiation. Cutting down the dimensions of the X-ray beam is the most effective way to reduce the patient dose. We evaluated the appropriateness of field-size in the most frequent radiographs, dental panoramic tomographs (DPTs) and lateral cephalometric radiographs (LCRs) among 7- to 12-year-olds. The image field-size of 241 DPTs and 118 LCRs was analysed. The image field was considered appropriate when it did not include anatomic structures beyond the area of clinical interest. The image field was compared with factors such as the age of the patient, the radiographic equipment used and the programme selected. Moreover, we assessed the use of thyroid shield in LCR. The field-size was too large in 70% of the DPTs horizontally and in 96% vertically. None of the DPTs were segmented. Every LCR showed appropriate limitation anteriorly, but the image field was too large in 54% posteriorly, in 86% superiorly, and in 76% inferiorly. A thyroid shield had been used in only 71% of cases. Most DPTs and LCRs had been performed sub-optimally. An abundancy of DPTs had been taken using an adult programme, and the field-size had not been sufficiently adjusted in LCRs, possibly for technical reasons. To facilitate adherence to radiological best practice the equipment used for DPTs and LCRs should facilitate the adjustment of field-size in both the vertical and horizontal planes. In addition, those involved in taking radiographs should maintain their skills through regular update courses. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Orthodontic Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Multi-functional characteristics of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III needle-tip protein, PcrV; comparison to orthologs in other gram negative bacteria

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hiromi eSato

2011-07-01

Full Text Available Pseudomonas aeruginosa possesses a type III secretion system (T3SS to intoxicate host cells and evade innate immunity. This virulence-related machinery consists of a molecular syringe and needle assembled on the bacterial surface, which allows delivery of T3 effector proteins into infected cells. To accomplish a one-step effector translocation, a tip protein is required at the top end of the T3 needle structure. Strains lacking expression of the functional tip protein fail to intoxicate host cells.P. aeruginosa encodes a T3S that is highly homologous to the proteins encoded by Yersinia species. The needle tip proteins of Yersinia, LcrV, and P. aeruginosa, PcrV, share 37% identity and 65% similarity. Other known tip proteins are AcrV (Aeromonas, IpaD (Shigella, SipD (Salmonella, BipD (Burkholderia, EspA (EPEC, EHEC, Bsp22 (Bordetella, with additional proteins identified from various Gram negative species, such as Vibrio and Bordetella. The tip proteins can serve as a protective antigen or may be critical for sensing host cells and evading innate immune responses. Recognition of the host microenvironment transcriptionally activates synthesis of T3SS components. The machinery appears to be mechanically controlled by the assemblage of specific junctions within the apparatus. These junctions include the tip and base of the T3 apparatus, the needle proteins and components within the bacterial cytoplasm. The tip proteins likely have chaperone functions for translocon proteins, allowing the proper assembly of translocation channels in the host membrane and completing vectorial delivery of effector proteins into the host cytoplasm. Multifunctional features of the needle-tip proteins appear to be intricately controlled. In this review, we highlight the functional aspects and complex controls of T3 needle-tip proteins with particular emphasis on PcrV and LcrV.

Ultrasonographic localization of the thyroid gland for its optimal shielding prior to lateral cephalometric radiography: a pilot study

Science.gov (United States)

Hurmerinta, Kirsti; Rice, David; Suomalainen, Anni

2016-01-01

Objectives: Lateral cephalometric radiography is a common radiographic examination technique in children. The exclusion of the thyroid gland from the primary X-ray beam is important especially with children. However, patient treatment might require displaying the four most cranial cervical vertebrae (C1–C4) for the assessment of cervical vertebral maturation. Our aim was to present a safe way to display C1–C4 and exclude the thyroid gland from the X-ray beam during lateral cephalometric radiography. Methods: The thyroid glands of 25, 7- to 12-year-old patients were localized by ultrasound examination and shielded prior to lateral cephalometric radiography. A roentgen-positive mark was taped on the patient's skin at the level of most cranial level of the thyroid gland in the midsagittal plane. After exposure, each lateral cephalometric radiograph (LCR) was analyzed for the visibility of the cervical vertebrae. The distance between the ear post and the highest edge of the thyroid shield (TS) at the lateral part of the neck was measured and compared with the distance between the centre of the radiological external auditory meatus, and a roentgen-positive mark was made on the LCR. Results: 68% of the LCRs displayed C1–C4, and the rest of them displayed C1–C3. In all of the patients, the highest edge of the TS in the lateral parts of the neck was located in a higher position than the actual most cranial level of the thyroid gland. Conclusions: Despite localizing the thyroid gland prior to lateral cephalometric radiography, simultaneous visualization of C1–C4 and exclusion of the thyroid gland from the primary X-ray beam during lateral cephalometric radiography might not be completely possible in children because of the design and poor fitness of the TS. PMID:26764584

Platelet indices and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio predict coronary chronic total occlusion in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hadadi Laszlo

2015-12-01

Full Text Available Coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO is caused by organized thrombi or atherosclerotic plaque progression. The presence of a CTO is an independent predictor of mortality in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI. Platelets have a crucial role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate platelet indices as predictors of CTO in patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI. A total number of 334 patients admitted for STEMI between January 2011 and December 2013 were included and divided in two groups based on the presence of CTO (48 patients in CTO+ group, 286 patients in CTO-group. Platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV, platelet distribution width (PDW, platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR, lymphocyte and neutrophil count determined on admission were analyzed. MPV was larger in patients with CTO compared with patients without CTO (p=0.02, as were PDW (p=0.03 and P-LCR (p=0.01. Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLT/LYM was lower in patients with CTO: 105.2 (75.86-159.1 compared to 137 (97-188.1, p<0.01. Receiver-operator characteristic curve analysis identified an area under the curve of 0.61 (95%CI=0.57-0.67, p< 0.01 for PLT/LYM in predicting the presence of a CTO, with a cut-off value at 97.73. Lower values than this were independent predictors of a CTO in multivariate logistic regression analysis, with an Odds Ratio of 2.2 (95%CI=1.15-4.20, p=0.02. Our results support the use of platelet indices and PLT/LYM as predictors of CTO in patients presenting with STEMI.

Criptococosis meníngea de 1990 a 1995: hallazgos de laboratorio

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nelly Ordóñez

1996-06-01

Full Text Available El Laboratorio de Microbiología del Instituto Nacional de Salud ha prestado, durante los últimos 15 años, los servicios de diagnóstico, confirmación de aislamientos y determinación de las variedades y serotipos de Cryptocococcus neoformans, agente de la criptococosis. Entre 1990 y 1995, se recibieron 1.761 muestras de líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR y 1 .O68 sueros para el estudio de esta micosis; adicionalmente, se recibieron 66 aislamientos para confirmación. A partir de estas muestras, se diagnosticaron 240 casos de criptococosis en el período de seis anos. Los pacientes se clasificaron en tres grupos según los resultados de la prueba serológica para VIH: 151 (62,9% VIH positivos, 43 (17,9% VIH negativos y 46 (19,2% sin el dato. El porcentaje de pacientes VIH positivos con criptococosis se incrementó de 26,7%, n 1990, a 80,4% en 1995. La entidad se presentó con mayor frecuencia en hombres (80,4% que en mujeres (19,6% y en el grupo de 21 a 40 años (55%, lo que fue más evidente en el grupo VIH positivos (67,5%. La sensibilidad y el valor predictivo negativo (VPN del examen directo y de la aglutinación de látex en LCR y en suero presentaron valores más altos en los pacientes VIH positivos. El gran aumento en el número de casos de criptococosis es un reflejo del incremento de casos de SlDA en Colombia, epidemia que ha puesto de manifiesto el carácter oportunista de esta micosis.

Determination of vasculopathy-related indexes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its clinical significance

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xue-bin MA

2013-11-01

Full Text Available Objective　To determined the serum lipid profile, coagulation function and platelet parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM, and provide a basis for the prevention of diabetes related complications. Methods　Two-hundred and forty-six T2DM patients (113 males and 133 females, aged 60.2±15.3 years, disease course 5-22 years hospitalized in the Navy General Hospital of PLA from March to December, 2012, were involved in the present study. The patients were divided into complication group (n=140 and no complication group (n=106 according to whether there were diabetes related complications, and 120 healthy individuals were recruited as control group. The levels of serum total cholesterol (TC, triglyceride (TG, highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT, prothrombin time (PT, fibrinogen (FIB, platelet count (PLT, and platelet size distribution width (PDW, mean platelet volume (MPV, and platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR were determined and compared among the 3 groups. Results　The levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, MPV, PDW, P-LCR and FIB were significantly higher in complication group than those in no complication group and control group (P<0.05, and PLT, APTT and PT were significantly lower than those in no complication group and control group (P<0.05. No significant difference of HDL-C levels was found among the 3 groups. Conclusions　The blood of patients with T2DM was in hyperviscous and/or hypercoagulable states, and it is prone to induce vascular complications. Monitoring serum lipid profile, coagulation function and platelet parameters should be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of diabetes complications. DOI: 10.11855/j.issn.0577-7402.2013.10.015

Effects of the Addictives on Etching Characteristics of Aluminum Foil

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, S.K.; Jang, J.M.; Chi, C.S. [Kookmin University, Seoul (Korea); Shin, D.C. [Sungnam Polytechnic, Sungnam (Korea); Lee, J.H.; Oh, H.J. [Hanseo University, Seosan (Korea)

2001-01-01

The effects of additives in the HCI etching solution on etching behaviors of aluminium foil as dielectric film for electrolytic capacitors were investigated. The etch pits formed in 1M hydrochloric acid containing ethylene glycol as an additive contain more fine and homogeneous etch tunnels compared to thoese in 1 M hydrochloric acid only, which led to the increase in the effective internal surface area of aluminum foil. After anodizing of aluminum foil etched in etching solutions, the LCR meter results have shown that the capacitance of dielectric film etched in hydrochloric acid with ethylene glycol was increased remarkably compared to that etched in hydrochloric acid only. (author). 21 refs., 10 figs.

Voltage Stress on Y Capacitors from Indirect Lightning Pulses According to ED-14/DO-160

Science.gov (United States)

Meier, F.

2012-05-01

Transients due to lightning strikes on an aircraft's fuselage impose stress on the input filters of elec- tronic equipment. Permanent damage can occur when exceeding the voltage handling capacity of filter components causing a short circuit to ground. In ED-14/DO-160, section 22, a number of waveforms and levels are defined which are used to check the airworthiness of avionics equipment. Depending on pro- cedure and level, Y-capacitors are stressed by transient voltages which exceed their dielectric strength. The design engineer's task is a properly select the type and voltage rating of capacitors. With moderate simplifications, a LCR-series network is justified to calculate the peak voltage dependent on the capacitance.

Dielectric spectroscopy in aqueous solutions of paracetamol over the frequency range of 20 Hz to 2 MHz at 293.15 K temperature

Science.gov (United States)

Pandit, T. R.; Rana, V. A.

2018-05-01

Frequency domain dielectric relaxation spectroscopy plays an important role in the study of pharmaceutical drug molecules. The complex relative dielectric permittivity ɛ*(ω) = ɛ' - j ɛ" of aqueous solutions of paracetamol in the frequency range of 20 Hz to 2 MHz at a temperature range of 293.15 K are measured with the help of Agilent precision LCR meter E4980A along with four terminal liquid test fixture Agilent 16452A. Data of complex relative permittivity are used to calculate loss tangent for all concentrations of paracetamol in distilled water. Electrode polarization relaxation time has been calculated for all solutions. Effect of variation of concentrations of paracetamol in distilled water on these dielectric parameters is discussed.

High-performance zig-zag and meander inductors embedded in ferrite material

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stojanovic, Goran; Damnjanovic, Mirjana; Desnica, Vladan; Zivanov, Ljiljana; Raghavendra, Ramesh; Bellew, Pat; Mcloughlin, Neil

2006-01-01

This paper describes the design, modeling, simulation and fabrication of zig-zag and meander inductors embedded in low- or high-permeability soft ferrite material. These microinductors have been developed with ceramic coprocessing technology. We compare the electrical properties of zig-zag and meander inductors structures installed as surface-mount devices. The equivalent model of the new structures is presented, suitable for design, circuit simulations and for prediction of the performance of proposed inductors. The relatively high impedance values allow these microinductors to be used in high-frequency suppressors. The components were tested in the frequency range of 1 MHz-3 GHz using an Agilent 4287A RF LCR meter. The measurements confirm the validity of the analytical model

Uncertainty analysis in the determination of absorbed dose in water by Fricke chemical dosimetry; Analise das incertezas na determinacao da dose absorvida na agua por dosimetria quimica Fricke

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Vasconcelos, Fabia; Aguirre, Eder Aguirre, E-mail: fabiavasco@hotmail.com, E-mail: ederuni01@gmail.com [Fundacao do Cancer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil); Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), RJ (Brazil)

2016-07-01

This work studies the calculations of uncertainties and the level of confidence that involves the process for obtaining the dose absorbed in water using the method of Fricke dosimetry, developed at Laboratorio de Ciencias Radiologicas (LCR). Measurements of absorbance of samples Fricke, irradiated and non-irradiated is going to use in order to calculate the respective sensitivity coefficients, along with the expressions of the calculation of Fricke dose and the absorbed dose in water. Those expressions are used for calculating the others sensitivity coefficients from the input variable. It is going to use the combined uncertainty and the expanded uncertainty, with a level of confidence of 95.45%, in order to report the uncertainties of the measurement. (author)

Studies on the growth aspects, structural, thermal, dielectric and third order nonlinear optical properties of solution grown 4-methylpyridinium p-nitrophenolate single crystal

Science.gov (United States)

Devi, S. Reena; Kalaiyarasi, S.; Zahid, I. MD.; Kumar, R. Mohan

2016-11-01

An ionic organic optical crystal of 4-methylpyridinium p-nitrophenolate was grown from methanol by slow evaporation method at ambient temperature. Powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed the crystal system and its crystalline perfection. The rocking curve recorded from HRXRD study confirmed the crystal quality. FTIR spectral analysis confirmed the functional groups present in the title compound. UV-visible spectral study revealed the optical window and band gap of grown crystal. The thermal, electrical and surface laser damage threshold properties of harvested crystal were examined by using TGA/DTA, LCR/Impedance Analyzer and Nd:YAG laser system respectively. The third order nonlinear optical property of grown crystal was elucidated by Z-scan technique.

Uncertainty analysis in the determination of absorbed dose in water by Fricke chemical dosimetry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vasconcelos, Fabia; Aguirre, Eder Aguirre

2016-01-01

This work studies the calculations of uncertainties and the level of confidence that involves the process for obtaining the dose absorbed in water using the method of Fricke dosimetry, developed at Laboratorio de Ciencias Radiologicas (LCR). Measurements of absorbance of samples Fricke, irradiated and non-irradiated is going to use in order to calculate the respective sensitivity coefficients, along with the expressions of the calculation of Fricke dose and the absorbed dose in water. Those expressions are used for calculating the others sensitivity coefficients from the input variable. It is going to use the combined uncertainty and the expanded uncertainty, with a level of confidence of 95.45%, in order to report the uncertainties of the measurement. (author)

Experimental and theoretical study of the reaction of 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol with Mu

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Robski, R.; Cormier, P.; Greenway, K.; Ghandi, K.

2009-01-01

The reaction of 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (MBO) with Mu was investigated for the first time. The free-radical addition products of reactions with Mu are characterized by a combination of transverse field-μSR (TF-μSR) and level crossing resonance (LCR) methods. Density functional theory calculations were also performed to obtain optimized structures of the reactants, transition states and products. The activation energies, energies of reactions and hyperfine coupling constants were calculated and used to characterize the formed radicals. Quantum calculations of the energetics of the Mu+MBO reaction in the gas-phase predicted reaction energies of -15.6 and -19.0 kcal mol -1 , with addition to the terminal carbon predicted to be favoured.

Achados neurológicos e laboratoriais em população de área endêmica para teníase-cisticercose, Lagamar, MG, Brasil (1992-1993 Neurologic and laboratory findings in population of endemic area for teniasis-cysticercosis, Lagamar, MG, Brazil (1992-1993

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mario León Silva-Vergara

1994-08-01

Full Text Available Realizou-se um inquérito clínico-epidemiológico em área endêmica para teníase-cisticercose. Foram examinados 1080 (32,2% indivíduos da população total, encontrando-se 198 (18,3% indivíduos referindo antecedente de teníase, e 103 (9,5% apresentaram história anterior ou atual de convulsões. Destes últimos, 39 (37,8% referiram início das crises na vida adulta, e 62 (60% foram avaliados laboratorialmente. Em 21 (33,8% casos, o resultado da tomografia mostrou calcificações intracranianas compatíveis com neurocisticercose, em número e localização variáveis, mas sem evidência de atividade da doença. Traçados eletroencefalográficos anormais foram lidos em 21 (33,8% pacientes e alterações no exame do líquido cefalorraquiano (LCR detectadas em 27 (43,5%, em 3 (4,8% foi verificada presença de eosinófilos. Somente LCR de 26 (41,9% pacientes foram submetidos a pesquisa de anticorpos para cisticerco, obtendo-se positividade em 6 (23% deles, por ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA ou reação de imunofluorescência indireta. Outras alterações do LCR foram devidas a aumento variável das proteínas. Considerando-se os fatores epidemiológicos de risco para teníase-cisticercose na região estudada e sua correlação com as alterações laboratoriais mencionadas acima com as crises convulsivas, encontra-se uma provável prevalência de 1,9% para a neurocisticercose.A clinic-epidemiological enquiry was conducted on in an endemic area for teniasis-cysticercosis. From the whole population 1080 (32.2% individuals were examined. We found 198 (18.3% individuals refering teniasis-bearing in the past, and 103 (9.5% affirming to have had convulsions, either in the past or present. From the last group, 39 (37.8% indicated that the crisis had begun in adulthood. From the group of patients presenting convulsions, 62 (62% had laboratory tests performed. Computed tomography showed intracranial calcifications in 21 (33.8% patients, variable in

Bubbling route to strange nonchaotic attractor in a nonlinear series LCR circuit with a nonsinusoidal force.

Science.gov (United States)

Senthilkumar, D V; Srinivasan, K; Thamilmaran, K; Lakshmanan, M

2008-12-01

We identify an unconventional route to the creation of a strange nonchaotic attractor (SNA) in a quasiperiodically forced electronic circuit with a nonsinusoidal (square wave) force as one of the quasiperiodic forces through numerical and experimental studies. We find that bubbles appear in the strands of the quasiperiodic attractor due to the instability induced by the additional square-wave-type force. The bubbles then enlarge and get increasingly wrinkled as a function of the control parameter. Finally, the bubbles get extremely wrinkled (while the remaining parts of the strands of the torus remain largely unaffected) resulting in the creation of the SNA; we term this the bubbling route to the SNA. We characterize and confirm this creation from both experimental and numerical data using maximal Lyapunov exponents and their variance, Poincaré maps, Fourier amplitude spectra, and spectral distribution functions. We also strongly confirm the creation of a SNA via the bubbling route by the distribution of the finite-time Lyapunov exponents.

Chaotic dynamics with high complexity in a simplified new nonautonomous nonlinear electronic circuit

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arulgnanam, A.; Thamilmaran, K.; Daniel, M.

2009-01-01

A two dimensional nonautonomous dissipative forced series LCR circuit with a simple nonlinear element exhibiting an immense variety of dynamical features is proposed for the first time. Unlike the usual cases of nonlinear element, the nonlinear element used here possesses three segment piecewise linear character with one positive and one negative slope. This nonlinearity is verified to be sufficient to produce chaos with high complexity in many established nonautonomous nonlinear circuits, such as MLC, MLCV, driven Chua, etc., thus indicating an universal behavior similar to the familiar Chua's diode. The dynamics of the proposed circuit is studied experimentally, confirmed numerically, simulated through PSPICE and proved mathematically. An important feature of the circuit is its ability to show dual chaotic behavior.

A Study of the Properties of Electrical Insulation Oils and of the Components of Natural Oils

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Milan Spohner

2012-01-01

Full Text Available This paper presents a study of the electrical and non-electrical properties of insulating oils. For the correct choice of an electrical insulation oil, it is necessary to know its density, dynamic viscosity, dielectric constant, loss number and conductivity, and the effects of various exposure factors. This paper deals with mathematical and physical principles needed for studying and making correct measurements of the dynamic viscosity, density and electrical properties of insulation oils. Rheological properties were measured using an A&D SV-10 vibratory viscometer, and analytical balance with density determination kit, which operates on the principle of Archimedes’ law. Dielectric properties were measured using a LCR meter Agilent 4980A with connected with the Agilent 16452A test fixture for dielectric liquids.

Electrorheology of graphene oxide.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Wen Ling; Liu, Ying Dan; Choi, Hyoung Jin; Kim, Sang Guk

2012-04-01

Novel polarizable graphene oxide (GO) particles with oxidized groups on their edge and basal planes were prepared by a modified Hummers method, and their electro-responsive electrorheological (ER) characteristics when dispersed in silicone oil were examined with and without an electric field applied. The fibrillation phenomenon of this GO-based electro-responsive fluid was also observed via an optical microscope under an applied electric field. Both flow curves and dielectric spectra of the ER fluid were measured using a rotational rheometer and a LCR meter, respectively. Its viscoelastic properties of both storage and loss moduli were also examined using a vertical oscillation rheometer equipped with a high voltage generator, finding that the GO-based smart ER system behaves as a viscoelastic material under an applied electric field.

Estimation and Compensation of aberrations in Spatial Light Modulators

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arias, Augusto; Castaneda, Roman

2011-01-01

The spatial light modulator (SLM) Holoeye LC-R720 is based on LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) technology. Due to the induced curvatures on the silicon plate by the production process, there are static aberrations in the wave-fronts modified by the SLM. In order to calculate the aberrated wave-front we used phase-shifting interferometry, an optimization algorithm for far field propagation, and the geometric characterization of the focal spot along the caustic. Zernike polynomials were used for expanding and comparing the wave-fronts. The aberration compensation was carried out by displaying the conjugated transmittance on the SLM. The complexity of the experimental setup and the requirements of the digital processing of each estimation method were comparatively analyzed.

Experimental and theoretical study of the reaction of 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol with Mu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Robski, R.; Cormier, P.; Greenway, K. [Department of Chemistry, Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick, E4L 1G8 (Canada); Ghandi, K., E-mail: kghandi@mta.c [Department of Chemistry, Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick, E4L 1G8 (Canada)

2009-04-15

The reaction of 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (MBO) with Mu was investigated for the first time. The free-radical addition products of reactions with Mu are characterized by a combination of transverse field-muSR (TF-muSR) and level crossing resonance (LCR) methods. Density functional theory calculations were also performed to obtain optimized structures of the reactants, transition states and products. The activation energies, energies of reactions and hyperfine coupling constants were calculated and used to characterize the formed radicals. Quantum calculations of the energetics of the Mu+MBO reaction in the gas-phase predicted reaction energies of -15.6 and -19.0 kcal mol{sup -1}, with addition to the terminal carbon predicted to be favoured.

Eletroforese em papel das proteínas do líqüido cefalorraquidiano: II. Principais resultados registrados na literatura

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. Spina-França

1958-09-01

Full Text Available Partindo dos dados referentes à aplicação da eletroforese em papel de filtro na separação das frações proteicas do LCR, apresentados em publicação anterior, são revistos os dados da literatura sob o ponto de vista do laboratório clínico. Tanto os valores relativos normais referentes a cada uma das reações proteicas, como alterações patológicas mais freqüentemente encontradas em diversos tipos de afecções do sistema nervoso são apresentados, ressaltando-se a importância dos achados frente à fisiopatologia do liqüido cefalorraquidiano e frente à Clínica Neurológica.

Cirugía transnasal transesfenoidal endoscópica en afecciones de región selar Endoscopic transsphenoidal transnasal surgery in affections of the sellar region

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Justo Luis González González

2005-08-01

Full Text Available Para un gran número de tumores pituitarios la cirugía es e l tratamiento de primera línea y el abordaje transesfenoidal microquirúrgico el más utilizado. En estos momentos este procedimiento se ejecuta tanto por la vía microscópica como endoscópica. Recientemente el abordaje transnasal endoscópico ha irrumpido como una opción en desarrollo, que pudiera llegar a predominar en un futuro próximo. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar, mediante el análisis de los resultados, y - si es posible - realizar en nuestro medio el abordaje transnasal transesfenoidal endoscópico par a las lesiones de la región selar con resultados quirúrgicos al menos similares a los obtenidos con el método microquirúrgico tradicional . Se realizó una investigación limitada tipo cohorte, estrictamente controlada y prospectiva, de 10 pacientes seleccionados según criterios de inclusión, a quienes se les practicó el abordaje transnasal endoscópico como método de tratamiento quirúrgico, entre agosto del año 2002 y el mismo mes de 2003, en el servicio de Neurocirugía del Hospital "Hermanos Ameijeiras". Se operaron 6 casos que tenían macroadenomas hipofisarios: 3 productores de hormona del crecimiento (GH, 1 secretor de prolactina (PRL y otros 2 no productores. A los 4 restantes se les había diagnosticado fístula de líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR a través del piso selar. De los 6 macroadenomas, en 5 se logró exéresis total del tumor, mientras que en el otro se obtuvo exéresis subtotal. La rinorrea desapareció en 2 pacientes con fístula de LCR y se mantuvo en los otros 2. De las complicaciones observadas en el 30 % de los casos, solo en 1 (10 % trascendieron más allá del transoperatorio. Se concluye que los resultados obtenidos con la utilización del método transnasal endoscópico hacen el procedimiento en nuestro medio lo suficientemente seguro como para justificar su realización, y a su vez efectuar estudios posteriores

A point mutation in the DNA-binding domain of HPV-2 E2 protein increases its DNA-binding capacity and reverses its transcriptional regulatory activity on the viral early promoter

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gao Chen

2012-02-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The human papillomavirus (HPV E2 protein is a multifunctional DNA-binding protein. The transcriptional activity of HPV E2 is mediated by binding to its specific binding sites in the upstream regulatory region of the HPV genomes. Previously we reported a HPV-2 variant from a verrucae vulgaris patient with huge extensive clustered cutaneous, which have five point mutations in its E2 ORF, L118S, S235P, Y287H, S293R and A338V. Under the control of HPV-2 LCR, co-expression of the mutated HPV E2 induced an increased activity on the viral early promoter. In the present study, a series of mammalian expression plasmids encoding E2 proteins with one to five amino acid (aa substitutions for these mutations were constructed and transfected into HeLa, C33A and SiHa cells. Results CAT expression assays indicated that the enhanced promoter activity was due to the co-expressions of the E2 constructs containing A338V mutation within the DNA-binding domain. Western blots analysis demonstrated that the transiently transfected E2 expressing plasmids, regardless of prototype or the A338V mutant, were continuously expressed in the cells. To study the effect of E2 mutations on its DNA-binding activity, a serial of recombinant E2 proteins with various lengths were expressed and purified. Electrophoresis mobility shift assays (EMSA showed that the binding affinity of E2 protein with A338V mutation to both an artificial probe with two E2 binding sites or HPV-2 and HPV-16 promoter-proximal LCR sequences were significantly stronger than that of the HPV-2 prototype E2. Furthermore, co-expression of the construct containing A338V mutant exhibited increased activities on heterologous HPV-16 early promoter P97 than that of prototype E2. Conclusions These results suggest that the mutation from Ala to Val at aa 338 is critical for E2 DNA-binding and its transcriptional regulation.

Assessing reproductive and endocrine parameters in male largescale suckers (Catostomus macrocheilus) along a contaminant gradient in the lower Columbia River, USA

Science.gov (United States)

Jenkins, Jill A.; Olivier, H.M.; Draugelis-Dale, R. O.; Eilts, B.E.; Torres, L.; Patiño, R.; Nilsen, Elena B.; Goodbred, Steven L.

2014-01-01

Persistent organochlorine pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are stable, bioaccumulative, and widely found in the environment, wildlife, and the human population. To explore the hypothesis that reproduction in male fish is associated with environmental exposures in the lower Columbia River (LCR), reproductive and endocrine parameters were studied in male resident, non-anadromous largescale sucker (Catostomus macrocheilus) (LSS) in the same habitats as anadromous salmonids having conservation status. Testes, thyroid tissue and plasma collected in 2010 from Longview (LV), Columbia City (CC), and Skamania (SK; reference) were studied. Sperm morphologies and thyrocyte heights were measured by light microscopy, sperm motilities by computer-assisted sperm motion analysis, sperm adenosine triphosphate (ATP) with luciferase, and plasma vitellogenin (VTG), thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) by immunoassay. Sperm apoptosis, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, nuclear DNA fragmentation, and reproductive stage were measured by flow cytometry. Sperm quality parameters (except counts) and VTG were significantly different among sites, with correlations between VTG and 7 sperm parameters. Thyrocyte heights, T4, T3, gonadosomatic index and Fulton's condition factor differed among sites, but not significantly. Sperm quality was significantly lower and VTG higher where liver contaminants and water estrogen equivalents were highest (LV site). Total PCBs (specifically PCB-138, -146, -151, -170, -174, -177, -180, -183, -187, -194, and -206) and total PBDEs (specifically BDE-47, -100, -153, and -154) were negatively correlated with sperm motility. PCB-206 and BDE-154 were positively correlated with DNA fragmentation, and pentachloroanisole and VTG were positively correlated with sperm apoptosis and negatively correlated with ATP. BDE-99 was positively correlated

Human papillomavirus type 6 and 11 genetic variants found in 71 oral and anogenital epithelial samples from Australia.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jennifer A Danielewski

Full Text Available Genetic variation of 49 human papillomavirus (HPV 6 and 22 HPV11 isolates from recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP (n = 17, genital warts (n = 43, anal cancer (n = 6 and cervical neoplasia cells (n = 5, was determined by sequencing the long control region (LCR and the E6 and E7 genes. Comparative analysis of genetic variability was examined to determine whether different disease states resulting from HPV6 or HPV11 infection cluster into distinct variant groups. Sequence variation analysis of HPV6 revealed that isolates cluster into variants within previously described HPV6 lineages, with the majority (65% clustering to HPV6 sublineage B1 across the three genomic regions examined. Overall 72 HPV6 and 25 HPV11 single nucleotide variations, insertions and deletions were observed within samples examined. In addition, missense alterations were observed in the E6/E7 genes for 6 HPV6 and 5 HPV11 variants. No nucleotide variations were identified in any isolates at the four E2 binding sites for HPV6 or HPV11, nor were any isolates found to be identical to the HPV6 lineage A or HPV11 sublineage A1 reference genomes. Overall, a high degree of sequence conservation was observed between isolates across each of the regions investigated for both HPV6 and HPV11. Genetic variants identified a slight association with HPV6 and anogenital lesions (p = 0.04. This study provides important information on the genetic diversity of circulating HPV 6 and HPV11 variants within the Australian population and supports the observation that the majority of HPV6 isolates cluster to the HPV6 sublineage B1 with anogenital lesions demonstrating an association with this sublineage (p = 0.02. Comparative analysis of Australian isolates for both HPV6 and HPV11 to those from other geographical regions based on the LCR revealed a high degree of sequence similarity throughout the world, confirming previous observations that there are no geographically specific variants for these

Characterization of histone H3K27 modifications in the β-globin locus

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Yea Woon; Kim, AeRi

2011-01-01

Research highlights: → The β-globin locus control region is hyperacetylated and monomethylated at histone H3K27. → Highly transcribed globin genes are marked by H3K27ac, but H3K27me2 is remarkable at silent globin genes in erythroid K562 cells. → Association of PRC2 subunits is comparable with H3K27me3 pattern. → Modifications of histone H3K27 are established in an enhancer-dependent manner. -- Abstract: Histone H3K27 is acetylated or methylated in the environment of nuclear chromatin. Here, to characterize the modification pattern of H3K27 in locus control region (LCR) and to understand the correlation of various H3K27 modifications with transcriptional activity of genes, we analyzed the human β-globin locus using the ChIP assay. The LCR of the human β-globin locus was enriched by H3K27ac and H3K27me1 in erythroid K562 cells. The highly transcribed globin genes were hyperacetylated at H3K27, but the repressed globin genes were highly dimethylated at this lysine in these cells. However, in non-erythroid 293FT cells, the β-globin locus was marked by a high level of H3K27me3. EZH2 and SUZ12, subunits of polycomb repressive complex 2, were comparably detected with the H3K27me3 pattern in K562 and 293FT cells. In addition, H3K27ac, H3K27me1 and H3K27me3 were established in an enhancer-dependent manner in a model minichromosomal locus containing an enhancer and its target gene. Taken together, these results show that H3K27 modifications have distinctive correlations with the chromatin state or transcription level of genes and are influenced by an enhancer.

Genome-wide identification of regulatory elements and reconstruction of gene regulatory networks of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii under carbon deprivation.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Flavia Vischi Winck

Full Text Available The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a long-established model organism for studies on photosynthesis and carbon metabolism-related physiology. Under conditions of air-level carbon dioxide concentration [CO2], a carbon concentrating mechanism (CCM is induced to facilitate cellular carbon uptake. CCM increases the availability of carbon dioxide at the site of cellular carbon fixation. To improve our understanding of the transcriptional control of the CCM, we employed FAIRE-seq (formaldehyde-assisted Isolation of Regulatory Elements, followed by deep sequencing to determine nucleosome-depleted chromatin regions of algal cells subjected to carbon deprivation. Our FAIRE data recapitulated the positions of known regulatory elements in the promoter of the periplasmic carbonic anhydrase (Cah1 gene, which is upregulated during CCM induction, and revealed new candidate regulatory elements at a genome-wide scale. In addition, time series expression patterns of 130 transcription factor (TF and transcription regulator (TR genes were obtained for cells cultured under photoautotrophic condition and subjected to a shift from high to low [CO2]. Groups of co-expressed genes were identified and a putative directed gene-regulatory network underlying the CCM was reconstructed from the gene expression data using the recently developed IOTA (inner composition alignment method. Among the candidate regulatory genes, two members of the MYB-related TF family, Lcr1 (Low-CO 2 response regulator 1 and Lcr2 (Low-CO2 response regulator 2, may play an important role in down-regulating the expression of a particular set of TF and TR genes in response to low [CO2]. The results obtained provide new insights into the transcriptional control of the CCM and revealed more than 60 new candidate regulatory genes. Deep sequencing of nucleosome-depleted genomic regions indicated the presence of new, previously unknown regulatory elements in the C. reinhardtii genome

Identification of a 3.0-kb Major Recombination Hotspot in Patients with Sotos Syndrome Who Carry a Common 1.9-Mb Microdeletion

Science.gov (United States)

Visser, Remco; Shimokawa, Osamu; Harada, Naoki; Kinoshita, Akira; Ohta, Tohru; Niikawa, Norio; Matsumoto, Naomichi

2005-01-01

Sotos syndrome (SoS) is a congenital dysmorphic disorder characterized by overgrowth in childhood, distinctive craniofacial features, and mental retardation. Haploinsufficiency of the NSD1 gene owing to either intragenic mutations or microdeletions is known to be the major cause of SoS. The common ∼2.2-Mb microdeletion encompasses the whole NSD1 gene and neighboring genes and is flanked by low-copy repeats (LCRs). Here, we report the identification of a 3.0-kb major recombination hotspot within these LCRs, in which we mapped deletion breakpoints in 78.7% (37/47) of patients with SoS who carry the common microdeletion. The deletion size was subsequently refined to 1.9 Mb. Sequencing of breakpoint fragments from all 37 patients revealed junctions between a segment of the proximal LCR (PLCR-B) and the corresponding region of the distal LCR (DLCR-2B). PLCR-B and DLCR-2B are the only directly oriented regions, whereas the remaining regions of the PLCR and DLCR are in inverted orientation. The PLCR, with a size of 394.0 kb, and the DLCR, with a size of of 429.8 kb, showed high overall homology (∼98.5%), with an increased sequence similarity (∼99.4%) within the 3.0-kb breakpoint cluster. Several recombination-associated motifs were identified in the hotspot and/or its vicinity. Interestingly, a 10-fold average increase of a translin motif, as compared with the normal distribution within the LCRs, was recognized. Furthermore, a heterozygous inversion of the interval between the LCRs was detected in all fathers of the children carrying a deletion in the paternally derived chromosome. The functional significance of these findings remains to be elucidated. Segmental duplications of the primate genome play a major role in chromosomal evolution. Evolutionary study showed that the duplication of the SoS LCRs occurred 23.3–47.6 million years ago, before the divergence of Old World monkeys. PMID:15580547

A MEMS-based Air Flow Sensor with a Free-standing Micro-cantilever Structure.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Yu-Hsiang; Lee, Chia-Yen; Chiang, Che-Ming

2007-10-17

This paper presents a micro-scale air flow sensor based on a free-standingcantilever structure. In the fabrication process, MEMS techniques are used to deposit asilicon nitride layer on a silicon wafer. A platinum layer is deposited on the silicon nitridelayer to form a piezoresistor, and the resulting structure is then etched to create afreestanding micro-cantilever. When an air flow passes over the surface of the cantileverbeam, the beam deflects in the downward direction, resulting in a small variation in theresistance of the piezoelectric layer. The air flow velocity is determined by measuring thechange in resistance using an external LCR meter. The experimental results indicate that theflow sensor has a high sensitivity (0.0284 ω/ms -1 ), a high velocity measurement limit (45ms -1 ) and a rapid response time (0.53 s).

Further development of raccoon poxvirus-vectored vaccines against plague (Yersinia pestis)

Science.gov (United States)

Rocke, Tonie E.; Iams, Keith P.; Dawe, S.; Smith, Susan; Williamson, Judy L.; Heisey, Dennis M.; Osorio, Jorge E.

2009-01-01

In previous studies, we demonstrated protection against plague in mice and prairie dogs using a raccoon pox (RCN) virus-vectored vaccine that expressed the F1 capsular antigen of Yersinia pestis. In order to improve vaccine efficacy, we have now constructed additional RCN-plague vaccines containing two different forms of the lcrV (V) gene, including full-length (Vfull) and a truncated form (V307). Mouse challenge studies with Y. pestis strain CO92 showed that vaccination with a combination of RCN-F1 and the truncated V construct (RCN-V307) provided the greatest improvement (P = 0.01) in protection against plague over vaccination with RCN-F1 alone. This effect was mediated primarily by anti-F1 and anti-V antibodies and both contributed independently to increased survival of vaccinated mice.

Experimental Observation of Chaotic Beats in Oscillators Sharing Nonlinearity

Science.gov (United States)

Paul Asir, M.; Jeevarekha, A.; Philominathan, P.

This paper deals with the generation of chaotic beats in a system of two forced dissipative LCR oscillators sharing a nonlinear element. The presence of two external periodic excitations and a common nonlinear element in the chosen system enables the facile generation of chaotic beats. Thus rendered chaotic beats were characterized in both time domain and phase space. Lyapunov exponents and envelope of the beats were computed to diagnose the chaotic nature of the signals. The role of common nonlinearity on the complexity of the generated beats is discussed. Real-time experimental hardware implementation has also been done to confirm the subsistence of the phenomenon, for the first time. Extensive Multisim simulations were carried out to understand, a bit more about the shrinkage and revivals of state variables in phase space.

EXPRESS

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ancelin, C.; Le, P.; DeSaint-Quentin, S.; Villatte, N.

1987-01-01

This paper presents EXPRESS, an expert system developed for the automation of reliability studies. The first part consists in the description of the method for static thermohydraulic systems. In this step, the authors define the knowledge representation based on the two inference engines - ALOUETTE and LCR developed by EDF. They explain all the process to construct a fault tree from a topological and functional description of the system. Numerous examples are exhibited in illustration of the method. This is followed by the lessons derived from the studies performed on some safety systems of the PALUEL nuclear plant. The development of the same approach for electric power systems is described, insisting on the difference resulting from the sequential nature of these systems. Finally, they show the main advantages identified during the studies

A reference center for evaluation and assistance of radiation victims

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Valverde, Nelson J.L.; Oliveira, A. Alexandre; Peregrino, Augusto A.; Almeida, Carlos E.V. de

1995-01-01

The medical assistance of of accidentally exposed individuals to ionizing radiation demands a highly qualified support, considering human, organizational and materials resources. Such a need has been highlighted since the Goiania Radiation Accident in 1987. The Reference Center for Evaluation and Assistance of Radiation Victims - CRAAR was designed within the framework of the Laboratory of Radiological Sciences - LCR of the University of the State of Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ. Its main purposes are no coordinate the medical tertiary response in a radiation accident and to serve as a training site for all personnel that may respond to such a condition. This paper describes the three-level scheme of assistance adopted by CRAAR and its insertion in the National Radiological Emergency Assistance System under development by the Health Ministry. (author). 15 refs

A reference center for evaluation and assistance of radiation victims

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lima Valverde, Nelson Jose de; Peregrino, Antonio Augusto; Almeida, Carlos Eduardo V. de

1995-01-01

The medical assistance of accidentally exposed individuals to ionizing radiation demands a highly qualified support, considering human, organizational and material resources. Such a needed has been highlighted since the Goiania Radiation Accident in 1987. The Reference Center for Evaluation and Assistance of Radiation Victims - CRAAR was designed within the framework of the Laboratory of Radiological Sciences - LCR of the University of the State of Rio de Janeiro - UERJ. Its main purposes are to coordinate the medical tertiary response in a radiation accident and to serve as a training site for all personnel that may respond to such a condition. This paper describes the three-level scheme of assistance adopted by CRAAR and its insertion in the National Radiological Emergency Assistance System under development by the Health Ministry. (author). 15 refs

Results of an RTOG phase III trial (RTOG 85-27) comparing radiotherapy plus etanidazole with radiotherapy alone for locally advanced head and neck carcinomas

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dingjen, Lee; Cosmatos, Dennis; Marcial, Victor A; Fu, Karen K; Rotman, Marvin; Cooper, Jay S; Ortiz, Hernando G; Beitler, Jonathan J; Abrams, Ross A; Curran, Walter J; Coleman, C Norman; Wasserman, Todd H

1995-06-15

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to determine the efficacy and toxicity of Etanidazole (ETA), a hypoxic cell sensitizer, when combined with conventional radiotherapy (RT) in the management of advanced head and neck carcinomas. Methods and Materials: From March 1988 to September 1991, 521 patients who had Stage III or IV head and neck carcinomas were randomized to receive conventional RT alone (66 Gy in 33 fractions to 74 Gy in 37 fractions, 5 fractions per week) or RT + ETA (2.0 g/m{sup 2} thrice weekly for 17 doses), of whom 504 were eligible and analyzable. Treatment assignments were stratified before randomization according to the primary site (oral cavity + hypopharynx vs. supraglottic larynx + oropharynx + nasopharynx), T-stage (T1-3 vs. T4), and N-stage (N0-2 vs. N3). Pretreatment characteristics were balanced. In the RT-alone arm, 39% of patients had T3 and 34% had T4 disease, whereas in the RT + ETA arm, 42% of patients had T3 and 33% had T4 disease. Thirty-eight percent of the RT-alone patients and 37% of the RT + ETA patients had N3 disease. The median follow-up of surviving patients was 3.38 years, with a range between 0.96 and 5.63 years. Results: One hundred and ninety-four of the 252 (77%) RT + ETA patients received at least 14 doses of the drug. Overall RT protocol compliance rate was 82% in the RT-alone arm and 86% in the RT + ETA arm. No Grade 3 or 4 central nervous system or peripheral neuropathy was observed in the RT + ETA arm. Eighteen percent of the patients developed Grade 1 and 5% developed Grade 2 peripheral neuropathy. Other drug related toxicities included nausea/vomiting (27%), low blood counts (15%), and allergy (9%). Most of these toxicities were Grade 1 and 2. The incidence of severe acute and late radiation effects were similar between the two arms. The 2-year actuarial local-regional control rate (LCR) was 40% for the RT-alone arm and 40% for the RT + ETA arm. Two-year actuarial survival was 41% for the RT-alone arm and 43

Results of an RTOG phase III trial (RTOG 85-27) comparing radiotherapy plus etanidazole with radiotherapy alone for locally advanced head and neck carcinomas

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee Dingjen; Cosmatos, Dennis; Marcial, Victor A.; Fu, Karen K.; Rotman, Marvin; Cooper, Jay S.; Ortiz, Hernando G.; Beitler, Jonathan J.; Abrams, Ross A.; Curran, Walter J.; Coleman, C. Norman; Wasserman, Todd H.

1995-01-01

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to determine the efficacy and toxicity of Etanidazole (ETA), a hypoxic cell sensitizer, when combined with conventional radiotherapy (RT) in the management of advanced head and neck carcinomas. Methods and Materials: From March 1988 to September 1991, 521 patients who had Stage III or IV head and neck carcinomas were randomized to receive conventional RT alone (66 Gy in 33 fractions to 74 Gy in 37 fractions, 5 fractions per week) or RT + ETA (2.0 g/m 2 thrice weekly for 17 doses), of whom 504 were eligible and analyzable. Treatment assignments were stratified before randomization according to the primary site (oral cavity + hypopharynx vs. supraglottic larynx + oropharynx + nasopharynx), T-stage (T1-3 vs. T4), and N-stage (N0-2 vs. N3). Pretreatment characteristics were balanced. In the RT-alone arm, 39% of patients had T3 and 34% had T4 disease, whereas in the RT + ETA arm, 42% of patients had T3 and 33% had T4 disease. Thirty-eight percent of the RT-alone patients and 37% of the RT + ETA patients had N3 disease. The median follow-up of surviving patients was 3.38 years, with a range between 0.96 and 5.63 years. Results: One hundred and ninety-four of the 252 (77%) RT + ETA patients received at least 14 doses of the drug. Overall RT protocol compliance rate was 82% in the RT-alone arm and 86% in the RT + ETA arm. No Grade 3 or 4 central nervous system or peripheral neuropathy was observed in the RT + ETA arm. Eighteen percent of the patients developed Grade 1 and 5% developed Grade 2 peripheral neuropathy. Other drug related toxicities included nausea/vomiting (27%), low blood counts (15%), and allergy (9%). Most of these toxicities were Grade 1 and 2. The incidence of severe acute and late radiation effects were similar between the two arms. The 2-year actuarial local-regional control rate (LCR) was 40% for the RT-alone arm and 40% for the RT + ETA arm. Two-year actuarial survival was 41% for the RT-alone arm and 43% for

(Re)implantation of quality system of LCR (Laboratory for Radiation Sciences) for accreditation in the standard ABNT NBR ISO/IEC 17025:2005; (Re)implantacao do sistema da qualidade do LCR para acreditacao na ABNT NBR ISO/IEC 17025:2005

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Leite, Sandro P., E-mail: leite_sp@ig.com.br [Rede Sibratec, Sao Paulo, SP (Brazil); Fernandes, Elisabeth O.; David, Mariano G.; Pires, Evandro J.; Alves, Carlos F.E.; Almeida, Carlos E. [Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), RJ (Brazil)

2014-07-01

This paper presents preparing procedure of the metrology laboratory (LABMETRO), which belongs Laboratorio de Ciencias Radiologicas of Rio de Janeiro , for postulating accreditation of its services metrology to INMETRO. This process, supported by the Technological Services Network SIBRATEC/FINEP for Radiation Protection and Dosimetry Technological Services, had as one of its aims to avoid possible technical barriers to the purchase services in the area of ionizing radiation laboratories. Accreditation will also enable the integration of services such laboratories in Brazilian Calibration Network (RBC). (author)

A MEMS-based Air Flow Sensor with a Free-standing Micro-cantilever Structure

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Che-Ming Chiang

2007-10-01

Full Text Available This paper presents a micro-scale air flow sensor based on a free-standingcantilever structure. In the fabrication process, MEMS techniques are used to deposit asilicon nitride layer on a silicon wafer. A platinum layer is deposited on the silicon nitridelayer to form a piezoresistor, and the resulting structure is then etched to create afreestanding micro-cantilever. When an air flow passes over the surface of the cantileverbeam, the beam deflects in the downward direction, resulting in a small variation in theresistance of the piezoelectric layer. The air flow velocity is determined by measuring thechange in resistance using an external LCR meter. The experimental results indicate that theflow sensor has a high sensitivity (0.0284 ω/ms-1, a high velocity measurement limit (45ms-1 and a rapid response time (0.53 s.

Basel III Global Liquidity Standards: Critical Discussion and Impact onto the European Banking Sector

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Veronika Bučková

2011-09-01

Full Text Available Together with the Basel III regulatory equity rules, two liquidity ratios have been published. Resulting from the illiquidity of some banks during the financial crisis in 2008, these ratios shall help to prevent further crisis in the European banking sector. But do they really fulfill their aim? This article presents the new liquidity ratios, the actual liquidity situation in banks and describes the consequences for banks at a simplified example. It has to be stated that implementing more detailed liquidity frameworks into the banking supervision process is necessary. The financial crisis in 2008 showed that several banks did not have adequate liquidity risk models and processes to prevent illiquidity. But the LCR and the NSFR seem to be wrong methods. Both ratios will increase. The implementation of both ratios has to be done very carefully in order to prevent this.

Room-temperature ferromagnetism in Co and Nb co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hachisu, M.; Mori, K.; Hyodo, K.; Morimoto, S.; Yamazaki, T.; Ichiyanagi, Y.

2015-01-01

Co- and Nb-doped TiO 2 nanoparticles encapsulated with amorphous SiO 2 were synthesized by our novel preparation method. An anatase TiO 2 single-phase structure was confirmed using X-ray diffraction. The particle size could be controlled to be about 5 nm. The composition of these nanoparticles was investigated by X-ray fluorescence analysis. X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectra showed that the Ti 4+ and Co 2+ states were dominant in our prepared samples. A reduction in the coordination number was also confirmed. The dependence of the electrical conductivity on the frequency was measured by an LCR meter, and the carrier concentration was determined. The magnetization curves for the nanoparticles indicated ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. We concluded that the ferromagnetism originated in oxygen vacancies around the transition metal ions

Alkali Influence on Synthesis of Solid Electrolyte Based on Alkali Nitrate-Alumina

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yustinus Purwamargapratala; Purnama, S.; Purwanto, P.

2008-01-01

Research of solid electrolyte based on alumina with addition of alkali materials of barium nitrate, calcium nitrate, sodium nitrate and lithium nitrate has been done. Aluminium hydroxide and alkali nitrate were mixed in mole ratio of 1 : 1 in water media and pyrolyzed at 300 o C for 1 hour Pyrolysis result were then mixed with alumina in mole ratio of 1 : 1, compacted and heated at 600 o C for 3 hours. To characterize the sample, XRD (X-Ray Diffractometers) and LCR meter (impedance, capacitance, and resistance) were used for analysis the phase and conductivity properties. The result showed formation of alkali-aluminate in which Li-base have the highest room temperature conductivity of 3.1290 x 10 -5 S.cm -1 , while Ba-base have the lowest conductivity of 5.7266 x 10 -8 S.cm -1 . (author)

Traditional biomarkers in narcolepsy: experience of a Brazilian sleep centre

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fernando Morgadinho Santos Coelho

2010-10-01

Full Text Available This study was thought to characterized clinical and laboratory findings of a narcoleptic patients in an out patients unit at São Paulo, Brazil. METHOD: 28 patients underwent polysomnographic recordings (PSG and Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT were analyzed according to standard criteria. The analysis of HLADQB1*0602 allele was performed by PCR. The Hypocretin-1 in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF was measured using radioimmunoassay. Patients were divided in two groups according Hypocretin-1 level: Normal (N - Hypocretin-1 higher than 110pg/ml and Lower (L Hypocretin-1 lower than 110 pg/ml. RESULTS: Only 4 patients of the N group had cataplexy when compared with 14 members of the L group (p=0.0002. DISCUSSION: This results were comparable with other authors, confirming the utility of using specific biomarkers (HLA-DQB1*0602 allele and Hypocretin-1 CSF level in narcolepsy with cataplexy. However, the HLADQB1*0602 allele and Hypocretin-1 level are insufficient to diagnose of narcolepsy without cataplexy.Este estudo foi idealizado para avaliar as características clinicas e laboratoriais de uma população de narcolépticos atendidos num centro de referência na cidade de São Paulo (Brasil. MÉTODO: 28 pacientes realizaram polissonografia e teste de múltiplas latências do sono segundo critérios internacionais. O alelo HLADQB1*0602 foi identificado por PCR. A Hipocretina-1 no líquido cefalorradiano (LCR foi mensurada por radioimunoensaio. Os pacientes foram divididos em 2 grupos conforme o nível de Hipocretina-1. Normal (N - Hypocretin-1 >110pg/ml e baixa (B - Hypocretina-1 <110pg/ml. RESULTADOS: Somente 4 pacientes do grupo N tinham cataplexia quando comparados com 14 pacientes do grupo B (p=0,0002. DISCUSSÃO: Estes resultados foram comparáveis com outros autores, confirmando a utilidade do uso de biomarcadores específicos (HLA-DQB1*0602 e nível da hipocretina-1 no LCR em narcolepsia com cataplexia. Porém, o alelo HLADQB1*0602 e a dosagem

Correlation between egfr expression and accelerated proliferation during radiotherapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pedicini Piernicola

2012-08-01

Full Text Available Abstract Purpose To investigate the correlation between the expression of Epidermal Growth Factor receptor (EGFr and the reduction of the effective doubling time (TD during radiotherapy treatment and also to determine the dose per fraction to be taken into account when the overall treatment time (OTT is reduced in accelerated radiotherapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC. Methods A survey of the published papers comparing 3-years of local regional control rate (LCR for a total of 2162 patients treated with conventional and accelerated radiotherapy and with a pretreatment assessment of EGFr expression, was made. Different values of TD were obtained by a model incorporating the overall time corrected biologically effective dose (BED and a 3-year clinical LCR for high and low EGFr groups of patients (HEGFr and LEGFr, respectively. By obtaining the TD from the above analysis and the sub-sites’ potential doubling time (Tpot from flow cytometry and immunohistochemical methods, we were able to estimate the average TD for each sub-site included in the analysis. Moreover, the dose that would be required to offset the modified proliferation occurring in one day (Dprolif, was estimated. Results The averages of TD were 77 (27-9095% days in LEGFr and 8.8 (7.3-11.095% days in HEGFr, if an onset of accelerated proliferation TK at day 21 was assumed. The correspondent HEGFr sub-sites’ TD were 5.9 (6.6, 5.9 (6.6, 4.6 (6.1, 14.3 (12.9 days, with respect to literature immunohistochemical (flow cytometry data of Tpot for Oral-Cavity, Oro-pharynx, Hypo-pharynx, and Larynx respectively. The Dprolif for the HEGFr groups were 0.33 (0.29, 0.33 (0.29, 0.42 (0.31, 0.14 (0.15 Gy/day if α = 0.3 Gy-1 and α/β = 10 Gy were assumed. Conclusions A higher expression of the EGFr leads to enhanced proliferation. This study allowed to quantify the extent of the effect which EGFr expression has in terms of reduced TD and Dprolif for each head and neck

AN ASSESSMENT OF URBAN SPACE EXPANSION AND ITS IMPACT ON AIR QUALITY USING GEOSPATIAL APPROACH

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ankita P. Dadhich

2017-01-01

Full Text Available The development oriented growth and accelerated industrializati on had been rapidly worsening the environmental quality of urban centers. Jaipur, c apital of Rajasthan India, the 10 th largest metropolitan city of India, is also facing the increas ing pressure on land due to urbanization and de mographic factors. Therefore, in this study an integrated approach of remote sensing and GIS (Geographic Infor mation System was applied to examine the relationship among spatial variables suc h as impervious area, land consumption rate and air po llutants concentration within a n urban context of Jaipur city. The urban sprawl over the period of five years (20 08–2013 is determined by computing the impervious area or built up area using IRS (In dian Remote Sensing Resourcesat 2 satellite data for Jaipur urban region. Thereafte r, Land Consumption Rate (LCR and Land Absorption Coefficient (LAC were quantifie d to evaluate the impervious area growth in differe nt wards of the Jaipur city. T he temporal variations in gaseous and particulate pollutants were also investigated to as certain the degree of association between air pollutants and impervious area. It has been observed that there is 74.89% increase in impervious area during 2008 to 2013.The z onal distribution of impervious area clearly indicates the increase in number of war ds under Zone 5 (80- 100% category from 2008 to 2013. The spatial distribution of L CR reveals very high land consumption rate (>0.012 in outskirts of the city ie. Vid hyadhar Nagar, Jhotwara and Jagatpura area. The LAC is zero in wards of Kishanpole area and high (>0.06 for the wards of Civil lines, Jagatpura, and Jhotwara area of the c ity. The urban air quality pattern (2008-2013 results indicate that PM 10 and SPM concentration have the greatest effects on the air environment in comparison to gaseous polluta nts (SO 2 and NO x . The association between particulate pollution and impervious area i ndicate strong correlation

Correlation between egfr expression and accelerated proliferation during radiotherapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pedicini, Piernicola; Fiorentino, Alba; Improta, Giuseppina; Storto, Giovanni; Benassi, Marcello; Orecchia, Roberto; Salvatore, Marco; Nappi, Antonio; Strigari, Lidia; Alicia Jereczek-Fossa, Barbara; Alterio, Daniela; Cremonesi, Marta; Botta, Francesca; Vischioni, Barbara; Caivano, Rocchina

2012-01-01

To investigate the correlation between the expression of Epidermal Growth Factor receptor (EGFr) and the reduction of the effective doubling time (T D ) during radiotherapy treatment and also to determine the dose per fraction to be taken into account when the overall treatment time (OTT) is reduced in accelerated radiotherapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A survey of the published papers comparing 3-years of local regional control rate (LCR) for a total of 2162 patients treated with conventional and accelerated radiotherapy and with a pretreatment assessment of EGFr expression, was made. Different values of T D were obtained by a model incorporating the overall time corrected biologically effective dose (BED) and a 3-year clinical LCR for high and low EGFr groups of patients (H EGFr and L EGFr ), respectively. By obtaining the T D from the above analysis and the sub-sites’ potential doubling time (T pot ) from flow cytometry and immunohistochemical methods, we were able to estimate the average T D for each sub-site included in the analysis. Moreover, the dose that would be required to offset the modified proliferation occurring in one day (D prolif ), was estimated. The averages of T D were 77 (27-90) 95% days in L EGFr and 8.8 (7.3-11.0) 95% days in H EGFr , if an onset of accelerated proliferation T K at day 21 was assumed. The correspondent H EGFr sub-sites’ T D were 5.9 (6.6), 5.9 (6.6), 4.6 (6.1), 14.3 (12.9) days, with respect to literature immunohistochemical (flow cytometry) data of T pot for Oral-Cavity, Oro-pharynx, Hypo-pharynx, and Larynx respectively. The D prolif for the H EGFr groups were 0.33 (0.29), 0.33 (0.29), 0.42 (0.31), 0.14 (0.15) Gy/day if α = 0.3 Gy -1 and α/β = 10 Gy were assumed. A higher expression of the EGFr leads to enhanced proliferation. This study allowed to quantify the extent of the effect which EGFr expression has in terms of reduced T D and D prolif for each head and neck sub-site

Microstructural, optical and electrical transport properties of Cd-doped SnO2 nanoparticles

Science.gov (United States)

Ahmad, Naseem; Khan, Shakeel; Mohsin Nizam Ansari, Mohd

2018-03-01

We have successfully investigated the structural, optical and dielectric properties of Cd assimilated SnO2 nanoparticles synthesized via very convenient precipitation route. The structural properties were studied by x-ray diffraction method (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. As-synthesized samples in the form of powder were examined for its morphology and average particle size by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The optical properties were studied by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Dielectric properties such that complex dielectric constant and ac conductivity were investigated by LCR meter. Average crystallite size calculated by XRD and average particle size obtained from TEM were found to be consistent and below 50 nm for all samples. The optical band gap of as-synthesized powder samples from absorption study was found in the range of 3.76 to 3.97 eV. The grain boundary parameters such that Rgb, Cgb and τ were evaluated using impedance spectroscopy.

Proteinas do liquido cefalorraqueano: I. Estudo comparativo entre metodos de concentração

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lucia M. Singer Vermes

1983-03-01

Full Text Available No intuito de escolher entre métodos de concentração, aplicáveis ao LCR, aquele que, não provocando desnaturação de proteínas, seja o mais exato, preciso e de fácil aplicação em laboratórios de rotina, foram estudados quatro procedimentos: diálise contra solução de goma-arábica, centrífugo-ultrafiltração, absorção de substâncias de baixo peso molecular por gel seco de poliacrilamida e ultrafiltração sob pressão positiva. Concluiu-se que a diálise contra solução de goma-arábica, por ser preciso, relativamente exato, simples e pouco oneroso, é o mais satisfatório dentre os métodos estudados.

Synthesis, characterization and AC conductivity studies of silver doped conducting polyaniline/graphene/SrTiO3 composites

Science.gov (United States)

Vinay, K.; Shivakumar, K.; Ravikiran, Y. T.; Revanasiddappa, M.

2018-05-01

The present work is an investigation of ac conduction behaviour and dielectric response of Polyaniline/Ag/Graphene/SrTiO3 (PAGS) composite prepared by in-situ chemical oxidative interfacial polymerization using (NH4)2S2O8 as an oxidising agent at 0-5°C. The structural characterization of the samples was examined using FT-IR and XRD techniques. The ac conductivity and dielectric response of synthesized polymer composites were investigated at room temperature in the frequency range varying from 5 × 101 - 5 × 106 Hz using HIOKI make 3532-50 LCR Hi-tester. The ac conductivity increases with increase in frequency and follows the regular trend, the real dielectric constant (ɛ') and imaginary dielectric constant (ɛ'') decreases with increase in frequency and exhibits almost zero dielectric loss at higher frequencies, which suggests that the composite is a lossless material at frequencies beyond 3Hz.

Structural, optical and dielectric properties of Sn0.97Ce0.03O2 nanostructures

Science.gov (United States)

Ahmed, Ateeq; Siddique, M. Naseem; Ali, Tinku; Tripathi, P.

2018-05-01

In present work, 3% cerium doped SnO2 (Sn0.97Ce0.03O2) nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized by sol-gel method. The prepared sample has been characterized by using various techniques such as XRD, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy and LCR meter measurements. Structural Rietveld refinement of XRD data reveals that (Sn0.97Ce0.03O2) sample has a pure single phase tetragonal structure with space group (P42/mnm) without creating any impurity phase such as cerium oxide. UV-visible spectroscopy determines band gap value 3.47 eV for (Sn0.97Ce0.03O2) NPs using Tauc's relation. Dielectric constant and loss decreased with increase in frequency while ac conductivity was found to increase with increase in frequency. The observed dielectric results has been explained in the light of Maxwell-Wagner model.

Optimalisasi Konduktivitas Ionik Elektrolit Polimer Berbasis Komposit Kitosan-Zirkonia/Litium Perklorat dengan Penambahan Gliserol

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Evi Yulianti

2017-06-01

Full Text Available Untuk meningkatkan nilai konduktivitas ionik elektrolit polimer, telah dilakukan modifikasi terhadap sistem komposit kitosan-ZrO2/LiClO4 dengan menambahkan gliserol sebagai plasticizer. Pembuatan lembaran elektrolit polimer dilakukan dengan metode casting, setelah seluruh komponen dicampur secara bertahap dan diaduk dengan pengaduk magnet. Penambahan plasticizer dilakukan dengan berbagai komposisi yaitu antara 0% (g/g sampai dengan 80% (b/b. Elektrolit polimer kemudian dikarakterisasi meliputi struktur mikro dengan difraksi  sinar-X (XRD, sifat mekanik dengan uji tarik menggunakan UTM, spektrometer impedansi (LCR-meter dan pengukuran jumlah transferensi ion. Hasil karakterisasi dengan XRD dan uji sifat mekanik menunjukkan bahwa elektrolit polimer menjadi semakin amorf dan elastis dengan penambahan plasticizer. Penambahan plasticizer yang optimal adalah sebanyak 60% (b/b dimana pada komposisi tersebut masing-masing diperoleh bilangan transferensi ion tertinggi 0,85 dengan nilai konduktivitas ionik 3,52 x 10-4 S/cm.

Health service staff's attitudes towards patients with mental illness.

Science.gov (United States)

Arvaniti, Aikaterini; Samakouri, Maria; Kalamara, Eleni; Bochtsou, Valentini; Bikos, Constantinos; Livaditis, Miltos

2009-08-01

Stereotypes and prejudices against patients with mental illness are widespread in many societies. The aim of the present study is to investigate such attitudes among the staff and medical students, including employees and trainees, in a general university hospital. Six hundred individuals (361 employees, 231 students) completed the following questionnaires: Level of Contact Report (LCR), Authoritarianism Scale (AS), and Opinion about Mental Illness (OMI), a scale yielding five factors (social discrimination, social restriction, social care, social integration, and aetiology). Multivariate linear regression models were applied in order to search for the simultaneous effect of many variables on the scores of OMI factors. An important part of the sample held negative attitudes especially concerning social discrimination and restriction of the patients. Women, older and less educated staff, nursing staff, and people scoring higher on authoritarianism were more prejudiced. Higher scores on familiarity were associated with less negative attitudes. The results indicate the need to develop sensitisation and training programs considering mental health topics among health service employees.

Precipitation phases at different processes and heat treat ments as well as their effects on the mechanical properties of super-austenitic stainless steel

Science.gov (United States)

Sun, Hunying; Zhou, Zhangjian; Wang, Man; Li, Shaofu; Zhang, Liwei; Zou, Lei

2013-03-01

A new type lCr30Ni30Mo2TiZr super-austenitic stainless steel has been developed. The microstructures, precipitation phases and mechanical properties of the steel under different deformation processes and heat treatment (solution, stabilized treatment) were investigated using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as well as mechanical tests. The results indicate that coarse carbides such as Cr-rich M23C6, sigma (σ), and little chi (χ) phases were formed in the steel, and large α' -Cr phases were also detected at three joint grain boundaries, and they were promoted by large strain. The precipitate phases were dissolved or transformed to intermetallic phase even at higher elevated temperature, and influenced the mechanical property obviously. These intermetallic compounds seriously reduced elongation of the rolled steel at room temperature and 700 °C, but increased the forged one at 700 °C. Impact absorbed energies of the stabilized specimens were lower than half of that solution status.

Corrosion behavior of 321 stainless steel in low-acidity uranium nitrate solution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liao Junsheng; Sun Ying; Zhang Wanglin; Ding Ping; Yang Jiangrong; Wu Lunqiang

2003-01-01

Weighing and electrochemical methods have been used to investigate the high-temperature uniform corrosion and electrochemical corrosion behavior of lCr18Ni9Ti (321) stainless steel in uranium nitrate solution at different concentrations and pH values. The uniform corrosion results showed that the corrosion rate of 321 stainless steel was less than 0.04 g/m 2 .h, and the visible change of surface smoothness was not observed through 960 h. It was perfect corrosion-resisting in obtained conditions. The electro-chemical corrosion behavior study has been performed to investigate 321 stainless steel in uranium nitrate solutions of the dissolved and saturated oxygen. The corrosion potential and corrosion current density were obtained. Auger photoelectron spectroscopy for measurement of uranium in specimen was used to indicate that uranium is in corrosion product. The corrosion film was measured by Ar ion gun sputter, and the thickness is 10-15 nm. (authors)

Compliment Graphene Oxide Coating on Silk Fiber Surface via Electrostatic Force for Capacitive Humidity Sensor Applications.

Science.gov (United States)

Han, Kook In; Kim, Seungdu; Lee, In Gyu; Kim, Jong Pil; Kim, Jung-Ha; Hong, Suck Won; Cho, Byung Jin; Hwang, Wan Sik

2017-02-19

Cylindrical silk fiber (SF) was coated with Graphene oxide (GO) for capacitive humidity sensor applications. Negatively charged GO in the solution was attracted to the positively charged SF surface via electrostatic force without any help from adhesive intermediates. The magnitude of the positively charged SF surface was controlled through the static electricity charges created on the SF surface. The GO coating ability on the SF improved as the SF's positive charge increased. The GO-coated SFs at various conditions were characterized using an optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Raman spectroscopy, and LCR meter. Unlike the intact SF, the GO-coated SF showed clear response-recovery behavior and well-behaved repeatability when it was exposed to 20% relative humidity (RH) and 90% RH alternatively in a capacitive mode. This approach allows humidity sensors to take advantage of GO's excellent sensing properties and SF's flexibility, expediting the production of flexible, low power consumption devices at relatively low costs.

Description of the Charge Transfer States at the Pentacene/C60 Interface: Combining Range-Separated Hybrid Functionals with the Polarizable Continuum Model

KAUST Repository

Zheng, Zilong

2016-06-24

Density functional theory (DFT) approaches based on range-separated hybrid functionals are currently methods of choice for the description of the charge-transfer (CT) states in organic donor/acceptor solar cells. However, these calculations are usually performed on small-size donor/acceptor complexes and as result do not account for electronic polarization effects. Here, using a pentacene/C60 complex as a model system, we discuss the ability of long-range corrected (LCR) hybrid functionals in combination with the polarizable continuum model (PCM) to determine the impact of the solid-state environment on the CT states. The CT energies are found to be insensitive to the interactions with the dielectric medium when a conventional time-dependent DFT/PCM (TDDFT/PCM) approach is used. However, a decrease in the energy of the CT state in the framework of LRC functionals can be obtained by using a smaller range-separated parameter when going from an isolated donor/acceptor complex to the solid-state case.

Muon level crossing resonance spectroscopy applied to free-radical formation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Venkateswaran, K.; Barnabas, M.V.; Walker, D.C.

1989-01-01

Muon Level Crossing Resonance Spectroscopy has been used to explore two aspects of muonium chemistry: unique free radicals and muonated radical yields. (1) A variety of new free-radicals have been seen by LCR. For instance, in thioacetamide the only radical produced from muonium is the S sm-bullet radical formed when Mu adds to the C of the C=S bond. In allylbenzene a whole range of radicals form with substantial yields (two side-chain and three ring additions); whereas in styrene, 85% of the radicals have Mu bonded to the end C of the side-chain and there is no meta-adduct at all. (2) Absolute yields of the radicals formed by interaction of muonium atoms in water with acrylamide as a solute (and with benzene in n-hexane) have shown that all muons not directly incorporated into diamagnetic molecules (such as MuH) appear as muonated free radicals. i.e. the missing fraction is found

Advanced Materials for Space Applications

Science.gov (United States)

Pater, Ruth H.; Curto, Paul A.

2005-01-01

Since NASA was created in 1958, over 6400 patents have been issued to the agency--nearly one in a thousand of all patents ever issued in the United States. A large number of these inventions have focused on new materials that have made space travel and exploration of the moon, Mars, and the outer planets possible. In the last few years, the materials developed by NASA Langley Research Center embody breakthroughs in performance and properties that will enable great achievements in space. The examples discussed below offer significant advantages for use in small satellites, i.e., those with payloads under a metric ton. These include patented products such as LaRC SI, LaRC RP 46, LaRC RP 50, PETI-5, TEEK, PETI-330, LaRC CP, TOR-LM and LaRC LCR (patent pending). These and other new advances in nanotechnology engineering, self-assembling nanostructures and multifunctional aerospace materials are presented and discussed below, and applications with significant technological and commercial advantages are proposed.

Effect of welding processes and joint configuration on the residual stresses and distortion in type 316 LN stainless steel weld joints

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vasantharaja, P.; Vasudevan, M.; Palanichamy, P.

2012-01-01

Fabrication by welding introduces significant residual stresses in the welded structure/component due to non-uniform heat distribution during heating and cooling cycle. To control, reduce, or beneficially redistribute the residual stresses in weld joints, the stress distribution needs to be known. In the present study, weld joints of 16 mm thick 316LN stainless steel were made by multi-pass TIG, A-TIG welding and combination of TIG and A-TIG welding processes with various joint configurations. While V-groove edge preparation was required for making multi-pass TIG weld joint, square-edge preparation was sufficient for making A-TIG weld joint. Ultrasonic nondestructive technique based on the critically refracted longitudinal waves (LCR waves) has been used for the quantitative surface/sub-surface residual stress measurements in the weld joints. Distortion measurements were carried out before and after welding using height gauge. A-TIG weld joint was found to exhibit significant reduction in tensile residual stresses and distortion in comparison to that of other joints. (author)

Variability of the fractal dimension of the left coronary tree in-patient with disease arterial severe occlusive

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rodriguez, Javier; Alvarez, Luisa F; Marino, Martha E and others

2004-01-01

Fractal geometry is a chapter of mathematics that allows the measurement of irregularity in natural objects. The adequate measures in order to characterize the forms of the human body are the fractal dimensions. Coronary ramification is a fractal object, which enables the diagnosis of occlusive arterial disease by the measurement of an arterial segment obtained by coronary angiography, without measuring the impact of the obstruction in the whole ramification. Fractal dimension evaluates the irregularity of the whole coronary ramification. The right anterior oblique projection (RAO) of the left coronary ramifications (LCR) obtained through arteriography is evaluated with fractal dimensions, using the box counting method. Images of the ramification between systole and diastole were measured in 14 patients, 7 of them without occlusive arterial disease, group 1, and 7 with severe occlusive arterial disease, group 2. Patients without occlusive arterial disease showed a greater variability in the fractal dimensions sequence evaluated with the net difference, being in general this difference other than zero

Effect of mechanical treatment on the electrical properties of graphite materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yunasfi; Salim Mustofa

2010-01-01

Measurement of electrical properties of graphite materials as the mechanical treatment result with high energy milling (HEM) techniques was carried out. The carbon powder was milled using HEM by varying the milling time from 25 hours to 100 hours, and afterwards the graphite material was formed to a pellet under compaction up to 20 ton/cm"2. The measurements result of electrical properties using LCR (Inductance, Capacitance, Resistance) meter showed that milling process to graphite causes the increasing of conductivity and capacitance values and these values were increasing with the increase of milling times. Before milling, the conductivity value is 3.5976 Siemens/cm and the value of capacitance is 0.2223 μF at 100 kHz frequency. Increasing of conductivity value reached 26 % and capacitance value reached 66 % after milling for 100 hours. These increasing are analyzed due to decreasing of graphite powder particle size causing by longer milling time and result in higher electrical conductivity. (author)

Study of energy transfer in table-top X-pinch driven by a water line

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Beg, F N; Zhang, T; Fedin, D; Beagen, B; Chua, E; Lee, J Y; Rawat, R S; Lee, P

2007-01-01

The current passing through X-pinches and the energy transferring from the pulse forming line to the load are modelled using a simple LCR circuit. A comparison of the electrical properties of two table-top X-pinch devices is made. It was found that up to 25% of the stored energy is transferred from the water transmission line to the load in the University of California,San Diego (UCSD) table-top X-pinch before x-ray emission starts. The highest energy transmitted (75%) is found after the current peak. In comparison, only 3% of the energy is transferred to the load in the National Institute of Education (NIE) X-pinch device just after the maximum current peak. The highest energy (25%) transmitted to the plasma occurs long after the current peak. The plasma in both devices is visually and qualitatively similar. However, the UCSD device emits intense x-rays with no x-rays observed in the NIE device. This observation is consistent with the electrical circuit analysis

Microwave assisted synthesis and characterization of barium titanate nanoparticles for multi layered ceramic capacitor applications.

Science.gov (United States)

Thirumalai, Sundararajan; Shanmugavel, Balasivanandha Prabu

2011-01-01

Barium titanate is a common ferroelectric electro-ceramic material having high dielectric constant, with photorefractive effect and piezoelectric properties. In this research work, nano-scale barium titanate powders were synthesized by microwave assisted mechano-chemical route. Suitable precursors were ball milled for 20 hours. TGA studies were performed to study the thermal stability of the powders. The powders were characterized by XRD, SEM and EDX Analysis. Microwave and Conventional heating were performed at 1000 degrees C. The overall heating schedule was reduced by 8 hours in microwave heating thereby reducing the energy and time requirement. The nano-scale, impurity-free and defect-free microstructure was clearly evident from the SEM micrograph and EDX patterns. LCR meter was used to measure the dielectric constant and dielectric loss values at various frequencies. Microwave heated powders showed superior dielectric constant value with low dielectric loss which is highly essential for the fabrication of Multi Layered Ceramic Capacitors.

Fabrication of poly(o-anisidine) coated silica core-shell microspheres and their electrorheological response

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Chul Joo; Choi, Hyoung Jin

2017-11-01

In this work, silica/poly(o-anisidine) (POA) core-shell structured microspheres were synthesized by coating the silica core surface with POA with a help of a chemical grafting agent, N-[(3-trimethoxylsilyl)-propyl] aniline. The synthesized silica microspheres were then applied as a polymer/inorganic composite particle-based electrorheological (ER) fluid. The morphology of the silica/POA microspheres was examined by using both transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, while their thermal properties and chemical structure were checked by thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The ER properties of the silica/POA particle-based ER fluid were examined by using a Couette-type rotational rheometer equipped with a high-voltage power supplier and analyzed by the Bingham model and modified Mason number. In order to obtain additional information about the electrical polarization properties, the dielectric spectra were measured by an LCR meter and fitted by using the Cole-Cole equation. Furthermore, suspension stability of the ER fluid was tested using Turbiscan.

Effects of γ-rays on electrical conductivity of polyvinyl alcohol-polypyrrole composite polymer films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mohd Hamzah Harun; Elias Saion; Noorhana Yahya; Anuar Kassim; Ekramul Mahmud; Muhammad Yousuf Hussain; Iskandar Shahrim Mustafa; Azian Othman; Norazimah Mohd Yusof; Mohd Ahmad Ali Omer

2007-01-01

The composite polymer films of polyvinyl alcohol/polypyrrole/chloral hydrate (PVA-PPy-CH) had been prepared. Effects of γ-rays on the electrical conductivity of the composite polymer films had been investigated by using Inductance Resistance meter (LCR) meter at a frequency ranging from 20 Hz to 1 MHz. With the incorporation of choloral hydrate in the polymer sample, the conductivity increased indicates that it is capable to be used as dopant for polymerizing conjugated polymer. The electrical conductivity obtained increased as the dose increased, which is in the order of 10 -5 Scm -1 indicates that γ-ray is capable to enhance the electrical conductivity of the composite polymer films. The parameter of s is in the range of 0.31 ≤ S ≤ 0.49 and obeyed simple power law dispersion ω S . The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs reveal the formation of polypyrrole globules in polyvinyl alcohol matrix which increased as the irradiation dose was increased. (Author)

Citomorfologia do líquido cefalorraqueano do recém-nascido normal

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

J. A. Livramento

1974-09-01

Full Text Available Foi estudado o perfil citológico do LCR de 21 recém-nascidos normais com 2 ou 7 dias de idade, os preparados tendo sido obtidos mediante sedimentação gravitacional acelerada. Para citometria normal (até 12 leuecocitos e até 600 hemácias por mm³, o perfil citológico era constituído de: linfocitos (11 a 59%, reticulomonocitos (41 a 78%, polinucleares neutrófilos (0 a 17%, células eosinófilas (0 a 2%; macrófagos (0 a 10%. Em média, as seguintes percentagens representam o perfil: linfocitos 34,6; reticulomonocitos 60,4; polinucleares neutrófilos 2,9; células eosinófilas 0,2; macrófagos 1,9. Podem ser observados também agrupamentos celulares: de células ependimárias possivelmente do revestimento corióideo; de células reticulares indiferenciadas, possivelmente da aracnóide.

Meningitis and pneumonia in Guatemalan children: the importance of Haemophilus influenzae type b and Streptococcus pneumoniae Meningitis y neumonía en niños guatemaltecos: importancia de Haemophilus influenzae tipo b y de Streptococcus pneumoniae

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Edwin J. Asturias

2003-12-01

meningitis and help estimate the burden of bacterial meningitis in Guatemala and other developing countries.OBJETIVO: Determinar las características epidemiológicas de las infecciones invasoras por Haemophilus influenzae tipo b (Hib y Streptococcus pneumoniae en niños hospitalizados en Guatemala. La importancia de este tema radica en que la vacunación contra Hib no ha sido incorporada a los programas de inmunización establecidos en Guatemala y en que los registros hospitalarios de 1995 indicaban una baja incidencia de meningitis e infecciones invasoras causadas por Hib y S. pneumoniae. MÉTODOS: Los niños hospitalizados en la Ciudad de Guatemala con signos clínicos de infección bacteriana se estudiaron en busca de indicios de infección por Hib o S. pneumoniae. Se cultivaron líquidos corporales normalmente estériles y se hicieron pruebas de detección de antígenos en líquidos cefalorraquídeo (LCR y pleural. RESULTADOS: De los 1 203 niños de 1 a 59 meses de edad hospitalizados en un período de 28 meses, 725 (60,3% tenían un diagnóstico primario de neumonía, 357 (29,7% de meningitis, 60 (5,0% de celulitis y 61 (5,1% de sepsis u otras afecciones. En 20,0% de los niños con meningitis se detectó Hib y en 12,9% S. pneumoniae. La incidencia media anual de meningitis por Hib fue de 13,8 casos por 100 000 niños menores de 5 años de edad; 32,4% de los casos de meningitis causados por Hib y 58,7% de los causados por S. pneumoniae ocurrieron en niños menores de 6 meses de edad. La tasa de letalidad fue de 14,1%, 37,0% y 18,0%, respectivamente, para los casos de meningitis por Hib, por S. pneumoniae y con resultados negativos tanto en el cultivo como en las pruebas de detección de antígeno. El tratamiento previo con antibióticos fue frecuente y se vio asociado con una reducción significativa de resultados positivos en el cultivo de LCR en los niños que presentaban otros signos de meningitis por Hib o S. pneumoniae. CONCLUSIONES: El perfeccionamiento de la

Particulate pollutants in the Brazilian city of São Paulo: 1-year investigation for the chemical composition and source apportionment

Science.gov (United States)

Martins Pereira, Guilherme; Teinilä, Kimmo; Custódio, Danilo; Gomes Santos, Aldenor; Xian, Huang; Hillamo, Risto; Alves, Célia A.; Bittencourt de Andrade, Jailson; Olímpio da Rocha, Gisele; Kumar, Prashant; Balasubramanian, Rajasekhar; de Fátima Andrade, Maria; de Castro Vasconcellos, Pérola

2017-10-01

São Paulo in Brazil has relatively relaxed regulations for ambient air pollution standards and often experiences high air pollution levels due to emissions of particulate pollutants from local sources and long-range transport of air masses impacted by biomass burning. In order to evaluate the sources of particulate air pollution and related health risks, a year-round sampling was done at the University of São Paulo campus (20 m a.g.l.), a green area near an important expressway. The sampling was performed for PM2. 5 ( ≤ 2. 5 µm) and PM10 ( ≤ 10 µm) in 2014 through intensive (everyday sampling in wintertime) and extensive campaigns (once a week for the whole year) with 24 h of sampling. This year was characterized by having lower average precipitation compared to meteorological data, and high-pollution episodes were observed all year round, with a significant increase in pollution level in the intensive campaign, which was performed during wintertime. Different chemical constituents, such as carbonaceous species, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and derivatives, water-soluble ions, and biomass burning tracers were identified in order to evaluate health risks and to apportion sources. The species such as PAHs, inorganic and organic ions, and monosaccharides were determined using chromatographic techniques and carbonaceous species using thermal-optical analysis. Trace elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The risks associated with particulate matter exposure based on PAH concentrations were also assessed, along with indexes such as the benzo[a]pyrene equivalent (BaPE) and lung cancer risk (LCR). High BaPE and LCR were observed in most of the samples, rising to critical values in the wintertime. Also, biomass burning tracers and PAHs were higher in this season, while secondarily formed ions presented low variation throughout the year. Meanwhile, vehicular tracer species were also higher in the intensive campaign

Particulate pollutants in the Brazilian city of São Paulo: 1-year investigation for the chemical composition and source apportionment

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

G. M. Pereira

2017-10-01

Full Text Available São Paulo in Brazil has relatively relaxed regulations for ambient air pollution standards and often experiences high air pollution levels due to emissions of particulate pollutants from local sources and long-range transport of air masses impacted by biomass burning. In order to evaluate the sources of particulate air pollution and related health risks, a year-round sampling was done at the University of São Paulo campus (20 m a.g.l., a green area near an important expressway. The sampling was performed for PM2. 5 ( ≤ 2. 5 µm and PM10 ( ≤  10 µm in 2014 through intensive (everyday sampling in wintertime and extensive campaigns (once a week for the whole year with 24 h of sampling. This year was characterized by having lower average precipitation compared to meteorological data, and high-pollution episodes were observed all year round, with a significant increase in pollution level in the intensive campaign, which was performed during wintertime. Different chemical constituents, such as carbonaceous species, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs and derivatives, water-soluble ions, and biomass burning tracers were identified in order to evaluate health risks and to apportion sources. The species such as PAHs, inorganic and organic ions, and monosaccharides were determined using chromatographic techniques and carbonaceous species using thermal-optical analysis. Trace elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The risks associated with particulate matter exposure based on PAH concentrations were also assessed, along with indexes such as the benzo[a]pyrene equivalent (BaPE and lung cancer risk (LCR. High BaPE and LCR were observed in most of the samples, rising to critical values in the wintertime. Also, biomass burning tracers and PAHs were higher in this season, while secondarily formed ions presented low variation throughout the year. Meanwhile, vehicular tracer species were also

Ultrastructural study of the lateral ventricle choroid plexus in experimental hydrocephalus in Wistar rats Estudo ultraestrutural dos plexos corióides dos ventrículos laterais de ratos Wistar submetidos a hidrocefalia experimental

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Daniela Pretti da Cunha Tirapelli

2007-12-01

Full Text Available Hydrocephalus is one of the most frequent and complex neurological diseases characterized by the abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF in the ventricles of the brain, due to an altered CSF dynamics. To detect possible ultrastructural alterations of the lateral ventricles choroid plexus (responsible for the CSF production, rats seven days after birth were submitted to an intracisternal injection of 20% kaolim (hydrated aluminum silicate for the hydrocephalus induction. Twenty-eight or 35 days after injection, injected animals and respective controls were processed for observation under a transmission electron microscopy. Alterations found: presence of concentric cell membrane fragments, larger number of primary and secondary lysossomes, vacuoles, and cytoplasmic vesicles, and an enlargement of the intercellular space and between the basolateral interdigitation of the choroid epithelium. The alterations observed are probably associated to an increase of the ventricular pressure, inducing morpho-functional effects on the choroid plexus integrity.A hidrocefalia é uma das mais freqüentes e complexas doenças neurológicas caracterizada pelo acúmulo de líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR no interior dos ventrículos cerebrais e conseqüente alteração na dinâmica liquórica. Para detectar as possíveis alterações ultra-estruturais nos plexos corióides dos ventrículos laterais (responsáveis pela produção do LCR, ratos sete dias após o nascimento, foram submetidos à indução de hidrocefalia pela injeção intracisternal de caulim a 20%. Após 28 e 35 dias da injeção, estes animais e seus respectivos controles foram processados para observação em um microscópio eletrônico de transmissão. Alterações observadas: presença de membranas concêntricas, maior número de lisossomos primários e secundários, vacúolos e vesículas citoplasmáticas, aumento do espaço intercelular e entre as interdigitações basolaterais das c

Characterization of Portuguese Centenarian Eating Habits, Nutritional Biomarkers, and Cardiovascular Risk: A Case Control Study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. Pereira da Silva

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Background and Aims. Eating habits may contribute to longevity. We characterized the eating habits and cardiovascular risk (CVR biomarkers in Portuguese centenarians (CENT compared to controls. Methods and Results. Centenarians (n=253, 100.26 ± 1.98 years, were compared with 268 controls (67.51 ± 3.25, low (LCR and high (HCR CVR (QRISK®2-2016. Anthropometric and body composition were evaluated by bioimpedance. Abdominal obesity, BMI, and fat mass (FM cut-offs were according to the WHO. Sarcopenia was defined by muscle mass index cut-off ≤ 16.7 kg/m2. Daily red meat intake, adjusted for age and gender, was sarcopenia protective (OR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.096–0.670, P=0.006; however, it contributes for FM excess (OR = 4.946, 95% CI = 1.471–16.626, P=0.01, overweight, and obesity (OR = 4.804, 95% CI = 1.666–13.851, P=0.004. This centenarian eating habit (2% contrasts to HCR (64.3%. The history of red meat (P<0.0001 and canned/industrialized food intakes (P<0.0001 was associated with HCR. Basal metabolism was lower in centenarians versus LCR/HCR (CENT = 1176.78 ± 201.98; LCR = 1356.54 ± 170.65; HCR = 1561.33 ± 267.85; P<0.0001, BMI (CENT = 21.06 ± 3.68; LCR = 28.49 ± 4.69; HCR = 29.56 ± 5.26; P<0.0001, waist circumference (CENT = 85.29 ± 10.83; LCR = 96.02 ± 11.71; HCR = 104.50 ± 11.84; P<0.0001, and waist-hip ratio (CENT = 0.88 ± 0.07; LCR = 0.92 ± 0.08; HCR = 1.01 ± 0.08; P<0.0001. CENT had lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and cholesterol/HDL ratio than controls. Conclusions. Frequent consumption of red meat, cholesterol, and heme iron rich may contribute to obesity and increased CVR. The low frequency of this consumption, observed in centenarians, although associated with sarcopenia, may be one of the keys to longevity.

Enfermedad neurologica por adenovirus Neurologic disease due to adenovirus infection

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cristina L. Lema

2005-06-01

Full Text Available El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de adenovirus (ADV en las infecciones del sistema nervioso central (SNC. Se analizaron 108 muestras de líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR provenientes de 79 casos de encefalitis, 7 meningitis y 22 de otras patologías neurológicas, recibidas en el período 2000-2002. Cuarenta y nueve (47.35% se obtuvieron de pacientes inmunocomprometidos. La presencia de ADV se investigó mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en formato anidado (Nested-PCR. La identificación del genogrupo se realizó mediante análisis filogenético de la secuencia nucleotídica parcial de la región que codifica para la proteína del hexón. Se detectó la presencia de ADV en 6 de 108 (5.5% muestras de LCR analizadas. Todos los casos positivos pertenecieron a pacientes con encefalitis que fueron 79, (6/79, 7.6%. No se observó diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los casos de infección por ADV en pacientes inmunocomprometidos e inmunocompetentes (p>0.05. Las cepas de ADV detectadas se agruparon en los genogrupos B1 y C. En conclusión, nuestros resultados describen el rol de los ADV en las infecciones neurológicas en Argentina. La información presentada contribuye al conocimiento de su epidemiología, en particular en casos de encefalitis.The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of adenovirusm (ADV infections in neurological disorders. A total of 108 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF samples from 79 encephalitis cases, 7 meningitis and 22 other neurological diseases analysed in our laboratory between 2000 and 2002 were studied. Forty nine (47.4% belonged to immunocompromised patients. Viral genome was detected using nested polymerase chain reaction (Nested-PCR and ADV genotypes were identified using partial gene sequence analysis of hexon gene. Adenovirus were detected in 6 of 108 (5.5% CSF samples tested. All of these were from encephalitis cases, 6/79, representing 7.6% of them. No statistically

Measurements of prompt charm production cross-sections in $pp$ collisions at $\\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV

CERN Document Server

Aaij, Roel; Adeva, Bernardo; Adinolfi, Marco; Affolder, Anthony; Ajaltouni, Ziad; Akar, Simon; Albrecht, Johannes; Alessio, Federico; Alexander, Michael; Ali, Suvayu; Alkhazov, Georgy; Alvarez Cartelle, Paula; Alves Jr, Antonio Augusto; Amato, Sandra; Amerio, Silvia; Amhis, Yasmine; An, Liupan; Anderlini, Lucio; Anderson, Jonathan; Andreassi, Guido; Andreotti, Mirco; Andrews, Jason; Appleby, Robert; Aquines Gutierrez, Osvaldo; Archilli, Flavio; d'Argent, Philippe; Artamonov, Alexander; Artuso, Marina; Aslanides, Elie; Auriemma, Giulio; Baalouch, Marouen; Bachmann, Sebastian; Back, John; Badalov, Alexey; Baesso, Clarissa; Baldini, Wander; Barlow, Roger; Barschel, Colin; Barsuk, Sergey; Barter, William; Batozskaya, Varvara; Battista, Vincenzo; Bay, Aurelio; Beaucourt, Leo; Beddow, John; Bedeschi, Franco; Bediaga, Ignacio; Bel, Lennaert; Bellee, Violaine; Belloli, Nicoletta; Belyaev, Ivan; Ben-Haim, Eli; Bencivenni, Giovanni; Benson, Sean; Benton, Jack; Berezhnoy, Alexander; Bernet, Roland; Bertolin, Alessandro; Bettler, Marc-Olivier; van Beuzekom, Martinus; Bien, Alexander; Bifani, Simone; Billoir, Pierre; Bird, Thomas; Birnkraut, Alex; Bizzeti, Andrea; Blake, Thomas; Blanc, Frédéric; Blouw, Johan; Blusk, Steven; Bocci, Valerio; Bondar, Alexander; Bondar, Nikolay; Bonivento, Walter; Borghi, Silvia; Borsato, Martino; Bowcock, Themistocles; Bowen, Espen Eie; Bozzi, Concezio; Braun, Svende; Britsch, Markward; Britton, Thomas; Brodzicka, Jolanta; Brook, Nicholas; Buchanan, Emma; Burr, Christopher; Bursche, Albert; Buytaert, Jan; Cadeddu, Sandro; Calabrese, Roberto; Calvi, Marta; Calvo Gomez, Miriam; Campana, Pierluigi; Campora Perez, Daniel; Capriotti, Lorenzo; Carbone, Angelo; Carboni, Giovanni; Cardinale, Roberta; Cardini, Alessandro; Carniti, Paolo; Carson, Laurence; Carvalho Akiba, Kazuyoshi; Casse, Gianluigi; Cassina, Lorenzo; Castillo Garcia, Lucia; Cattaneo, Marco; Cauet, Christophe; Cavallero, Giovanni; Cenci, Riccardo; Charles, Matthew; Charpentier, Philippe; Chefdeville, Maximilien; Chen, Shanzhen; Cheung, Shu-Faye; Chiapolini, Nicola; Chrzaszcz, Marcin; Cid Vidal, Xabier; Ciezarek, Gregory; Clarke, Peter; Clemencic, Marco; Cliff, Harry; Closier, Joel; Coco, Victor; Cogan, Julien; Cogneras, Eric; Cogoni, Violetta; Cojocariu, Lucian; Collazuol, Gianmaria; Collins, Paula; Comerma-Montells, Albert; Contu, Andrea; Cook, Andrew; Coombes, Matthew; Coquereau, Samuel; Corti, Gloria; Corvo, Marco; Couturier, Benjamin; Cowan, Greig; Craik, Daniel Charles; Crocombe, Andrew; Cruz Torres, Melissa Maria; Cunliffe, Samuel; Currie, Robert; D'Ambrosio, Carmelo; Dall'Occo, Elena; Dalseno, Jeremy; David, Pieter; Davis, Adam; De Aguiar Francisco, Oscar; De Bruyn, Kristof; De Capua, Stefano; De Cian, Michel; De Miranda, Jussara; De Paula, Leandro; De Simone, Patrizia; Dean, Cameron Thomas; Decamp, Daniel; Deckenhoff, Mirko; Del Buono, Luigi; Déléage, Nicolas; Demmer, Moritz; Derkach, Denis; Deschamps, Olivier; Dettori, Francesco; Dey, Biplab; Di Canto, Angelo; Di Ruscio, Francesco; Dijkstra, Hans; Donleavy, Stephanie; Dordei, Francesca; Dorigo, Mirco; Dosil Suárez, Alvaro; Dossett, David; Dovbnya, Anatoliy; Dreimanis, Karlis; Dufour, Laurent; Dujany, Giulio; Dupertuis, Frederic; Durante, Paolo; Dzhelyadin, Rustem; Dziurda, Agnieszka; Dzyuba, Alexey; Easo, Sajan; Egede, Ulrik; Egorychev, Victor; Eidelman, Semen; Eisenhardt, Stephan; Eitschberger, Ulrich; Ekelhof, Robert; Eklund, Lars; El Rifai, Ibrahim; Elsasser, Christian; Ely, Scott; Esen, Sevda; Evans, Hannah Mary; Evans, Timothy; Falabella, Antonio; Färber, Christian; Farley, Nathanael; Farry, Stephen; Fay, Robert; Ferguson, Dianne; Fernandez Albor, Victor; Ferrari, Fabio; Ferreira Rodrigues, Fernando; Ferro-Luzzi, Massimiliano; Filippov, Sergey; Fiore, Marco; Fiorini, Massimiliano; Firlej, Miroslaw; Fitzpatrick, Conor; Fiutowski, Tomasz; Fohl, Klaus; Fol, Philip; Fontana, Marianna; Fontanelli, Flavio; Forshaw, Dean Charles; Forty, Roger; Frank, Markus; Frei, Christoph; Frosini, Maddalena; Fu, Jinlin; Furfaro, Emiliano; Gallas Torreira, Abraham; Galli, Domenico; Gallorini, Stefano; Gambetta, Silvia; Gandelman, Miriam; Gandini, Paolo; Gao, Yuanning; García Pardiñas, Julián; Garra Tico, Jordi; Garrido, Lluis; Gascon, David; Gaspar, Clara; Gauld, Rhorry; Gavardi, Laura; Gazzoni, Giulio; Gerick, David; Gersabeck, Evelina; Gersabeck, Marco; Gershon, Timothy; Ghez, Philippe; Gianì, Sebastiana; Gibson, Valerie; Girard, Olivier Göran; Giubega, Lavinia-Helena; Gligorov, V.V.; Göbel, Carla; Golubkov, Dmitry; Golutvin, Andrey; Gomes, Alvaro; Gotti, Claudio; Grabalosa Gándara, Marc; Graciani Diaz, Ricardo; Granado Cardoso, Luis Alberto; Graugés, Eugeni; Graverini, Elena; Graziani, Giacomo; Grecu, Alexandru; Greening, Edward; Gregson, Sam; Griffith, Peter; Grillo, Lucia; Grünberg, Oliver; Gui, Bin; Gushchin, Evgeny; Guz, Yury; Gys, Thierry; Hadavizadeh, Thomas; Hadjivasiliou, Christos; Haefeli, Guido; Haen, Christophe; Haines, Susan; Hall, Samuel; Hamilton, Brian; Han, Xiaoxue; Hansmann-Menzemer, Stephanie; Harnew, Neville; Harnew, Samuel; Harrison, Jonathan; He, Jibo; Head, Timothy; Heijne, Veerle; Hennessy, Karol; Henrard, Pierre; Henry, Louis; van Herwijnen, Eric; Heß, Miriam; Hicheur, Adlène; Hill, Donal; Hoballah, Mostafa; Hombach, Christoph; Hulsbergen, Wouter; Humair, Thibaud; Hussain, Nazim; Hutchcroft, David; Hynds, Daniel; Idzik, Marek; Ilten, Philip; Jacobsson, Richard; Jaeger, Andreas; Jalocha, Pawel; Jans, Eddy; Jawahery, Abolhassan; Jing, Fanfan; John, Malcolm; Johnson, Daniel; Jones, Christopher; Joram, Christian; Jost, Beat; Jurik, Nathan; Kandybei, Sergii; Kanso, Walaa; Karacson, Matthias; Karbach, Moritz; Karodia, Sarah; Kecke, Matthieu; Kelsey, Matthew; Kenyon, Ian; Kenzie, Matthew; Ketel, Tjeerd; Khairullin, Egor; Khanji, Basem; Khurewathanakul, Chitsanu; Klaver, Suzanne; Klimaszewski, Konrad; Kochebina, Olga; Kolpin, Michael; Komarov, Ilya; Koopman, Rose; Koppenburg, Patrick; Kozeiha, Mohamad; Kravchuk, Leonid; Kreplin, Katharina; Kreps, Michal; Krocker, Georg; Krokovny, Pavel; Kruse, Florian; Krzemien, Wojciech; Kucewicz, Wojciech; Kucharczyk, Marcin; Kudryavtsev, Vasily; Kuonen, Axel Kevin; Kurek, Krzysztof; Kvaratskheliya, Tengiz; Lacarrere, Daniel; Lafferty, George; Lai, Adriano; Lambert, Dean; Lanfranchi, Gaia; Langenbruch, Christoph; Langhans, Benedikt; Latham, Thomas; Lazzeroni, Cristina; Le Gac, Renaud; van Leerdam, Jeroen; Lees, Jean-Pierre; Lefèvre, Regis; Leflat, Alexander; Lefrançois, Jacques; Lemos Cid, Edgar; Leroy, Olivier; Lesiak, Tadeusz; Leverington, Blake; Li, Yiming; Likhomanenko, Tatiana; Liles, Myfanwy; Lindner, Rolf; Linn, Christian; Lionetto, Federica; Liu, Bo; Liu, Xuesong; Loh, David; Longstaff, Iain; Lopes, Jose; Lucchesi, Donatella; Lucio Martinez, Miriam; Luo, Haofei; Lupato, Anna; Luppi, Eleonora; Lupton, Oliver; Lusiani, Alberto; Machefert, Frederic; Maciuc, Florin; Maev, Oleg; Maguire, Kevin; Malde, Sneha; Malinin, Alexander; Manca, Giulia; Mancinelli, Giampiero; Manning, Peter Michael; Mapelli, Alessandro; Maratas, Jan; Marchand, Jean François; Marconi, Umberto; Marin Benito, Carla; Marino, Pietro; Marks, Jörg; Martellotti, Giuseppe; Martin, Morgan; Martinelli, Maurizio; Martinez Santos, Diego; Martinez Vidal, Fernando; Martins Tostes, Danielle; Massafferri, André; Matev, Rosen; Mathad, Abhijit; Mathe, Zoltan; Matteuzzi, Clara; Mauri, Andrea; Maurin, Brice; Mazurov, Alexander; McCann, Michael; McCarthy, James; McNab, Andrew; McNulty, Ronan; Meadows, Brian; Meier, Frank; Meissner, Marco; Melnychuk, Dmytro; Merk, Marcel; Michielin, Emanuele; Milanes, Diego Alejandro; Minard, Marie-Noelle; Mitzel, Dominik Stefan; Molina Rodriguez, Josue; Monroy, Ignacio Alberto; Monteil, Stephane; Morandin, Mauro; Morawski, Piotr; Mordà, Alessandro; Morello, Michael Joseph; Moron, Jakub; Morris, Adam Benjamin; Mountain, Raymond; Muheim, Franz; Müller, Dominik; Müller, Janine; Müller, Katharina; Müller, Vanessa; Mussini, Manuel; Muster, Bastien; Naik, Paras; Nakada, Tatsuya; Nandakumar, Raja; Nandi, Anita; Nasteva, Irina; Needham, Matthew; Neri, Nicola; Neubert, Sebastian; Neufeld, Niko; Neuner, Max; Nguyen, Anh Duc; Nguyen, Thi-Dung; Nguyen-Mau, Chung; Niess, Valentin; Niet, Ramon; Nikitin, Nikolay; Nikodem, Thomas; Novoselov, Alexey; O'Hanlon, Daniel Patrick; Oblakowska-Mucha, Agnieszka; Obraztsov, Vladimir; Ogilvy, Stephen; Okhrimenko, Oleksandr; Oldeman, Rudolf; Onderwater, Gerco; Osorio Rodrigues, Bruno; Otalora Goicochea, Juan Martin; Otto, Adam; Owen, Patrick; Oyanguren, Maria Aranzazu; Palano, Antimo; Palombo, Fernando; Palutan, Matteo; Panman, Jacob; Papanestis, Antonios; Pappagallo, Marco; Pappalardo, Luciano; Pappenheimer, Cheryl; Parker, William; Parkes, Christopher; Passaleva, Giovanni; Patel, Girish; Patel, Mitesh; Patrignani, Claudia; Pearce, Alex; Pellegrino, Antonio; Penso, Gianni; Pepe Altarelli, Monica; Perazzini, Stefano; Perret, Pascal; Pescatore, Luca; Petridis, Konstantinos; Petrolini, Alessandro; Petruzzo, Marco; Picatoste Olloqui, Eduardo; Pietrzyk, Boleslaw; Pilař, Tomas; Pinci, Davide; Pistone, Alessandro; Piucci, Alessio; Playfer, Stephen; Plo Casasus, Maximo; Poikela, Tuomas; Polci, Francesco; Poluektov, Anton; Polyakov, Ivan; Polycarpo, Erica; Popov, Alexander; Popov, Dmitry; Popovici, Bogdan; Potterat, Cédric; Price, Eugenia; Price, Joseph David; Prisciandaro, Jessica; Pritchard, Adrian; Prouve, Claire; Pugatch, Valery; Puig Navarro, Albert; Punzi, Giovanni; Qian, Wenbin; Quagliani, Renato; Rachwal, Bartolomiej; Rademacker, Jonas; Rama, Matteo; Rangel, Murilo; Raniuk, Iurii; Rauschmayr, Nathalie; Raven, Gerhard; Redi, Federico; Reichert, Stefanie; Reid, Matthew; dos Reis, Alberto; Ricciardi, Stefania; Richards, Sophie; Rihl, Mariana; Rinnert, Kurt; Rives Molina, Vincente; Robbe, Patrick; Rodrigues, Ana Barbara; Rodrigues, Eduardo; Rodriguez Lopez, Jairo Alexis; Rodriguez Perez, Pablo; Roiser, Stefan; Romanovsky, Vladimir; Romero Vidal, Antonio; Ronayne, John William; Rotondo, Marcello; Rouvinet, Julien; Ruf, Thomas; Ruiz Valls, Pablo; Saborido Silva, Juan Jose; Sagidova, Naylya; Sail, Paul; Saitta, Biagio; Salustino Guimaraes, Valdir; Sanchez Mayordomo, Carlos; Sanmartin Sedes, Brais; Santacesaria, Roberta; Santamarina Rios, Cibran; Santimaria, Marco; Santovetti, Emanuele; Sarti, Alessio; Satriano, Celestina; Satta, Alessia; Saunders, Daniel Martin; Savrina, Darya; Schiller, Manuel; Schindler, Heinrich; Schlupp, Maximilian; Schmelling, Michael; Schmelzer, Timon; Schmidt, Burkhard; Schneider, Olivier; Schopper, Andreas; Schubiger, Maxime; Schune, Marie Helene; Schwemmer, Rainer; Sciascia, Barbara; Sciubba, Adalberto; Semennikov, Alexander; Serra, Nicola; Serrano, Justine; Sestini, Lorenzo; Seyfert, Paul; Shapkin, Mikhail; Shapoval, Illya; Shcheglov, Yury; Shears, Tara; Shekhtman, Lev; Shevchenko, Vladimir; Shires, Alexander; Siddi, Benedetto Gianluca; Silva Coutinho, Rafael; Silva de Oliveira, Luiz Gustavo; Simi, Gabriele; Sirendi, Marek; Skidmore, Nicola; Skwarnicki, Tomasz; Smith, Edmund; Smith, Eluned; Smith, Iwan Thomas; Smith, Jackson; Smith, Mark; Snoek, Hella; Sokoloff, Michael; Soler, Paul; Soomro, Fatima; Souza, Daniel; Souza De Paula, Bruno; Spaan, Bernhard; Spradlin, Patrick; Sridharan, Srikanth; Stagni, Federico; Stahl, Marian; Stahl, Sascha; Stefkova, Slavorima; Steinkamp, Olaf; Stenyakin, Oleg; Stevenson, Scott; Stoica, Sabin; Stone, Sheldon; Storaci, Barbara; Stracka, Simone; Straticiuc, Mihai; Straumann, Ulrich; Sun, Liang; Sutcliffe, William; Swientek, Krzysztof; Swientek, Stefan; Syropoulos, Vasileios; Szczekowski, Marek; Szumlak, Tomasz; T'Jampens, Stephane; Tayduganov, Andrey; Tekampe, Tobias; Teklishyn, Maksym; Tellarini, Giulia; Teubert, Frederic; Thomas, Christopher; Thomas, Eric; van Tilburg, Jeroen; Tisserand, Vincent; Tobin, Mark; Todd, Jacob; Tolk, Siim; Tomassetti, Luca; Tonelli, Diego; Topp-Joergensen, Stig; Torr, Nicholas; Tournefier, Edwige; Tourneur, Stephane; Trabelsi, Karim; Tran, Minh Tâm; Tresch, Marco; Trisovic, Ana; Tsaregorodtsev, Andrei; Tsopelas, Panagiotis; Tuning, Niels; Ukleja, Artur; Ustyuzhanin, Andrey; Uwer, Ulrich; Vacca, Claudia; Vagnoni, Vincenzo; Valenti, Giovanni; Vallier, Alexis; Vazquez Gomez, Ricardo; Vazquez Regueiro, Pablo; Vázquez Sierra, Carlos; Vecchi, Stefania; Velthuis, Jaap; Veltri, Michele; Veneziano, Giovanni; Vesterinen, Mika; Viaud, Benoit; Vieira, Daniel; Vieites Diaz, Maria; Vilasis-Cardona, Xavier; Volkov, Vladimir; Vollhardt, Achim; Volyanskyy, Dmytro; Voong, David; Vorobyev, Alexey; Vorobyev, Vitaly; Voß, Christian; de Vries, Jacco; Waldi, Roland; Wallace, Charlotte; Wallace, Ronan; Walsh, John; Wandernoth, Sebastian; Wang, Jianchun; Ward, David; Watson, Nigel; Websdale, David; Weiden, Andreas; Whitehead, Mark; Wilkinson, Guy; Wilkinson, Michael; Williams, Mark Richard James; Williams, Matthew; Williams, Mike; Williams, Timothy; Wilson, Fergus; Wimberley, Jack; Wishahi, Julian; Wislicki, Wojciech; Witek, Mariusz; Wormser, Guy; Wotton, Stephen; Wyllie, Kenneth; Xie, Yuehong; Xu, Zhirui; Yang, Zhenwei; Yu, Jiesheng; Yuan, Xuhao; Yushchenko, Oleg; Zangoli, Maria; Zavertyaev, Mikhail; Zhang, Liming; Zhang, Yanxi; Zhelezov, Alexey; Zhokhov, Anatoly; Zhong, Liang; Zucchelli, Stefano

2016-03-22

Production cross-sections of prompt charm mesons are measured with the first data from $pp$ collisions at the LHC at a centre-of-mass energy of $13\\,\\mathrm{TeV}$. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of $4.98 \\pm 0.19\\,\\mathrm{pb}^{-1}$ collected by the LHCb experiment. The production cross-sections of $D^{0}$, $D^{+}$, $D_{s}^{+}$, and $D^{*+}$ mesons are measured in bins of charm meson transverse momentum, $p_{\\mathrm{T}}$, and rapidity, $y$, and cover the range $0 < p_{\\mathrm{T}} < 15\\,\\mathrm{GeV}/c$ and $2.0 < y < 4.5$. The inclusive cross-sections for the four mesons, including charge conjugation, within the range of $1 < p_{\\mathrm{T}} < 8\\,\\mathrm{GeV}/c$ are found to be \\begin{align*} \\begin{array}{lcr} \\sigma(pp \\to D^{0} X) &=& 2460 \\pm \\phantom{1}3 \\pm 130\\,\\mu\\mathrm{b} \\\\ \\sigma(pp \\to D^{+} X) &=& 1000 \\pm \\phantom{1}3 \\pm 110\\,\\mu\\mathrm{b} \\\\ \\sigma(pp \\to D_{s}^{+} X) &=& 460 \\pm 13 \\pm 100\\,\\mu\\ma...

New equivalent-electrical circuit model and a practical measurement method for human body impedance.

Science.gov (United States)

Chinen, Koyu; Kinjo, Ichiko; Zamami, Aki; Irei, Kotoyo; Nagayama, Kanako

2015-01-01

Human body impedance analysis is an effective tool to extract electrical information from tissues in the human body. This paper presents a new measurement method of impedance using armpit electrode and a new equivalent circuit model for the human body. The lowest impedance was measured by using an LCR meter and six electrodes including armpit electrodes. The electrical equivalent circuit model for the cell consists of resistance R and capacitance C. The R represents electrical resistance of the liquid of the inside and outside of the cell, and the C represents high frequency conductance of the cell membrane. We propose an equivalent circuit model which consists of five parallel high frequency-passing CR circuits. The proposed equivalent circuit represents alpha distribution in the impedance measured at a lower frequency range due to ion current of the outside of the cell, and beta distribution at a high frequency range due to the cell membrane and the liquid inside cell. The calculated values by using the proposed equivalent circuit model were consistent with the measured values for the human body impedance.

Compliment Graphene Oxide Coating on Silk Fiber Surface via Electrostatic Force for Capacitive Humidity Sensor Applications

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kook In Han

2017-02-01

Full Text Available Cylindrical silk fiber (SF was coated with Graphene oxide (GO for capacitive humidity sensor applications. Negatively charged GO in the solution was attracted to the positively charged SF surface via electrostatic force without any help from adhesive intermediates. The magnitude of the positively charged SF surface was controlled through the static electricity charges created on the SF surface. The GO coating ability on the SF improved as the SF’s positive charge increased. The GO-coated SFs at various conditions were characterized using an optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy (SEM, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS, Raman spectroscopy, and LCR meter. Unlike the intact SF, the GO-coated SF showed clear response-recovery behavior and well-behaved repeatability when it was exposed to 20% relative humidity (RH and 90% RH alternatively in a capacitive mode. This approach allows humidity sensors to take advantage of GO’s excellent sensing properties and SF’s flexibility, expediting the production of flexible, low power consumption devices at relatively low costs.

The properties and weldability of materials for fusion reactor applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chin, B.A.; Kee, C.K.; Wilcox, R.C.

1991-01-01

Low-activation austenitic stainless steels have been suggested for applications within fusion reactors. The use of these nickel-free steels will help to reduce the radioactive waste management problem after service. one requirement for such steels is the ability to obtain sound welds for fabrication purposes. Thus, two austenitic Fe-Cr-Mn alloys were studied to characterize the welded microstructure and mechanical properties. The two steels investigated were a Russian steel (Fe-11.6Cr19.3Mn-0.181C) and an US steel (Fe-12.lCr-19.4Mn-0.24C). Welding was performed using a gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process. Microscopic examinations of the structure of both steels were conducted. The as-received Russian steel was found to be in the annealed state. Only the fusion zone and the base metal were observed in the welded Russian steel. No visible heat affected zone was observed. Examination revealed that the as-received US steel was in the cold rolled condition. After welding, a fusion zone and a heat affected zone along with the base metal region were found

Towards Phosphate Detection in Hydroponics Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Sensors.

Science.gov (United States)

Storer, Christopher S; Coldrick, Zachary; Tate, Daniel J; Donoghue, Jack Marsden; Grieve, Bruce

2018-02-10

An interdigitated electrode sensor was designed and microfabricated for measuring the changes in the capacitance of three phosphate selective molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) formulations, in order to provide hydroponics users with a portable nutrient sensing tool. The MIPs investigated were synthesised using different combinations of the functional monomers methacrylic acid (MAA) and N -allylthiourea, against the template molecules diphenyl phosphate, triethyl phosphate, and trimethyl phosphate. A cross-interference study between phosphate, nitrate, and sulfate was carried out for the MIP materials using an inductance, capacitance, and resistance (LCR) meter. Capacitance measurements were taken by applying an alternating current (AC) with a potential difference of 1 V root mean square (RMS) at a frequency of 1 kHz. The cross-interference study demonstrated a strong binding preference to phosphate over the other nutrient salts tested for each formulation. The size of template molecule and length of the functional monomer side groups also determined that a short chain functional monomer in combination with a template containing large R-groups produced the optimal binding site conditions when synthesising a phosphate selective MIP.

Accumulation of catechins in tea in relation to accumulation of mRNA from genes involved in catechin biosynthesis.

Science.gov (United States)

Eungwanichayapant, P D; Popluechai, S

2009-02-01

Catechins are a group of polyphenols found in tea (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis) at high levels. They are beneficial for health. From the study on accumulation of catechins in shoots and mature leaves of a tea cultivar, Oolong No. 17, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), it was found that the amounts of most catechins in the shoots were higher than those in the mature leaves, with an exception of catechins gallate (CG) that was found in trace amounts in both the shoots and mature leaves. mRNA accumulation of genes involved in catechin synthesis was studied using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results showed that the mRNA accumulation of the genes were higher in the shoots than in the mature leaves. These genes included genes of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase 1 (PAL1; EC 4.3.1.5), chalcone synthase (CHS; EC 2.3.1.74), dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR; EC 1.1.1.219), leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LCR; EC 1.17.1.3), and flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H; EC 1.14.11.9).

Dating the origin and dispersal of Human Papillomavirus type 16 on the basis of ancestral human migrations.

Science.gov (United States)

Zehender, Gianguglielmo; Frati, Elena Rosanna; Martinelli, Marianna; Bianchi, Silvia; Amendola, Antonella; Ebranati, Erika; Ciccozzi, Massimo; Galli, Massimo; Lai, Alessia; Tanzi, Elisabetta

2016-04-01

A major limitation when reconstructing the origin and evolution of HPV-16 is the lack of reliable substitution rate estimates for the viral genes. On the basis of the hypothesis of human HPV-16 co-divergence, we estimated a mean evolutionary rate of 1.47×10(-7) (95% HPD=0.64-2.47×10(-7)) subs/site/year for the viral LCR region. The results of a Bayesian phylogeographical analysis suggest that the currently circulating HPV-16 most probably originated in Africa about 110 thousand years ago (Kya), before giving rise to four known geographical lineages: the Asian/European lineage, which most probably originated in Asia a mean 38 Kya, and the Asian/American and two African lineages, which probably respectively originated about 33 and 27 Kya. These data closely reflect current hypotheses concerning modern human expansion based on studies of mitochondrial DNA phylogeny. The correlation between ancient human migration and the present HPV phylogeny may be explained by the co-existence of modes of transmission other than sexual transmission. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Effect of dispersion capability of organoclay on cellular structure and physical properties of PMMA/clay nanocomposite foams

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yeh, Jui-Ming; Chang, Kung-Chin; Peng, Chih-Wei; Lai, Mei-Chun; Hung, Chih-Bing; Hsu, Sheng-Chieh; Hwang, Shyh-Shin; Lin, Hong-Ru

2009-01-01

In this study, PMMA/clay nanocomposite (PCN) materials with two kinds of organoclay were prepared via in situ bulk polymerization. The as-prepared PCN materials were then characterized by Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). WAXRD and TEM analysis revealed that combination of both intercalated and exfoliated nanocomposites was formed and the silicate layers of the clay were uniformly dispersed at a nanometer scale in PMMA matrix. The molecular weights of PMMA extracted from PCN materials and bulk PMMA were determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) with THF used as the eluant. The PCN materials were used to produce foams by a batch process in an autoclave using nitrogen as foaming agent. The cellular structure analysis of foams was examined by SEM. The effect of dispersion capability of organoclay on the dielectric and thermal transport properties of PCN materials and foams and mechanical properties of PCN foams were investigated by LCR meter, transient plane source (TPS) technique and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), respectively.

Rats classified as low or high cocaine locomotor responders: A unique model involving striatal dopamine transporters that predicts cocaine addiction-like behaviors

Science.gov (United States)

Yamamoto, Dorothy J.; Nelson, Anna M.; Mandt, Bruce H.; Larson, Gaynor A.; Rorabaugh, Jacki M.; Ng, Christopher M.C.; Barcomb, Kelsey M.; Richards, Toni L.; Allen, Richard M.; Zahniser, Nancy R.

2013-01-01

Individual differences are a hallmark of drug addiction. Here, we describe a rat model based on differential initial responsiveness to low dose cocaine. Despite similar brain cocaine levels, individual outbred Sprague-Dawley rats exhibit markedly different magnitudes of acute cocaine-induced locomotor activity and, thereby, can be classified as low or high cocaine responders (LCRs or HCRs). LCRs and HCRs differ in drug-induced, but not novelty-associated, hyperactivity. LCRs have higher basal numbers of striatal dopamine transporters (DATs) than HCRs and exhibit marginal cocaine inhibition of in vivo DAT activity and cocaine-induced increases in extracellular DA. Importantly, lower initial cocaine response predicts greater locomotor sensitization, conditioned place preference and greater motivation to self-administer cocaine following low dose acquisition. Further, outbred Long-Evans rats classified as LCRs, versus HCRs, are more sensitive to cocaine’s discriminative stimulus effects. Overall, results to date with the LCR/HCR model underscore the contribution of striatal DATs to individual differences in initial cocaine responsiveness and the value of assessing the influence of initial drug response on subsequent expression of addiction-like behaviors. PMID:23850581

Preparation of immobilized glucose oxidase wafer enzyme on calcium-bentonite modified by surfactant

Science.gov (United States)

Widi, R. K.; Trisulo, D. C.; Budhyantoro, A.; Chrisnasari, R.

2017-07-01

Wafer glucose oxidase (GOx) enzymes was produced by addition of PAH (Poly-Allyamine Hydrochloride) polymer into immobilized GOx enzyme on modified-Tetramethylammonium Hydroxide (TMAH) 5%-calsium-bentonite. The use of surfactant molecul (TMAH) is to modify the surface properties and pore size distribution of the Ca-bentonite. These properties are very important to ensure GOx molecules can be bound on the Ca-bentonit surface to be immobilized. The addition of the polymer (PAH) is expected to lead the substrates to be adsorbed onto the enzyme. In this study, wafer enzymes were made in various concentration ratio (Ca-bentonite : PAH) which are 1:0, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3. The effect of PAH (Poly-Allyamine Hydrochloride) polymer added with various ratios of concentrations can be shown from the capacitance value on LCR meter and enzyme activity using DNS method. The addition of the polymer (PAH) showed effect on the activity of GOx, it can be shown from the decreasing of capacitance value by increasing of PAH concentration.

Synthesis and characterization of superionic (LiBr)_0_._5(AlSiO)_0_._5

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aziz K Jahja; Safei Purnama

2010-01-01

Materials of LiBr silicate aluminum ionic conductor have been prepared by powder metallurgy method in which 0.5 mole of LiBr powder is mixed with about 0.5 mole silicate aluminum in liquid medium of aquadest. After mixing and homogenization, the samples are dried, compacted and heated at 600 °C for 1 hour. Characterization of materials structure was carried out by X-Ray diffraction, ionic conductivity was measured by LCR meter with frequency range of 10"-"1 to 10"5 Hz at room temperature. Results of measurement show the (LiBr)_0_._5(AlSiO)_0_._5 conductor has the structure of both LiBr and of silicate aluminum. (LiBr)_0_._5(AlSiO)_0_._5 has the highest ionic conductivity in the order of 10"-"3 S.cm"-"1 while the ionic conductivity of LiBr is found to be about 10"-"4 S.cm"-"1 and that of silicate aluminum is about 10"-"6 S.cm"-"1, all measured at room temperature. (author)

Identification of a novel human papillomavirus by metagenomic analysis of samples from patients with febrile respiratory illness.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

John L Mokili

Full Text Available As part of a virus discovery investigation using a metagenomic approach, a highly divergent novel Human papillomavirus type was identified in pooled convenience nasal/oropharyngeal swab samples collected from patients with febrile respiratory illness. Phylogenetic analysis of the whole genome and the L1 gene reveals that the new HPV identified in this study clusters with previously described gamma papillomaviruses, sharing only 61.1% (whole genome and 63.1% (L1 sequence identity with its closest relative in the Papillomavirus episteme (PAVE database. This new virus was named HPV_SD2 pending official classification. The complete genome of HPV-SD2 is 7,299 bp long (36.3% G/C and contains 7 open reading frames (L2, L1, E6, E7, E1, E2 and E4 and a non-coding long control region (LCR between L1 and E6. The metagenomic procedures, coupled with the bioinformatic methods described herein are well suited to detect small circular genomes such as those of human papillomaviruses.

In-circuit-measurement of parasitic elements in high gain high bandwidth low noise transimpedance amplifiers.

Science.gov (United States)

Cochems, P; Kirk, A; Zimmermann, S

2014-12-01

Parasitic elements play an important role in the development of every high performance circuit. In the case of high gain, high bandwidth transimpedance amplifiers, the most important parasitic elements are parasitic capacitances at the input and in the feedback path, which significantly influence the stability, the frequency response, and the noise of the amplifier. As these parasitic capacitances range from a few picofarads down to only a few femtofarads, it is nearly impossible to measure them accurately using traditional LCR meters. Unfortunately, they also cannot be easily determined from the transfer function of the transimpedance amplifier, as it contains several overlapping effects and its measurement is only possible when the circuit is already stable. Therefore, we developed an in-circuit measurement method utilizing minimal modifications to the input stage in order to measure its parasitic capacitances directly and with unconditional stability. Furthermore, using the data acquired with this measurement technique, we both proposed a model for the complicated frequency response of high value thick film resistors as they are used in high gain transimpedance amplifiers and optimized our transimpedance amplifier design.

In situ synthesis and characterization of fine-patterned La and Mn co-doped BiFeO{sub 3} film

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yan, Fuxue, E-mail: yanfuxue@126.com; Zhao, Gaoyang, E-mail: zhaogy@xaut.edu.cn; Song, Na; Zhao, Nana; Chen, Yuanqing

2013-09-05

Highlights: •La and Mn co-doped BiFeO{sub 3} film was prepared by a photosensitive sol–gel method. •XRD and Raman spectra confirmed single-phase rhombohedral structure with space group R3c. •Fine-patterned BLFMO film was obtained by a direct-patterning technique. •The saturation magnetization and Pr were enhanced in the fine-patterned BLFMO film. -- Abstract: La and Mn co-doped BiFeO{sub 3} (BLFMO) film was prepared by a photosensitive sol–gel method utilizing bismuth nitrate, lanthanum nitrate, manganese nitrate and ferric nitrate as starting materials. After a chelating reaction between benzoylacetone (BzAcH) and metallic ions, the precursor solution presented photosensitivity. Through a direct patterning process, a fine-patterned BLFMO film was obtained. The phase constituents, morphology, electric and magnetic properties of the as-prepared BLFMO film were characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ferroelectric testing unit, LCR Meter and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The Mn dopant enhanced the saturation magnetization and remnant polarization of the BLFMO film.

EMBEDDED CAPACITOR SENSOR FOR MONITORING CORROSION OF REINFORCEMENT IN CONCRETE

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

SITI FATIMAH ABDUL RAHMAN

2012-04-01

Full Text Available Corrosion of reinforcement can affect durability and integrity of reinforced concrete structures. Repair cost for a badly corroded structure can be very costly and time consuming. In this paper, several capacitor sensors were developed to monitor corrosion potential of reinforcement in concrete. The impedance capacitive of sensors was tested in various acid and alkali solutions using Agilent 4284A Precision LCR meter. The other sensors were tied to reinforcements and embedded in concrete specimen contaminated with 5% chloride to measure corrosion potential. The specimens were exposed to the corrosion chamber and indoor environments. From the research, it was found that the sensor can measure the impedance capacitive at different frequencies in the aggressive solutions. Besides, it was observed that the patterns of corrosion potential shown by the embedded sensors were similar to the SRI sensor. The output values from embedded sensor are in a range of recommendation by the ASTM-C876. Eventually, the bars were found corroded from the broken specimens that confirmed the detection of corrosion activities as recorded by the sensors.

Study of Microhardness and Electrical Properties of Proton Irradiated Polyether sulfone

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Quresh, A.

2006-01-01

Polyethersulfone (PES) films were irradiated with 3 MeV proton beams in the fluence range 10 1 3-10 1 5 ions/cm 2 . The irradiated samples were characterized by a Vickers' microhardness tester at a load of 100-1000 mN, and electrical properties in the frequency range 100 Hz to 1MHz by an LCR meter. It is observed that microhardness increases as fluence increases up to the fluence of 10 1 4 ions/cm 2 and decreases on further increase of the fluence. This may be attributed to the fact that a cross linking phenomenon dominates up to the fluence of 10 1 4 ions/cm 2 . There is an exponential increase in conductivity and the effect of irradiation is significant at higher fluences. The dielectric constant/loss was found to change significantly due to irradiation. It has been found that dielectric response in both pristine and irradiated samples obey universal law is given by ε α f n -1.These results were corroborated with structural changes observed in FTIR spectra of pristine and irradiated samples

Results of Recent DOE Research on Development of Cable Condition Monitoring and Aging Management Technologies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Campbell, C.J.; McConkey, J.B.; Hashemian, H.M.; Sexton, C.D.; Cummins, D.S.

2012-01-01

Analysis and Measurement Services (AMS) Corporation has been conducting two research projects focused on understanding cable aging and developing cable condition monitoring technologies for nuclear power plants. The goal of the first project is to correlate cable faults with testing techniques that can identify and locate the faults whether they are in the cable, conductor, or the insulation. This project involves laboratory experiments using low and medium voltage cable types typically installed in nuclear power plants. The second project is focused on development of an integrated cable condition monitoring system for nuclear facilities. This system integrates a number of cable testing and cable condition monitoring techniques, such as the time domain reflectometry (TDR), frequency domain reflectometry (FDR), inductance, capacitance, resistance (LCR), reverse TDR (RTDR), current-to-voltage (IV) for testing of nuclear instrumentation sensors, insulation resistance (IR) and other techniques. The purpose of the project is to combine all proven technologies into one system to detect and pinpoint problems in cable circuits as well as cable insulation, shield, or jacket material. (author)

Synthesis, structural, dielectric and magnetic properties of CuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/MnO{sub 2} nanocomposites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ali, Kashif, E-mail: kashiiu007@gmail.com [Department of Physics, International Islamic University, Islamabad (Pakistan); Bahadur, Ali [Department of Chemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad (Pakistan); Jabbar, Abdul [Department of Chemistry, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad (Pakistan); Iqbal, Shahid [School of chemistry and chemical engineering, university of Chinese academy of sciences, Beijing 10049 (China); Ahmad, Ijaz [Department of Chemistry, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad (Pakistan); Bashir, Muhammad Imran [Department of Physics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad (Pakistan)

2017-07-15

Novel nanocomposite of (1-x)CuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/xMnO{sub 2} [x=10% to 50 wt%] has been synthesized by two step wet chemical route without impurity. The x-ray diffraction analysis shows the formation of both phases with crystallite size 40–100 nm which is consist ant with estimated size of SEM.The FTIR spectra confirms the characteristics vibration of ferrites atoms at tetrahedral and octahedral sites along with Mn-O vibration mode, which also confirms the coexistence of both phases. The dielectric properties studied by LCR meter in frequency range of 1 K Hz to 2 MHz.The dielectric constant and tangent loss shows same dispersion of ferrites while a.c. conductivity decreases with increase in MnO{sub 2} contents. The real and imaginary part of impedance also calculated which shows decreasing trend at higher frequency. The magnetic characterization performed by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) at room temperature, which shows normal ferromagnetic behavior of ferrites but saturation magnetization and coercivity decreases with incorporation of MnO{sub 2} contents.

Biokinetics of Hg and Pb accumulation in the encapsulated egg of the common cuttlefish Sepia officinalis: Radiotracer experiments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lacoue-Labarthe, T.; Warnau, M.; Metian, M.; Oberhaensli, F.; Rouleau, C.; Bustamante, P.

2009-01-01

Uptake and depuration kinetics of dissolved 203 Hg and 210 Pb were determined during the entire embryonic development of the eggs of the cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis (50 d at 17 o C). 203 Hg and 210 Pb were accumulated continuously by the eggs all along the development time reaching load/concentration ratio (LCR) of 467 ± 43 and 1301 ± 126 g, respectively. During the first month, most of the 203 Hg and 210 Pb remained associated with the eggshell indicating that the latter acted as an efficient shield against metal penetration. From this time onwards, 203 Hg accumulated in the embryo, indicating that it passed through the eggshell, whereas 210 Pb did not cross the chorion during the whole exposure time. It also demonstrated that translocation of Hg associated with the inner layers of the eggshell is a significant source of exposure for the embryo. This study highlighted that the maturing embryo could be subjected to the toxic effects of Hg in the coastal waters where the embryonic development is taking place.

Biokinetics of Hg and Pb accumulation in the encapsulated egg of the common cuttlefish Sepia officinalis: Radiotracer experiments

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lacoue-Labarthe, T., E-mail: tlacouel@gmail.com [Littoral, Environnement et Societes (LIENSs), UMR 6250, CNRS-Universite de La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, F-17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01 (France); Warnau, M., E-mail: warnaumichel@yahoo.com [International Atomic Energy Agency - Marine Environment Laboratories, 4 Quai Antoine Ier, MC-98000 (Monaco); Metian, M. [Littoral, Environnement et Societes (LIENSs), UMR 6250, CNRS-Universite de La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, F-17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01 (France); International Atomic Energy Agency - Marine Environment Laboratories, 4 Quai Antoine Ier, MC-98000 (Monaco); Oberhaensli, F. [International Atomic Energy Agency - Marine Environment Laboratories, 4 Quai Antoine Ier, MC-98000 (Monaco); Rouleau, C. [Institut Maurice-Lamontagne, 850 Route de la Mer, C.P. 1000, Mont-Joli, Quebec (Canada); Bustamante, P., E-mail: pbustama@univ-lr.fr [Littoral, Environnement et Societes (LIENSs), UMR 6250, CNRS-Universite de La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, F-17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01 (France)

2009-12-01

Uptake and depuration kinetics of dissolved {sup 203}Hg and {sup 210}Pb were determined during the entire embryonic development of the eggs of the cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis (50 d at 17 {sup o}C). {sup 203}Hg and {sup 210}Pb were accumulated continuously by the eggs all along the development time reaching load/concentration ratio (LCR) of 467 {+-} 43 and 1301 {+-} 126 g, respectively. During the first month, most of the {sup 203}Hg and {sup 210}Pb remained associated with the eggshell indicating that the latter acted as an efficient shield against metal penetration. From this time onwards, {sup 203}Hg accumulated in the embryo, indicating that it passed through the eggshell, whereas {sup 210}Pb did not cross the chorion during the whole exposure time. It also demonstrated that translocation of Hg associated with the inner layers of the eggshell is a significant source of exposure for the embryo. This study highlighted that the maturing embryo could be subjected to the toxic effects of Hg in the coastal waters where the embryonic development is taking place.

Exposure and risk analysis to particulate matter, metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon at different workplaces in Argentina.

Science.gov (United States)

Colman Lerner, Jorge Esteban; Elordi, Maria Lucila; Orte, Marcos Agustin; Giuliani, Daniela; de Los Angeles Gutierrez, Maria; Sanchez, EricaYanina; Sambeth, Jorge Enrique; Porta, Atilio Andres

2018-03-01

In order to estimate air quality at work environments from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), we determined both the concentration of particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5 ) and the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as the heavy metals in the composition of the particulate matter. Three SMEs located in the city of La Plata, Argentina, were selected: an electromechanical repair and car painting center (ERCP), a sewing work room (SWR), and a chemical analysis laboratory (CAL). The results evidenced high levels of PM exceeding the limits allowed by the USEPA and the presence of benzo(k)fluoranthene in all the analyzed sites and benzo(a)pyrene in the most contaminated site (ERCP). Regarding metals, the presence of Cd, Ni, Cu, Pb, and Mn, mainly in the fraction of PM 2.5 , in the same workplace was found. As far as risk assessment at all the workplaces surveyed is concerned, risk values for contracting cancer throughout life for exposed workers (LCR) did not comply with the parameters either of USEPA or of WHO (World Health Organization).

Efficient K+ buffering by mammalian retinal glial cells is due to cooperation of specialized ion channels.

Science.gov (United States)

Nilius, B; Reichenbach, A

1988-06-01

Radial glial (Müller) cells were isolated from rabbit retinae by papaine and mechanical dissociation. Regional membrane properties of these cells were studied by using the patch-clamp technique. In the course of our experiments, we found three distinct types of large K+ conducting channels. The vitread process membrane was dominated by high conductance inwardly rectifying (HCR) channels which carried, in the open state, inward currents along a conductance of about 105 pS (symmetrical solutions with 140 mM K+) but almost no outward currents. In the membrane of the soma and the proximal distal process, we found low conductance inwardly rectifying (LCR) channels which had an open state-conductance of about 60 pS and showed rather weak rectification. The endfoot membrane, on the other hand, was found to contain non-rectifying very high conductance (VHC) channels with an open state-conductance of about 360 pS (same solutions). These results suggest that mammalian Müller cells express regional membrane specializations which are optimized to carry spatial buffering currents of excess K+ ions.

The Water Level and Transport Regimes of the Lower Columbia River

Science.gov (United States)

Jay, D. A.

2011-12-01

Tidal rivers are vital, spatially extensive conduits of material from land to sea. Yet the tidal-fluvial regime remains poorly understood relative to the bordering fluvial and estuarine/coastal regimes with which it interacts. The 235km-long Lower Columbia River (LCR) consists of five zones defined by topographic constrictions: a 5km-long ocean-entrance, the lower estuary (15km), an energy-minimum (67km), the tidal river (142km), and a landslide zone (5km). Buoyant plume lift-off occurs within the entrance zone, which is dominated by tidal and wave energy. The lower estuary is strongly tidally, amplifies the semidiurnal tide, and has highly variable salinity intrusion. Tidal and fluvial influences are balanced in the wide energy-minimum, into which salinity intrudes during low-flow periods. It has a turbidity maximum and a dissipation minimum at its lower end, but a water-level variance minimum at its landward end. The tidal river shows a large increase in the ratio of fluvial-to-tidal energy in the landward direction and strong seasonal variations in tidal properties. Because tidal monthly water level variations are large, low waters are higher on spring than neap tides. The steep landslide zone has only weak tides and is the site of the most seaward hydropower dam. Like many dammed systems, the LCR has pseudo-tides: daily and weakly hydropower peaking waves that propagate seaward. Tidal constituent ratios vary in the alongchannel direction due to frictional non-linearities, the changing balance of dissipation vs. propagation, and power peaking. Long-term changes to the system have occurred due to climate change and direct human manipulation. Flood control, hydropower regulation, and diversion have reduced peak flows, total load and sand transport by ~45, 50 and 80%, respectively, causing a blue-shift in the flow and water level power spectra. Overbank flows have been largely eliminated through a redundant combination of diking and flow regulation. Export of sand

Evidencia in vitro de la utilidad de cloranfenicol y rifampicina para el tratamiento de infecciones sistémicas y meningitis causadas por Streptococcus pneumoniae aislados deniños menores de 5 años en Colombia.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mariluz Hernández

2003-12-01

Full Text Available Actualmente, Streptococcus pneumoniae resistente a penicilina es un patógeno común en infecciones pediátricas, lo cual plantea dificultades en el tratamiento. La rifampicina y el cloranfenicol se han recomendado como antibióticos útiles y como alternativas en estos casos, pues son menos costosos y más accesibles a las comunidades de recursos limitados. Su uso, sin embargo, puede estar limitado por los niveles de resistencia encontrados en diferentes poblaciones. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM y la concentración bactericida mínima (CBM a la rifampicina y al cloranfenicol en aislamientos de S. pneumoniae pertenecientes a un grupo recolectado entre 1994 a 1996 de niños menores de 5 años con infección sistémica y meningitis. Se estudiaron 107 aislamientos, 60 de ellos resistentes a penicilina y 47 sensibles, 53 de los cuales fueron aislamientos de LCR. La CIM y la CBM se realizaron de acuerdo con las recomendaciones de la NCCLS; se utilizó S. pneumoniae ATCC 49619 como control. Se consideraron como sensibles al cloranfenicol los aislamientos con CIM=4 ?g/ml y resistentes, con CIM=8 ?g/ml; sensibles a rifampicina con CIM=1 ?g/ml y resistentes con CIM=4 ?g/ml. La CBM se determinó con la menor concentración del antibiótico que inhibió el crecimiento del 99,9% del inóculo. Se encontró resistencia al cloranfenicol en 20,5% de los 107 aislamientos estudiados. En el grupo resistente a la penicilina, 28% fue resistente al cloranfenicol y 11% en el grupo sensible a la penicilina. La CBM para el cloranfenicol fue >4 ?g/ml en 28% de los aislamientos sensibles a la penicilina y en 60% de los resistentes. No se encontraron aislamientos resistentes a la rifampicina; sin embargo, 2 aislamientos mostraron CBM>1 ?g/ml y una CBM=16 ?g/ml. Los aislamientos de LCR presentaron la CIM y la CBM más altas que el grupo total de aislamientos. Los datos sugieren que en Colombia el cloranfenicol no

Neurolisteriosis en adultos: a propósito de seis casos clínicos Neurolisteriosis in adults: report of six clinical cases

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ronald Salamano

2005-12-01

Full Text Available INTRODUCCION: Listeria monocytogenes tiene una especial predilección por infectar el sistema nervioso central y sus cubiertas meningeas. Afecta a pacientes que se encuentran en edades extremas de la vida, pacientes con deficiencia en su inmunidad celular y adultos sanos. La forma mas común de manifestarse es la meningitis aguda, aunque puede expresarse como cerebritis, encefalitis de tronco (romboencefalitis, y excepcionalmente mielitis. CASUISTICA: Se presentan y comentan seis casos clinicos de neurolisteriosis, cinco en adultos sanos, con sus hallazgos imagenológicos y licuorales. RESULTADOS: Tres de los pacientes se presentaron como meningitis aguda, uno como meningoencefalitis, otro como cerebritis y el restante como romboencefalitis. Se destaca el carácter turbio o ligeramente turbio del líquido cefalo-raquideo (LCR, la glucorraquia normal detectada en tres de los casos y el diagnostico realizado en cinco de los casos por cultivo del LCR. Se comenta la resonancia magnética singular del caso de la romboencefalitis con microabscesos en tronco. Todos los pacientes tuvieron evolución satisfactoria con tratamiento antibiotico. CONCLUSIÓN: La neurolisteriosis debe ser un diagnostico a tener en cuenta no solo en pacientes inmunocomprometidos o en edades extremas de la vida. Debe también tenerse en cuenta en pacientes adultos jóvenes sanos procedentes de regiones donde las condiciones sanitarias son precarias y no existe un adecuado control en la elaboración de alimentos.INTROCTION: Listeria monocytogenes shows a special attraction to infect the central nervous system and its meningeals coats. It affects newborn as well as elderly people, patients with deficiencies in their cellular inmune systems, and healthy adults. It presents most commonly as an acute meningitis, although it can present itself as cerebritis, brain stem encephalitis (rhomboencephalitis, and exceptionally as myelitis. PATIENTS: We describe six clinical cases of

Pruning high-value Douglas-fir can reduce dwarf mistletoe severity and increase longevity in central Oregon

Science.gov (United States)

Maffei, Helen M; Filip, Gregory M; Gruelke, Nancy E; Oblinger, Brent W; Margolis, Ellis; Chadwick, Kristen L

2016-01-01

Mid- to very large-sized Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menzieseii var. menziesii) that were lightly- to moderately-infected by dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium douglasii) were analyzed over a 14-year period to evaluate whether mechanical pruning could eradicate mistletoe (or at least delay the onset of severe infection) without significantly affecting tree vitality and by inference, longevity. Immediate and longterm pruning effects on mistletoe infection severity were assessed by comparing pruned trees (n = 173) to unpruned trees (n = 55) with respect to: (1) percentage of trees with no visible infections 14 years post-pruning, (2) Broom Volume Rating (BVR), and (3) rate of BVR increase 14 years postpruning. Vitality/longevity (compared with unpruned trees) was assessed using six indicators: (1) tree survival, (2) the development of severe infections, (3) the development of dead tops, (4) tree-ring width indices, (5) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from high-resolution multi-spectral imagery, and (6) live-crown ratio (LCR) and increment. Twenty-four percent of the pruned trees remained free of mistletoe 14 years post-pruning. Pruning is most likely to successfully eradicate mistletoe in lightly infected trees (BVR 1 or 2) without infected neighbors. Pruning significantly decreased mean BVR in the pruned versus the unpruned trees. However, the subsequent average rate of intensification (1.3–1.5 BVR per decade) was not affected, implying that a single pruning provides ~14 years respite in the progression of infection levels. Post-pruning infection intensification was slower on dominant and co-dominants than on intermediate or suppressed trees. The success of mistletoe eradication via pruning and need for follow-up pruning should be evaluated no sooner than 14 years after pruning to allow for the development of detectable brooms. Based on six indicators, foliage from witches brooms contribute little to long-term tree vitality since removal appears to have

An epidemiological model of virus transmission in salmonid fishes of the Columbia River Basin

Science.gov (United States)

Ferguson, Paige F. B.; Breyta, Rachel; Brito, Ilana L.; Kurath, Gael; LaDeau, Shannon L.

2018-01-01

We have developed a dynamic epidemiological model informed by records of viral presence and genotypes to evaluate potential transmission routes maintaining a viral pathogen in economically and culturally important anadromous fish populations. In the Columbia River Basin, infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) causes severe disease, predominantly in juvenile steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and less frequently in Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha). Mortality events following IHNV infection can be devastating for individual hatchery programs. Despite reports of high local mortality and extensive surveillance efforts, there are questions about how viral transmission is maintained. Modeling this system offers important insights into disease transmission in natural aquatic systems, as well as about the data requirements for generating accurate estimates about transmission routes and infection probabilities. We simulated six scenarios in which testing rates and the relative importance of different transmission routes varied. The simulations demonstrated that the model accurately identified routes of transmission and inferred infection probabilities accurately when there was testing of all cohort-sites. When testing records were incomplete, the model accurately inferred which transmission routes exposed particular cohort-sites but generated biased infection probabilities given exposure. After validating the model and generating guidelines for result interpretation, we applied the model to data from 14 annual cohorts (2000–2013) at 24 focal sites in a sub-region of the Columbia River Basin, the lower Columbia River (LCR), to quantify the relative importance of potential transmission routes in this focal sub-region. We demonstrate that exposure to IHNV via the return migration of adult fish is an important route for maintaining IHNV in the LCR sub-region, and the probability of infection following this exposure was relatively high at 0.16. Although only 1% of

(Re)implantation of quality system of LCR (Laboratory for Radiation Sciences) for accreditation in the standard ABNT NBR ISO/IEC 17025:2005

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Leite, Sandro P.; Fernandes, Elisabeth O.; David, Mariano G.; Pires, Evandro J.; Alves, Carlos F.E.; Almeida, Carlos E.

2014-01-01

This paper presents preparing procedure of the metrology laboratory (LABMETRO), which belongs Laboratorio de Ciencias Radiologicas of Rio de Janeiro , for postulating accreditation of its services metrology to INMETRO. This process, supported by the Technological Services Network SIBRATEC/FINEP for Radiation Protection and Dosimetry Technological Services, had as one of its aims to avoid possible technical barriers to the purchase services in the area of ionizing radiation laboratories. Accreditation will also enable the integration of services such laboratories in Brazilian Calibration Network (RBC). (author)

The Effects of the Addition of Silica Mol Fraction (x = 1.5; 2; 2.5) as a Solid Electrolyte on Ion Conductivity of NASICON (Na1-xZr2SixP3-xO12) Using Solid-State Method

Science.gov (United States)

Pratiwi, V. M.; Purwaningsih, H.; Widyastuti; Fajarin, R.; Setyawan, H.

2017-05-01

Energy is a very important in modern life and need innovations to develop it. One innovation is the application of energyfor storage devices, such as batteries, capacitors, fuel cells, etc. For 30 years, the application of the NASICON (Na1+xZr2SixP3-xO12) into the NASICON gas sensor material was successfully prepared by using solid-state method. The raw materials such as SiO2, Na2CO3, ZrO2, and NaH2PO4 with a little methanol were mixed in Ballmill equipment. The silica powder was made by the extraction of bagasse ash by using sol-gel method. The x-ray diffraction patternshowedthat the result of silica extraction was amorphous and the NASICON structure wassynthesizedto bemonoclinic. The scanning electron microscopy results indicated that silica had non-uniform surface morphology and the NASICON had good surface morphology only on the form of Na3Zr2Si2PO12. The ionic conductivty of NASICON wasshown on LCR Nyquist plot of the three compositions. The highest NASICON conductivity was found inthe composition of x = 2.0, i.e. 1.142x10-8 S/m.

Two-step flash light sintering process for crack-free inkjet-printed Ag films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, Sung-Hyeon; Kim, Hak-Sung; Jang, Shin; Lee, Dong-Jun; Oh, Jehoon

2013-01-01

In this paper, a two-step flash light sintering process for inkjet-printed Ag films is investigated with the aim of improving the quality of sintered Ag films. The flash light sintering process is divided into two steps: a preheating step and a main sintering step. The preheating step is used to remove the organic binder without abrupt vaporization. The main sintering step is used to complete the necking connections among the silver nanoparticles and achieve high electrical conductivity. The process minimizes the damage on the polymer substrate and the interface between the sintered Ag film and polymer substrate. The electrical conductivity is calculated by measuring the resistance and cross-sectional area with an LCR meter and 3D optical profiler, respectively. It is found that the resistivity of the optimal flash light-sintered Ag films (36.32 nΩ m), which is 228.86% of that of bulk silver, is lower than that of thermally sintered ones (40.84 nΩ m). Additionally, the polyimide film used as the substrate is preserved with the inkjet-printed pattern shape during the flash light sintering process without delamination or defects. (paper)

Ferroelectric and dielectric properties of BaTi0.9Zr0.1O3 doped with Li0.5Fe2.5O4 ceramics

Science.gov (United States)

Gajula, Ganapathi Rao; Buddiga, Lakshmi Rekha; Chidambara Kumar, K. N.; Ch, Arun Kumar; Samatha, K.; Kokkiragadda, Sreeramachandra Murthy; Dasari, Madhava Prasad

2018-06-01

We have prepared a composite BaTi0.9Zr0.1O3 (BTZr) doped with Li0.5Fe2.5O4 (LF) having chemical formulae (1- x) BTZr + (x) LF (x=0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15) conventional solid state reaction technique. We have sintered the grown composites at 1150 °C for 3 h. We have characterized the grown composites using XRD, FESEM, P-E loop tracer and LCR meter. The XRD measurements reveal the tetragonal nature of the composites. The morphological studies reveal that the composite exhibits dense microstructure with small pores. The P-E loops confirm that the composites exhibit remnant polarization and the coercive field increases with increasing concentration of Lithium Ferrite (LF). We have studied dielectric property of the composites by varying the temperature of the sample from 30 °C to 500 °C at 1 kHz, 10 kHz and also by varying the frequency from 1 Hz to 10 MHz at 30 °C. The dielectric property of BTZr has increased after doping LF in BTZr which reveals the enhancement of electrical properties of the grown composite.

Variational integrators for electric circuits

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ober-Blöbaum, Sina; Tao, Molei; Cheng, Mulin; Owhadi, Houman; Marsden, Jerrold E.

2013-01-01

In this contribution, we develop a variational integrator for the simulation of (stochastic and multiscale) electric circuits. When considering the dynamics of an electric circuit, one is faced with three special situations: 1. The system involves external (control) forcing through external (controlled) voltage sources and resistors. 2. The system is constrained via the Kirchhoff current (KCL) and voltage laws (KVL). 3. The Lagrangian is degenerate. Based on a geometric setting, an appropriate variational formulation is presented to model the circuit from which the equations of motion are derived. A time-discrete variational formulation provides an iteration scheme for the simulation of the electric circuit. Dependent on the discretization, the intrinsic degeneracy of the system can be canceled for the discrete variational scheme. In this way, a variational integrator is constructed that gains several advantages compared to standard integration tools for circuits; in particular, a comparison to BDF methods (which are usually the method of choice for the simulation of electric circuits) shows that even for simple LCR circuits, a better energy behavior and frequency spectrum preservation can be observed using the developed variational integrator

Investigation of structural, magnetic and dielectric properties of Cr3+ substituted Cu0.75Co0.25Fe2-xO4 ferrite nanoparticles

Science.gov (United States)

Reddi, M. Sushma; Ramesh, M.; Sreenivasu, T.; Rao, G. S. N.; Samatha, K.

2018-05-01

Chromium doped Copper-Cobalt ferrite Nanoparticles were obtained by sol-gel auto-combustion method using citric acid as a fuel. The metal nitrates to citric acid ratio was taken as 1:1. The prepared powder of Cr3+ doped copper-cobalt ferrite nanoparticles is annealed at 600°C for 5 hrs and the same powder was used for characterization and investigations of structural properties. The phase composition, micro-structural, micro morphological and elemental analysis studies were carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) technique and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The FTIR spectra of these samples are recorded to ensure the presence of the metallic compounds. The average crystallite size obtained by Scherrer's formula is of the order of 19.28 nm to 32.92 nm. The dielectric properties are investigated as a function of frequency at room temperature using LCR-Q meter. The saturation magnetization (Ms) of the Cr3+ substituted Cu-Co ferrite sintered at 1100°C lies in the range of 5.4136-28.9943 emu/g, the coercivity (Hc) dropped desperately from about 2091.3-778.53Oe as Cr3+ composition increases from 0.0 to 0.25.

Important parameters affecting the cell voltage of aqueous electrical double-layer capacitors

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Tzu-Ho; Hsu, Chun-Tsung; Hu, Chi-Chang; Hardwick, Laurence J.

2013-11-01

This study discusses and demonstrates how the open-circuit potential and charges stored in the working potential window on positive and negative electrodes affect the cell voltage of carbon-based electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) in aqueous electrolytes. An EDLC consisting of two activated carbon electrodes is employed as the model system for identifying these key parameters although the potential window of water decomposition can be simply determined by voltammetric methods. First, the capacitive performances of an EDLC with the same charge on positive and negative electrodes are evaluated by cyclic voltammetric, charge-discharge, electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) analyses, and inductance-capacitance-resistance meter (LCR meter). The principles for obtaining the highest acceptable cell voltage of such symmetric ECs with excellent reversibility and capacitor-like behaviour are proposed. Aqueous charge-balanced EDLCs can be operated as high as 2.0 V with high energy efficiency (about 90%) and only 4% capacitance loss after the 600-cycle stability checking. The necessity of charge balance (but not capacitance balance) for positive and negative electrodes is substantiated from the lower acceptable cell voltage of charge-unbalanced EDLCs.

Long-persistent relaxation and frozen conductivity in Zn Se with radiation-induced defects

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Blajcu, A.I.; Djuadi, D.; Casian, V.A.; Moseiciuc, G.S.; Nedeoglo, D.D.

1993-01-01

In an n-Zn Se crystals which have been preliminarily annealed in liquid Zn and then exposed to irradiation by a flow of electrons with an energy of E = 1.3 MeV and a dose of irradiation from 2.73 x 10 16 to 5.19 x 10 17 el/cm 2 , phenomena of a long-persistent conductivity relaxation (LCR) and frozen conduction (FC) at 77 K have been brought out and examined. It has been shown that the character of the relaxation processes at small doses of irradiation is rather well explained by the two-barrier model of an inhomogeneous semiconductor which represents a low-resistance matrix with high-resistance inclusions (clusters). As the dose of irradiation increases the overlapping of regions of space charge which surrounds the high-resistance inclusions increases and the considered model of high-resistance inclusions must be changed at D = 3 x 10 17 el/cm 2 into of a random potential relief. The temperature quenching of FC is explain in the assumption that, with the temperature increase, the drift and the recombination barriers decrease simultaneously as the result of variation of the sizes of space charge region surrounding the clusters. (Author)

Frontal intradiploic epidomoid cyst with orbital and out cerebral extension

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fernandez Latorre, F.; Revert Ventura, A.; Diaz Ramon, C.; Arana, E.; Esteban Masanet, J.M.; Tortosa Giner, A.

1995-01-01

We studied six patients with exophthalmos and inferior displacement of the eyeball produced by orbital extension of a frontal intradiploic epidermoid cyst. All the patients were studied by conventional radiography five with CT and three with MR. Plain x-ray disclosed a single, well-defined lytic lesion with sclerosis margin, located in the outer supraorbital region of the frontal bone in all cases. CT revealed the intradiploic site of the lesion, its expansive nature, the state of the bone tables and demonstrated the existence of an intra orbital mass. MR showed a lesion with a greater signal intensity than LCR, similar to the white matter in T1-weighted sequences in two cases and hyperintense in a third. The lesions were hyperintense in T2-weighted sequences. The preoperative presumed diagnosis was established by means of plain radiography on the basis of site and the sclerosis ring surrounding the lesion. CT disclosed the bone structures and confirmed the existence of an intra orbital mass containing soft portions. The basic contribution of MR was in the assessment of the intracranial extension and in ruling out cerebral involvement.(Author)

Determination of salt content in various depth of pork chop by electrical impedance spectroscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kaltenecker, P; Szöllösi, D; Vozáry, E; Friedrich, L

2013-01-01

The salt concentration was determined inside of pork chop both by electrical impedance spectroscopy and by a conventional chemical method (according to Mohr). The pork chop in various depths (4 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm and 25 mm) was punctured with two stainless steel electrodes. The length of electrodes was 60 mm, and they were insulated along the length except 1 cm section on the end, so the measurement of impedance was realized in various depths. The magnitude and phase angle of impedance were measured with a HP 4284A and a HP 4285A LCR meters from 30 Hz up to 1 MHz and from 75 kHz up to 30 MHz frequency range, respectively at 1 V voltage. The distance between the electrodes was 1 cm. The impedance magnitude decreased as the salt concentration increased. The magnitude of open-short corrected impedance values at various frequencies (10 kHz, 100 kHz, 125 kHz, 1.1 MHz and 8 MHz) showed a good correlation with salt content determined by chemical procedure. The electrical impedance spectroscopy seems a prospective method for determination the salt concentration inside the meat in various depths during the curing procedure.

High temperature dielectric studies of indium-substituted NiCuZn nanoferrites

Science.gov (United States)

Hashim, Mohd.; Raghasudha, M.; Shah, Jyoti; Shirsath, Sagar E.; Ravinder, D.; Kumar, Shalendra; Meena, Sher Singh; Bhatt, Pramod; Alimuddin; Kumar, Ravi; Kotnala, R. K.

2018-01-01

In this study, indium (In3+)-substituted NiCuZn nanostructured ceramic ferrites with a chemical composition of Ni0.5Cu0.25Zn0.25Fe2-xInxO4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) were prepared by chemical synthesis involving sol-gel chemistry. Single phased cubic spinel structure materials were prepared successfully according to X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analyses. The dielectric properties of the prepared ferrites were measured using an LCR HiTester at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 300 °C at different frequencies from 102 Hz to 5 × 106 Hz. The variations in the dielectric parameters ε‧ and (tanδ) with temperature demonstrated the frequency- and temperature-dependent characteristics due to electron hopping between the ions. The materials had low dielectric loss values in the high frequency range at all temperatures, which makes them suitable for high frequency microwave applications. A qualitative explanation is provided for the dependences of the dielectric constant and dielectric loss tangent on the frequency, temperature, and composition. Mӧssbauer spectroscopy was employed at room temperature to characterize the magnetic behavior.

Receptor modelling and risk assessment of volatile organic compounds measured at a regional background site in South Africa

Science.gov (United States)

Jaars, Kerneels; Vestenius, Mika; van Zyl, Pieter G.; Beukes, Johan P.; Hellén, Heidi; Vakkari, Ville; Venter, Marcell; Josipovic, Miroslav; Hakola, Hannele

2018-01-01

another anthropogenic factor could be related to coal combustion. An anthropogenic factor was also identified that reflected the influence of solvents on atmospheric VOC concentrations, while two anthropogenic factors were determined that indicated the influence of farming activities in close proximity to Welgegund. A lifetime cancer risk- (LCR) and non-cancer hazard ratio (HR) assessment study conducted for VOCs measured at Welgegund in relation to three source regions indicated that the non-cancerous influence of VOCs measured in the source regions is significantly lower compared to the cancerous influence of these species on human health, which raises concern. However, LCR values were within an acceptable range. Factor analysis performed in this paper also identified sources that could be targeted to minimise VOC-related LCRs and HRs e.g. benzene-related cancers can be reduced by targeting incomplete combustion sources and coal combustion.

Encefalitis por virus San Luis en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires durante el brote de dengue 2009 Saint Louis encephalitis virus in Buenos Aires city during the outbreak of dengue in 2009

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Horacio López

2011-06-01

Full Text Available Se presenta un paciente de 80 años de edad, residente en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, con diagnóstico serológico para el virus de la encefalitis de San Luis (SLE durante el brote de dengue ocurrido entre enero y mayo de 2009. Presentaba leucemia linfoide crónica en tratamiento con clorambucilo, cáncer de próstata tratado con hormonoterapia y radioterapia, e imágenes óseas compatibles con metástasis. El estudio del líquido cefalorraquídeo demostró pleocitosis con predominio de mononucleares y proteinorraquia elevada. El resultado de los cultivos para bacterias, hongos y micobacterias, así como el PCR en LCR para herpes virus, HSV, CMV y EBV, fue negativo. Se detectaron anticuerpos IgM para virus SLE tanto en LCR como en muestra de suero, con seroconversión IgG por neutralización en cultivos celulares y resultados negativos para los demás Flavivirus con circulación en Argentina. Se revisan evidencias sobre la presencia de virus de San Luis en nuestro país, y se señala la importancia de la confirmación diagnóstica y el estudio de otros Flavivirus en casos sospechosos de dengue con presentación grave o atípica. Este trabajo remarca la necesidad de fortalecer tanto la vigilancia epidemiológica del virus SLE, como el control vectorial para prevenir las diferentes infecciones transmitidas por mosquitos y conocer su efecto en Salud Pública en la Argentina.We report the case of a male, 80-year-old resident in the City of Buenos Aires, with a diagnosis of St. Louis encephalitis (SLE during a countrywide dengue outbreak, from January to May 2009. The patient had a chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated with chlorambucil, prostate cancer (hormone therapy and radiotherapy and images consistent with bone metastases. Cerebrospinal fluid examination showed pleocytosis with a predominance of mononuclear cells and high protein concentration. Bacteria, fungi and mycobacteria cultures, as well as the PCR for herpes virus, HSV, CMV and EBV, were

Spinnability and Characteristics of Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)-based Bicomponent Fibers with a Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Modified Polypropylene Core for Piezoelectric Applications.

Science.gov (United States)

Glauß, Benjamin; Steinmann, Wilhelm; Walter, Stephan; Beckers, Markus; Seide, Gunnar; Gries, Thomas; Roth, Georg

2013-07-03

This research explains the melt spinning of bicomponent fibers, consisting of a conductive polypropylene (PP) core and a piezoelectric sheath (polyvinylidene fluoride). Previously analyzed piezoelectric capabilities of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) are to be exploited in sensor filaments. The PP compound contains a 10 wt % carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and 2 wt % sodium stearate (NaSt). The sodium stearate is added to lower the viscosity of the melt. The compound constitutes the fiber core that is conductive due to a percolation CNT network. The PVDF sheath's piezoelectric effect is based on the formation of an all-trans conformation β phase, caused by draw-winding of the fibers. The core and sheath materials, as well as the bicomponent fibers, are characterized through different analytical methods. These include wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) to analyze crucial parameters for the development of a crystalline β phase. The distribution of CNTs in the polymer matrix, which affects the conductivity of the core, was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thermal characterization is carried out by conventional differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Optical microscopy is used to determine the fibers' diameter regularity (core and sheath). The materials' viscosity is determined by rheometry. Eventually, an LCR tester is used to determine the core's specific resistance.

Stress evaluation of metallic material under steady state based on nonlinear critically refracted longitudinal wave

Science.gov (United States)

Mao, Hanling; Zhang, Yuhua; Mao, Hanying; Li, Xinxin; Huang, Zhenfeng

2018-06-01

This paper presents the study of applying the nonlinear ultrasonic wave to evaluate the stress state of metallic materials under steady state. The pre-stress loading method is applied to guarantee components with steady stress. Three kinds of nonlinear ultrasonic experiments based on critically refracted longitudinal wave are conducted on components which the critically refracted longitudinal wave propagates along x, x1 and x2 direction. Experimental results indicate the second and third order relative nonlinear coefficients monotonically increase with stress, and the normalized relationship is consistent with simplified dislocation models, which indicates the experimental result is logical. The combined ultrasonic nonlinear parameter is proposed, and three stress evaluation models at x direction are established based on three ultrasonic nonlinear parameters, which the estimation error is below 5%. Then two stress detection models at x1 and x2 direction are built based on combined ultrasonic nonlinear parameter, the stress synthesis method is applied to calculate the magnitude and direction of principal stress. The results show the prediction error is within 5% and the angle deviation is within 1.5°. Therefore the nonlinear ultrasonic technique based on LCR wave could be applied to nondestructively evaluate the stress of metallic materials under steady state which the magnitude and direction are included.

Relationship between moisture content and electrical impedance of carrot slices during drying

Science.gov (United States)

Kertész, Ákos; Hlaváčová, Zuzana; Vozáry, Eszter; Staroňová, Lenka

2015-01-01

Electrical properties of food materials can give information about the inner structure and physiological state of biological tissues. Generally, the process of drying of fruits and vegetables is followed by weight loss. The aim of this study was to measure the impedance spectra of carrot slices during drying and to correlate impedance parameters to moisture content in different drying periods. Cylindrical slices were cut out from the carrot root along the axis. The slices were dried in a Venticell 111 air oven at 50°C. The weight of the slices was measured with a Denver SI-603 electronic analytical and precision balance. The weighing of the samples was performed every 30 min at the beginning of drying and every 60 min after the process. The moisture content of the samples was calculated on wet basis. The magnitude and phase angle of electrical impedance of the slices were measured with HP 4284A and 4285A precision LCR meters in the frequency range from 30 Hz to 1 MHz and from 75 kHz to 30 MHz, respectively, at voltage 1 V. The impedance measurement was performed after weighting. The change in the magnitude of impedance during drying showed a good correlation with the change in the moisture content.

Characterization of the mechanical behavior of human skin by means of impedance spectroscopy

Science.gov (United States)

Pavšelj, N.; Mitar, M.; Hart, F. X.; Miklavčič, D.

2010-04-01

There is increased interest for the use of impedance spectroscopy to measure skin dielectric properties in vivo. The aim of such measurements can be either to evaluate the hydration state of the skin, to detect diseased states such as skin cancer, to follow the progress of transdermal drug delivery, or simply to gather data on skin tissue impedance to be used in theoretical studies. However, obtaining reliable data can be difficult. Namely, skin is a highly nonhomogeneous multi-layered structure whose composition and dimensions differ depending on the location on the body and interindividual variations. Also, impedance measurements on skin are accompanied by a number of artefacts. We performed a series of impedance measurements using an Agilent/HP 4284A precision LCR meter with parallel plate electrodes pressed on the skin, at different locations on the body. We observed substantial impedance changes over the course of the measurement. These changes can be mainly attributed to skin deformation caused by the electrodes pressing against skin. The analysis showed that skin mechanical properties and layer thicknesses can be inferred from these temporal changes. Such data on mechanical properties of skin tissue give valuable extra information, crucial for successful estimation of the impedance of different skin layers.

Effect of γ- Ray Irradiation on the Solid Ionic Conductor of (Cul)x(Na3PO4)1-X Materials (x= 0.1 and x= 0.3)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purwanto, P.

2008-01-01

Study on the effect of γ- ray irradiation on solid state conductor (Cul) x (Na 3 PO 4 ) 1-X have been done. The solid ionic conductor of (Cul) x (Na 3 PO 4 ) 1-X (x= 0.1 and x= 0.3) had been made by mixing Cul with Na 3 PO 4 by formula of (Cul) x (Na 3 PO 4 ) 1-X where x= 0.1 and x= 0.3 then pressed with 48.26 x 10 6 N/m 2 into pellete in diametre 1.5 x 10 - 2 m. The solid ionic conductor was then γ- ray irradiated with dose of 5 to 30 kGy. The result showed that the structure of (Cul) x (Na 3 PO 4 ) 1-X was Cul and Na 3 PO 4 . Crystall lattice strain of (Cul) x (Na 3 PO 4 ) 1-X were measured stable against the influence of radiation. The conductivity measurement of (Cul) x (Na 3 PO 4 ) 1-X was carried out by LCR at the frequence of 0.1 Hz to 100 kHz. The result showed that the conductivities of (Cul) x (Na 3 PO 4 ) 1-X after irradiation were increasing with radiation dose. (author)

Modelling Quasi-Periodic Pulsations in Solar and Stellar Flares

Science.gov (United States)

McLaughlin, J. A.; Nakariakov, V. M.; Dominique, M.; Jelínek, P.; Takasao, S.

2018-02-01

Solar flare emission is detected in all EM bands and variations in flux density of solar energetic particles. Often the EM radiation generated in solar and stellar flares shows a pronounced oscillatory pattern, with characteristic periods ranging from a fraction of a second to several minutes. These oscillations are referred to as quasi-periodic pulsations (QPPs), to emphasise that they often contain apparent amplitude and period modulation. We review the current understanding of quasi-periodic pulsations in solar and stellar flares. In particular, we focus on the possible physical mechanisms, with an emphasis on the underlying physics that generates the resultant range of periodicities. These physical mechanisms include MHD oscillations, self-oscillatory mechanisms, oscillatory reconnection/reconnection reversal, wave-driven reconnection, two loop coalescence, MHD flow over-stability, the equivalent LCR-contour mechanism, and thermal-dynamical cycles. We also provide a histogram of all QPP events published in the literature at this time. The occurrence of QPPs puts additional constraints on the interpretation and understanding of the fundamental processes operating in flares, e.g. magnetic energy liberation and particle acceleration. Therefore, a full understanding of QPPs is essential in order to work towards an integrated model of solar and stellar flares.

Production of β-globin and adult hemoglobin following G418 treatment of erythroid precursor cells from homozygous β039 thalassemia patients

Science.gov (United States)

Salvatori, Francesca; Breveglieri, Giulia; Zuccato, Cristina; Finotti, Alessia; Bianchi, Nicoletta; Borgatti, Monica; Feriotto, Giordana; Destro, Federica; Canella, Alessandro; Brognara, Eleonora; Lampronti, Ilaria; Breda, Laura; Rivella, Stefano; Gambari, Roberto

2013-01-01

In several types of thalassemia (including β039-thalassemia), stop codon mutations lead to premature translation termination and to mRNA destabilization through nonsense-mediated decay. Drugs (for instance aminoglycosides) can be designed to suppress premature termination, inducing a ribosomal readthrough. These findings have introduced new hopes for the development of a pharmacologic approach to the cure of this disease. However, the effects of aminoglycosides on globin mRNA carrying β-thalassemia stop mutations have not yet been investigated. In this study, we have used a lentiviral construct containing the β039- thalassemia globin gene under control of the β-globin promoter and a LCR cassette. We demonstrated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis the production of β-globin by K562 cell clones expressing the β039-thalassemia globin gene and treated with G418. More importantly, after FACS and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses, erythroid precursor cells from β039-thalassemia patients were demonstrated to be able to produce β-globin and adult hemoglobin after treatment with G418. This study strongly suggests that ribosomal readthrough should be considered a strategy for developing experimental strategies for the treatment of β0-thalassemia caused by stop codon mutations. PMID:19810011

Nanosized LaCo0.6Fe0.4O3 perovskites synthesized by citrate sol gel auto combustion method

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Unikoth Megha

2014-06-01

Full Text Available LaCo0.6 Fe0.4 O3 (LCFO nanopowder was synthesized from constituent metal nitrates, citric acid and ethylene glycol by citrate sol gel autocombustion method and calcined at different temperatures. The powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR, whereas dielectric properties were investigated with LCR-meter. The FTIR spectra, taken for the xerogel and the sample calcined at 1000 °C, confirm that the organic groups were removed during calcination and oxide structure was formed. The XRD result shows that LCFO has rhombhohedral crystal structure with R-3C space group and forms single phase after calcination at 600 °C. The activation energy of crystallite growth, determined from the Arrhenius plot, was 17±2 kJ/mol. Surface feature studies of the powders were obtained from SEM. At 1000 °C, dense microstructure with well-shaped grain boundaries was obtained and the average grain size was around 400 nm. EDAX confirms the elemental composition. Finally, from the dielectric studies, it was found that the dielectric constant (εr as well as dielectric loss tangent (tan δ decreases with increase in frequency.

Chlamydia trachomatis prevalence in North-West Italy.

Science.gov (United States)

Grio, R; Bello, L; Smirne, C; D'Addato, F; Latino, M A; Corvetto, L; De Intinis, G; Spagnolo, E; Maffei, S; Leotta, E

2004-10-01

Chlamydia (C.) trachomatis infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) among sexually active adolescents and young adults in Europe. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of C. trachomatis among sexually active women in Piedmont, Italy and the correlation between some risk factors and C. trachomatis infection. In our study 31,419 sexually active women aged 12-55 were screened for C. trachomatis by Abbott's ligase chain reaction (LCR) using cervical swabs during the period 1997-2001 at St. Anna Obstetric-Gynecological Hospital, Turin. All the patients answered a specific questionnaire. In our analysis the prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was found to be 1.23%, and the average age among the infected patients was 36.98 years. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi squared test; a peducation (pcitizenship (p<0.001). No statistically significant differences were found among the contraceptive methods used, whether an hormonal or a barrier type; a marked increment of the risk was observed when no contraception was used. Frequent microbiological examinations are desirable for patients whose anamnesis shows an augmented risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections in order to avoid long term complications from misdiagnosed or asymptomatic pathologies, as often happens with C. trachomatis.

The quantum Hall's effect: A quantum electrodynamic phenomenon

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arbab, A. I.

2012-01-01

We have applied Maxwell's equations to study the physics of quantum Hall's effect. The electromagnetic properties of this system are obtained. The Hall's voltage, V H = 2πħ 2 n s /em, where n s is the electron number density, for a 2-dimensional system, and h = 2πħ is the Planck's constant, is found to coincide with the voltage drop across the quantum capacitor. Consideration of the cyclotronic motion of electrons is found to give rise to Hall's resistance. Ohmic resistances in the horizontal and vertical directions have been found to exist before equilibrium state is reached. At a fundamental level, the Hall's effect is found to be equivalent to a resonant LCR circuit with L H = 2π m/e 2 n s and C H = me 2 /2πħ 2 n s satisfying the resonance condition with resonant frequency equal to the inverse of the scattering (relaxation) time, τ s . The Hall's resistance is found to be R H = √L H /C H . The Hall's resistance may be connected with the impedance that the electron wave experiences when it propagates in the 2-dimensional gas. (condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties)

Structure and phase formation behavior and dielectric and magnetic properties of lead iron tantalate-lead zirconate titanate multiferroic ceramics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wongmaneerung, R.; Tipakontitikul, R.; Jantaratana, P.; Bootchanont, A.; Jutimoosik, J.; Yimnirun, R.; Ananta, S.

2016-01-01

Highlights: • The multiferroic ceramics consisted of PFT and PZT. • Crystal structure changed from cubic to mixedcubic and tetragonal with increasing PZT content. • Dielectric showed the samples underwent a typical relaxor ferroelectric behavior. • Magnetic properties showed very interesting behavior with square saturated magnetic hysteresis loops. - Abstract: Multiferroic (1 − x)Pb(Fe_0_._5Ta_0_._5)O_3–xPb(Zr_0_._5_3Ti_0_._4_7)O_3 (or PFT–PZT) ceramics were synthesized by solid-state reaction method. The crystal structure and phase formation of the ceramics were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The local structure surrounding Fe and Ti absorbing atoms was investigated by synchrotron X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure (XANES) measurement. Dielectric properties were studied as a function of frequency and temperature using a LCR meter. A vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) was used to determine the magnetic hysteresis loops. XRD study indicated that the crystal structure of the sample changed from pure cubic to mixed cubic and tetragonal with increasing PZT content. XANES measurements showed that the local structure surrounding Fe and Ti ions was similar. Dielectric study showed that the samples underwent a typical relaxor ferroelectric behavior while the magnetic properties showed very interesting behavior with square saturated magnetic hysteresis loops.

The observation of resistivity change on the ultrasonic treated Fe-Cr ODS sinter alloy under magnetic field influence

Science.gov (United States)

Silalahi, Marzuki; Purwanto, Setyo; Mujamilah; Dimyati, Arbi

2018-03-01

About the observation of resistivity change on the ultrasonic treated Fe-Cr ODS sinter alloy under magnetic field influence. This paper reported about the observation of the resistivity change in the ultrasonic pre-treated Fe-Cr ODS sinter alloy under the influence of magnetic field at the Center for Science and Technology of Advanced Material, Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia. Fe-Cr ODS alloy were sinthesized by vacuum sintering of Fe- and Cr-powder dispersed Y2O3. However, before sintering the powder mixture was subjected to the irradiation process by ultrasonic for 50 hours at 20 kHz and then isostatic pressed up to 50.91 MPa to form a coin of 10 mm in diameter. LCR meassurement revealed the decreasing of resistivity about 3 times by increasing of applied magnetic field from 0 to 70 mT. In addition, VSM meassurement was performed on both as powder material and as sintered sample. The results showed increasing the magnetization with increasing magnetic field and the curve exhibits almost exact symmetry S-form with small hysterese indicating fast changing magnetization and demagnetization capability without energy loss. This opens strong speculations about the existence of magnetoresistant property of the material which is important for many application in field of sensors or electro magnetic valves.

Properties of RF-Sputtered PZT Thin Films with Ti/Pt Electrodes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cui Yan

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Effect of annealing temperature and thin film thickness on properties of Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47O3 (PZT thin film deposited via radiofrequency magnetron sputtering technique onto Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrate was investigated. Average grain sizes of the PZT thin film were measured by atomic force microscope; their preferred orientation was studied through X-ray diffraction analysis. Average residual stress in the thin film was estimated according to the optimized Stoney formula, and impedance spectroscopy characterization was performed via an intelligent LCR measuring instrument. Average grain sizes of PZT thin films were 60 nm~90 nm and their average roughness was less than 2 nm. According to X-ray diffraction analysis, 600°C is the optimal annealing temperature to obtain the PZT thin film with better crystallization. Average residual stress showed that thermal mismatch was the decisive factor of residual stress in Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrate; the residual stress in PZT thin film decreased as their thickness increased and increased with annealing temperature. The dielectric constant and loss angle tangent were extremely increased with the thickness of PZT thin films. The capacitance of the device can be adjusted according to the thickness of PZT thin films.

On the spectral norms of r-circulant matrices with the biperiodic Fibonacci and Lucas numbers

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cahit Köme

2017-08-01

Full Text Available Abstract In this paper, we present new upper and lower bounds for the spectral norms of the r-circulant matrices Q = C r ( ( b a ξ ( 1 2 q 0 , ( b a ξ ( 2 2 q 1 , ( b a ξ ( 3 2 q 2 , … , ( b a ξ ( n 2 q n − 1 $Q=C_{r} ( (\\frac{b}{a} ^{\\frac{\\xi (1}{2}}q_{0}, (\\frac{b}{a} ^{\\frac{\\xi(2}{2}}q_{1}, (\\frac {b}{a} ^{\\frac{\\xi(3}{2}}q_{2}, \\dots, (\\frac{b}{a} ^{\\frac{\\xi(n}{2}}q_{n-1} $ and L = C r ( ( b a ξ ( 0 2 l 0 , ( b a ξ ( 1 2 l 1 , ( b a ξ ( 2 2 l 2 , … , ( b a ξ ( n − 1 2 l n − 1 $L=C_{r} ( (\\frac {b}{a} ^{\\frac{\\xi(0}{2}}l_{0}, (\\frac{b}{a} ^{\\frac{\\xi (1}{2}}l_{1}, (\\frac{b}{a} ^{\\frac{\\xi(2}{2}}l_{2}, \\dots, (\\frac{b}{a} ^{\\frac{\\xi(n-1}{2}}l_{n-1} $ whose entries are the biperiodic Fibonacci and biperiodic Lucas numbers, respectively. Finally, we obtain lower and upper bounds for the spectral norms of Kronecker and Hadamard products of Q and L matrices.

Lead exposure is associated with risk of impaired coagulation in preschool children from an e-waste recycling area.

Science.gov (United States)

Zeng, Zhijun; Huo, Xia; Zhang, Yu; Xiao, Zhehong; Zhang, Yuling; Xu, Xijin

2018-05-12

Environmental lead exposure leads to various deleterious effects on multiple organs and systems, including the hematopoietic system. To explore the effects of lead exposure on platelet indices in preschool children from an informal, lead-contaminated electronic waste (e-waste) recycling area, we collected venous blood samples from 466 preschool children (331 from an e-waste area (Guiyu) and 135 from a non-e-waste area (Haojiang)). Child blood lead levels (BLLs) were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while platelet indices were quantified using a Sysmex XT-1800i hematology analyzer. Higher blood lead levels are observed in e-waste lead-exposed preschool children. Significant relationships between high blood lead levels (exceeding current health limits) and elevated platelet count (PLT), plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) were also uncovered. Furthermore, the median PLT and PCT levels of children from the exposed group both exceeded the respective recommended maximum reference range value, whereas the reference group did not. Location of child residence in Guiyu and BLLs were both risk factors related to platelet indices. These results suggest that high blood lead exposure from e-waste recycling may increase the risk of an amplified coagulation process through the activation of platelets in preschool children.

Reintroduction of Lower Columbia River Chum Salmon into Duncan Creek, 2007 Annual Report.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hillson, Todd D. [Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

2009-06-12

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) listed Lower Columbia River (LCR) chum salmon as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in March, 1999 (64 FR 14508, March 25, 1999). The listing was in response to the reduction in abundance from historical levels of more than one-half million returning adults to fewer than 10,000 present-day spawners. Harvest, habitat degradation, changes in flow regimes, riverbed movement and heavy siltation have been largely responsible for this decline. The timing of seasonal changes in river flow and water temperatures is perhaps the most critical factor in structuring the freshwater life history of this species. This is especially true of the population located directly below Bonneville Dam, where hydropower operations can block access to spawning sites, dewater redds, strand fry, cause scour or fill of redds and increase sedimentation of spawning gravels. Prior to 1997, only two chum salmon populations were recognized as genetically distinct in the Columbia River, although spawning had been documented in many Lower Columbia River tributaries. The first population was in the Grays River (RKm 34), a tributary of the Columbia River, and the second was a group of spawners utilizing the mainstem Columbia River just below Bonneville Dam (RKm 235) adjacent to Ives Island and in Hardy and Hamilton creeks. Using additional DNA samples, Small et al. (2006) grouped chum salmon spawning in the mainstem Columbia River and the Washington State tributaries into three groups: the Coastal, the Cascade and the Gorge. The Coastal group comprises those spawning in the Grays River, Skamokawa Creek and the broodstock used at the Sea Resources facility on the Chinook River. The Cascade group comprises those spawning in the Cowlitz (both summer and fall stocks), Kalama, Lewis, and East Fork Lewis rivers, with most supporting unique populations. The Gorge group comprises those spawning in the mainstem Columbia River from the I-205 Bridge up to

Evaluation of cysticercus-specific IgG (total and subclasses and IgE antibody responses in cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with neurocysticercosis showing intrathecal production of specific IgG antibodies Avaliação das respostas de anticorpos anti-cisticercos IgG (total e subclasses e IgE em amostras de líquido cefalorraquidiano de pacientes com neurocisticercose apresentando produção intratecal de anticorpos específicos IgG

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lisandra Akemi Suzuki

2013-01-01

Full Text Available In the present study, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA standardized with vesicular fluid of Taenia solium cysticerci was used to screen for IgG (total and subclasses and IgE antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF samples from patients with neurocysticercosis showing intrathecal production of specific IgG antibodies and patients with other neurological disorders. The following results were obtained: IgG-ELISA: 100% sensitivity (median of the ELISA absorbances (MEA=1.17 and 100% specificity; IgG1-ELISA: 72.7% sensitivity (MEA=0.49 and 100% specificity; IgG2-ELISA: 81.8% sensitivity (MEA=0.46 and 100% specificity; IgG3-ELISA: 63.6% sensitivity (MEA=0.12 and 100% specificity; IgG4-ELISA: 90.9% sensitivity (MEA=0.85 and 100% specificity; IgE-ELISA 93.8% sensitivity (MEA=0.60 and 100% specificity. There were no significant differences between the sensitivities and specificities in the detection of IgG-ELISA and IgE-ELISA, although in CSF samples from patients with neurocysticercosis the MEA of the IgG-ELISA was significantly higher than that of the IgE-ELISA. The sensitivity and MEA values of the IgG4-ELISA were higher than the corresponding values for the other IgG subclasses. Future studies should address the contribution of IgG4 and IgE antibodies to the physiopathology of neurocysticercosis.No presente estudo, uma reação imunoenzimática (ELISA padronizada com o fluido vesicular de cisticercos de Taenia solium foi utilizada para avaliar as respostas de anticorpos anti-cisticercos IgG (total e subclasses e IgE em amostras de líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR de pacientes com neurocisticercose apresentando produção intratecal de anticorpos específicos IgG e pacientes com outras desordens neurológicas. Os seguintes resultados foram obtidos: ELISA-IgG: 100% de sensibilidade (mediana das absorbâncias das reações ELISA (MAE=1,17 e especificidade 100%; ELISA-IgG1: sensibilidade 72,7% (MAE=0,49 e especificidade 100%; ELISA-IgG2

Evaluation of a commercial kit of chromatographic immunoassay for detection of canine distemper antigen in dogs with systemic or neurologic signs of the diseaseAvaliação de um kit de imunoensaio cromatográfico para detecção do antígeno do vírus da cinomose em cães com sinais sistêmicos ou neurológicos da doença

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Murilo Cézar Curti

2012-12-01

Full Text Available The canine distemper is a multisystemic disease highly contagious which can lead to serious consequences and even to death. Different types of tests can be used for the ante mortem diagnosis of canine distemper, however, due to unpredictable course of the disease, the final diagnosis remains uncertain in some cases. We evaluated in 33 dogs with suspected canine distemper, the effectiveness of a commercial test for detection of antigen (Ag of canine distemper, still comparing the frequency of clinical and neurological signs among positive and negative dogs. In 27/33 dogs the material was collected from the ocular mucosa, in 5/33 dogs the test was performed with CSF and in one animal material was collected from the ocular mucosa and CSF. In 14 dogs was performed also the RT-PCR technique. The Ag test was positive in 7/13 confirmed cases of canine distemper, all of them with systemic signs, but in dogs that had only neurologic signs, the antigen test was negative. In six dogs the antigen test was negative, however the RT-PCR was positive. The results of this study showed that the antigen test did not help for the canine distemper diagnosis in many cases with systemic and neurologic signs, still allowing that several cases had false-negative results. A cinomose é uma doença multisistêmica altamente contagiosa, que pode levar a graves sequelas e até ao óbito. Diferentes tipos de exames podem ser usados para o diagnóstico ante mortem da cinomose, entretanto, devido ao curso imprevisível da doença, o diagnóstico final permanece incerto em alguns casos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia do teste comercial de imunoensaio cromatográfico para detecção de antígeno (Ag da cinomose em 33 cães com suspeita de cinomose canina, comparandose ainda a frequência dos sinais clínicos e neurológicos entre cães positivos e negativos. Em 27/33 o material foi coletado da mucosa ocular, em 5/33 foi coletado do LCR e em um animal o

Label-free Fab and Fc affinity/avidity profiling of the antibody complex half-life for polyclonal and monoclonal efficacy screening.

Science.gov (United States)

Read, Thomas; Olkhov, Rouslan V; Williamson, E Diane; Shaw, Andrew M

2015-09-01

A unified approach to affinity screening for Fab and Fc interactions of an antibody for its antigen and FcγR receptor has been developed. An antigen array is used for the Fab affinity and cross-reactivity screening and protein A/G proxy is the FcγR receptor. The affinities are derived using a simple 1:1 binding model with a consistent error analysis. The association and dissociation kinetics are measured over optimised times for accurate determination. The Fab/Fc affinities are derived for ten antibodies: mAb-actin (mouse), pAb-BSA (sheep), pAb-collagen V (rabbit), pAb-CRP (goat), mAb-F1 (mouse), mAbs (mouse) 7.3, 12.3, 29.3, 36.3 and 46.3 raised against LcrV in Yersinia pestis. The rate of the dissociation of antigen-antibody complexes relates directly to their immunological function as does the Fc-FcγR complex and a new half-life plot has been defined with a Fab/Fc half-life range of 17-470 min. The upper half-life value points to surface avidity. Two antibodies that are protective as an immunotherapy define a Fab half-life >250 min and an Fc half-life >50 min as characteristics of ideal interactions which can form the basis of an antibody screen for immunotherapy.

Synthesis and electrical characterization of Graphene Oxide films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yasin, Muhammad; Tauqeer, T.; Zaidi, Syed M.H.; San, Sait E.; Mahmood, Asad; Köse, Muhammet E.; Canimkurbey, Betul; Okutan, Mustafa

2015-01-01

In this work, we have synthesized Graphene Oxide (GO) using modified Hummers method and investigated its electrical properties using parallel plate impedance spectroscopic technique. Graphene Oxide films were prepared using drop casting method on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate. Atomic force microscopy was used to characterize the films' microstructure and surface topography. Electrical characterization was carried out using LCR meter in frequency regime (100 Hz to 10 MHz) at different temperatures. AC conductivity σ ac of the films was observed to be varied with angular frequency, ω as ω S , with S < 1. The electrical properties of GO were found to be both frequency and temperature dependent. Analysis showed that GO film contains direct current (DC) and Correlated Barrier Hopping (CBH) conductivity mechanisms at low and high frequency ranges, respectively. Photon absorption and transmittance capability in the visible range and excellent electrical parameters of solution processed Graphene Oxide suggest its suitability for the realization of low cost flexible organic solar cells and organic Thin Film Transistors, respectively. - Highlights: • Synthesize and electrical characterization of Graphene Oxide (GO) Film was undertaken. • Temperature dependent impedance spectroscopy was used for electrical analysis. • AFM was used to characterize films' microstructure and surface topography. • Electrical parameters were found to vary with both temperature and frequency. • GO showed DC and CBH conductivity mechanisms at low and high frequency, respectively

Genomic hypomethylation in the human germline associates with selective structural mutability in the human genome.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jian Li

Full Text Available The hotspots of structural polymorphisms and structural mutability in the human genome remain to be explained mechanistically. We examine associations of structural mutability with germline DNA methylation and with non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR mediated by low-copy repeats (LCRs. Combined evidence from four human sperm methylome maps, human genome evolution, structural polymorphisms in the human population, and previous genomic and disease studies consistently points to a strong association of germline hypomethylation and genomic instability. Specifically, methylation deserts, the ~1% fraction of the human genome with the lowest methylation in the germline, show a tenfold enrichment for structural rearrangements that occurred in the human genome since the branching of chimpanzee and are highly enriched for fast-evolving loci that regulate tissue-specific gene expression. Analysis of copy number variants (CNVs from 400 human samples identified using a custom-designed array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH chip, combined with publicly available structural variation data, indicates that association of structural mutability with germline hypomethylation is comparable in magnitude to the association of structural mutability with LCR-mediated NAHR. Moreover, rare CNVs occurring in the genomes of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and developmental delay and de novo CNVs occurring in those diagnosed with autism are significantly more concentrated within hypomethylated regions. These findings suggest a new connection between the epigenome, selective mutability, evolution, and human disease.

Preparation, characterization and properties of acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kumar Barick, Aruna; Kumar Tripathy, Deba

2011-01-01

Graphical abstract: Highlights: → Preparation and characterization of TPU nanocomposite for tailor made applications. → The structural analyses were carried out by FTIR, WAXD, FESEM and HRTEM. → The thermal and dynamic mechanical properties were evaluated by TGA, DSC and DMA. → The dynamic rheological behavior was investigated by RPA in frequency sweep. → The frequency dependence of electrical properties was studied by LCR meter. - Abstract: The multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposites were prepared through melt compounding method followed by compression molding. The spectroscopic study indicated that a strong interfacial interaction was developed between carbon nanotube (CNT) and the TPU matrix in the nanocomposites. The microscopic observation showed that the CNTs were homogeneously dispersed throughout the TPU matrix well apart from a few clusters. The results from thermal analysis indicated that the glass transition temperature (T g ) and storage modulus (E') of the nanocomposites were increased with increase in CNTs content and their thermal stability were also improved in comparison with pure TPU matrix. The rheological analysis showed the low frequency plateau of shear modulus and the shear thinning behavior of the nanocomposites. The electrical behaviors of the nanocomposites are increased with increase in weight percent (wt%) of CNT loading. The mechanical properties of nanocomposites were substantially improved by the incorporation of CNTs into the TPU matrix.

Structural, dielectric and ferroelectric studies of (x) Mg{sub 0.25}Cu{sub 0.25}Zn{sub 0.5}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} + (1-x) BaTiO{sub 3} magnetoelectric nano-composites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Khader, S. Abdul, E-mail: khadersku@gmail.com; Sankarappa, T., E-mail: sankarappa@rediffmail.com [Department of Physics, Gulbarga University, Gulbarga-585106, Karnataka (India); Muneeswaran, M.; Giridharan, N. V. [Department of Physics, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirapalli-620015 (India)

2016-05-06

The Particulate nano-composites of ferrite and ferroelectric phases having the general formula (x) Mg{sub 0.25}Cu{sub 0.25}Zn{sub 0.5}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} + (1-x) BaTiO{sub 3} (x=15%, 30% and 45%) were synthesized by sintering mixtures of highly ferroelectric BaTiO{sub 3} (BT) and highly magneto-strictive magnetic component Mg{sub 0.25}Cu{sub 0.25}Zn{sub 0.5}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4}(MCZF). The presence of constituent phases of ferrite, ferroelectric and their composites were probed and confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. Surface morphology of the samples has been investigated using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). The variation of dielectric constant and dissipation factor as a function of frequency from 100 Hz to 1 MHz at room temperature were carried out using a Hioki LCR Hi-Tester. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss were found to decrease rapidly in the low frequency region and became almost constant in the high frequency region. The electrical conductivity deduced from the measured dielectric data has been thoroughly analyzed and found that the conduction mechanism in these composites is in conformity with small polaron hopping model. The ferroelectric properties of synthesized magneto-electric nano-composites were measured using P-E loop tracer.

The New Self-Inactivating Lentiviral Vector for Thalassemia Gene Therapy Combining Two HPFH Activating Elements Corrects Human Thalassemic Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Science.gov (United States)

Papanikolaou, Eleni; Georgomanoli, Maria; Stamateris, Evangelos; Panetsos, Fottes; Karagiorga, Markisia; Tsaftaridis, Panagiotis; Graphakos, Stelios

2012-01-01

Abstract To address how low titer, variable expression, and gene silencing affect gene therapy vectors for hemoglobinopathies, in a previous study we successfully used the HPFH (hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin)-2 enhancer in a series of oncoretroviral vectors. On the basis of these data, we generated a novel insulated self-inactivating (SIN) lentiviral vector, termed GGHI, carrying the Aγ-globin gene with the −117 HPFH point mutation and the HPFH-2 enhancer and exhibiting a pancellular pattern of Aγ-globin gene expression in MEL-585 clones. To assess the eventual clinical feasibility of this vector, GGHI was tested on CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells from nonmobilized peripheral blood or bone marrow from 20 patients with β-thalassemia. Our results show that GGHI increased the production of γ-globin by 32.9% as measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (p=0.001), with a mean vector copy number per cell of 1.1 and a mean transduction efficiency of 40.3%. Transduced populations also exhibited a lower rate of apoptosis and resulted in improvement of erythropoiesis with a higher percentage of orthochromatic erythroblasts. This is the first report of a locus control region (LCR)-free SIN insulated lentiviral vector that can be used to efficiently produce the anticipated therapeutic levels of γ-globin protein in the erythroid progeny of primary human thalassemic hematopoietic stem cells in vitro. PMID:21875313

Structure and phase formation behavior and dielectric and magnetic properties of lead iron tantalate-lead zirconate titanate multiferroic ceramics

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wongmaneerung, R., E-mail: re_nok@yahoo.com [Faculty of Science, Maejo University, Chiang Mai 50290 (Thailand); Tipakontitikul, R. [Department of Physics, Ubonratchathani University, Ubonratchathani 31490 (Thailand); Jantaratana, P. [Department of Physics, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900 (Thailand); Bootchanont, A.; Jutimoosik, J.; Yimnirun, R. [School of Physics, Institute of Science, and NANOTEC-SUT Center of Excellence on Advanced Functional Nanomaterials, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000 (Thailand); Ananta, S. [Department of Physics and Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200 (Thailand)

2016-03-15

Highlights: • The multiferroic ceramics consisted of PFT and PZT. • Crystal structure changed from cubic to mixedcubic and tetragonal with increasing PZT content. • Dielectric showed the samples underwent a typical relaxor ferroelectric behavior. • Magnetic properties showed very interesting behavior with square saturated magnetic hysteresis loops. - Abstract: Multiferroic (1 − x)Pb(Fe{sub 0.5}Ta{sub 0.5})O{sub 3}–xPb(Zr{sub 0.53}Ti{sub 0.47})O{sub 3} (or PFT–PZT) ceramics were synthesized by solid-state reaction method. The crystal structure and phase formation of the ceramics were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The local structure surrounding Fe and Ti absorbing atoms was investigated by synchrotron X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure (XANES) measurement. Dielectric properties were studied as a function of frequency and temperature using a LCR meter. A vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) was used to determine the magnetic hysteresis loops. XRD study indicated that the crystal structure of the sample changed from pure cubic to mixed cubic and tetragonal with increasing PZT content. XANES measurements showed that the local structure surrounding Fe and Ti ions was similar. Dielectric study showed that the samples underwent a typical relaxor ferroelectric behavior while the magnetic properties showed very interesting behavior with square saturated magnetic hysteresis loops.

An integrated approach to investigate the hydrological behavior of the Santa Fe River Basin, north central Florida

Science.gov (United States)

Vibhava, F.; Graham, W. D.; De Rooij, R.; Maxwell, R. M.; Martin, J. B.; Cohen, M. J.

2011-12-01

The Santa Fe River Basin (SFRB) consists of three linked hydrologic units: the upper confined region (UCR), semi-confined transitional region (Cody Escarpment, CE) and lower unconfined region (LUR). Contrasting geological characteristics among these units affect streamflow generation processes. In the UCR, surface runoff and surficial stores dominate whereas in the LCR minimal surface runoff occurs and flow is dominated by groundwater sources and sinks. In the CE region the Santa Fe River (SFR) is captured entirely by a sinkhole into the Floridan aquifer, emerging as a first magnitude spring 6 km to the south. In light of these contrasting hydrological settings, developing a predictive, basin scale, physically-based hydrologic simulation model remains a research challenge. This ongoing study aims to assess the ability of a fully-coupled, physically-based three-dimensional hydrologic model (PARFLOW-CLM), to predict hydrologic conditions in the SFRB. The assessment will include testing the model's ability to adequately represent surface and subsurface flow sources, flow paths, and travel times within the basin as well as the surface-groundwater exchanges throughout the basin. In addition to simulating water fluxes, we also are collecting high resolution specific conductivity data at 10 locations throughout the river. Our objective is to exploit hypothesized strong end-member separation between riverine source water geochemistry to further refine the PARFLOW-CLM representation of riverine mixing and delivery dynamics.

Mioclonia essencial hereditária: relato de uma família

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rosana S.C. Alves

1994-09-01

Full Text Available Tem sido descrita na literatura a ocorrência de movimentos mioclônicos e distônicos como expressão isolada de uma condição neurológica de caráter hereditário. Para essa entidade alguns autores propõem a denominação "distonia mioclônica hereditária", enquanto outros preconizam o uso da expressão "mioclonia essencial hereditária". O presente relato refere-se a uma família em que essa peculiar associação de movimentos anormais acometia diversos membros em três gerações. O propósito é uma paciente de 14 anos com movimentos distônicos instalados aos 7 anos e mioclonias aos 13 anos, com evolução lenta e tendendo à estabilização. Não havia referência a melhora sob ação do álcool (paciente abstêmia. A história familiar mostrava outros casos semelhantes. A investigação complementar (dosagens sericas de cobre, ceruloplasmina, T3, T4, TSH; pesquisa de acantócitos; exame do LCR; tomografia e ressonância do segmento cefálico não revelou anormalidades. O quadro foi satisfatoriamente controlado com clonazepam na dose de 3 mg/dia.

Frequency and voltage dependent electrical responses of poly(triarylamine) thin film-based organic Schottky diode

Science.gov (United States)

Anuar Mohamad, Khairul; Tak Hoh, Hang; Alias, Afishah; Ghosh, Bablu Kumar; Fukuda, Hisashi

2017-11-01

A metal-organic-metal (MOM) type Schottky diode based on poly (triarylamine) (PTAA) thin films has been fabricated by using the spin coating method. Investigation of the frequency dependent conductance-voltage (G-V-f) and capacitance-voltage (C-V-f) characteristics of the ITO/PTAA/Al MOM type diode were carried out in the frequency range from 12 Hz to 100 kHz using an LCR meter at room temperature. The frequency and bias voltage dependent electrical response were determined by admittance-based measured method in terms of an equivalent circuit model of the parallel combination of resistance and capacitance (RC circuit). Investigation revealed that the conductance is frequency and a bias voltage dependent in which conductance continuous increase as the increasing frequency, respectively. Meanwhile, the capacitance is dependent on frequency up to a certain value of frequency (100 Hz) but decreases at high frequency (1 - 10 kHz). The interface state density in the Schottky diode was determined from G-V and C-V characteristics. The interface state density has values almost constant of 2.8 x 1012 eV-1cm-2 with slightly decrease by increasing frequencies. Consequently, both series resistance and interface trap density were found to decrease with increasing frequency. The frequency dependence of the electrical responses is attributed the distribution density of interface states that could follow the alternating current (AC) signal.

Microstructure and dielectric properties of La2O3 doped Ti-rich barium strontium titanate ceramics for capacitor applications

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zhang Chen

2018-03-01

Full Text Available Microstructure and dielectric properties of La2O3 doped Ti-rich barium strontium titanate ceramics, prepared by solid state method, were investigated with non-stoichiometric level and various La2O3 content, using XRD, SEM and LCR measuring system. With an increase of non-stoichiometric level, the unit cell volumes of perovskite lattices for the single phase Ti-rich barium strontium titanate ceramics increased due to the decreasing A site vacancy concentration V″A. The unit cell volume increased and then decreased slightly with the increasing La2O3 content. Relatively high non-stoichiometric level and high La2O3 content in Ti-rich barium strontium titanate ceramics contributed to the decreased average grain size as well as fine grain size distribution, which correspondingly improved the temperature stability of the relative dielectric constant. The relative dielectric constant єrRT, dielectric loss tanδRT and the maximum relative dielectric constant єrmax decreased and then increased with the increasing non-stoichiometric level. With the increase of La2O3 doping content, the relative dielectric constant єrRT increased initially and then decreased. The maximum relative dielectric constant єrmax can be increased by applying low doping content of La2O3 in Ti-rich barium strontium titanate ceramics due to the increased spontaneous polarization.

Financing Structure and Liquidity Risk: Lesson from Malaysian Experience

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Abdul-Rahman Aisyah

2017-05-01

Full Text Available This study examines the relationship between financing structure and bank liquidity risk. We compare the findings between Islamic and conventional banks for the case of Malaysia. We adopt four measures to represent financing structure; namely 1 real estate financing, 2 financing concentration, 3 stability of short-term financing structure and 4 stability of medium-term financing structure. Two BASEL III liquidity risk measures are tested; namely, liquidity coverage ratio (LCR and the net stable funding ratio (NSFR to measure short- and long-term liquidity risk, respectively. Based on panel data regression comprising 27 conventional and 17 Islamic banks from 1994 to 2014, our findings show that real estate financing and stability of short-term financing structure for Islamic banks are positively related to both liquidity risk measures. This implies that an increasing number of real estate financing and a stable short-term financing structure may increase Islamic banks’ short- and long-term liquidity risks. However, although real estate financing does not affect conventional banks’ liquidity risks, a stable short-term financing structure and increasing financing concentration can positively influence bank long-term liquidity risk. Our findings shed light crucial policy implications for regulatory bodies and market players in the context of liquidity risk management framework as well as the need to develop a separate framework between conventional and Islamic banking institutions.

Electrical and dielectric properties of lithium manganate nanomaterials doped with rare-earth elements

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Iqbal, Muhammad Javed; Ahmad, Zahoor [Department of Chemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320 (Pakistan)

2008-05-01

Substituted LiR{sub x}Mn{sub 2} {sub -} {sub x}O{sub 4} (R = La{sup 3+}, Ce{sup 3+}{sub ,} Pr{sup 3+} and x = 0.00 - 0.20) nanoparticles are prepared by the sol-gel method and the consequent changes in their lattice structure, dielectric and electrical parameters are determined by XRD, ED-XRF, SEM, LCR meter bridge and dc electrical resistivity measurements. Diffraction data show that the samples are single-phase spinel materials with crystallites sizes between 21 and 38 nm. The lattice parameter, cell volume and X-ray density are found to be affected by doping the Li-manganate with the rare-earth elements. The ED-XRF analysis confirms the stoichiometric composition of the synthesized samples and SEM reveals their morphology. Calculated values of the dielectric constant ({epsilon}) and the dielectric loss (tan {delta}) decrease with the frequency of the applied field. This is attributed to Maxwell-Wagner polarization. Replacement of manganese by the rare-earth elements results in an improvement in the structural stability of the material, which is considered to be useful for enhancement of the cycleability of the compounds when used in lithium rechargeable batteries, and increases significantly the values of {epsilon} and tan {delta} (except for Ce). Lithium manganate nanomaterials with high {epsilon} and low tan {delta} may be attractive for application in memory storage devices. (author)

Water-induced phase separation of miconazole-poly (vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) amorphous solid dispersions: Insights with confocal fluorescence microscopy.

Science.gov (United States)

Saboo, Sugandha; Taylor, Lynne S

2017-08-30

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM) to study the water-induced phase separation of miconazole-poly (vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) (mico-PVPVA) amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs), induced during preparation, upon storage at high relative humidity (RH) and during dissolution. Different fluorescent dyes were added to drug-polymer films and the location of the dyes was evaluated using CFM. Orthogonal techniques, in particular atomic force microscopy (AFM) coupled with nanoscale infrared spectroscopy (AFM-nanoIR), were used to provide additional analysis of the drug-polymer blends. The initial miscibility of mico-PVPVA ASDs prepared under low humidity conditions was confirmed by AFM-nanoIR. CFM enabled rapid identification of drug-rich and polymer-rich phases in phase separated films prepared under high humidity conditions. The identity of drug- and polymer-rich domains was confirmed using AFM-nanoIR imaging and localized IR spectroscopy, together with Lorentz contact resonance (LCR) measurements. The CFM technique was then utilized successfully to further investigate phase separation in mico-PVPVA films exposed to high RH storage and to visualize phase separation dynamics following film immersion in buffer. CFM is thus a promising new approach to study the phase behavior of ASDs, utilizing drug and polymer specific dyes to visualize the evolution of heterogeneity in films exposed to water. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of bank failure: An application of CVAR methodology on liquidity.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mubanga Mpundu

2017-03-01

Full Text Available In this paper, balance sheet liquidity data was analyzed comprising of 157 Class I and 234 Class II banks. Class I banks are categorized as those with tier 1 capital in excess of $4 billion and internationally active while Class II banks are the rest. A Cointegrated Vector Autoregressive (CVAR approach was used on balance sheet liquidity data to ascertain the behavior of variables in relation to bank failure. The study also demonstrated the nature of each of the variables containing estimated Basel III and Traditional liquidity measures for Class I and II banks. The estimated Basel III liquidity standards were made up of the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR and the Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR while the liquidity measures involved Government Securities Ratio (GSR and Brokered Deposit Ratio (BDR. Results showed that a response of Net Stable Funding Ratio to a shock in Liquidity Coverage Ratio decreased in the first quarter and a steady continuous increase in the next quarters was observed. A shock on the Liquidity Coverage Ratio therefore would cause banks to increase their level of Net Stable Funding Ratio. This explains why the Liquidity Coverage Ratio is considered for a short term stress period of 30 calender days while the Net Stable Funding Ratio will be considered for a longer stress period of 1 year when fully implemented by banks.

Atmospheric Distribution of PAHs and Quinones in the Gas and PM1 Phases in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Mexico: Sources and Health Risk

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Valeria Ojeda-Castillo

2018-04-01

Full Text Available Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs and quinones in the gas phase and as submicron particles raise concerns due to their potentially carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. The majority of existing studies have investigated the formation of quinones, but it is also important to consider both the primary and secondary sources to estimate their contributions. The objectives of this study were to characterize PAHs and quinones in the gas and particulate matter (PM1 phases in order to identify phase distributions, sources, and cancer risk at two urban monitoring sites in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area (GMA in Mexico. The simultaneous gas and PM1 phases samples were analyzed using a gas chromatography–mass spectrometer. The lifetime lung cancer risk (LCR due to PAH exposure was calculated to be 1.7 × 10−3, higher than the recommended risk value of 10−6, indicating a potential health hazard. Correlations between parent PAHs, criteria pollutants, and meteorological parameters suggest that primary sources are the main contributors to the Σ8 Quinones concentrations in PM1, while the secondary formation of 5,12-naphthacenequinone and 9,10-anthraquinone may contribute less to the observed concentration of quinones. Additionally, naphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, and anthracene in PM1, suggest photochemical degradation into unidentified species. Further research is needed to determine how these compounds are formed.

A recombinant bivalent fusion protein rVE confers active and passive protection against Yersinia enterocolitica infection in mice.

Science.gov (United States)

Singh, Amit Kumar; Kingston, Joseph Jeyabalaji; Murali, Harishchandra Sripathy; Batra, Harsh Vardhan

2014-03-05

In the present study, a bivalent chimeric protein rVE comprising immunologically active domains of Yersinia pestis LcrV and YopE was assessed for its prophylactic abilities against Yersinia enterocolitica O:8 infection in murine model. Mice immunized with rVE elicited significantly higher antibody titers with substantial contribution from the rV component (3:1 ratio). Robust and significant resistance to Y. enterocolitica infection with 100% survival (Penterocolitica O:8 against the 75%, 60% and 75% survival seen in mice immunized with rV, rE, rV+rE, respectively. Macrophage monolayer supplemented with anti-rVE polysera illustrated efficient protection (89.41% survival) against challenge of Y. enterocolitica O:8. In contrast to sera from sham-immunized mice, immunization with anti-rVE polysera provided complete protection to BALB/c mice against I.P. challenge with 10(8)CFU of Y. enterocolitica O:8 and developed no conspicuous signs of infection in necropsy. The histopathological analysis of microtome sections confirmed significantly reduced lesion size or no lesion in liver and intestine upon infection in anti-rVE immunized mice. The findings from this study demonstrated the fusion protein rVE as a potential candidate subunit vaccine and showed the functional role of antibodies in protection against Y. enterocolitica infections. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Central nervous system tuberculosis in children: review of 35 cases at the Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl in Medellín, Colombia.1997-2004. Meningoencefalitis tuberculosa en niños: Revisión de 35 casos en el Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl en Medellín, Colombia. 1997-2004

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

José William Cornejo Ochoa

2005-04-01

.4%. La duración promedio de la sintomatología fue 10 días. Al examen físico se hallaron: signos meníngeos en 77%, trastorno de los movimientos en 31.4%, estupor o coma en 82.9%, hemiparesia en 60% y alteraciones en el fondo de ojo en 31.4%. En los 35 pacientes se encontró anormal el LCR. La tomografía reveló hidrocefalia en 88.7%, meningitis basal en 57.1%, infarto gangliobasal en 48.6% y tuberculomas en 11%. Se aisló M. tuberculosis en 11 pacientes (31.4%. La tasa global de mortalidad fue 17%. Conclusiones: el contacto positivo en la casa, la duración de los síntomas mayor de 10 días, la hidrocefalia y los movimientos anormales sugieren fuertemente el diagnóstico de MT. La presencia de papiledema y el cultivo positivo para M. tuberculosis en el LCR se relacionan con la muerte.

Tratamiento sin antibióticos en recién nacidos febriles con pleocitosis del líquido cefalorraquídeo y presunta meningitis viral Treatment without antibiotics in febrile infants presenting with cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis and supposed viral meningitis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Manuel Díaz Álvarez

2011-03-01

Full Text Available INTRODUCCIÓN. El objetivo de esta investigación fue presentar la experiencia en antibioticoterapia en recién nacidos (RN febriles con pleocitosis del líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR y presunción médica de meningitis viral. MÉTODOS. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo con 310 RN con diagnóstico de meningitis aséptica, ingresados en el Servicio de Neonatología del Hospital Pediátrico Universitario «Juan Manuel Márquez» entre 1992 y 2009. Se determinó, utilizando estadística descriptiva, la indicación o no de tratamiento antibiótico, momento y motivos de la indicación. RESULTADOS. Hubo 204 RN (65,8 % con meningitis aséptica que egresaron favorablemente sin haber recibido tratamiento antibiótico. En 106 RN (34,2 % se indicaron antibióticos (en 76 inmediatamente al diagnóstico de meningitis y en 30 casos, mediatamente por diversos motivos. Los motivos para tratamiento inmediato fueron principalmente los resultados del examen citoquímico del LCR muy semejantes a los de una meningitis de causa bacteriana y los antecedentes de fiebre elevada o persistente. En la indicación mediata el principal motivo fue la concurrencia de infección del tracto urinario. En los pacientes que nunca recibieron tratamiento antibiótico, la mediana de estadía hospitalaria fue de 4 días (intervalo intercuartil 3-5 días y para los que sí lo recibieron fue de 5 días (intervalo intercuartil 4-7 días (p INTRODUCTION. The aim of present research was to present the antibiotic-therapy experience in febrile newborn (NB presenting with cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis (CSFP and supposed viral meningitis. METHODS. A retrospective study was conducted in 310 NB diagnosed with aseptic meningitis admitted in the Neonatology Service of the "Juan Manuel Márquez" Children University Hospital between 1992 and 2009. Using the descriptive statistic method the indication or not of antibiotic treatment, moment and indication reasons were determined. RESULTS. There

PZT/PLZT - elastomer composites with improved piezoelectric voltage coefficient

Science.gov (United States)

Harikrishnan, K.; Bavbande, D. V.; Mohan, Dhirendra; Manoharan, B.; Prasad, M. R. S.; Kalyanakrishnan, G.

2018-02-01

Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) and Lanthanum-modified Lead Zirconate Titanate (PLZT) ceramic sensor materials are widely used because of their excellent piezoelectric coefficients. These materials are brittle, high density and have low achievable piezoelectric voltage coefficients. The density of the sintered ceramics shall be reduced by burnable polymeric sponge method. The achievable porosity level in this case is nearly 60 - 90%. However, the porous ceramic structure with 3-3 connectivity produced by this method is very fragile in nature. The strength of the porous structure is improved with Sylgard®-184 (silicone elastomer) by vacuum impregnation method maintaining the dynamic vacuum level in the range of -650 mm Hg. The elastomer Sylgard®-184 is having low density, low dielectric constant and high compliance (as a resultant stiffness of the composites is increased). To obtain a net dipole moment, the impregnated ceramic composites were subjected to poling treatment with varying conditions of D.C. field and temperature. The properties of the poled PZT/PLZT - elastomer composites were characterized with LCR meter for measuring the dielectric constant values (k), d33 meter used for measuring piezo-electric charge coefficient values (d33) and piezo-electric voltage coefficient (g33) values which were derived from d33 values. The voltage coefficient (g33) values of these composites are increased by 10 fold as compared to the conventional solid ceramics demonstrates that it is possible to fabricate a conformable detector.

Meningitis y artritis por Haemophilus influenzae en un adulto

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Javier Molina

1988-02-01

Full Text Available Tradicionalmente el Haemophilus influenzae ha sido considerado un germen causante de infecciones en niños; en adultos se lo ha relacionado con Infecciones respiratorias, pero en los últimos tiempos se han descrito en ellos infecciones severas cuando hay algunos factores predisponentes. Se describe un paciente drogadicto de 30 años con cuadro de meningitis y artritis y prueba de látex y cultivo de LCR positivos para HaemophiIus influenzae, quien recibió tratamiento con ampicilina, 2 gramos Intravenosos cada 4 horas y evolucionó a la mejoría sin secuelas. Se plantea la necesidad de tener en cuenta al Haemophilus influenzae como patógeno del adulto y más en aquellas personas con factores predisponentes.

Haemophilus influenzae has traditionally been considered as an infectious agent that predominantly affects children; instead, in adults It has been Linked either to respiratory infections or to gevere infections occurring when predisposing factors are present. We describe a 30 year-old drug adict patient that presented with meningitis and arthritis; both latex test and cerebrospinal fluid culture were positive for Haemophilus influenzae. He was treated with ampicilin 2 gm, I. V. every four hours and improved without sequelae. This microorganism must be considered among those affecting adult patients specially when predisposing factors for infection are present.

The effect of silver (Ag) addition to mechanical and electrical properties of copper alloy (Cu) casting product

Science.gov (United States)

Felicia, Dian M.; Rochiem, R.; Laia, Standley M.

2018-04-01

Copper have good mechanical properties and good electrical conductivities. Therefore, copper usually used as electrical components. Silver have better electrical conductivities than copper. Female contact resistor is one of the electrical component used in circuit breaker. This study aims to analyze the effect of silver addition to hardness, strength, and electric conductivity properties of copper alloy. This study uses variation of 0; 0.035; 0.07; 0.1 wt. % Ag (silver) addition to determine the effect on mechanical properties and electrical properties of copper alloy through sand casting process. Modelling of thermal analysis and structural analysis was calculated to find the best design for the sand casting experiments. The result of Cu-Ag alloy as cast will be characterized by OES test, metallography test, Brinell hardness test, tensile test, and LCR meter test. The result of this study showed that the addition of silver increase mechanical properties of Cu-Ag. The maximum hardness value of this alloy is 83.1 HRB which is Cu-0.01 Ag and the lowest is 52.26 HRB which is pure Cu. The maximum strength value is 153.2 MPa which is Cu-0.07 Ag and the lowest is 94.6 MPa which is pure Cu. Silver addition decrease electrical properties of this alloy. The highest electric conductivity is 438.98 S/m which is pure Cu and the lowest is 52.61 S.m which is Cu-0.1 Ag.

Frequency and voltage dependent electrical responses of poly(triarylamine thin film-based organic Schottky diode

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mohamad Khairul Anuar

2017-01-01

Full Text Available A metal-organic-metal (MOM type Schottky diode based on poly (triarylamine (PTAA thin films has been fabricated by using the spin coating method. Investigation of the frequency dependent conductance-voltage (G-V-f and capacitance-voltage (C-V-f characteristics of the ITO/PTAA/Al MOM type diode were carried out in the frequency range from 12 Hz to 100 kHz using an LCR meter at room temperature. The frequency and bias voltage dependent electrical response were determined by admittance-based measured method in terms of an equivalent circuit model of the parallel combination of resistance and capacitance (RC circuit. Investigation revealed that the conductance is frequency and a bias voltage dependent in which conductance continuous increase as the increasing frequency, respectively. Meanwhile, the capacitance is dependent on frequency up to a certain value of frequency (100 Hz but decreases at high frequency (1 – 10 kHz. The interface state density in the Schottky diode was determined from G-V and C-V characteristics. The interface state density has values almost constant of 2.8 x 1012 eV−1cm−2 with slightly decrease by increasing frequencies. Consequently, both series resistance and interface trap density were found to decrease with increasing frequency. The frequency dependence of the electrical responses is attributed the distribution density of interface states that could follow the alternating current (AC signal.

New type low loss, strong field, RF coils for commercial nuclear fusion

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ikegami, Shigetaka

1990-01-01

New RF coils of L-C-R connection loops type are proposed. One of the coils is only a bundle of μ order diameter isolated conductor, facing the both sides of the bundle ends each other for a capacity. The next characters were found by experiments. (1) This type coils show a sharp first resonance mode and few other modes are measured. (2) The complete proportional relation between the number of the conductors and the conductance of the bundle. (3) The ratio of the RF current resistance to the direct current resistance can be 1. Variational principle for eigenvalue problem was considered for it. The loss due to the vortex current in the conductor itself when exposed in the magnetic field was calculated accurately. And it was found that when the diameter of the conductor is 1/3 of the high frequency skin depth δ, the vortex current is very small. The litz wire can be used below 10 kHz. But this coil can be used above 100 MHz(δ≅7μ), because this coil need not to be stranded. For example, the turbulent heating at the axis of a tokamak plasma in μs order is possible, when a large amplitude stationary magnetosonic wave is excited by the magnetic piston of these coils array around the plasma. And the distance between the plasma and the coils can be large. The commercial nuclear fusion is thought to be possible. (author)

A family history of Type 1 alcoholism differentiates alcohol consumption in high cortisol responders to stress.

Science.gov (United States)

Brkic, Sejla; Söderpalm, Bo; Söderpalm Gordh, Anna

2015-03-01

The differentiation between high and low cortisol responders to stress is of interest in determining the risk factors which may, along with genetic vulnerability, influence alcohol intake. Thirty-two healthy volunteers, family history positive to alcoholism (FHP, n = 16) and family history negative (FHN, n = 16) attended two laboratory sessions during which alcohol or placebo was offered. There were no differences in consumption of alcohol or placebo between FHP and FHN subjects. STUDY 2: Fifty-eight healthy social drinkers, FHP (n = 27) and FHN (n = 31) attended two laboratory sessions. They were administered either alcohol or placebo in both sessions they attended. All subjects underwent either a stress task (the Trier Social Stress Test, TSST) or a stress-free period, at two separate occasions, before being offered beverage. After the salivary cortisol analysis, subjects in each group were divided into high (HCR) or low (LCR) cortisol responders. After stress, subjects who were FHP-HCR consumed more alcohol than FHN-HCR. There were no differences in the placebo intake between FHP and FHN subjects regardless of their cortisol response. This result indicates that stress promotes alcohol consumption only in subjects with a family history of Type 1 alcoholism who show an increase in cortisol response to stress. This behaviour is similar to that previously observed in alcohol dependent individuals after stress and thus could represent an endophenotype posing a risk for future development of alcohol use disorders. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

The Influence of Operation Temperature of the Characteristic of Sulfonated Polyether-Ether Ketone Electrolyte Membrane

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sri Handayani; Eniya Listiani Dewi

2008-01-01

Recently, high temperature Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) has been receiving great attention, because provide faster reaction kinetic, the enhance electrode kinetics, reduced size and reduce Pt-based catalyst poisoning by CO. But at high temperature, it will decrease the membrane performance i.e. low proton conductivity affected by humidification and high methanol crossover as happening to Nafion-117 membrane (commercial membrane). To solve this problems, sulfonated polyether-ether ketone and composite (silica additive) as electrolyte membrane at high temperature DMFC was tried to use. In this research, sPEEK with sulfonation degree (SD) 47 % and 68 % and addition silica 3 wt % were used as electrolyte membranes. Proton conductivity and methanol permeability of these membranes were measured at various temperatures (25, 50, 90 and 140 C ). Proton conductivity of membranes were measured by standard bridge impedance spectroscopy (LCR-meter, HIOKI 3522-50) and it was found about 0.01-0.04 S/cm. Methanol permeability of membranes were investigated by diffusion cell and gave the result about 10 - 6 - 10 - 7cm 2 /s. The best sPEEK membrane was sPEEK membrane with SD 68 % and the addition of silica 3 wt%, signed by highest selectivity value (ratio proton conductivity to methanol permeability). Therefore, electrolyte membrane based sulfonated polyether-ether ketone (SD 68 %) with silica could be used at high temperature which give promising as solid electrolyte membrane in application high temperature DMFC. (author)

Tomografia computadorizada em pacientes portadores de neurocisticercose com hipertensão intracraniana por hidrocefalia obstrutiva: comparação com ventriculografia com Dimer-X

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Benedicto Oscar Colli

1984-06-01

Full Text Available Estudo das alterações observadas nas tomografias computadorizadas (TCs de 16 casos de neurocisticercose, com hipertensão intracraniana por hidrocefalia. Todos os casos foram submetidos a radiografias simples do crânio e 12, à ventriculografia com Dimer-X. Nas radiografias simples foram observados sinais de hipertensão intracraniana em 7, calcificações em um, e d foram normais. A TC mostrou parênquima cerebral normal em 9 casos e nos 7 restantes áreas hipodensas arredondadas de tamanho variado, com ou sem retenção de contraste na periferia, e/ou calcificações esparsas no parenquima. Hidrocefalia foi a única alteração observada no sistema ventricular nos casos em que o exame foi realizado previamente à derivação do LCR. As ventriculografias foram analisadas em trabalho anterior e permitiram localizar e determinar as características da obstrução e a presença de massas ocupando espaço dentro dos ventrículos. A comparação das ventriculografias e TCs realizadas na mesma época evidenciou que a primeira fornece melhores informações sobre o sistema ventricular mas, por outro lado, a tomografia fornece informações adicionais sobre o parênquima cerebral. A TC e a ventriculografia são exames que se completam na avaliação e no diagnóstico destes pacientes.

SQUID position sensor development

Science.gov (United States)

Torii, Rodney

1996-11-01

I describe the development of an inductance position sensor for the STEP (satellite test of the equivalence principle) accelerometer. I have measured the inductance (with an experimental error of 0.5%) of a single-turn thin-film niobium pick-up coil as a function of the distance from a thin-film niobium disc (both at 4.2 K and superconducting). The circular pick-up coil had a diameter of 4 cm with a track width of 0264-9381/13/11A/022/img1. The disc (mock test mass) had a diameter of 4 cm. The distance range between the coil and disc was set by the range of a low-temperature differential capacitance sensor: 0 - 2 mm with a resolution of 0264-9381/13/11A/022/img2. The full range of the low-temperature translation stage was 0 - 4 mm. The inductance was measured using an LCR meter in a four-wire configuration. The measured inductance was compared to the inductance of a circular loop above a superconducting plane. Due to the fact that the thin-film disc is of finite size, the calculation differed from experiment by as much as 12%. I have also calculated the inductance by segmenting the thin-film niobium disc into 500 concentric rings (each with a width of 0264-9381/13/11A/022/img3). A discrepancy between calculation and experiment of approximately 3% was found.

Measurement of bio-impedance with a smart needle to confirm percutaneous kidney access.

Science.gov (United States)

Hernandez, D J; Sinkov, V A; Roberts, W W; Allaf, M E; Patriciu, A; Jarrett, T W; Kavoussi, L R; Stoianovici, D

2001-10-01

The traditional method of percutaneous renal access requires freehand needle placement guided by C-arm fluoroscopy, ultrasonography, or computerized tomography. This approach provides limited objective means for verifying successful access. We developed an impedance based percutaneous Smart Needle system and successfully used it to confirm collecting system access in ex vivo porcine kidneys. The Smart Needle consists of a modified 18 gauge percutaneous access needle with the inner stylet electrically insulated from the outer sheath. Impedance is measured between the exposed stylet tip and sheath using Model 4275 LCR meter (Hewlett-Packard, Sunnyvale, California). An ex vivo porcine kidney was distended by continuous gravity infusion of 100 cm. water saline from a catheter passed through the parenchyma into the collecting system. The Smart Needle was gradually inserted into the kidney to measure depth precisely using a robotic needle placement system, while impedance was measured continuously. The Smart Needle was inserted 4 times in each of 4 kidneys. When the needle penetrated the distended collecting system in 11 of 16 attempts, a characteristic sharp drop in resistivity was noted from 1.9 to 1.1 ohm m. Entry into the collecting system was confirmed by removing the stylet and observing fluid flow from the sheath. This characteristic impedance change was observed only at successful entry into the collecting system. A characteristic sharp drop in impedance signifies successful entry into the collecting system. The Smart Needle system may prove useful for percutaneous kidney access.

Groundwater contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon due to diesel spill from a telecom base station in a Nigerian City: assessment of human health risk exposure.

Science.gov (United States)

Ugochukwu, Uzochukwu Cornelius; Ochonogor, Alfred

2018-03-26

Diesel pollution of groundwater poses great threat to public health, mainly as a result of the constituent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In this study, the human health risk exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in diesel contaminated groundwater used by several families at Ring Road, Jos, Nigeria (as caused by diesel spill from a telecom base station) was assessed. Prior to the groundwater being treated, the residents were using the water after scooping off the visible diesel sheen for purposes of cooking, washing, and bathing. Until this study, it is not clear whether the groundwater contamination had resulted in sub-chronic exposure of the residents using the water to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to the extent of the PAHs posing a health risk. The diesel contaminated groundwater and uncontaminated nearby groundwater (control) were collected and analyzed for PAHs using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The dosage of the dermal and oral ingestion entry routes of PAHs was determined. The estimation of the non-carcinogenic health risk was via hazard quotients (HQ) and the associated hazard index (HI), while the estimation of the carcinogenic health risk was via lifetime cancer risks (LCR) and the associated risk index (RI). Obtained results indicate that the exposure of the residents to the PAHs may have made them susceptible to the risk of non-carcinogenic health effects of benzo(a)pyrene and the carcinogenic health effects of benzo(a)anthracene and benzo(a)pyrene.

Phase formation, dielectric and magnetic properties of bismuth ferrite–lead magnesium niobate multiferroic composites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wongmaneerung, R., E-mail: re_nok@yahoo.com [Faculty of Science, Maejo University, Chiang Mai 50290 (Thailand); Padchasri, J.; Tipakontitikul, R. [Department of Physics, Ubonratchathani University, Ubonratchathani 31490 (Thailand); Loan, T.H. [International Training Institute for Materials Science (ITIMS), Hanoi University of Science and Technology, No. 1, Dai Co Viet, Hanoi (Viet Nam); Jantaratana, P. [Department of Physics, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900 (Thailand); Yimnirun, R. [School of Physics, Institute of Science, and NANOTEC-SUT Center of Excellence of Advanced Functional Nanomaterials, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000 (Thailand); Ananta, S. [Department of Physics and Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200 (Thailand)

2014-09-01

Highlights: • A bimodal particle size concept was designed in the production of BF–PMN composites. • A very abnormal diffuse dielectric pattern is observed during the heating process. • BF–PMN composites show highly saturated magnetization. - Abstract: Binary multiferroic composites (1−x)BiFeO{sub 3}–xPb(Mg{sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3})O{sub 3} (BF–PMN; x = 0.0–50 wt%) were fabricated through a traditional ceramic process. The effect of the PMN contents on the phase assemblage, microstructure, dielectric and magnetic properties of the samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), LCR meter and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), respectively. The results indicate that all composites show that perovskite structure and PMN phase is compatible with the BF phase. The microstructure displays the mix phases between BF, PMN, Bi-rich BF and Fe-rich BF phases. Dielectric anomalies of these composites are totally different from BiFeO{sub 3} single phase. Moreover, the dielectric constant is found to increase as the content of PMN decreases. Magnetic transition temperatures are in the range of 270–440 °C. Interestingly, the M–H hysteresis loop measurements indicated that all composites exhibited weak ferromagnetism behavior at room temperature. The maximum remanent magnetization M{sub r} is observed for x = 30 wt% and then decreases when the PMN content is more than 40 wt%.

Possible interaction between B1 retrotransposon-containing sequences and β(major) globin gene transcriptional activation during MEL cell erythroid differentiation.

Science.gov (United States)

Vizirianakis, Ioannis S; Tezias, Sotirios S; Amanatiadou, Elsa P; Tsiftsoglou, Asterios S

2012-01-01

Repetitive sequences consist of >50% of mammalian genomic DNAs and among these SINEs (short interspersed nuclear elements), e.g. B1 elements, account for 8% of the mouse genome. In an effort to delineate the molecular mechanism(s) involved in the blockade of the in vitro differentiation program of MEL (murine erythroleukaemia) cells by treatment with methylation inhibitors, we detected a DNA region of 559 bp in chromosome 7 located downstream of the 3'-end of the β(major) globin gene (designated B1-559) with unique characteristics. We have fully characterized this B1-559 region that includes a B1 element, several repeats of ATG initiation codons and consensus DNA-binding sites for erythroid-specific transcription factors NF-E2 (nuclear factor-erythroid-derived 2), GATA-1 and EKLF (erythroid Krüppel-like factor). Fragments derived from B1-559 incubated with nuclear extracts form protein complexes in both undifferentiated and differentiated MEL cells. Transient reporter-gene experiments in MEL and human erythroleukaemia K-562 cells with recombinant constructs containing B1-559 fragments linked to HS-2 (hypersensitive site-2) sequences of human β-globin gene LCR (locus control region) indicated potential cooperation upon erythropoiesis and globin gene expression. The possible interaction between the B1-559 region and β(major) globin gene transcriptional activation upon execution of erythroid MEL cell differentiation programme is discussed. © The Author(s) Journal compilation © 2012 Portland Press Limited

DC bias effect on alternating current electrical conductivity of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/alumina nanocomposites

Science.gov (United States)

Nikam, Pravin N.; Deshpande, Vineeta D.

2016-05-01

Polymer nanocomposites based on metal oxide (ceramic) nanoparticles are a new class of materials with unique properties and designed for various applications such as electronic device packaging, insulation, fabrication and automotive industries. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/alumina (Al2O3) nanocomposites with filler content between 1 wt% and 5 wt% were prepared by melt compounding method using co-rotating twin screw extruder and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and precision LCR meter techniques. The results revealed that proper uniform dispersion at lower content up to 2 wt% of nano-alumina observed by using TEM. Aggregation of nanoparticles was observed at higher content of alumina examined by using SEM and TEM. The frequency dependences of the alternating current (AC) conductivity (σAC) of PET/alumina nanocomposites on the filler content and DC bias were investigated in the frequency range of 20Hz - 1MHz. The results showed that the AC and direct current (DC) conductivity increases with increasing DC bias and nano-alumina content upto 3 wt%. It follows the Jonscher's universal power law of solids. It revealed that σAC of PET/alumina nanocomposites can be well characterized by the DC conductivity (σDC), critical frequency (ωc), critical exponent of the power law (s). Roll of DC bias potential led to an increase of DC conductivity (σDC) due to the creation of additional conducting paths with the polymer nanocomposites and percolation behavior achieved through co-continuous morphology.

Pathogenesis of human papillomavirus-associated mucosal disease.

Science.gov (United States)

Groves, Ian J; Coleman, Nicholas

2015-03-01

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a necessary cause of carcinoma of the cervix and other mucosal epithelia. Key events in high-risk HPV (HRHPV)-associated neoplastic progression include persistent infection, deregulated expression of virus early genes in basal epithelial cells and genomic instability causing secondary host genomic imbalances. There are multiple mechanisms by which deregulated virus early gene expression may be achieved. Integration of virus DNA into host chromosomes is observed in the majority of cervical squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), although in ∼15% of cases the virus remains extrachromosomal (episomal). Interestingly, not all integration events provide a growth advantage to basal cervical epithelial cells or lead to increased levels of the virus oncogenes E6 and E7, when compared with episome-containing basal cells. The factors that provide a competitive advantage to some integrants, but not others, are complex and include virus and host contributions. Gene expression from integrated and episomal HRHPV is regulated through host epigenetic mechanisms affecting the virus long control region (LCR), which appear to be of functional importance. New approaches to treating HRHPV-associated mucosal neoplasia include knockout of integrated HRHPV DNA, depletion of virus transcripts and inhibition of virus early gene transcription through targeting or use of epigenetic modifiers. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Synthesis of LiFePO4/C composites based on natural iron stone using a sol gel method

Science.gov (United States)

Angela, Riyan; Islam, Humaatul; Sari, Vamellia; Latif, Chaironi; Zainuri, Mochamad; Pratapa, Suminar

2017-01-01

Synthesis of LiFePO4/C composites has been carried out using a sol gel method. The Fe precursor was made from a natural iron stone of Tanah Laut, South Kalimantan, while the other raw materials were commercial Li2CO3 powder and NH4H2PO4 powder with HCl and water as solvents. Citric acid was used as the carbon source in the synthesis. This study used a molar ratio of 1:1:2 for Li:Fe:P with variation of added citric acid of 1.5 and 2.5 g. The solutions were dried in air at 100°C. The dried powders were characterized using DSC-TGA and then calcined at 600 and 700°C under argon environment for 10 hours. The calcined powders were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray (SEM-EDX), and LCR meter. It was found that the samples contained LiFePO4 as the dominant phase and LiFeP2O7 and Fe2O3 as secondary phases. The analysis showed that the addition of citric acid influenced the electronic conductivity of the composites. A Rietveld relative weight fraction of up to 94.7% was achieved in the synthesis at temperature 600°C. The LFP/C sample exhibited electronic conductivity of 4.56×10-3 Scm-1 which was six times of that of the pure LFP.

Label-free detection of sex determining region Y (SRY) via capacitive biosensor

KAUST Repository

Sivashankar, Shilpa

2016-10-20

In this work, we present for the first time, the use of a simple fractal capacitive biosensor for the quantification and detection of sex-determining region Y (SRY) genes. This section of genetic code, which is found on the Y chromosome, finds importance for study as it causes fetuses to develop characteristics of male sex-like gonads when a mutation occurs. It is also an important genetic code in men, and disorders involving the SRY gene can cause infertility and sexual malfunction that lead to a variety of gene mutational disorders. We have therefore designed silicon-based, label-free fractal capacitive biosensors to quantify various proteins and genes. We take advantage of a good dielectric material, Parylene C for enhancing the performance of the sensors. We have integrated these sensors with a simple microchannel for easy handling of fluids on the detection area. The read-out value of an Agilent LCR meter used to measure capacitance of the sensor at a frequency of 1 MHz determined gene specificity and gene quantification. These data revealed that the capacitance measurement of the capacitive biosensor for the SRY gene depended on both the target and the concentration of DNA. The experimental outcomes in the present study can be used to detect DNA and its variations in crucial fields that have a great impact on our daily lives, such as clinical and veterinary diagnostics, industrial and environmental testing and forensic sciences.

Effect of milk production system on the enzootic stability to Anaplasma marginale and Babesia bovis in calves in the Campo das Vertentes region of Minas Gerais state, BrazilEfeito do sistema de produção de leite sobre a estabilidade enzoótica para Anaplasma marginale e Babesia bovis em bezerras na região do Campo das Vertentes de Minas Gerais, Brasil

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Christiane Maria Barcellos Magalhães Rocha

2012-04-01

íneos, sorologia por meio da reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI, determinado o volume globular e riquetsemia, e os escores clínicos das bezerras infectadas por A. marginale. Nas propriedades de leite B (LB, a frequência média global de bezerras soropositivas para A. marginale e B. bovis foi de 94,47% (166/176 e 89,20% (157/176, respectivamente. Nas fazendas de leite cru refrigerado (LCR, a frequência média global de bezerras soropositivas para A. marginale foi de 92,59% (149/161 e para B. bovis de 86,30% (139/161, não havendo diferença (p > 0,05 na frequência de animais infectados para ambos hemoparasitos entre os dois sistemas de produção de leite. Entretanto, houve diferença (p 0,05 entre os animais de propriedades de LB e LCR. Os resultados deste estudo indicam que, na região do Campo das Vertentes de Minas Gerais, o sistema de produção não interfere na estabilidade enzoótica para A. marginale e B. bovis em bezerras provenientes de fazendas produtoras de Leite B ou leite cru refrigerado, com baixo risco de ocorrência de anaplasmose e/ou babesiose em animais adultos.

Outcome of temperature variation on sol-gel prepared CuO nanostructure properties (optical and dielectric)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bibi, Maryam [Nano Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Physics, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad (Pakistan); Javed, Qurat-ul-Ain, E-mail: quratulain@sns.nust.edu.pk [Nano Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Physics, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad (Pakistan); Abbas, Hussain [Institute of Avionics & Aeronautics (IAA), Air University, Islamabad (Pakistan); Baqi, Sabah [Nano Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Physics, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad (Pakistan)

2017-05-01

The optical and dielectric properties of Copper Oxide (CuO) have made it a fascinating material to be used in solar energy harvesting, gas sensing, optoelectronics and catalytical applications. Focusing on the cost-effectiveness of Sol-gel method, it is employed for nanostructured CuO production. Effect of changing temperature is observed on the formation mechanism of CuO and its properties. The temperature range of 300 °C–500 °C was used in annealing of samples to produce defect free CuO nanomaterial. Prepared material was investigated using phase characterization (X-ray diffraction ‘XRD’) technique, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–Visible absorption spectroscopy and LCR meter. A structural change in prepared CuO was observed from cluster formation to Nano-fibrils by increase in annealing temperature. 11.99 nm–29.17 nm crystallites of CuO were attained by using Debye Scherer formula. A large band gap of 3.15 eV was achieved by increasing the annealing temperature upto 400 °C. For better solar energy harvest, wide band gapped CuO structures are proved to be functional and practical materials. The fabricated CuO nanostructures were found suitable to be used in devices for stabilizing circuit designs for sensitive appliances as well as micro electromechanical systems (mems). - Highlights: • CuO was synthesized by using sol gel method post growth annealing process. • XRD and SEM characterizations confirm the successful synthesis of CuO. • Change in morphology was observed with varying annealing temperature. • Improved optical and dielectric properties were observed.

DC bias effect on alternating current electrical conductivity of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/alumina nanocomposites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nikam, Pravin N., E-mail: pravinya26@gmail.com; Deshpande, Vineeta D., E-mail: drdeshpandevd@gmail.com [Department of Physics, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai-400019, Maharashtra (India)

2016-05-06

Polymer nanocomposites based on metal oxide (ceramic) nanoparticles are a new class of materials with unique properties and designed for various applications such as electronic device packaging, insulation, fabrication and automotive industries. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/alumina (Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}) nanocomposites with filler content between 1 wt% and 5 wt% were prepared by melt compounding method using co-rotating twin screw extruder and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and precision LCR meter techniques. The results revealed that proper uniform dispersion at lower content up to 2 wt% of nano-alumina observed by using TEM. Aggregation of nanoparticles was observed at higher content of alumina examined by using SEM and TEM. The frequency dependences of the alternating current (AC) conductivity (σ{sub AC}) of PET/alumina nanocomposites on the filler content and DC bias were investigated in the frequency range of 20Hz - 1MHz. The results showed that the AC and direct current (DC) conductivity increases with increasing DC bias and nano-alumina content upto 3 wt%. It follows the Jonscher’s universal power law of solids. It revealed that σ{sub AC} of PET/alumina nanocomposites can be well characterized by the DC conductivity (σ{sub DC}), critical frequency (ω{sub c}), critical exponent of the power law (s). Roll of DC bias potential led to an increase of DC conductivity (σ{sub DC}) due to the creation of additional conducting paths with the polymer nanocomposites and percolation behavior achieved through co-continuous morphology.

Systematic review: probiotics for functional constipation in children.

Science.gov (United States)

Wojtyniak, Katarzyna; Szajewska, Hania

2017-09-01

We updated our 2010 systematic review on the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of constipation in children. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases; clinical trial registries; and reference lists of included studies were searched to February 2017 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) performed in children, with no language restriction. The primary outcome measure was treatment success, as defined by the investigators. We included seven RCTs with a total of 515 participants. Included trials were heterogeneous with respect to study population, probiotic strains, dosages, study duration, and follow-up. Pooled results of two RCTs showed no significant difference between the Lactobacillus rhamnosus casei Lcr35 and placebo groups with respect to treatment success. Other probiotics were studied in single trials only. There was no significant difference between the probiotic and control groups with respect to treatment success. While some probiotic strains showed some effects on defecation frequency, none of the probiotics had beneficial effects on frequency of fecal incontinence or frequency of abdominal pain. Adverse events were rare and not serious. Limited evidence does not support the use of any of currently evaluated probiotics in the treatment of functional constipation in children. What is Known: • Conventional treatment for functional constipation in children does not always provide satisfying improvement. • Probiotics have been suggested as potential treatment modalities for this condition. What is New: • Probiotics are ineffective for the management of functional constipation in children in terms of treatment success, frequency of fecal incontinence, and frequency of abdominal pain.

Elucidating the urban levels, sources and health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Pakistan: Implications for changing energy demand.

Science.gov (United States)

Hamid, Naima; Syed, Jabir Hussain; Junaid, Muhammad; Mahmood, Adeel; Li, Jun; Zhang, Gan; Malik, Riffat Naseem

2018-04-01

Due to the severe fuel crisis in terms of natural gas, a paradigm shift in fuel combustion (diesel, gasoline, and biomass) may increase the atmospheric emissions and associated health risks in Pakistan. Present study was aimed to investigate the concentration of fugitive PAHs in the environment (outdoor and indoor settings), associated probabilistic health risk assessment in the exposed population, and possible linkage between fuel consumption patterns and PAHs emissions in twin cities (Rawalpindi and Islamabad) of Pakistan. Results showed that the mean PAHs concentrations (air: 2390pgm -3 ; dust: 167ngg -1 ) in the indoor environment were higher than that of the outdoor environment (air: 2132pgm -3 ; dust: 90.0ngg -1 ). Further, the source apportionment PCA-MLR receptor model identified diesel and gasoline combustion as the primary PAHs sources in the urban and sub-urban settings. Estimated life cancer risk (LCR) potential via inhalation to indoor PAHs was higher with a probability of 2.0 cases per 10,000 inhabitants as compared to outdoor exposure. Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) model from exposure to dust bound PAHs showed risk in the order of ingestion>dermal>inhalation for various exposure pathways. Likewise, estimated daily intake (EDI) model reflects that PAHs in surface dust enter into the human body mainly through the respiratory system because EDI for breathing was reported higher than that of oral intake. Therefore, adoption of sustainable fuels is recommended to meet the energy requirements and to reduce PAHs emissions and related health risks in the twin cities of Pakistan. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis, dielectric, conductivity and magnetic studies of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn(1/3−xAlxO2 (x = 0.0, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06 for cathode materials of lithium-ion batteries

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

N. Murali

Full Text Available Layered structure cathode materials LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn(1/3−xAlxO2 (x = 0.0, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06 are prepared by the sol-gel method by adding citric acid as chelating agent. The physical, electrical and magnetic properties of the synthesized materials are systematically discussed using the structural (XRD, FESEM with EDS and FT-IR, impedance (LCR and electron spin resonance (ESR measurements. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the synthesized samples possessed the α-NaFeO2 structure of the space group, R3¯m, with no evidence of any impurities. The peak intensity ratio I(104/I(003 increased with Al concentration, which indicated the cation mixing between transition metal layer and lithium layer. The field effect scanning electron microscopy showed the particle size distribution in the range of 230–250 nm and EDS has been analysed for elemental mapping. The local structure is investigated by vibrational spectroscopy in FT-IR study. The impedance studies are characterized by complex impedance spectroscopy (CIS in the frequency range from 42 Hz to 1 MHz at room temperature (30 °C. The dielectric properties are analyzed in the framework of complex dielectric permittivity and formalism of the complex electric modulus. For these samples, the ESR analysis of magnetic measurements, the degree of cation mixing, is estimated to be Ni2+(3b = 2.75%. Keywords: Layered structure, XRD, FESEM, FT-IR, Dielectric, ESR

Proximity and Force Characteristics of CMC Touch Sensor with Square/Dome-shaped Sensor Elements

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kawamura, T; Inaguma, N; Kakizaki, Y; Yamada, H; Tani, K

2013-01-01

A tactile sensor called Carbon Micro Coil (CMC) touch sensor was developed by CMC Technology Development Co., Ltd. The sensor's elements used in the experiments of this paper are made of silicon rubber containing CMCs several micrometers in diameter. One of the elements is molded into a square 30 mm on a side and 3 mm thick; the other is a dome 16 mm in diameter and 2 mm height. CMCs in the sensor element contribute to the electrical conductivity and the sensor element is considered to constitute an LCR circuit. When an object approaches to the sensor element or the sensor element is deformed mechanically, the impedance changes, and the CMC sensor detects the impedance changes by measuring the modulation of amplitude and phase of an input excitation signal to the sensor element. The CMC sensor also creates voltage signals of the R- and LC-components separately according to the amplitude and phase modulation. In this paper, the characteristics of the CMC sensor with respect to its proximity and force senses are investigated. First, the output of the CMC sensor with the square-shaped sensor element is measured when an object approaches to the sensor element. Next, the output of the CMC sensor with the dome-shaped sensor element is measured when fine deformations of 1 to 5 μm are applied to the sensor element under variable compression force. The results suggest that the CMC sensor can measure the force variance applied to the sensor element as well as the distance between the sensor element and an object.

Mortalidad por meningitis por Pasteurella canis. Oportunidades de aprendizaje

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ana Rosa Ropero Vera

2016-01-01

Full Text Available La meningitis bacteriana es una enfermedad importante de distribución mundial, causa mayor y sustancial de mortalidad y morbilidad en países en desarrollo. La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS sostiene que la meningitis es una de las diez afecciones principales del ser humano y debe ser considerada como una emergencia infectológica; por eso es fundamental reconocer que esta enfermedad es causa de muerte en niños de todo el mundo, sin distinción de raza, nivel económico o sociocultural. Se realizó una investigación de caso en menor de 53 días de nacido, que cumplía con los criterios clínicos y de laboratorio compatible con meningitis bacteriana, con el propósito de analizar y fortalecer la toma de decisiones en salud pública por parte de la secretaría local de salud del municipio de Valledupar (Colombia. Entre los hallazgos se encontró antecedentes infecciosos en el menor, coloración de Gram y cultivo de LCR, en el que se identificó cocobacilos Gram negativos, que fueron aislados como agente causal Pasteurella canis. Este estudio pretende sensibilizar a los prestadores de salud para que cuenten con personal altamente capacitado para brindar tratamientos adecuados y prevenir complicaciones en la meningitis bacteriana en niños, y así disminuir la posibilidad de secuelas o muerte, tanto en pacientes con compromiso inmunológico o sin este.

An estimation of the prevalence of genomic disorders using chromosomal microarray data.

Science.gov (United States)

Gillentine, Madelyn A; Lupo, Philip J; Stankiewicz, Pawel; Schaaf, Christian P

2018-04-24

Multiple genomic disorders result from recurrent deletions or duplications between low copy repeat (LCR) clusters, mediated by nonallelic homologous recombination. These copy number variants (CNVs) often exhibit variable expressivity and/or incomplete penetrance. However, the population prevalence of many genomic disorders has not been estimated accurately. A subset of genomic disorders similarly characterized by CNVs between LCRs have been studied epidemiologically, including Williams-Beuren syndrome (7q11.23), Smith-Magenis syndrome (17p11.2), velocardiofacial syndrome (22q11.21), Prader-Willi/Angelman syndromes (15q11.2q12), 17q12 deletion syndrome, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy type 1/hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsy (PMP22, 17q11.2). We have generated a method to estimate prevalence of highly penetrant genomic disorders by (1) leveraging epidemiological data for genomic disorders with previously reported prevalence estimates, (2) obtaining chromosomal microarray data on genomic disorders from a large medical genetics clinic; and (3) utilizing these in a linear regression model to determine the prevalence of this syndromic copy number change among the general population. Using our algorithm, the prevalence for five clinically relevant recurrent genomic disorders: 1q21.1 microdeletion (1/6882 live births) and microduplication syndromes (1/6309), 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome (1/5525), and 16p11.2 microdeletion (1/3021) and microduplication syndromes (1/4216), were determined. These findings will inform epidemiological strategies for evaluating those conditions, and our method may be useful to evaluate the prevalence of other highly penetrant genomic disorders.

Assessment of indoor air concentrations of VOCs and their associated health risks in the library of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Science.gov (United States)

Kumar, Amit; Singh, Bhupendra Pratap; Punia, Monika; Singh, Deepak; Kumar, Krishan; Jain, V K

2014-02-01

The present work investigated the levels of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m/p-xylene, and o-xylene (BTEX) in different microenvironments in the library of Jawaharlal Nehru University in summer and winter during 2011-2012. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks due to organic compounds were also evaluated using US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) conventional approaches. Real-time monitoring was done for TVOC using a data-logging photo-ionization detector. For BTEX measurements, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) standard method which consists of active sampling of air through activated charcoal, followed by analysis with gas chromatography, was performed. Simultaneously, outdoor measurements for TVOC and BTEX were carried out. Indoor concentrations of TVOC and BTEX (except benzene) were higher as compared to the outdoor for both seasons. Toluene and m/p-xylene were the most abundant organic contaminant observed in this study. Indoor to outdoor (I/O) ratios of BTEX compounds were generally greater than unity and ranged from 0.2 to 8.7 and 0.2 to 4.3 in winter and summer, respectively. Statistical analysis and I/O ratios showed that the dominant pollution sources mainly came from indoors. The observed mean concentrations of TVOC lie within the second group of the Molhave criteria of indoor air quality, indicating a multifactorial exposure range. The estimated lifetime cancer risk (LCR) due to benzene in this study exceeded the value of 1 × 10(-6) recommended by USEPA, and the hazard quotient (HQ) of non-cancer risk came under an acceptable range.

DC bias effect on alternating current electrical conductivity of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/alumina nanocomposites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nikam, Pravin N.; Deshpande, Vineeta D.

2016-01-01

Polymer nanocomposites based on metal oxide (ceramic) nanoparticles are a new class of materials with unique properties and designed for various applications such as electronic device packaging, insulation, fabrication and automotive industries. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/alumina (Al_2O_3) nanocomposites with filler content between 1 wt% and 5 wt% were prepared by melt compounding method using co-rotating twin screw extruder and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and precision LCR meter techniques. The results revealed that proper uniform dispersion at lower content up to 2 wt% of nano-alumina observed by using TEM. Aggregation of nanoparticles was observed at higher content of alumina examined by using SEM and TEM. The frequency dependences of the alternating current (AC) conductivity (σ_A_C) of PET/alumina nanocomposites on the filler content and DC bias were investigated in the frequency range of 20Hz - 1MHz. The results showed that the AC and direct current (DC) conductivity increases with increasing DC bias and nano-alumina content upto 3 wt%. It follows the Jonscher’s universal power law of solids. It revealed that σ_A_C of PET/alumina nanocomposites can be well characterized by the DC conductivity (σ_D_C), critical frequency (ω_c), critical exponent of the power law (s). Roll of DC bias potential led to an increase of DC conductivity (σ_D_C) due to the creation of additional conducting paths with the polymer nanocomposites and percolation behavior achieved through co-continuous morphology.

Electrical characteristic of the titanium mesh electrode for transcutaneous intrabody communication to monitor implantable artificial organs.

Science.gov (United States)

Okamoto, Eiji; Kikuchi, Sakiko; Mitamura, Yoshinori

2016-09-01

We have developed a tissue-inducing electrode using titanium mesh to obtain mechanically and electrically stable contact with the tissue for a new transcutaneous communication system using the human body as a conductive medium. In this study, we investigated the electrical properties of the titanium mesh electrode by measuring electrode-tissue interface resistance in vivo. The titanium mesh electrode (Hi-Lex Co., Zellez, Hyogo, Japan) consisted of titanium fibers (diameter of 50 μm), and it has an average pore size of 200 μm and 87 % porosity. The titanium mesh electrode has a diameter of 5 mm and thickness of 1.5 mm. Three titanium mesh electrodes were implanted separately into the dorsal region of the rat. We measured the electrode-electrode impedance using an LCR meter for 12 weeks, and we calculated the tissue resistivity and electrode-tissue interface resistance. The electrode-tissue interface resistance of the titanium mesh electrode decreased slightly until the third POD and then continuously increased to 75 Ω. The electrode-tissue interface resistance of the titanium mesh electrode is stable and it has lower electrode-tissue interface resistance than that of a titanium disk electrode. The extracted titanium mesh electrode after 12 weeks implantation was fixed in 10 % buffered formalin solution and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Light microscopic observation showed that the titanium mesh electrode was filled with connective tissue, inflammatory cells and fibroblasts with some capillaries in the pores of the titanium mesh. The results indicate that the titanium mesh electrode is a promising electrode for the new transcutaneous communication system.

Optical constants, dispersion energy parameters and dielectric properties of ultra-smooth nanocrystalline BiVO4 thin films prepared by rf-magnetron sputtering

Science.gov (United States)

Sarkar, S.; Das, N. S.; Chattopadhyay, K. K.

2014-07-01

BiVO4 thin films have been prepared through radio frequency (rf) magnetron sputtering of a pre-fabricated BiVO4 target on ITO coated glass (ITO-glass) substrate and bare glass substrates. BiVO4 target material was prepared through solid-state reaction method by heating Bi2O3 and V2O5 mixture at 800 °C for 8 h. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis spectroscopy, LCR meter, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. BiVO4 thin films deposited on the ITO-glass substrate are much smoother compared to the thin films prepared on bare glass substrate. The rms surface roughness calculated from the AFM images comes out to be 0.74 nm and 4.2 nm for the films deposited on the ITO-glass substrate and bare glass substrate for the deposition time 150 min respectively. Optical constants and energy dispersion parameters of these extra-smooth BiVO4 thin films have been investigated in detail. Dielectric properties of the BiVO4 thin films on ITO-glass substrate were also investigated. The frequency dependence of dielectric constant of the BiVO4 thin films has been measured in the frequency range from 20 Hz to 2 MHz. It was found that the dielectric constant increased from 145 to 343 at 20 Hz as the film thickness increased from 90 nm to 145 nm (deposition time increased from 60 min to 150 min). It shows higher dielectric constant compared to the literature value of BiVO4.

Methylated Host Cell Gene Promoters and Human Papillomavirus Type 16 and 18 Predicting Cervical Lesions and Cancer.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nina Milutin Gašperov

Full Text Available Change in the host and/or human papillomavirus (HPV DNA methylation profile is probably one of the main factors responsible for the malignant progression of cervical lesions to cancer. To investigate those changes we studied 173 cervical samples with different grades of cervical lesion, from normal to cervical cancer. The methylation status of nine cellular gene promoters, CCNA1, CDH1, C13ORF18, DAPK1, HIC1, RARβ2, hTERT1, hTERT2 and TWIST1, was investigated by Methylation Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (MSP. The methylation of HPV18 L1-gene was also investigated by MSP, while the methylated cytosines within four regions, L1, 5'LCR, enhancer, and promoter of the HPV16 genome covering 19 CpG sites were evaluated by bisulfite sequencing. Statistically significant methylation biomarkers distinguishing between cervical precursor lesions from normal cervix were primarily C13ORF18 and secondly CCNA1, and those distinguishing cervical cancer from normal or cervical precursor lesions were CCNA1, C13ORF18, hTERT1, hTERT2 and TWIST1. In addition, the methylation analysis of individual CpG sites of the HPV16 genome in different sample groups, notably the 7455 and 7694 sites, proved to be more important than the overall methylation frequency. The majority of HPV18 positive samples contained both methylated and unmethylated L1 gene, and samples with L1-gene methylated forms alone had better prognosis when correlated with the host cell gene promoters' methylation profiles. In conclusion, both cellular and viral methylation biomarkers should be used for monitoring cervical lesion progression to prevent invasive cervical cancer.

Mielitis aguda necrotizante en un paciente con Sida Acute necrotizing myelitis in an AIDS patient

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. Corti

2003-04-01

Full Text Available Como consecuencia de la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana tipo-1 (HIV-1, otros patógenos como citomegalovirus (CMV y herpes simple tipo 1-2 (HSV 1-2 pueden comprometer tanto el sistema nervioso central como el periférico. Estos agentes pueden involucrar también a la médula espinal y causar una mielitis aguda necrotizante. Esta complicación ocurre por lo general en pacientes con enfermedad HIV/sida avanzada y marcada inmunodeficiencia, con recuentos de linfocitos T CD4+ de menos de 50 cél/µL. El cuadro clínico, los cambios en el LCR y las neuroimágenes generan una importante sospecha diagnóstica. Es fundamental el inicio precoz de la terapia antiviral específica. Se presenta un paciente con enfermedad avanzada debida al HIV-1 y mielitis aguda necrotizante por CMV y HSV bajo la forma clínica de síndrome de la cola de caballo.In the setting of HIV infection, cytomegalovirus (CMV and herpes simplex virus type 1-2 (HSV 1-2 can affect both the central and peripheral nervous systems. These agents can involve the spinal cord and produce a necrotizing transverse myelitis. This usually occurs in AIDS patients with severe immunodeficiency: CD4 + lymphocyte counts typically are less than 50 cell/µL. The clinical presentation, CSF and imaging studies can provide a high level of suspicion diagnosis. Prompt initiation of antiviral specific drugs is essential. We report a patient with an acute necrotizing myelitis (cauda equina syndrome secondary to CMV and HSV infections.

Identification and validation of human papillomavirus encoded microRNAs.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kui Qian

Full Text Available We report here identification and validation of the first papillomavirus encoded microRNAs expressed in human cervical lesions and cell lines. We established small RNA libraries from ten human papillomavirus associated cervical lesions including cancer and two human papillomavirus harboring cell lines. These libraries were sequenced using SOLiD 4 technology. We used the sequencing data to predict putative viral microRNAs and discovered nine putative papillomavirus encoded microRNAs. Validation was performed for five candidates, four of which were successfully validated by qPCR from cervical tissue samples and cell lines: two were encoded by HPV 16, one by HPV 38 and one by HPV 68. The expression of HPV 16 microRNAs was further confirmed by in situ hybridization, and colocalization with p16INK4A was established. Prediction of cellular target genes of HPV 16 encoded microRNAs suggests that they may play a role in cell cycle, immune functions, cell adhesion and migration, development, and cancer. Two putative viral target sites for the two validated HPV 16 miRNAs were mapped to the E5 gene, one in the E1 gene, two in the L1 gene and one in the LCR region. This is the first report to show that papillomaviruses encode their own microRNA species. Importantly, microRNAs were found in libraries established from human cervical disease and carcinoma cell lines, and their expression was confirmed in additional tissue samples. To our knowledge, this is also the first paper to use in situ hybridization to show the expression of a viral microRNA in human tissue.

Sensor to detect endothelialization on an active coronary stent

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Coffey Arthur C

2010-11-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background A serious complication with drug-eluting coronary stents is late thrombosis, caused by exposed stent struts not covered by endothelial cells in the healing process. Real-time detection of this healing process could guide physicians for more individualized anti-platelet therapy. Here we present work towards developing a sensor to detect this healing process. Sensors on several stent struts could give information about the heterogeneity of healing across the stent. Methods A piezoelectric microcantilever was insulated with parylene and demonstrated as an endothelialization detector for incorporation within an active coronary stent. After initial characterization, endothelial cells were plated onto the cantilever surface. After they attached to the surface, they caused an increase in mass, and thus a decrease in the resonant frequencies of the cantilever. This shift was then detected electrically with an LCR meter. The self-sensing, self-actuating cantilever does not require an external, optical detection system, thus allowing for implanted applications. Results A cell density of 1300 cells/mm2 on the cantilever surface is detected. Conclusions We have developed a self-actuating, self-sensing device for detecting the presence of endothelial cells on a surface. The device is biocompatible and functions reliably in ionic liquids, making it appropriate for implantable applications. This sensor can be placed along the struts of a coronary stent to detect when the struts have been covered with a layer of endothelial cells and are no longer available surfaces for clot formation. Anti-platelet therapy can be adjusted in real-time with respect to a patient's level of healing and hemorrhaging risks.

Sexually transmitted infections, bacterial vaginosis, and candidiasis in women of reproductive age in rural Northeast Brazil: a population-based study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fabíola Araújo Oliveira

2007-09-01

Full Text Available Population-based data on sexually transmitted infections (STI, bacterial vaginosis (BV, and candidiasis reflect the epidemiological situation more accurately than studies performed in specific populations, but such data are scarce. To determine the prevalence of STI, BV, and candidiasis among women of reproductive age from a resource-poor community in Northeast Brazil, a population-based cross sectional study was undertaken. All women from seven hamlets and the centre of Pacoti municipality in the state of Ceará, aged 12 to 49 years, were invited to participate. The women were asked about socio-demographic characteristics and genital symptoms, and thereafter examined gynaecologically. Laboratory testing included polymerase chain reaction (PCR for human papillomavirus (HPV, ligase chain reaction (LCR for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, ELISA for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL and fluorescent treponema antibody absorption test (FTA-ABS for syphilis, and analysis of wet mounts, gram stains and Pap smears for trichomoniasis, candidiasis, and BV. Only women who had initiated sexual life were included in the analysis (n = 592. The prevalences of STI were: HPV 11.7% (95% confidence interval: 9.3-14.7, chlamydia 4.5% (3.0-6.6, trichomoniasis 4.1% (2.7-6.1, gonorrhoea 1.2% (0.5-2.6, syphilis 0.2% (0.0-1.1, and HIV 0%. The prevalence of BV and candidiasis was 20% (16.9-23.6 and 12.5% (10.0-15.5, respectively. The most common gynaecological complaint was lower abdominal pain. STI are common in women in rural Brazil and represent an important health threat in view of the HIV pandemic.

Synthesis and characterization of NaCo(1-x)MnxO2 solid electrolyte using sol-gel method: the effect of milling speed variations

Science.gov (United States)

Suyati, L.; Widyayanti, O. A.; Qushoyyi, M.; Darmawan, A.; Nuryanto, R.

2018-04-01

Battery is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy through electrochemical process. Further research on the synthesis of cathode of Na-ion battery that has good conductivity to maximize the battery performance needs to be conducted. One of the production steps of the NaCo(1-x)NaCo cathode synthesis in the Na-Ion battery was a ball-milling process, in which by the ball-milling process, the crystal size of NaCo(1-x)MnxO2 cathode can be minimized. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of variation of ball-milling speed to the characteristics of resulting product including the oxide types composing NaCo(1-x)MnxO2 cathode, surface morphology, and conductivity. The main ingredients used were sodium acetate, manganese acetate, cobalt acetate with molar ratio of 0.7: 0.66: 0.22, respectively and citric acid as chelating agent with the M/CA ratio of 1: 1. The variations of milling speed were 0, 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700 rpm. Characterization of the product was conducted using XRD, SEM-EDS, and conductivity meter (LCR-meter). The result showed that a solid electrolyte of NaCo(1-x)MnxO2 consisting of NaMnO2, NaO2, CoO, Co2O3, MnO2 components was successfully synthesized. The observation on the milling speed at 400 rpm showed that the solid electrolyte produced had the highest conductivity i.e. 4.08 x 10-6 Scm-1 with a homogeneous surface morphology and had a spinel formula NaCo0,65Mn0,35O2.

PERFORMANCE OF ‘TUXPAN VALENCIA’ SWEET ORANGE GRAFTED ONTO 14 ROOTSTOCKS IN NORTHERN BAHIA, BRAZIL

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

NATIANA DE OLIVEIRA FRANÇA

Full Text Available ABSTRACT In the State of Bahia, Brazil, the citrus industry is located on the north coast with the prevalence of the combination ‘Pera’ sweet orange on ‘Rangpur’ lime. Scion-rootstock diversification may contribute to the increase of yield and the extension of harvest season, as long as to decrease the risk associated to abiotic and biotic stresses. Therefore, the performance of ‘Tuxpan Valencia’ sweet orange grafted onto 14 rootstocks was evaluated in Rio Real – BA. Planting was performed in 2006 under rainfed cultivation on cohesive ultisol and tree spacing of 6.0 m x 4.0 m. Tree size, yield and fruit quality were evaluated in the period of 2010-2014, in addition to tree survival at nine years old and drought tolerance in the field based on leaf wilting. In the evaluated conditions, ‘Sunki Tropical’ and ‘Sunki Maravilha’ mandarins led to the highest scion canopy volume. The highest accumulated yield in five harvests was recorded on ‘Santa Cruz Rangpur’ lime, ‘Volkamer’ lemon, ‘Riverside’ and ‘Indio’ citrandarins, ‘Sunki Tropical’ mandarin and the hybrid TSKC x (LCR x TR – 001. ‘Riverside’ and TSKFL x CTSW – 049 induced higher yield efficiency on the canopy. The rootstocks did not influence the tree survival nine years after planting except for lower survival of TSKFL x CTSW – 049. Drought tolerance was not affected either. Regarding to the fruit quality of ‘Tuxpan Valencia’, the rootstocks influenced the juice content, soluble solids and technological index with the citrandarins, ‘Santa Cruz Rangpur’ lime, ‘Volkamer’ lemon and ‘Sunki Tropical’ mandarin presenting higher performance in general.

Duplication and relocation of the functional DPY19L2 gene within low copy repeats

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cheung Joseph

2006-03-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Low copy repeats (LCRs are thought to play an important role in recent gene evolution, especially when they facilitate gene duplications. Duplicate genes are fundamental to adaptive evolution, providing substrates for the development of new or shared gene functions. Moreover, silencing of duplicate genes can have an indirect effect on adaptive evolution by causing genomic relocation of functional genes. These changes are theorized to have been a major factor in speciation. Results Here we present a novel example showing functional gene relocation within a LCR. We characterize the genomic structure and gene content of eight related LCRs on human Chromosomes 7 and 12. Two members of a novel transmembrane gene family, DPY19L, were identified in these regions, along with six transcribed pseudogenes. One of these genes, DPY19L2, is found on Chromosome 12 and is not syntenic with its mouse orthologue. Instead, the human locus syntenic to mouse Dpy19l2 contains a pseudogene, DPY19L2P1. This indicates that the ancestral copy of this gene has been silenced, while the descendant copy has remained active. Thus, the functional copy of this gene has been relocated to a new genomic locus. We then describe the expansion and evolution of the DPY19L gene family from a single gene found in invertebrate animals. Ancient duplications have led to multiple homologues in different lineages, with three in fish, frogs and birds and four in mammals. Conclusion Our results show that the DPY19L family has expanded throughout the vertebrate lineage and has undergone recent primate-specific evolution within LCRs.

Characterization and modulation of femtosecond laser pulse

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dorrer, Christophe

1999-01-01

This work brings some solutions to the characterization and control of femtosecond laser pulses. Spectral interferometry has been extensively studied; whereas this is a rather old technique, it has found new specific applications to short pulses. Several important points concerning the experimental implementation of this technique are treated. Sources of errors have been tracked and simple solutions have been found to enhance its reliability. A recently demonstrated technique for the complete characterization of short pulses has been used to characterize short pulses from Chirped Pulse Amplification Systems. This transposition of shearing interferometry to the optical frequency domain, known as Spectral Phase Interferometry for Direct Electric-field Reconstruction (SPlDER), is conceptually very interesting: for example, the inversion from the experimental data to the electric field to be characterized is completely algebraic. A reliable tool for the characterization and optimization of Chirped pulse amplification systems has been built on this principle. This is the first single-shot real-time characterization implementation of this technique. An improvement of the method has also allowed the first single-shot real-time characterization of a short pulse using a single mono-dimensional integrative detector and an algebraic inversion of the experimental data. The control of these pulses is also of prior interest. Through a collaboration with Thomson CSF-LCR, the demonstration of the use of an optically addressed light valve at the Fourier plane of a zero-dispersion line for spectral phase modulation has been made. This device allows a high-resolution control of the spectral phase of a short pulse. It is a well-adapted tool for the correction of the residual spectral phase, at the output of Chirped Pulse Amplification systems and the temporal synthesis of shaped pulses for specific experiments. (author) [fr

Long-term results and prognostic factors of squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal treated by irradiation; Resultats a long terme et facteurs pronostiques des carcinomes epidermoides du canal anal traites par irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tournier-Rangeard, L.; Peiffert, D.; Lafond, C.; Mege, A. [Centre Alexis-Vautrin, Dept. de Radiotherapie et Curietherapie, 54 - Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy (France); Metayer, Y.; Marchesi, V.; Buchheit, I. [Centre Alexis-Vautrin, Dept. de Radiophysique, 54 - Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy (France); Uwer, L.; Conroy, T.; Kaminsky, M.C. [Centre Alexis-Vautrin, Dept. d' Oncologie Medicale, 54 - Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy (France)

2007-06-15

Purpose To analyze the prognostic factors of loco regional control (L.R.C.), specific survival (S.S.) and sphincter conservation (S.C.) of patients treated by curative and conservative irradiation for an epidermoid cancer of anal canal in our institution. Patients and methods From 1976 to 2005, 286 patients (pts) were treated by exclusive radiotherapy (180 pts) or chemo-radiotherapy (106 pts) followed by a brachytherapy boost (233 pts) or external beam radiotherapy boost (24 pts). Forty-three pts were stage I, 154 stage II, 31 stage IIIA and 53 stage IIIB. Results The mean follow-up was 65 months (range: 1.3-250 months). The 5-years-overall survival and S.S. rates were 66.4% and 78.1% respectively. In multivariate analysis, tumor size (? 40 mm) [R.R. = 2.1], node involvement (R.R. = 2.4), and poor response (< 75%) to first course irradiation [R.R. = 1.9], local relapse (R.R. = 4.5) and distant metastases were factors of poor prognosis for S.S.. Five-years-L.R.C. were 71.5% (88% for stage I, 69% for stage II, 77%, for stage IIIA and 60% for stage IIIB). Prognosis factors of L.C.R. were tumor size (R.R. = 2.5), response to first course of irradiation (R.R. = 2.9). S.C. was 71% at 5 years. Prognosis factors of S.C. were tumor size (R.R. = 1.9) and response to first course of irradiation (R.R. = 2.4). Conclusion The results of this series are similar to those of the literature. As well as initial tumor extension, response to first course of irradiation was found as prognostic factor on L..R., S.S., S.C.. Our results are similar to other series and brachytherapy seems not to be deleterious. Its impact to local control remains to be evaluated. (authors)

Resultados del estudio de subdetección del meningococo en vacunados en Galicia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alberto Malvar Pintos

2000-01-01

Full Text Available FUNDAMENTOS: A partir la vigilancia activa y el seguimiento de la Enfermedad Meningocócica (EM tras la campaña de vacunación realizada en Galicia, se observó que la proporción de aislamientos del serogrupo responsable de la enfermedad entre los casos de sospechosos de EM (SEM que habían sido vacunados era menor que entre los no vacunados. Ante esta situación se realizó un estudio con el fin de determinar si en el origen de esas SEM sin aislamiento se encontraba la N. Meningitidis del serogrupo C y cuantificar la importancia de esa subdetección. MÉTODOS: Para ello, y durante el período de estudio (desde la semana 26 de 1997 a la semana 14 de 1999, se tomaron muestras de LCR y sangre de las SEM sin aislamiento, para su estudio con PCR para especie y serogrupo. El análisis de las muestras fue realizado por el laboratorio de microbiología del hospital Clínico de Santiago de Compostela. RESULTADOS: De los 120 casos notificados durante el periodo de estudio, se analizaron por PCR 65 (38 vacunados y 27 no vacunados, resultando positivas para N. meningitidis en un 65% (42 muestras, 74% en vacunados y 52% en no vacunados. . Estimando, a partir de los casos estudiados, los resultados para el total, y excluyendo los casos PCR negativo, encontramos que, para el serogrupo C, sólo en el 27% de los casos ocurridos en vacunados se consigue aislarlo, frente al 80% en los no vacunados (p<0.0001. Estos porcentajes son, para el caso del B, del 59 y 71% respectivamente, diferencia estadísticamente no significativa. CONCLUSIONES: La vacuna provocó una verdadera subdetección de meningococos del serogrupo C entre los casos vacunados

Development of a Ferrite-Based Electromagnetic Wave Detector

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Muhammad Hanish Zakariah

2017-11-01

Full Text Available Direct detection of hydrocarbon by an active source using electromagnetic (EM wave termed Sea Bed Logging (SBL has shown very promising results. However, currently available electromagnetic wave technology has a number of challenges including sensitivity and lapsed time. Our initial response to this issue is to develop a ferrite-based EM wave detector for Sea Bed Logging (SBL. Ferrite bar and copper rings in various diameters were used as detector 1 (D1. For Detector 2 (D2, toroid added with copper wires in different lengths at the centre of it were used. The first experiment is to determine the inductance and resistance for both detectors by using LCR meter. We obtained the highest inductance value of 0.02530 mH at the ferrite bar when it was paired with a 15 cm diameter copper ring and 0.00526 mH for D2 using a 100 cm copper wire placed at the centre of the toroid. The highest resistivity for D1 was measured at ferrite bar paired with a 15 cm diameter  copper ring and 1.099 Ω when using 20 cm length of copper wire. The second interest deals with voltage peak-to-peak (Vp-p value for both detectors by using oscilloscope. The highest voltage value at the ferrite bar of D1 was 25.30 mV. While at D2, the highest voltage measured was 27.70 mV when using a 100 cm copper wire. The third premise is the comparison of sensitivity and lapsed time for both detectors. It was found that D1 was 61% more sensitive than D2 but had higher lapsed time than D2.

Epigenetics of human papillomaviruses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Johannsen, Eric; Lambert, Paul F.

2013-01-01

Human papilllomaviruses (HPVs) are common human pathogens that infect cutaneous or mucosal epithelia in which they cause warts, self-contained benign lesions that commonly regress. The HPV life cycle is intricately tied to the differentiation of the host epithelium it infects. Mucosotropic HPVs are the most common sexually transmitted pathogen known to mankind. A subset of the mucosotropic HPVs, so-called high risk HPVs, is etiologically associated with numerous cancers of the anogenital tract, most notably the cervix, as well as a growing fraction of head and neck cancers. In these cancers, the HPV genome, which normally exists an a double stranded, circular, nuclear plasmid, is commonly found integrated into the host genome and expresses two viral oncogenes, E6 and E7, that are implicated in the development and maintainance of the cancers caused by these high risk HPVs. Numerous studies, primarily on the high risk HPV16, have documented that the methylation status of the viral genome changes not only in the context of the viral life cycle but also in the context of the progressive neoplastic disease that culminates in cancer. In this article, we summarize the knowledge gained from those studies. We also provide the first analysis of available ChIP-seq data on the occupancy of both epigentically modified histones as well as transcription factors on the high risk HPV18 genome in the context of HeLa cells, a cervical cancer-derived cell line that has been the subject of extensive analyses using this technique. - Highlights: • Methylation status of HPV genomes is dynamic. • Changes are seen in both the viral life cycle and neoplasia. • Histone modification status at LCR is predictive of transcription factor occupancy. • Novel transcription factor binding noted by ChIP-seq

Análisis de variantes de HPV-16 como marcador molecular antropólogico

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Badano, Ines

2007-01-01

Full Text Available El Virus Papiloma Humano tipo 16 (HPV16 es el principal responsable del desarrollo del cáncer de cuello uterino. Además de su significado clínico, el estudio de la variación genética en las regiones E6, L1 y LCR de este virus ha permitido identificar variantes específicas de diferentes áreas geográficas. Este descubrimiento sugiere una antigua propagación del HPV16 y su coevolución con el género humano. En este contexto, las variantes podrían servir como marcador molecular antropológico, aportando nuevos datos al análisis de patrones migratorios humanos. El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar las variantes de HPV16 en las regiones genéticas E6 y L1 que infectan mujeres guaraníes de Misiones. Para ello se analizaron 39 muestras de cepillados cervicales de mujeres guaraníes infectadas con HPV16. Las variantes en E6 y L1 se identificaron por PCR e hibridación en dot blot. Los resultados obtenidos fueron: el 77% de las variantes Europeas, 20% Africanas y 3% Asiático Americanas. La baja prevalencia de variantes Asiático Americanas coincide con lo reportado por Picconi y col, 2002 para mujeres quechuas, y haría suponer una limitada diseminación del HPV16 durante la época prehispánica. El predominio de las variantes Europeas podría ser resultado de la colonización española y la inmigración europea, mientras que el tráfico de esclavos negros explicaría la presencia de variantes Africanas. Por otra parte, la hipótesis de competencia viral tampoco puede ser descartada.

Spinal cord tumor in a patient with multiple sclerosis: case report Tumor de medula espinal em paciente com esclerose múltipla: relato de caso

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mario Augusto Taricco

2002-06-01

Full Text Available The association between multiple (MS sclerosis and cerebral gliomas has been sporadically reported in the literature, causing a long lasting discussion if these lesions occur coincidentally or if MS plaques may actually lead to the genesis of gliomas. We report a 36 year old man who developed a rapid onset of right side weakness and loss of vision, having established a diagnosis of MS which was confirmed by CSF analysis and MRI. Nine years later he developed progressive tetraparesis, leading initially to suspicion of illness relapse and a demyelinating plaque in the spinal cord. However, after MRI investigation, a spinal cord tumor was diagnosed. The patient underwent cervical spine laminotomy for microsurgical removal of the spinal cord tumor diagnosed as ependimoma. The neurological deficits improved significantly.A associação entre esclerose múltipla (EM e gliomas cerebrais foi relatada esporadicamente na literatura, levando a longa discussão quanto à possibilidade das placas de esclerose estarem envolvidas na etiologia dos gliomas ou dessas lesões ocorrerem coincidentemente. Relatamos um paciente de 36 anos que desenvolveu hemiparesia direita rapidamente progressiva e perda visual, sendo estabelecido o diagnóstico de EM após análise do LCR e imagens de RM de encéfalo. Após nove anos o paciente desenvolveu tetraparesia lentamente progressiva, levantando inicialmente a hipótese de atividade da doença e aparecimento de placa de EM na medula espinal. Contudo, após investigação com RM de coluna, um tumor medular foi diagnosticado. Foi então submetido a laminectomia cervical para ressecção microcirúrgica do tumor, que foi diagnosticado como ependimoma. Os déficits neurológicos melhoraram significativamente.