Thermodynamics of the interactions of some amino acids and peptides with dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide and tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Talele, Paurnima; Kishore, Nand

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Interactions of amino acids and peptides were studied with two cationic surfactants. • Partial molar properties and hydration numbers did not change significantly. • Measured properties indicate balance of polar and non-polar interactions. • Peptide bonds did not strengthen the extent of polar interactions with surfactant. • Results provide quantitative fine details of cationic surfactant–amino acids/peptides interactions. -- Abstract: The values of apparent molar volume V 2,ϕ and apparent molar adiabatic compressibility K S,2,ϕ of amino acids glycine, L-alanine, DL-α-amino-n-butyric acid, L-valine, L-leucine and peptides glycyl-glycine, glycyl-glycyl-glycine and glycyl-leucine have been determined in aqueous solutions of cationic surfactants dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) and tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) by means of density and sound velocity measurements. The heat evolved or absorbed (q) during the course of interactions of amino acids and peptides with the aqueous solutions of surfactants were determined by isothermal titration calorimetry at T = 298.15 K. The values of standard partial molar volume V 2,m 0 and standard partial molar adiabatic compressibility K s,2,m 0 at infinite dilution were calculated from the values of V 2,ϕ and K S,2,ϕ . Similarly the values of limiting enthalpies of dilution (Δ dil H 0 ) of the amino acids/peptides were calculated from heat evolved or absorbed during calorimetric experiments. The standard partial molar quantities of transfer from water to aqueous surfactant solutions have been used to identify the interactions of amino acids and peptides with surfactants in terms of ionic–ionic, ionic–hydrophobic and hydrophobic–hydrophobic group interactions

UniProt search blastx result: AK289220 [KOME

Lifescience Database Archive (English)

Full Text Available AK289220 J100065H20 P05994|PAPA4_CARPA Papaya proteinase 4 precursor (EC 3.4.22.25) (Papay...a proteinase IV) (PPIV) (Papaya peptidase B) (Glycyl endopeptidase) - Carica papaya (Papaya) 1.00E-57 ...

Discovery of enzymes for toluene synthesis from anoxic microbial communities

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Beller, Harry R.; Rodrigues, Andria V.; Zargar, Kamrun

2018-01-01

Microbial toluene biosynthesis was reported in anoxic lake sediments more than three decades ago, but the enzyme catalyzing this biochemically challenging reaction has never been identified. Here we report the toluene-producing enzyme PhdB, a glycyl radical enzyme of bacterial origin that catalyzes...... phenylacetate decarboxylation, and its cognate activating enzyme PhdA, a radical S-adenosylmethionine enzyme, discovered in two distinct anoxic microbial communities that produce toluene. The unconventional process of enzyme discovery from a complex microbial community (>300,000 genes), rather than from...... a microbial isolate, involved metagenomics- and metaproteomics-enabled biochemistry, as well as in vitro confirmation of activity with recombinant enzymes. This work expands the known catalytic range of glycyl radical enzymes (only seven reaction types had been characterized previously) and aromatic...

Description of electrophoretic loci and tissue specific gene ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

1994-02-09

Ieucyl-glycyl-glycine (Pep-B» Peptidase-C. (substrate: leucyl-tyrosine-I (Pep-C» and Peptidase-D (sub- strate: phenylalanyl-proline (Pep-D)). Alleles encoding allo-. Lymes were designated as with mobilities relative to the most.

Peptidoglycan crosslinking relaxation plays an important role in Staphylococcus aureus WalKR-dependent cell viability.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aurelia Delaune

Full Text Available The WalKR two-component system is essential for viability of Staphylococcus aureus, a major pathogen. We have shown that WalKR acts as the master controller of peptidoglycan metabolism, yet none of the identified regulon genes explain its requirement for cell viability. Transmission electron micrographs revealed cell wall thickening and aberrant division septa in the absence of WalKR, suggesting its requirement may be linked to its role in coordinating cell wall metabolism and cell division. We therefore tested whether uncoupling autolysin gene expression from WalKR-dependent regulation could compensate for its essential nature. Uncoupled expression of genes encoding lytic transglycosylases or amidases did not restore growth to a WalKR-depleted strain. We identified only two WalKR-regulon genes whose expression restored cell viability in the absence of WalKR: lytM and ssaA. Neither of these two genes are essential under our conditions and a ΔlytM ΔssaA mutant does not present any growth defect. LytM is a glycyl-glycyl endopeptidase, hydrolyzing the pentaglycine interpeptide crossbridge, and SsaA belongs to the CHAP amidase family, members of which such as LysK and LytA have been shown to have D-alanyl-glycyl endopeptidase activity, cleaving between the crossbridge and the stem peptide. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that peptidoglycan crosslinking relaxation through crossbridge hydrolysis plays a crucial role in the essential requirement of the WalKR system for cell viability.

Assessment of renal function with the Tc-99m-MAG3 clearance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Keske, U.; Corcles, M.; Andreessen, R.; Wilfling, M.; Roll, D.; Gahl, G.; Felix, R.

1990-01-01

This paper evaluates the applicability of the 99m-Tc-mercaptoacetyle-triglycine (MAG3) clearance for the documentation of renal function. Renal clearance was measured with the method of Tauxe in 699 patients during routine renal scintigraphy with 80 MBq of 99mTc-MAG3. Serum creatinine level and MAG3 clearance show an inverse correlation. Patients with an elevated serum creatinine level constantly have a lowered MAG3 clearance and vice versa. For creatinine values lower than 1.8 mg/dL, minor changes in creatinine level are accompanied by large changes in MAG3 clearance. Age (in years) dependence of MAG3 clearance was evaluated in 487 patients who showed no evidence of impaired renal function

DNA binding and cleavage studies of new sulfasalazine-derived dipeptide Zn(II) complex: Validation for specific recognition with 5′–TMP

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tabassum, Sartaj; Al–Asbahy, Waddhaah M.; Afzal, Mohd.; Shamsi, Manal; Arjmand, Farukh

2012-01-01

A new water soluble complex [Zn(glygly)(ssz)(H 2 O)]·6H 2 O, 1 derived from dipeptide (glycyl glycine) and sulfasalazine was synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic (IR, UV–vis, NMR, ESI–MS) and analytical methods. The in vitro DNA binding studies of complex 1 with calf–thymus DNA were carried out by employing various biophysical methods and molecular docking technique which reveals strong electrostatic binding via phosphate backbone of DNA helix, in addition to partial intercalation. To gain further insight into the molecular recognition at the target site, interaction studies of complex 1 with 5′-TMP and 5′-GMP were carried out by UV–vis titration which was validated by 1 H and 31 P NMR with 5′-TMP, which implicate the preferential selectivity of 1 towards N3 of thymine. Complex 1 is accessible to minor groove of DNA and cleaved pBR322 DNA via hydrolytic pathway (validated by T4 ligase assay). - Graphical abstract: Synthesis, characterization, DNA binding and cleavage studies of [Zn(glygly)(ssz)(H 2 O)]·6H 2 O (1) containing glycyl glycine and sulfasalazine ligand. Complex 1 recognize minor groove of DNA and show hydrolytic DNA cleavage. Highlights: ► Novel Zn(II) complex 1 bearing bioactive glycyl glycine and sulfasalazine ligand scaffold. ► Cleavage activity of 1 was enhanced in presence of activators: H 2 O 2 >MPA>GSH>Asc. ► Complex 1 recognize minor groove as depicted in the cleavage pattern and molecular docking. ► Complex 1 cleaves pBR322 DNA via hydrolytic mechanism and validated by T4 DNA ligase experiments.

Biodiesel Waste Products as Soil Amendments - Field Study and Runoff Impacts

Science.gov (United States)

2012-08-01

For every ten kilograms of biodiesel that is produced, approximately 1 kilogram of glycerol is created as a byproduct. Glycerol, also known as glycerin or glycyl alcohol is a chemical used in all manner of common goods including but not limited to ma...

Constants and thermodynamics of the acid-base equilibria of triglycine in water-ethanol solutions containing sodium perchlorate at 298 K

Science.gov (United States)

Pham Tkhi, L.; Usacheva, T. R.; Tukumova, N. V.; Koryshev, N. E.; Khrenova, T. M.; Sharnin, V. A.

2016-02-01

The acid-base equilibrium constants for glycyl-glycyl-glycine (triglycine) in water-ethanol solvents containing 0.0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 mole fractions of ethanol are determined by potentiometric titration at 298.15 K and an ionic strength of 0.1, maintained with sodium perchlorate. It is established that an increase in the ethanol content in the solvent reduces the dissociation constant of the carboxyl group of triglycine (increases p K 1) and increases the dissociation constant of the amino group of triglycine (decreases p K 2). It is noted that the weakening of the acidic properties of a triglycinium ion upon an increase of the ethanol content in the solvent is due to the attenuation of the solvation shell of the zwitterionic form of triglycine, and to the increased solvation of triglycinium ions. It is concluded that the acid strength of triglycine increases along with a rise in the EtOH content in the solvent, due to the desolvation of the tripeptide zwitterion and the enhanced solvation of protons.

A chimeric LysK-lysostaphin fusion enzyme lysing Staphylococcus aureus cells: a study of both kinetics of inactivation and specifics of interaction with anionic polymers

Science.gov (United States)

A staphylolytic fusion protein (K-L) was created, harboring three unique lytic activities comprised of the LysK CHAP endopeptidase, and amidase domains, and the lysostaphin glycyl-glycine endopeptidase domain. To assess the potential of possible therapeutic applications, the kinetic behavior of K-L...

X-ray diffraction analysis of a human tRNAGly acceptor-stem microhelix isoacceptor at 1.18 Å resolution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Eichert, André; Perbandt, Markus; Schreiber, Angela; Fürste, Jens P.; Betzel, Christian; Erdmann, Volker A.; Förster, Charlotte

2008-01-01

The tRNA Gly acceptor-stem microhelix isoacceptor from human cytoplasm was crystallized and X-ray diffraction analysis revealed diffraction to 1.18 Å resolution. The sequence of the microhelix was derived from the gene sequence with tRNA Database ID DG9990. Interest has been focused on comparative X-ray structure analyses of different tRNA Gly acceptor-stem helices. tRNA Gly /glycyl-tRNA synthetase belongs to the so-called class II system, in which the tRNA identity elements consist of simple and unique determinants that are located in the tRNA acceptor stem and the discriminator base. Comparative structure investigations of tRNA Gly microhelices provide insight into the role of tRNA identity elements. Predominant differences in the structures of glycyl-tRNA synthetases and in the tRNA identity elements between prokaryotes and eukaryotes point to divergence during the evolutionary process. Here, the crystallization and high-resolution X-ray diffraction analysis of a human tRNA Gly acceptor-stem microhelix with sequence 5′-G 1 C 2 A 3 U 4 U 5 G 6 G 7 -3′, 5′-C 66 C 67 A 68 A 69 U 70 G 71 C 72 -3′ is reported. The crystals belonged to the monoclinic space group C2, with unit-cell parameters a = 37.32, b = 37.61, c = 30.47 Å, β = 112.60° and one molecule per asymmetric unit. A data set was collected using synchrotron radiation and data were processed within the resolution range 50.0–1.18 Å. The structure was solved by molecular replacement

DNA binding and cleavage studies of new sulfasalazine-derived dipeptide Zn(II) complex: Validation for specific recognition with 5 Prime -TMP

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tabassum, Sartaj [Department of Chemistry, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP 202002 (India); Al-Asbahy, Waddhaah M.; Afzal, Mohd.; Shamsi, Manal; Arjmand, Farukh [Department of Chemistry, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP 202002 (India)

2012-11-15

A new water soluble complex [Zn(glygly)(ssz)(H{sub 2}O)]{center_dot}6H{sub 2}O, 1 derived from dipeptide (glycyl glycine) and sulfasalazine was synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic (IR, UV-vis, NMR, ESI-MS) and analytical methods. The in vitro DNA binding studies of complex 1 with calf-thymus DNA were carried out by employing various biophysical methods and molecular docking technique which reveals strong electrostatic binding via phosphate backbone of DNA helix, in addition to partial intercalation. To gain further insight into the molecular recognition at the target site, interaction studies of complex 1 with 5 Prime -TMP and 5 Prime -GMP were carried out by UV-vis titration which was validated by {sup 1}H and {sup 31}P NMR with 5 Prime -TMP, which implicate the preferential selectivity of 1 towards N3 of thymine. Complex 1 is accessible to minor groove of DNA and cleaved pBR322 DNA via hydrolytic pathway (validated by T4 ligase assay). - Graphical abstract: Synthesis, characterization, DNA binding and cleavage studies of [Zn(glygly)(ssz)(H{sub 2}O)]{center_dot}6H{sub 2}O (1) containing glycyl glycine and sulfasalazine ligand. Complex 1 recognize minor groove of DNA and show hydrolytic DNA cleavage. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Novel Zn(II) complex 1 bearing bioactive glycyl glycine and sulfasalazine ligand scaffold. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Cleavage activity of 1 was enhanced in presence of activators: H{sub 2}O{sub 2}>MPA>GSH>Asc. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Complex 1 recognize minor groove as depicted in the cleavage pattern and molecular docking. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Complex 1 cleaves pBR322 DNA via hydrolytic mechanism and validated by T4 DNA ligase experiments.

Triplex-forming ability of modified oligonucleotides

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Højland, Torben; Babu, Bolle Ravindra; Bryld, Torsten

2007-01-01

We present our studies on the ability of several different nucleotide analogs as triplex-forming oligonucleotides. The modifications tested include 4'-C-hydroxymethyl, LNA, 2'-amino-LNA and N2'-functionalized 2'-amino-LNA. Triplexes containing monomers of N2'-glycyl-functionalized 2'-amino-LNA ar...

Application of 15N labeling to topics in molecular hematology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lapidot, A.; Irving, C.S.

1975-01-01

The amount of information which can be obtained from many types of spectrometric analysis of compounds of hematological interest can be greatly enhanced when measurements are made on a series of isotopically labeled compounds. A murine Friend virus-induced erythroleukemic cell (FLC) culture was found to be a superior biosynthetic system for the preparation of highly and selectively 15 N and 13 C enriched hemoglobins. A mutant of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides was found suitable for the preparation of larger quantities of >90 percent enriched protoporphyrin-IX- 15 N and coproporphyrin-III-- 15 N. A comparison of the 15 N and 13 C NMR spectra of FLC carbomonoxy-[Gly- 15 N]-hemoglobin, carbomonoxy-[Gly- 13 C/sub alpha/]-hemoglobin, α and β globin-[Gly- 15 N] and globin-[Gly- 13 C/sub alpha/] demonstrated 1) 15 N peptide chemical shifts are sensitive to polypeptide sequence, whereas 13 C α-carbon chemical shifts are not, (2) variations in the solvation of the peptide N-H group can be detected in the 15 N spectra but not the 13 C spectra, (3) 15 N heme resonances could not be detected, whereas 13 C resonances could. These studies indicated that in hemoglobin the glycyl N-H resonances are either solvated by H 2 O or hydrogen bonded to peptide C=0 groups. In denatured globin, the majority of the glycyl residues are rapidly exchanging between these two states

Protonation constant of salicylidene (N-benzoyl)glycyl hydrazone ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Unknown

ductance, magnetic susceptibility, electronic, IR, ESR, XRD (powder) and NMR studies have been car ... IR and NMR spectra suggest the tri- .... and dried at room temperature. ..... IR and NMR data can be seen on the web version of this paper.

A 125I-radiolabelled probe for vinblastine and vindesine radioimmunoassays: applications to measurements of vindesine plasma levels in man after intravenous injections and long-term infusions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rahmani, R.; Barbet, J.; Cano, J.-P.

1983-01-01

The transformation of vinblastine into a reactive acid azide was used for the preparation of a vindesine-glycyl-tyrosine conjugate. This conjugate was radiolabelled [ 125 I] and used as a tracer for the radioimmunoassay of vinblastine and vindesine with antisera developed by the Eli Lilly Research Laboratories and by the authors. Its higher specific activity as compared to tritiated vinblastine significantly increases the sensitivity of the assay (0.05 μg/l as compared to 0.6 μg/l). It was then possible to monitor vindesine plasma levels for more than 60 h after intravenous bolus injection and to evaluate the elimination rates more accurately. When plasma levels were also measurable using tritiated vinblastine a satisfactory agreement was observed with determinations performed with radioiodinated vindesine-glycyl-tyrosine. Furthermore, the use of a #betta#-emitting probe simplifies the radioimmunoassay procedure and accordingly increases its reproducibility. A few examples of vindesine level measurements in human plasma collected after bolus intravenous injection and during long-term infusion are given. (Auth.)

Isolation, structure, and synthesis of viridic acid, a new tetrapeptide mycotoxin of Penicillium viridicatum Westling

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Holzapfel, C.W.; Koekemoer, J.M.; Van Dyk, M.S.

1986-01-01

The isolation of a new toxic metabolite, viridic acid, from Penicillium viridicatum Westling is described. The chemical and spectroscopic properties of the compound are interpreted in terms of the tetrapeptide structure (N,N-dimethyl-o-aminobenzoyl)-glycyl-(N'-methyl-L-valyl)-o-aminobenzoic acid. The structure and chirality of viridic acid were confirmed by total synthesis

Human tRNAGly acceptor-stem microhelix: crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis at 1.2 Å resolution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Förster, Charlotte; Szkaradkiewicz, Karol; Perbandt, Markus; Brauer, Arnd B. E.; Borowski, Tordis; Fürste, Jens P.; Betzel, Christian; Erdmann, Volker A.

2007-01-01

The human tRNA Gly acceptor-stem microhelix was crystallized and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis revealed diffraction to a resolution of up to 1.2 Å. The major dissimilarities between the eukaryotic/archaebacterial-type and eubacterial-type glycyl-tRNA synthetase systems (GlyRS; class II aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases) represent an intriguing example of evolutionarily divergent solutions to similar biological functions. The differences in the identity elements of the respective tRNA Gly systems are located within the acceptor stem and include the discriminator base U73. In the present work, the human tRNA Gly acceptor-stem microhelix was crystallized in an attempt to analyze the structural features that govern the correct recognition of tRNA Gly by the eukaryotic/archaebacterial-type glycyl-tRNA synthetase. The crystals of the human tRNA Gly acceptor-stem helix belong to the monoclinic space group C2, with unit-cell parameters a = 37.12, b = 37.49, c = 30.38 Å, α = γ = 90, β = 113.02°, and contain one molecule per asymmetric unit. A high-resolution data set was acquired using synchrotron radiation and the data were processed to 1.2 Å resolution

Kristallstruktur der Methylornithin-Synthase (PylB): Einblicke in die Biosynthese von Pyrrolysin

KAUST Repository

Quitterer, Felix

2011-11-16

Made by the barrel load: The biosynthetic pathway of the recently discovered 22nd amino acid, pyrrolysine, starts with an isomerization of lysine to methylornithine, catalyzed by PylB. The X-ray crystal structure of PylB is determined (see picture) and shows it has a TIM barrel fold. The sealed central cavity contains a [4Fe-4S] cluster, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), and methylornithine, whose 2R,3R configuration could be confirmed. The data suggest a fragmentation–recombination mechanism via a glycyl radical intermediate.

Low levels of serum serotonin and amino acids identified in migraine patients.

Science.gov (United States)

Ren, Caixia; Liu, Jia; Zhou, Juntuo; Liang, Hui; Wang, Yayun; Sun, Yinping; Ma, Bin; Yin, Yuxin

2018-02-05

Migraine is a highly disabling primary headache associated with a high socioeconomic burden and a generally high prevalence. The clinical management of migraine remains a challenge. This study was undertaken to identify potential serum biomarkers of migraine. Using Liquid Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), the metabolomic profile of migraine was compared with healthy individuals. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (orthoPLS-DA) showed the metabolomic profile of migraine is distinguishable from controls. Volcano plot analysis identified 10 serum metabolites significantly decreased during migraine. One of these was serotonin, and the other 9 were amino acids. Pathway analysis and enrichment analysis showed tryptophan metabolism (serotonin metabolism), arginine and proline metabolism, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis are the three most prominently altered pathways in migraine. ROC curve analysis indicated Glycyl-l-proline, N-Methyl-dl-Alanine and l-Methionine are potential sensitive and specific biomarkers for migraine. Our results show Glycyl-l-proline, N-Methyl-dl-Alanine and l-Methionine may be as specific or more specific for migraine than serotonin which is the traditional biomarker of migraine. We propose that therapeutic manipulation of these metabolites or metabolic pathways may be helpful in the prevention and treatment of migraine. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A single sequence context cannot satisfy all non-AUG initiator codons in yeast†

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wang Tzu-Ling

2010-07-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Previous studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae showed that ALA1 (encoding alanyl-tRNA synthetase and GRS1 (encoding glycyl-tRNA synthetase respectively use ACG and TTG as their alternative translation initiator codons. To explore if any other non-ATG triplets can act as initiator codons in yeast, ALA1 was used as a reporter for screening. Results We show herein that except for AAG and AGG, all triplets that differ from ATG by a single nucleotide were able to serve as initiator codons in ALA1. Among these initiator codons, TTG, CTG, ACG, and ATT had ~50% initiating activities relative to that of ATG, while GTG, ATA, and ATC had ~20% initiating activities relative to that of ATG. Unexpectedly, these non-AUG initiator codons exhibited different preferences toward various sequence contexts. In particular, GTG was one of the most efficient non-ATG initiator codons, while ATA was essentially inactive in the context of GRS1. Conclusion This finding indicates that a sequence context that is favorable for a given non-ATG initiator codon might not be as favorable for another.

Amino acid-substituted gemini surfactant-based nanoparticles as safe and versatile gene delivery agents.

Science.gov (United States)

Singh, Jagbir; Yang, Peng; Michel, Deborah; Verrall, Ronald E; Foldvari, Marianna; Badea, Ildiko

2011-05-01

Gene based therapy represents an important advance in the treatment of diseases that heretofore have had either no treatment or cure. To capitalize on the true potential of gene therapy, there is a need to develop better delivery systems that can protect these therapeutic biomolecules and deliver them safely to the target sites. Recently, we have designed and developed a series of novel amino acid-substituted gemini surfactants with the general chemical formula C(12)H(25) (CH(3))(2)N(+)-(CH(2))(3)-N(AA)-(CH(2))(3)-N(+) (CH(3))(2)-C(12)H(25) (AA= glycine, lysine, glycyl-lysine and, lysyl-lysine). These compounds were synthesized and tested in rabbit epithelial cells using a model plasmid and a helper lipid. Plasmid/gemini/lipid (P/G/L) nanoparticles formulated using these novel compounds achieved higher gene expression than the nanoparticles containing the parent unsubstituted compound. In this study, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of P/G/L nanoparticles and explored the relationship between transfection efficiency/toxicity and their physicochemical characteristics (such as size, binding properties, etc.). An overall low toxicity is observed for all complexes with no significant difference among substituted and unsubstituted compounds. An interesting result revealed by the dye exclusion assay suggests a more balanced protection of the DNA by the glycine and glycyl-lysine substituted compounds. Thus, the higher transfection efficiency is attributed to the greater biocompatibility and flexibility of the amino acid/peptide-substituted gemini surfactants and demonstrates the feasibility of using amino acid-substituted gemini surfactants as gene carriers for the treatment of diseases affecting epithelial tissue.

Crystal Structure of Methylornithine Synthase (PylB): Insights into the Pyrrolysine Biosynthesis

KAUST Repository

Quitterer, Felix

2011-11-16

Made by the barrel load: The biosynthetic pathway of the recently discovered 22nd amino acid, pyrrolysine, starts with an isomerization of lysine to methylornithine, catalyzed by PylB. The X-ray crystal structure of PylB is determined (see picture) and shows it has a TIM barrel fold. The sealed central cavity contains a [4Fe-4S] cluster, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), and methylornithine, whose 2R,3R configuration could be confirmed. The data suggest a fragmentation-recombination mechanism via a glycyl radical intermediate. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Convergent synthesis of a deuterium-labeled serine dipeptide lipid for analysis of biological samples.

Science.gov (United States)

Dietz, Christopher; Clark, Robert B; Nichols, Frank C; Smith, Michael B

2017-05-30

Bacterial serine dipeptide lipids are known to promote inflammatory processes and are detected in human tissues associated with periodontal disease or atherosclerosis. Accurate quantification of bacterial serine lipid, specifically lipid 654 [((S)-15-methyl-3-((13-methyltetradecanoyl)oxy)hexadecanoyl)glycyl-l-serine, (3S)-l-serine] isolated from Porphyromonas gingivalis, in biological samples requires the preparation of a stable isotope internal standard for sample supplementation and subsequent mass spectrometric analysis. This report describes the convergent synthesis of a deuterium-substituted serine dipeptide lipid, which is an isotopically labeled homologue that represents a dominant form of serine dipeptide lipid recovered in bacteria. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction of glutathione from urine samples

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Song, Renyuan; Hu, Xiaoling; Guan, Ping; Li, Ji; Zhao, Na; Wang, Qiaoli

2014-01-01

Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) particles for glutathione were synthesized through iniferter-controlled living radical precipitation polymerization (IRPP) under ultraviolet radiation at ambient temperature. Static adsorption, solid-phase extraction, and high-performance liquid chromatography were carried out to evaluate the adsorption properties and selective recognition characteristics of the polymers for glutathione and its structural analogs. The obtained IRPP-MIP particles exhibited a regularly spherical shape, rapid binding kinetics, high imprinting factor, and high selectivity compared with the MIP particles prepared using traditional free-radical precipitation polymerization. The selective separation and enrichment of glutathione from the mixture of glycyl-glycine and glutathione disulfide could be achieved on the IRPP-MIP cartridge. The recoveries of glutathione, glycyl-glycine, and glutathione disulfide were 95.6% ± 3.65%, 29.5% ± 1.26%, and 49.9% ± 1.71%, respectively. The detection limit (S/N = 3) of glutathione was 0.5 mg·L −1 . The relative standard deviations (RSDs) for 10 replicate detections of 50 mg·L −1 of glutathione were 5.76%, and the linear range of the calibration curve was 0.5 mg·L −1 to 200 mg·L −1 under optimized conditions. The proposed approach was successfully applied to determine glutathione in spiked human urine samples with recoveries of 90.24% to 96.20% and RSDs of 0.48% to 5.67%. - Highlights: • Imprinted polymer particles were prepared by IRPP at ambient temperature. • High imprinting factor, high selectivity, and rapid binding kinetics were achieved. • Selective solid-phase extraction of glutathione from human urine samples

Isotope-labelled folic acid derivatives

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lewin, N.; Wong, E.T.

1976-01-01

The suggestion deals with the production of folic acid derivatives suitable as indicators or tracers for analyses of serum folates. These folic acid derivatives contain folic acid which is bound by one or both carboxyl groups to the amino nitrogen of compounds such as, e.g., tyramine, glycyl tyrosine, tyrosine, or the methyl ester of tyrosine. The derivative obtained can be substituted by a gamma emitter, e.g. the iodine isotope I 125. The radioactive derivative is used in the method for the competitive protein bonding to determine endogenic folates in the serum. (UWI) [de

Linear Titration Curves of Acids and Bases.

Science.gov (United States)

Joseph, N R

1959-05-29

The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, by a simple transformation, becomes pH - pK = pA - pB, where pA and pB are the negative logarithms of acid and base concentrations. Sigmoid titration curves then reduce to straight lines; titration curves of polyelectrolytes, to families of straight lines. The method is applied to the titration of the dipeptide glycyl aminotricarballylic acid, with four titrable groups. Results are expressed as Cartesian and d'Ocagne nomograms. The latter is of a general form applicable to polyelectrolytes of any degree of complexity.

Partition Coefficients of Amino Acids, Peptides, and Enzymes in Dextran + Poly(Ethylene Glycol) + Water Aqueous Two-Phase Systems

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kakisaka, Keijiro.; Shindo, Takashi.; Iwai, Yoshio.; Arai, Yasuhiko. [Kyushu University, Fukuoka (Japan). Department of Chemical Systems and Engineering

1998-12-01

Partition coefficients are measured for five amino acids(aspartic acid, asparagine, methionine, cysteine and histidine) and tow peptides(glycyl-glycine and hexa-glycine) in dextran + poly(ethylene glycol) + water aqueous two-phase system. The partition coefficients of the amino acids and peptides are aorrelated using the osmotic virial equation. The interaction coefficients contained in the equation can be calculated by hydrophilic group parameters. The partition coefficients of {alpha}-amylase calculated by the osmotic virial equation with the hydrophilic group parameters are in fairly good agreement with the experimental data, though a relatively large discrepancy is shown for {beta}-amylase. (author)

Partition Coefficients of Amino Acids, Peptides, and Enzymes in Dextran + Poly(Ethylene Glycol) + Water Aqueous Two-Phase Systems

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kakisaka, Keijiro.; Shindo, Takashi.; Iwai, Yoshio.; Arai, Yasuhiko. (Kyushu University, Fukuoka (Japan). Department of Chemical Systems and Engineering)

1998-12-01

Partition coefficients are measured for five amino acids(aspartic acid, asparagine, methionine, cysteine and histidine) and tow peptides(glycyl-glycine and hexa-glycine) in dextran + poly(ethylene glycol) + water aqueous two-phase system. The partition coefficients of the amino acids and peptides are aorrelated using the osmotic virial equation. The interaction coefficients contained in the equation can be calculated by hydrophilic group parameters. The partition coefficients of [alpha]-amylase calculated by the osmotic virial equation with the hydrophilic group parameters are in fairly good agreement with the experimental data, though a relatively large discrepancy is shown for [beta]-amylase. (author)

IGF-1 derived small neuropeptides and analogues: a novel strategy for the development of pharmaceuticals for neurological conditions.

Science.gov (United States)

Guan, Jian; Gluckman, Peter D

2009-07-01

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is neuroprotective and improves long-term function after brain injury. However, its clinical application to neurological disorders is limited by its large molecular size, poor central uptake and mitogenic potential. Glycine-proline-glutamate (GPE) is naturally cleaved from the IGF-1 N-terminal and it is also neuroprotective after ischemic injury, which provided a novel strategy of drug discovery for neurological disorders. GPE is not enzymatically stable, thus intravenous infusion of GPE becomes necessary for stable and potent neuroprotection. The broad effective dose range and treatment window of 3-7 h after the lesion suggest its potential for treating acute brain injuries. G-2meth-PE, a GPE analogue designed to be more enzymatic resistant, has a prolonged plasma half-life and is more potent in neuroprotection. Neuroprotection by GPE and its analogue may involve modulation of inflammation, promotion of astrocytosis, inhibition of apoptosis and vascular remodelling. Acute administration of GPE also prevents 6-OHDA-induced nigrostrial dopamine depletion. Delayed treatment with GPE does not prevent dopamine loss, but improves long-term function. Cyclo-glycyl-proline (cyclic Gly-Pro) is an endogenous DKP that may be derived from GPE. Cyclic Gly-Pro and its analogue cyclo-L-glycyl-L-2-allylproline (NNZ 2591) are both neuroprotective after ischaemic injury. NNZ2591 is highly enzymatic resistant and centrally accessible. Its peripheral administration improves somatosensory-motor function and long-term histological outcome after brain injury. Our research suggests that small neuropeptides have advantages over growth factors in the treatment of brain injury, and that modified neuropeptides designed to overcome the limitations of their endogenous counterparts represent a novel strategy of pharmaceutical discovery for neurological disorders.

Structure of the N-terminal region of Haemophilus Influenzae HI0017: Implications for function

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yu Liping; Mack, Jamey; Hajduk, Phil; Fesik, Stephen W.

2001-01-01

Haemophilus influenzae is a gram-negative pathogen that causes infections ranging from asymptomatic colonization of the human upper respiratory tract to serious invasive diseases such as meningitis. Although the genome of Haemophilus influenzae has been completely sequenced, the structure and function of many of these proteins are unknown. HI0017 is one of these uncharacterized proteins. Here we describe the three-dimensional solution structure of the N-terminal portion of HI0017 as determined by NMR spectroscopy. The structure consists of a five-stranded antiparallel β-sheet and two short α-helices. It is similar to the C-terminal domain of Diphtheria toxin repressor (DtxR). The C-terminal portion of HI0017 has an amino acid sequence that closely resembles pyruvate formate-lyase - an enzyme that converts pyruvate and CoA into acetyl-CoA and formate by a radical mechanism. Based on structural and sequence comparisons, we propose that the C-terminus of HI0017 functions as an enzyme with a glycyl radical mechanism, while the N-terminus participates in protein/protein interactions involving an activase (iron-sulfur protein) and/or the substrate

Structure of the N-terminal region of Haemophilus Influenzae HI0017: Implications for function

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yu Liping; Mack, Jamey; Hajduk, Phil; Fesik, Stephen W. [Abbott Laboratories, Pharmaceutical Discovery Division, D46Y, AP10/LL (United States)

2001-06-15

Haemophilus influenzae is a gram-negative pathogen that causes infections ranging from asymptomatic colonization of the human upper respiratory tract to serious invasive diseases such as meningitis. Although the genome of Haemophilus influenzae has been completely sequenced, the structure and function of many of these proteins are unknown. HI0017 is one of these uncharacterized proteins. Here we describe the three-dimensional solution structure of the N-terminal portion of HI0017 as determined by NMR spectroscopy. The structure consists of a five-stranded antiparallel {beta}-sheet and two short {alpha}-helices. It is similar to the C-terminal domain of Diphtheria toxin repressor (DtxR). The C-terminal portion of HI0017 has an amino acid sequence that closely resembles pyruvate formate-lyase - an enzyme that converts pyruvate and CoA into acetyl-CoA and formate by a radical mechanism. Based on structural and sequence comparisons, we propose that the C-terminus of HI0017 functions as an enzyme with a glycyl radical mechanism, while the N-terminus participates in protein/protein interactions involving an activase (iron-sulfur protein) and/or the substrate.

Conformational Structure of Tyrosine, Tyrosyl-Glycine, and Tyrosyl-Glycyl-Glycine by Double Resonance Spectroscopy

Science.gov (United States)

Abo-Riziq, Ali; Grace, Louis; Crews, Bridgit; Callahan, Michael P,; van Mourik, Tanja; de Vries, Mattanjah S,

2011-01-01

We investigated the variation in conformation for the amino acid tyrosine (Y), alone and in the small peptides tyrosine-glycine (YC) and tyrosine-glycine-glycine (YGG), in the gas phase by using UV-UV and IR-UV double resonance spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. For tyrosine we found seven different conformations, for YG we found four different conformations, and for YGG we found three different conformations. As the peptides get larger, we observe fewer stable conformers, despite the increasing complexity and number of degrees of freedom. We find structural trends similar to those in phenylalanine-glycine glycine (FGG) and tryptophan-glycine-glycine (WGG)j however) the effect of dispersive forces in FGG for stabilizing a folded structure is replaced by that of hydrogen bonding in YGG.

Microbial Community-Level Physiological Profiles (CLPP) and herbicide mineralization potential in groundwater affected by agricultural land use

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Janniche, Gry Sander; Spliid, Henrik; Albrechtsen, Hans-Jørgen

2012-01-01

Diffuse groundwater pollution from agricultural land use may impact the microbial groundwater community, which was investigated as Community-Level Physiological Profiles (CLPP) using EcoPlate™. Water was sampled from seven piezometers and a spring in a small agricultural catchment with diffuse......-galacturonic acid, tween 40, and 4-hydroxy benzoic acid as substrates, whereas none preferred 2-hydroxy benzoic acid, α-d-lactose, d,l-α-glycerol phosphate, α-ketobutyric acid, l-threonine and glycyl-l-glutamic acid. Principal Component Analysis of the CLPP's clustered the most agriculturally affected groundwater...... samples, indicating that the agricultural land use affects the groundwater microbial communities. Furthermore, the ability to mineralize atrazine and isoproturon, which have been used in the catchment, was also associated with this cluster....

Potential-energy and free-energy surfaces of glycyl-phenylalanyl-alanine (GFA) tripeptide: Experiment and theory

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Valdes, Haydee; Spiwok, V.; Řezáč, Jan; Reha, D.; Abo-Riziq, A.; de Vries, M. S.; Hobza, Pavel

2008-01-01

Roč. 14, č. 16 (2008), s. 4886-4898 ISSN 0947-6539 R&D Projects: GA MŠk LC512; GA AV ČR IAA400550510 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z40550506 Keywords : ab initio calculations * IR-UV spectra * metadynamics Subject RIV: CF - Physical ; Theoretical Chemistry Impact factor: 5.454, year: 2008

Lysosomes shape Ins(1,4,5)P3-evoked Ca2+ signals by selectively sequestering Ca2+ released from the endoplasmic reticulum

Science.gov (United States)

López-Sanjurjo, Cristina I.; Tovey, Stephen C.; Prole, David L.; Taylor, Colin W.

2013-01-01

Summary Most intracellular Ca2+ signals result from opening of Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane or endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and they are reversed by active transport across these membranes or by shuttling Ca2+ into mitochondria. Ca2+ channels in lysosomes contribute to endo-lysosomal trafficking and Ca2+ signalling, but the role of lysosomal Ca2+ uptake in Ca2+ signalling is unexplored. Inhibition of lysosomal Ca2+ uptake by dissipating the H+ gradient (using bafilomycin A1), perforating lysosomal membranes (using glycyl-L-phenylalanine 2-naphthylamide) or lysosome fusion (using vacuolin) increased the Ca2+ signals evoked by receptors that stimulate inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] formation. Bafilomycin A1 amplified the Ca2+ signals evoked by photolysis of caged Ins(1,4,5)P3 or by inhibition of ER Ca2+ pumps, and it slowed recovery from them. Ca2+ signals evoked by store-operated Ca2+ entry were unaffected by bafilomycin A1. Video-imaging with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy revealed that lysosomes were motile and remained intimately associated with the ER. Close association of lysosomes with the ER allows them selectively to accumulate Ca2+ released by Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptors. PMID:23097044

Thermodynamic properties of peptide solutions 20. Partial molar volumes and isothermal compressions for some tripeptides of sequence gly-X-gly (X = gly, ala, leu, asn, thr, and tyr) in aqueous solution at T = 298.15 K and p = (10–120) MPa

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hedwig, Gavin R.; Høiland, Harald

2016-01-01

Highlights: • Sound speeds were measured for aqueous solutions of some tripeptides at high pressures. • Partial molar volumes and isothermal compressions were derived for T = 298.15 K and p = (10–120) MPa. • The partial molar volumes for non-polar amino acid side-chains decrease with increasing pressure. • The partial molar volumes for polar side-chains do not change significantly with increasing pressure. - Abstract: Sound speeds have been measured for aqueous solutions of six tripeptides of sequence glycyl-X-glycine, where X is one of the amino acids glycine, alanine, leucine, asparagine, threonine, and tyrosine at T = 298.15 K and at the pressures p = (10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120) MPa. Using methods described in previous work, these sound speeds were used to derive the partial molar volumes at infinite dilution, V_2"o, the partial molar isentropic compressions at infinite dilution, K_S_,_2"o, and the partial molar isothermal compressions at infinite dilution, K"o_T_,_2 {K"o_T_,_2 = −(∂V_2"o/∂p)_T}, for the tripeptides in aqueous solution at the elevated pressures. The results were used to calculate the partial molar volumes and partial molar isothermal compressions for the various amino acid side-chains over the pressure range p = (10–120) MPa.

Carrier-mediated transport of peptides by the kidney

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Skopicki, H.A.

1988-01-01

Small peptide transport was characterized to determine if: (1) Multiple carriers are present in the luminal membrane of renal proximal tubular cells; (2) Carrier-mediated peptide transport is limited by size; and (3) Gentamicin inhibits carrier-mediated reabsorption of peptides. Uptake of glycyl-[ 3 H]proline (Gly-Pro) into renal brush border membrane vesicles demonstrated a dual affinity carrier system. Whether multiple carriers are present was further investigated by characterizing the uptake of [ 3 H]pyroglutamyl-histidine. To determine if carrier-mediated transport of peptides is limited by size of the molecule, uptake of the hydrolytically resistant tripeptide, [ 3 H]pryroglutamyl-histidyl-tryptophan (pGlu-His-Trp), and tetrapeptide, [ 3 H]pyroglutamyl-histidyl-tryptophyl-serine (pGlu-His-Trp-Ser) were assessed. These data indicate: multiple carriers exist on the luminal membrane of renal proximal tubular cells for the transport of dipeptides, and tripeptide pGlu-His-Trp and the tetrapeptide pGlu-His-Trp-Ser are not taken up by a carrier-mediated mechanism, suggesting that the carrier may be limited by the size of the substrate

Streptococcus pharyngis sp. nov., a novel streptococcal species isolated from the respiratory tract of wild rabbits.

Science.gov (United States)

Vela, Ana I; Casas-Díaz, Encarna; Lavín, Santiago; Domínguez, Lucas; Fernández-Garayzábal, Jose F

2015-09-01

Four isolates of an unknown Gram-stain-positive, catalase-negative coccus-shaped organism, isolated from the pharynx of four wild rabbits, were characterized by phenotypic and molecular genetic methods. The micro-organisms were tentatively assigned to the genus Streptococcus based on cellular morphological and biochemical criteria, although the organisms did not appear to correspond to any species with a validly published name. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed their identification as members of the genus Streptococcus, being most closely related phylogenetically to Streptococcus porcorum 682-03(T) (96.9% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). Analysis of rpoB and sodA gene sequences showed divergence values between the novel species and S. porcorum 682-03(T) (the closest phylogenetic relative determined from 16S rRNA gene sequences) of 18.1 and 23.9%, respectively. The novel bacterial isolate could be distinguished from the type strain of S. porcorum by several biochemical characteristics, such as the production of glycyl-tryptophan arylamidase and α-chymotrypsin, and the non-acidification of different sugars. Based on both phenotypic and phylogenetic findings, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be assigned to a novel species of the genus Streptococcus, and named Streptococcus pharyngis sp. nov. The type strain is DICM10-00796B(T) ( = CECT 8754(T) = CCUG 66496(T)).

(α,α-dimethyl)glycyl (dmg) PNAs: achiral PNA analogs that form stronger hybrids with cDNA relative to isosequential RNA.

Science.gov (United States)

Gourishankar, Aland; Ganesh, Krishna N

2012-01-01

The design and facile synthesis of sterically constrained new analogs of PNA having gem-dimethyl substitutions on glycine (dmg-PNA-T) is presented. The PNA oligomers [aminoethyl dimethylglycyl (aedmg) and aminopropyl dimethylglycyl (apdmg)] synthesized from the monomers 6 and 12) effected remarkable stabilization of homothyminePNA(2):homoadenine DNA/RNA triplexes and mixed base sequence duplexes with target cDNA or RNA. They show a higher binding to DNA relative to that with isosequential RNA. This may be a structural consequence of the sterically rigid gem-dimethyl group, imposing a pre-organized conformation favorable for complex formation with cDNA. The results complement our previous work that had demonstrated that cyclohexanyl-PNAs favor binding with cRNA compared with cDNA and imply that the biophysical and structural properties of PNAs can be directed by introduction of the right rigidity in PNA backbone devoid of chirality. This approach of tweaking selectivity in binding of PNA constructs by installing gem-dimethyl substitution in PNA backbone can be extended to further fine-tuning by similar substitution in the aminoethyl segment as well either individually or in conjunction with present substitution.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of an Escherichia coli tRNAGly acceptor-stem microhelix

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Förster, Charlotte; Perbandt, Markus; Brauer, Arnd B. E.; Brode, Svenja; Fürste, Jens P.; Betzel, Christian; Erdmann, Volker A.

2006-01-01

In order to investigate the identity elements of the E. coli tRNA Gly /GlyRS class II system, a tRNA Gly acceptor-stem microhelix was crystallized and a data set was collected to 2.0 Å resolution using synchrotron radiation. The tRNA Gly and glycyl-tRNA synthetase (GlyRS) system is an evolutionary special case within the class II aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases because two divergent types of GlyRS exist: an archaebacterial/human type and an eubacterial type. The tRNA identity elements which determine the correct aminoacylation process are located in the aminoacyl domain of tRNA Gly . To obtain further insight concerning structural investigation of the identity elements, the Escherichia coli seven-base-pair tRNA Gly acceptor-stem helix was crystallized. Data were collected to 2.0 Å resolution using synchrotron radiation. Crystals belong to space group P3 1 21 or P3 2 21, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 35.35, c = 130.82 Å, α = β = 90, γ = 120° and two molecules in the asymmetric unit

Surface modified liposomes by mannosylated conjugates anchored via the adamantyl moiety in the lipid bilayer.

Science.gov (United States)

Stimac, Adela; Segota, Suzana; Dutour Sikirić, Maja; Ribić, Rosana; Frkanec, Leo; Svetličić, Vesna; Tomić, Srđanka; Vranešić, Branka; Frkanec, Ruža

2012-09-01

The aim of the present study was to encapsulate mannosylated 1-aminoadamantane and mannosylated adamantyltripeptides, namely [(2R)-N-(adamant-1-yl)-3-(α,β-d-mannopyranosyloxy)-2-methylpropanamide and (2R)-N-[3-(α-d-mannopyranosyloxy)-2-methylpropanoyl]-d,l-(adamant-2-yl)glycyl-l-alanyl-d-isoglutamine] in liposomes. The characterization of liposomes, size and surface morphology was performed using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results have revealed that the encapsulation of examined compounds changes the size and surface of liposomes. After the concanavalin A (ConA) was added to the liposome preparation, increase in liposome size and their aggregation has been observed. The enlargement of liposomes was ascribed to the specific binding of the ConA to the mannose present on the surface of the prepared liposomes. Thus, it has been shown that the adamantyl moiety from mannosylated 1-aminoadamantane and mannosylated adamantyltripeptides can be used as an anchor in the lipid bilayer for carbohydrate moiety exposed on the liposome surface. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical Modification of Radiation Copolymerized of [N-Vinyl-2-Pyrrolidone/2-(4-Methoxy-Benzylidine)-Malononitrile] with Some Organic Compounds and Their Biological Activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

El Sawy, N.M.; Mostafa, T.B.

2012-01-01

N-Vinyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NVP) was copolymerized with 2-(4-methoxy benzylidine)-malononitrile (MBM) monomers to form a new copolymer, P(MBM-co-NVP), containing nitrile groups. The characterization of copolymer and their modified with organic compounds such as thiourea, thiosemicarbazide,2-aminothiazole, N-Glycyl glycine, 4-amino-N-[5-methyl-3-isoxazolyl]benzene sulfonamide and 4-amino-N-[4-methyl-2-pyrimidnyl]benzene sulfonamide was carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Elemental analysis (EA), Gel Permeation Chromatograph (GPC), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermal Gravimetric analysis (TGA). The changes in surface morphology of the prepared copolymer and its modified copolymers were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The biological activity of the modified copolymers with some organic compounds containing with or without sulfur was investigated. The results revealed that the biological activity of the modified copolymers was higher than that of the copolymer ones, under the same conditions. An improvement of prepared copolymers by modification with various organic compounds showed great promise in some practical applications in the field of antibacterial activity.

Modification of Cys-418 of pyruvate formate-lyase by methacrylic acid, based on its radical mechanism.

Science.gov (United States)

Plaga, W; Vielhaber, G; Wallach, J; Knappe, J

2000-01-21

The recently determined crystal structure of pyruvate formate-lyase (PFL) suggested a new view of the mechanism of this glycyl radical enzyme, namely that intermediary thiyl radicals of Cys-418 and Cys-419 participate in different ways [Becker, A. et al. (1999) Nat. Struct. Biol. 6, 969-975]. We report here a suicide reaction of PFL that occurs with the substrate-analog methacrylate with retention of the protein radical (K(I)=0.42 mM, k(i)=0.14 min(-1)). Using [1-(14)C]methacrylate (synthesized via acetone cyanhydrin), the reaction end-product was identified by peptide mapping and cocrystallization experiments as S-(2-carboxy-(2S)-propyl) substituted Cys-418. The stereoselectivity of the observed Michael addition reaction is compatible with a radical mechanism that involves Cys-418 thiyl as nucleophile and Cys-419 as H-atom donor, thus supporting the functional assignments of these catalytic amino acid residues derived from the protein structure.

Tubulin post-translational modifications in the primitive protist Trichomonas vaginalis.

Science.gov (United States)

Delgado-Viscogliosi, P; Brugerolle, G; Viscogliosi, E

1996-01-01

Using several specific monoclonal antibodies, we investigated the occurrence and distribution of different post-translationally modified tubulin during interphase and division of the primitive flagellated protist Trichomonas vaginalis. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence experiments revealed that interphasic microtubular structures of T. vaginalis contained acetylated and glutamylated but non-tyrosinated and non-glycylated [Brugerolle and Adoutte, 1988: Bio Systems 21: 255-268] tubulin. Immunofluorescence studies performed on dividing cells showed that the extranuclear mitotic spindle (or paradesmosis) was acetylated and glutamylated, which contrast with the ephemeral nature of this structure. Newly formed short axostyles also contained acetylated and glutamylated tubulin suggesting that both post-translational modifications might take place very early after assembly of microtubular structures. Our results indicate that acetylation and glutamylation of tubulin appeared early in the history of eukaryotes and could reflect the occurrence of post-translational modifications of tubulin in the primitive eukaryotic cells. These cells probably had a highly ordered cross-linked microtubular cytoskeleton in which microtubules showed a low level of subunit exchange dynamics.

Effects of crude oil on the feeding behaviour of the zoanthid Palythoa variabilis.

Science.gov (United States)

Reimer, A A

1975-01-01

Palythoa variabilis (Duerden 1898) has a well-coordinated, sterotyped feeding response similar to that described for other zoanthids. The feeding reaction can be elicited by the heterocyclic amino acid proline and by some of its analogs. The addition of an OH group (hydroxyproline) or of a glycyl group (prolylglycine) annuls the activity of the proline molecule. Substitutions (thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid) or additions (glycylproline) to the amino group do not alter the effectivity of the activator. The size of the ring can be altered within certain limits (azetidine-2-carbocylic acid and pipecolic acid) without affecting the activity of the molecule. Feeding reactions culminating with ingestion can be elicited by Marine Diesel and Bunker-C oils. Exposure to oil affects the ability of polyps to discriminate between inert and chemically active particles for 3 to 5 days; responses to proline are not altered for at least 3 days following the exposure, but become slower and are present in fewer polyps after that period. Oil is retained in the coelenteron for several days following exposure and is periodically released in the form of timy droplets.

Nucleogenic radioiodination of O-iodo hippuric acid (O-I H A) VIA molten acetic acid analogs (A A A). Vol. 3

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

El-Shaboury, G; El-Kolaly, M T; El-Watery, A; El-Mohty, A; Raieh, M [Radioisotope Production and Labelled Compounds Department, Hot Laboratories Center, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, (Egypt)

1996-03-01

A recent study for nucleogenic radioiodination of O-iodo hippuric acid (O-I H A) in dry-state (i.e. Molten state) with radioiodine in molten acetic acid analogs (AAA) has been investigated. The result investigated has revealed that the molten ammonium acetate (m.p. 114 degree C) fulfills the desired requirements for achieving high and pure radiochemical yield up to 95% within 5 min. at 120 degree C, when used as a molten medium for the no-carrier added isotope - exchange reaction between inactive O-I H A and Lyophilized ethanolic solution of sodium iodide ({sup 131} I{sup -}). On the other hand, the different critical parameters which affects the isotopic - exchange reaction in molten state previously described are discussed to evaluate the chemical principles of the reaction. Also the product obtained is completely free from impurities currently found in commercial radioiodinated - hippuran usually obtained by molten techniques such as glycyl - O - iodihippuric acid (g-OIHA) as well as O-iodobenzonic acid (O-IBA), which are investigated by TIC silica G-60 using the organic phase of the following solvent consists of benzene: acetic acid: water: n.butanol in the ratio of 5:5:2:1 as developing solvent. 2 figs., 2 tabs.

Chemical and biological studies on the technetium/S-unprotected MAG3-system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Johannsen, B.; Noll, B.; Heise, K.H.; May, K.; Syhre, R.; Reiss, H.; Strangfeld, D.; Bruch, L.; Modersohn, D.

1990-01-01

Labelling studies performed with S-unprotected mercaptoacetylglycylglycine (MAG 3 ) have shown that various products of different biological properties exist in the Tc-MAG 3 system. Besides the known Tc(V)oxo complex recently introduced into nuclear medicine for renal function diagnosis, mainly three species were characterized by HPLC, TLC, electrophoresis and UV-VIS spectroscopy as well as biodistribution studies in rats and minipigs. Alteration of preparation conditions, both at carrier level (10 -4 M) and with no-carrier-added 99m Tc such as concentrations, sequence of reactants, pH, and time enabled to elucidate reaction routes within the system, interdependency of the Tc species, and vulnerability of the kidney imaging agent. The renal function agent was prepared by reduction of pertechnetate by stannous tartrate in solution of S-unprotected MAG 3 at pH > 11, and subsequent neutralization. (author)

N-alylated mercaptoacetyl glycine derivatives as multipurpose ligands in radio tracer design. Pt. 2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Noll, B.; Semmler, W.

1994-01-01

N 1 -alkylated mercaptoacetyl glycine ligands were labelled with technetium-99m and the formed products analyzed by chromatographic methods. Biodistribution patterns of the resulting species were determined in Wistar rats. The compounds were tested with regard to their ability to be accumulated in arterioclerotic plaques. (orig.)

Agrobacterium deltaense sp. nov., an endophytic bacteria isolated from nodule of Sesbania cannabina.

Science.gov (United States)

Yan, Jun; Li, Yan; Han, Xiao Zeng; Chen, Wen Feng; Zou, Wen Xiu; Xie, Zhihong; Li, Meng

2017-09-01

A Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, aerobic rods, strain YIC4121 T , was isolated from root nodule of Sesbania cannabina grown in Dongying (Yellow River Delta), Shandong Province, PR China. Based on phylogenetic analysis of 16 S rRNA gene sequences, strain YIC4121 T was assigned to the genus Agrobacterium with 99.7, 99.3, 99.0, 98.8 and 98.7% sequence similarities to Agrobacterium radiobacter LMG140 T , A. pusense NRCPB10 T , A. arsenijevicii KFB 330 T , A. nepotum 39/7 T and A. larrymoorei ATCC51759 T . Analysis of the concatenated housekeeping genes (recA-atpD-glnII), showed lower sequence similarities (≤94.6%) between strain YIC4121 T and other recognized Agrobacterium species. Strain YIC4121 T shared whole-genome average nucleotide identities (ANI) 87.94, 91.27 and 77.42%, with A. pusense NRCPB10 T , A. radiobacter LMG140 T and A. larrymoorei ATCC51759 T . The predominant cellular fatty acids were C 19:0 cyclo ω8c, summed feature 2 (C 12:0 aldehyde/unknown 10.9525), summed feature 8 (C 18:1 ω7c/C 18:1 ω6c), C 16:0 3 OH and C 16:0 . The G + C content of strain YIC4121 T was 59.80 mol%. Tween 80, lactulose, citric acid, α-ketoglutaric acid, glycyl-L-glutamic acid and 2, 3-butanediol could not be utilized as carbon source, distinguishing strain YIC4121 T from the other related species. Based on the distinctly genetic and phenotypic dissimilarity, a novel species Agrobacterium deltaense sp. nov. is proposed with YIC4121 T (=HAMBI 3654 T  = LMG 29283 T ) as the type strain.

Application of solid phase microextraction followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in the determination of antibiotic drugs and their metabolites in human whole blood and tissue samples.

Science.gov (United States)

Szultka-Mlynska, Malgorzata; Pomastowski, Pawel; Buszewski, Boguslaw

2018-06-01

A sensitive, rapid and specific analytical method using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-QqQ-MS) was developed to determine selected antibiotic drugs and their metabolites (amoxicillin, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin and metronidazole; amoxycilloic acid, 4-hydroxyphenyl glycyl amoxicillin, desacetyl cefotaxime, 3-desacetyl cefotaxime lactone, ciprofloxacin N-oxide, N-demethylclindamycin, clindamycin sulfoxide, and hydroxy metronidazole) in human whole blood and vascularized tissue after single oral administration. The samples were prepared by solid phase microextraction with C18 fibers (SPME C18 ) and determined on a GRACE analytical C18 column, Vision HT (50 × 2 mm, 1.5 μm) at the flow rate of 0.4 mL min -1 using water and acetonitrile (containing 0.1% formic acid) as the mobile phase. The proposed method was successfully applied in a pharmacokinetic study of the selected antibiotic drugs and their metabolites in real human samples. Additionally, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI/TOF-MS) was used for identification and qualification analysis of the target compounds. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hybrid Metaheuristic Approach for Nonlocal Optimization of Molecular Systems.

Science.gov (United States)

Dresselhaus, Thomas; Yang, Jack; Kumbhar, Sadhana; Waller, Mark P

2013-04-09

Accurate modeling of molecular systems requires a good knowledge of the structure; therefore, conformation searching/optimization is a routine necessity in computational chemistry. Here we present a hybrid metaheuristic optimization (HMO) algorithm, which combines ant colony optimization (ACO) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) for the optimization of molecular systems. The HMO implementation meta-optimizes the parameters of the ACO algorithm on-the-fly by the coupled PSO algorithm. The ACO parameters were optimized on a set of small difluorinated polyenes where the parameters exhibited small variance as the size of the molecule increased. The HMO algorithm was validated by searching for the closed form of around 100 molecular balances. Compared to the gradient-based optimized molecular balance structures, the HMO algorithm was able to find low-energy conformations with a 87% success rate. Finally, the computational effort for generating low-energy conformation(s) for the phenylalanyl-glycyl-glycine tripeptide was approximately 60 CPU hours with the ACO algorithm, in comparison to 4 CPU years required for an exhaustive brute-force calculation.

Antioxidant, immunomodulatory and antiproliferative effects of gelatin hydrolysate from unicorn leatherjacket skin.

Science.gov (United States)

Karnjanapratum, Supatra; O'Callaghan, Yvonne C; Benjakul, Soottawat; O'Brien, Nora

2016-07-01

The in vitro cellular bioactivities including, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and antiproliferative effects of a gelatin hydrolysate (GH) prepared from unicorn leatherjacket skin, using partially purified glycyl endopeptidase, were investigated in order to optimize the use of fish skin waste products as functional food ingredients. GH under the tested concentrations (750-1500 µg mL(-1) ) protected against H2 O2 -induced DNA damage in U937 cells. GH also protected against the H2 O2 -induced reduction in cellular antioxidant enzyme activities, superoxide dismutase and catalase, in HepG2 cells. GH demonstrated immunomodulatory potential by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β) production and nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Cell proliferation in human colon cancer (Caco-2) cells was significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner following incubation with GH. These results indicate that GH has several bioactivities which support its potential as a promising functional food ingredient with various health benefits. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

The first N-terminal unprotected (Gly-Aib)n peptide: H-Gly-Aib-Gly-Aib-OtBu.

Science.gov (United States)

Gessmann, Renate; Brückner, Hans; Petratos, Kyriacos

2015-12-01

Glycine (Gly) is incorporated in roughly half of all known peptaibiotic (nonribosomally biosynthesized antibiotic peptides of fungal origin) sequences and is the residue with the greatest conformational flexibility. The conformational space of Aib (α-aminoisobutyric acid) is severely restricted by the second methyl group attached to the Cα atom. Most of the crystal structures containing Aib are N-terminal protected. Deprotection of the N- or C-terminus of peptides may alter the hydrogen-bonding scheme and/or the structure and may facilitate crystallization. The structure reported here for glycyl-α-aminoisobutyrylglycyl-α-aminoisobutyric acid tert-butyl ester, C16H30N4O5, describes the first N-terminal-unprotected (Gly-Aib)n peptide. The achiral peptide could form an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the C=O group of Gly1 and the N-H group of Aib4. This hydrogen bond is found in all tetrapeptides and N-terminal-protected tripeptides containing Aib, apart from one exception. In the present work, this hydrogen bond is not observed (N...O = 5.88 Å). Instead, every molecule is hydrogen bonded to six other symmetry-related molecules with a total of eight hydrogen bonds per molecule. The backbone conformation starts in the right-handed helical region (and the left-handed helical region for the inverted molecule) and reverses the screw sense in the last two residues.

Epidermal growth factor inhibits glycyl sarcosine transport and hPepT1 expression in a human intestinal cell line

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nielsen, Carsten Uhd; Amstrup, Jan; Steffansen, Bente

2001-01-01

Intestinal oligopeptide transporter, growth factor, immunocytochemistry, laser scanning confocal microscopy......Intestinal oligopeptide transporter, growth factor, immunocytochemistry, laser scanning confocal microscopy...

Design and characterization of hirulogs: A novel class of bivalent peptide inhibitors of thrombin

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Maraganore, J.M.; Bourdon, P.; Jablonski, J.; Ramachandran, K.L. (Biogen, Inc., Cambridge, MA (USA)); Fenton, J.W. II (New York State Department of Health, Albany (USA))

1990-07-31

A novel class of synthetic peptides has been designed that inhibit the thrombin catalytic site and exhibit specificity for the anion-binding exosite (ABE) of {alpha}-thrombin. These peptides, called hirulogs, consist of (i) an active-site specificity sequence with a restricted Arg-Pro scissile bond, (ii) a polymeric linker of glycyl residues from 6 to 18 {angstrom} in length, and (iii) an ABE recognition sequence such as that in the hirudin C-terminus. Hirulog-1 ((D-Phe)-Pro-Arg-Pro-(Gly){sub 4}-Asn-Gly-Asp-Phe-Glu-Glu-Ile-Pro-Glu-Tyr-Leu) inhibits the thrombin-catalyzed hydrolysis of a tripeptide p-nitroanilide substrate with K{sub i} = 2.3 nM. In contrast, the synthetic C-terminal hirudin peptide S-Hir{sub 53-64}, which binds to the thrombin ABE, blocked the fibrinogen clotting activity of the enzyme with K{sub i} = 144 nM but failed to inhibit the hydrolysis of p-nitroanilide substrates at concentrations as high as 1 mM. Hirulog-1, but not S-Hir{sub 53-64}, was found to inhibit the incorporation of ({sup 14}C)diisopropyl fluorophosphate in thrombin. Hirulog-1 appears specific for thrombin as it lacks inhibitory activities toward human factor Xa, human plasmin, and bovine trypsin at inhibitor:enzyme concentrations 3 orders of magnitude higher than those required to inhibit thrombin. The optimal inhibitory activity of hirulog-1 depends upon all three components of its structure. Comparison of anticoagulant activities of hirulog-1, hirudin, and S-Hir{sub 53-64} showed that the synthetic hirulog-1 is 2-fold more potent than hirudin and 100-fold more active than S-Hir{sub 53-64} in increasing the activated partial thromboplastin time of normal human plasma.

Evaluation of renal function using 99mTc-MAG3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takayama, Teruhiko; Aburano, Tamio; Shuke, Noriyuki

1993-01-01

The utility of 99m Tc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) was studied clinically. In the renography obtained with 99m Tc-MAG3, the abdominal aorta and the common iliac arteries were clearly visualized in the vascular phase. Due to less background activity and high target to background ratio, the quality of 99m Tc-MAG3 image was superior to that of 123 I-OIH or 99m Tc-DTPA image. The parameters on the renogram including T max , T 2/3 , and T 1/2 were compared. The correlation of T max and T 2/3 or T 1/2 were not significant between 99m Tc-MAG3 and 123 I-OIH. Another parameter of C 20 /C max , where C 20 and C max are renal activities at 20 min after injection and at T max respectively, showed an excellent correlation between 99m Tc-MAG3 and 123 I-OIH. Using C 20 /C max , pattern of renogram can be characterized numerically. Concerning the relation between C 20 /C max and renogram pattern, standard renogram pattern showed the C 20 /C max value of less than 0.4, while hypofunctioning pattern showed more than 0.5. The correlation coefficient between the renal uptake of 99m Tc-MAG3 and 123 I-OIH was 0.880 with a correlation plot: 'Y=1.16X-0.043', where X and Y represent renal uptake of 99m Tc-MAG3 and 123 I-OIH, respectively. It can be concluded that 99m Tc-MAG3 is a useful renal imaging agent as an alternative to 123 I-OIH, in order to evaluate the proximal tubular function and calculate ERPF. (author)

Isolation and identification of a bacterium from marine shrimp digestive tract: A new degrader of starch and protein

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Jiqiu; Tan, Beiping; Mai, Kangsen

2011-09-01

It is a practical approach to select candidate probiotic bacterial stains on the basis of their special traits. Production of digestive enzyme was used as a trait to select a candidate probiotic bacterial strain in this study. In order to select a bacterium with the ability to degrade both starch and protein, an ideal bacterial strain STE was isolated from marine shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei) intestines by using multiple selective media. The selected isolate STE was identified on the basis of its morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics as well as molecular analyses. Results of degradation experiments confirmed the ability of the selected isolate to degrade both starch and casein. The isolate STE was aerobic, Gram-negative, rod-shaped, motile and non-spore-forming, and had catalase and oxidase activities but no glucose fermentation activity. Among the tested carbon/nitrogen sources, only Tween40, alanyl-glycine, aspartyl-glycine, and glycyl-l-glutamic acid were utilized by the isolate STE. Results of homology comparison analyses of the 16S rDNA sequences showed that the isolate STE had a high similarity to several Pseudoalteromonas species and, in the phylogenetic tree, grouped with P. ruthenica with maximum bootstrap support (100%). In conclusion, the isolate STE was characterized as a novel strain belonging to the genus Pseudoalteromonas. This study provides a further example of a probiotic bacterial strain with specific characteristics isolated from the host gastrointestinal tract.

Sequential Tc[sup 99m] mercaptoacetyl-triglycine (MAB3) renography as an evaluator of early renal transplant function

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Carmody, E.; Greene, A.; Brennan, P.; Donohue, J.; Carmody, M.; Keeling, F. (Department of Radiology and Nephrology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland (United Kingdom))

1993-01-01

A prospective study was carried out to evaluate the role of sequential Tc[sup 99m] MAG3 renography in assessing transplant function in the early post-operative period. Twenty patients were included in the study. Studies were performed on all patients at intervals of 48-72 hours until discharge. There were 11 clinically diagnosed episodes of rejection, 9 of which were correctly diagnosed using MAG3 renography. Six episodes of rejection were diagnosed prior to the onset of clinical symptoms. Two patients with graft infarction were correctly diagnosed. Six patients had evidence of transient renographic abnormalities in the immediate post-operative phase which were not associated with clinical symptoms, all of these resolved spontaneously on subsequent examinations and were presumed to be related to resolving acute tubular necrosis (ATN). The perfusion index was of no discriminatory value in this study. Sequential Tc[sup 99m] MAG3 renography is highly sensitive but entirely nonspecific in the evaluation of pathology in the transplant kidney. Rejection in an uncomplicated transplant can be readily detected in many cases well in advance of clinical manifestations. This study demonstrates that Tc[sup 99m] MAG3 renography is certainly equal to Tc[sup 99m] DTPA renography or Iodine 131 renography in assessing early transplant function. However, TC[sup 99m] MAG3 exposes the patient to considerably less radiation and the images are of superior quality. (au) (15 refs.).

The role for IGF-1-derived small neuropeptides as a therapeutic target for neurological disorders.

Science.gov (United States)

Guan, Jian; Harris, Paul; Brimble, Margaret; Lei, Yang; Lu, Jun; Yang, Yang; Gunn, Alistair J

2015-06-01

Exogenous IGF-1 protects the brain from ischemic injury and improves function. However, its clinical application to neurological disorders is limited by its large molecular size, poor central uptake and mitogenic potential. In this review, the authors have discussed the efficacy, pharmacokinetics and mechanisms of IGF-1 derivatives on protecting acute brain injury, preventing memory impairment and improving recovery from neurological degenerative conditions evaluated in various animal models. We have included natural metabolites of IGF-1, glycine-proline-glutamate (GPE), cleaved from N-terminal IGF-1 and cyclic glycine-proline (cGP) as well as the structural analogues of GPE and cGP, glycine-2-methyl-proline-glutamate and cyclo-l-glycyl-l-2-allylproline, respectively. In addition, the regulatory role for cGP in bioavailability of IGF-1 has also been discussed. These small neuropeptides provide effective neuroprotection by offering an improved pharmacokinetic profile and more practical route of administration compared with IGF-1 administration. Developing modified neuropeptides to overcome the limitations of their endogenous counterparts represents a novel strategy of pharmaceutical discovery for neurological disorders. The mechanism of action may involve a regulation of IGF-1 bioavailability.

Glomerular filtration and tubular secretion of MAG-3 in the rat kidney

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mueller-Suur, R.M.; Mueller-Suur, C.

1989-01-01

Technetium-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG-3) has recently been introduced as a new radiopharmaceutical for dynamic renal scintigraphy. To elucidate the mechanism of renal excretion, micropuncture experiments were performed in rat kidneys for direct measurements of glomerular filtration and tubular secretory capacity. Fluid of Bowman space was collected from superficial glomeruli and analyzed for its contents of [99mTc]MAG-3, [125I]hippurate and [3H]inulin during constant infusion of these compounds. The ratio of activity of ultrafiltrate to that of arterial plasma was 0.23 for MAG-3, 0.68 for hippurate and 1.04 for inulin which demonstrates that the filtrated amount of MAG-3 is only 23% of that of inulin, presumably because of higher plasma protein binding which was also measured in vitro and found to be 80 +/- 1.5% for MAG-3 and 32 +/- 2% for [125I]hippurate. Proximal and distal tubules were also micropunctured and their tubular fluid as well as the final urine analyzed for the activity of hippurate and MAG-3. The tubular fluid to plasma ratio values along the nephron and in the final urine were all lower for MAG-3 than for hippurate, indicating a lower secretory capacity. From measurements of whole renal clearance, GFR and plasma protein binding the filtered amount of MAG-3 was 0.26 and of hippurate 0.87 ml/min.g kidney weight (p less than 0.001) and the secreted amount 2.01 and 2.38 ml/min.g kidney weight (p less than 0.05), respectively. We conclude that MAG-3 is predominantly excreted by tubular secretion and that the lower renal clearance of MAG-3 as compared with that of hippurate is a result both of a substantially decreased glomerular filtration and of a lower tubular secretion

Removal of Cu2+ and turbidity from wastewater by mercaptoacetyl chitosan.

Science.gov (United States)

Chang, Qing; Zhang, Min; Wang, Jinxi

2009-09-30

A macromolecule heavy metal flocculant mercaptoacetyl chitosan (MAC) was prepared by reacting chitosan with mercaptoacetic acid. In preliminary experiments, the flocculation performance of MAC was evaluated by using wastewater containing Cu(2+) or/and turbidity. Some factors which affect the removal of Cu(2+) and turbidity were also studied. The experimental results showed that: (1) MAC can remove both Cu(2+) and turbidity from wastewater. The removal efficiency of Cu(2+) by using MAC combined with hydrolyzed polyacrylamide is higher than that by only using MAC, the removal efficiency of Cu(2+) reaches above 98%; (2) when water sample containing not only Cu(2+) but also turbidity-causing substance, the removal efficiency of both Cu(2+) and turbidity will be promoted by the cooperation effect of each other, the residual concentration of Cu(2+) reaches below 0.5 mg L(-1) and the turbidity reaches below 3NTU, Cu(2+) is more easily removed by MAC when turbidity is higher; (3) the removal efficiency of Cu(2+) increases with the increase in pH value, contrarily removal efficiency of turbidity decreases with the increase in pH value.

ATP-containing vesicles in stria vascular marginal cell cytoplasms in neonatal rat cochlea are lysosomes.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Jun; Liu, Wenjing; Yang, Jun

2016-02-11

We confirmed that ATP is released from cochlear marginal cells in the stria vascular but the cell organelle in which ATP stores was not identified until now. Thus, we studied the ATP-containing cell organelles and suggest that these are lysosomes. Primary cultures of marginal cells of Sprague-Dawley rats aged 1-3 days was established. Vesicles within marginal cells stained with markers were identified under confocal laser scanning microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Then ATP release from marginal cells was measured after glycyl-L-phenylalanine-ß- naphthylamide (GPN) treatment using a bioluminescent assay. Quinacrine-stained granules within marginal cells were labeled with LysoTracker, a lysosome tracer, and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1(LAMP1), but not labeled with the mitochondrial tracer MitoTracker. Furthermore, LysoTracker-labelled puncta showed accumulation of Mant-ATP, an ATP analog. Treatment with 200 μM GPN quenched fluorescently labeled puncta after incubation with LysoTracker or quinacrine, but not MitoTracker. Quinacrine-labeled organelles observed by TEM were lysosomes, and an average 27.7 percent increase in ATP luminescence was observed in marginal cells extracellular fluid after GPN treatment. ATP-containing vesicles in cochlear marginal cells of the stria vascular from neonatal rats are likely lysosomes. ATP release from marginal cells may be via Ca(2+)-dependent lysosomal exocytosis.

Proline oxidase silencing induces proline-dependent pro-survival pathways in MCF-7 cells

Science.gov (United States)

Zareba, Ilona; Celinska-Janowicz, Katarzyna; Surazynski, Arkadiusz; Miltyk, Wojciech; Palka, Jerzy

2018-01-01

Proline degradation by proline dehydrogenase/proline oxidase (PRODH/POX) contributes to apoptosis or autophagy. The identification of specific pathway of apoptosis/survival regulation is the aim of this study. We generated knocked-down PRODH/POX MCF-7 breast cancer cells (MCF-7shPRODH/POX). PRODH/POX silencing did not affect cell viability. However, it contributed to decrease in DNA and collagen biosynthesis, increase in prolidase activity and intracellular proline concentration as well as increase in the expression of iNOS, NF-κB, mTOR, HIF-1α, COX-2, AMPK, Atg7 and Beclin-1 in MCF-7shPRODH/POX cells. In these cells, glycyl-proline (GlyPro, substrate for prolidase) further inhibited DNA and collagen biosynthesis, maintained high prolidase activity, intracellular concentration of proline and up-regulated HIF-1α, AMPK, Atg7 and Beclin-1, compared to GlyPro-treated MCF-7 cells. In MCF-7 cells, GlyPro increased collagen biosynthesis, concentration of proline and expression of caspase-3, cleaved caspases -3 and -9, iNOS, NF-κB, COX-2 and AMPKβ. PRODH/POX knock-down contributed to pro-survival autophagy pathways in MCF-7 cells and GlyPro-derived proline augmented this process. However, GlyPro induced apoptosis in PRODH/POX-expressing MCF-7 cells as detected by up-regulation of active caspases -3 and -9. The data suggest that PRODH/POX silencing induces autophagy in MCF-7 cells and GlyPro-derived proline supports this process. PMID:29568391

Renal scintigraphy in the 21st Century 99m Tc-MAG3 with zero time injection of furosemide (MAG3-F0): a fast and easy protocol, one for all indications. Part 3. Clinical experience. Congenital disorders

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sfakianakis, G.N.

2007-01-01

In this work the Protocol for MAG 3 -F 0 is presented. Patient preparation, easy (only restriction, oral hydration, no bladder cathartic). Dynamic study (iv 1-10 mCi MAG 3 + 40-80 mg LASIX), simultaneous injection of furosemide: MAG 3 -F 0 , duration of the study: 25 minutes. Tomography-SPECT (20 mCi MAG 3 ). No diuretic needed, duration of the study: 4 minutes. (Author)

Expression of human mag-1 gene in E. coli and preparation of its antibody

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lin Huiyun; Xu Yuanji; Wang Yan; Chen Huihua; Du Zhiyan; Tan Xiaogang; Lu Yinglin

2006-01-01

Objective: To further investigate the new metastasis associated gene, mag-1 expressed in E. coli and its anti-body was prepared in rabbit. Methods: mag-1 was amplified by PCR from pcDNA3-mag-1 and directly cloned into pET-28a vector. The fusion protein was expressed in BL21 and identified by Western blot using anti-His monoclonal antibody. Rabbit was immunized with partially purified fusion protein subcutaneously. Results: Sequence analysis revealed identity of the sequence obtained to the previous report. The recombinant His-mag-1 could be expressed in E. coli as a fusion protein of 18 x 10 3 . The recombinant protein was mostly expressed in the inclusion bodies on the induction by 0.1 mmol/L IPTG at 37 degree C for 6 hours. Western blot analysis showed that the recombinant protein could be recognized by His monoclonal anti-body. The titer of polyclonal antibody against mag-1 was 1:160000. Conclusion: The mag-1 gene is expressed in E. coli highly and its antibody is prepared successfully. (authors)

Analysis of radiochemical purity (RCP) of 99Tcm-MAG3 injection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Huang Qingquan; Xia Zhenmin

1992-01-01

A two-system paper chromatographic method has been established for the determination of RCP of 99 Tc m -MAG 3 injection. R f -values of 99 Tc m -MAG 3 , 99 Tc m O 4 - and H-R- 99 Tc m (hydrolysis reduced 99 Tc m ) are 0.9, 0.8, 0.0 in system I, and 0.0, 0.4, 0.0 in system II respectively. The RCP and percentages of 99 Tc m O 4 - and H-R- 99 Tc m of 99 Tc m -MAG 3 injection have been determined with this method

MAG3 in a renal transplant with complications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rynderman, J.

2002-01-01

Full text: A 42 year-old female presenting with glomerulonephritis induced end stage renal failure was found suitable for a renal transplant (Tx). A cadaveric renal Tx was performed after a prolonged cold ischaemic time of 12 hours (optimal<4 hours). The surgery was uncomplicated and doppler ultrasound (u/s) post surgery demonstrated good perfusion to the transplant. Sequential MAG3 renal scanning, at days 1, 3 and 5 post transplant demonstrated reduced but clearly identifiable perfusion and an accumulation renogram ('hot kidney') consistent with acute tubular necrosis (ATN). These results lead to a biopsy being performed at day 5. The biopsy demonstrated rejection and tubular dilatation m keeping with ATN Intense anti-rejection therapy commenced. The day 7, MAG3 study demonstrated some improvement in perfusion, uptake, and clearance, however, overall function remained impaired Dialysis was resumed. At day 10, the patient developed pain with a distended, firm, and tender abdomen. An urgent MAG3 study demonstrated acute vascular insult with near complete absence of perfusion or function ('cold kidney') and the decrease on accumulation renogram. Renal u/s demonstrated a peri-nephric haematoma and markedly abnormal intra-renal blood flow in keeping with acute rejection. This lead to an emergency renal Tx nephrectomy Macroscopically, the kidney was swollen with extensive necrosis and surrounded by fresh blood, with microscopy showing extensive rejection and venous thrombosis. Post nephrectomy the patient returned to haemodialysis While limited by ATN in the early post Tx period, MAG3 imaging provided timely, accurate and non invasive diagnostic information as to the viability of the renal Tx and to the ultimate decision to remove the kidney. This case also demonstrates the importance of frequent serial scanning in early post Tx monitoring. Copyright (2002) The Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine Inc

GHK-Cu may Prevent Oxidative Stress in Skin by Regulating Copper and Modifying Expression of Numerous Antioxidant Genes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Loren Pickart

2015-07-01

Full Text Available The copper binding tripeptide GHK (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine is a naturally occurring plasma peptide that significantly declines during human aging. It has been established that GHK:Copper(2+ improves wound healing and tissue regeneration and stimulates collagen and decorin production. GHK-Cu also supports angiogenesis and nerve outgrowth, improves the condition of aging skin and hair, and possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, it increases cellular stemness and secretion of trophic factors by mesenchymal stem cells. GHK’s antioxidant actions have been demonstrated in vitro and in animal studies. They include blocking the formation of reactive oxygen and carbonyl species, detoxifying toxic products of lipid peroxidation such as acrolein, protecting keratinocytes from lethal Ultraviolet B (UVB radiation, and blocking hepatic damage by dichloromethane radicals. In recent studies, GHK has been found to switch gene expression from a diseased state to a healthier state for certain cancers and for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD. The Broad Institute’s Connectivity Map indicated that GHK induces a 50% or greater change of expression in 31.2% of human genes. This paper reviews biological data demonstrating positive effects of GHK in skin and proposes interaction with antioxidant-related genes as a possible explanation of its antioxidant activity.

Microbial Community-Level Physiological Profiles (CLPP) and herbicide mineralization potential in groundwater affected by agricultural land use

Science.gov (United States)

Janniche, Gry Sander; Spliid, Henrik; Albrechtsen, Hans-Jørgen

2012-10-01

Diffuse groundwater pollution from agricultural land use may impact the microbial groundwater community, which was investigated as Community-Level Physiological Profiles (CLPP) using EcoPlate™. Water was sampled from seven piezometers and a spring in a small agricultural catchment with diffuse herbicide and nitrate pollution. Based on the Shannon-Wiener and Simpson's diversity indices the diversity in the microbial communities was high. The response from the EcoPlates™ showed which substrates support groundwater bacteria, and all 31 carbon sources were utilized by organisms from at least one water sample. However, only nine carbon sources were utilized by all water samples: D-Mannitol, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, putrescine, D-galacturonic acid, itaconic acid, 4-hydroxy benzoic acid, tween 40, tween 80, and L-asparagine. In all water samples the microorganisms preferred D-mannitol, D-galacturonic acid, tween 40, and 4-hydroxy benzoic acid as substrates, whereas none preferred 2-hydroxy benzoic acid, α-D-lactose, D,L-α-glycerol phosphate, α-ketobutyric acid, L-threonine and glycyl-L-glutamic acid. Principal Component Analysis of the CLPP's clustered the most agriculturally affected groundwater samples, indicating that the agricultural land use affects the groundwater microbial communities. Furthermore, the ability to mineralize atrazine and isoproturon, which have been used in the catchment, was also associated with this cluster.

GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Loren Pickart

2015-01-01

Full Text Available GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine is present in human plasma, saliva, and urine but declines with age. It is proposed that GHK functions as a complex with copper 2+ which accelerates wound healing and skin repair. GHK stimulates both synthesis and breakdown of collagen and glycosaminoglycans and modulates the activity of both metalloproteinases and their inhibitors. It stimulates collagen, dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and the small proteoglycan, decorin. It also restores replicative vitality to fibroblasts after radiation therapy. The molecule attracts immune and endothelial cells to the site of an injury. It accelerates wound-healing of the skin, hair follicles, gastrointestinal tract, boney tissue, and foot pads of dogs. It also induces systemic wound healing in rats, mice, and pigs. In cosmetic products, it has been found to tighten loose skin and improve elasticity, skin density, and firmness, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reduce photodamage, and hyperpigmentation, and increase keratinocyte proliferation. GHK has been proposed as a therapeutic agent for skin inflammation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and metastatic colon cancer. It is capable of up- and downregulating at least 4,000 human genes, essentially resetting DNA to a healthier state. The present review revisits GHK’s role in skin regeneration in the light of recent discoveries.

The Effect of the Human Peptide GHK on Gene Expression Relevant to Nervous System Function and Cognitive Decline

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Loren Pickart

2017-02-01

Full Text Available Neurodegeneration, the progressive death of neurons, loss of brain function, and cognitive decline is an increasing problem for senior populations. Its causes are poorly understood and therapies are largely ineffective. Neurons, with high energy and oxygen requirements, are especially vulnerable to detrimental factors, including age-related dysregulation of biochemical pathways caused by altered expression of multiple genes. GHK (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine is a human copper-binding peptide with biological actions that appear to counter aging-associated diseases and conditions. GHK, which declines with age, has health promoting effects on many tissues such as chondrocytes, liver cells and human fibroblasts, improves wound healing and tissue regeneration (skin, hair follicles, stomach and intestinal linings, boney tissue, increases collagen, decorin, angiogenesis, and nerve outgrowth, possesses anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-pain and anti-anxiety effects, increases cellular stemness and the secretion of trophic factors by mesenchymal stem cells. Studies using the Broad Institute Connectivity Map show that GHK peptide modulates expression of multiple genes, resetting pathological gene expression patterns back to health. GHK has been recommended as a treatment for metastatic cancer, Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, inflammation, acute lung injury, activating stem cells, pain, and anxiety. Here, we present GHK’s effects on gene expression relevant to the nervous system health and function.

[99mTc]MAG3-mannosyl-dextran: a receptor-binding radiopharmaceutical for sentinel node detection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vera, David R.; Wallace, Anne M.; Hoh, Carl K.

2001-01-01

Technetium-99m-labeled benzoyl-mercaptoacetylglycylglycyl-glycine-mannosyl-dextran ([ 99m Tc]MAG 3 -mannosyl-dextran) is a receptor-binding radiotracer that binds to mannose-binding protein, a receptor expressed by reticuloendothelial tissue. This agent is composed of a 10.5-kilodalton molecule of dextran and multiple units of mannose, and benzoyl-mercaptoacetylglycylglycyl-glycine (BzMAG 3 ). The tetraflorophenol-activated ester of BzMAG 3 and the imidate of thiomannose were used to covalently attach BzMAG 3 and mannose to an amino-terminated conjugate of dextran. This yielded a 19-kilodalton macromolecule consisting of 3 BzMAG 3 and 21 mannose units per dextran. Dynamic light scattering was used to measure a mean diameter of 5.5 nanometers for BzMAG 3 -mannosyl-dextran and 0.28 microns for filtered Tc-99m sulfur colloid. A preliminary sentinel node detection study employing right fore and hind footpad injections of [ 99m Tc]MAG 3 -mannosyl-dextran and left fore and hind footpad injections of filtered Tc-99m sulfur colloid demonstrated greater sentinel lymph node uptake by the receptor-binding agent

Renal scintigraphy in the 21st Century {sup 99m} Tc-MAG{sub 3} with zero time injection of furosemide (MAG{sub 3}-F{sub 0}): a fast and easy protocol, one for all indications. Part 3. Clinical experience. Congenital disorders

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sfakianakis, G.N. [Professor of Radiology and Pediatrics, Director Division of Nuclear Medicine, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Florida (United States)

2007-07-01

In this work the Protocol for MAG{sub 3}-F{sub 0} is presented. Patient preparation, easy (only restriction, oral hydration, no bladder cathartic). Dynamic study (iv 1-10 mCi MAG{sub 3} + 40-80 mg LASIX), simultaneous injection of furosemide: MAG{sub 3}-F{sub 0}, duration of the study: 25 minutes. Tomography-SPECT (20 mCi MAG{sub 3}). No diuretic needed, duration of the study: 4 minutes. (Author)

Preparation and evaluation of freeze-dried Mag3 kits for 99m Tc-labelling

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

El-Mohty, A.A.; El-Ghany, E.A.; El-Kolaly, M.T.; Raieh, M.; EL-Bary, A.A.

1996-01-01

The freeze-dried Mag 3 kits were designed for both ligand trans chelation and direct labelling techniques. The solution of Sn-Mag 3 was sterilized by 0.22 μU mill pore filtration and dispensed in a laminar flow hood (1 m I / vial) then, the vials were introduced to the lyophilized. The process of lyophilization was continued for 24 hours. At end of the cycle, the vials were closed under nitrogen. The moisture content of the freeze-dried Mag 3 kits was determined and it was found equal to 0.1% also, the losses of tin (II) during the freeze-drying cycle did not exceed 5%. It was found that the Mag 3 freeze-dried kits were sterile, pyrogen free and does not have any unexpected toxicity. The prepared Mag 3 freeze-dried kits have high radiochemical purity > 97% and high stability for more than 8 h after labelling. The biodistribution shows rapid renal excretion at 15 min post injection. 3 figs., 4 tabs

Preparation, radiochemical purity control and stability of 99mTc-mertiatide (Mag-3)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Van Hemert, F.J.; Schimmel, K.J.M.; Van Eck-Smit, B.L.F.; Van Lenthe, H.

2005-01-01

Scintigraphic image analysis of 99m Tc-mertiatide (Mag-3, mercaptoacetyltriglycine) clearance provides the determination of the blood flow, the tubular transit time and the excretion as well from both kidneys. Radiopharmaceutical routine recommends a radiochemical purity control before administration of the product to a patient. The main objective of this study is to develop a Mag-3 labeling procedure that fits better than the previous one in our daily routine production of radiopharmaceuticals. Increasing proportions of 99m Tc-Mag-3 were measured during the heating and cooling steps of the Mag-3 labeling procedure. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was used to confirm the results of a rapid radiochemical quality control assay on standard instant thin-layer chromatography-silica gel (ITLC-SG) paper. The reconstitution time takes 20-25 minutes from the harvest of pertechnetate to a ready-for-use calibrated patient syringe. The HPLC profile of 99m Tc-Mag-3 including its minor impurities remains unchanged for 24-48 hours after reconstitution. The application of a programmable Peltier-directed device for heating/cooling provides a better control of the temperature course. The procedure proposed fully meets the labeling criteria recommended by the supplier and can be performed with a minimum of attention within a time-span that we formerly needed for solely the radiochemical purity control assay. Moreover, 99m Tc-Mag-3 prepared in this way seems to be considerably more stable than mentioned in the manufacturer's instructions. (author)

Effects of frequently used pharmaceutical excipients on the organic cation transporters 1-3 and peptide transporters 1/2 stably expressed in MDCKII cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Otter, Marcus; Oswald, Stefan; Siegmund, Werner; Keiser, Markus

2017-03-01

There is ample evidence that pharmaceutical excipients, which are supposed to be pharmacologically inactive, have an impact on drug metabolism and efflux transport. So far, little is known whether they also modulate uptake transporter proteins. We have recently shown that commonly used solubilizing agents exert significant effects on the function of organic anion uptake transporting polypeptides. Therefore, we investigated in this study the influence of frequently used pharmaceutical excipients on the transport activity of organic cation transporters OCT1, OCT2 and OCT3 and the peptide transporters PEPT1 and PEPT2. Inhibition of the OCTs and PEPTs by the excipients polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG), hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD), Solutol® HS15 (SOL), Cremophor® EL (CrEL), Tween® 20 (Tw20), Tween® 80 (Tw80), Kolliphor® P188 (P188) and Kolliphor® P407 (P407) was evaluated using stably transfected MDCKII cells with radio-labeled reference substrates and established inhibitors as controls. Intracellular accumulation of [3H]-1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP + ) for the OCTs and [3H]-glycyl-sarcosine (Gly-Sar) for the PEPTs was measured by liquid scintillation counting after cell lysis. Our studies revealed that PEG, HPCD, SOL, CrEL, Tw20 and Tw80 were potent inhibitors of OCT1-3 (e.g., Tw20 IC 50 values<0.04%). Cellular uptake of Gly-Sar by PEPT1 and PEPT2 was strongly inhibited by both Tw20 and Tw80. SOL was also a strong inhibitor of PEPT1 and PEPT2 (e.g., SOL IC 50 values<0.02%), while CrEL showed significantly inhibition of only PEPT2. The substantial inhibitory effects of certain solubilizing agents on OCTs and PEPTs should be considered if they are to be used in dosage forms for new chemical entities and registered drugs to avoid misinterpretation of pharmacokinetic data and undesired drug interactions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

MAG3 renal scintigraphy: improved ability to make anatomical diagnoses in neonates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rossleigg, M.A.; Kainer, G.; Rosenberg, A.R.; Farnaworth, R.H.

1995-01-01

Technetium-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) is the most recently introduced renal radiopharmaceutical in Australia and is established as the agent of choice for use in diuresis renography, particularly in neonates and infants. It provides superior anatomical information compared to previously used agents. Three cases are reported in which MAG3 diuresis renography was performed in neonates, who were found to have hydronephrosis detected antenatally. In two neonates, a previously unrecognized horseshoe kidney was demonstrated and in case 3 there were scan features characteristic of a ureterocele. It is highly unlikely that these abnormalities would have been delineated with 99m Tc dimethyltriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) study, as confirmed in case 1, because of the relatively poor uptake of DTPA when compared to MAG3. 6 refs., 3 figs

The development and characterization of Tc-99m mecaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Taylor, A. Jr.; Eshima, D.

1990-01-01

I-131 orth-iodohippuric (OIH) acid is a widely used renal radiopharmaceutical but it is limited due to the suboptimal imaging properties of the I-131 radionuclide and the relatively high radiation dose. Recent work has focused on the development of Tc-99m renal tubular function agents which would utilize the optimal radionuclidic properties and availability of Tc-99m, provide comparable clinical information to that obtained with OIH and allow the evaluation of renal perfusion. The triamide mercaptide (N 3 S) donor ligand system has yielded the most promising Tc-99m tubular function agent to date. Tc-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine MAG 3 does not enter the red blood cell. A simple kit formulation has been developed which yields a stable Tc-99m MAG 3 complex in high radiochemical purity. Studies in normal volunteers and patients indicate that Tc-99m MAG 3 is an excellent Tc-99m renal tubular agent but its clearance is only 50-60% that of OIH. 42 refs., 2 tabs., 2 figs

Tc-99m MAG3 SPECT on transplanted kidney

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ryu, Jong Gul; Kim, Soon; Zeon, Seok Kil

1999-01-01

This study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of a technetium-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine (Tc-99m MAG3) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) performed on transplanted kidney. Thirty renal transplant patients were included in this study. Planar scan was performed for 30 minutes using 555 MBq Tc-99m MAG3. A post-voiding SPECT scan was acquired on the third, seventh, fourteenth and twenty eighth day after transplantation. SPECT scan showed interpretable image quality in 26 of 30 patients (86.7%) and 84 in 120 scans (70%). Fourteen of 26 patients with interpretable SPECT image showed decreased or increased radioactivity, but only 5 had abnormal findings on the planar scan. Focal SPECT defects were seen in allografts with normal function (n=3), acute tubular necrosis (n=3), and acute rejection (n=2). The defects are thought to reflect focally underperfused renal parenchyme or, in normal allografts, an artifact from uneven radioactivity distribution. Four of 10 paints with renal arterial variation showed focally decreased radioactivity and SPECT helped guide further studies that confirmed the exact cause. Five of 10 patients with acute tubular necrosis or acute rejection showed focally decreased radioactivity, but its relation to the patients' clinical course was not clear. Focally increased radioactivity was observed in 5 allografts with normal function and 1 with double ureter in which local clearance delay was observed. Tc-99m MAG3 SPECT renal scan can detect additional focal abnormalities compared to planar scan. Further study is necessary to elucidate the exact clinical significance of the SPECT findings

Residual kidney function after donor nephrectomy. Assessment by 99mTc-MAG3-Clearance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hamscho, N.; Doebert, N.; Menzel, C.; Berner, U.; Zaplatnikov, K.; Gruenwald, F.; Wilhelm, A.; Gossmann, J.; Scheuermann, E.H.

2005-01-01

Aim: We evaluated the long-term residual renal function after donor nephrectomy using 99m Tc-mercaptoacetyltriglycin (MAG3)-clearance. Donors, methods: Altogether 49 kidney donors were examined using 99m Tc-MAG3-clearance after nephrectomy for donation to a relative (m:f=11.38; age 55±27 years). The donors were examined 16±8 years postoperatively (1.5-26 years). 42 donors (86%) showed normal creatinine values, whereas the other seven (14%) exhibited slightly elevated levels. 20 donors were examined pre- and postoperatively and compared intraindividually. The kidney function was compared to the age adapted normal values of healthy persons with two kidneys (67-133% of age related mean). Results: After nephrectomy all donors showed a normal perfusion, good secretion, merely physiological intrarenal transit and a normal elimination from the kidneys. The 99m Tc-MAG3-clearance was 69±15% of the normal mean value of healthy carriers of two kidneys regardless of the gender. 20 donors with a preoperative examination showed a significantly reduced total renal function from 84±15% of the mean normal value preoperatively to 60±15% postoperatively (p 99m Tc-MAG3-clearance measured prior to nephrectomy and the clearance levels after nephrectomy. Also, no correlation between the preoperative 99m Tc-MAG3-clearance and the postoperative serum creatinine values could be observed. Althogether, 22% of the donors (11/49) developed arterial hypertension 10±8 years after donation (1-23 years). This corresponds to the normal age prevalence of hypertension in the carriers of two kidneys. Three donors suffered from arterial hypertension prior to the operation. Conclusion: Kidney donors with normal or slightly elevated creatinine values postoperatively show a 99m Tc-MAG3 clearance value of 69% of the mean value of healthy carriers of two kidneys. This may serve as a reference value for healthy carriers of one kidney. In our study we demonstrated a good compensation of the contralateral

99mTcO(MAG2-3G3-dimer): a new integrin αvβ3-targeted SPECT radiotracer with high tumor uptake and favorable pharmacokinetics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shi, Jiyun; Wang, Lijun; Kim, Young-Seung; Zhai, Shizhen; Liu, Shuang; Jia, Bing; Wang, Fan

2009-01-01

This report presents the synthesis of a cyclic RGD dimer conjugate, MAG 2 -G 3 -E[G 3 -c(RGDfK)] 2 (MAG 2 -3G 3 -dimer, G 3 = Gly-Gly-Gly, MAG 2 = S-benzoyl mercaptoacetylglycylglycyl), and evaluation of its 99m Tc complex, 99m TcO(MAG 2 -3G 3 -dimer), as a new radiotracer for imaging the tumor integrin α v β 3 expression. An in vitro displacement assay was used to determine the integrin α v β 3 binding affinity of MAG 2 -3G 3 -dimer against 125 I-c(RGDyK) bound to U87MG human glioma cells. The athymic nude mice bearing U87MG glioma xenografts were used for biodistribution and planar imaging studies. We found that (1) MAG 2 is such a highly effective bifunctional chelator that 99m TcO(MAG 2 -3G 3 -dimer) can be prepared in high yield (radiochemical purity >95%) and with high specific activity (∝5 Ci/μmol) using a kit formulation; (2) 99m TcO(MAG 2 -3G 3 -dimer) has very high solution stability in the kit matrix; and (3) 99m TcO(MAG 2 -3G 3 -dimer) has very fast clearance kinetics from the intestine, liver, and kidneys. Among the 99m Tc-labeled cyclic RGD peptides evaluated in the xenografted U87MG glioma models, 99m TcO(MAG 2 -3G 3 -dimer) has the best pharmacokinetics and tumor to background ratios (tumor/liver = 4.29 ± 1.00 at 30 min postinjection and 8.29 ± 1.50 at 120 min postinjection; tumor/kidney = 1.16 ± 0.19 at 30 min postinjection and 2.49 ± 0.25 at 120 min postinjection). Planar imaging studies showed that tumors in the glioma-bearing mice administered with 99m TcO(MAG 2 -3G 3 -dimer) can be visualized with excellent contrast as early as 15 min postinjection. 99m TcO(MAG 2 -3G 3 -dimer) was able to maintain its chemical integrity in kidneys (>80% intact) and liver (>95% intact) over the 2-h period. However, there was significant metabolism (>50% of the injected radioactivity) detected in both urine and feces samples. 99m TcO(MAG 2 -3G 3 -dimer) is a very attractive radiotracer for early detection of integrin α v β 3 -positive tumors and has

X-prolyl dipeptidyl aminopeptidase gene (pepX) is part of the glnRA operon in Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

Science.gov (United States)

Varmanen, P; Savijoki, K; Avall, S; Palva, A; Tynkkynen, S

2000-01-01

A peptidase gene expressing X-prolyl dipeptidyl aminopeptidase (PepX) activity was cloned from Lactobacillus rhamnosus 1/6 by using the chromogenic substrate L-glycyl-L-prolyl-beta-naphthylamide for screening of a genomic library in Escherichia coli. The nucleotide sequence of a 3.5-kb HindIII fragment expressing the peptidase activity revealed one complete open reading frame (ORF) of 2,391 nucleotides. The 797-amino-acid protein encoded by this ORF was shown to be 40, 39, and 36% identical with PepXs from Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, and Lactococcus lactis, respectively. By Northern analysis with a pepX-specific probe, transcripts of 4.5 and 7.0 kb were detected, indicating that pepX is part of a polycistronic operon in L. rhamnosus. Cloning and sequencing of the upstream region of pepX revealed the presence of two ORFs of 360 and 1,338 bp that were shown to be able to encode proteins with high homology to GlnR and GlnA proteins, respectively. By multiple primer extension analyses, the only functional promoter in the pepX region was located 25 nucleotides upstream of glnR. Northern analysis with glnA- and pepX-specific probes indicated that transcription from glnR promoter results in a 2.0-kb dicistronic glnR-glnA transcript and also in a longer read-through polycistronic transcript of 7.0 kb that was detected with both probes in samples from cells in exponential growth phase. The glnA gene was disrupted by a single-crossover recombinant event using a nonreplicative plasmid carrying an internal part of glnA. In the disruption mutant, glnRA-specific transcription was derepressed 10-fold compared to the wild type, but the 7.0-kb transcript was no longer detectable with either the glnA- or pepX-specific probe, demonstrating that pepX is indeed part of glnRA operon in L. rhamnosus. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis further supported this operon structure. An extended stem-loop structure was identified immediately upstream of pepX in the gln

99mTc-MAG3: can it be a viable alternative to 99mTc-DTPA ?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bal, C.S.; Padhy, A.K.; Nair, R.; Gopinath, P.G.

1991-01-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the potentials of 99m Tc MAG 3 to replace universally used 99m Tc-DTPA as a routine renal agent. Five patients with different nephrological problems were first studied with 99m Tc MAG 3 and then reinvestigated with 99m Tc-DTPA two to seven days later. Renal MAG 3 gamma camera images were found to be almost identical with those of 99m Tc-DTPA images except high hepatic and splenic uptake of the former compound in four out of five patients (80%) irrespective of kidney function. MAG 3 and DTPA renograms showed identical differential renal uptake function (r=0.87) with slightly higher uptake in right kidneys. Time to reach the peak correlated well (r=0.91). Time to reach half maximum renal activity was also found to be almost identical (r=0.97) for MAG 3 and DTPA. It was felt that the age old 99m Tc-DTPA is as good a compound as 99m Tc MAG 3 with regard to imaging and assessment of renal uptake, drainage and differential renal functions. 99m Tc-DTPA is much cheaper, readily available in India and stable to suit the logistics in a busy nuclear medicine department for routine renography. (author). 10 refs., 2 figs., 3 tabs

Detectable perfusion changes in MAG3 studies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shuter, B.; Bernar, A.; Roach, P.

1998-01-01

Full text: The use of 120 MBq 99m Tc-MAG 3 instead of 600 MBq 99m Tc-DTPA in renal imaging has degraded the images obtained during the perfusion phase. An increase of the minimum detectable change (MDC) in blood flow (BF) would also be expected. In transplant patients, renal BF is an important factor in patient management and the MDC should be small to allow early detection of reduced perfusion. We determined the mean and coefficient of variation (CoV: standard deviation/mean) of three renal perfusion indices as a function of counts in the time-activity curves (TACs). Transplant patients were given a dose of about 300 MBq of 99m Tc-MAG3 and images acquired at 8 fps for 60s. TACs made up from 8, 4, 2 or I images per second allowed calculation of renal perfusion indices as if doses of 300, 150, 75 and 38 MBq had been administered. Perfusion indices based on area under the TACs up to the arterial peak (API), the maximum slopes of the TACs (SPI) and the maximum slope of renal TAC and height of arterial TAC (BPI) were calculated by our routine renal software package. As the administered dose decreased, the CoV rose for all indices, least for BPI and most for API. BPI CoV increased from ∼10% at 300 MBq to 20% at 75 MBq, but API CoV rose from 6% to 46%. Mean BPI was stable over the dose range, but mean API showed a systematic increase of about 50% over the 300 MBq result. We conclude that at 120 MBq the MDC (expressed as 2*CoV) in BF is 30-60%, whereas at 600 MBq it may be as low as 10%, allowing earlier confident detection of a change in BF. The BPI was the preferred perfusion index as its mean value changed little and it had the least CoV at lower activities. The data also imply that relative kidney perfusion in the one individual will be much less accurate with 120 MBq of MAG 3

Structural and Functional Characterization of a Short-Chain Flavodoxin Associated with a Noncanonical 1,2-Propanediol Utilization Bacterial Microcompartment

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Plegaria, Jefferson S. [MSU-DOE; Sutter, Markus [MSU-DOE; Molecular; Ferlez, Bryan [MSU-DOE; Aussignargues, Clément [MSU-DOE; Niklas, Jens [Solar; Poluektov, Oleg G. [Solar; Fromwiller, Ciara [MSU-DOE; TerAvest, Michaela [Department; amp, Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East; Utschig, Lisa M. [Solar; Tiede, David M. [Solar; Kerfeld, Cheryl A. [MSU-DOE; Molecular; Department; amp, Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East; Berkeley Synthetic Biology Institute, Berkeley, California 94720, United States

2017-09-21

Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are proteinaceous organelles that encapsulate enzymes involved in CO2 fixation (carboxysomes). or carbon catabolism (metabolosomes). Metabolosomes share a common core of enzymes and a distinct signature enzyme for substrate degradation that defines the function of the BMC (e,g., propanediol or ethanolamine utilization BMCs, or glycyl-radical enzyme microcompartments). Loci encoding metabolosomes also typically contain genes for proteins that support organelle function, such as regulation, transport of substrate, and cofactor (e.g., vitamin B-12) synthesis and recycling. Flavoproteins are frequently among these ancillary gene products, suggesting that these redox active proteins play an undetermined function in many metabolosomes. Here, we report the first characterization of a BMC-associated flavodoxin (Fld1C), a small flavoprotein, derived from the noncanonical 1,2-propanediol utilization BMC locus (PDU1C) of Lactobacillus reuteri. The 2.0 angstrom X-ray structure of Fld1C displays the alpha/beta flavodoxin fold, which noncovalently binds a single flavin mononucleotide molecule. Fld1C is a short-chain flavodoxin with redox potentials of -240 +/- 3 mV oxidized/semiquinone and -344 +/- 1 mV semiquinone/hydroquinone versus the standard hydrogen electrode at pH 7.5. It can participate in an electron transfer reaction with a photoreductant to form a stable semiquinone species. Collectively, our structural and functional results suggest that PDU1C BMCs encapsulate Fld1C to store and transfer electrons for the reactivation and/or recycling of the B-12 cofactor utilized by the signature enzyme.

Development of a Spectrophotometric Method for Monitoring Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme in Dairy Products

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Julijana Tomovska*, S. Presilski, N. Gjorgievski, N. Tomovska1, M. S. Qureshi2 and N. P. Bozinovska3

2013-01-01

Full Text Available The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE regulates the levels of blood pressure through generation of angiotensin-II from angiotensin-I. It is of great importance to have a reliable and yet simple method for a quantitative determination ACE inhibitory peptides in whey of milk products. A rapid, simple, sensitive and accurate spectrophotometric kinetic method has been developed for determination of ACE inhibitory peptides, using competitive inhibition. Samples of dairy product from the market were used for the determination of ACE inhibitory peptides in whey. Holmquist’s kinetic method was used for determining ACE inhibitory activity in blood serum and Ronca-Testoni method was used for the determination of ACE inhibitory activity in whey. Enzymatic inhibition activity was determined using 0.8 mmol/L FAPGG (N-[3-(Furyl –Acryloyl]-L-Phenylalanyl Glycyl Glycyne as the substrate in 50 mmol/L Tris buffer at pH 8.2 at 37°C and a standard serum containing ACE. First, a solution of whey was mixed in a 1 to 10 ratio with serum (elevation containing high ACE activity. The enzymatic activity was determined by monitoring the decrease in absorbance at 340 nm as result of hydrolysis of the substrate. The concentration of ACE inhibitory peptides was determined from a standard curve of inhibitor concentration versus percent of ACE inhibition. The study suggests that the method possesses good reproducibility and accuracy. The linear range enabled determination of high enzymatic activity of ACE and all ACE inhibitory peptides from dairy products act as competitive inhibitors.

Synthesis and evaluation of 99mTc/99Tc-MAG3-biotin conjugates for antibody pretargeting strategies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gog, Frank B. van; Visser, Gerard W.M.; Gowrising, Radjish W.A.; Snow, Gordon B.; Dongen, Guus A.M.S. van

1998-01-01

Four 99m Tc-MAG3-biotin conjugates were synthesized to determine their potential use in antibody pretargeting strategies for radioimmunoscintigraphy (RIS). To use these 99m Tc-MAG3-biotin conjugates as model compounds for 186 Re-MAG3-biotin conjugates for radioimmunotherapy (RIT), nanomolar amounts of 99 Tc were added as carrier to 99m Tc. The biotin derivatives used for the preparation of the conjugates - biocytin, biotin hydrazide, biotinyl-piperazine, and biotinyl-diaminosuccinic acid - differed at the site that is regarded to be susceptible to hydrolysis by biotinidase present in human plasma. All four conjugates were produced with high radiochemical purity, were stable in PBS, and demonstrated full binding capacity to streptavidin. The 99m Tc/ 99 Tc-MAG3-labeled biotinyl-piperazine and biotinyl-diaminosuccinic acid conjugates were stable in mouse as well as human plasma, whereas the corresponding biocytin and biotin hydrazide conjugates were rapidly degraded. The biodistribution in nude mice at 30 min after injection was similar for all conjugates, and a rapid blood clearance and high intestinal excretion were both observed. It is concluded that the metabolic routing of a conjugate containing biotin and MAG3 is dominated by these two moieties. For this reason, MAG3-biotin conjugates do not seem suited for pretargeted RIT, for which quantitative and fast renal excretion is a prerequisite to minimize radiation toxicity. However, in a pretargeted RIS approach the 99m Tc-MAG3-biotin conjugates might have potential

Substrate-derived triazolo- and azapeptides as inhibitors of cathepsins K and S.

Science.gov (United States)

Galibert, Matthieu; Wartenberg, Mylène; Lecaille, Fabien; Saidi, Ahlame; Mavel, Sylvie; Joulin-Giet, Alix; Korkmaz, Brice; Brömme, Dieter; Aucagne, Vincent; Delmas, Agnès F; Lalmanach, Gilles

2018-01-20

Cathepsin (Cat) K is a critical bone-resorbing protease and is a relevant target for the treatment of osteoporosis and bone metastasis, while CatS is an attractive target for drugs in autoimmune diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis), emphysema or neuropathic pain. Despite major achievements, current pharmacological inhibitors are still lacking in safety and may have damaging side effects. A promising strategy for developing safer reversible and competitive inhibitors as new lead compounds could be to insert non-cleavable bonds at the scissile P1-P1' position of selective substrates of CatS and CatK. Accordingly, we introduced a 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole heterocycle that mimics most of the features of a trans-amide bond, or we incorporated a semicarbazide bond (azaGly residue) by replacing the α-carbon of the glycyl residue at P1 by a nitrogen atom. AzaGly-containing peptidomimetics inhibited powerfully their respective target proteases in the nM range, while triazolopeptides were weaker inhibitors (Ki in the μM range). The selectivity of the azaGly CatS inhibitor (1b) was confirmed by using spleen lysates from wild-type vs CatS-deficient mice. Alternatively, the azaGly bradykinin-derived CatK inhibitor (2b) potently inhibited CatK (Ki = 9 nM) and impaired its kininase activity in vitro. Molecular modeling studies support that the semicarbazide bond of 2b is more favorable than the 1,2,3-triazole linkage of the bradykinin-derived pseudopeptide 2a to preserve an effective affinity towards CatK, its protease target. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of total renal function from 99mTc-MAG3 scintigraphy in children

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Andersson, L.G.; Bratteby, L.E.; Takalo, R.; Svensson, L.

2002-01-01

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of dynamic scintigraphy in the assessment of total renal function in children. The Patlak slope of 99m Tc-MAG3 renography curves were compared to the plasma clearance values of 51Cr-EDTA. Material and methods: The study sample consisted of 53 boys and 33 girls with various nephrologic disorders, referred for routine clinical reasons. The median age of the subjects was 5.1 years (range 0.3 - 14.1 years). Imaging procedure. In supine position, the patient received a bolus injection of 1 MBq/kg, (minimum 10 MBq) 99m Tc-MAG3 and a posterior dynamic gamma camera registration was performed for 21 min using 1 frame per second during the first minute and thereafter 10 seconds frames. Data analysis. Time-activity curves were generated from manually drawn heart and renal regions of interest. The MAG3 uptake was calculated from the Patlak-Rutland plot of each kidney by linear curve fitting until the beginning of the excretory phase. A sum of the slope values was used as a measure of total renal MAG3 uptake. Cr-EDTA clearance. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured from the plasma clearance of 51 Cr-EDTA using single injection, multiple-sample technique. After intravenous injection of 51 Cr-EDTA (74 kBq/kg for children up to 7 years, 37 kBq/kg for children older than 7 years), blood samples were drawn at 5, 10, 15, 45, 60, 120 and 180 min for radioactivity measurement. The GFR was calculated according to Broechner-Mortensen and expressed in ml/min. Results: The absolute 51 Cr-EDTA clearance varied from 9 to 143 ml/min. There was a close linear relationship between 51 Cr-EDTA clearance and MAG3 uptake (Fig). The correlation coefficient was 0.90 and the regression equation (y=43.5 x + 664). Conclusions: In the present study, there was a good correlation between plasma clearance of 51 Cr-EDTA and the sum of the Patlak slopes. The regression equation can be utilised to transform the 99m Tc-MAG3 uptake to an

MAG3 diuresis renography and output efficiency measurement in renal transplant patients

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Spicer, T.; Gruenewald, S.; Chi, K.K.; Larcos, G.; Farlow, D.; Choong, K.; Chapman, J.

1997-01-01

Full text: Urinary tract obstruction following renal transplantation often presents a diagnostic dilemma, as some patients with equivocal investigations subsequently show improvement following stenting. The purposes of this study were to (1) establish a normal range of renal output efficiency (ROE) in transplants, and (2) assess the usefulness of MAG3 diuresis renography and ROE in suspected allograft obstruction. Twenty-two renal transplant patients with stable function and no evidence of hydronephrosis on serial ultrasound had a diuretic MAG3 scan with calculation of ROE. Three patients with proven graft obstruction underwent the same scanning procedure. Methodology was as follows: (1) 60 MBq of 99m Tc-DTPA GFR was performed (single injection-dual blood sample method); (2) patients were then prehydrated with either oral or IV fluid; (3) 10 min prior to scanning, intravenous Frusemide 20-80 mg (dose depending on renal function) was injected, and then (4) 200 MBq of MAG3 for a 20 min scan. The studies were then qualitatively and quantitatively reviewed to assess uptake and excretion, and the ROE was calculated. The mean ROE for the twenty-two normal renal transplant patients was 85.7% ± 4.1% (range 78 - 90%). Technetium-99m-DTPA GFR was 55.5 mL/min/1.73m 2 (range 27 to 83). The MAG3 scans in the three obstructed patients were equivocal for obstruction but the ROE values of 59%, 68% and 75% were more than 2.5 standard deviations below our calculated normal mean. The 99m Tc-DTPA GFRs were 61,17 and 57 mL/min/1.73m 2 , respectively. Thus, in normal grafts the ROE should exceed 78 per cent. Our data suggest that ROE may be a useful addition to standard scintigraphic parameters in diagnosis of graft obstruction

Welding of Low Alloy Steel DIN 15Mo3 by MIG/MAG Spot

OpenAIRE

Nabeel K. Abid Al- Sahib

2006-01-01

????? ????? ????? ????? ??????? ?????? ?? ????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ??????? ?????? ?????? (MIG/MAG spot) ???????? ??? ??????? ????? ?? ???? ???????? ????? ??? ???????? ?? ?????? ??????????? ??????? ???????? ????? ???? ??????? ??????? ????? ??? (DIN15Mo3) ?????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ?? ???? ???? ?????? ???????" ??? ?????? ??? ????. ????? ??????? ??????? ?????? ??? CO2 ????" ?? ??? ??????? ?? ???? ??????? ??????? ????? ?? ?????? ????? ?? ??? ???? ?? ????? (13%) ???? (4mm) ???? (2sec). ?...

PyCPR - a python-based implementation of the Conjugate Peak Refinement (CPR) algorithm for finding transition state structures.

Science.gov (United States)

Gisdon, Florian J; Culka, Martin; Ullmann, G Matthias

2016-10-01

Conjugate peak refinement (CPR) is a powerful and robust method to search transition states on a molecular potential energy surface. Nevertheless, the method was to the best of our knowledge so far only implemented in CHARMM. In this paper, we present PyCPR, a new Python-based implementation of the CPR algorithm within the pDynamo framework. We provide a detailed description of the theory underlying our implementation and discuss the different parts of the implementation. The method is applied to two different problems. First, we illustrate the method by analyzing the gauche to anti-periplanar transition of butane using a semiempirical QM method. Second, we reanalyze the mechanism of a glycyl-radical enzyme, namely of 4-hydroxyphenylacetate decarboxylase (HPD) using QM/MM calculations. In the end, we suggest a strategy how to use our implementation of the CPR algorithm. The integration of PyCPR into the framework pDynamo allows the combination of CPR with the large variety of methods implemented in pDynamo. PyCPR can be used in combination with quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical methods (and hybrid methods) implemented directly in pDynamo, but also in combination with external programs such as ORCA using pDynamo as interface. PyCPR is distributed as free, open source software and can be downloaded from http://www.bisb.uni-bayreuth.de/index.php?page=downloads . Graphical Abstract PyCPR is a search tool for finding saddle points on the potential energy landscape of a molecular system.

Chemically modified carboxypeptidase Y with increased amidase activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Breddam, K.

1984-01-01

Treatment of carboxypeptidase Y with 14 C-iodoacetamide caused a drastic reduction in the peptidase activity towards FA-Phe-Leu-OH while the esterase activity towards FA-Phe-OMe, the amidase activity towards FA-Phe-NH 2 and the peptidyl amino acid amide hydrolase activity towards FA-Phe-Gly-NH 2 were much less affected. The loss of peptidase activity could be correlated with the incorporation of a single equivalent of reagent and it was demonstrated that the site of reaction was a methionyl residue, thus forming a sulfonium derivative. Analogous methionyl modifications were performed: carboxypeptidase Y modified with phenacylbromide hydrolysed substrates with bulky leaving groups in the P position, i.e. -OEt, -OBzl, -Gly-NH 2 ,-Gly-OH, and -Leu-OH, at reduced rates while substrates with small groups in that position, i.e. -OMe and -NH 2 , were hydrolysed with increased rates. These results indicate that the methionyl residue modified by phenacylbromide is located in the S binding site of the enzyme. Similar results were obtained with carboxypeptidase Y modified with m-nitrophen- acylbromide and p-nitrophenacylbromide. The increase in amidase activity and decrease in peptidyl amino acid amide hydrolase activity of carboxypeptidase Y following modification with phenacylbromide, m-nitrophenacylbromide, and p-nitrophenacylbromide was exploited in deamidation of peptide amides. These modified enzymes deamidated peptide amides with the exception of those containing a C-terminal glycyl or seryl residue in yields of 80-100% which is significantly higher than with unmodified carboxypeptidase Y. (author)

A phase 2 clinical study of 99mTc-MAG3 injectable, a dynamic renal imaging agent

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Torizuka, Kanji; Yamamoto, Kazutaka; Nishibuchi, Shigeo; Ishibashi, Akira; Ikekubo, Katsuji.

1993-01-01

A phase 2 clinical study of 99m Tc-mercapto acetyl glycylglycylglycine ( 99m Tc-MAG3) injectable, a new dynamic renal imaging agent, was performed in 110 patients with renal and/or urinary disorders to evaluate the safety, efficacy and optimal dose of this agent. Neither adverse reactions nor abnormal laboratory findings due to intravenous administration of 99m Tc-MAG3 were observed. The investigators evaluated the clinical efficacy of 99m Tc-MAG3 was to be effective in 96 of 97 cases. Among the doses of 92.5 MBq, 370 MBq and 555 MBq, the dose of 92.5 MBq was not large enough to provide adequate-quality blood flow images or reliable information for evaluation of the renal blood flow. It was concluded that the optimal dose range of 99m Tc-MAG3 was 185-555 MBq with 370 MBq as the standard dose. Also, we summarize that 555 MBq is especially recommendable when detailed blood flow information is required. These results indicate that 99m Tc-MAG3 injectable is useful for the diagnosis of renal and urinary disorders. (author)

Renal scintigraphy in the 21st Century 99m Tc-MAG3 with zero time injection of furosemide (MAG3-F0): a fast and easy protocol, one for all indications. Part 1. Introduction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sfakianakis, G.N.

2007-01-01

In this work the MAG 3 -F 0 protocol is presented. Did you ever want to have one fast and easy protocol for Scintirenography?. The same for all indications. (Parenchymal and Drainage ). Irrespective of the age of the patient, the degree of impairment of the renal function, the general clinical condition of the patient, and obtain also information about prognosis absolutely safely and reproducibly. This is the MAG 3 -F 0 protocol. (Author)

Evaluation of 99mTc-MAG3 (mercaptoacetyltriglycine) renography for pediatric patients

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tabuchi, Kojiro; Adachi, Itaru; Doi, Kenji; Hou, Nobuyoshi; Komori, Tsuyoshi; Nakata, Yasunobu; Matsui, Ritsuo; Sueyoshi, Kouzou; Narabayashi, Isamu

1999-01-01

It is difficult to evaluate renal function with 99m Tc-MAG 3 renography in both adult and pediatric patients. We examined 109 pediatric patients with various renal diseases using 99m Tc-MAG 3 renography. Tenal diseases were classified as follows: 9 vesicoureteral reflux, 4 ureteropelvic junctional stenosis, 3 double pelvis, 23 hydronephrosis, 4 glomerulonephritis, 4 nephrotic syndrome, 24 hemolytic uremic syndrome, 10 others; and 24 patients without abnormal findings on other examinations. After hydration and sedation, 100-200 MBq of 99m Te-MAG 3 was injected intravenously. All patients were placed in the supine position, and dynamic data acquisition at 12 sec/frame x 100 frames was performed from the back. The renograms were prepared with the ROIs (regions of interest) set to include the entire kidney. Tmax and T1/2 of renograms were measured for 26 kidneys with no abnormal findings. The correlations between Tmax or T1/2 and age (days after birth) were determined by a linear or logarithmic function. The logarithmic function (Y=7.49-0.56 log e X, r 2 =0.134) yielded a higher correlation than did the linear function (Y=5.16-0.00194X, r 2 =0.089) between Tmax and age. For T1/2 and age (days after birth), the linear function (Y=8.07-0.00451X, r 2 =0.222) yielded a higher correlation than the logarithmic function (Y=11.9-0.986 log e X, r 2 =0.192). Our findings suggest that prolonged Tmax is normalized more rapidly than T1/2 after birth in infants. A delayed excretion phase is not suggestive of renal dysfunction, but is characteristic of renograms in pediatric patients. Abnormality was detected in all patients with hydronephrosis using 99m Tc-MAG 3 renography. On the other hand, a quantitative study was required because renography detected no abnormality for some of patients with disorders of renal parenchyma. (author)

Combined effect of hormones and radioprotective substances in case of animal exposure to ionizing radiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Benke, D.; Bodo-Sekejchidinch, K.; Ehanta, A.

1982-01-01

The effect of anabolic and other relative preparations used in the national therapy in combination with radioprotective compounds tested earlier in experiments with animals was studied. The investigations were carried out on albino male mice of CFLP line. X-ray exposure was carried out with the help of a TNH-250 type unit for deep irradiation (630 R and 800 R doses). For gamma irradiation, a 60 Co facility was utilized. AET radioprotective compounds (S 2 -beta-aminoethylisothiouronium-bromide-hydrobromide) and ixeprin (bis-alfa-propinyl-glycyl-sodium disulfide) were used. Nerobolyl (norandrostenolon-phenylpropionate) and retabolyl (norandrostenolon-decanoat) were studied among anabolic hormones. Experiments were also conducted using retandrolom (testosteron-phenylpropionate) which did not belong to anabolics but was used in oncology as a supporting agent. Three days prior to the irradiation, intraperitoneal injections of nerobolyl (10 mg/kg) dissolved in oil for injections, ratabolyl (50 mg/kg) and retandrol (25 mg/kg) began to be made to groups of animals, 15 mice in each. Control groups received intraperitoneally only 0.5 ml of oil. In another series of experiments hormones were used even after the irradiation. Radioprotectors were introduced, as a rule, 20 min. prior to the radiation exposure. Ixeprin, as an effective radioprotector, was introduced 3 hours after the irradiation. When evaluating the results of the experiments, the number of animals which survived during 30 days after the irradiation and the rate of mortality were taken into consideration, gain in weig was also taken into accout. A single introduction of an anabolic in combination with a radioprotector (AET or ixeprin) usually did not contribute to an increase of the survival rate of irradiated animals

A Chimeric LysK-Lysostaphin Fusion Enzyme Lysing Staphylococcus aureus Cells: a Study of Both Kinetics of Inactivation and Specifics of Interaction with Anionic Polymers.

Science.gov (United States)

Filatova, Lyubov Y; Donovan, David M; Ishnazarova, Nadiya T; Foster-Frey, Juli A; Becker, Stephen C; Pugachev, Vladimir G; Balabushevich, Nadezda G; Dmitrieva, Natalia F; Klyachko, Natalia L

2016-10-01

A staphylolytic fusion protein (chimeric enzyme K-L) was created, harboring three unique lytic activities composed of the LysK CHAP endopeptidase, and amidase domains, and the lysostaphin glycyl-glycine endopeptidase domain. To assess the potential of possible therapeutic applications, the kinetic behavior of chimeric enzyme K-L was investigated. As a protein antimicrobial, with potential antigenic properties, the biophysical effect of including chimeric enzyme K-L in anionic polymer matrices that might help reduce the immunogenicity of the enzyme was tested. Chimeric enzyme K-L reveals a high lytic activity under the following optimal ( opt ) conditions: pH opt 6.0-10.0, t opt 20-30 °C, NaCl opt 400-800 mM. At the working temperature of 37 °C, chimeric enzyme K-L is inactivated by a monomolecular mechanism and possesses a high half-inactivation time of 12.7 ± 3.0 h. At storage temperatures of 22 and 4 °C, a complex mechanism (combination of monomolecular and bimolecular mechanisms) is involved in the chimeric enzyme K-L inactivation. The optimal storage conditions under which the enzyme retains 100 % activity after 140 days of incubation (4 °C, the enzyme concentration of 0.8 mg/mL, pH 6.0 or 7.5) were established. Chimeric enzyme K-L is included in complexes with block-copolymers of poly-L-glutamic acid and polyethylene glycol, while the enzyme activity and stability are retained, thus suggesting methods to improve the application of this fusion as an effective antimicrobial agent.

Clinical comparison of technetium-99m-EC, technetium-99-m-MAG3 and Iodine-131-OIH in renal disorders

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kabasakal, L.; Turoglu, T.; Oensel, C.

1995-01-01

Technetium-99m-ethylenedicysteine has recently been developed for renal function studies. The pharmacokinetics of 99m Tc-EC were studied by constant infusion technique and compared with 99m Tc-MAG3 and 131 I-OIH in 11 patients with various renal disorders. After giving a 7.4 MBq 131 I-OIH and 90-110 MBq 99m Tc-EC or 99m Tc-MAG3 bolus, a constant infusion (MBq/ml) 99m Tc--agent and 0.07 MBq/m 131 I-OIH was started. Sixteen blood and five urine samples were obtained over three hr. The renal clearance of 99m Tc-EC was higher than than of 99m Tc-MAG3. The 99m Tc-EC/OIH and 99m Tc-MAG3/OIH ratios were 0.75 ± 0.05 and 0.55 ± 0.10 (p=0.00087), respectively. The distribution volume of 99m Tc-EC was also higher than that of 99m Tc-MAG3 (15722 ± 4644 and 9509 ± 2788 ml/1.73m 2 , respectively; p=0.072). The 99m Tc-EC/OIH and 99m Tc-MAG/OIH distribution volume ratios were 1.03 ± 0.14 and 0.55 ± 0.10, respectively (p = 0.0003). The 60-min excretion values of 99m Tc-EC and 99m Tc-MAG3 were compared to that of OIH. The 99m Tc-EC/OIH and 99m Tc-MAG3/OIH excretion ratios were 0.96 ± 0.06 and 1.07 ± 0.10, respectively (p=0.162). The protein binding of 99m -EC and OIH were found to be 34% ±4 and 66% ±5, respectively (p 99m Tc-EC was negligible (3% ±1.2) in comparison to OIH (27% ±3; p 99m Tc-EC. This agent has good potential for renal function evaluation. 32 refs., 5 tabs

Diuresis renography; A simultaneous comparison between sup 131 I-hippuran and sup 99 Tc sup m -MAG sub 3

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hvid-Jacobsen, K.; Thomsen, H.S.; Nielsen, S.L. (Koebenhavns Amts Sygehus, Herlev (Denmark). Dept. of Nuclear Medicine)

1990-01-01

In 20 patients investigated for unilateral upper urinary tract obstruction diuresis renography was performed simultaneously with {sup 131}I-hippuran and {sup 99}Tc{sup m}-MAG{sub 3} using a gamma camera with dual isotope facilities. Furosemide was administered routinely 20 min after radionuclide injection. No significant differences were found in fractional share between the two kidneys, time to maximal activity, residual activity at 20 and 30 min, or rate of emptying after furosemide administration. The MAG{sub 3} curves showed, however, better counting statistics and on scintigrams with MAG{sub 3} more anatomic details (extent of dilation and site of obstruction) could be seen. It is concluded, that MAG{sub 3} is superior to hippuran in the evaluation of patients with possible unilateral upper urinary tract obstruction by diuresis renography. (orig.).

Can computed tomography volumetry of the renal cortex replace MAG3-scintigraphy in all patients for determining split renal function?

Science.gov (United States)

Houbois, Christian; Haneder, Stefan; Merkt, Martin; Morelli, John N; Schmidt, Matthias; Hellmich, Martin; Mueller, Roman-Ulrich; Wahba, Roger; Maintz, David; Puesken, Michael

2018-06-01

The current gold standard for determination of split renal function (SRF) is Tc-99m-mercapto-acetyltriglycin (MAG3) scintigraphy. Initial studies comparing MAG3-scintigraphy and CT-based renal cortex volumetry (RCV) for calculation of SRF have shown similar results in highly selected patient collectives with normal renal function (i.e. living kidney donors). This study aims to compare MAG3-scintigraphy and CT-RCV within a large unselected patient collective including patients with impaired renal function. For this assessment, 279 datasets (131 men, 148 women; mean age: 54.2 ± 12.9 years, range: 24-84 years) of patients who underwent MAG3-scintigraphy and contrast-enhanced abdominal CT within two weeks were retrospectively analyzed. Two independent readers assessed the CT-RCV in all CT datasets using a semi-automated volumetry tool. The MAG3-scintigraphy and CT-RCV methods were compared, stratified for the eGFR. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics as well as inter- observer agreement. The absolute mean difference between the percentage contribution of the left and the right kidneys in total MAG3-clearance was 8.6%. Independent of eGFR, an overall sufficient agreement between both methods was established in all patients. A relatively small, tolerable systemic error resulted in an underestimation (max. 2%) of the left renal contribution to overall RCV. The results demonstrate that CT-RCV is a potential clinical replacement for MAG3-scintigraphy for calculation of SRF: CT-RCV demonstrates clinically tolerable differences with MAG3-scintigraphy, independent of patient eGFR. The relative complexity of the RCV method utilized is a potential limitation and may have contributed to the acceptable but only fair to moderate level of intra-reader reliability. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Acetazolamide assisted Tc-99m MAG3 renography to assess renal blood flow reserve

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Horita, Yoshio; Hayashida, Kohei; Fukuchi, Kazuki

2003-01-01

The present study examines whether or not baseline and acetazolamide (ACZ) Tc-99m MAG3 renography can assess renal blood flow reserve. Renography proceeded for 50 min after sequential injections of 370 MBq Tc-99m MAG3 for baseline renography and 10 min after a 1,000 mg injection of ACZ for ACZ renography. Effective renal plasma flow of renal cortex (cERPF) in each kidney and the percentage change in cERPF of those parameters (ΔERPF) were obtained before and after the administration of ACZ in 10 subjects without hypertension or diabetes (normal group), in 10 with essential hypertension (hypertensive group) and in 10 who had Type 2 diabetes with hypertension (diabetic group). A placebo test was performed in the 10 without hypertension or diabetes using distilled water instead of ACZ (placebo group). The placebo test performed in the 10 without hypertension or diabetes using distilled water instead of ACZ indicated that the parameter variance between the two types of renogram was below 3.2%. The cERPF of baseline and ACZ Tc-99m MAG3 renography and ΔERPF in the normal, hypertensive and diabetic groups were 89±10 and 110±10 ml/min, 89±14 and 117±22 ml/min, 100±23 and 112±23 ml/min, respectively, and 24.5±13.5%, 26.0±9.7% and 12.3±11.1%, respectively. The difference in the cERPF value was significant in the normal and hypertensive groups whereas this did not change in the diabetic group before or after ACZ administration. We suggested that the ΔERPF determined by baseline and ACZ Tc-99m MAG3 renography is a useful parameter for assessing renal blood flow reserve. (author)

Correlation between differential renal uptake of 99mTc-MAG3 and 99mTc-DMSA

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Obaldo, J.M.; Gruenwald, F.; Menzel, C.; Biersack, H.J.

1994-01-01

We reviewed the quantitative indices obtained from sequential 99m Tc-MAG3 and 99m Tc-DMSA imaging studies performed in 134 patients with a variety of renal disorders in order to determine the correlation between the measured differential renal function using these two agents. Overall correlation was high with r=.86 and the derived regression equation was R.F. DMSA =8.2+0.84 (R.F. MAG3 ), where F.F. is the relative function. Highly divergent values for differential function were obtained however in some subjects. Patients with renal obstructive disorders had a correlation coefficient of.81 which was lower than those with nonobstructive pathologies (r=.95). Although relative kidney function measured using 99m Tc-MAG3 and 99m Tc-DMSA correlate significantly, certain patients such as those with renal obstruction may necessitate quantitation using different renal parameters. (orig.) [de

Molecular structure, supramolecular organization and thermotropic phase behavior of N-acylglycine alkyl esters with matched acyl and alkyl chains.

Science.gov (United States)

Reddy, S Thirupathi; Swamy, Musti J

2017-11-01

N-Acylglycines (NAGs), the endogenous single-tailed lipids present in rat brain and other mammalian tissues, play significant roles in cell physiology and exhibit interesting pharmacological properties. In the present study, a homologous series of N-acylglycine alkyl esters (NAGEs) with matched chains were synthesized and characterized. Results of differential scanning calorimetric studies revealed that all NAGEs exhibit a single sharp phase transition and that the transition enthalpy and entropy show a linear dependence on the N-acyl and ester alkyl chain length. The structure of N-myristoylglycine myristyl ester (NMGME), solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, showed that the molecule adopts a linear geometry and revealed that the structure of N-myristoyl glycyl moiety in NMGME is identical to that in N-myristoylglycine. The molecules are packed in layers with the polar functional groups of the ester and amide functionalities located at the center of the layer. The crystal packing is stabilized by NH⋯O hydrogen bonds between the amide CO and NH groups of adjacent molecules as well as by CH⋯O hydrogen bonds between the amide carbonyl and the methylene CH adjacent to the ester carbonyl of neighboring molecules as well as between ester carbonyl and methylene group of the glycine moiety of adjacent molecules. Powder X-ray diffraction studies showed a linear dependence of the d-spacings on the acyl chain length, suggesting that all NAGEs adopt a structure similar to the packing exhibited in the crystal lattice of NMGME. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A case study presentation: The MAG3 captopril renal scan, which side are you on ?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Richards, A.

1998-01-01

Full text: A 68-year-old woman with widespread vascular disease presented to the Nuclear Medicine Department with severe hypertension, (a blood pressure of 200/160 supine), a known small right kidney, and a large abdominal aortic aneurysm. A baseline renal scan was performed with IV administration of 300 MBq of 99m Tc-labelled MAG3. A normal left kidney was demonstrated, with a Grade 0 renogram pattern. The right kidney was non visualised and non functioning. The patient was then administered orally with 25 mg of A.C.E. inhibitor captopril and her blood pressure fell by greater than 100 mm Hg. A second MAG3 Renal Scan was performed. The finding conflicted with results of a Renal Artery Angiogram and Renal Artery Doppler Ultrasound, both demonstrating a normal left renal artery. A repeat MAG3 Renal scan with captopril challenge was performed. Differential diagnosis included: 1.Left sided microvascular disease; 2. A functioning though very ischaemic right kidney that was producing renin, suggested by contrast opacification of the right renal cortex on CT; or 3. A false negative renal artery angiogram, with non-visualisation of an arterial stenosis caused by thrombus or compression of the left renal artery by the abdominal aortic aneurysm. Subsequent Renal Vein Renin Sampling measured left renal vein renin activity at 4.50,μg/L/h, (compared with 4.80μg/L/h in the IVC). Right renal vein renin activity was 13.20μg/L/h. This lateralization of renin secretion to the right side with suppression of left sided secretion suggested that the renovascular hypertension was caused by the right kidney. This was a very unusual result, as the MAG3 captopril renal scan had incorrectly and strongly suggested a left sided origin to the renovascular hypertension. In addition, the right kidney not seen to accumulate MAG3 was in fact functioning sufficiently to produce renin. It is hypothesized that the left kidney had adjusted to allow normal function only at very high circulating

Renal scintigraphy in the 21st Century {sup 99m} Tc-MAG{sub 3} with zero time injection of furosemide (MAG{sub 3}-F{sub 0}): a fast and easy protocol, one for all indications. Part 1. Introduction

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sfakianakis, G.N. [Professor of Radiology and Pediatrics, Director Division of Nuclear Medicine, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Florida (United States)

2007-07-01

In this work the MAG{sub 3}-F{sub 0} protocol is presented. Did you ever want to have one fast and easy protocol for Scintirenography?. The same for all indications. (Parenchymal and Drainage ). Irrespective of the age of the patient, the degree of impairment of the renal function, the general clinical condition of the patient, and obtain also information about prognosis absolutely safely and reproducibly. This is the MAG{sub 3}-F{sub 0} protocol. (Author)

BinMag: Widget for comparing stellar observed with theoretical spectra

Science.gov (United States)

Kochukhov, O.

2018-05-01

BinMag examines theoretical stellar spectra computed with Synth/SynthMag/Synmast/Synth3/SME spectrum synthesis codes and compare them to observations. An IDL widget program, BinMag applies radial velocity shift and broadening to the theoretical spectra to account for the effects of stellar rotation, radial-tangential macroturbulence, instrumental smearing. The code can also simulate spectra of spectroscopic binary stars by appropriate coaddition of two synthetic spectra. Additionally, BinMag can be used to measure equivalent width, fit line profile shapes with analytical functions, and to automatically determine radial velocity and broadening parameters. BinMag interfaces with the Synth3 (ascl:1212.010) and SME (ascl:1202.013) codes, allowing the user to determine chemical abundances and stellar atmospheric parameters from the observed spectra.

Multicenter trial validation of a camera-based method to measure Tc-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine, or Tc-99m MAG3, clearance.

Science.gov (United States)

Taylor, A; Manatunga, A; Morton, K; Reese, L; Prato, F S; Greenberg, E; Folks, R; Kemp, B J; Jones, M E; Corrigan, P E; Galt, J; Eshima, L

1997-07-01

To evaluate an improved camera-based method for calculating the clearance of technetium-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) in a multicenter trial. Tc-99m MAG3 scintigraphy was performed in 49 patients at three sites in the United States and Canada. The percentage of the injected dose of Tc-99m MAG3 in the kidney at 1-2, 1.0-2.5, and 2-3 minutes after injection was correlated with the plasma-based Tc-99m MAG3 clearances. The data were combined with the results obtained in 20 additional patients in a previously published pilot study. Regression models correlating the plasma-based Tc-99m MAG3 clearance with the percentage uptake in the kidney for each time interval were developed; there was no statistically significant difference among sites in the regression equations. Correction for body surface area statistically significantly (P time interval. For the 1.0-2.5-minute interval, the body surface area-corrected correlation coefficient for the four combined sites was .87, and it improved to .93 when one outlier was omitted from the analysis. Similar results were obtained with the other time intervals. Independent processing by two observers showed no clinically important differences in the percentage dose in the kidney or in relative function. An improved camera-based method to calculate the clearance of Tc-99m MAG3 was validated in a multicenter trial.

Comparison of measurement of 99mTc-MAG3 plasma clearance by single plasma sample and renal uptake ratio

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ushijima, Yo; Sugihara, Hiroki; Okuyama, Chio; Okitsu, Sigeyuki; Nii, Takeshi; Nishida, Takuji; Okamoto, Kunio; Maeda, Tomoho

1997-01-01

Measurement of 99m Tc-MAG 3 plasma clearance based on one-compartment model (MPC method) is a non-invasive method using the renal uptake ratio. We evaluated the clinical usefulness of this method, compared with effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) using 123 I-OIH and two single-plasma sample methods using 99m Tc-MAG 3 (Russell method and Bubeck method). The ratio of 99m Tc-MAG 3 clearance to ERPF was 1.00±0.26. MPC method correlated well with Russell and Bubeck methods (r=0.904, r=0.897). We conclude that MPC method is a suitable replacement for single-plasma sample method in routine clinical use. (author)

Corn cob biochar increases soil culturable bacterial abundance without enhancing their capacities in utilizing carbon sources in Biolog Eco-plates

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

JIANG Lin-lin; HAN Guang-ming; LAN Yu; LIU Sai-nan; GAO Ji-ping; YANG Xu; MENG Jun; CHEN Wen-fu

2017-01-01

Biochar has been shown to influence soil microbial communities in terms of their abundance and diversity.However,the relationship among microbial abundance,structure and C metabolic traits is not well studied under biochar application.Here it was hypothesized that the addition of biochar with intrinsic properties (i.e.,porous structure) could affect the proliferation of culturable microbes and the genetic structure of soil bacterial communities.In the meantime,the presence of available organic carbon in biochar may influence the C utilization capacities of microbial community in Biolog Eco-plates.A pot experiment was conducted with differenct biochar application (BC) rates:control (0 t ha-1),BC1 (20 t ha-1) and BC2 (40 t ha-1).Culturable microorganisms were enumerated via the plate counting method.Bacterial diversity was examined using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE).Microbial capacity in using C sources was assessed using Biolog Eco-plates.The addition of biochar stimulated the growth of actinomyces and bacteria,especially the ammonifying bacteria and azotobacteria,but had no significant effect on fungi proliferation.The phylogenetic distribution of the operational taxonomic units could be divided into the following groups with the biochar addition:Firmicutes,Acidobacteria,Gemmatimonadetes,Actinobacteria,Cyanobacteria and α-,β-,γ-and δ-Proteobacteria (average similarity ＞95％).Biochar application had a higher capacity utilization for L-asparagine,Tween 80,D-mannitol,L-serine,γ-hydroxybutyric acid,N-acetyI-D-glucosamine,glycogen,itaconic acid,glycyl-L-glutamic acid,α-ketobutyricacid and putrescine,whereas it had received decreased capacities in using the other 20 carbon sources in Biolog Eco-plates.Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that the physico-chemical properties,indices of bacterial diversity,and C metabolic traits were positively correlated with the appearance of novel sequences under BC2 treatment.Our study indicates that the

Activity of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme as a tumour marker of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Science.gov (United States)

Kardum, D; Huskic, J; Fabijanic, D; Banic, M; Buljevac, M; Kujundzic, M; Loncar, B

1999-11-01

Previous studies have pointed to the changes of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (SACE) values in patients with liver disease and cancer located in different sites. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in SACE values in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis. The study comprised 30 patients with HCC (22 men and eight women) of average age 48.6 +/- 9.0 years and 30 patients with liver cirrhosis (21 men, nine women) of average age 49.1 +/- 9.5 years. The control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers with matching anthropometric characteristics. SACE activity was determined by a spectrophotometric method using synthetic hippuryl-glycyl-glycine as substrate. The mean SACE value was considerably lower in patients with HCC, 22.8 U/ml (95% CI, 22.5-23.9), both those in whom HCC developed in cirrhotic liver (n = 23), 23.7 (22.9-24.5) as well as those with HCC without cirrhosis (n = 7), 21.8 (21.0-22.6), with regard to patients with liver cirrhosis, 37.2 (36.6-37.8) (P SACE value was increased in accordance with the severity of the disease expressed by Child's classification; however, at each stage SACE values were considerably lower in patients with HCC in cirrhotic liver (Child A, 35.8 vs 22.1; Child B, 38.7 vs 24.2; Child C, 40.0 vs 28.3) (P SACE activity. The SACE value was also significantly decreased in patients with HCC whose AFP were not altered. The study has shown that SACE values are low in patients with advanced HCC. It may be helpful in detecting HCC in patients with cirrhosis, where it can be difficult to differentiate between small HCC tumours and regeneration nodules.

Use of 99mTc mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) for detection of renal lesions after ESWL

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schaub, T.; Witsch, U.; El-Damanhoury, H.; Naegele-Woehrle, B.; Hahn, K.

1992-01-01

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has become the treatment of choice for urinary calculi. 117 patients were studied prospectively with 99m Tc Mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) before and after ESWL. 79 (66%) of the 119 kidneys treated had abnormal findings. Of these 63/119 (53%) had abnormal scans. 41 (65%) had focal lesions with a delayed intrarenal transport. The remaining 22 had a diffuse delay of intrarenal transport. A loss of relative renal function of 3% and more compared to the pretreatment values was observed in 50/119 (42%) patients. 99m Tc MAG3 should be done routinely together with radiologic tests (CT or MRI) before and after ESWL to select the patients at risk for post ESWL hypertension. (orig.) [de

Pharmacokinetics of {sup 99m}Tc-MAG{sub 3} and {sup 131}I-OIH. Comparative study based on 2 compartment model analysis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shuke, Noriyuki; Takashio, Tetsuya; Sato, Junichi [Asahikawa Medical Coll., Hokkaido (Japan). Hospital] [and others

1996-05-01

We studied 50 patients with mild to moderate renal dysfunction to compare pharmacokinetics of {sup 99m}Tc-MAG{sub 3} with that of {sup 131}I-OIH. After simultaneous bolus injection of both {sup 99m}Tc-MAG{sub 3} and {sup 131}I-OIH, 8-point venous blood sampling was performed from 2 to 44 min post injection. Aliquoted plasma samples were counted for radioactivity along with the injected standard to obtain % injected dose/ml plasma for each tracer. Using obtained time-concentration data, classical 2 compartment model analysis was performed for both tracers to obtain various pharmacokinetic parameters, including distribution volumes (Vds), intercompartmental rate constants, and plasma clearance. In these parameters, Vd of central compartment, Vd at steady state, central to peripheral inter-compartmental rate constant, and plasma clearance were significantly larger for {sup 131}I-OIH. In all parameters, significant correlation was found between {sup 99m}Tc-MAG{sub 3} and {sup 131}I-OIH. The best correlation was seen in plasma clearance (r=0.891, p<0.0001). Plasma clearance ratio ({sup 99m}Tc-MAG{sub 3}/{sup 131}I-OIH), however, showed weak but significant negative correlation with serum creatinine, although this correlation was not likely to affect the overall correlation of clearance between {sup 131}I-OIH and {sup 99m}Tc-MAG{sub 3}. From these results, we comfirmed that {sup 99m}Tc-MAG{sub 3} clearance could be used as an alternative to {sup 131}I-OIH clearance, although pharmacokinetic behavior of {sup 99m}Tc-MAG{sub 3} was not exactly the same as that of {sup 131}I-OIH. (author)

99mTc-MAG3 as a single modality investigative agent for evaluation of renal diseases in children

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bal, C.S.; Padhy, A.K.; Handa, R.; Bajpai, M.

1998-01-01

Optimal assessment of a child with congenital or acquired renal disease consists of quantitation of renal cortical and excretory function. This at present is routinely done with a 99m Tc-GHA/DMSA and 99m Tc-DTPA scans, respectively. This study was undertaken to assess if 99m Tc-MAG 3 can be utilized as a single modality investigation to provide adequate information about these functions. Sixteen children attending the pediatric urology clinic at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi with a variety of renal disorders like posterior urethral valves, hydronephrosis vesicoureteral reflux etc. were included in the study. All the cases were subjected to 99m Tc-MAG 3 , 99m -DTPA and 99m Tc-GHA scans on separate occasions, but as close to one other as possible. The time required for the completion of a 99m Tc-MAG 3 renogram was only twenty minutes. 99m Tc-MAG 3 produced significantly better scintigraphic images of the kidneys and ureters, enabling differentiation between pelviureteric and vesicoureteric junction obstruction. Because of the abundance of photons in 99m Tc-MAG 3 , antegrade ureteric visualization was possible in nine renal units with active ureteric peristalsis appreciable in three renal units. Being a renal tubular agent, it gave a better assessment of renal health of the involved renal unit as compared to 99m Tc-DTPA, a glomerular filtration agent. Detection of renal scars as compared to 99m Tc-GHA showed a sensitivity of 69% and specificity of 93%. Amount of radioactivity required was consistently less than either GHA or DTPA scans. Use of 99m Tc-MAG 3 for renal functional evaluation may result in decreased radiation exposure and optional gamma camera utilization. Besides it is more cost-effective and may reduce the number of investigations that a child needs to be subjected to. It may be of immense value in a country like India where patients have to travel long distances to avail such investigations in a few, overworked nuclear

Evaluation of renal function using [sup 99m]Tc-MAG3; Comparison with [sup 123]I-OIH and [sup 99m]Tc-DTPA

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Takayama, Teruhiko; Aburano, Tamio; Shuke, Noriyuki (Kanazawa Univ. (Japan). School of Medicine) (and others)

1993-07-01

The utility of [sup 99m]Tc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) was studied clinically. In the renography obtained with [sup 99m]Tc-MAG3, the abdominal aorta and the common iliac arteries were clearly visualized in the vascular phase. Due to less background activity and high target to background ratio, the quality of [sup 99m]Tc-MAG3 image was superior to that of [sup 123]I-OIH or [sup 99m]Tc-DTPA image. The parameters on the renogram including T[sub max], T[sub 2/3], and T[sub 1/2] were compared. The correlation of T[sub max] and T[sub 2/3] or T[sub 1/2] were not significant between [sup 99m]Tc-MAG3 and [sup 123]I-OIH. Another parameter of C[sub 20]/C[sub max], where C[sub 20] and C[sub max] are renal activities at 20 min after injection and at T[sub max] respectively, showed an excellent correlation between [sup 99m]Tc-MAG3 and [sup 123]I-OIH. Using C[sub 20]/C[sub max], pattern of renogram can be characterized numerically. Concerning the relation between C[sub 20]/C[sub max] and renogram pattern, standard renogram pattern showed the C[sub 20]/C[sub max] value of less than 0.4, while hypofunctioning pattern showed more than 0.5. The correlation coefficient between the renal uptake of [sup 99m]Tc-MAG3 and [sup 123]I-OIH was 0.880 with a correlation plot: 'Y=1.16X-0.043', where X and Y represent renal uptake of [sup 99m]Tc-MAG3 and [sup 123]I-OIH, respectively. It can be concluded that [sup 99m]Tc-MAG3 is a useful renal imaging agent as an alternative to [sup 123]I-OIH, in order to evaluate the proximal tubular function and calculate ERPF. (author).

MAG4 versus alternative techniques for forecasting active region flare productivity

Science.gov (United States)

Falconer, David A; Moore, Ronald L; Barghouty, Abdulnasser F; Khazanov, Igor

2014-01-01

MAG4 is a technique of forecasting an active region's rate of production of major flares in the coming few days from a free magnetic energy proxy. We present a statistical method of measuring the difference in performance between MAG4 and comparable alternative techniques that forecast an active region's major-flare productivity from alternative observed aspects of the active region. We demonstrate the method by measuring the difference in performance between the “Present MAG4” technique and each of three alternative techniques, called “McIntosh Active-Region Class,” “Total Magnetic Flux,” and “Next MAG4.” We do this by using (1) the MAG4 database of magnetograms and major flare histories of sunspot active regions, (2) the NOAA table of the major-flare productivity of each of 60 McIntosh active-region classes of sunspot active regions, and (3) five technique performance metrics (Heidke Skill Score, True Skill Score, Percent Correct, Probability of Detection, and False Alarm Rate) evaluated from 2000 random two-by-two contingency tables obtained from the databases. We find that (1) Present MAG4 far outperforms both McIntosh Active-Region Class and Total Magnetic Flux, (2) Next MAG4 significantly outperforms Present MAG4, (3) the performance of Next MAG4 is insensitive to the forward and backward temporal windows used, in the range of one to a few days, and (4) forecasting from the free-energy proxy in combination with either any broad category of McIntosh active-region classes or any Mount Wilson active-region class gives no significant performance improvement over forecasting from the free-energy proxy alone (Present MAG4). Key Points Quantitative comparison of performance of pairs of forecasting techniques Next MAG4 forecasts major flares more accurately than Present MAG4 Present MAG4 forecast outperforms McIntosh AR Class and total magnetic flux PMID:26213517

THOR Fluxgate Magnetometer (MAG)

Science.gov (United States)

Nakamura, Rumi; Eastwood, Jonathan; Magnes, Werner; Carr, Christopher, M.; O'Brien, Helen, L.; Narita, Yasuhito; K, Chen, Christopher H.; Berghofer, Gerhard; Valavanoglou, Aris; Delva, Magda; Plaschke, Ferdinand; Cupido, Emanuele; Soucek, Jan

2017-04-01

Turbulence Heating ObserveR (THOR) is the first mission ever flown in space dedicated to plasma turbulence. The fluxgate Magnetometer (MAG) measures the background to low frequency magnetic field. The high sensitivity measurements of MAG enable to characterize the nature of turbulent fluctuations as well as the large-scale context. MAG will provide the reference system for determining anisotropy of field fluctuations, pitch-angle and gyro-phase of particles. The design of the magnetometer consists of two tri-axial sensors and the related magnetometer electronics; the electronics are hosted on printed circuit boards in the common electronics box of the fields and wave processor (FWP). A fully redundant two- sensor system mounted on a common boom and the new miniaturized low noise design based on MMS and Solar Orbiter instruments enable accurate measurement throughout the region of interest for THOR science. The usage of the common electronics hosted by FWP guarantees to fulfill the required timing accuracy with other fields measurements. These improvements are important to obtain precise measurements of magnetic field, which is essential to estimate basic plasma parameters and correctly identify the spatial and temporal scales of the turbulence. Furthermore, THOR MAG provides high quality data with sufficient overlap with the Search Coil Magnetometer (SCM) in frequency space to obtain full coverage of the wave forms over all the frequencies necessary to obtain the full solar wind turbulence spectrum from MHD to kinetic range with sufficient accuracy. We discuss the role of MAG in THOR key science questions and present the new developments during Phase A such as the finalised instrument design, MAG relevant requirement, and new calibraion schemes.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 greatly contributes to the hydrolysis of vildagliptin in human liver.

Science.gov (United States)

Asakura, Mitsutoshi; Fujii, Hideaki; Atsuda, Koichiro; Itoh, Tomoo; Fujiwara, Ryoichi

2015-04-01

The major metabolic pathway of vildagliptin in mice, rats, dogs, and humans is hydrolysis at the cyano group to produce a carboxylic acid metabolite M20.7 (LAY151), whereas the major metabolic enzyme of vildagliptin has not been identified. In the present study, we determined the contribution rate of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) to the hydrolysis of vildagliptin in the liver. We performed hydrolysis assay of the cyano group of vildagliptin using mouse, rat, and human liver samples. Additionally, DPP-4 activities in each liver sample were assessed by DPP-4 activity assay using the synthetic substrate H-glycyl-prolyl-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (Gly-Pro-AMC). M20.7 formation rates in liver microsomes were higher than those in liver cytosol. M20.7 formation rate was significantly positively correlated with the DPP-4 activity using Gly-Pro-AMC in liver samples (r = 0.917, P vildagliptin hydrolysis in the liver. Additionally, we established stable single expression systems of human DPP-4 and its R623Q mutant, which is the nonsynonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism of human DPP-4, in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells to investigate the effect of R623Q mutant on vildagliptin-hydrolyzing activity. M20.7 formation rate in HEK293 cells expressing human DPP-4 was significantly higher than that in control HEK293 cells. Interestingly, R623Q mutation resulted in a decrease of the vildagliptin-hydrolyzing activity. Our findings might be useful for the prediction of interindividual variability in vildagliptin pharmacokinetics. Copyright © 2015 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

Characterization of NAADP-mediated calcium signaling in human spermatozoa

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sánchez-Tusie, A.A. [Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos (Mexico); Vasudevan, S.R.; Churchill, G.C. [Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, England (United Kingdom); Nishigaki, T. [Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos (Mexico); Treviño, C.L., E-mail: ctrevino@ibt.unam.mx [Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos (Mexico)

2014-01-10

Highlights: •Human sperm cells synthesize NAADP. •NAADP-AM mediates [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub i} increases in human sperm in the absence of [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub o}. •Human sperm have two acidic compartments located in the head and midpiece. -- Abstract: Ca{sup 2+} signaling in spermatozoa plays a crucial role during processes such as capacitation and release of the acrosome, but the underlying molecular mechanisms still remain unclear. Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) is a potent Ca{sup 2+}-releasing second messenger in a variety of cellular processes. The presence of a NAADP synthesizing enzyme in sea urchin sperm has been previously reported, suggesting a possible role of NAADP in sperm Ca{sup 2+} signaling. In this work we used in vitro enzyme assays to show the presence of a novel NAADP synthesizing enzyme in human sperm, and to characterize its sensitivity to Ca{sup 2+} and pH. Ca{sup 2+} fluorescence imaging studies demonstrated that the permeable form of NAADP (NAADP-AM) induces intracellular [Ca{sup 2+}] increases in human sperm even in the absence of extracellular Ca{sup 2+}. Using LysoTracker®, a fluorescent probe that selectively accumulates in acidic compartments, we identified two such stores in human sperm cells. Their acidic nature was further confirmed by the reduction in staining intensity observed upon inhibition of the endo-lysosomal proton pump with Bafilomycin, or after lysosomal bursting with glycyl-L-phenylalanine-2-naphthylamide. The selective fluorescent NAADP analog, Ned-19, stained the same subcellular regions as LysoTracker®, suggesting that these stores are the targets of NAADP action.

Monovalent Cation Activation of the Radical SAM Enzyme Pyruvate Formate-Lyase Activating Enzyme.

Science.gov (United States)

Shisler, Krista A; Hutcheson, Rachel U; Horitani, Masaki; Duschene, Kaitlin S; Crain, Adam V; Byer, Amanda S; Shepard, Eric M; Rasmussen, Ashley; Yang, Jian; Broderick, William E; Vey, Jessica L; Drennan, Catherine L; Hoffman, Brian M; Broderick, Joan B

2017-08-30

Pyruvate formate-lyase activating enzyme (PFL-AE) is a radical S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) enzyme that installs a catalytically essential glycyl radical on pyruvate formate-lyase. We show that PFL-AE binds a catalytically essential monovalent cation at its active site, yet another parallel with B 12 enzymes, and we characterize this cation site by a combination of structural, biochemical, and spectroscopic approaches. Refinement of the PFL-AE crystal structure reveals Na + as the most likely ion present in the solved structures, and pulsed electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) demonstrates that the same cation site is occupied by 23 Na in the solution state of the as-isolated enzyme. A SAM carboxylate-oxygen is an M + ligand, and EPR and circular dichroism spectroscopies reveal that both the site occupancy and the identity of the cation perturb the electronic properties of the SAM-chelated iron-sulfur cluster. ENDOR studies of the PFL-AE/[ 13 C-methyl]-SAM complex show that the target sulfonium positioning varies with the cation, while the observation of an isotropic hyperfine coupling to the cation by ENDOR measurements establishes its intimate, SAM-mediated interaction with the cluster. This monovalent cation site controls enzyme activity: (i) PFL-AE in the absence of any simple monovalent cations has little-no activity; and (ii) among monocations, going down Group 1 of the periodic table from Li + to Cs + , PFL-AE activity sharply maximizes at K + , with NH 4 + closely matching the efficacy of K + . PFL-AE is thus a type I M + -activated enzyme whose M + controls reactivity by interactions with the cosubstrate, SAM, which is bound to the catalytic iron-sulfur cluster.

Demonstration of Adaptive Functional Differences Seen in Kidneys Accompanying a Nonfunctioning/Hypofunctioning Partner, using Camera Based Tc 99m MAG3 Clearance Measurement Technique

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Burcu Esen Akkaş

2012-08-01

Full Text Available Objective: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the functional compensation that occurs in kidneys which accompany a partner with total or partial loss of renal functioning mass, using camera-based Tc 99m MAG3 clearance technique. Material and Methods: Eighty five patients (43M, 42F, age: 44.8±12.6, range: 18-77 years with normal serum creatinine levels and normal (MAG3 renogram curves were enrolled for this retrospective study. Patients were grouped as having; group 1: solitary normal kidney (unilateral atrophied/agenetic (n=23, group 2: normal kidney with contralateral hypoplasic/hypofunctioning kidney (split renal function<30%, (n=24, group 3: bilateral normal kidneys (n=38. The measured camera based Tc 99m MAG3 clearances of normal kidneys in each group were compared. Results: Total Tc 99m MAG3 clearances (mL/min/1.73m 2 were significantly lower in group 1 and group 2 compared to group 3 (281.5±46, 260.5±61.7 and 316.1±84, respectively. Highest isolated Tc 99m MAG3 clearances among normal functioning kidneys were observed in group 1 (281.5±45.6 followed by group 2 (204.4±55 and group 3 (157.5±44. Moderate negative correlation was detected between the Tc99m MAG3 clearances of normal kidneys and contralateral renal function (r=-0.5, p<0.001. Conclusion: Normal kidneys can compensate for the loss of contralateral kidney function via increasing their clearances, which seems to be dependent on the residual function of their partner. Camera based Tc 99m MAG3 clearance measurement is an objective method to demonstrate compensatory differences in renal function seen between kidneys with contralateral normofunctioning, hypofunctioning and nonfunctioning partner. (MIRT 2012;21:56-62

Improved the accuracy of 99mTc-MAG3 plasma clearance method. The problem of the calculated plasma volume and its modification

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Watanabe, Nami; Komatani, Akio; Yamaguchi, Koichi; Takahashi, Kazuei

1998-01-01

The 99m Tc-MAG 3 plasma clearance method (MPC method), reported by Oriuchi et al., is a simple and useful count-based gamma camera method for calculating the 99m Tc-MAG 3 plasma clearance (CL MAG ). However, a discrepancy of CL MAG calculated by MPC method (MPC-CL MAG ) from the tubular extraction rate (TER) calculated by Russell's single-sample clearance determination (Russell-TER) was noted. The calculated plasma volume is assumed to be the cause. Since the plasma volume is reported to have a linear correlation with body surface area, Dissmann's formula was applied to calculate the plasma volume. Then Dissmann's formula was replaced by Ogawa's formula in the MPC method, and the procedure was then called the modified MPC method. The CL MAG were obtained using MPC method, modified MPC method and the TER was obtained Russell's method in 95 patients with urological disorders. Then the MPC-CL MAG and modified MPC-CL MAG were compared with Russell-TER. Comparison of the MPC-CL MAG with the Russell-TER demonstrated a coefficient of correlation of 0.82, but dissociation of the slope of regression lines was found between males and females. The modified MPC-CL MAG improved the coefficient of correlation to 0.92, and diminished the dissociation of the slope of regression lines between males and females. We verified that the dissociation was due to the plasma volume calculated by Ogawa's formula. Ogawa's formula included hematocrit, body weight, body height and different coefficients for gender. The plasma volume calculated by Ogawa's formula were lower in males and higher in females than that calculated by Dissmann's formula. And marked discrepancy in the plasma volume in patients with a body surface area below 0.5 m 2 was observed. So the MPC method might become more accurate by substituting Dissmann's formula for Ogawa's formula resoluting in a method that is applicable to both males and females, children and adults in clinical use. (author)

Synthesis of benzoyl-mercaptoacetylglycylglycylglycine C6H5COSCH2CO(NHCH2CO)3OH (Bz-MAG3)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Ktaifani, M.; Nakawa, M. A.; Nahmo, A.; Allaf, W.

2006-11-01

Benzo-mercaptoacetylglycylglcylglycine (Bz-MAG3) was prepared by three subsequent steps starting from benzoyl chloride. The obtained product was fully characterized by its multi-nuclear NMR and IR spectroscopy. The purity of the product was confirmed by HPLC. (author)

Comparison of differential renal function using technetium-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) and technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renography in a paediatric population

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ritchie, Gillian; Wilkinson, Alistair G. [Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh (United Kingdom); Prescott, Robin J. [University of Edinburgh Medical School, Medical Statistics Unit, Public Health Sciences, Edinburgh (United Kingdom)

2008-08-15

In children who have undergone both {sup 99m}Tc-DMSA and {sup 99m}Tc-MAG3 studies for the assessment of differential renal function (DRF) and drainage, respectively, we have noticed good agreement between the calculated DRF values, and hypothesized that there is no significant difference in DRF values calculated from these tests. Therefore, both tests may not always be necessary. To determine whether there is a statistically significant difference between DRF values calculated using {sup 99m}Tc-DMSA and those calculated using {sup 99m}Tc-MAG3. We retrospectively identified children imaged with {sup 99m}Tc-DMSA and {sup 99m}Tc-MAG3. We recorded DRF values, age, indication, and renal pelvis diameter. For the {sup 99m}Tc-DMSA studies we recorded the imaging time after injection. For the {sup 99m}Tc-MAG3 studies we recorded the delay between injection and data acquisition, diuretic use and evidence of delayed drainage or reflux. We identified 100 episodes in 92 children where both {sup 99m}Tc-DMSA and {sup 99m}Tc-MAG3 scans had been performed within a few days. The commonest indication was urinary tract infection or pelviureteric junction obstruction. The mean age of the children was 6.96 years. A significant but clinically acceptable trend was seen between abnormal DRF and difference between tests. A significant link was found with the difference between tests and the time of imaging after DMSA injection, and also with scarring. No significant effect was caused by renal pelvis dilatation, delayed drainage, frusemide administration, or delayed {sup 99m}Tc-MAG3 imaging. If a {sup 99m}Tc-MAG3 study has been performed then a {sup 99m}Tc-DMSA study is unnecessary provided DRF is normal on the {sup 99m}Tc-MAG3 study and there is no scarring. A change in practice would lead to considerable savings in time, cost and radiation burden. (orig.)

SuperMAG: Present and Future Capabilities

Science.gov (United States)

Hsieh, S. W.; Gjerloev, J. W.; Barnes, R. J.

2009-12-01

SuperMAG is a global collaboration that provides ground magnetic field perturbations from a long list of stations in the same coordinate system, identical time resolution and with a common baseline removal approach. This unique high quality dataset provides a continuous and nearly global monitoring of the ground magnetic field perturbation. Currently, only archived data are available on the website and hence it targets basic research without any operational capabilities. The existing SuperMAG software can be easily adapted to ingest real-time or near real-time data and provide a now-casting capability. The SuperDARN program has a long history of providing near real-time maps of the northern hemisphere electrostatic potential and as both SuperMAG and SuperDARN share common software it is relatively easy to adapt these maps for global magnetic perturbations. Magnetometer measurements would be assimilated by the SuperMAG server using a variety of techniques, either by downloading data at regular intervals from remote servers or by real-time streaming connections. The existing SuperMAG analysis software would then process these measurements to provide the final calibrated data set using the SuperMAG coordinate system. The existing plotting software would then be used to produce regularly updated global plots. The talk will focus on current SuperMAG capabilities illustrating the potential for now-casting and eventually forecasting.

Validation of alternative methods of preparing 99mTc-MAG3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Seetharaman, Shankar; Sosabowski, Michael H.; Ballinger, James R.

2007-01-01

Parameters in the preparation of 99m Tc-mertiatide ( 99m Tc-MAG3) were investigated to determine the importance of total activity, activity concentration, boiling time, and delay before boiling for the radiochemical purity (RCP) and stability of the product. Satisfactory RCP results (>90%) were obtained over a range of concentrations including a dilute preparation for paediatric use. RCP was not affected by the time between the addition of pertechnetate and boiling, but low RCP (<60%) resulted when the kit was boiled for less than 10 min

MagLev Cobra: Test Facilities and Operational Experiments

Science.gov (United States)

Sotelo, G. G.; Dias, D. H. J. N.; de Oliveira, R. A. H.; Ferreira, A. C.; De Andrade, R., Jr.; Stephan, R. M.

2014-05-01

The superconducting MagLev technology for transportation systems is becoming mature due to the research and developing effort of recent years. The Brazilian project, named MagLev-Cobra, started in 1998. It has the goal of developing a superconducting levitation vehicle for urban areas. The adopted levitation technology is based on the diamagnetic and the flux pinning properties of YBa2Cu3O7-δ (YBCO) bulk blocks in the interaction with Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets. A laboratory test facility with permanent magnet guideway, linear induction motor and one vehicle module is been built to investigate its operation. The MagLev-Cobra project state of the art is presented in the present paper, describing some construction details of the new test line with 200 m.

Complex formation of technetium with the methyl esters of MAG2 and MAG1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Noll, B.; Noll, S.; Grosse, B.; Johannsen, B.; Spies, H.

1993-01-01

Mercaptoacetylglycine methyl ester (MAG 2 ester) and mercaptoacetyldiglycine methyl ester (MAG 1 ester) were included to investigate complex formation of SH/amide ligands with technetium. The studies are aimed at finding out how blocking the carboxylic groups influences the complexation reaction, with a view to finding an approach to new lipophilic species. (orig./BBR)

3D Stagnation instabilities in MagLIF loads on the Z Generator

Science.gov (United States)

Jennings, Christopher

2017-10-01

Experiments with Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF) loads have successfully demonstrated the premise of magnetized fusion. While these experiments are increasingly well diagnosed, many of the measurements (particularly during stagnation) are time integrated, limited in spatial resolution or require additional assumptions to interpret in the context of a structured, rapidly evolving system. As such, there is some ambiguity over what may be limiting performance. Poor laser coupling in preheating the fuel prior to implosion has been suggested as a mechanism. Mix of high Z contaminants that cool the fuel is also a significant concern. In addition, time integrated crystal imaging has shown significant structure in the final fuel assembly indicating potential disruption from instabilities. Understanding the balance between these degradation mechanisms is vital to progress with MagLif. We compare several sets of experimental data with synthetically generated data from systematically varied 3D resistive-MHD simulations to gain insight into the relative contributions of different degradation mechanisms. We demonstrate how some measurements strongly indicate disruption from liner material penetrating into the fuel at stagnation, and discuss the implications this has for how MagLif targets work and scale to larger drive currents. We then explore the extent to which different combinations of instability development, current delivery, high-Z mix into the fuel and initial laser deposition can be differentiated in our existing measurements. Better determining the dominant degradation mechanisms can directly influence the direction we take to improve performance, or our confidence in scaling these targets to higher currents. Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc. for the U.S. DoE's NNSA under contract DE-NA0003525.

Infarction of renal transplant with extrarenal excretion of Tc-99m MAG3 demonstrated by renal scintigraphy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lim, Seok Tae; Kim, Min Woo; Sohn, Myung Hee

2003-01-01

A 38-year-old woman with end stage renal disease received a living related donor-renal transplant to the right iliac fossa. She developed anuria a week later. Tc-99m MAG 3 renal scintigraphy demonstrated no perfusion, uptake, or excretion of the radioactive tracer from the renal transplant. The expected area of the renal allograft appeared as a photopenic area with increased rim activity. The gallbladder and bowel activities were observed on delayed images at 24 hours. There was no blood flow within the renal artery on renal doppler examination. This case shows total absence of perfusion and function in the infarcted renal transplant with extrarenal excretion of Tc-99m MAG 3 caused by acute renal artery thrombosis

MagLev Cobra: Test Facilities and Operational Experiments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sotelo, G G; Dias, D H J N; De Oliveira, R A H; Ferreira, A C; De Andrade, R Jr; Stephan, R M

2014-01-01

The superconducting MagLev technology for transportation systems is becoming mature due to the research and developing effort of recent years. The Brazilian project, named MagLev-Cobra, started in 1998. It has the goal of developing a superconducting levitation vehicle for urban areas. The adopted levitation technology is based on the diamagnetic and the flux pinning properties of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ (YBCO) bulk blocks in the interaction with Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets. A laboratory test facility with permanent magnet guideway, linear induction motor and one vehicle module is been built to investigate its operation. The MagLev-Cobra project state of the art is presented in the present paper, describing some construction details of the new test line with 200 m.

Renal scintigraphy in the 21st Century 99m Tc-MAG3 with zero time injection of furosemide (MAG3-F0): a fast and easy protocol, one for all indications. Part 2. Introduction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sfakianakis, G.N.

2007-01-01

Current research on renal function to develop a method to calculate from the MAG 3 -F 0 study the renal global function (RGF) we use: a) the kidney uptake/body background activity (at 2 minutes), b) the residual cortical activity (at 20 minutes). Both these parameters are related with the creatinine levels. (Author)

Implementation of cargo MagLev in the United States

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rose, Chris R [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Peterson, Dean E [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Leung, Eddie M [MAGTEC ENGINEERING

2008-01-01

Numerous studies have been completed in the United States, but no commercial MagLev systems have been deployed. Outside the U.S., MagLev continues to attract funding for research, development and implementation. A brief review of recent global developments in MagLev technology is given followed by the status of MagLev in the U.S. The paper compares the cost of existing MagLev systems with other modes of transport, notes that the near-term focus of MagLev development in the U.S. should be for cargo, and suggests that future MagLev systems should be for very high speed cargo. The Los Angeles to Port of Los Angeles corridor is suggested as a first site for implementation. The benefits of MagLev are described along with suggestions on how to obtain funding.

Somatostatine analogs marked with 99m-TC

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Obenaus, E; Crudo, J; Edreira, M; Castiglia, S.G. de

2003-01-01

The aim of the present work was to study the biological and radiochemical behaviour of two somatostatin analogues, the RC-160 and Tyr 3 Octreotide(TOC) peptides when labeling with 99m Tc by an indirect method using S-Benzoyl- mercaptoacetyl triglycine (MAG3) and hydrazino nicotinamide (HYNIC) as chelating agents. The synthesis of RC160 with S-Benzoyl MAG3 and TOC with HYNIC, for labeling with 99m Tc are also described. The conjugates were prepared on a small scale and labeled with the radionuclide using tricine as coligands for HYNIC conjugates. Chromatographic studies were performed using an HPLC system and radiochemical purities higher than 75% and 95% were obtained respectively. Biodistributions studies in normal Wistar rats were performed and results were correlated with chromatographic and protein binding properties. Lower lipophilicity of the labeled conjugates resulted in a higher renal excretion. HYNIC-TOC complex showed promising results when labeling with 99m Tc using tricine as coligand although higher stability should be found for ternary coligands compared to tricine (Au)

Functional Consequences of Intracellular Proline Levels Manipulation Affecting PRODH/POX-Dependent Pro-Apoptotic Pathways in a Novel in Vitro Cell Culture Model.

Science.gov (United States)

Zareba, Ilona; Surazynski, Arkadiusz; Chrusciel, Marcin; Miltyk, Wojciech; Doroszko, Milena; Rahman, Nafis; Palka, Jerzy

2017-01-01

The effect of impaired intracellular proline availability for proline dehydrogenase/proline oxidase (PRODH/POX)-dependent apoptosis was studied. We generated a constitutively knocked-down PRODH/POX MCF-7 breast cancer cell line (MCF-7shPRODH/POX) as a model to analyze the functional consequences of impaired intracellular proline levels. We have used inhibitor of proline utilization in collagen biosynthesis, 2-metoxyestradiol (MOE), inhibitor of prolidase that generate proline, rapamycin (Rap) and glycyl-proline (GlyPro), substrate for prolidase. Collagen and DNA biosynthesis were evaluated by radiometric assays. Cell viability was determined using Nucleo-Counter NC-3000. The activity of prolidase was determined by colorimetric assay. Expression of proteins was assessed by Western blot and immunofluorescence bioimaging. Concentration of proline was analyzed by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. PRODH/POX knockdown decreased DNA and collagen biosynthesis, whereas increased prolidase activity and intracellular proline level in MCF-7shPRODH/POX cells. All studied compounds decreased cell viability in MCF-7 and MCF-7shPRODH/POX cells. DNA biosynthesis was similarly inhibited by Rap and MOE in both cell lines, but GlyPro inhibited the process only in MCF-7shPRODH/POX and MOE+GlyPro only in MCF-7 cells. All the compounds inhibited collagen biosynthesis, increased prolidase activity and cytoplasmic proline level in MCF-7shPRODH/POX cells and contributed to the induction of pro-survival mode only in MCF-7shPRODH/POX cells. In contrast, all studied compounds upregulated expression of pro-apoptotic protein only in MCF-7 cells. PRODH/POX was confirmed as a driver of apoptosis and proved the eligibility of MCF-7shPRODH/POX cell line as a highly effective model to elucidate the different mechanisms underlying proline utilization or generation in PRODH/POX-dependent pro-apoptotic pathways. © 2017 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Modeling of the Reaction Mechanism of Enzymatic Radical C–C Coupling by Benzylsuccinate Synthase

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Maciej Szaleniec

2016-04-01

Full Text Available Molecular modeling techniques and density functional theory calculations were performed to study the mechanism of enzymatic radical C–C coupling catalyzed by benzylsuccinate synthase (BSS. BSS has been identified as a glycyl radical enzyme that catalyzes the enantiospecific fumarate addition to toluene initiating its anaerobic metabolism in the denitrifying bacterium Thauera aromatica, and this reaction represents the general mechanism of toluene degradation in all known anaerobic degraders. In this work docking calculations, classical molecular dynamics (MD simulations, and DFT+D2 cluster modeling was employed to address the following questions: (i What mechanistic details of the BSS reaction yield the most probable molecular model? (ii What is the molecular basis of enantiospecificity of BSS? (iii Is the proposed mechanism consistent with experimental observations, such as an inversion of the stereochemistry of the benzylic protons, syn addition of toluene to fumarate, exclusive production of (R-benzylsuccinate as a product and a kinetic isotope effect (KIE ranging between 2 and 4? The quantum mechanics (QM modeling confirms that the previously proposed hypothetical mechanism is the most probable among several variants considered, although C–H activation and not C–C coupling turns out to be the rate limiting step. The enantiospecificity of the enzyme seems to be enforced by a thermodynamic preference for binding of fumarate in the pro(R orientation and reverse preference of benzyl radical attack on fumarate in pro(S pathway which results with prohibitively high energy barrier of the radical quenching. Finally, the proposed mechanism agrees with most of the experimental observations, although the calculated intrinsic KIE from the model (6.5 is still higher than the experimentally observed values (4.0 which suggests that both C–H activation and radical quenching may jointly be involved in the kinetic control of the reaction.

Characterization of the Vibrio cholerae extracellular matrix: a top-down solid-state NMR approach.

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Reichhardt, Courtney; Fong, Jiunn C N; Yildiz, Fitnat; Cegelski, Lynette

2015-01-01

Bacterial biofilms are communities of bacterial cells surrounded by a self-secreted extracellular matrix. Biofilm formation by Vibrio cholerae, the human pathogen responsible for cholera, contributes to its environmental survival and infectivity. Important genetic and molecular requirements have been identified for V. cholerae biofilm formation, yet a compositional accounting of these parts in the intact biofilm or extracellular matrix has not been described. As insoluble and non-crystalline assemblies, determinations of biofilm composition pose a challenge to conventional biochemical and biophysical analyses. The V. cholerae extracellular matrix composition is particularly complex with several proteins, complex polysaccharides, and other biomolecules having been identified as matrix parts. We developed a new top-down solid-state NMR approach to spectroscopically assign and quantify the carbon pools of the intact V. cholerae extracellular matrix using ¹³C CPMAS and ¹³C{(¹⁵N}, ¹⁵N{³¹P}, and ¹³C{³¹P}REDOR. General sugar, lipid, and amino acid pools were first profiled and then further annotated and quantified as specific carbon types, including carbonyls, amides, glycyl carbons, and anomerics. In addition, ¹⁵N profiling revealed a large amine pool relative to amide contributions, reflecting the prevalence of molecular modifications with free amine groups. Our top-down approach could be implemented immediately to examine the extracellular matrix from mutant strains that might alter polysaccharide production or lipid release beyond the cell surface; or to monitor changes that may accompany environmental variations and stressors such as altered nutrient composition, oxidative stress or antibiotics. More generally, our analysis has demonstrated that solid-state NMR is a valuable tool to characterize complex biofilm systems. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV as a potential target for selective prodrug activation and chemotherapeutic action in cancers.

Science.gov (United States)

Dahan, Arik; Wolk, Omri; Yang, Peihua; Mittal, Sachin; Wu, Zhiqian; Landowski, Christopher P; Amidon, Gordon L

2014-12-01

The efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs is often offset by severe side effects attributable to poor selectivity and toxicity to normal cells. Recently, the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) was considered as a potential target for the delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of targeting chemotherapeutic drugs to DPPIV as a strategy to enhance their specificity. The expression profile of DPPIV was obtained for seven cancer cell lines using DNA microarray data from the DTP database, and was validated by RT-PCR. A prodrug was then synthesized by linking the cytotoxic drug melphalan to a proline-glycine dipeptide moiety, followed by hydrolysis studies in the seven cell lines with a standard substrate, as well as the glycyl-prolyl-melphalan (GP-Mel). Lastly, cell proliferation studies were carried out to demonstrate enzyme-dependent activation of the candidate prodrug. The relative RT-PCR expression levels of DPPIV in the cancer cell lines exhibited linear correlation with U95Av2 Affymetrix data (r(2) = 0.94), and with specific activity of a standard substrate, glycine-proline-p-nitroanilide (r(2) = 0.96). The significantly higher antiproliferative activity of GP-Mel in Caco-2 cells (GI₅₀ = 261 μM) compared to that in SK-MEL-5 cells (GI₅₀ = 807 μM) was consistent with the 9-fold higher specific activity of the prodrug in Caco-2 cells (5.14 pmol/min/μg protein) compared to SK-MEL-5 cells (0.68 pmol/min/μg protein) and with DPPIV expression levels in these cells. Our results demonstrate the great potential to exploit DPPIV as a prodrug activating enzyme for efficient chemotherapeutic drug targeting.

Anaerobic Microbial Degradation of Hydrocarbons: From Enzymatic Reactions to the Environment.

Science.gov (United States)

Rabus, Ralf; Boll, Matthias; Heider, Johann; Meckenstock, Rainer U; Buckel, Wolfgang; Einsle, Oliver; Ermler, Ulrich; Golding, Bernard T; Gunsalus, Robert P; Kroneck, Peter M H; Krüger, Martin; Lueders, Tillmann; Martins, Berta M; Musat, Florin; Richnow, Hans H; Schink, Bernhard; Seifert, Jana; Szaleniec, Maciej; Treude, Tina; Ullmann, G Matthias; Vogt, Carsten; von Bergen, Martin; Wilkes, Heinz

2016-01-01

Hydrocarbons are abundant in anoxic environments and pose biochemical challenges to their anaerobic degradation by microorganisms. Within the framework of the Priority Program 1319, investigations funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft on the anaerobic microbial degradation of hydrocarbons ranged from isolation and enrichment of hitherto unknown hydrocarbon-degrading anaerobic microorganisms, discovery of novel reactions, detailed studies of enzyme mechanisms and structures to process-oriented in situ studies. Selected highlights from this program are collected in this synopsis, with more detailed information provided by theme-focused reviews of the special topic issue on 'Anaerobic biodegradation of hydrocarbons' [this issue, pp. 1-244]. The interdisciplinary character of the program, involving microbiologists, biochemists, organic chemists and environmental scientists, is best exemplified by the studies on alkyl-/arylalkylsuccinate synthases. Here, research topics ranged from in-depth mechanistic studies of archetypical toluene-activating benzylsuccinate synthase, substrate-specific phylogenetic clustering of alkyl-/arylalkylsuccinate synthases (toluene plus xylenes, p-cymene, p-cresol, 2-methylnaphthalene, n-alkanes), stereochemical and co-metabolic insights into n-alkane-activating (methylalkyl)succinate synthases to the discovery of bacterial groups previously unknown to possess alkyl-/arylalkylsuccinate synthases by means of functional gene markers and in situ field studies enabled by state-of-the-art stable isotope probing and fractionation approaches. Other topics are Mo-cofactor-dependent dehydrogenases performing O2-independent hydroxylation of hydrocarbons and alkyl side chains (ethylbenzene, p-cymene, cholesterol, n-hexadecane), degradation of p-alkylated benzoates and toluenes, glycyl radical-bearing 4-hydroxyphenylacetate decarboxylase, novel types of carboxylation reactions (for acetophenone, acetone, and potentially also benzene and

Evaluation of renal allograft dysfunction employing dynamic SPECT with 99mTc-MAG3 and graph plot analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Akahira, Hideaki

1996-01-01

To estimate renal blood flow and tubular function in transplanted kidneys, we applied the 4 compartments model and the graphic analysis method to 99m Tc-MAG3 dynamic SPECT and calculated some parameters, i.e. K1 (renal influx rate constant), K3 (tubular transporting rate constant), Vd12 (intrarenal distribution volume), and others. Twenty-three renal transplant recipients were examined and divided into following 3 groups according to their serum creatinine levels (SCr); Group I: less than 13 mg/dl (1.1±0.3, n=7), Group II: 1.4-2.5 mg/dl (1.8±0.3, n=11), and Group III more than 2.6 mg/dl (3.9±0.9, n=5). The K3 value became lower in the order of Group I>II>III, and well correlated with blood urea nitrogen (BUN, r=-0.95, p 99m Tc-MAG3 uptake function, respectively. (author)

Use of [sup 99m]Tc mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) for detection of renal lesions after ESWL. A prospective study with 117 patients. [sup 99m]Technetium-Mercaptoacetyltriglycin (MAG3) zum Nachweis von Nierenveraenderungen nach extrakorporealer Stosswellenlithotripsie. Eine prospektive Untersuchung bei 117 Patienten

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Schaub, T. (Klinik mit Poliklinik fuer Radiologie, Universitaetsklinik Mainz (Germany)); Witsch, U.; El-Damanhoury, H. (Klinik mit Poliklinik fuer Urologie, Universitaetsklinik Mainz (Germany)); Naegele-Woehrle, B.; Hahn, K. (Klinik mit Poliklinik fuer Nuklearmedizin, Universitaetsklinik Mainz (Germany))

1992-10-01

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has become the treatment of choice for urinary calculi. 117 patients were studied prospectively with [sup 99m]Tc Mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) before and after ESWL. 79 (66%) of the 119 kidneys treated had abnormal findings. Of these 63/119 (53%) had abnormal scans. 41 (65%) had focal lesions with a delayed intrarenal transport. The remaining 22 had a diffuse delay of intrarenal transport. A loss of relative renal function of 3% and more compared to the pretreatment values was observed in 50/119 (42%) patients. [sup 99m]Tc MAG3 should be done routinely together with radiologic tests (CT or MRI) before and after ESWL to select the patients at risk for post ESWL hypertension. (orig.).

Validation of alternative methods of preparing {sup 99m}Tc-MAG3

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Seetharaman, Shankar [Department of Pharmacy, Guy' s and St Thomas' Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 9EH (United Kingdom); Sosabowski, Michael H. [School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Moulsecoomb (United Kingdom); Ballinger, James R. [Department of Nuclear Medicine, Guy' s and St Thomas' Hospital, St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RT (United Kingdom)], E-mail: james.ballinger@gstt.nhs.uk

2007-11-15

Parameters in the preparation of {sup 99m}Tc-mertiatide ({sup 99m}Tc-MAG3) were investigated to determine the importance of total activity, activity concentration, boiling time, and delay before boiling for the radiochemical purity (RCP) and stability of the product. Satisfactory RCP results (>90%) were obtained over a range of concentrations including a dilute preparation for paediatric use. RCP was not affected by the time between the addition of pertechnetate and boiling, but low RCP (<60%) resulted when the kit was boiled for less than 10 min.

A National MagLev Transportation System

Science.gov (United States)

Wright, Michael R.

2003-01-01

The case for a national high-speed magnetic-levitation (MagLev) transportation system is presented. Focus is on current issues facing the country, such as national security, the economy, transportation, technology, and the environment. NASA s research into MagLev technology for launch assist is also highlighted. Further, current socio-cultural norms regarding motor-vehicle-based transportation systems are questioned in light of the problems currently facing the U.S. The multidisciplinary benefits of a long-distance MagLev system support the idea that such a system would be an important element of a truly multimodal U.S. transportation infrastructure.

An expedient method for the preparation of 99mTc-MIBI and 99mTc-MAG3 using microwave and teflon 'bomb'

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Varelis, P.; Poot, M.T.

1998-01-01

Full text: The recommended method for the preparation of 99mTc-MIBI and 99mTc-MAG3 requires that they be heated in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, after reconstitution with sodium pertechnetate. This method is both inconvenient and time consuming. A more rapid and convenient method for the preparation of these radiopharmaceuticals employs a conventional microwave oven. However, a serious limitation of this method is the hazard associated with an explosion of a vessel containing a radioactive substance. Traditionally, mixtures that can potentially explode are contained in a device called a 'bomb'. We have developed a method, utilising such a device, that allows us to rapidly and safely prepare 99mTc-MIBI and 99mTc-MAG3 using a microwave oven. This device is used in our department on a daily basis. Since using the teflon bomb, there has been one incidence of an explosion, which was successfully contained within the bomb. There was no statistically significant difference between the radiochemical purity (RCP) of the microwave prepared samples and those obtained using the recommended method. In conclusion, 99mTc-MIBI and 99mTc-MAG3 can be safely prepared and quality controlled in under ten minutes using a microwave oven and our teflon bomb. The average RCP for 99mTc-MIBI and 99mTc-MAG3 prepared using a microwave oven were 97.0+2.0% (n=19) and 99.8+0.2 (n=7) respectively

An expedient method for the preparation of 99mTc-MIBI and 99mTc-MAG3 using microwave and teflon `bomb`

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Varelis, P.; Poot, M.T. [St George Hospital, Sydney, NSW (Australia). Department of Nuclear Medicine

1998-06-01

Full text: The recommended method for the preparation of 99mTc-MIBI and 99mTc-MAG3 requires that they be heated in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, after reconstitution with sodium pertechnetate. This method is both inconvenient and time consuming. A more rapid and convenient method for the preparation of these radiopharmaceuticals employs a conventional microwave oven. However, a serious limitation of this method is the hazard associated with an explosion of a vessel containing a radioactive substance. Traditionally, mixtures that can potentially explode are contained in a device called a `bomb`. We have developed a method, utilising such a device, that allows us to rapidly and safely prepare 99mTc-MIBI and 99mTc-MAG3 using a microwave oven. This device is used in our department on a daily basis. Since using the teflon bomb, there has been one incidence of an explosion, which was successfully contained within the bomb. There was no statistically significant difference between the radiochemical purity (RCP) of the microwave prepared samples and those obtained using the recommended method. In conclusion, 99mTc-MIBI and 99mTc-MAG3 can be safely prepared and quality controlled in under ten minutes using a microwave oven and our teflon bomb. The average RCP for 99mTc-MIBI and 99mTc-MAG3 prepared using a microwave oven were 97.0+2.0% (n=19) and 99.8+0.2 (n=7) respectively

Heterogeneity of Polyneuropathy Associated with Anti-MAG Antibodies

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Laurent Magy

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Polyneuropathy associated with IgM monoclonal gammopathy and anti-myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG antibodies is an immune-mediated demyelinating neuropathy. The pathophysiology of this condition is likely to involve anti-MAG antibody deposition on myelin sheaths of the peripheral nerves and it is supposed to be distinct from chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy (CIDP, another immune-mediated demyelinating peripheral neuropathy. In this series, we have retrospectively reviewed clinical and laboratory findings from 60 patients with polyneuropathy, IgM gammopathy, and anti-MAG antibodies. We found that the clinical picture in these patients is highly variable suggesting a direct link between the monoclonal gammopathy and the neuropathy. Conversely, one-third of patients had a CIDP-like phenotype on electrodiagnostic testing and this was correlated with a low titer of anti-MAG antibodies and the absence of widening of myelin lamellae. Our data suggest that polyneuropathy associated with anti-MAG antibodies is less homogeneous than previously said and that the pathophysiology of the condition is likely to be heterogeneous as well with the self-antigen being MAG in most of the patients but possibly being another component of myelin in the others.

The structure of mAG, a monomeric mutant of the green fluorescent protein Azami-Green, reveals the structural basis of its stable green emission

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ebisawa, Tatsuki; Yamamura, Akihiro; Kameda, Yasuhiro; Hayakawa, Kou; Nagata, Koji; Tanokura, Masaru

2010-01-01

The crystal structure of a monomeric mutant of Azami-Green (mAG) from G. fascicularis was determined at 2.2 Å resolution. Monomeric Azami-Green (mAG) from the stony coral Galaxea fascicularis is the first known monomeric green-emitting fluorescent protein that is not a variant of Aequorea victoria green fluorescent protein (avGFP). These two green fluorescent proteins are only 27% identical in their amino-acid sequences. mAG is more similar in its amino-acid sequence to four fluorescent proteins: Dendra2 (a green-to-red irreversibly photoconverting fluorescent protein), Dronpa (a bright-and-dark reversibly photoswitchable fluorescent protein), KikG (a tetrameric green-emitting fluorescent protein) and Kaede (another green-to-red irreversibly photoconverting fluorescent protein). To reveal the structural basis of stable green emission by mAG, the 2.2 Å crystal structure of mAG has been determined and compared with the crystal structures of avGFP, Dronpa, Dendra2, Kaede and KikG. The structural comparison revealed that the chromophore formed by Gln62-Tyr63-Gly64 (QYG) and the fixing of the conformation of the imidazole ring of His193 by hydrogen bonds and van der Waals contacts involving His193, Arg66 and Thr69 are likely to be required for the stable green emission of mAG. The crystal structure of mAG will contribute to the design and development of new monomeric fluorescent proteins with faster maturation, brighter fluorescence, improved photostability, new colours and other preferable properties as alternatives to avGFP and its variants

99mTc-MAG3 vs 99mTc-DMSA early images: A practice options for the study of renal morphology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fraxedas, R.; Reyes, L.; Rodriguez, J.L.; Perera, A.; Solano, M.E.; Sanchez del Campo, M.

1997-01-01

99m Tc- DMSA renal scans are considered a gold standard for the evaluations of cortical defects Nevertheless 99m Tc -MAG3 early images (1-2 min after administration) present clearly defined images of the renal parenchyma. In this work 37 patients with clinical suspicion of upper tract infection were studied with both tracers. Renal ages were evaluated for the presence of cortical defects in a blind fashion by a group of three experts and split function was calculated. Results were highly coincident. It is concluded that early 99mT c -MAG3 can be used to study renal morphology and patient irradiated can be reduced

The Efficacy of MAG-DHA for Correcting AA/DHA Imbalance of Cystic Fibrosis Patients

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Caroline Morin

2018-05-01

Full Text Available Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA supplementations are thought to improve essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD as well as reduce inflammation in Cystic Fibrosis (CF, but their effectiveness in clinical studies remains unknown. The aim of the study was to determine how the medical food containing docosahexaenoic acid monoglyceride (MAG-DHA influenced erythrocyte fatty acid profiles and the expression levels of inflammatory circulating mediators. We conducted a randomized, double blind, pilot trial including fifteen outpatients with Cystic Fibrosis, ages 18–48. The patients were divided into 2 groups and received MAG-DHA or a placebo (sunflower oil for 60 days. Patients took 8 × 625 mg MAG-DHA softgels or 8 × 625 mg placebo softgels every day at bedtime for 60 days. Lipid analyses revealed that MAG-DHA increased docosahexaenoic acid (DHA levels and decrease arachidonic acid (AA ratio (AA/DHA in erythrocytes of CF patients following 1 month of daily supplementation. Data also revealed a reduction in plasma human leukocyte elastase (pHLE complexes and interleukin-6 (IL-6 expression levels in blood samples of MAG-DHA supplemented CF patients. This pilot study indicates that MAG-DHA supplementation corrects erythrocyte AA/DHA imbalance and may exert anti-inflammatory properties through the reduction of pHLE complexes and IL6 in blood samples of CF patients. Trial registration: Pro-resolving Effect of MAG-DHA in Cystic Fibrosis (PREMDIC, NCT02518672.

Renal scintigraphy in the 21st Century {sup 99m} Tc-MAG{sub 3} with zero time injection of furosemide (MAG{sub 3}-F{sub 0}): a fast and easy protocol, one for all indications. Part 2. Introduction

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sfakianakis, G.N. [Professor of Radiology and Pediatrics, Director Division of Nuclear Medicine, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Florida (United States)

2007-07-01

Current research on renal function to develop a method to calculate from the MAG{sub 3}-F{sub 0} study the renal global function (RGF) we use: a) the kidney uptake/body background activity (at 2 minutes), b) the residual cortical activity (at 20 minutes). Both these parameters are related with the creatinine levels. (Author)

Metabolism of Hydrocarbons in n-Alkane-Utilizing Anaerobic Bacteria.

Science.gov (United States)

Wilkes, Heinz; Buckel, Wolfgang; Golding, Bernard T; Rabus, Ralf

2016-01-01

The glycyl radical enzyme-catalyzed addition of n-alkanes to fumarate creates a C-C-bond between two concomitantly formed stereogenic carbon centers. The configurations of the two diastereoisomers of the product resulting from n-hexane activation by the n-alkane-utilizing denitrifying bacterium strain HxN1, i.e. (1-methylpentyl)succinate, were assigned as (2S,1'R) and (2R,1'R). Experiments with stereospecifically deuterated n-(2,5-2H2)hexanes revealed that exclusively the pro-S hydrogen atom is abstracted from C2 of the n-alkane by the enzyme and later transferred back to C3 of the alkylsuccinate formed. These results indicate that the alkylsuccinate-forming reaction proceeds with an inversion of configuration at the carbon atom (C2) of the n-alkane forming the new C-C-bond, and thus stereochemically resembles a SN2-type reaction. Therefore, the reaction may occur in a concerted manner, which may avoid the highly energetic hex-2-yl radical as an intermediate. The reaction is associated with a significant primary kinetic isotope effect (kH/kD ≥3) for hydrogen, indicating that the homolytic C-H-bond cleavage is involved in the first irreversible step of the reaction mechanism. The (1-methylalkyl)succinate synthases of n-alkane-utilizing anaerobic bacteria apparently have very broad substrate ranges enabling them to activate not only aliphatic but also alkyl-aromatic hydrocarbons. Thus, two denitrifiers and one sulfate reducer were shown to convert the nongrowth substrate toluene to benzylsuccinate and further to the dead-end product benzoyl-CoA. For this purpose, however, the modified β-oxidation pathway known from alkylbenzene-utilizing bacteria was not employed, but rather the pathway used for n-alkane degradation involving CoA ligation, carbon skeleton rearrangement and decarboxylation. Furthermore, various n-alkane- and alkylbenzene-utilizing denitrifiers and sulfate reducers were found to be capable of forming benzyl alcohols from diverse alkylbenzenes

Mathematical Modeling of Metal Active Gas (MAG) Arc Welding

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

无

2001-01-01

In the present paper, a numerical model for MAG (metal active gas) arc welding of thin plate has been developed. In MAG arc welding, the electrode wire is melted and supplied into the molten pool intermittently. Accordingly, it is assumed on the modeling that the thermal energy enters the base-plates through two following mechanisms, i.e., direct heating from arc plasma and “indirect” heating from the deposited metal. In the second part of the paper, MAG arc welding process is numerically analyzed by using the model, and the calculated weld bead dimension and surface profile have been compared with the experimental MAG welds on steel plate. As the result, it is made clear that the model is capable of predicting the bead profile of thin-plate MAG arc welding , including weld bead with undercutting.

Evaluation of the absorbed dose to the kidneys due to Tc99m (DTPA) / Tc99m (Mag3) and Tc99m (Dmsa)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vasquez A, M.; Murillo C, F.; Castillo D, C.; Rocha J, J.; Sifuentes D, Y.; Sanchez S, P.; Idrogo C, J.; Marquez P, F.

2015-10-01

The absorbed dose in the kidneys of adult patients has been assessed using the biokinetics of radiopharmaceuticals containing Tc 99m (DTPA) / Tc 99m (Mag3) or Tc 99m (Dmsa).The absorbed dose was calculated using the formalism MIRD and the Cristy-Eckerman representation for the kidneys. The absorbed dose to the kidneys due to Tc 99m (DTPA) / Tc 99m (Mag3), are given by 0.00466 mGy.MBq -1 / 0.00339 mGy.MBq -1 . Approximately 21.2% of the absorbed dose is due to the bladder (content) and the remaining tissue, included in biokinetics of Tc 99m (DTPA) / Tc 99m (Mag3). The absorbed dose to the kidneys due to Tc 99m (Dmsa) is 0.17881 mGy.MBq -1 . Here, 1.7% of the absorbed dose is due to the bladder, spleen, liver and the remaining tissue, included in biokinetics of Tc 99m (Dmsa). (Author)

A camera based calculation of 99m Tc-MAG-3 clearance using conjugate views method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hojabr, M.; Rajabi, H.; Eftekhari, M.

2004-01-01

Background: measurement of absolute or different renal function using radiotracers plays an important role in the clinical management of various renal diseases. Gamma camera quantitative methods is approximations of renal clearance may potentially be as accurate as plasma clearance methods. However some critical factors such as kidney depth and background counts are still troublesome in the use of this technique. In this study the conjugate-view method along with some background correction technique have been used for the measurement of renal activity in 99m Tc- MAG 3 renography. Transmission data were used for attenuation correction and the source volume was considered for accurate background subtraction. Materials and methods: the study was performed in 35 adult patients referred to our department for conventional renography and ERPF calculation. Depending on patients weight approximately 10-15 mCi 99 Tc-MAG 3 was injected in the form of a sharp bolus and 60 frames of 1 second followed by 174 frames of 10 seconds were acquired for each patient. Imaging was performed on a dual-head gamma camera(SOLUS; SunSpark10, ADAC Laboratories, Milpitas, CA) anterior and posterior views were acquired simultaneously. A LEHR collimator was used to correct the scatter for the emission and transmission images. Buijs factor was applied on background counts before background correction (Rutland-Patlak equation). gamma camera clearance was calculated using renal uptake in 1-2, 1.5-2.5, 2-3 min. The same procedure was repeated for both renograms obtained from posterior projection and conjugated views. The plasma clearance was also directly calculated by three blood samples obtained at 40, 80, 120 min after injection. Results: 99 Tc-MAG 3 clearance using direct sampling method were used as reference values and compared to the results obtained from the renograms. The maximum correlation was found between conjugate view clearance at 2-3 min (R=0.99, R 2 =0.98, SE=15). Conventional

Mag-seeding of rat bone marrow stromal cells into porous hydroxyapatite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

Science.gov (United States)

Shimizu, Kazunori; Ito, Akira; Honda, Hiroyuki

2007-09-01

Bone tissue engineering has been investigated as an alternative strategy for autograft transplantation. In the process of tissue engineering, cell seeding into three-dimensional (3-D) scaffolds is the first step for constructing 3-D tissues. We have proposed a methodology of cell seeding into 3-D porous scaffolds using magnetic force and magnetite nanoparticles, which we term Mag-seeding. In this study, we applied this Mag-seeding technique to bone tissue engineering using bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and 3-D hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds. BMSCs were magnetically labeled with our original magnetite cationic liposomes (MCLs) having a positive surface charge to improve adsorption to cell surface. Magnetically labeled BMSCs were seeded onto a scaffold, and a 1-T magnet was placed under the scaffold. By using Mag-seeding, the cells were successfully seeded into the internal space of scaffolds with a high cell density. The cell seeding efficiency into HA scaffolds by Mag-seeding was approximately threefold larger than that by static-seeding (conventional method, without a magnet). After a 14-d cultivation period using the osteogenic induction medium by Mag-seeding, the level of two representative osteogenic markers (alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin) were significantly higher than those by static-seeding. These results indicated that Mag-seeding of BMSCs into HA scaffolds is an effective approach to bone tissue engineering.

Purification of benzoyl-mercapto-acetyl-tri-glycine and ethyl cysteinate dimer complemented with biological evaluations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Robles, A.; Ramos, B.; Herrera, J.

1999-01-01

Purification of benzoyl-mercaptoacetyl triglycine (MAG3) and ethyl cysteinate dimer (L,L-ECD) has been conducted through fractionated recrystallization of its impurities and isomers; biological behavior of the main isomers has been evaluated through biological distribution in mice. Chemical purity of synthesized MAG3 is 69,9%; after purification, 98, 12% is obtained from the compound with adequate biological distribution; fusion points range between 194 and 196 o C before and after purification; recrystallization yields is 12%. Radiochemical purity of testing lot is 98%. In biological evaluations conducted in mice, injection dose percentages for the purest one, after 5 minutes, is 31,20% in kidneys and 1,14% in the liver. Chemical purity of synthesized ECD is 80,29%; after purification, 98,76% is obtained from the isomer with adequate biological activity; fusion points range between 195 and 197 o C; yield percentage in recrystallization is 29%. radiochemical purity of testing lot is 97%; in biological evaluations conducted in mice, injection dose percentages for the purest one, after 5 minutes, is 1,37% in the brain, 25,70% in the liver and 13,40% in kidneys

Uma metodologia para parametrização do processo MIG/MAG CA A methodology for parameterization of the AC MIG/MAG process

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Américo Scotti

2012-09-01

Full Text Available O processo MIG/MAG CA tem um potencial muito grande de aplicação, por permitir unir as características da soldagem MIG/MAG convencional (corrente contínua, com o eletrodo no positivo com as de se usar corrente negativa na soldagem MIG/MAG. Entretanto, o formato de onda de corrente (alternada, pulsada no positivo e constante no negativo demanda uma seleção criteriosa de seus inúmeros parâmetros de regulagem, o que vem limitando o estudo e aplicação desta versão de processo MIG/MAG. O objetivo deste trabalho foi propor e avaliar uma metodologia capaz de estimar os parâmetros de regulagem do processo MIG/MAG CA, de tal forma a se obter soldas com estabilidade de comprimento de arco e cordões com geometria adequada. É feita uma descrição passo a passo da definição dos parâmetros de entrada e da forma de se obter experimentalmente alguns valores de parâmetros necessários para estimação de outros valores de regulagem. As equações de estimação são apresentadas e discutidas. É feita uma demonstração da aplicação da metodologia, com a validação dos resultados pela comparação entre valores estimados e reais.The AC MIG/MAG process presents remarkable application potential, since it allows join the characteristics of the conventional MIG/MAG process (direct current, electrode positive with the ones obtained when negative current is applied in MIG/MAG welding. However, the current wave shape (alternate, pulsed in positive and constant in negative polarities demands a criterions selection of its innumerous setting parameters, fact that limits the development and application of this process version. The objective of this work was to propose and assess a methodology able to estimate the setting parameters of the CA MIG/MAG welding process, in such a way to result in welds with arc length stability and adequate bead geometry. A step-a-step description of the input parameter definitions and of the way to experimentally obtain

Evaluation of the absorbed dose to the kidneys due to Tc{sup 99m} (DTPA) / Tc{sup 99m} (Mag3) and Tc{sup 99m} (Dmsa); Evaluacion de la dosis absorbida en los rinones debido al Tc{sup 99m} (DTPA) / Tc{sup 99m} (MAG3) y Tc{sup 99m} (DMSA)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Vasquez A, M.; Murillo C, F.; Castillo D, C.; Rocha J, J.; Sifuentes D, Y.; Sanchez S, P. [Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Av. Juan Pablo II s/n, Trujillo (Peru); Idrogo C, J.; Marquez P, F., E-mail: marvva@hotmail.com [Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas, Av. Angamos 2520, Lima (Peru)

2015-10-15

The absorbed dose in the kidneys of adult patients has been assessed using the biokinetics of radiopharmaceuticals containing Tc{sup 99m} (DTPA) / Tc{sup 99m} (Mag3) or Tc{sup 99m} (Dmsa).The absorbed dose was calculated using the formalism MIRD and the Cristy-Eckerman representation for the kidneys. The absorbed dose to the kidneys due to Tc{sup 99m} (DTPA) / Tc{sup 99m} (Mag3), are given by 0.00466 mGy.MBq{sup -1} / 0.00339 mGy.MBq{sup -1}. Approximately 21.2% of the absorbed dose is due to the bladder (content) and the remaining tissue, included in biokinetics of Tc{sup 99m} (DTPA) / Tc{sup 99m} (Mag3). The absorbed dose to the kidneys due to Tc{sup 99m} (Dmsa) is 0.17881 mGy.MBq{sup -1}. Here, 1.7% of the absorbed dose is due to the bladder, spleen, liver and the remaining tissue, included in biokinetics of Tc{sup 99m} (Dmsa). (Author)

Neutron activation analysis of the MIBI, MAG-3 and sodium fitate active principles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Capote Rodriguez, G.; Perez Sayaz, G.; Moreno Bermudez, J.; Ribeiro Guevara, S.; Molina Insfran, J.

1996-01-01

Neutron activation analysis (NAA) both instrumental (INAA) and radiochemical (RNAA) are extensively applied for determination of minor and trace elements in samples of quite different origin and composition. Particularly, the application of INAA is well recognized for analysis of microquantitis of heavy metals as well as toxic elements in biological samples. In this work the possibility of the determination of MIBI, MAG-3 and sodium fitate elemental composition by INAA was investigated Analytical information about the concentration and/or detection limits of some toxic elements (Hg, Cd, As, Se, Sb) and other trace elements of interest (Fe, Cr, Co, Zn, Br) was obtained. The samples were irradiated in the CAb Ra-6 nuclear research reactor

Transrapid MagLev system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Heinrich, K [MVP Versuchs- und Planungsgesellschaft fuer Magnetbahnsysteme mbH, Muenchen (Germany); Kretzschmar, R [Transrapid International Gesellschaft fuer Magnetbahnsysteme, Muenchen (Germany); eds.

1989-01-01

The Transrapid MagLev System is a new world leader in advanced technology which opens up novel possibilities in tracked high-speed transport. At speeds of 400 kmph and beyond the Transrapid hovers above its guideway. It is driven by a linear motor. Electromagnets provide guidance and support. In 22 chapters a large number of highly qualified engineers offer a detailed and comprehensive description in this book of a radically new transport system, which uses a startling alternative of the wheel, the prime mover of mankind for many thousands of years. They introduce their subjects with a survey of the development and of the practical possibilities of this novel high-speed transport system, and go on to describe in detail the various types of guideway. The contributions about the high-speed switch and the demands of the geometry of the guideway are followed by a chapter on the guideway equipment. The contactless propulsion technology, the drive, and its power supply are dealt with in detail. The designers of the Transrapid MagLev railway also describe all the functions and installations serving the safety, supervision, and control of the running operation. A large space is devoted also to the description of the support- and guidance system and of the vehicle. Needless to say the complete description of this new transport system deals in great detail with the practical possibilities and with the trial operation on the Emsland Transrapid Test Facility. This unique publication concludes with a contribution on maglev developments abroad and with a chronology of the Transrapid MagLev System. (GL).

Proposal on new formulas for renal depth in the technetium-99m-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) scintigraphy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Uchiyama, Katsuhiro; Kuniyasu, Yoshio; Niio, Yasuo

1997-01-01

Recently, camera-based techniques to measure effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) have become more popular than single plasma sample techniques because camera-based measurements avoid the necessity of delayed plasma samples and in vitro techniques. The measurements of ERPF are used to estimate the clearance of technetium-99m-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3). However, camera-based techniques are dependent on an accurate estimate of renal depth to correct for soft-tissue attenuation. Then, new formulas for renal depth correction of technetium-99m-MAG3 clearance in place of Toennesen's, M. Ito's, K. Itoh's, and Taylor's methods were tried to establish in this paper. Eleven hundred and seventy patients without any renal disease were objected. The data from measurement of renal depth using X-ray CT in supine position were analyzed statistically. The depths of right kidney (Dr) and left kidney (Dl) were 7.33±1.27 and 7.07±1.27 cm. The correlation coefficients between Dr and height (H), body weight (W), body Surface area (BSA: W 0.425 xH 0.725 x0.007184 m 2 ), age, and abdominal thickness (Ta) were 0.275, 0.709, 0.615, 0.087, and 0.743. The correlation coefficients between Dl and H, W, BSA, age, and Ta were 0.269, 0.732, 0.629, 0.029, and 0.812. Ta had best correlation with both Dr and Dl. The calculation formulas for Dr and Dl using Ta were as follows; Dr=0.32xTa+0.87 cm, and Dl=0.36xTa-0.08 cm. On the other hand, the multiplex calculation formulas of Dr or Dl with H, W, and Ta were as follows; Dr=0.18Ta+8.54x(W/H)+0.75 (r=0.768), and Dl=0.26Ta+5.90x(W/H)-0.16 (r=0.823). The new regression equations provide superior estimates of renal depth compared to conventional equations. Application of these new formulas into camera-based protocols to determine renal clearances may lead to more accurate measurements of ERPF using technetium-99m-MAG3 scintigraphy. (author)

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of a monomeric mutant of Azami-Green (mAG), an Aequorea victoria green fluorescent protein-like green-emitting fluorescent protein from the stony coral Galaxea fascicularis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ebisawa, Tatsuki; Yamamura, Akihiro; Kameda, Yasuhiro; Hayakawa, Kou; Nagata, Koji; Tanokura, Masaru

2009-01-01

A monomeric mutant of Azami-Green from G. fascicularis was expressed, purified and crystallized using the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method. The crystal belonged to space group P1 and diffracted X-rays to 2.20 Å resolution. Monomeric Azami-Green (mAG) from the stony coral Galaxea fascicularis is the first monomeric green-emitting fluorescent protein that is not a derivative of Aequorea victoria green fluorescent protein (avGFP). mAG and avGFP are 27% identical in amino-acid sequence. Diffraction-quality crystals of recombinant mAG were obtained by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method using PEG 3350 as the precipitant. The mAG crystal diffracted X-rays to 2.20 Å resolution on beamline AR-NW12A at the Photon Factory (Tsukuba, Japan). The crystal belonged to space group P1, with unit-cell parameters a = 41.78, b = 51.72, c = 52.89 Å, α = 90.96, β = 103.41, γ = 101.79°. The Matthews coefficient (V M = 2.10 Å 3 Da −1 ) indicated that the crystal contained two mAG molecules per asymmetric unit

Analysis of substrate specificity of Schizosaccharomyces pombe Mag1 alkylpurine DNA glycosylase

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Adhikary, Suraj; Eichman, Brandt F. (Vanderbilt)

2014-10-02

DNA glycosylases specialized for the repair of alkylation damage must identify, with fine specificity, a diverse array of subtle modifications within DNA. The current mechanism involves damage sensing through interrogation of the DNA duplex, followed by more specific recognition of the target base inside the active site pocket. To better understand the physical basis for alkylpurine detection, we determined the crystal structure of Schizosaccharomyces pombe Mag1 (spMag1) in complex with DNA and performed a mutational analysis of spMag1 and the close homologue from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (scMag). Despite strong homology, spMag1 and scMag differ in substrate specificity and cellular alkylation sensitivity, although the enzymological basis for their functional differences is unknown. We show that Mag preference for 1,N{sup 6}-ethenoadenine ({var_epsilon}A) is influenced by a minor groove-interrogating residue more than the composition of the nucleobase-binding pocket. Exchanging this residue between Mag proteins swapped their {var_epsilon}A activities, providing evidence that residues outside the extrahelical base-binding pocket have a role in identification of a particular modification in addition to sensing damage.

BioMagResBank.

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Ulrich, E.L.; Akutsu, H.; Doreleijers, J.; Harano, Y.; Ioannidis, Y.E.; Lin, J.; Livny, M.; Mading, S.; Maziuk, D.; Miller, Z.; Nakatani, E.; Schulte, C.F.; Tolmie, D.E.; Wenger, R.K.; Yao, H.; Markley, J.L.

2008-01-01

The BioMagResBank (BMRB: www.bmrb.wisc.edu) is a repository for experimental and derived data gathered from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic studies of biological molecules. BMRB is a partner in the Worldwide Protein Data Bank (wwPDB). The BMRB archive consists of four main data

Morphological and functional alterations of small intestine in chronic pancreatitis.

Science.gov (United States)

Gubergrits, Natalya B; Linevskiy, Yuri V; Lukashevich, Galina M; Fomenko, Pavel G; Moroz, Tatyana V; Mishra, Tapan

2012-09-10

The small intestine in chronic pancreatitis has not been investigated yet thoroughly. It would be important to understand fat metabolism in the course of this disease and could be explained if the small intestine has some pathological conditions and, due to this reason, pancreatic enzyme substitution does not work in all patients. To investigate the pathophysiology of small intestine in chronic pancreatitis and to show the reason why in some cases pancreatic enzyme substitution does not work properly. In the process of the study 33 chronic pancreatitis patients have been examined. The control group includes 30 subjects without chronic pancreatitis similar for age, sex and alcohol consumption to the patients with chronic pancreatitis patients. Aspiration biopsy of jejunum mucosa followed by histological examination and investigation of intestinal enzymes by aspiration has been performed. Metabolism at membranic level has been studied by enzymatic activity of amylase and lipase in the small intestine. Production of enzymes (monoglyceride lipase, lactase, saccharase, maltase, glycyl-l-leucine dipeptidase) promoting metabolism in enterocytes has been estimated as to their activity in homogenates of jejunum mucosa samples. Participation of mucosa in intestinal digestion has been assessed by alkaline phosphatase activity in a secretory chyme from proximal portion of jejunum. Absorptive capacity of jejunum was evaluated by D-xylose test results. DNA, lysozyme, immunoglobulin contents of chyme have also been calculated and bacteriological study of chyme has been also performed. Secondary enteritis, accompanied by moderate dystrophic changes of mucous membrane, thinning of limbus, and decrease of Paneth cell mitotic index, was found to occur in chronic pancreatitis patients. Enteritis is followed by changes in enzymatic processes in the sphere of membrane and intestinal digestion, decrease of absorption, accelerated desquamation of epithelium, fall in local immunity and

Performance Evaluation of Manual and Automated (MagNA Pure Nucleic Acid Isolation in HPV Detection and Genotyping Using Roche Linear Array HPV Test

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aikaterini Chranioti

2011-01-01

Full Text Available Nucleic acids of human papillomavirus (HPV isolated by manual extraction method (AmpliLute and automated MagNA pure system were compared and evaluated with cytohistological findings in 253 women. The concordance level between AmpliLute and MagNA was very good 93.3% (=0.864, <.0001. Overall HPVpositivity detected by AmpliLute was 57.3% (30.4% as single and 27% as multiple infections in contrast to MagNA 54.5% (32% and 23%, resp.. Discrepant results observed in 25 cases: 11 MagNA(−/AmpliLute(+, 10 of which had positive histology; 5 MagNA(+/AmpliLute(− with negative histology; 8 MagNA(+/AmpliLute(+: in 7 of which AmpliLute detected extra HPV genotypes and 1 MagNA(invalid/AmpliLute(+ with positive histology. Both methods performed well when compared against cytological (area under curve (AUC of AmpliLute 0.712 versus 0.672 of MagNA and histological diagnoses (AUC of AmpliLute 0.935 versus 0.877 of MagNA, with AmpliLute showing a slightly predominance over MagNA. However, higher sensitivities, specificities, and positive/negative predictive values were obtained by AmpliLute.

Influence of different chelators (HYNIC, MAG3 and DTPA) on tumor cell accumulation and mouse biodistribution of technetium-99m labeled to antisense DNA

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, Y.M.; Liu, N.; Zhu, Z.-H.; Rusckowski, M.; Hnatowich, D.J.

2000-01-01

We have shown recently that cell accumulation in culture of antisense DNA is strongly influenced by the presence of a 99m Tc-MAG 3 group for radiolabeling. We have now compared the in vitro and mouse in vivo behavior of 99m Tc when radiolabeled to one antisense phosphorothioate DNA by three different methods. The 18-mer antisense DNA against the RIα subunit of PKA was conjugated via a primary amine on the 5'-end with the NHS esters of HYNIC and MAG 3 and by the cyclic anhydride of DTPA. Surface plasmon resonance measurements revealed that the association rate constant for hybridization was unchanged for all three chelators as compared with that of the native DNA. Size exclusion HPLC showed rapid and quantitative protein binding for all three chelators upon incubation of labeled DNAs in 37 C serum and cell culture medium. However, in each case, radiolabeled and intact oligonucleotide was still detectable after 24 h. Cellular uptake was tested in an RIα mRNA-positive cancer cell line. The order of cellular accumulation of 99m Tc was DTPA>HYNIC(tricine)>MAG 3 , with the differences increasing with time between 4 and 24 h. The rate of 99m Tc egress from cells was found to be MAG 3 >HYNIC>DTPA, which may explain the order of cellular accumulation. The biodistribution in normal mice was heavily influenced by the labeling method and followed a pattern similar to that seen previously by us for peptides labeled with the same chelators. In conclusion, although these studies concerned only one antisense DNA in one cell line, the results suggest that the success of antisense imaging may depend, in part, on the method of radiolabeling. (orig.)

Neurophysiological and clinical responses to rituximab in patients with anti-MAG polyneuropathy.

Science.gov (United States)

Zara, Gabriella; Zambello, Renato; Ermani, M

2011-12-01

Rituximab treatment has shown clinical improvement in anti-myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG) polyneuropathy. We analyzed scores of clinical scales and the most sensitive electrophysiological parameters before and after immunomodulating treatment with rituximab in a group of patients affected by anti-MAG demyelinating polyneuropathy. Clinical scores, the percentage of CD20 B-lymphocytes, anti-MAG antibody titers and electrophysiological data in 7 patients with anti-MAG polyneuropathy were analyzed. The patients were examined before a cycle with rituximab, 6, 12 and 24 months after the end of the treatment. Two patients were treated with rituximab additional cycles and re-evaluated 48 months after the first treatment. There were no evident correlation between anti-MAG serum antibody titers or clinical scales and electrodiagnostic data. Significant decrease in the proportion of CD20 B-lymphocytes was observed. Significant anti-MAG antibodies titers reduction was detected after re-treatment. At follow-up, pinprik sensation and two point discrimination presented a significant improvement compared with the score before treatment. In our patients, rituximab did not improve any electrophysiological data. No correlation with anti-MAG serum antibodies course was found. With rituximab only pin sensibility improved. Rituximab re-treatment significantly reduces anti-MAG serum antibodies titers but improves only small fibers sensibility. Copyright © 2011 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

De moeder mag zeggen waar ze haar baby krijgt

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Kingma, E.M.

2012-01-01

Soms nemen aanstaande moeders beslissingen die niet in het belang van hun aanstaande kind lijken te zijn. Zoals thuis willen bevallen bij een stuitligging of een tweeling. Mag dat? Ja, dat mag. Zelfs als dat betekent dat de aanstaande baby een groot risico loopt om dood te gaan of blijvende schade

Detection of sites of infection in mice using 99mTc-labeled PN2S-PEG conjugated to UBI and 99mTc-UBI: a comparative biodistribution study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Melendez-Alafort, Laura; Nadali, Anna; Pasut, Gianfranco; Zangoni, Elena; De Caro, Raffaele; Cariolato, Luca; Giron, Maria Cecilia; Castagliuolo, Ignazio; Veronese, Francesco M.; Mazzi, Ulderico

2009-01-01

The antimicrobial peptide ubiquicidin (UBI) directly labeled with technetium-99m ( 99m Tc) has recently been shown to be specifically taken up at sites of infection; however, its chemical structure is not well defined. To address this problem, the aim of the present study was to label UBI using poly(ethyleneglycol)-N-(N-(3-diphenylphosphinopropionyl)glycyl) -S-tritylcysteine ligand (PEG-PN 2 S) in order to compare its ability to detect infection sites with that of 99m Tc-UBI. Methods: The PN 2 S-PEG-UBI conjugate was prepared and labeled with 99m Tc, and its radiochemical purity was subsequently assessed. The stability of the conjugate to cysteine challenge and dilution with both saline solution and phosphate buffer was determined and serum stability and protein binding were also assessed. In vivo studies were carried out in healthy mice to study the biodistribution of 99m Tc-PN 2 S-PEG-UBI and its precursor 99m Tc-PN 2 S-PEG and in infected mice to compare the uptakes of 99m Tc-UBI and 99m Tc-PN 2 S-PEG-UBI at the site of infection using scintigraphic imaging and ex vivo tissue counting. Results: 99m Tc-PN 2 S-PEG-UBI was obtained with high radiochemical purity (98±1%) and high stability. The amphiphilic nature of the conjugate leads to a tendency to form micellar aggregates that explain the high protein binding values obtained. Biodistribution studies in mice showed low renal clearance followed by a predominant reticuloendothelial system clearance that limits its application in the abdominal area. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between 99m Tc-UBI and 99m Tc-PN 2 S-PEG-UBI uptake in infected mouse thigh, and the site of infection was clearly visualized using scintigraphic imaging. Conclusions: 99m Tc-PN 2 S-PEG-UBI proved to be as effective as 99m Tc-UBI in detecting sites of infection; however, the well-defined chemical structure of 99m Tc-PN 2 S-PEG-UBI makes it a better candidate for clinical imaging of infection

Detection of sites of infection in mice using {sup 99m}Tc-labeled PN{sub 2}S-PEG conjugated to UBI and {sup 99m}Tc-UBI: a comparative biodistribution study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Melendez-Alafort, Laura [Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padova (Italy)], E-mail: lmalafort@yahoo.com; Nadali, Anna; Pasut, Gianfranco; Zangoni, Elena [Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padova (Italy); De Caro, Raffaele [Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Padua, 35131 Padova (Italy); Cariolato, Luca [Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padova (Italy); Giron, Maria Cecilia [Department of Pharmacology and Anesthesiology, University of Padua, 35131 Padova (Italy); Castagliuolo, Ignazio [Department of Histology, Microbiology and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Padua, 35131 Padova (Italy); Veronese, Francesco M.; Mazzi, Ulderico [Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padova (Italy)

2009-01-15

The antimicrobial peptide ubiquicidin (UBI) directly labeled with technetium-99m ({sup 99m}Tc) has recently been shown to be specifically taken up at sites of infection; however, its chemical structure is not well defined. To address this problem, the aim of the present study was to label UBI using poly(ethyleneglycol)-N-(N-(3-diphenylphosphinopropionyl)glycyl) -S-tritylcysteine ligand (PEG-PN{sub 2}S) in order to compare its ability to detect infection sites with that of {sup 99m}Tc-UBI. Methods: The PN{sub 2}S-PEG-UBI conjugate was prepared and labeled with {sup 99m}Tc, and its radiochemical purity was subsequently assessed. The stability of the conjugate to cysteine challenge and dilution with both saline solution and phosphate buffer was determined and serum stability and protein binding were also assessed. In vivo studies were carried out in healthy mice to study the biodistribution of {sup 99m}Tc-PN{sub 2}S-PEG-UBI and its precursor {sup 99m}Tc-PN{sub 2}S-PEG and in infected mice to compare the uptakes of {sup 99m}Tc-UBI and {sup 99m}Tc-PN{sub 2}S-PEG-UBI at the site of infection using scintigraphic imaging and ex vivo tissue counting. Results: {sup 99m}Tc-PN{sub 2}S-PEG-UBI was obtained with high radiochemical purity (98{+-}1%) and high stability. The amphiphilic nature of the conjugate leads to a tendency to form micellar aggregates that explain the high protein binding values obtained. Biodistribution studies in mice showed low renal clearance followed by a predominant reticuloendothelial system clearance that limits its application in the abdominal area. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between {sup 99m}Tc-UBI and {sup 99m}Tc-PN{sub 2}S-PEG-UBI uptake in infected mouse thigh, and the site of infection was clearly visualized using scintigraphic imaging. Conclusions: {sup 99m}Tc-PN{sub 2}S-PEG-UBI proved to be as effective as {sup 99m}Tc-UBI in detecting sites of infection; however, the well-defined chemical structure of {sup 99m

Tehnologija izrade rasvjetnog stupa MAG postupkom zavarivanja

OpenAIRE

Plantić, Miroslav

2016-01-01

Završni rad sastoji se od teoretskog i praktičnog dijela. Opisana je tehnologija izrade višekutnog rasvjetnog stupa visine 8 metara koji se koristi za uličnu rasvjetu.U teoretskom djelu kratko je obuhvaćena povijest zavarivanja te su istaknute najvažnije godine i osoba koje su proučavale tehnologiju zavarivanja. Objašnjeni su pojmovi vezani uz zavarivanje, razrađena je podjela postupaka zavarivanja, a detaljno je opisan MAG postupak. Opisana je oprema kod MAG zavarivanja te princip rada. Nave...

Synthesis and preliminary study of 99mTc-mercaptoacetyl-triglycine (99mTc-MAG3) for radiolabeling of immune globulins

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Reyes, L.; Navarrete, M.

2001-01-01

The synthesis of a complex molecule with its coordination center composed by a triamide monomercaptide tetradentate set of donor groups plus a phenyl-acetyl group as protector group of a sulphur atom is reported. This compound has been mixed with immune globulin G, labeled with 99m Tc and purified by high resolution liquid chromatography (HRLC). The biological behavior of this labeled compound was evaluated with mice of Balb-C origin, showing the biological properties of a protein. This molecule might be another option for radio-immuno-scintigraphic analysis when using proteins of antigenic nature. (author)

Application of measuring 99mTc-MAG3 plasma clearance based on one-compartment model (MPC method) to pediatric patients

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Koizumi, Kiyoshi; Higashida, Kousuke; Arbab, A.S.; Toyama, Keiji; Arai, Takao; Yoshitomi, Tatsuya.

1997-01-01

Measurement of 99m Tc-MAG3 plasma clearance based on 1-compartment model (MPC method) were applied to 12 pediatric patients and evaluated for the factors which might affect the calculated results. Depth correction is a critical factor for the measurement of renal uptake. Three different equations for estimating renal depth were compared with the real depth measured by ultrasonography. The equation proposed by K. Itoh was suitable though the equations by T. Ito and Raynaud were insufficient. Estimation of distribution volume, which is regarded as circulating plasma volume (CPV), is also critical for the calculation of MAG3 clearance by MPC method. Precisely, hematocrit measured by venous sampling and circulating blood volume (CBV) calculated as 7.5% of body weight are used for estimation of CPV. However, assumed CPV as 5% of body weight was acceptable if the hematocrit was not severely deviated from the normal value. Simplified MPC method utilizing two factors mentioned above gave a positive correlation with Russell's one point sampling method. In conclusion, MPC method is applicable for pediatric patients. (author)

Migration to Current Open Source Technologies by MagIC Enables a More Responsive Website, Quicker Development Times, and Increased Community Engagement

Science.gov (United States)

Jarboe, N.; Minnett, R.; Koppers, A.; Constable, C.; Tauxe, L.; Jonestrask, L.

2017-12-01

The Magnetics Information Consortium (MagIC) supports an online database for the paleo, geo, and rock magnetic communities ( https://earthref.org/MagIC ). Researchers can upload data into the archive and download data as selected with a sophisticated search system. MagIC has completed the transition from an Oracle backed, Perl based, server oriented website to an ElasticSearch backed, Meteor based thick client website technology stack. Using JavaScript on both the sever and the client enables increased code reuse and allows easy offloading many computational operations to the client for faster response. On-the-fly data validation, column header suggestion, and spreadsheet online editing are some new features available with the new system. The 3.0 data model, method codes, and vocabulary lists can be browsed via the MagIC website and more easily updated. Source code for MagIC is publicly available on GitHub ( https://github.com/earthref/MagIC ). The MagIC file format is natively compatible with the PmagPy ( https://github.com/PmagPy/PmagPy) paleomagnetic analysis software. MagIC files can now be downloaded from the database and viewed and interpreted in the PmagPy GUI based tool, pmag_gui. Changes or interpretations of the data can then be saved by pmag_gui in the MagIC 3.0 data format and easily uploaded to the MagIC database. The rate of new contributions to the database has been increasing with many labs contributing measurement level data for the first time in the last year. Over a dozen file format conversion scripts are available for translating non-MagIC measurement data files into the MagIC format for easy uploading. We will continue to work with more labs until the whole community has a manageable workflow for contributing their measurement level data. MagIC will continue to provide a global repository for archiving and retrieving paleomagnetic and rock magnetic data and, with the new system in place, be able to more quickly respond to the community

MagPy: A Python toolbox for controlling Magstim transcranial magnetic stimulators.

Science.gov (United States)

McNair, Nicolas A

2017-01-30

To date, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies manipulating stimulation parameters have largely used blocked paradigms. However, altering these parameters on a trial-by-trial basis in Magstim stimulators is complicated by the need to send regular (1Hz) commands to the stimulator. Additionally, effecting such control interferes with the ability to send TMS pulses or simultaneously present stimuli with high-temporal precision. This manuscript presents the MagPy toolbox, a Python software package that provides full control over Magstim stimulators via the serial port. It is able to maintain this control with no impact on concurrent processing, such as stimulus delivery. In addition, a specially-designed "QuickFire" serial cable is specified that allows MagPy to trigger TMS pulses with very low-latency. In a series of experimental simulations, MagPy was able to maintain uninterrupted remote control over the connected Magstim stimulator across all testing sessions. In addition, having MagPy enabled had no effect on stimulus timing - all stimuli were presented for precisely the duration specified. Finally, using the QuickFire cable, MagPy was able to elicit TMS pulses with sub-millisecond latencies. The MagPy toolbox allows for experiments that require manipulating stimulation parameters from trial to trial. Furthermore, it can achieve this in contexts that require tight control over timing, such as those seeking to combine TMS with fMRI or EEG. Together, the MagPy toolbox and QuickFire serial cable provide an effective means for controlling Magstim stimulators during experiments while ensuring high-precision timing. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Model-based comparison of maternal and foetal organ doses from 99mTc pertechnetate, DMSA, DTPA, HDP, MAA and MAG3 diagnostic intakes during pregnancy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Saunders, Margaret; Palmer, Maria; Preece, Alan; Millard, Roger

2002-01-01

Organ residence times were calculated for diagnostic intakes of 99m Tc pertechnetate, 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA), hydroxymethylene diphosphonate (HDP), macroaggregated albumin (MAA) and mercapto-acetyltriglycine (MAG 3 ) during the 1st and 3rd stages of pregnancy and used with the MIRDOSE3 pregnant female phantoms for generation of dose estimates. At stage 3 individual foetal organ doses were estimated via a surrogate phantom based on that for the new-born but with mean dose/cumulated activity (S) values scaled for compatibility with foetal whole body S. Stage 1 or 3 whole foetus doses ranged from 5.2 to 0.77 μGy MBq -1 respectively, analogous to current ICRP estimates for these agents using similar in vivo biodistribution model databases. Most stage 3 maternal and foetal organ doses were similar within a factor of 3, being higher in the foetus than the mother with pertechnetate, DTPA and MAG 3 , and lower with DMSA, HDP and MAA. Doses were more uniformly distributed among foetal organs than in the mother. Placental transfer was greatest with pertechnetate, where dose to the stage 3 foetal thyroid was 60-140 μGy MBq -1 . With each agent there was more placental transfer in stage 3 than in stage 1, but doses to stage 1 whole foetus were always higher, with the contribution from the mother dominant. For DMSA, HDP and MAG 3 the maternal contribution to total foetal body dose exceeded 93% for both stages. (orig.)

Determination of The Anti-Fungal Effort of Morganella Morganii and Determination of Its Chemical Composition by Means of Gas Chromatography Method - Mass Spectrometry Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sabreen Abdul Amir Kamal Al – Khafaji

2018-03-01

Full Text Available The analysis of bioactive was done by used gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy(GC-MS method then antifungal and antimicrobial activity for methanolic extract was measured in the lab. The analysis of  Morganella morganii  by GC-MS revealed the existence of the Tricyclo, 3-Methoxybenzaldehyde semicarbazone , undecan-1-amine, carboxaldehyde , 1-methyl-,oxime ,(Z-(+, 4-(2,5-Dihydro-3-methoxyphenyl butylamine , Paromomycin , 1,5,5-Trimethyl-6-methylene-cyclohexene, 9-Borabicyclo[3.31], Benzenemethanol , nonane , 9-mercapto-2-(2-aminopropoxy-3-methyl, Acetamide , N-(6-acetylaminobenzothiazol-2-yl-2-(adamantan, rin-6-carboxylic acid , N-(2,5-Dicyano-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrol-2-yl- acetamide, 3,10-Dioxatricyclo4-(2,5-Dihydro-3-methoxyphenylbutylamine, [4.3.1.0(2,4] phenylmethyl ester, 3,7-Diazabicyclo dec-7-ene, 3-Cyclohex-3-enyl-propionic acid, Eicosanoic acid  [3.3.1] 9,9-dimethyl-, nonane ,Dithiocarbamate , dl-Homocysteine, 2-(2-Furylpyridine, S-methyl-,N-(2-methyl-3-oxobutyl-, 1,7-Dioxa-10-thia-4,13-diazacyclopentadeca-5,9,12-trione, 5,7-Dodecadiyn-1,12-diol, 1-(β-d-Arabinofuranosyl-4-O-difluoromethyluracil, Uric acid, Pyrrolo[1.2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione , hexahydro-,12-Methyl-oxa-cyclododecan-2-one, Phthalic acid , butyl undecyl ester, 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid , 2,3-bis(acetyloxypropyl ester, , methyl ester, 12-Dimethylamino-10-oxododecanoic acid , 1,2,4-Trioxolane-2-octanoic acid 5-octyl-, Octahydrochromen-2-one, L-Aspartic acid, N-glycyl-,2H-Oxecin-2-one , 3,4,7,8,91,10-hexahydro-4-hydroxy-10-meth, Thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine-5,7(4H,6H-dione , 3,6,12-Trimethyl-1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaaza-cyclooctadecane, 2-lodohiistidine, 2-amino-4-(2-ph,Dec-9-en-6-oxo-1-ylamide,2,5-Piperazinedione,3,6-bis(2-ethylpropyl-, 9-Octadecenamide , (Z-, 3',8,8'-Trimethoxy-3-piperidyl-2,2'-binaphthalene-1,1',4,4'-tetra . Citrullus colocynthis (Crude was very highly active (6.39±0.27 mm anti-fungal activity of Morganella morganii showed that unstable compounds ( volatile were

Disposable MagLev centrifugal blood pump utilizing a cone-shaped impeller.

Science.gov (United States)

Hijikata, Wataru; Sobajima, Hideo; Shinshi, Tadahiko; Nagamine, Yasuyuki; Wada, Suguru; Takatani, Setsuo; Shimokohbe, Akira

2010-08-01

To enhance the durability and reduce the blood trauma of a conventional blood pump with a cone-shaped impeller, a magnetically levitated (MagLev) technology has been applied to the BioPump BPX-80 (Medtronic Biomedicus, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA), whose impeller is supported by a mechanical bearing. The MagLev BioPump (MagLev BP), which we have developed, has a cone-shaped impeller, the same as that used in the BPX-80. The suspension and driving system, which is comprised of two degrees of freedom, radial-controlled magnetic bearing, and a simply structured magnetic coupling, eliminates any physical contact between the impeller and the housing. To reduce both oscillation of the impeller and current in the coils, the magnetic bearing system utilizes repetitive and zero-power compensators. In this article, we present the design of the MagLev mechanism, measure the levitational accuracy of the impeller and pressure-flow curves (head-quantity [HQ] characteristics), and describe in vitro experiments designed to measure hemolysis. For the flow-induced hemolysis of the initial design to be reduced, the blood damage index was estimated by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. Stable rotation of the impeller in a prototype MagLev BP from 0 to 2750 rpm was obtained, yielding a flow rate of 5 L/min against a head pressure in excess of 250 mm Hg. Because the impeller of the prototype MagLev BP is levitated without contact, the normalized index of hemolysis was 10% less than the equivalent value with the BPX-80. The results of the CFD analysis showed that the shape of the outlet and the width of the fluid clearances have a large effect on blood damage. The prototype MagLev BP satisfied the required HQ characteristics (5 L/min, 250 mm Hg) for extracorporeal circulation support with stable levitation of the impeller and showed an acceptable level of hemolysis. The simulation results of the CFD analysis indicated the possibility of further reducing the blood damage of

Supranormal differential renal function in an obstructed kidney demonstrated on 99MTc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) diuresis renography - is it real or an artifact?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wegner, E.A.; Eagle, B.; Mitchell, G.; Rossleigh, M.A.

2003-01-01

Full text: Diuresis renography has been used extensively as a noninvasive method of estimating differential renal function (DRF), which may determine patient management. There has been controversy as to whether the phenomenon of supranormal DRF (>55%) in an obstructed kidney exists and the significance of this finding. A case study of a child with supranormal renal function is presented and the impact of different background regions on DRF calculations is demonstrated. Serial MAG3 studies were performed at ages 3 weeks, 2 and 10 months on a male with an antenatal diagnosis of right hydronephrosis. A weight adjusted dose of MAG3 was given simultaneously with frusemide (1mg/kg). DRF was calculated at 1.5-2.5 minutes following tracer administration. Background correction regions were drawn at the lower pole of each kidney. Supranormal DRF (61%) of the hydronephrotic kidney was demonstrated on the baseline study. There was deterioration in scan appearances and persistent supranormal DRF (64%) on the follow up study and the patient proceeded to pyeloplasty. The post-operative study demonstrated an improvement in scan findings and DRF returned to normal (55%). When suprarenal and perirenal background regions were used, supranormal DFR values were not obtained. Suprarenal background - 47%, 50%, 55% and perirenal background - 55%, 57% and 54% DRF on sequential studies. Review of the literature provides conflicting evidence as to the significance and even existence of this phenomenon. The location of background correction regions appears to influence DRF results. This occurs particularly when MAG3 is used, because of physiological uptake in the liver. Copyright (2003) The Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine Inc

Investigação e desenvolvimento do processo MIG/MAG com arame adicional

OpenAIRE

Mogrovejo, Miguel Guayasamin

2014-01-01

Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro Tecnológico, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Mecânica, Florianópolis, 2014 Este trabalho apresenta as relações e aspectos técnicos para desenvolvimento de uma variante do processo MIG/MAG que procura o incremento da produtividade sem comprometer a qualidade. A base da questão é o fato de que no processo MIG/MAG na configuração convencional, apesar de suas nuances de versões como o MIG/MAG CC- ou MIG/MAG CA, a r...

IgM MGUS associated with anti-MAG neuropathy: a single institution experience.

Science.gov (United States)

Talamo, Giampaolo; Mir, Muhammad A; Pandey, Manoj K; Sivik, Jeffrey K; Raheja, Divisha

2015-06-01

Anti-MAG neuropathy is a very rare form of acquired polyneuropathy associated with IgM monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). We conducted a retrospective review of 194 consecutive MGUS patients seen at the Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute. We identified six patients among 37 (16 %) with IgM MGUS with anti-MAG neuropathy. Interestingly, an additional patient had anti-MAG neuropathy without MGUS. Common clinical manifestations were numbness and paresthesias of the extremities and gait imbalance. All four patients treated with rituximab and none of the three untreated ones had a subjective improvement of their symptoms. We conclude that all patients with IgM MGUS and neuropathy should be screened for anti-MAG antibodies and, if positive, they should be offered treatment with rituximab.

Laparoendoscopic single site (LESS) in vivo suturing using a magnetic anchoring and guidance system (MAGS) camera in a porcine model: impact on ergonomics and workload.

Science.gov (United States)

Yin, Gang; Han, Woong Kyu; Faddegon, Stephen; Tan, Yung Khan; Liu, Zhuo-Wei; Olweny, Ephrem O; Scott, Daniel J; Cadeddu, Jeffrey A

2013-01-01

To compare the ergonomics and workload of the surgeon during single-site suturing while using the magnetic anchoring and guidance system (MAGS) camera vs a conventional laparoscope. Seven urologic surgeons were enrolled and divided into an expert group (n=2) and a novice group (n=5) according to their laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) experience. Each surgeon performed 2 conventional LESS and 2 MAGS camera-assisted LESS vesicostomy closures in a porcine model. A Likert scale (scoring 1-5) questionnaire assessing workload, ergonomics, technical difficulty, visualization, and needle handling, as well as a validated National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) questionnaire were used to evaluate the tasks and workloads. MAGS LESS suturing was universally favored by expert and novice surgeons compared with conventional LESS in workload (3.4 vs 4.2), ergonomics (3.4 vs 4.4), technical challenge (3.3 vs 4.3), visualization (2.4 vs 3.3), and needle handling (3.1 vs 3.9 respectively; PNASA-TLX assessments found MAGS LESS suturing significantly decreased the workload in physical demand (P=.004), temporal demand (P=.017), and effort (P=.006). External instrument clashing was significantly reduced in MAGS LESS suturing (P<.001). The total operative time of MAGS LESS suturing was comparable to that of conventional LESS (P=.89). MAGS camera technology significantly decreased surgeon workload and improved ergonomics. Nevertheless, LESS suturing and knot tying remains a challenging task that requires training, regardless of which camera is used. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Model-based comparison of maternal and foetal organ doses from {sup 99m}Tc pertechnetate, DMSA, DTPA, HDP, MAA and MAG{sub 3} diagnostic intakes during pregnancy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Saunders, Margaret; Palmer, Maria; Preece, Alan; Millard, Roger [Centre for Physics and Engineering Research in Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol Oncology Centre, Horfield Road, Bristol BS2 8ED (United Kingdom)

2002-10-01

Organ residence times were calculated for diagnostic intakes of {sup 99m}Tc pertechnetate, 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA), hydroxymethylene diphosphonate (HDP), macroaggregated albumin (MAA) and mercapto-acetyltriglycine (MAG{sub 3}) during the 1st and 3rd stages of pregnancy and used with the MIRDOSE3 pregnant female phantoms for generation of dose estimates. At stage 3 individual foetal organ doses were estimated via a surrogate phantom based on that for the new-born but with mean dose/cumulated activity (S) values scaled for compatibility with foetal whole body S. Stage 1 or 3 whole foetus doses ranged from 5.2 to 0.77 {mu}Gy MBq{sup -1} respectively, analogous to current ICRP estimates for these agents using similar in vivo biodistribution model databases. Most stage 3 maternal and foetal organ doses were similar within a factor of 3, being higher in the foetus than the mother with pertechnetate, DTPA and MAG{sub 3}, and lower with DMSA, HDP and MAA. Doses were more uniformly distributed among foetal organs than in the mother. Placental transfer was greatest with pertechnetate, where dose to the stage 3 foetal thyroid was 60-140 {mu}Gy MBq{sup -1}. With each agent there was more placental transfer in stage 3 than in stage 1, but doses to stage 1 whole foetus were always higher, with the contribution from the mother dominant. For DMSA, HDP and MAG{sub 3} the maternal contribution to total foetal body dose exceeded 93% for both stages. (orig.)

"Lights on at the end of the party": are lads' mags mainstreaming dangerous sexism?

Science.gov (United States)

Horvath, Miranda A H; Hegarty, Peter; Tyler, Suzannah; Mansfield, Sophie

2012-11-01

Research has suggested that some magazines targeted at young men - lads' mags - are normalizing extreme sexist views by presenting those views in a mainstream context. Consistent with this view, young men in Study 1 (n = 90) identified more with derogatory quotes about women drawn from recent lads' mags, and from interviews with convicted rapists, when those quotes were attributed to lads' mags, than when they were attributed to convicted rapists. In Study 2, 40 young women and men could not reliably judge the source of those same quotes. While these participants sometimes voiced the belief that the content of lads' mags was 'normal' while rapists' talk was 'extreme', they categorized quotes from both sources as derogatory with equal frequency. Jointly, the two studies show an overlap in the content of convicted rapists' talk and the contents of contemporary lads' mags, and suggest that the framing of such content within lads' mags may normalize it for young men. ©2011 The British Psychological Society.

The MagOrion - A propulsion system for human exploration of the outer planets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Andrews, Jason; Andrews, Dana

2000-01-01

Manned exploration beyond Mars requires very high specific energy. The only potential solution under discussion is fusion propulsion. However, fusion has been ten years away for forty years. We have an available solution that combines new technology with an old concept-'Project Orion'. The proposed 'MagOrion' Propulsion System combines a magnetic sail (MagSail) with conventional small yield (0.5 to 1.0 kiloton) shaped nuclear fission devices. At denonation, roughly eighty percent of the yield appears as a highly-ionized plasma, and when detonated two kilometers behind a robust MagSail, approximately half of this plasma can be stopped and turned into thrust. A MagOrion can provide a system acceleration of one or more gravities with effective specific impulses ranging from 15,000 to 45,000 seconds. Dana Andrews and Robert Zubrin published a paper in 1997 that described the operating principles of the MagOrion. We have taken that concept through conceptual design to identify the major operational features and risks. The risks are considerable, but the potential payoff is staggering. Our proposed MagOrion will enable affordable exploration of the solar system

Radioactive Waste Decontamination Using Selentec Mag*SepSM Particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Walker, D.D.

1998-01-01

A sorbent containing crystalline silicotitanate (CST) tested for cesium removal from simulated Savannah River Site (SRS) soluble high activity waste showed rapid kinetics (1 h contact time) and high distribution coefficients (Kd 4000 mL/g of CST). The sorbent was prepared by Selective Environmental Technologies, Inc., (Selentec) as a MAG*SEP particle containing CST obtained from the Molecular Sieve Department of UOP, LLC, Results of preliminary tests suggest potential applications of the Selentec MAG*SEP particles to radioactive waste decontamination at SRS

Is distal motor and/or sensory demyelination a distinctive feature of anti-MAG neuropathy?

Science.gov (United States)

Lozeron, Pierre; Ribrag, Vincent; Adams, David; Brisset, Marion; Vignon, Marguerite; Baron, Marine; Malphettes, Marion; Theaudin, Marie; Arnulf, Bertrand; Kubis, Nathalie

2016-09-01

To report the frequency of the different patterns of sensory and motor electrophysiological demyelination distribution in patients with anti-MAG neuropathy in comparison with patients with IgM neuropathy without MAG reactivity (IgM-NP). Thirty-five anti-MAG patients at early disease stage (20.1 months) were compared to 23 patients with IgM-NP; 21 CIDP patients and 13 patients with CMT1a neuropathy were used as gold standard neuropathies with multifocal and homogeneous demyelination, respectively. In all groups, standard motor and sensory electrophysiological parameters, terminal latency index and modified F ratio were investigated. Motor electrophysiological demyelination was divided in four profiles: distal, homogeneous, proximal, and proximo-distal. Distal sensory and sensorimotor demyelination were evaluated. Anti-MAG neuropathy is a demyelinating neuropathy in 91 % of cases. In the upper limbs, reduced TLI is more frequent in anti-MAG neuropathy, compared to IgM-NP. But, predominant distal demyelination of the median nerve is encountered in only 43 % of anti-MAG neuropathy and is also common in IgM-NP (35 %). Homogeneous demyelination was the second most frequent pattern (31 %). Concordance of electrophysiological profiles across motor nerves trunks is low and median nerve is the main site of distal motor conduction slowing. Reduced sensory conduction velocities occurs in 14 % of patients without evidence of predominant distal slowing. Simultaneous sensory and motor distal slowing was more common in the median nerve of anti-MAG neuropathy than IgM-NP. Electrophysiological distal motor demyelination and sensory demyelination are not a distinctive feature of anti-MAG reactivity. In anti-MAG neuropathy it is mainly found in the median nerve suggesting a frequent nerve compression at wrist.

Micro-jet Cooling by Compressed Air after MAG Welding

OpenAIRE

Węgrzyn T.; Piwnik J.; Tarasiuk W.; Stanik Z.; Gabrylewski M.

2016-01-01

The material selected for this investigation was low alloy steel weld metal deposit (WMD) after MAG welding with micro-jet cooling. The present investigation was aimed as the following tasks: analyze impact toughness of WMD in terms of micro-jet cooling parameters. Weld metal deposit (WMD) was first time carried out for MAG welding with micro-jet cooling of compressed air and gas mixture of argon and air. Until that moment only argon, helium and nitrogen and its gas mixture were tested for mi...

Synthesis and evaluation of the 99mtc-complexes of L-cysteine acetyldiglycine (a hybrid of MAG3 and L,L-EC) and of L-β-homocysteine acetyldiglycine

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mang'era, K.; Vanbilloen, H.; Cleynhens, B.; Groot, T. de; Bormans, G.; Verbruggen, A.; Verbeke, K.

2000-01-01

L-Cysteine acetyldiglycine (L-CAG2), a hybrid compound of L,L-EC and MAG3, and its L-β-homocysteine analogue L-HAG2 were synthesized. After labeling with 99m Tc, 99m Tc-L-CAG2 and 99m Tc-L-HAG2 gave two peaks on high performance liquid chromatography. Urinary excretion of both isomers of 99m Tc-L-CAG2 and 99m Tc-L-HAG2 was slower than for the 'parent' complexes 99m Tc-MAG3 or 99m Tc-L,L-EC. Isomer B of 99m Tc-L-CAG2 showed pronounced kidney retention in mice (57% of ID in kidneys at 30 min postinjection), but further evaluation in baboon did not reproduce this phenomenon

Micro-jet Cooling by Compressed Air after MAG Welding

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Węgrzyn T.

2016-06-01

Full Text Available The material selected for this investigation was low alloy steel weld metal deposit (WMD after MAG welding with micro-jet cooling. The present investigation was aimed as the following tasks: analyze impact toughness of WMD in terms of micro-jet cooling parameters. Weld metal deposit (WMD was first time carried out for MAG welding with micro-jet cooling of compressed air and gas mixture of argon and air. Until that moment only argon, helium and nitrogen and its gas mixture were tested for micro-jet cooling.

Magnetically separable polymer (Mag-MIP) for selective analysis of biotin in food samples.

Science.gov (United States)

Uzuriaga-Sánchez, Rosario Josefina; Khan, Sabir; Wong, Ademar; Picasso, Gino; Pividori, Maria Isabel; Sotomayor, Maria Del Pilar Taboada

2016-01-01

This work presents an efficient method for the preparation of magnetic nanoparticles modified with molecularly imprinted polymers (Mag-MIP) through core-shell method for the determination of biotin in milk food samples. The functional monomer acrylic acid was selected from molecular modeling, EGDMA was used as cross-linking monomer and AIBN as radical initiator. The Mag-MIP and Mag-NIP were characterized by FTIR, magnetic hysteresis, XRD, SEM and N2-sorption measurements. The capacity of Mag-MIP for biotin adsorption, its kinetics and selectivity were studied in detail. The adsorption data was well described by Freundlich isotherm model with adsorption equilibrium constant (KF) of 1.46 mL g(-1). The selectivity experiments revealed that prepared Mag-MIP had higher selectivity toward biotin compared to other molecules with different chemical structure. The material was successfully applied for the determination of biotin in diverse milk samples using HPLC for quantification of the analyte, obtaining the mean value of 87.4% recovery. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Delayed parenchymal transit during Tc-99m MAG3 renography is a valuable sign in diagnosing urinary obstruction in patients with early hydronephrosis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Won Woo; Moon, Dae Hyuk; Kim, Jae Seung; Ryu, Jin Sook; Lee, Hee Kyung [Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2002-10-01

Diuretic renography (DR) can be false negative with upper urinary tract obstruction due to low compliance of the renal pelvis. Delayed parenchymal transit (DPT) may be a valuable sign in case of false negative DR. We compared the diagnostic values of DR and DPT during Tc-99m MAG3 diuretic scan in adults with suspected unilateral obstructive uropathy. Fifty-four patients (male:female=30:24, age: 40.7{+-}15.5 yrs) who underwent Tc-99m MAG3 diuretic scan due to suspicious unilateral obstructive uropathy were analyzed. DR with a T{sub 1/2} of > 15 min was considered as positive for obstruction. DPT was considered to be present when there was delayed appearance of radioactivity in the renal pelvis and prolonged retention of radioactivity in the renal pelvis and prolonged retention of radioactivity in the renal parenchyma. The renal area ratio was defined as the ratio of pixel number of hydronephrotic after intervention, or aggravated hydronephrosis without intervention. Non-obstruction was defined as unchanged hydronephrosis over 6 months. Twenty-six renal units had obstruction and 28 no obstruction. The sensitivities of DR and DPT were 69% (18/26) and 50% (13/26) respectively. Two renal units with DPT but negative DR showed DPT had lower renal area ratio than 7 renal units without DPT (0.97{+-}0.20 vs 1.30{+-}0.41, p<0.05). Differential renal function was not significantly different between these groups. DPT correctly diagnosed all renal units with non-obstruction (specificity 100%), while the specificity of DR was 89% (25/28). DPT during Tc-99m MAG3 diuretic scan may be a valuable sign in diagnosing urinary obstruction especially in patients with false negative DR and early HN.

Delayed parenchymal transit during Tc-99m MAG3 renography is a valuable sign in diagnosing urinary obstruction in patients with early hydronephrosis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Won Woo; Moon, Dae Hyuk; Kim, Jae Seung; Ryu, Jin Sook; Lee, Hee Kyung

2002-01-01

Diuretic renography (DR) can be false negative with upper urinary tract obstruction due to low compliance of the renal pelvis. Delayed parenchymal transit (DPT) may be a valuable sign in case of false negative DR. We compared the diagnostic values of DR and DPT during Tc-99m MAG3 diuretic scan in adults with suspected unilateral obstructive uropathy. Fifty-four patients (male:female=30:24, age: 40.7±15.5 yrs) who underwent Tc-99m MAG3 diuretic scan due to suspicious unilateral obstructive uropathy were analyzed. DR with a T 1/2 of > 15 min was considered as positive for obstruction. DPT was considered to be present when there was delayed appearance of radioactivity in the renal pelvis and prolonged retention of radioactivity in the renal pelvis and prolonged retention of radioactivity in the renal parenchyma. The renal area ratio was defined as the ratio of pixel number of hydronephrotic after intervention, or aggravated hydronephrosis without intervention. Non-obstruction was defined as unchanged hydronephrosis over 6 months. Twenty-six renal units had obstruction and 28 no obstruction. The sensitivities of DR and DPT were 69% (18/26) and 50% (13/26) respectively. Two renal units with DPT but negative DR showed DPT had lower renal area ratio than 7 renal units without DPT (0.97±0.20 vs 1.30±0.41, p<0.05). Differential renal function was not significantly different between these groups. DPT correctly diagnosed all renal units with non-obstruction (specificity 100%), while the specificity of DR was 89% (25/28). DPT during Tc-99m MAG3 diuretic scan may be a valuable sign in diagnosing urinary obstruction especially in patients with false negative DR and early HN

Utility evaluation on application of geometric mean depending on depth of kidney in split renal function test using 99mTc-MAG3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Eun Byeul; Ahn, Sung Min; Lee, Wang Hui

2016-01-01

99mTc-MAG 3 Renal scan is a method that acquires dynamic renal scan image by using 99mTc-MAG 3 and dynamically visualizes process of radioactive agent being absorbed to kidney and excreted continuously. Once the test starts, ratio in both kidneys in 1-2.5 minutes was measured to obtain split renal function and split renal function can be expressed in ratio based on overall renal function. This study is based on compares split renal function obtained from data acquired from posterior detector, which is a conventional renal function test method, with split renal function acquired from the geometric mean of values obtained from anterior and posterior detectors, and studies utility of attenuation compensation depending on difference in geometric mean kidney depth. From July, 2015 to February 2016, 33 patients who undertook 99mTc-MAG 3 Renal scan(13 male, 20 female, average age of 44.66 with range of 5-70, average height of 160.40 cm, average weight of 55.40 kg) were selected as subjects. Depth of kidney was shown to be 65.82 mm at average for left and 71.62 mm at average for right. In supine position, 30 out of 33 patients showed higher ratio of deep-situated kidney and lower ratio of shallow-situated kidney. Such result is deemed to be due to correction by attenuation between deep-situated kidney and detector and in case where there is difference between the depth of both kidneys such as, lesions in or around kidney, spine malformation, and ectopic kidney, ratio of deep-situated kidney must be compensated for more accurate calculation of split renal function, when compared to the conventional test method (posterior detector counting)

Study of hybrid laser / MAG welding process: characterization of the geometry and the hydrodynamics of the melt pool and development of a 3D thermal model

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Le Guen, E.

2010-11-01

Hybrid laser/MIG-MAG welding shows high advantages compared to laser welding or GMAW arc welding used separately. Thanks to this process, higher productivity can be gained through higher welding speed, higher squeeze tolerance moreover possible improvement of the metallurgical properties of the weld seam can be obtained. However, many operating parameters have to be set up in order to achieve optimal process. The complex physical phenomena, which govern welding process, have to be understood in order to use efficiently this technique in mass production. Understanding of these phenomena is also necessary to program numerical simulations which fit to this process. In the first step, experimental studies have been carried out with GMAW, laser and hybrid welding on samples of S355 steel. Influence of operating parameters has been analyzed through films performed with speed camera and macro-graphies of weld seam cross section. Surface deformations of the melt pool, induced by the arc pressure, weld pool length, droplet detachment and welding speed, have been analyzed precisely from images of the surface melt pool. In a second step, a numerical model was developed using the COMSOL Multiphysics software for MAG, laser and hybrid laser/MAG welding processes. A 3D quasi-stationary model has been calculated from the temperature field within the metal. The originality of the MAG and hybrid model lies in the prediction of the melt pool surface profile used to determine the 3D geometry, by taking into account the material input. The influence of different parameters such as arc power and speed welding on the efficiency as well as the distribution radius of the arc power and the arc pressure are analyzed through validations with different experimental results and different calculation configurations. (author)

Solar Probe Plus MAG Sensor Thermal Design for Low Heater Power and Extreme Thermal Environment

Science.gov (United States)

Choi, Michael K.

2015-01-01

The heater power available for the Solar Probe Plus FIELDS MAG sensor is less than half of the heritage value for other missions. Nominally the MAG sensors are in the spacecraft's umbra. In the worst hot case, approximately 200 spacecraft communication downlinks, up to 10 hours each, are required at 0.7 AU. These downlinks require the spacecraft to slew 45 deg. about the Y-axis, exposing the MAG sensors and boom to sunlight. This paper presents the thermal design to meet the MAG sensor thermal requirements in the extreme thermal environment and with low heater power. A thermal balance test on the MAG sensor engineering model has verified the thermal design and correlated the thermal model for flight temperature predictions.

Feasibility of MR imaging in evaluating breast cancer lymphangiogenesis using Polyethylene glycol-GoldMag nanoparticles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang, H.; Zou, L.G.; Zhang, S.; Gong, M.F.; Zhang, D.; Qi, Y.Y.; Zhou, S.W.; Diao, X.W.

2013-01-01

Aim: To investigate the feasibility of evaluating tumour lymphangiogenesis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in vivo. Materials and methods: Water-soluble polyethylene glycol (PEG)-GoldMag nanoparticles were obtained by combining GoldMag with PEG. The PEG-GoldMag nanoparticles were bound to anti-podoplanin antibody (PodAb) to construct PEG-GoldMag-pod molecular probes targeting lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs). The characteristics of the PEG-GoldMag-pod nanoparticles were tested. Using these nanoparticles, tumour lymphangiogenesis was evaluated using MRI in vitro and in vivo. Results: The average size of PEG-GoldMag nanoparticles was about 66.8 nm, and the nanoparticles were stably dispersed in the liquid phase for at least 15 days. After incubation for 24 h at different iron concentrations ranging from 5–45 μg/ml, the LECs were labelled with PEG-GoldMag-pod nanoparticles, in particular the breast cancer LECs. Dose-dependence was observed in the labelling efficiencies and MRI images of the labelled cells. In vitro, the labelling efficiencies and MRI images showed that the nanoparticles could detect podoplanin expression in LECs. In induced rat models of breast cancer, PEG-GoldMag-pod nanoparticles combined with lymphatic vessels were significantly detectable at MRI 60 min after nanoparticle administration, the signal intensity was negatively correlated with the lymphatic vessel density of breast cancer (r = −0.864, P = 0.000). Conclusions: The present study proves the feasibility of evaluating tumour lymphangiogenesis with MRI in vivo

FastMag: Fast micromagnetic simulator for complex magnetic structures (invited)

Science.gov (United States)

Chang, R.; Li, S.; Lubarda, M. V.; Livshitz, B.; Lomakin, V.

2011-04-01

A fast micromagnetic simulator (FastMag) for general problems is presented. FastMag solves the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation and can handle multiscale problems with a high computational efficiency. The simulator derives its high performance from efficient methods for evaluating the effective field and from implementations on massively parallel graphics processing unit (GPU) architectures. FastMag discretizes the computational domain into tetrahedral elements and therefore is highly flexible for general problems. The magnetostatic field is computed via the superposition principle for both volume and surface parts of the computational domain. This is accomplished by implementing efficient quadrature rules and analytical integration for overlapping elements in which the integral kernel is singular. Thus, discretized superposition integrals are computed using a nonuniform grid interpolation method, which evaluates the field from N sources at N collocated observers in O(N) operations. This approach allows handling objects of arbitrary shape, allows easily calculating of the field outside the magnetized domains, does not require solving a linear system of equations, and requires little memory. FastMag is implemented on GPUs with ?> GPU-central processing unit speed-ups of 2 orders of magnitude. Simulations are shown of a large array of magnetic dots and a recording head fully discretized down to the exchange length, with over a hundred million tetrahedral elements on an inexpensive desktop computer.

Utility of 99mTc-MAG3 perfusion indices in the evaluation of renal transplant function during early post-transplantation period

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Sung Hoon; Chung, Soo Kyo

2000-01-01

We have examined the utility of 99m Tc-MAG3 perfusion indices for assessing renal graft function in early post-transplantation period. Our study included 80 renal transplant recipients (48 men and 32 women, mean age:40.3 years). Diagnosis was based on biopsy, laboratory data and clinical course. Renal scintigraphy (RS) was obtained using 100 MBq of 99m Tc-MAG3 from 11 days to 23 days of kidney transplantation. We measured 5 indices in whole-kidney (WK) and cortical (C) renograms; Hilson's perfusion index (PI), transplant perfusion index (TP) and transplant function index (TF) as perfusion parameter, and the time to peak activity (Tmax) and the ratio of renal counts at 20 min to that at 3 min (K20/3) as functional parameter. The diagnoses at the day of RS were normal graft (NG) in 44, acute rejection (AR) in 14, acute tubular necrosis (ATN) in 10, and Cyclosporine A nephrotoxicity (CsA) in 12. TP and TF were significantly decreased in AR, ATN and CsA, compared to those in NG. K20/3 of AR and ATN were significantly greater than that of NG. WK-Tmax of AR was significantly longer than than that of NG. K20.3 of AR and C-K20/3 of ATN were significantly prolonged relative to those of CsA. There were no statistically significant perfusion indices among complication groups. TP and TF reflecting microperfusion and initial tubular extraction are reliable in assessing graft function. However, it is required to correlate perfusion indices with functional indices and clinical course in differentiating from one another among complication groups

75 FR 76962 - Application To Export Electric Energy; MAG Energy Solutions, Inc.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-12-10

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY [OE Docket No. EA-306-A] Application To Export Electric Energy; MAG Energy... electric energy from the United States to Canada pursuant to section 202(e) of the Federal Power Act (FPA... of Energy (DOE) issued Order No. EA-306, which authorized MAG E.S. to transmit electric energy from...

Aplicabilidad del monitoreo de emisiones del arco eléctrico para el control de calidad en el proceso MAG-S Applicability of monitoring of electric arc emissions for quality control in MAG-S process

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Eber Huanca Cayo

2011-12-01

Full Text Available Garantizar la calidad en soldadura no es una tarea trivial. Para ello diversas inspecciones de control de calidad son realizadas, en detrimento, los costos y tiempos de producción se elevan. Existen diversos sistemas automatizados de soldadura, éstos son auxiliados por sistemas de control basados en el monitoreo de parámetros de soldadura. Sin embargo son reducidos los sistemas automatizados de monitoreo de calidad que en su mayoría son diseñados para el proceso TIG. Durante la soldadura, el arco eléctrico produce emisiones acústicas y electromagnéticas que se manifiestan como sonido y luminosidad. El objetivo del presente trabajo es mostrar que estas emisiones del arco pueden ser utilizados para el monitoreo de la calidad de la soldadura para el proceso MAG-S. Se realizaron múltiples experimentos de soldadura en posición plana donde se indujeron perturbaciones consistentes presencia de grasa y ausencia de gas de protección. En cada experimento se adquirió simultáneamente señales de tensión y corriente así como señales de emisiones del arco eléctrico. A partir de las emisiones acústicas y electromagnéticas en la banda de ultravioleta, se midió la frecuencia de cortocircuitos. A partir de la emisión electromagnética en la banda infrarroja se midió la estabilidad del proceso de soldadura. Los resultados muestran que las emisiones del arco pueden ser utilizadas para el monitoreo y detección de perturbaciones en soldadura y con el entendimiento de las variaciones de cada emisión podría identificarse determinados tipos de perturbaciones.Ensuring quality in welding is not a trivial task. For this purpose several quality control checks are performed, at the expense, costs and production times are increased. There are several automated welding systems and they are assisted by control systems based on monitoring of welding parameters. However, automated quality monitoring systems are limited and they are mostly designed for the

Utility evaluation on application of geometric mean depending on depth of kidney in split renal function test using 99mTc-MAG{sub 3}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Eun Byeul; Ahn, Sung Min [Dept. of Radiological Science, Gachon University, Incheon (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Wang Hui [Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, Gil-Hospital, Incheon (Korea, Republic of)

2016-06-15

99mTc-MAG{sub 3} Renal scan is a method that acquires dynamic renal scan image by using 99mTc-MAG{sub 3} and dynamically visualizes process of radioactive agent being absorbed to kidney and excreted continuously. Once the test starts, ratio in both kidneys in 1-2.5 minutes was measured to obtain split renal function and split renal function can be expressed in ratio based on overall renal function. This study is based on compares split renal function obtained from data acquired from posterior detector, which is a conventional renal function test method, with split renal function acquired from the geometric mean of values obtained from anterior and posterior detectors, and studies utility of attenuation compensation depending on difference in geometric mean kidney depth. From July, 2015 to February 2016, 33 patients who undertook 99mTc-MAG{sub 3} Renal scan(13 male, 20 female, average age of 44.66 with range of 5-70, average height of 160.40 cm, average weight of 55.40 kg) were selected as subjects. Depth of kidney was shown to be 65.82 mm at average for left and 71.62 mm at average for right. In supine position, 30 out of 33 patients showed higher ratio of deep-situated kidney and lower ratio of shallow-situated kidney. Such result is deemed to be due to correction by attenuation between deep-situated kidney and detector and in case where there is difference between the depth of both kidneys such as, lesions in or around kidney, spine malformation, and ectopic kidney, ratio of deep-situated kidney must be compensated for more accurate calculation of split renal function, when compared to the conventional test method (posterior detector counting)

Status analysis of keyhole bottom in laser-MAG hybrid welding process.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Lin; Gao, Xiangdong; Chen, Ziqin

2018-01-08

The keyhole status is a determining factor of weld quality in laser-metal active gas arc (MAG) hybrid welding process. For a better evaluation of the hybrid welding process, three different penetration welding experiments: partial penetration, normal penetration (or full penetration), and excessive penetration were conducted in this work. The instantaneous visual phenomena including metallic vapor, spatters and keyhole of bottom surface were used to evaluate the keyhole status by a double high-speed camera system. The Fourier transform was applied on the bottom weld pool image for removing the image noise around the keyhole, and then the bottom weld pool image was reconstructed through the inverse Fourier transform. Lastly, the keyhole bottom was extracted from the de-noised bottom weld pool image. By analyzing the visual features of the laser-MAG hybrid welding process, mechanism of the closed and opened keyhole bottom were revealed. The results show that the stable opened or closed status of keyhole bottom is directly affected by the MAG droplet transition in the normal penetration welding process, and the unstable opened or closed status of keyhole bottom would appear in excessive penetration welding and partial penetration welding. The analysis method proposed in this paper could be used to monitor the keyhole stability in laser-MAG hybrid welding process.

Development and Application of an Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Using Recombinant Mag1 for Serodiagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii In Dogs.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhuo, Xunhui; Sun, Hongchao; Zhang, Zhi; Luo, Jiaqing; Shan, Ying; Du, Aifang

2017-06-01

Serologic tests are widely accepted and applied as means to detect anti- Toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulin G antibodies. In this study, recombinant matrix antigen (rMAG1) was induced by isopropyl-β-d-thiogalactoside and purified by nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid purification system. We then developed and optimized an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) through checkerboard assays using serial dilutions of antigens and sera to assess the potential use of rMAG1 in serologic detection of T. gondii infection in dogs. Serum samples from 93 domestic dogs were analyzed by western blot and rMAG1-ELISA. The results were compared with those obtained from an ELISA with the soluble Toxoplasma lysate antigens (TLA). We found that although yielding an excellent agreement (96.7%) with western blot data (κ = 0.9659), rMAG1-ELISA produced higher sensitivity (93.9% vs. 87.8%) and specificity (98.3% vs. 96.7%) than TLA-ELISA. In addition, receiver operating characteristic analysis also revealed that rMAG1-ELISA is in more agreement with western blot (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.985) relative to TLA-ELISA (AUC = 0.955). These results indicated that the rMAG1-ELISA established in this study provides a promising and reliable tool for serologic detection of T. gondii infection in dogs.

BVRI main-sequence photometry of the globular cluster M4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alcaino, G.; Liller, W.

1984-01-01

We present BV and RI photographic photometry of 1421 and 189 stars, respectively, in the intermediate metallicity globular cluster M4 (NGC 6121). This investigation includes the first results of RI main-sequence photometry of a globular cluster. The use of longer wavelengths and longer color baselines provides the potential of improved isochrone fittings and underscores the urgent need for calculations of RI synthetic isochrones to be compared with observations. The Pickering-Racine wedge was used with the ESO 3.6 m telescope, the Las Campanas 2.5 m du Pont telescope, and the CTIO 1 m Yale telescope to extend the photoelectric limit from Vroughly-equal16.1 to Vroughly-equal19.1. We have determined the position of the main-sequence turnoff to lie at V = 16.6 +- 0.2 (m.e.) and B-V = 0.80 +- 0.03 (m.e.). A comparison of our BV observations with the CCD data of Richer and Fahlman shows excellent agreement: the two fifucial main sequences agree at all points to within 0.025 mag and, on average, to 0.013 mag. For the cluster we derive a distance modulus (m-M)/sub V/ = 12.52 +- 0.2 and reddening E(B-V) = 0.44 +- 0.03, results which confirm that at a distance of 2 kpc, M4 is the closest globular clusters to the Sun. Using the isochrones of VandenBerg, we deduce an age 13 +- 2 Gyr. As noted in several other investigations, there is a striking deficiency of stars in certain parts of the color-magnitude diagram; in M4 we find a pronounced gap over approx.0.6 mag at the base of the subgiant branch

Value of supranormal function (SP) and renogram on Tc-99m MAG3 scan in relation to the extent of hydronephrosis (HN) for predicting Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction (UPO) in the newborn

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Won Woo; Moon, D. H.; Park, Y. S.; Jun, N. L.; Kim, K. S.; Yoon, C. H.; Kang, W.; Lee, H. K. [Ulsan University, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2002-07-01

We studied MAG3 scan in relation to HN for predicting UPO in the newborn. Forty-eight neonates with prenatally diagnosed unilateral HN of anteroposterior pelvic diameter (APPD){>=}10 mm and renal function > 40% were included. SP({>=}55%) and renogram (1:non-obstructive, 2:indeterminate, 3:obstructive, 4:delayed transit) were determined on 1-mon MAG3 scan. APPD of the 19 with UPO(UPO+) was larger than that of the 29 without UPO(UPO-) (24.3{+-}9.2 vs 17.5{+-}11.2, p<0.05). The society for fetal urology grading(SFU) of UPO+(gr 1-4 in 0, 0, 2, 17) were also higher than UPO-(gr 1-4 in 1, 6, 10, 12, p<0.01). SP was present only in 4 UPO+(p<0.001). Renogram of the 19 UPO+ showed higher grades (1-4 in 0, 4, 8, 7 pts) than that of 29 UPO- (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that addition of SP or renogram increased likelihood ratio({chi}2=7.73, 9.99, p<0.01). Of the 29 with SFU=4, SP or renogram 4 had a positive predictive value of 90%(9/10). MAG3 at 1 month has value in relation to the HN in predicting UPO in pts with prenatally diagnosed unilateral HN.

Utility of {sup 99m}Tc-MAG3 perfusion indices in the evaluation of renal transplant function during early post-transplantation period

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, Sung Hoon; Chung, Soo Kyo [College of Medicine, The Catholic Univ. of Korea, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2000-12-01

We have examined the utility of {sup 99m}Tc-MAG3 perfusion indices for assessing renal graft function in early post-transplantation period. Our study included 80 renal transplant recipients (48 men and 32 women, mean age:40.3 years). Diagnosis was based on biopsy, laboratory data and clinical course. Renal scintigraphy (RS) was obtained using 100 MBq of {sup 99m}Tc-MAG3 from 11 days to 23 days of kidney transplantation. We measured 5 indices in whole-kidney (WK) and cortical (C) renograms; Hilson's perfusion index (PI), transplant perfusion index (TP) and transplant function index (TF) as perfusion parameter, and the time to peak activity (Tmax) and the ratio of renal counts at 20 min to that at 3 min (K20/3) as functional parameter. The diagnoses at the day of RS were normal graft (NG) in 44, acute rejection (AR) in 14, acute tubular necrosis (ATN) in 10, and Cyclosporine A nephrotoxicity (CsA) in 12. TP and TF were significantly decreased in AR, ATN and CsA, compared to those in NG. K20/3 of AR and ATN were significantly greater than that of NG. WK-Tmax of AR was significantly longer than than that of NG. K20.3 of AR and C-K20/3 of ATN were significantly prolonged relative to those of CsA. There were no statistically significant perfusion indices among complication groups. TP and TF reflecting microperfusion and initial tubular extraction are reliable in assessing graft function. However, it is required to correlate perfusion indices with functional indices and clinical course in differentiating from one another among complication groups.

The CrowdMag App - turning your smartphone into a travelling magnetic observatory

Science.gov (United States)

Saltus, Richard; Nair, Manoj

2017-04-01

In 2014, we started the "CrowdMag" Project to collect vector magnetic data from digital magnetometers in smartphones. In October 2014, we released our first-generation Android and iOS apps. Currently, the CrowdMag Project has more than 15,000 enthusiastic users contributing more than 12 million magnetic data points from around the world. NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), in partnership with the University of Colorado's Cooperative Institute for Research in the Environmental Sciences (CIRES) develops magnetic field models to aid navigation, resource exploration and scientific research. We use observatories, satellites and ship/airborne surveys to measure the magnetic data. However, the measurements leave gaps in coverage, particularly for short-wavelength urban noise. Our ultimate goal is to use data from the CrowdMag Project to improve global magnetic data coverage. Here we present some early results from the analysis of the crowdsourced magnetic data. A global magnetic model derived solely based on CrowdMag data is generally consistent with satellite-derived models such as World Magnetic Model. A unique contribution of the CrowdMag Project is the collection of ground level magnetic data in densely populated regions with an unprecedented spatial resolution. For example, we show a magnetic map (by binning the data collected into 100x100m cells) of central Boulder using 170,000 data points collected by about 60 devices over the duration October 2014- January 2016. The median magnetic field value is consistent with the expected magnitude of the Earth's background magnetic field. The standard deviation of the CrowdMag total field (F) values is much higher than the expected natural (i.e., diurnal and geologic) magnetic field variation. However, the phone's magnetometer is sensitive enough to capture the larger magnitude magnetic signature from the urban magnetic sources. We discuss the reliability of crowdsourced magnetic maps and their

Treatment of diffuse in-stent restenosis with rotational atherectomy followed by radiation therapy with a 188Re-MAG3-filled balloon: six-month clinical and angiographic results of R4 registry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moon, D. H.; Oh, S. J.; Park, S. W.; Hong, M. K.; Lee, C. H.; Kim, J. Z.; Park, S. J.; Lee, H. K.

2000-01-01

Intracoronary β-irradiation after rotational atherectomy may be a reasonable approach to prevent recurrent in-stent restenosis (ISR). This study was done to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of β-radiation therapy with a 188 Re-MAG3-filled balloon following rotational atherectomy for ISR. Fifty consecutive patients with diffuse ISR (length >10 mm) in native coronary arteries underwent rotational atherectomy and adjunctive balloon angioplasty followed by β-irradiation using 188 Re-MAG3-filled balloon catheter. The radiation doses was 15 Gy at 1.0 mm deep into vessel wall. Mean length of the lesion and irradiated segment was 25.6±12.7 mm and 37.6±11.2 mm, respectively. The radiation was delivered successfully to all patients, with a mean irradiation time of 20.1±61 7 sec. No adverse event including myocardial infarction, death, or stent thrombosis occurred during the follow-up period (mean 10.3±3.7 mon) and non-target vessel revascularization was needed in one patient. Six-month binary angiographic restenosis rate was 10.4% (2 focal ISR and 3 edge restenosis) and loss index was 0.17±0.31. Irradiation using 188 Re-MAG3-filled balloon following rotational atherectomy for patients with diffuse ISR may improve the clinical and angiographic outcomes. Further prospective randomized trials are warranted to evaluate the synergistic effect of debulking and irradiation in patients with diffuse ISR

Uploading, Searching and Visualizing of Paleomagnetic and Rock Magnetic Data in the Online MagIC Database

Science.gov (United States)

Minnett, R.; Koppers, A.; Tauxe, L.; Constable, C.; Donadini, F.

2007-12-01

The Magnetics Information Consortium (MagIC) is commissioned to implement and maintain an online portal to a relational database populated by both rock and paleomagnetic data. The goal of MagIC is to archive all available measurements and derived properties from paleomagnetic studies of directions and intensities, and for rock magnetic experiments (hysteresis, remanence, susceptibility, anisotropy). MagIC is hosted under EarthRef.org at http://earthref.org/MAGIC/ and will soon implement two search nodes, one for paleomagnetism and one for rock magnetism. Currently the PMAG node is operational. Both nodes provide query building based on location, reference, methods applied, material type and geological age, as well as a visual map interface to browse and select locations. Users can also browse the database by data type or by data compilation to view all contributions associated with well known earlier collections like PINT, GMPDB or PSVRL. The query result set is displayed in a digestible tabular format allowing the user to descend from locations to sites, samples, specimens and measurements. At each stage, the result set can be saved and, where appropriate, can be visualized by plotting global location maps, equal area, XY, age, and depth plots, or typical Zijderveld, hysteresis, magnetization and remanence diagrams. User contributions to the MagIC database are critical to achieving a useful research tool. We have developed a standard data and metadata template (version 2.3) that can be used to format and upload all data at the time of publication in Earth Science journals. Software tools are provided to facilitate population of these templates within Microsoft Excel. These tools allow for the import/export of text files and provide advanced functionality to manage and edit the data, and to perform various internal checks to maintain data integrity and prepare for uploading. The MagIC Contribution Wizard at http://earthref.org/MAGIC/upload.htm executes the upload

MAG4 Versus Alternative Techniques for Forecasting Active-Region Flare Productivity

Science.gov (United States)

Falconer, David A.; Moore, Ronald L.; Barghouty, Abdulnasser F.; Khazanov, Igor

2014-01-01

MAG4 (Magnetogram Forecast), developed originally for NASA/SRAG (Space Radiation Analysis Group), is an automated program that analyzes magnetograms from the HMI (Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager) instrument on NASA SDO (Solar Dynamics Observatory), and automatically converts the rate (or probability) of major flares (M- and X-class), Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), and Solar Energetic Particle Events. MAG4 does not forecast that a flare will occur at a particular time in the next 24 or 48 hours; rather the probability of one occurring.

Acute neurological worsening after Rituximab treatment in patients with anti-MAG neuropathy.

Science.gov (United States)

Sala, Emilie; Robert-Varvat, Florence; Paul, Stéphane; Camdessanché, Jean-Philippe; Antoine, Jean-Christophe

2014-10-15

Patients with peripheral neuropathy and anti-MAG monoclonal IgM may respond to Rituximab, a humanized monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody. We report on three patients with peripheral neuropathy and anti-MAG monoclonal IgM who deteriorated under Rituximab and reviewed seven previously published cases. Worsening was acute and severe, and occurred during the treatment period. All the patients improved after deterioration but at final evaluation only one was improved comparatively to baseline, five were worsened and four were stabilized. Deterioration was not clearly associated with an increase of the anti-MAG antibody titer. Two patients received Rituximab prior or after the course which induced worsening without adverse reaction. Although rare, acute worsening of the neuropathy can occur after Rituximab. The deterioration is however reversible within some weeks to several months. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modeling of welded bead profile for rapid prototyping by robotic MAG welding

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

CAO Yong; ZHU Sheng; WANG Tao; WANG Wanglong

2009-01-01

As a deposition technology, robotic metal active gas(MAG) welding has shown new promise for rapid prototyping (RP) of metallic parts. During the process of metal forming using robotic MAG welding, sectional profile of single-pass welded bead is critical to formed accuracy and quality of metal pans. In this paper, the experiments of single-pass welded bead for rapid prototyping using robotic MAG welding were carried out. The effect of some edge detectors on the cross-sectional edge of welded bead was discussed and curve fitting was applied using leat square fitting. Consequently, the mathematical model of welded bead profile was developed. The experimental results show that good shape could be obtained under suitable welding parameters. Canny operawr is suitable to edge detection of welded bead profile, and the mathematical model of welded bead profile developed is approximately parabola.

An Autopsy Case of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis with Waldenström Macroglobulinemia and Anti-MAG Gammopathy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Snejana Jurici

2011-12-01

Full Text Available We report the case of a 71-year-old woman with typical signs of bulbar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS associated with immunoglobulin M (IgM monoclonal gammopathy and anti-MAG (myelin-associated glycoprotein antibodies. This unusual association between ALS and anti-MAG antibodies has previously been reported in a single case. Our present case, at neuropathological examination, demonstrated no causative link between anti-MAG antibodies and ALS.

Treatment of diffuse in-stent restenosis with rotational atherectomy followed by radiation therapy with a {sup 188}Re-MAG3-filled balloon: six-month clinical and angiographic results of R4 registry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Moon, D. H.; Oh, S. J.; Park, S. W.; Hong, M. K.; Lee, C. H.; Kim, J. Z.; Park, S. J.; Lee, H. K. [College of Medicine, Ulsan Univ., Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2000-07-01

Intracoronary {beta}-irradiation after rotational atherectomy may be a reasonable approach to prevent recurrent in-stent restenosis (ISR). This study was done to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of {beta}-radiation therapy with a {sup 188}Re-MAG3-filled balloon following rotational atherectomy for ISR. Fifty consecutive patients with diffuse ISR (length >10 mm) in native coronary arteries underwent rotational atherectomy and adjunctive balloon angioplasty followed by {beta}-irradiation using {sup 188}Re-MAG3-filled balloon catheter. The radiation doses was 15 Gy at 1.0 mm deep into vessel wall. Mean length of the lesion and irradiated segment was 25.6{+-}12.7 mm and 37.6{+-}11.2 mm, respectively. The radiation was delivered successfully to all patients, with a mean irradiation time of 20.1{+-}61 7 sec. No adverse event including myocardial infarction, death, or stent thrombosis occurred during the follow-up period (mean 10.3{+-}3.7 mon) and non-target vessel revascularization was needed in one patient. Six-month binary angiographic restenosis rate was 10.4% (2 focal ISR and 3 edge restenosis) and loss index was 0.17{+-}0.31. Irradiation using {sup 188}Re-MAG3-filled balloon following rotational atherectomy for patients with diffuse ISR may improve the clinical and angiographic outcomes. Further prospective randomized trials are warranted to evaluate the synergistic effect of debulking and irradiation in patients with diffuse ISR.

Wounds caused by contact with muzzle-lift relief ports (Mag-Na-Port).

Science.gov (United States)

Rogers, D R; Shem, R J

1992-12-01

Fan-shaped stippled burns were produced on the skin when a revolver whose barrel had been modified by the Mag-Na-Port process was fired twice with the side of the muzzle in contact. A grazing wound was produced by one bullet, and an oblique entry was produced by the other. The characteristics of Mag-Na-Port wounds and test shots are described, and these are compared with test shots from two other higher power revolvers.

Assessment of hydraulic performance and biocompatibility of a MagLev centrifugal pump system designed for pediatric cardiac or cardiopulmonary support.

Science.gov (United States)

Dasse, Kurt A; Gellman, Barry; Kameneva, Marina V; Woolley, Joshua R; Johnson, Carl A; Gempp, Thomas; Marks, John D; Kent, Stella; Koert, Andrew; Richardson, J Scott; Franklin, Steve; Snyder, Trevor A; Wearden, Peter; Wagner, William R; Gilbert, Richard J; Borovetz, Harvey S

2007-01-01

The treatment of children with life-threatening cardiac and cardiopulmonary failure is a large and underappreciated public health concern. We have previously shown that the CentriMag is a magnetically levitated centrifugal pump system, having the utility for treating adults and large children (1,500 utilized worldwide). We present here the PediVAS, a pump system whose design was modified from the CentriMag to meet the physiological requirements of young pediatric and neonatal patients. The PediVAS is comprised of a single-use centrifugal blood pump, reusable motor, and console, and is suitable for right ventricular assist device (RVAD), left ventricular assist device (LVAD), biventricular assist device (BVAD), or extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) applications. It is designed to operate without bearings, seals and valves, and without regions of blood stasis, friction, or wear. The PediVAS pump is compatible with the CentriMag hardware, although the priming volume was reduced from 31 to 14 ml, and the port size reduced from 3/8 to (1/4) in. For the expected range of pediatric flow (0.3-3.0 L/min), the PediVAS exhibited superior hydraulic efficiency compared with the CentriMag. The PediVAS was evaluated in 14 pediatric animals for up to 30 days, demonstrating acceptable hydraulic function and hemocompatibility. The current results substantiate the performance and biocompatibility of the PediVAS cardiac assist system and are likely to support initiation of a US clinical trial in the future.

Next Generation HeliMag UXO Mapping Technology

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

Ancillary instrumentation records aircraft height above ground and attitude. A fluxgate magnetometer is used to allow for aeromagnetic compensation of... Magnetometer System WWII World War II WAA wide area assessment ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This Next Generation HeliMag Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Mapping...for deployment of seven total-field magnetometers on a Kevlar reinforced boom mounted on a Bell 206L helicopter. The objectives of this

In-situ remediation of contaminated ground water using the MAG*SEPSM technology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dunn, M.J.

1994-01-01

Argonne National Laboratory is leading a project for demonstration of in-situ remediation of contaminated ground water utilizing MAG*SEP SM technology developed by Bradtec. This technology is being considered for eventual application at sites involving groundwater contaminated with heavy metals and/or radionuclides, such as the Savannah River Site (SRS) and Berkeley Pit. The MAG*SEP SM technology uses specially coated magnetic particles to selectively adsorb contaminants from ground water. Particles are mixed with ground water, contaminants are adsorbed onto the particles, and the particles are removed by magnetic filtration. The technology can recover low levels of radioactive and/or inorganic hazardous contamination (in the ppm range), leaving nonradioactive/nonhazardous species essentially unaffected. The first phase of this project has involved the optimization of MAG*SEP SM process chemistry for a selected site at SRS. To date this work has identified a candidate adsorber material (the amino form of iminodicarboxylic acid) for selective removal of lead, cadmium, and mercury from this site's ground water. Decontamination factors of 170, 270, and 235, respective, for each contaminant have been achieved. Further process chemistry optimization work for this adsorber material is planned. The project will eventually lead to an in-situ demonstration of the MAG*SEP SM technology, integrated with the EnviroWall trademark barrier technology developed by Barrier Member Containment Corporation (BMC)

Interaction of both plasmas in CO2 laser-MAG hybrid welding of carbon steel

Science.gov (United States)

Kutsuna, Muneharu; Chen, Liang

2003-03-01

Researches and developments of laser and arc hybrid welding has been curried out since in 1978. Especially, CO2 laser and TIG hybrid welding has been studied for increasing the penetration depth and welding speed. Recently laser and MIG/MAG/Plasma hybrid welding processes have been developed and applied to industries. It was recognized as a new welding process that promote the flexibility of the process for increasing the penetration depth, welding speed and allowable joint gap and improving the quality of the welds. In the present work, CO2 Laser-MAG hybrid welding of carbon steel (SM490) was investigated to make clear the phenomenon and characteristics of hybrid welding process comparing with laser welding and MAG process. The effects of many process parameters such as welding current, arc voltage, welding speed, defocusing distance, laser-to-arc distance on penetration depth, bead shape, spatter, arc stability and plasma formation were investigated in the present work. Especially, the interaction of laser plasma and MAG arc plasma was considered by changing the laser to arc distance (=DLA).

Somatostatin analogues labelled with 99mTc

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Obenaus, E.; Crudo, J.; Edreira, M.; Viaggi, M.; De Castiglia, S.G.

2001-01-01

The aim of the present work was to study the biological and radiochemical behaviour of two somatostatin analogues, the RC-160 and Tyr3Octreotide(TOC) peptides when labelling with 99m Tc by two methods: direct and indirect using S-benzoyl- mercaptoacetyl triglycine (MAG-3) and hydrazinonicotinamide (HYNIC) as chelating agents. RC-160 was labelled with 125I (30% labelling yield) in order to examine its receptor specificity and to study the biodistribution in normal animals. A total binding of 30% and a non specific binding lower than 10% was obtained. On the other hand, the RC-160 was labelled with 99m Tc by a direct method (70% labelling yield), using sodium ascorbate and dithionite in order to reduce the peptide and 99m Tc, respectively. The synthesis of RC-160 with S-benzoyl MAG-3 and TOC with HYNIC, for labelling with 99m Tc are also described. The conjugates were prepared on a small scale and labelled with the radionuclide using tricine as co-ligands for HYNIC conjugates. Chromatographic studies were performed using HPLC system and radiochemical purities higher than 75% and 95% were obtained respectively. Biodistributions studies in normal Wistar rats were performed and results were correlated with chromatographic and protein binding properties. Lower lipophilicity of the labelled conjugates resulted in a higher renal excretion. HYNIC-TOC complex showed promising results when labelling with 99m Tc using tricine as co-ligand although higher stability should be found for ternary co-ligands compared to tricine. (author)

MAG2GABA-biocytin synthesized with new intermediates for radiolabelling 99mTc and 188Re

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ahn, S.H.; Choi, T.H.; Choi, C.W.; Yang, S.D.; Woo, K.S.; Chung, W.S.; Lim, S.M.

2001-01-01

188 Re from 188 W- 188 Re generator, is recently introduced in therapeutic nuclear medicine and made it possible to use whenever needed. We synthesized MAG 2 GABA-Biocytin (MGB), labelled with 188 Re for pretargeted radioimmunotherapy and evaluated biological behavior of 188 Re-MGB. N-hydroxysuccinimidyl ester of S-benzoyl mercaptoacetyldiglycine (NHS-MAG 2 ) was synthesized first, reacted with aminobutyric acid(GABA) to give MAG 2 GABA and then converted to NHS-MAG 2 GABA and conjugated to biocytin to give the MGB. To label MGB with 188 Re (50mA), ag, 200ml 1M tartrate pH7, 200 l stannous (10mg/mL) and 180MBq perrhenate were mixed and heated for 30min at 100 deg. C. The reactant was purified with C 18 Sep-Pak. HPLC analysis of the 188 Re-MGB performed on reverse phase C 18 column with a gradient. To see the stability, 188 Re-MGB was added to serum at 37 deg. C. Binding capacity of 188 Re-MGB to avidin or streptavidin was determined by size exclusion HPLC system. Biodistribution was studied in ICR normal mice(n=4/group), from 5min to 120min. In Raji cells tumour bearing nude mice(n=3), biotinylated Lym-1(40MEG) injection after 48 h, streptavidin(50MEG) was injected. 24 h later, 188 Re-MGB(0.5MEG) was injected, and biodistribution was observed 2 h later. 188 Re-MGB was obtained with labelling yield 98%. Stability in serum was maintained over 70% until 3 h. Binding capacity of 188 Re-MGB to streptavidin was greater than avidin. In normal mice, 188 Re-MGB was excreted via hepatobiliary pathway,%ID/g of GI tract was 52.1 at 120min. In Raji cells tumour bearing nude mice, liver and colon were higher than those of normal mouse. Tumour uptake at 120min was 0.05%ID/g. 188 Re-MGB was effectively labelled and retained binding activity with streptavidin. 188 Re-MGB may have a role in pretargeted radioimmunotherapy. (author)

Spectroscopic Analysis of 10MAG/LDAO Reverse Micelles to Determine Characteristic Properties and Behavioral Extrema

Science.gov (United States)

Berg, Joshua; Mawson, Cara; Norris, Zach; Nucci, Nathaniel

Reverse micelles are spontaneously organizing complexes of surfactant that encapsulate a nanoscale pool of water in a bulk non-polar solvent. Reverse micelle (RM) mixtures have a wide range of applications, including biophysical investigation of protein systems. A new RM mixture composed of decyl-1-monoglycerol (10MAG) and lauryldimethylammonium-N-oxide (LDAO) was recently described. This mixture has the potential to prove more widely applicable for use of RMs in applications that involve encapsulation of macromolecules, yet little is known about the phase behavior or size of reverse micelles created by this mixture. Data describing such behaviors for this mixture are presented here. We have used dynamic light scattering (DLS) and fluorescence spectroscopy to investigate the size and partitioning behavior of RMs in varying mixtures of 10MAG, LDAO, water, pentane, and hexanol. These data demonstrate that the 10MAG/LDAO RM mixture exhibits markedly different phase and RM size behavior than that of commonly used RM surfactant mixtures. The implications of these findings for use of the 10MAG/LDAO mix for RM applications will also be addressed. Funding provided by Rowan University.

76 FR 46330 - NUREG-1934, Nuclear Power Plant Fire Modeling Application Guide (NPP FIRE MAG); Second Draft...

Science.gov (United States)

2011-08-02

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC-2009-0568] NUREG-1934, Nuclear Power Plant Fire Modeling... 1023259), ``Nuclear Power Plant Fire Modeling Application Guide (NPP FIRE MAG), Second Draft Report for...), ``Nuclear Power Plant Fire Modeling Application Guide (NPP FIRE MAG), Second Draft for Comment,'' is...

{sup 110m}Ag root and foliar uptake in vegetables and its migration in soil

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shang, Z.R.; Leung, J.K.C. E-mail: jkcleung@hku.hk

2003-07-01

{sup 110m}Ag, as a radionuclide of corrosion products in water-cooled nuclear reactors, was detected in the liquid effluents of Guangdong Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station (GNPS) of Daya Bay under normal operation conditions. Experiments on a simulated terrestrial agricultural ecosystem were carried out using the pot experiment approach. The most common plants in Hong Kong and the South China vegetable gardens such as lettuce, Chinese spinach, kale, carrot, pepper, eggplant, bean, flowering cabbage, celery, European onion and cucumber were selected for {sup 110m}Ag root and foliar uptake tests. The results show that carrot, kale and flowering cabbage have the greatest values of soil to plant transfer factor among the vegetables, while{sup 110m}Ag can be transferred to Chinese spinach via foliar uptake. Flowering cabbage, the most popular leafy vegetable locally, could be used as a biomonitor for the radioisotope contamination in vegetables. Soil column and adsorption tests were also carried out to study the leaching ability and distributio coefficient (K{sub d}) of {sup 110m}Ag in the soil. The results show that most of the radionuclide was adsorbed in the top 1 cm of soil regardless of the pH value. The K{sub d} was also determined.

Dynamic 99mTc-MAG3 renography: images for quality control obtained by combining pharmacokinetic modelling, an anthropomorphic computer phantom and Monte Carlo simulated scintillation camera imaging

Science.gov (United States)

Brolin, Gustav; Sjögreen Gleisner, Katarina; Ljungberg, Michael

2013-05-01

In dynamic renal scintigraphy, the main interest is the radiopharmaceutical redistribution as a function of time. Quality control (QC) of renal procedures often relies on phantom experiments to compare image-based results with the measurement setup. A phantom with a realistic anatomy and time-varying activity distribution is therefore desirable. This work describes a pharmacokinetic (PK) compartment model for 99mTc-MAG3, used for defining a dynamic whole-body activity distribution within a digital phantom (XCAT) for accurate Monte Carlo (MC)-based images for QC. Each phantom structure is assigned a time-activity curve provided by the PK model, employing parameter values consistent with MAG3 pharmacokinetics. This approach ensures that the total amount of tracer in the phantom is preserved between time points, and it allows for modifications of the pharmacokinetics in a controlled fashion. By adjusting parameter values in the PK model, different clinically realistic scenarios can be mimicked, regarding, e.g., the relative renal uptake and renal transit time. Using the MC code SIMIND, a complete set of renography images including effects of photon attenuation, scattering, limited spatial resolution and noise, are simulated. The obtained image data can be used to evaluate quantitative techniques and computer software in clinical renography.

Advantages of MAG-STT Welding Process for Root Pass Welding in the Oil and Gas Industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pandzic Adi

2016-02-01

Full Text Available This paper describesthe basics of modern MAG-STT welding process and its advantages for root pass welding of construction steels in oil and gas industry. MAG-STT welding process was compared with competitive arc welding processes (SMAW and TIG, which are also used for root pass welding on pipes and plates. After experimental tests, the obtained results are analyzed and presented in this paper

Managing Rock and Paleomagnetic Data Flow with the MagIC Database: from Measurement and Analysis to Comprehensive Archive and Visualization

Science.gov (United States)

Koppers, A. A.; Minnett, R. C.; Tauxe, L.; Constable, C.; Donadini, F.

2008-12-01

The Magnetics Information Consortium (MagIC) is commissioned to implement and maintain an online portal to a relational database populated by rock and paleomagnetic data. The goal of MagIC is to archive all measurements and derived properties for studies of paleomagnetic directions (inclination, declination) and intensities, and for rock magnetic experiments (hysteresis, remanence, susceptibility, anisotropy). Organizing data for presentation in peer-reviewed publications or for ingestion into databases is a time-consuming task, and to facilitate these activities, three tightly integrated tools have been developed: MagIC-PY, the MagIC Console Software, and the MagIC Online Database. A suite of Python scripts is available to help users port their data into the MagIC data format. They allow the user to add important metadata, perform basic interpretations, and average results at the specimen, sample and site levels. These scripts have been validated for use as Open Source software under the UNIX, Linux, PC and Macintosh© operating systems. We have also developed the MagIC Console Software program to assist in collating rock and paleomagnetic data for upload to the MagIC database. The program runs in Microsoft Excel© on both Macintosh© computers and PCs. It performs routine consistency checks on data entries, and assists users in preparing data for uploading into the online MagIC database. The MagIC website is hosted under EarthRef.org at http://earthref.org/MAGIC/ and has two search nodes, one for paleomagnetism and one for rock magnetism. Both nodes provide query building based on location, reference, methods applied, material type and geological age, as well as a visual FlashMap interface to browse and select locations. Users can also browse the database by data type (inclination, intensity, VGP, hysteresis, susceptibility) or by data compilation to view all contributions associated with previous databases, such as PINT, GMPDB or TAFI or other user

Fluorine-18 labelling of a novel series of chimeric, mdm2 oncogene targeting, peptide-pna oligomers using [18F]FPyME

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kuhnast, B.; Hinnen, F.; Boisgard, R.; Tavitian, B.; Dolle, F.; Nielsen, P.

2011-01-01

Complete text of publication follows: Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) form a unique class of synthetic macromolecules, originally designed as ligands for the recognition of double stranded DNA, where the deoxyribose phosphate backbone of original DNA is replaced by a pseudo-peptide N-(2-aminoethyl)glycyl backbone, while retaining the nucleobases of DNA. PNAs have already showed promising therapeutic potential as antisense and anti-gene agents and are inspiring the development of a variety of research and diagnostic assays, including their use as imaging tools. Within our intensive programs of development of oligonucleotide-based probes for PET-imaging, a novel series of chimeric peptide-PNA oligomers has been designed as complementary antisense probes targeting a specific 15-base sequence located at the intron-exon junction of the pre-mRNA of the murine double minute (mdm2) oncogene. This gene codes for a p53 interacting protein that represses p53 transcriptional activity, and appears to be over expressed in several tumor types including soft tissue sarcomas and osteosarcomas as well as breast tumors. For in vivo 3D-imaging purposes, all oligomers include a cysteine thus providing a sulfhydryl function permitting prosthetic conjugation with maleimide-based reagents such as AlexaFluor680 R (AF680) for optical fluorescence imaging and [ 18 F]FPyME (1-[3-(2-[ 18 F]fluoropyridin-3-yloxy)propyl]pyrrole-2, 5-dione), a prosthetic reagent labeled with the positron-emitter fluorine-18 for PET imaging, which latter work is presented herein. Methods: [ 18 F]FPyME was prepared using a three-step radiochemical pathway already reported and includes an HPLC-purification (semi-preparative SiO 2 Zorbax R Rx-SIL, Hewlett Packard). [ 18 F]FPyME was conjugated with the peptide-PNA oligomers (PNA3132, PNA3133, and PNA3135, 0.25-0.30 micro-moles) in 1/9 (v:v) mixture (1 mL) of DMSO and 0.1 M aq. PBS (pH 8) at room temperature for 15 min. The [ 18 F]FPyME-conjugated products (c-[ 18 F

PmagPy: Software Package for Paleomagnetic Data Analysis and Gateway to the Magnetics Information Consortium (MagIC) Database

Science.gov (United States)

Jonestrask, L.; Tauxe, L.; Shaar, R.; Jarboe, N.; Minnett, R.; Koppers, A. A. P.

2014-12-01

There are many data types and methods of analysis in rock and paleomagnetic investigations. The MagIC database (http://earthref.org/MAGIC) was designed to accommodate the vast majority of data used in such investigations. Yet getting data from the laboratory into the database, and visualizing and re-analyzing data downloaded from the database, makes special demands on data formatting. There are several recently published programming packages that deal with single types of data: demagnetization experiments (e.g., Lurcock et al., 2012), paleointensity experiments (e.g., Leonhardt et al., 2004), and FORC diagrams (e.g., Harrison et al., 2008). However, there is a need for a unified set of open source, cross-platform software that deals with the great variety of data types in a consistent way and facilitates importing data into the MagIC format, analyzing them and uploading them into the MagIC database. The PmagPy software package (http://earthref.org/PmagPy/cookbook/) comprises a such a comprehensive set of tools. It facilitates conversion of many laboratory formats into the common MagIC format and allows interpretation of demagnetization and Thellier-type experimental data. With some 175 programs and over 250 functions, it can be used to create a wide variety of plots and allows manipulation of downloaded data sets as well as preparation of new contributions for uploading to the MagIC database.

Evaluation of technetium-99m-Mag3-clearance. A pilot study of industry for the standardization of software

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stritzke, H.P.

1996-01-01

The manufacturers for gamma camera systems and their distribution organisations in Germany, ADAC, Elscint, Gaede, General Electric, Picker, Siemens, Sopha and Toshiba initiated in cooperation with the Central Association of the Electro and Electronic Industry (Zentralverband der Elektro-und Elektronikindustrie eV, ZVEl), a pilot study to test whether the clinical computer programs for the calculation of the Technetium-99m-Mag 3 Clearance according Bubeck deliver comparable results. For this purpose three dynamic scintigraphic renal studies were converted to interfile format and were sent to the firms at two occasions including blood sampling data and anonymousized patient information. The results were returned to the SAM GmbH System Analysen in der Medizin (Bad Oeynhausen) and analyzed. All of the eight participating firms except one calculated correct clearance values. The reason for the failure in one case turned out to be a bug in the computer program. This pilot study has demonstrated that it is possible to establish certain technical standards for the clinical software in nuclear medicine but also to detect and correct errors. (orig.) [de

First detection of the white dwarf cooling sequence of the galactic bulge

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Calamida, A.; Sahu, K. C.; Anderson, J.; Casertano, S.; Brown, T.; Sokol, J.; Bond, H. E.; Ferguson, H.; Livio, M.; Valenti, J. [Space Telescope Science Institute, 3700 San Martin Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218 (United States); Cassisi, S.; Buonanno, R.; Pietrinferni, A. [Osservatorio Astronomico di Teramo—INAF, Via M. Maggini, I-64100 Teramo (Italy); Salaris, M. [Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L3 5RF (United Kingdom); Ferraro, I. [Osservatorio Astronomico di Roma—INAF, Via Frascati 33, I-00040 Monte Porzio Catone (Italy); Clarkson, W., E-mail: calamida@stsci.edu [University of Michigan-Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI 48128 (United States)

2014-08-01

We present Hubble Space Telescope data of the low-reddening Sagittarius window in the Galactic bulge. The Sagittarius Window Eclipsing Extrasolar Planet Search field (∼3'× 3'), together with three more Advanced Camera for Surveys and eight Wide-Field Camera 3 fields, were observed in the F606W and F814W filters, approximately every two weeks for 2 yr, with the principal aim of detecting a hidden population of isolated black holes and neutron stars through astrometric microlensing. Proper motions were measured with an accuracy of ≈0.1 mas yr{sup –1} (≈4 km s{sup –1}) at F606W ≈ 25.5 mag, and better than ≈0.5 mas yr{sup –1} (≈20 km s{sup –1}) at F606W ≈ 28 mag, in both axes. Proper-motion measurements allowed us to separate disk and bulge stars and obtain a clean bulge color-magnitude diagram. We then identified for the first time a white dwarf (WD) cooling sequence in the Galactic bulge, together with a dozen candidate extreme horizontal branch stars. The comparison between theory and observations shows that a substantial fraction of the WDs (≈30%) are systematically redder than the cooling tracks for CO-core H-rich and He-rich envelope WDs. This evidence would suggest the presence of a significant number of low-mass WDs and WD-main-sequence binaries in the bulge. This hypothesis is further supported by the finding of two dwarf novae in outburst, two short-period (P ≲ 1 day) ellipsoidal variables, and a few candidate cataclysmic variables in the same field.

First detection of the white dwarf cooling sequence of the galactic bulge

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Calamida, A.; Sahu, K. C.; Anderson, J.; Casertano, S.; Brown, T.; Sokol, J.; Bond, H. E.; Ferguson, H.; Livio, M.; Valenti, J.; Cassisi, S.; Buonanno, R.; Pietrinferni, A.; Salaris, M.; Ferraro, I.; Clarkson, W.

2014-01-01

We present Hubble Space Telescope data of the low-reddening Sagittarius window in the Galactic bulge. The Sagittarius Window Eclipsing Extrasolar Planet Search field (∼3'× 3'), together with three more Advanced Camera for Surveys and eight Wide-Field Camera 3 fields, were observed in the F606W and F814W filters, approximately every two weeks for 2 yr, with the principal aim of detecting a hidden population of isolated black holes and neutron stars through astrometric microlensing. Proper motions were measured with an accuracy of ≈0.1 mas yr –1 (≈4 km s –1 ) at F606W ≈ 25.5 mag, and better than ≈0.5 mas yr –1 (≈20 km s –1 ) at F606W ≈ 28 mag, in both axes. Proper-motion measurements allowed us to separate disk and bulge stars and obtain a clean bulge color-magnitude diagram. We then identified for the first time a white dwarf (WD) cooling sequence in the Galactic bulge, together with a dozen candidate extreme horizontal branch stars. The comparison between theory and observations shows that a substantial fraction of the WDs (≈30%) are systematically redder than the cooling tracks for CO-core H-rich and He-rich envelope WDs. This evidence would suggest the presence of a significant number of low-mass WDs and WD-main-sequence binaries in the bulge. This hypothesis is further supported by the finding of two dwarf novae in outburst, two short-period (P ≲ 1 day) ellipsoidal variables, and a few candidate cataclysmic variables in the same field.

Magnetic Microbead Affinity Selection Screening (MagMass) of Botanical Extracts for Inhibitors of 15-Lipoxygenase

Science.gov (United States)

Rush, Michael D.; Walker, Elisabeth M.; Burton, Tristesse; van Breemen, Richard B.

2016-01-01

To expedite the identification of active natural products in complex mixtures such as botanical extracts, a Magnetic Microbead Affinity Selection Screening (MagMASS) procedure was developed. This technique utilizes target proteins immobilized on magnetic beads for rapid bioaffinity isolation of ligands from complex mixtures. A MagMASS method was developed and validated for 15-lipoxygenase. As a proof of concept, several North American prairie plants used medicinally by Native Americans were extracted with MeOH and screened. A hit from an extract of Proserpinaca palustris, also known as mermaid weed, was flagged for further characterization using high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry, dereplication, and identification using XCMS online. Through the application of high-resolution product ion tandem mass spectrometry, comparison with natural product databases and confirmation using standards, the hit was identified as quercitrin, which is a known inhibitor of 15-lipoxygenase. The overall workflow of MagMASS is faster and more amendable to automation than alternative methods designed for screening botanical extracts or complex mixtures of combinatorial libraries. PMID:27802026

Plasma exchanges for severe acute neurological deterioration in patients with IgM anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (anti-MAG) neuropathy.

Science.gov (United States)

Baron, M; Lozeron, P; Harel, S; Bengoufa, D; Vignon, M; Asli, B; Malphettes, M; Parquet, N; Brignier, A; Fermand, J P; Kubis, N; Arnulf, Bertrand

2017-06-01

Monoclonal IgM anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) antibody-related peripheral neuropathy (anti-MAG neuropathy) is predominantly a demyelinating sensory neuropathy with ataxia and distal paresthesia. The clinical course of anti-MAG neuropathy is usually slowly progressive making difficult the identification of clear criteria to start a specific treatment. Although no consensus treatment is yet available, a rituximab-based regimen targeting the B-cell clone producing the monoclonal IgM may be proposed, alone or in combination with alkylating agents or purine analogs. However, in some rare cases, an acute and severe neurological deterioration can occur in few days leading to a rapid loss of autonomy. In these cases, a treatment rapidly removing the monoclonal IgM from the circulation might be useful before initiating a specific therapy. We report successful treatment with plasma exchanges (PE) in four patients presenting with acute neurological deterioration. PE allowed a dramatic and rapid neurological improvement in all patients. PE are safe and may be useful at the initial management of these cases of anti-MAG neuropathy.

Main-sequence photometry in NGC 2808

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Buonanno, R.; Corsi, C.E.; Fusi Pecci, F.; Harris, W.E.

1984-01-01

We have obtained a color-magnitude diagram for the southern globular cluster NGC 2808, to V/sub lim/approx. =21 (about 2 mag below the main-sequence turnoff). The internal photographic errors are sigma/sub V/approx. =0.02, sigma/sub B/-Vapprox. =0.03, small enough to permit a precise definition of the turnoff region and an estimate of the ''cosmic scatter'' along the main sequence. Fitting of the CMD to VandenBerg's [Astrophys. J. Suppl. 51, 29 (1983)] isochrones shows that an excellent match to the observations is achieved for model parameters of Yapprox. =0.2, Zapprox. =0.003 ([Fe/H]approx. =-0.8), and an age of (16 +- 2) billion years. All these characteristics are within the expected range from other observational constraints; no new clues from the main-sequence data alone have arisen to help explain the presence of the anomalous blue horizontal-branch stars

The Magnetics Information Consortium (MagIC) Online Database: Uploading, Searching and Visualizing Paleomagnetic and Rock Magnetic Data

Science.gov (United States)

Minnett, R.; Koppers, A.; Tauxe, L.; Constable, C.; Pisarevsky, S. A.; Jackson, M.; Solheid, P.; Banerjee, S.; Johnson, C.

2006-12-01

The Magnetics Information Consortium (MagIC) is commissioned to implement and maintain an online portal to a relational database populated by both rock and paleomagnetic data. The goal of MagIC is to archive all measurements and the derived properties for studies of paleomagnetic directions (inclination, declination) and intensities, and for rock magnetic experiments (hysteresis, remanence, susceptibility, anisotropy). MagIC is hosted under EarthRef.org at http://earthref.org/MAGIC/ and has two search nodes, one for paleomagnetism and one for rock magnetism. Both nodes provide query building based on location, reference, methods applied, material type and geological age, as well as a visual map interface to browse and select locations. The query result set is displayed in a digestible tabular format allowing the user to descend through hierarchical levels such as from locations to sites, samples, specimens, and measurements. At each stage, the result set can be saved and, if supported by the data, can be visualized by plotting global location maps, equal area plots, or typical Zijderveld, hysteresis, and various magnetization and remanence diagrams. User contributions to the MagIC database are critical to achieving a useful research tool. We have developed a standard data and metadata template (Version 2.1) that can be used to format and upload all data at the time of publication in Earth Science journals. Software tools are provided to facilitate population of these templates within Microsoft Excel. These tools allow for the import/export of text files and provide advanced functionality to manage and edit the data, and to perform various internal checks to maintain data integrity and prepare for uploading. The MagIC Contribution Wizard at http://earthref.org/MAGIC/upload.htm executes the upload and takes only a few minutes to process several thousand data records. The standardized MagIC template files are stored in the digital archives of EarthRef.org where they

Metabolism of sn-1(3)-Monoacylglycerol and sn-2-Monoacylglycerol in Caecal Enterocytes and Hepatocytes of Brown Trout (Salmo trutta).

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Keshuai; Olsen, Rolf Erik

2017-01-01

sn-2-Monoacylglycerol (2-MAG) and sn-1(3)-monoacylglycerol [1(3)-MAG] are important but yet little studied intermediates in lipid metabolism. The current study compared the metabolic fate of 2-MAG and 1(3)-MAG in isolated caecal enterocytes and hepatocytes of brown trout (Salmo trutta). 1(3)-Oleoyl [9,10-3H(N)]-glycerol and 2-Oleoyl [9,10-3H(N)]-glycerol were prepared by pancreatic lipase digestion of triolein [9,10-3H(N)]. The 1(3)-MAG and 2-MAG were efficiently absorbed by enterocytes and hepatocytes at similar rates. The 2-MAG was quickly resynthesized into TAG through the monoacylglycerol acyltransferase (EC: 2.3.1.22, MGAT) pathway in both tissues, whereas 1(3)-MAG was processed into TAG and phospholipids at a much slower rate, suggesting 2-MAG was the preferred substrates for MGAT. Further analysis showed that 1(3)-MAG was synthesized into 1,3-DAG, but there were no accumulation of 1,3-DAG in either enterocytes or hepatocytes, which contrasts that of mammalian studies. Some of the 1(3)-MAG may be acylated to 1,2(2,3)-DAG and then utilized for TAG synthesis. Alternatively, 1(3)-MAG can be hydrolyzed to free fatty acid and glycerol, and re-synthesized into TAG through the glycerol-3-phosphate (Gro-3-P) pathway. The overall data suggested that the limiting step of the intracellular 1(3)-MAG metabolism is the conversion of 1(3)-MAG itself.

Creating a FIESTA (Framework for Integrated Earth Science and Technology Applications) with MagIC

Science.gov (United States)

Minnett, R.; Koppers, A. A. P.; Jarboe, N.; Tauxe, L.; Constable, C.

2017-12-01

The Magnetics Information Consortium (https://earthref.org/MagIC) has recently developed a containerized web application to considerably reduce the friction in contributing, exploring and combining valuable and complex datasets for the paleo-, geo- and rock magnetic scientific community. The data produced in this scientific domain are inherently hierarchical and the communities evolving approaches to this scientific workflow, from sampling to taking measurements to multiple levels of interpretations, require a large and flexible data model to adequately annotate the results and ensure reproducibility. Historically, contributing such detail in a consistent format has been prohibitively time consuming and often resulted in only publishing the highly derived interpretations. The new open-source (https://github.com/earthref/MagIC) application provides a flexible upload tool integrated with the data model to easily create a validated contribution and a powerful search interface for discovering datasets and combining them to enable transformative science. MagIC is hosted at EarthRef.org along with several interdisciplinary geoscience databases. A FIESTA (Framework for Integrated Earth Science and Technology Applications) is being created by generalizing MagIC's web application for reuse in other domains. The application relies on a single configuration document that describes the routing, data model, component settings and external services integrations. The container hosts an isomorphic Meteor JavaScript application, MongoDB database and ElasticSearch search engine. Multiple containers can be configured as microservices to serve portions of the application or rely on externally hosted MongoDB, ElasticSearch, or third-party services to efficiently scale computational demands. FIESTA is particularly well suited for many Earth Science disciplines with its flexible data model, mapping, account management, upload tool to private workspaces, reference metadata, image

[Comparison of manual and automated (MagNA Pure) nucleic acid isolation methods in molecular diagnosis of HIV infections].

Science.gov (United States)

Alp, Alpaslan; Us, Dürdal; Hasçelik, Gülşen

2004-01-01

Rapid quantitative molecular methods are very important for the diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, assessment of prognosis and follow up. The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the performances of conventional manual extraction method and automated MagNA Pure system, for the nucleic acid isolation step which is the first and most important step in molecular diagnosis of HIV infections. Plasma samples of 35 patients in which anti-HIV antibodies were found as positive by microparticule enzyme immunoassay and confirmed by immunoblotting method, were included in the study. The nucleic acids obtained simultaneously by manual isolation kit (Cobas Amplicor, HIV-1 Monitor Test, version 1.5, Roche Diagnostics) and automated system (MagNA Pure LC Total Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit, Roche Diagnostics), were amplified and detected in Cobas Amplicor (Roche Diagnostics) instrument. Twenty three of 35 samples (65.7%) were found to be positive, and 9 (25.7%) were negative by both of the methods. The agreement between the methods were detected as 91.4%, for qualitative results. Viral RNA copies detected by manual and MagNA Pure isolation methods were found between 76.0-7.590.000 (mean: 487.143) and 113.0-20.300.0000 (mean: 2.174.097) copies/ml, respectively. When both of the overall and individual results were evaluated, the number of RNA copies obtained with automatized system, were found higher than the manual method (p<0.05). Three samples which had low numbers of nucleic acids (113, 773, 857, respectively) with MagNA Pure, yielded negative results with manual method. In conclusion, the automatized MagNA Pure system was found to be a reliable, rapid and practical method for the isolation of HIV-RNA.

Comparison of the Incorporation of DHA in Circulatory and Neural Tissue When Provided as Triacylglycerol (TAG), Monoacylglycerol (MAG) or Phospholipids (PL) Provides New Insight into Fatty Acid Bioavailability.

Science.gov (United States)

Destaillats, Frédéric; Oliveira, Manuel; Bastic Schmid, Viktoria; Masserey-Elmelegy, Isabelle; Giuffrida, Francesca; Thakkar, Sagar K; Dupuis, Lénaïck; Gosoniu, Maria Laura; Cruz-Hernandez, Cristina

2018-05-15

Phospholipids (PL) or partial acylglycerols such as sn -1(3)-monoacylglycerol (MAG) are potent dietary carriers of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) and have been reported to provide superior bioavailability when compared to conventional triacylglycerol (TAG). The main objective of the present study was to compare the incorporation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in plasma, erythrocytes, retina and brain tissues in adult rats when provided as PL (PL-DHA) and MAG (MAG-DHA). Conventional dietary DHA oil containing TAG (TAG-DHA) as well as control chow diet were used to evaluate the potency of the two alternative DHA carriers over a 60-day feeding period. Fatty acid profiles were determined in erythrocytes and plasma lipids at time 0, 7, 14, 28, 35 and 49 days of the experimental period and in retina, cortex, hypothalamus, and hippocampus at 60 days. The assessment of the longitudinal evolution of DHA in erythrocyte and plasma lipids suggest that PL-DHA and MAG-DHA are efficient carriers of dietary DHA when compared to conventional DHA oil (TAG-DHA). Under these experimental conditions, both PL-DHA and MAG-DHA led to higher incorporations of DHA erythrocytes lipids compared to TAG-DHA group. After 60 days of supplementation, statistically significant increase in DHA level incorporated in neural tissues analyzed were observed in the DHA groups compared with the control. The mechanism explaining hypothetically the difference observed in circulatory lipids is discussed.

Making the MagIC (Magnetics Information Consortium) Web Application Accessible to New Users and Useful to Experts

Science.gov (United States)

Minnett, R.; Koppers, A.; Jarboe, N.; Tauxe, L.; Constable, C.; Jonestrask, L.

2017-12-01

Challenges are faced by both new and experienced users interested in contributing their data to community repositories, in data discovery, or engaged in potentially transformative science. The Magnetics Information Consortium (https://earthref.org/MagIC) has recently simplified its data model and developed a new containerized web application to reduce the friction in contributing, exploring, and combining valuable and complex datasets for the paleo-, geo-, and rock magnetic scientific community. The new data model more closely reflects the hierarchical workflow in paleomagnetic experiments to enable adequate annotation of scientific results and ensure reproducibility. The new open-source (https://github.com/earthref/MagIC) application includes an upload tool that is integrated with the data model to provide early data validation feedback and ease the friction of contributing and updating datasets. The search interface provides a powerful full text search of contributions indexed by ElasticSearch and a wide array of filters, including specific geographic and geological timescale filtering, to support both novice users exploring the database and experts interested in compiling new datasets with specific criteria across thousands of studies and millions of measurements. The datasets are not large, but they are complex, with many results from evolving experimental and analytical approaches. These data are also extremely valuable due to the cost in collecting or creating physical samples and the, often, destructive nature of the experiments. MagIC is heavily invested in encouraging young scientists as well as established labs to cultivate workflows that facilitate contributing their data in a consistent format. This eLightning presentation includes a live demonstration of the MagIC web application, developed as a configurable container hosting an isomorphic Meteor JavaScript application, MongoDB database, and ElasticSearch search engine. Visitors can explore the Mag

Automated extraction of genomic DNA from medically important yeast species and filamentous fungi by using the MagNA Pure LC system.

Science.gov (United States)

Loeffler, Juergen; Schmidt, Kathrin; Hebart, Holger; Schumacher, Ulrike; Einsele, Hermann

2002-06-01

A fully automated assay was established for the extraction of DNA from clinically important fungi by using the MagNA Pure LC instrument. The test was evaluated by DNA isolation from 23 species of yeast and filamentous fungi and by extractions (n = 28) of serially diluted Aspergillus fumigatus conidia (10(5) to 0 CFU/ml). Additionally, DNA from 67 clinical specimens was extracted and compared to the manual protocol. The detection limit of the MagNA Pure LC assay of 10 CFU corresponded to the sensitivity when DNA was extracted manually; in 9 of 28 runs, we could achieve a higher sensitivity of 1 CFU/ml blood, which was found to be significant (p DNA from all fungal species analyzed could be extracted and amplified by real-time PCR. Negative controls from all MagNA Pure isolations remained negative. Sixty-three clinical samples showed identical results by both methods, whereas in 4 of 67 samples, discordant results were obtained. Thus, the MagNA Pure LC technique offers a fast protocol for automated DNA isolation from numerous fungi, revealing high sensitivity and purity.

Development and preclinical characterisation of 99mTc-labelled Affibody molecules with reduced renal uptake

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ekblad, Torun; Karlstroem, Amelie Eriksson; Tran, Thuy; Orlova, Anna; Feldwisch, Joachim; Widstroem, Charles; Abrahmsen, Lars; Wennborg, Anders; Tolmachev, Vladimir

2008-01-01

Affibody molecules are low molecular weight proteins (7 kDa), which can be selected to bind to tumour-associated target proteins with subnanomolar affinity. Because of rapid tumour localisation and clearance from nonspecific compartments, Affibody molecules are promising tracers for molecular imaging. Earlier, 99m Tc-labelled Affibody molecules demonstrated specific targeting of tumour xenografts. However, the biodistribution was suboptimal either because of hepatobiliary excretion or high renal uptake of the radioactivity. The goal of this study was to optimise the biodistribution of Affibody molecules by chelator engineering. Anti-HER2 Z HER2:342 Affibody molecules, carrying the mercaptoacetyl-glutamyl-seryl-glutamyl (maESE), mercaptoacetyl-glutamyl-glutamyl-seryl (maEES) and mercaptoacetyl-seryl-glutamyl-glutamyl (maSEE) chelators, were prepared by peptide synthesis and labelled with 99m Tc. The tumour-targeting capacity of these conjugates was compared with each other and with the best previously available conjugate, 99m Tc-maEEE-Z HER2:342, in nude mice bearing SKOV-3 xenografts. The tumour-targeting capacity of the most promising conjugate, 99m Tc-maESE-Z HER2:342, was compared with radioiodinated Z HER2:342 . All novel conjugates demonstrated successful tumour targeting and a low degree of hepatobiliary excretion. The renal uptakes of serine-containing conjugates, 33±5, 68±21 and 71±10%IA/g, for 99m Tc-maESE-Z HER2:342 , 99m Tc-maEES-Z HER2:342 and 99m Tc-maSEE-Z HER2:342 , respectively, were significantly reduced in comparison with 99m Tc-maEEE-Z HER2:342 (102 ± 13%IA/g). For 99m Tc-maESE-Z HER2:342 , a tumour uptake of 9.6±1.8%IA/g and a tumour-to-blood ratio of 58±6 were reached at 4 h p.i. A combination of serine and glutamic acid residues in the chelator sequence confers increased renal excretion and relatively low renal uptake of 99m Tc-labelled Affibody molecules. In combination with preserved targeting capacity, this improved imaging of targets

CrowdMag - Crowdsourcing magnetic data

Science.gov (United States)

Nair, M. C.; Boneh, N.; Chulliat, A.

2014-12-01

In the CrowdMag project, we explore whether digital magnetometers built in modern mobile phones can be used as scientific instruments to measure Earth's magnetic field. Most modern mobile phones have digital magnetometers to orient themselves. A phone's magnetometer measures three components of the local magnetic field with a typical sensitivity of about 150 to 600 nanotesla (nT). By combining data from vector magnetometers and accelerometers, phone's orientation is determined. Using phone's Internet connection, magnetic data and location are sent to a central server. At the server, we check quality of the magnetic data from all users and make the data available to the public as aggregate maps. We have two long-term goals. 1) Develop near-real-time models of Earth's time changing magnetic field by reducing man-made noise from crowdsourced data and combining it with geomagnetic data from other sources. 2) Improving accuracy of magnetic navigation by mapping magnetic noise sources (for e.g. power transformer and iron pipes). Key challenges to this endeavor are the low sensitivity of the phone's magnetometer and the noisy environment within and surrounding the phone. URL : http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/crowdmag.shtml

CalMagNet – an array of search coil magnetometers monitoring ultra low frequency activity in California

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

C. Dunson

2008-04-01

Full Text Available The California Magnetometer Network (CalMagNet consists of sixty-eight triaxial search-coil magnetometer systems measuring Ultra Low Frequency (ULF, 0.001–16 Hz, magnetic field fluctuations in California. CalMagNet provides data for comprehensive multi-point measurements of specific events in the Pc 1–Pc 5 range at mid-latitudes as well as a systematic, long-term study of ULF signals in active fault regions in California. Typical events include geomagnetic micropulsations and spectral resonant structures associated with the ionospheric Alfvén resonator. This paper provides a technical overview of the CalMagNet sensors and data processing systems. The network is composed of ten reference stations and fifty-eight local monitoring stations. The primary instruments at each site are three orthogonal induction coil magnetometers. A geophone monitors local site vibration. The systems are designed for future sensor expansion and include resources for monitoring four additional channels. Data is currently sampled at 32 samples per second with a 24-bit converter and time tagged with a GPS-based timing system. Several examples of representative magnetic fluctuations and signals as measured by the array are given.

Prognostic value of 99mTc-MAG3 renal scintigraphy for the one-year outcome after kidney transplantation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guignard, R.; Rossi, M.; Mariano-Goulart, D.; Barbotte, E.

2009-01-01

Because of the increasing use of marginal grafts, it remains a significant difference in terms of transplants half-life between living donor or cadaver donor. The main objective of this study was to assess the prognostic value of various isotopic parameters available on the same day than surgery for the one-year outcome after kidney transplantation. A retrospective study of 100 patients, who received a renal allograft at the University Hospital of Montpellier between 1999 and 2006, and who performed 99m Tc-MAG 3 renal scintigraphy within 72 h after transplantation, was performed. Measurement of various isotopic parameters was performed for angiographic and tubular phases, over three different regions of interest. According to judgment criteria, namely the success or not of transplantation after the first year, previously obtained results were statistically compared. The results of our study confirmed the importance of vascular parameters, especially the Kirchner index, with a good correlation with renal function one year after transplantation. As expected by the physiological models, a well-perfused graft had the most chances of short-term survival. Kirchner index has a negative predictive value of more than 90% for the one-year success after transplantation (V.P.P. = 75%). Parameters assessing more specifically nephronic functional reserve (such as tubular function slope or uptake on perfusion peaks report) are independent risk factors for the failure during the first three months. (authors)

Study to improve the precision of calculation of split renal clearance by gamma camera method using 99mTc-MAG3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mimura, Hiroaki; Tomomitsu, Tatsushi; Yanagimoto, Shinichi

1999-01-01

Both fundamental and clinical studies were performed to improve the precision with which split renal clearance is calculated from the relation between renal clearance and the total renal uptake rate by using 99m Tc-MAG 3 , which is mainly excreted into the proximal renal tubules. In the fundamental study, the most suitable kidney phantom threshold values for the extracted renal outline were investigated with regard to size, radioactivity, depth of the kidney phantom, and radioactivity in the background. In the clinical study, suitable timing to obtain additional images for making the ROI and the standard point for calculation of renal uptake rate were investigated. The results indicated that, although suitable threshold values were distributed from 25% to 45%, differences in size, solution activity, and the position of the phantom or BG activity did not have significant effects. Comparing 1-3 min with 2-5 min as the time for additional images for ROI, we found that renal areas using the former time showed higher values, and the correlation coefficient of the regression formula improved significantly. Comparison of the timing for the start of data acquisition with the end of the arterial phase as a standard point of calculating renal uptake rate showed improvement in the latter. (author)

Refining the Results of a Classical SELEX Experiment by Expanding the Sequence Data Set of an Aptamer Pool Selected for Protein A

OpenAIRE

Regina Stoltenburg; Beate Strehlitz

2018-01-01

New, as yet undiscovered aptamers for Protein A were identified by applying next generation sequencing (NGS) to a previously selected aptamer pool. This pool was obtained in a classical SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) experiment using the FluMag-SELEX procedure followed by cloning and Sanger sequencing. PA#2/8 was identified as the only Protein A-binding aptamer from the Sanger sequence pool, and was shown to be able to bind intact cells of Staphylococcus aur...

Supraspinatus tendon tears at 3.0 T shoulder MR arthrography: diagnosis with 3D isotropic turbo spin-echo SPACE sequence versus 2D conventional sequences

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jung, Joon-Yong; Jee, Won-Hee; Park, Michael Y.; Lee, So-Yeon [Seoul St. Mary' s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Department of Radiology, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Yang-Soo [Seoul St. Mary' s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2012-11-15

To assess the diagnostic performance of shoulder MR arthrography with 3D isotropic fat-suppressed (FS) turbo spin-echo sequence (TSE-SPACE) for supraspinatus tendon tears in comparison with 2D conventional sequences at 3.0 T. The study was HIPAA-compliant and approved by the institutional review board with a waiver of informed consent. Eighty-seven arthroscopically confirmed patients who underwent 3.0 T shoulder MR arthrography with 2D sequences and 3D TSE-SPACE were included in a consecutive fashion from March 2009 to February 2010. Two reviewers independently analyzed 2D sequences and 3D TSE-SPACE. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and interobserver agreement ({kappa}) were compared between 2D sequences and 3D TSE-SPACE for full-thickness and partial-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears together and for partial-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears alone. There were 33 full-thickness tears and 28 partial-thickness tears of supraspinatus tendons. For full-thickness and partial-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears together, the mean sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of both readers were 96, 92, and 94% on 2D sequences and 91, 84, and 89% on 3D TSE-SPACE. For partial-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears alone, the mean sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 95, 92, and 94% on 2D sequences and 84, 85, and 84% on 3D TSE-SPACE. There was no statistical difference between 2D sequences and 3D TSE-SPACE. Interobserver agreements were almost perfect on 2D conventional sequences and substantial on 3D TSE-SPACE. Compared with 2D conventional sequences, MR arthrography using 3D TSE-SPACE was comparable for diagnosing supraspinatus tendon tears despite limitations in detecting small partial-thickness tears and in discriminating between full-thickness and deep partial-thickness tears. (orig.)

Supraspinatus tendon tears at 3.0 T shoulder MR arthrography: diagnosis with 3D isotropic turbo spin-echo SPACE sequence versus 2D conventional sequences

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jung, Joon-Yong; Jee, Won-Hee; Park, Michael Y.; Lee, So-Yeon; Kim, Yang-Soo

2012-01-01

To assess the diagnostic performance of shoulder MR arthrography with 3D isotropic fat-suppressed (FS) turbo spin-echo sequence (TSE-SPACE) for supraspinatus tendon tears in comparison with 2D conventional sequences at 3.0 T. The study was HIPAA-compliant and approved by the institutional review board with a waiver of informed consent. Eighty-seven arthroscopically confirmed patients who underwent 3.0 T shoulder MR arthrography with 2D sequences and 3D TSE-SPACE were included in a consecutive fashion from March 2009 to February 2010. Two reviewers independently analyzed 2D sequences and 3D TSE-SPACE. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and interobserver agreement (κ) were compared between 2D sequences and 3D TSE-SPACE for full-thickness and partial-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears together and for partial-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears alone. There were 33 full-thickness tears and 28 partial-thickness tears of supraspinatus tendons. For full-thickness and partial-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears together, the mean sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of both readers were 96, 92, and 94% on 2D sequences and 91, 84, and 89% on 3D TSE-SPACE. For partial-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears alone, the mean sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 95, 92, and 94% on 2D sequences and 84, 85, and 84% on 3D TSE-SPACE. There was no statistical difference between 2D sequences and 3D TSE-SPACE. Interobserver agreements were almost perfect on 2D conventional sequences and substantial on 3D TSE-SPACE. Compared with 2D conventional sequences, MR arthrography using 3D TSE-SPACE was comparable for diagnosing supraspinatus tendon tears despite limitations in detecting small partial-thickness tears and in discriminating between full-thickness and deep partial-thickness tears. (orig.)

The SOGS-RA vs. the MAGS-7: prevalence estimates and classification congruence.

Science.gov (United States)

Langhinrichsen-Rohling, Jennifer; Rohling, Martin L; Rohde, Paul; Seeley, John R

2004-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence rate estimates and congruence in classification status derived from two popular measures of adolescent gambling (SOGS-RA and MAGS-7). Adolescents from three states (Alabama, Mississippi, and Oregon) completed an anonymous questionnaire ( n =1846 high school students total). Results indicate that the prevalence of probable adolescent pathological gambling varied both as a function of instrument and cut-off point utilized for classification (range 1.7%-8.2%). Classification groups (non-problem, at-risk, and problem gamblers) generated by both instruments were found to be associated with reports of gambling frequency, amount of money lost in one gambling occasion, and parental gambling problems. However, concern was raised because the MAGS-7 and the SOGS-RA had little congruence in their three-group classification decisions for specific individuals (e.g., only 20.5% agreement for problem gamblers). To improve clinical utility, an empirical case was made for using the SOGS-RA to generate a fourth group of adolescent gamblers, which we labeled "probable pathological gamblers" (SOGS-RA > or = 6). This group was differentiated from the remaining gambling groups on all the validity indices. The implications and limitations of these findings, as well as future directions, are discussed.

Determination of nuclear moments and nuclear radii changes of the metastable silverisotopes sup(108m)Ag and sup(110m)Ag from the hyperfine structure of silver-I-resonance lines

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Meier, T.

1973-01-01

The hyperfine structure of the resonance lines of the metastable silver isotopes sup(108m), sup(110m)Ag were investigated by means of optical interference spectroscopy. Both radioactive silver isotopes were obtained by irradiating isotope-pure 107 Ag or 109 Ag with neutrons in the reactor. In spite of the slight enrichment of the isotopes to be investigated compared to the stable isotopes ( [de

Sim3C: simulation of Hi-C and Meta3C proximity ligation sequencing technologies.

Science.gov (United States)

DeMaere, Matthew Z; Darling, Aaron E

2018-02-01

Chromosome conformation capture (3C) and Hi-C DNA sequencing methods have rapidly advanced our understanding of the spatial organization of genomes and metagenomes. Many variants of these protocols have been developed, each with their own strengths. Currently there is no systematic means for simulating sequence data from this family of sequencing protocols, potentially hindering the advancement of algorithms to exploit this new datatype. We describe a computational simulator that, given simple parameters and reference genome sequences, will simulate Hi-C sequencing on those sequences. The simulator models the basic spatial structure in genomes that is commonly observed in Hi-C and 3C datasets, including the distance-decay relationship in proximity ligation, differences in the frequency of interaction within and across chromosomes, and the structure imposed by cells. A means to model the 3D structure of randomly generated topologically associating domains is provided. The simulator considers several sources of error common to 3C and Hi-C library preparation and sequencing methods, including spurious proximity ligation events and sequencing error. We have introduced the first comprehensive simulator for 3C and Hi-C sequencing protocols. We expect the simulator to have use in testing of Hi-C data analysis algorithms, as well as more general value for experimental design, where questions such as the required depth of sequencing, enzyme choice, and other decisions can be made in advance in order to ensure adequate statistical power with respect to experimental hypothesis testing.

Automated Extraction of Genomic DNA from Medically Important Yeast Species and Filamentous Fungi by Using the MagNA Pure LC System

OpenAIRE

Loeffler, Juergen; Schmidt, Kathrin; Hebart, Holger; Schumacher, Ulrike; Einsele, Hermann

2002-01-01

A fully automated assay was established for the extraction of DNA from clinically important fungi by using the MagNA Pure LC instrument. The test was evaluated by DNA isolation from 23 species of yeast and filamentous fungi and by extractions (n = 28) of serially diluted Aspergillus fumigatus conidia (105 to 0 CFU/ml). Additionally, DNA from 67 clinical specimens was extracted and compared to the manual protocol. The detection limit of the MagNA Pure LC assay of 10 CFU corresponded to the sen...

Quantitative analysis of infantile ureteropelvic junction obstruction by diuretic renography

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ueno, Shigeru; Suzuki, Yutaka; Murakami, Takeshi; Yokoyama, Seishichi; Hirakawa, Hitoshi; Tajima, Tomoo; Makuuchi, Hiroyasu [Tokai Univ., Isehara, Kanagawa (Japan). School of Medicine

2001-04-01

Infantile hydronephrosis detected by ultrasonography poses a clinical dilemma on how to treat the condition. This article reports a retrospective study to evaluate infantile hydronephrosis due to suspected ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction by means of standardized diuretic renography and to speculate its usefulness for quantitative assessment and management of this condition. Between November 1992 and July 1999, 43 patients who had the disease detected in their fetal or infantile period were submitted to this study. Standardized diuretic renograms were obtained with {sup 99m}Tc-labeled diethylene-triaminepenta-acetate (Tc-99m-DTPA) or {sup 99m}Tc-labeled mercaptoacetyl triglycine (Tc-99m-MAG3) as radiopharmaceuticals. Drainage half-time clearance (T 1/2) of the activity at each region of interest set to encompass the entire kidney and the dilated pelvis was used as an index of quantitative analysis of UPJ obstruction. Initial T 1/2s of 32 kidneys with suspected UPJ obstruction were significantly longer than those of 37 without obstruction. T 1/2s of kidneys which had undergone pyeloplasty decreased promptly after surgery whereas those of units followed up without surgery decreased more sluggishly. These findings demonstrate that a standardized diuretic renographic analysis with T 1/2 can reliably assess infantile hydronephrosis with UPJ obstruction and be helpful in making a decision on surgical intervention. (author)

Quantitative analysis of infantile ureteropelvic junction obstruction by diuretic renography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ueno, Shigeru; Suzuki, Yutaka; Murakami, Takeshi; Yokoyama, Seishichi; Hirakawa, Hitoshi; Tajima, Tomoo; Makuuchi, Hiroyasu

2001-01-01

Infantile hydronephrosis detected by ultrasonography poses a clinical dilemma on how to treat the condition. This article reports a retrospective study to evaluate infantile hydronephrosis due to suspected ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction by means of standardized diuretic renography and to speculate its usefulness for quantitative assessment and management of this condition. Between November 1992 and July 1999, 43 patients who had the disease detected in their fetal or infantile period were submitted to this study. Standardized diuretic renograms were obtained with 99m Tc-labeled diethylene-triaminepenta-acetate (Tc-99m-DTPA) or 99m Tc-labeled mercaptoacetyl triglycine (Tc-99m-MAG3) as radiopharmaceuticals. Drainage half-time clearance (T 1/2) of the activity at each region of interest set to encompass the entire kidney and the dilated pelvis was used as an index of quantitative analysis of UPJ obstruction. Initial T 1/2s of 32 kidneys with suspected UPJ obstruction were significantly longer than those of 37 without obstruction. T 1/2s of kidneys which had undergone pyeloplasty decreased promptly after surgery whereas those of units followed up without surgery decreased more sluggishly. These findings demonstrate that a standardized diuretic renographic analysis with T 1/2 can reliably assess infantile hydronephrosis with UPJ obstruction and be helpful in making a decision on surgical intervention. (author)

Implication of the cause of differences in 3D structures of proteins with high sequence identity based on analyses of amino acid sequences and 3D structures.

Science.gov (United States)

Matsuoka, Masanari; Sugita, Masatake; Kikuchi, Takeshi

2014-09-18

Proteins that share a high sequence homology while exhibiting drastically different 3D structures are investigated in this study. Recently, artificial proteins related to the sequences of the GA and IgG binding GB domains of human serum albumin have been designed. These artificial proteins, referred to as GA and GB, share 98% amino acid sequence identity but exhibit different 3D structures, namely, a 3α bundle versus a 4β + α structure. Discriminating between their 3D structures based on their amino acid sequences is a very difficult problem. In the present work, in addition to using bioinformatics techniques, an analysis based on inter-residue average distance statistics is used to address this problem. It was hard to distinguish which structure a given sequence would take only with the results of ordinary analyses like BLAST and conservation analyses. However, in addition to these analyses, with the analysis based on the inter-residue average distance statistics and our sequence tendency analysis, we could infer which part would play an important role in its structural formation. The results suggest possible determinants of the different 3D structures for sequences with high sequence identity. The possibility of discriminating between the 3D structures based on the given sequences is also discussed.

Discovery of three x-ray luminous pre-main-sequence stars

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Feigelson, E.D.; Kriss, G.A.

1981-01-01

Three X-ray sources found serendipitously in Einstein images of the Taurus-Auriga cloud complex were observed at the McGraw-Hill Observatory and are found to be associated with approx.12 mag stars with weak Hα emission. The stars lie on the edges of dark clouds and are spectroscopically similar to the least active emission-line pre-main-sequence stars. Although they lie well above the ZAMS in the H-R diagram, they do not exhibit ultraviolet excess, strong optical variability, or evidence for mass outflow/inflow characteristics of the more active T Tauri stars. Their only unusual property is high X-ray luminosity (approx.10 30 ergs s1). It is suggested that the X-ray emission from pre-main-sequence stars is not closely linked to the conditions giving rise to their unusual spectroscopic properties. The emission may instead represent an enhanced form of the coronal activity producing X-rays observed in late-type main-sequence stars

Controllable synthesis and characterization of Fe3O4/Au composite nanoparticles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xing, Yan; Jin, Yan-Yan; Si, Jian-Chao; Peng, Ming-Li; Wang, Xiao-Fang; Chen, Chao; Cui, Ya-Li

2015-01-01

Fe 3 O 4 /Au composite nanoparticles (GoldMag NPs) have received considerable attention because of their advantageous properties arisen from both individual Au and Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles. Many efforts have been devoted to the synthesis of these composite nanoparticles. Herein, GoldMag NPs were reported to be synthesized by two-step method. Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were prepared by co-precipitation and modified by the citric acid, and then citric acid-coated Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were used as seeds in sodium citrate solution to reduce the HAuCl 4 . The size of obtained nanoparticles was geared from 25 to 300 nm by controlling the concentration of reactants. The GoldMag NPs were characterized by UV–vis spectrometer, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The GoldMag NPs showed good superparamagnetism at room temperature and were well dispersed in water with surface plasmon resonance absorption peak varied from 538 nm to 570 nm. - Highlights: • A low cost, simple manipulation and nontoxic approach was designed for preparation of magnetic Fe 3 O 4 /Au (GoldMag NPs) nanocomposites. • The size of GoldMag NPs could be controlled from 25 to 300 nm by varying the concentration of reactants. • GoldMag NPs possessed good magnetic response, high dispersion, and good stability

In silico Analysis of 3′-End-Processing Signals in Aspergillus oryzae Using Expressed Sequence Tags and Genomic Sequencing Data

Science.gov (United States)

Tanaka, Mizuki; Sakai, Yoshifumi; Yamada, Osamu; Shintani, Takahiro; Gomi, Katsuya

2011-01-01

To investigate 3′-end-processing signals in Aspergillus oryzae, we created a nucleotide sequence data set of the 3′-untranslated region (3′ UTR) plus 100 nucleotides (nt) sequence downstream of the poly(A) site using A. oryzae expressed sequence tags and genomic sequencing data. This data set comprised 1065 sequences derived from 1042 unique genes. The average 3′ UTR length in A. oryzae was 241 nt, which is greater than that in yeast but similar to that in plants. The 3′ UTR and 100 nt sequence downstream of the poly(A) site is notably U-rich, while the region located 15–30 nt upstream of the poly(A) site is markedly A-rich. The most frequently found hexanucleotide in this A-rich region is AAUGAA, although this sequence accounts for only 6% of all transcripts. These data suggested that A. oryzae has no highly conserved sequence element equivalent to AAUAAA, a mammalian polyadenylation signal. We identified that putative 3′-end-processing signals in A. oryzae, while less well conserved than those in mammals, comprised four sequence elements: the furthest upstream U-rich element, A-rich sequence, cleavage site, and downstream U-rich element flanking the cleavage site. Although these putative 3′-end-processing signals are similar to those in yeast and plants, some notable differences exist between them. PMID:21586533

AZ-2000-IECW and StaMet Black Kapton Options for Solar Probe Plus MAG Sensor MLI Kevlar/Polyimide Shells

Science.gov (United States)

Choi, Michael K.

2017-01-01

AZ-2000-IECW white paint and StaMet black Kapton have been evaluated for the Kevlar/polyimide shells that enclose the Solar Probe Plus Magnetometer (MAG) sensors and multilayer insulation. Flight qualification testing on AZ-2000-IECW painted Kevlar/polyimide laminate was completed at Goddard Space Flight Center. This paint potentially meets all the requirements. However, it has no flight heritage. StaMet is hotter in the sun, and is specular. The results of the MAG thermal balance test show StaMet meets the thermal requirement and heater power budget. The mission prefers to fly StaMet after evaluating the risks of AZ-2000-IECW flaking and glint from StaMet to the Star Trackers.

A comparison of 454 sequencing and clonal sequencing for the characterization of hepatitis C virus NS3 variants

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Ho, Cynthia K. Y.; Welkers, Matthijs R. A.; Thomas, Xiomara V.; Sullivan, James C.; Kieffer, Tara L.; Reesink, Henk W.; Rebers, Sjoerd P. H.; de Jong, Menno D.; Schinkel, Janke; Molenkamp, Richard

2015-01-01

We compared 454 amplicon sequencing with clonal sequencing for the characterization of intra-host hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 variants. Clonal and 454 sequences were obtained from 12 patients enrolled in a clinical phase I study for telaprevir, an NS3-4a protease inhibitor. Thirty-nine datasets were

MagRad: A code to optimize the operation of superconducting magnets in a radiation environment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yeaw, C.T.

1995-01-01

A powerful computational tool, called MagRad, has been developed which optimizes magnet design for operation in radiation fields. Specifically, MagRad has been used for the analysis and design modification of the cable-in-conduit conductors of the TF magnet systems in fusion reactor designs. Since the TF magnets must operate in a radiation environment which damages the material components of the conductor and degrades their performance, the optimization of conductor design must account not only for start-up magnet performance, but also shut-down performance. The degradation in performance consists primarily of three effects: reduced stability margin of the conductor; a transition out of the well-cooled operating regime; and an increased maximum quench temperature attained in the conductor. Full analysis of the magnet performance over the lifetime of the reactor includes: radiation damage to the conductor, stability, protection, steady state heat removal, shielding effectiveness, optimal annealing schedules, and finally costing of the magnet and reactor. Free variables include primary and secondary conductor geometric and compositional parameters, as well as fusion reactor parameters. A means of dealing with the radiation damage to the conductor, namely high temperature superconductor anneals, is proposed, examined, and demonstrated to be both technically feasible and cost effective. Additionally, two relevant reactor designs (ITER CDA and ARIES-II/IV) have been analyzed. Upon addition of pure copper strands to the cable, the ITER CDA TF magnet design was found to be marginally acceptable, although much room for both performance improvement and cost reduction exists. A cost reduction of 10-15% of the capital cost of the reactor can be achieved by adopting a suitable superconductor annealing schedule. In both of these reactor analyses, the performance predictive capability of MagRad and its associated costing techniques have been demonstrated

MRI of the cervical spine with 3D gradient echo sequence at 3 T: initial experience

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xiao, L.; Siu, C.W.J.; Yeung, K.; Leung, A.; Yuen, M.K.; Wong, Y.C.

2015-01-01

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare three-dimensional (3D) high resolution T2*-weighted gradient echo (3D FFE) magnetic resonance (MR) sequence with conventional 2D T2-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE) MR sequence for imaging of the cervical spine, especially to assess the detectability of the internal anatomy of the cervical spinal cord, i.e. to distinguish the grey and white matter. Methods: Fifteen volunteers were examined at 3.0T MR unit. Signal-to-noise (SNR), contrast-to-noise (CNR) and image homogeneity were evaluated. In the visual analysis, the visibility of anatomical structures of the cervical spine and artifacts were assessed. The nonparametric method of paired sample t-test was adopted to evaluate the differences between the sequences. Results: The 3D FFE sequence provided better results for CNR, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) versus white matter, grey matter, disk and bone. Moreover, it yielded good results for the CNR grey matter versus white matter. The butterfly-shaped “H” is clearly displayed in the 3D FFE sequence. The statistical analysis revealed the statistically significant difference between the 2D TSE and 3D FFE sequences for the contrast of CSF versus spinal cord (both grey matter and white matter). Conclusion: The 3D FFE sequence in MR imaging of the cervical spinal cord is superior in delineation of spinal cord anatomical structures compared to 2D TSE sequence. -- Highlights: •We investigate the potential of 3D FFE sequence to distinguish the grey-white of the cervical spinal cord at 3T MRI system. •We optimized The 3D FFE sequence was optimized to increase the grey-white contrast. •Utilizing medium TE for T2W and the shortest TR for reduction of susceptibility related artifacts and motion artefacts. •This technique may increase the confidence in the diagnosis of disease with the improved delineation of cord anatomy

Accumulation of radioactive corrosion products on steel surfaces of VVER type nuclear reactors. I. 110mAg

CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

Hirschberg, G

1999-03-01

Full Text Available contaminants in the passive layer formed on austenitic stainless steel. In the first part of the series the accumulation of 110mAg has been investigated. Potential dependent sorption of Ag+. ions (cementation) is found to be the predominant process...

Um critério para determinar a regulagem da tensão em soldagem MIG/MAG por curto-circuito A criterion to determine voltage setting in short-circuit GMAW

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gabriel Maradei Carneiro de Rezende

2011-06-01

Full Text Available Este trabalho apresenta um estudo exploratório sobre um critério denominado "Critério Laprosolda para Estabilidade de Transferência em MIG/MAG com curto-circuito", o qual tem por finalidade uma análise quantitativa da regularidade da transferência metálica para regulagem de parâmetros para soldagem MIG/MAG por curto circuito convencional. Inicialmente é apresentado o embasamento para elaboração deste critério. A avaliação da confiabilidade do mesmo foi feita por meio de soldagens e comparações dos resultados com o rendimento de deposição e com as características geométricas do cordão de solda. Para isto, chapas de teste com 3,18 mm de espessura e abertura de raiz de 1 mm entre elas foram soldadas, dentro dos mesmos parâmetros de corrente e velocidade de alimentação, usando arame AWS ER70S-6 de 1,2 mm de diâmetro protegido pela mistura Argônio 85% - Dióxido de Carbono 15%. Para atender a relação proposta, varreu-se a regulagem de tensões de soldagem desde valores muito baixos até muito altos para o que se esperava para esta condição de soldagem. Os resultados confirmam a efetividade do "Índice de Regularidade" como meio de avaliar regulagens de soldagem MIG/MAG visando minimizar respingos e otimizar o acabamento do cordão.This paper presents an exploratory study on a criterion called "Criterion for Stability Laprosolda Transfer in MIG / MAG with short circuit", which aims at a quantitative analysis of the regularity of metal transfer for setting parameters for MIG / MAG conventional in short circuit. Initially it is stated the foundation for development of this criterion. The evaluation of that was made by welding and comparisons of results with the efficiency of deposition and the geometric characteristics of the weld bead. For this, the test plates with 3.18 mm thick and 1 mm gap between them was welded in the same range of current and feeding speed, using wire AWS ER70S-6 1.2 mm of diameter protected by the

Substrate sequence selectivity of APOBEC3A implicates intra-DNA interactions.

Science.gov (United States)

Silvas, Tania V; Hou, Shurong; Myint, Wazo; Nalivaika, Ellen; Somasundaran, Mohan; Kelch, Brian A; Matsuo, Hiroshi; Kurt Yilmaz, Nese; Schiffer, Celia A

2018-05-14

The APOBEC3 (A3) family of human cytidine deaminases is renowned for providing a first line of defense against many exogenous and endogenous retroviruses. However, the ability of these proteins to deaminate deoxycytidines in ssDNA makes A3s a double-edged sword. When overexpressed, A3s can mutate endogenous genomic DNA resulting in a variety of cancers. Although the sequence context for mutating DNA varies among A3s, the mechanism for substrate sequence specificity is not well understood. To characterize substrate specificity of A3A, a systematic approach was used to quantify the affinity for substrate as a function of sequence context, length, secondary structure, and solution pH. We identified the A3A ssDNA binding motif as (T/C)TC(A/G), which correlated with enzymatic activity. We also validated that A3A binds RNA in a sequence specific manner. A3A bound tighter to substrate binding motif within a hairpin loop compared to linear oligonucleotide, suggesting A3A affinity is modulated by substrate structure. Based on these findings and previously published A3A-ssDNA co-crystal structures, we propose a new model with intra-DNA interactions for the molecular mechanism underlying A3A sequence preference. Overall, the sequence and structural preferences identified for A3A leads to a new paradigm for identifying A3A's involvement in mutation of endogenous or exogenous DNA.

75 FR 3253 - Lamb Assembly and Test, LLC, Subsidiary of Mag Industrial Automation Systems, Machesney Park, IL...

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-20

... DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment and Training Administration [TA-W-70,516] Lamb Assembly and Test, LLC, Subsidiary of Mag Industrial Automation Systems, Machesney Park, IL; Notice of Negative... workers of Lamb Technicon, a division of Unova, Warren, Michigan and Lake Orion, Michigan were previously...

Comparing an accelerated 3D fast spin-echo sequence (CS-SPACE) for knee 3-T magnetic resonance imaging with traditional 3D fast spin-echo (SPACE) and routine 2D sequences

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Altahawi, Faysal F.; Blount, Kevin J.; Omar, Imran M. [Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Chicago, IL (United States); Morley, Nicholas P. [Marshfield Clinic, Department of Radiology, Marshfield, WI (United States); Raithel, Esther [Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Erlangen (Germany)

2017-01-15

To compare a faster, new, high-resolution accelerated 3D-fast-spin-echo (3D-FSE) acquisition sequence (CS-SPACE) to traditional 2D and high-resolution 3D sequences for knee 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Twenty patients received knee MRIs that included routine 2D (T1, PD ± FS, T2-FS; 0.5 x 0.5 x 3 mm{sup 3}; ∝10 min), traditional 3D FSE (SPACE-PD-FS; 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 mm{sup 3}; ∝7.5 min), and accelerated 3D-FSE prototype (CS-SPACE-PD-FS; 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 mm{sup 3}; ∝5 min) acquisitions on a 3-T MRI system (Siemens MAGNETOM Skyra). Three musculoskeletal radiologists (MSKRs) prospectively and independently reviewed the studies with graded surveys comparing image and diagnostic quality. Tissue-specific signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) were also compared. MSKR-perceived diagnostic quality of cartilage was significantly higher for CS-SPACE than for SPACE and 2D sequences (p < 0.001). Assessment of diagnostic quality of menisci and synovial fluid was higher for CS-SPACE than for SPACE (p < 0.001). CS-SPACE was not significantly different from SPACE but had lower assessments than 2D sequences for evaluation of bones, ligaments, muscles, and fat (p ≤ 0.004). 3D sequences had higher spatial resolution, but lower overall assessed contrast (p < 0.001). Overall image quality from CS-SPACE was assessed as higher than SPACE (p = 0.007), but lower than 2D sequences (p < 0.001). Compared to SPACE, CS-SPACE had higher fluid SNR and CNR against all other tissues (all p < 0.001). The CS-SPACE prototype allows for faster isotropic acquisitions of knee MRIs over currently used protocols. High fluid-to-cartilage CNR and higher spatial resolution over routine 2D sequences may present a valuable role for CS-SPACE in the evaluation of cartilage and menisci. (orig.)

Detection of Aspergillus fumigatus pulmonary fungal infections in mice with 99mTc-labeled MORF oligomers targeting ribosomal RNA

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang Yuzhen; Chen Ling; Liu Xinrong; Cheng Dengfeng; Liu Guozheng; Liu Yuxia; Dou Shuping; Hnatowich, Donald J.; Rusckowski, Mary

2013-01-01

Purpose: Invasive aspergillosis is a major cause of infectious morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. The fungus Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) is the primary causative agent of invasive aspergillosis. However, A. fumigatus infections remain difficult to diagnose particularly in the early stages due to the lack of a rapid, sensitive and specific diagnostic approach. In this study, we investigated 99m Tc labeled MORF oligomers targeting fungal ribosomal RNA (rRNA) for the imaging detection of fungal infections. Procedures: Three phosphorodiamidate morpholino (MORF) oligomer (a DNA analogue) probes were designed: AGEN, complementary to a sequence of the fungal 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) of Aspergillus, as a genus-specific probe; AFUM, complementary to the 28S rRNA sequence of A. fumigatus, as a fungus species-specific probe; and cMORF, irrelevant to all fungal species, as a control probe. The probes were conjugated with Alexa Fluor 633 carboxylic acid succinimidyl ester (AF633) for fluorescence imaging or with NHS-mercaptoacetyl triglycine (NHS-MAG3) for nuclear imaging with 99m Tc and then evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Results: The specific binding of AGEN and AFUM to fungal total RNA was confirmed by dot blot hybridization while specific binding of AGEN and AFUM in fixed and live A. fumigatus was demonstrated by both fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis and accumulation in live cells. SPECT imaging of BALB/c mice with pulmonary A. fumigatus infections and administered 99m Tc labeled AGEN and AFUM showed immediate and obvious accumulation in the infected lungs, while no significant accumulation of the control 99m Tc-cMORF in the infected lung was observed. Compared to non-infected mice, with sacrifice at 1 h, the accumulation of 99m Tc-AGEN and 99m Tc-AFUM in the lungs of mice infected with A. fumigatus was 2 and 2.7 fold higher respectively. Conclusions: In vivo targeting fungal ribosomal RNA with 99m Tc labeled MORF probes AGEN

3D-Flair sequence at 3T in cochlear otosclerosis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lombardo, Francesco; De Cori, Sara; Aghakhanyan, Gayane; Montanaro, Domenico; De Marchi, Daniele; Frijia, Francesca; Canapicchi, Raffaello; Fortunato, Susanna; Forli, Francesca; Berrettini, Stefano; Chiappino, Dante

2016-01-01

To assess the capability of three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) sequences in detecting signal alterations of the endolabyrinthine fluid in patients with otosclerosis. 3D-FLAIR before and after (-/+) gadolinium (Gd) administration was added to the standard MR protocol and acquired in 13 patients with a clinical/audiological diagnosis of severe/profound hearing loss in otosclerosis who were candidates for cochlear implantation and in 11 control subjects using 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment. The MRI signal of the fluid-filled cochlea was assessed both visually and calculating the signal intensity ratio (SIR = signal intensity cochlea/brainstem). We revealed no endocochlear signal abnormalities on T1-weighted -/+ Gd images for either group, while on 3D-FLAIR we found bilateral hyperintensity with enhancement after Gd administration in eight patients and bilateral hyperintensity without enhancement in one patient. No endocochlear signal abnormalities were detected in other patients or the control group. Using 3-T MRI equipment, the 3D-FLAIR -/+ Gd sequence is able to detect the blood-labyrinth barrier (BLB) breakdown responsible for alterations of the endolabyrinthine fluid in patients with cochlear otosclerosis. We believe that 3D-FLAIR +/- Gd is an excellent imaging modality to assess the intra-cochlear damage in otosclerosis patients. (orig.)

3D-Flair sequence at 3T in cochlear otosclerosis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lombardo, Francesco; De Cori, Sara; Aghakhanyan, Gayane; Montanaro, Domenico; De Marchi, Daniele; Frijia, Francesca; Canapicchi, Raffaello [Fondazione CNR Regione Toscana ' ' G. Monasterio' ' , Neuroradiology Unit, Pisa (Italy); Fortunato, Susanna; Forli, Francesca; Berrettini, Stefano [University of Pisa, ENT Audiology Phoniatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Pisa (Italy); Chiappino, Dante [Fondazione CNR Regione Toscana ' ' G. Monasterio' ' , Department of Radiology, Massa (Italy)

2016-10-15

To assess the capability of three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) sequences in detecting signal alterations of the endolabyrinthine fluid in patients with otosclerosis. 3D-FLAIR before and after (-/+) gadolinium (Gd) administration was added to the standard MR protocol and acquired in 13 patients with a clinical/audiological diagnosis of severe/profound hearing loss in otosclerosis who were candidates for cochlear implantation and in 11 control subjects using 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment. The MRI signal of the fluid-filled cochlea was assessed both visually and calculating the signal intensity ratio (SIR = signal intensity cochlea/brainstem). We revealed no endocochlear signal abnormalities on T1-weighted -/+ Gd images for either group, while on 3D-FLAIR we found bilateral hyperintensity with enhancement after Gd administration in eight patients and bilateral hyperintensity without enhancement in one patient. No endocochlear signal abnormalities were detected in other patients or the control group. Using 3-T MRI equipment, the 3D-FLAIR -/+ Gd sequence is able to detect the blood-labyrinth barrier (BLB) breakdown responsible for alterations of the endolabyrinthine fluid in patients with cochlear otosclerosis. We believe that 3D-FLAIR +/- Gd is an excellent imaging modality to assess the intra-cochlear damage in otosclerosis patients. (orig.)

Protein 3D structure computed from evolutionary sequence variation.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Debora S Marks

Full Text Available The evolutionary trajectory of a protein through sequence space is constrained by its function. Collections of sequence homologs record the outcomes of millions of evolutionary experiments in which the protein evolves according to these constraints. Deciphering the evolutionary record held in these sequences and exploiting it for predictive and engineering purposes presents a formidable challenge. The potential benefit of solving this challenge is amplified by the advent of inexpensive high-throughput genomic sequencing.In this paper we ask whether we can infer evolutionary constraints from a set of sequence homologs of a protein. The challenge is to distinguish true co-evolution couplings from the noisy set of observed correlations. We address this challenge using a maximum entropy model of the protein sequence, constrained by the statistics of the multiple sequence alignment, to infer residue pair couplings. Surprisingly, we find that the strength of these inferred couplings is an excellent predictor of residue-residue proximity in folded structures. Indeed, the top-scoring residue couplings are sufficiently accurate and well-distributed to define the 3D protein fold with remarkable accuracy.We quantify this observation by computing, from sequence alone, all-atom 3D structures of fifteen test proteins from different fold classes, ranging in size from 50 to 260 residues, including a G-protein coupled receptor. These blinded inferences are de novo, i.e., they do not use homology modeling or sequence-similar fragments from known structures. The co-evolution signals provide sufficient information to determine accurate 3D protein structure to 2.7-4.8 Å C(α-RMSD error relative to the observed structure, over at least two-thirds of the protein (method called EVfold, details at http://EVfold.org. This discovery provides insight into essential interactions constraining protein evolution and will facilitate a comprehensive survey of the universe of

MAG narrow gap welding - an economic way to minimize welding expenses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kast, W.; Scholz, E.; Weyland, F.

1982-01-01

The thicker structural components are, the more important it is to take measures to reduce the volume of the weld. The welding process requiring the smallest possible weld section is the so-called narrow gap process. In submerged arc narrow gap welding as well as in MAG narrow gap welding different variants are imaginable, some of them already in practical use. With regard to efficiency and weld quality an optimum variant of the MAG narrow gap welding process is described. It constitutes a two wire system in which two wire electrodes of 1.2 mm diameter are arranged one behind the other. In order to avoid lack of fusion, the wire guides are slightly pointed towards each groove face. Thus, by inclining the two arcs burning one behind the other in the direction of weld progress, it is achieved that two separately solidifying weld pools and two beads per layer are simultaneously formed. Welding parameters are selected in such a way that a heat input of 16-20 kJ/cm and a deposition rate of 11-16 kgs/h are obtained. In spite of this comparatively high deposition rate, good impact values are found both in the weld and HAZ (largely reduced coarse-grain zone) which is due to an optimum weld build-up. With the available welding equipment the process can be applied to structural members having a thickness of 40-400 mm. The width of gap is 13 mm (root section) with a bevel angle of 1 0 . As filler metal, basic flux-cored wires are used which, depending on the base metal to be welded and the required tensile properties, can be of the Mn-, MnMo-, MnCrMo-, MnNi-, or MnNiMo-alloyed types. (orig.)

3D MR cisternography to identify distal dural rings. Comparison of 3D-CISS and 3D-SPACE sequences

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Watanabe, Yoshiyuki; Makidono, Akari; Nakamura, Miho; Saida, Yukihisa

2011-01-01

The distal dural ring (DDR) is an anatomical landmark used to distinguish intra- and extradural aneurysms. We investigated identification of the DDR using 2 three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) cisternography sequences-3D constructive interference in steady state (CISS) and 3D sampling perfection with application optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolutions (SPACE)-at 3.0 tesla. Ten healthy adult volunteers underwent imaging with 3D-CISS, 3D-SPACE, and time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography (TOF-MRA) sequences at 3.0T. We analyzed DDR identification and internal carotid artery (ICA) signal intensity and classified the shape of the carotid cave. We identified the DDR using both 3D-SPACE and 3D-CISS, with no significant difference between the sequences. Visualization of the outline of the ICA in the cavernous sinus (CS) was significantly clearer with 3D-SPACE than 3D-CISS. In the CS and petrous portions, signal intensity was lower with 3D-SPACE, and the flow void was poor with 3D-CISS in some subjects. We identified the DDR with both 3D-SPACE and 3D-CISS, but the superior contrast of the ICA in the CS using 3D-SPACE suggests the superiority of this sequence for evaluating the DDR. (author)

A simple method for determining split renal function from dynamic {sup 99m}Tc-MAG3 scintigraphic data

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wesolowski, Michal J.; Watson, Gage; Wanasundara, Surajith N.; Babyn, Paul [University of Saskatchewan, Department of Medical Imaging, Saskatoon, SK (Canada); Conrad, Gary R. [University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Lexington, KY (United States); Samal, Martin [Charles University Prague and the General University Hospital in Prague, Department of Nuclear Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Praha 2 (Czech Republic); Wesolowski, Carl A. [University of Saskatchewan, Department of Medical Imaging, Saskatoon, SK (Canada); Memorial University of Newfoundland, Department of Radiology, St. John' s, NL (Canada)

2016-03-15

Commonly used methods for determining split renal function (SRF) from dynamic scintigraphic data require extrarenal background subtraction and additional correction for intrarenal vascular activity. The use of these additional regions of interest (ROIs) can produce inaccurate results and be challenging, e.g. if the heart is out of the camera field of view. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new method for determining SRF called the blood pool compensation (BPC) technique, which is simple to implement, does not require extrarenal background correction and intrinsically corrects for intrarenal vascular activity. In the BPC method SRF is derived from a parametric plot of the curves generated by one blood-pool and two renal ROIs. Data from 107 patients who underwent {sup 99m}Tc-MAG3 scintigraphy were used to determine SRF values. Values calculated using the BPC method were compared to those obtained with the integral (IN) and Patlak-Rutland (PR) techniques using Bland-Altman plotting and Passing-Bablok regression. The interobserver variability of the BPC technique was also assessed for two observers. The SRF values obtained with the BPC method did not differ significantly from those obtained with the PR method and showed no consistent bias, while SRF values obtained with the IN method showed significant differences with some bias in comparison to those obtained with either the PR or BPC method. No significant interobserver variability was found between two observers calculating SRF using the BPC method. The BPC method requires only three ROIs to produce reliable estimates of SRF, was simple to implement, and in this study yielded statistically equivalent results to the PR method with appreciable interobserver agreement. As such, it adds a new reliable method for quality control of monitoring relative kidney function. (orig.)

Modifications of Atlantic salmon by-product oil for obtaining different ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids concentrates: An approach to comparative analysis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Monjurul Haq

2018-04-01

Full Text Available Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs rich 2-monoacylglycerols (2-MAG, omega-3 polyunsaturated free fatty acids (ω-3 PUFFAs concentrate, and PUFA enriched acylglycerols were prepared from salmon frame bone oil (SFBO by enzymatic alcoholysis, urea complexation, and enzymatic esterification, respectively. The yields of 2-MAG, ω-3 PUFFAs concentrate, and PUFA enriched acylglycerols were 40.25, 16.52, and 15.65%, respectively. ω-3 PUFFAs concentrate and PUFA enriched acylglycerols showed darker red color than SFBO and 2-MAG due to aggregation of astaxanthin pigment in ω-3 PUFFAs concentrate during urea complexation. The viscosity and specific gravity of SFBO and PUFA enriched acylglycerols showed similar values whereas 2-MAG and ω-3 PUFFAs showed significantly (p < 0.05 lower values. Stability parameters like acid value, peroxide value, free fatty acid value, and p-anisidine value of SFBO and ω-3 PUFAs concentrates were within acceptable limits except extreme high acid value and free fatty acid value of ω-3 PUFFAs concentrate. Thermogravimetric analysis showed similar and higher thermal stability of SFBO and PUFA enriched acylglycerols than 2-MAG and ω-3 PUFFAs concentrate. The ω-3 PUFAs content in 2-MAG, ω-3 PUFFAs concentrate, and PUFA enriched acylglycerols was increased to 20.81, 52.96, and 51.74% respectively from 13.54% in SFBO. ω-3 PUFFAs concentrate and PUFA enriched acylglycerols showed higher DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity than SFBO and 2-MAG. The results obtained from this study suggest the production of PUFA enriched acylglycerols rich in ω-3 PUFAs supplements from fish oil for human and pet animals. Keywords: Comparative analysis, ω-3 PUFFAs concentrate, Salmon frame bone oil, PUFA enriched acylglycerols, 2-MAG

Easy, fast and environmental friendly method for the simultaneous extraction of the 16 EPA PAHs using magnetic molecular imprinted polymers (mag-MIPs).

Science.gov (United States)

Villar-Navarro, Mercedes; Martín-Valero, María Jesús; Fernández-Torres, Rut Maria; Callejón-Mochón, Manuel; Bello-López, Miguel Ángel

2017-02-15

An easy and environmental friendly method, based on the use of magnetic molecular imprinted polymers (mag-MIPs) is proposed for the simultaneous extraction of the 16 U.S. EPA polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) priority pollutants. The mag-MIPs based extraction protocol is simple, more sensitive and low organic solvent consuming compared to official methods and also adequate for those PAHs more retained in the particulate matter. The new proposed extraction method followed by HPLC determination has been validated and applied to different types of water samples: tap water, river water, lake water and mineral water. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Controlled short-circuiting MIG-MAG welding process and procedures applied to the root pass in pipeline construction; Processo de soldagem MIG/MAG em curto-circuito controlado e procedimentos aplicados ao passe de raiz na construcao de linhas dutoviarias

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Silva, Regis H.G. e; Gohr Junior, Raul; Weck, Leonardo W.A. [Santa Catarina Univ., Florianopolis, SC (Brazil). Dept. de Engenharia Mecanica. Lab. de Soldagem e Mecatronica (LABSOLDA)

2005-07-01

The work deals with the study and development of the Controlled Short-Circuiting MIG/MAG Welding Process (CCC) and procedures for the root pass on pipes, in pipelines construction. The developed process (CCC) consists in an semi-automatic slag free operation, yielding higher productivity than the Coated Electrode and TIG processes, with satisfactory properties on the root weld. The significant influence of the welding over the time schedule and construction cost makes the development of this technology attractive, in order to become available at low cost, enhancing the companies' competitiveness in the globalized oil sector. The developed system, a MIG/MAG variant, features the advantages of short-circuiting metal transfer and avoids its inconveniences (mainly with high CO{sub 2} content gases), enabling its use on pipes root welding. This is possible through current waveform control, providing process and weld pool stability. Procedures for the root pass were determined for each of the welding positions reached in thick walled pipes welding, with the CCC. Also, the low welder training time was notable. (author)

Comparison of 3D turbo spin-echo SPACE sequences with conventional 2D MRI sequences to assess the shoulder joint

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kloth, Jost Karsten, E-mail: jost.kloth@med.uni-heidelberg.de [Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 110, D-69120 Heidelberg (Germany); Winterstein, Marianne, E-mail: marianne.winterstein@med.uni-heidelberg.de [Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 110, D-69120 Heidelberg (Germany); Akbar, Michael, E-mail: michael.akbar@med.uni-heidelberg.de [Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Schlierbacher Landstraße 200a, D-69118 Heidelberg (Germany); Meyer, Esther, E-mail: esther.meyer@siemens.com [Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen (Germany); Paul, Dominik, E-mail: dominik.paul@siemens.com [Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen (Germany); Kauczor, Haus-Ulrich, E-mail: hans-ulrich.kauczor@med.uni-heidelberg.de [Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 110, D-69120 Heidelberg (Germany); Weber, Marc-André, E-mail: marcandre.weber@med.uni-heidelberg.de [Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 110, D-69120 Heidelberg (Germany)

2014-10-15

Highlights: • 3D SPACE and conventional 2D TSE MRI for assessment of the shoulder joint were compared. • Concordance for most pathologys was substantial to almost perfect. • Examination time could be reduced up to 8 min (27%). • Regarding rotator cuff injuries an additional sagittal T2w TSE sequence in 3D protocol is recommended. - Abstract: Purpose: To determine the accuracy and reliability of three-dimensional (3D) T1- and proton density (PD)-weighted turbo spin-echo (TSE) sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using different flip-angle evolution (SPACE) compared with conventional 2D sequences in assessment of the shoulder-joint. Materials and methods: Ninety-three subjects were examined on a 3-T MRI system with both conventional 2D-TSE sequences in T1-, T2- and PD-weighting and 3D SPACE sequences in T1- and PD-weighting. All examinations were assessed independently by two reviewers for common pathologies of the shoulder-joint. Agreement between 2D- and 3D-sequences and inter-observer-agreement was evaluated using kappa-statistics. Results: Using conventional 2D TSE sequences as standard of reference, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy values of 3D SPACE were 81.8%, 95.1%, and 93.5% for injuries of the supraspinatus-tendon (SSP), 81.3%, 93.5%, and 91.4% for the cartilage layer and 82.4%, 98.5%, and 97.5% for the long biceps tendon. Concordance between 2D and 3D was almost perfect for tendinopathies of the SSP (κ = 0.85), osteoarthritis (κ = 1), luxation of the biceps tendon (κ = 1) and adjacent bone marrow (κ = 0.92). Inter-observer-agreement was generally higher for conventional 2D TSE sequences (κ, 0.23–1.0), when compared to 3D SPACE sequences (κ, −0.33 to 1.0) except for disorders of the long biceps tendon and supraspinatus tendon rupture. Conclusion: Because of substantial and almost perfect concordance with conventional 2D TSE sequences for common shoulder pathologies, MRI examination-time can be reduced by nearly 40

Magnetic flux and heat losses by diffusive, advective, and Nernst effects in MagLIF-like plasma

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Velikovich, A. L.; Giuliani, J. L.; Zalesak, S. T.

2014-01-01

The MagLIF approach to inertial confinement fusion involves subsonic/isobaric compression and heating of a DT plasma with frozen-in magnetic flux by a heavy cylindrical liner. The losses of heat and magnetic flux from the plasma to the liner are thereby determined by plasma advection and gradient-driven transport processes, such as thermal conductivity, magnetic field diffusion and thermomagnetic effects. Theoretical analysis based on obtaining exact self-similar solutions of the classical collisional Braginskii's plasma transport equations in one dimension demonstrates that the heat loss from the hot plasma to the cold liner is dominated by the transverse heat conduction and advection, and the corresponding loss of magnetic flux is dominated by advection and the Nernst effect. For a large electron Hall parameter ω e τ e effective diffusion coefficients determining the losses of heat and magnetic flux are both shown to decrease with ω e τ e as does the Bohm diffusion coefficient, which is commonly associated with low collisionality and two-dimensional transport. This family of exact solutions can be used for verification of codes that model the MagLIF plasma dynamics

Measurement of solute proton spin-lattice relaxation times in water using the 1,3,3,1 sequence

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sankar, S.S.; Mole, P.A.; Coulson, R.L.

1986-01-01

1 H NMR spin-lattice relaxation times (T1) of the N-CH3 proton resonances of phosphocreatine (PCr) and creatine (Cr) in water solutions were obtained using the 1,3,3,1 pulse sequence. These T1 values were equivalent to those obtained in D 2 O and water using either the conventional inversion-recovery experiment or the 1,3,3,1 pulse sequence. Thus, the 1,3,3,1 sequence of proton NMR can provide an independent means along with phosphorous NMR for assess PCr and for the study of the creatine kinase reaction (PCr + ADP in equilibrium ATP + Cr) in aqueous solutions and perhaps in biological preparations

Multi-Objective data analysis using Bayesian Inference for MagLIF experiments

Science.gov (United States)

Knapp, Patrick; Glinksy, Michael; Evans, Matthew; Gom, Matth; Han, Stephanie; Harding, Eric; Slutz, Steve; Hahn, Kelly; Harvey-Thompson, Adam; Geissel, Matthias; Ampleford, David; Jennings, Christopher; Schmit, Paul; Smith, Ian; Schwarz, Jens; Peterson, Kyle; Jones, Brent; Rochau, Gregory; Sinars, Daniel

2017-10-01

The MagLIF concept has recently demonstrated Gbar pressures and confinement of charged fusion products at stagnation. We present a new analysis methodology that allows for integration of multiple diagnostics including nuclear, x-ray imaging, and x-ray power to determine the temperature, pressure, liner areal density, and mix fraction. A simplified hot-spot model is used with a Bayesian inference network to determine the most probable model parameters that describe the observations while simultaneously revealing the principal uncertainties in the analysis. Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC., a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA-0003525.

454 sequencing of pooled BAC clones on chromosome 3H of barley

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yamaji Nami

2011-05-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Genome sequencing of barley has been delayed due to its large genome size (ca. 5,000Mbp. Among the fast sequencing systems, 454 liquid phase pyrosequencing provides the longest reads and is the most promising method for BAC clones. Here we report the results of pooled sequencing of BAC clones selected with ESTs genetically mapped to chromosome 3H. Results We sequenced pooled barley BAC clones using a 454 parallel genome sequencer. A PCR screening system based on primer sets derived from genetically mapped ESTs on chromosome 3H was used for clone selection in a BAC library developed from cultivar "Haruna Nijo". The DNA samples of 10 or 20 BAC clones were pooled and used for shotgun library development. The homology between contig sequences generated in each pooled library and mapped EST sequences was studied. The number of contigs assigned on chromosome 3H was 372. Their lengths ranged from 1,230 bp to 58,322 bp with an average 14,891 bp. Of these contigs, 240 showed homology and colinearity with the genome sequence of rice chromosome 1. A contig annotation browser supplemented with query search by unique sequence or genetic map position was developed. The identified contigs can be annotated with barley cDNAs and reference sequences on the browser. Homology analysis of these contigs with rice genes indicated that 1,239 rice genes can be assigned to barley contigs by the simple comparison of sequence lengths in both species. Of these genes, 492 are assigned to rice chromosome 1. Conclusions We demonstrate the efficiency of sequencing gene rich regions from barley chromosome 3H, with special reference to syntenic relationships with rice chromosome 1.

Kinetics of manganese in MAG/MIG welding with a 18/8/6 wire

OpenAIRE

Tušek, Janez

2001-01-01

The paper deals with a study of MAG/MIG welding of low-alloy ferritic steel and highalloy austenitic steel with a 18/8/6 wire. Manganese burn-off from the wire in welding a single-V butt weld was studied. It was found that manganese burns off in the arc during melting of a droplet at the wire end, and from the weld pool during weld formation. The range of manganese burn-off depends mainly on the type of shielding gas used and the arc length, i.e., from the arc voltage. The manganese burn-off ...

The different expression of TRPM7 and MagT1 impacts on the proliferation of colon carcinoma cells sensitive or resistant to doxorubicin.

Science.gov (United States)

Cazzaniga, Alessandra; Moscheni, Claudia; Trapani, Valentina; Wolf, Federica I; Farruggia, Giovanna; Sargenti, Azzurra; Iotti, Stefano; Maier, Jeanette A M; Castiglioni, Sara

2017-01-17

The processes leading to anticancer drug resistance are not completely unraveled. To get insights into the underlying mechanisms, we compared colon carcinoma cells sensitive to doxorubicin with their resistant counterpart. We found that resistant cells are growth retarded, and show staminal and ultrastructural features profoundly different from sensitive cells. The resistant phenotype is accompanied by the upregulation of the magnesium transporter MagT1 and the downregulation of the ion channel kinase TRPM7. We demonstrate that the different amounts of TRPM7 and MagT1 account for the different proliferation rate of sensitive and resistant colon carcinoma cells. It remains to be verified whether they are also involved in the control of other "staminal" traits.

Electronographic calibration of UK 1.2-m Schmidt plates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hawkins, M.R.S.

1979-01-01

Two electronographic sequences are given in the South Galactic Pole region down to msub(B) = approximately 23 +- 0.3 mag. These sequences are used to obtain a calibration for COSMOS measures of UK 1.2-m Schmidt plates and evaluate their photometric transfer properties. (author)

Using the CIFIST grid of CO5BOLD 3D model atmospheres to study the effects of stellar granulation on photometric colours. II. The role of convection across the H-R diagram

Science.gov (United States)

Kučinskas, A.; Klevas, J.; Ludwig, H.-G.; Bonifacio, P.; Steffen, M.; Caffau, E.

2018-05-01

Aims: We studied the influence of convection on the spectral energy distributions (SEDs), photometric magnitudes, and colour indices of different types of stars across the H-R diagram. Methods: The 3D hydrodynamical CO5BOLD, averaged ⟨3D⟩, and 1D hydrostatic LHD model atmospheres were used to compute SEDs of stars on the main sequence (MS), main sequence turn-off (TO), subgiant branch (SGB), and red giant branch (RGB), in each case at two different effective temperatures and two metallicities, [M/H] = 0.0 and - 2.0. Using the obtained SEDs, we calculated photometric magnitudes and colour indices in the broad-band Johnson-Cousins UBVRI and 2MASS JHKs, and the medium-band Strömgren uvby photometric systems. Results: The 3D-1D differences in photometric magnitudes and colour indices are small in both photometric systems and typically do not exceed ± 0.03 mag. Only in the case of the coolest giants located on the upper RGB are the differences in the U and u bands able reach ≈-0.2 mag at [M/H] = 0.0 and ≈-0.1 mag at [M/H] = -2.0. Generally, the 3D-1D differences are largest in the blue-UV part of the spectrum and decrease towards longer wavelengths. They are also sensitive to the effective temperature and are significantly smaller in hotter stars. Metallicity also plays a role and leads to slightly larger 3D-1D differences at [M/H] = 0.0. All these patterns are caused by a complex interplay between the radiation field, opacities, and horizontal temperature fluctuations that occur due to convective motions in stellar atmospheres. Although small, the 3D-1D differences in the magnitudes and colour indices are nevertheless comparable to or larger than typical photometric uncertainties and may therefore cause non-negligible systematic differences in the estimated effective temperatures.

Complete genome sequence of the first human parechovirus type 3 isolated in Taiwan

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Jenn-Tzong Chang

2017-11-01

Full Text Available The first human parechovirus 3 (HPeV3 VGHKS-2007 in Taiwan was identified from a clinical specimen from a male infant. The entire genome of the HPeV3 isolate was sequenced and compared to known HPeV3 sequences. Genome alignment data showed that HPeV3 VGHKS-2007 shares the highest nucleotide identity, 99%, with the Japanese strain of HPeV3 1361K-162589-Yamagata-2008. All HPeV3 isolates possess at least 97% amino acid identity. The analysis of the genome sequence of HPeV3 VGHKS-2007 will facilitate future investigations of the epidemiology and pathogenicity of HPeV3 infection.

MagLIF Pre-Heat Optimization on the PECOS Surrogacy Platform

Science.gov (United States)

Geissel, Matthias; Harvey-Thompson, A. J.; Ampleford, D.; Awe, T. J.; Bliss, D. E.; Glinsky, M. E.; Gomez, M. R.; Harding, E.; Hansen, S. B.; Jennings, C.; Kimmel, M. W.; Knapp, P. F.; Lewis, S. M.; Peterson, K.; Rochau, G. A.; Schollmeier, M.; Schwarz, J.; Shores, J. E.; Slutz, S. A.; Sinars, D. B.; Smith, I. C.; Speas, C. S.; Vesey, R. A.; Weis, M. R.; Porter, J. L.

2017-10-01

Sandia's MagLIF Program is using the PECOS target area as a platform to optimize the coupling of laser energy into the fuel. After developing laser pulse shapes that reduced SBS and improved energy deposition (presented last year), we will report on the effect on integrated experiments with Z. Despite encouraging results, questions remained about the equivalency of He, (PECOS studies), versus D2 (Z). Furthermore, simulations imply that the goal of at least 1 kJ in the fuel will require higher pressures, requiring a re-design of the gas delivery system. We will present recent results for backscatter measurements and energy deposition profiles in 60 psi and 90 psi deuterium fills and compare them to previously studied helium fills. Sandia National Labs is managed and operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC., a subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc., for U.S. DoE/NNSA under contract DE-NA0003525.

High level of APOBEC3F/3G editing in HIV-2 DNA vif and pol sequences from antiretroviral-naive patients.

Science.gov (United States)

Bertine, Mélanie; Charpentier, Charlotte; Visseaux, Benoit; Storto, Alexandre; Collin, Gilles; Larrouy, Lucile; Damond, Florence; Matheron, Sophie; Brun-Vézinet, Françoise; Descamps, Diane

2015-04-24

In HIV-1, hypermutation introduced by APOBEC3F/3G cytidine deaminase activity leads to defective viruses. In-vivo impact of APOBEC3F/3G editing on HIV-2 sequences remains unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the level of APOBEC3F/3G editing in HIV-2-infected antiretroviral-naive patients. Direct sequencing of vif and pol regions was performed on HIV-2 proviral DNA from antiretroviral-naive patients included in the French Agence Nationale de Recherches sur le SIDA et les hépatites virales CO5 HIV-2 cohort. Hypermutated sequences were identified using Hypermut2.0 program. HIV-1 proviral sequences from Genbank were also assessed. Among 82 antiretroviral-naive HIV-2-infected patients assessed, 15 (28.8%) and five (16.7%) displayed Vif proviral defective sequences in HIV-2 groups A and B, respectively. A lower proportion of defective sequences was observed in protease-reverse transcriptase region. A higher median number of G-to-A mutations was observed in HIV-2 group B than in group A, both in Vif and protease-reverse transcriptase regions (P = 0.02 and P = 0.006, respectively). Compared with HIV-1 Vif sequences, a higher number of Vif defective sequences was observed in HIV-2 group A (P = 0.00001) and group B sequences (P = 0.013). We showed for the first time a high level of APOBEC3F/3G editing in HIV-2 sequences from antiretroviral-naive patients. Our study reported a group effect with a significantly higher level of APOBEC3F/3G editing in HIV-2 group B than in group A sequences.

Preparation of magnetic carbon nanotubes (Mag-CNTs) for biomedical and biotechnological applications.

Science.gov (United States)

Masotti, Andrea; Caporali, Andrea

2013-12-18

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely studied for their potential applications in many fields from nanotechnology to biomedicine. The preparation of magnetic CNTs (Mag-CNTs) opens new avenues in nanobiotechnology and biomedical applications as a consequence of their multiple properties embedded within the same moiety. Several preparation techniques have been developed during the last few years to obtain magnetic CNTs: grafting or filling nanotubes with magnetic ferrofluids or attachment of magnetic nanoparticles to CNTs or their polymeric coating. These strategies allow the generation of novel versatile systems that can be employed in many biotechnological or biomedical fields. Here, we review and discuss the most recent papers dealing with the preparation of magnetic CNTs and their application in biomedical and biotechnological fields.

Cloning and sequencing of Indian Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) interleukin-3 cDNA

KAUST Repository

Sugumar, Thennarasu

2011-12-12

Full-length cDNA (435 bp) of the interleukin-3(IL-3) gene of the Indian water buffalo was amplified by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. This sequence had 96% nucleotide identity and 92% amino acid identity with bovine IL-3. There are 10 amino acid substitutions in buffalo compared with that of bovine. The amino acid sequence of buffalo IL-3 also showed very high identity with that of other ruminants, indicating functional cross-reactivity. Structural homology modelling of buffalo IL-3 protein with human IL-3 showed the presence of five helical structures.

3D knee segmentation based on three MRI sequences from different planes.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhou, L; Chav, R; Cresson, T; Chartrand, G; de Guise, J

2016-08-01

In clinical practice, knee MRI sequences with 3.5~5 mm slice distance in sagittal, coronal, and axial planes are often requested for the knee examination since its acquisition is faster than high-resolution MRI sequence in a single plane, thereby reducing the probability of motion artifact. In order to take advantage of the three sequences from different planes, a 3D segmentation method based on the combination of three knee models obtained from the three sequences is proposed in this paper. In the method, the sub-segmentation is respectively performed with sagittal, coronal, and axial MRI sequence in the image coordinate system. With each sequence, an initial knee model is hierarchically deformed, and then the three deformed models are mapped to reference coordinate system defined by the DICOM standard and combined to obtain a patient-specific model. The experimental results verified that the three sub-segmentation results can complement each other, and their integration can compensate for the insufficiency of boundary information caused by 3.5~5 mm gap between consecutive slices. Therefore, the obtained patient-specific model is substantially more accurate than each sub-segmentation results.

Detection of lesions in multiple sclerosis by 2D FLAIR and single-slab 3D FLAIR sequences at 3.0 T: initial results

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bink, Andrea; Gaa, Jochen; Lanfermann, Heinrich; Zanella, Friedhelm E.; Schmitt, Melanie; Mugler, John P.

2006-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare conventional 2D FLAIR and single-slab 3D FLAIR sequences in the detection of lesions in patients with multiple sclerosis. Eight patients with MS were examined at 3.0 T by using a 2D FLAIR sequence and a single-slab 3D FLAIR sequence. A comparison of lesion detectability was performed for the following regions: periventricular, nonperiventricular/juxtacortical and infratentorial. The contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) between lesions and brain tissue and CSF were calculated for each sequence. A total of 424 lesions were found using the 2D FLAIR sequence, while with the 3D FLAIR sequence 719 lesions were found. With the 2D FLAIR sequence, 41% fewer lesions were detected than with the 3D FLAIR sequence. Further, 40% fewer supratentorial and 62.5% fewer infratentorial lesions were found with the 2D FLAIR sequence. In images acquired with the 3D FLAIR sequence, the lesions had significantly higher CNRs than in images acquired with the 2D FLAIR sequence. These are the first results using a single-slab 3D FLAIR sequence at 3.0 T for detection of lesions in patients with MS. With the 3D FLAIR sequence significantly higher CNRs were achieved and significantly more lesions in patients with MS were detected. (orig.)

Comparison of modern 3D and 2D MR imaging sequences of the wrist at 3 Tesla

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rehnitz, C.; Klaan, B.; Amarteifio, E.; Kauczor, H.U.; Weber, M.A.; Stillfried, F. von; Burkholder, I.

2016-01-01

To compare the image quality of modern 3 D and 2 D sequences for dedicated wrist imaging at 3 Tesla (T) MRI. At 3 T MRI, 18 patients (mean age: 36.2 years) with wrist pain and 16 healthy volunteers (mean age: 26.4 years) were examined using 2 D proton density-weighted fat-saturated (PDfs), isotropic 3 D TrueFISP, 3 D MEDIC, and 3 D PDfs SPACE sequences. Image quality was rated on a five-point scale (0 - 4) including overall image quality (OIQ), visibility of important structures (cartilage, ligaments, TFCC) and degree of artifacts. Signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) of cartilage/bone/muscle/fluid as well as the mean overall SNR/CNR were calculated using region-of-interest analysis. ANOVA, paired t-, and Wilcoxon-signed-rank tests were applied. The image quality of all tested sequences was superior to 3 D PDfs SPACE (p < 0.01). 3 D TrueFISP had the highest combined cartilage score (mean: 3.4) and performed better in cartilage comparisons against 3 D PDfs SPACE in both groups and 2 D PDfs in volunteers (p < 0.05). 3 D MEDIC performed better in 7 of 8 comparisons (p < 0.05) regarding ligaments and TFCC. 2 D PDfs provided constantly high scores. The mean overall SNR/CNR for 2 D PDfs, 3 D PDfs SPACE, 3 D TrueFISP, and 3 D MEDIC were 68/65, 32/27, 45/47, and 57/45, respectively. 2 D PDfs performed best in most SNR/CNR comparisons (p < 0.05) and 3 D MEDIC performed best within the 3 D sequences (p < 0.05). Except 3 D PDfs SPACE, all tested 3 D and 2 D sequences provided high image quality. 3 D TrueFISP was best for cartilage imaging, 3 D MEDIC for ligaments and TFCC and 2 D PDfs for general wrist imaging.

Inspección de soldadura MIG/MAG de piezas metálicas utilizando técnicas de visión artificial y procesamiento de imágenes

OpenAIRE

Loja Bravo, Christian Fernando

2015-01-01

Este trabajo presenta la inspección de soldadura MIG/MAG de piezas metálicas, a través de un módulo prototipo de visión artificial que detecta fallas de tipo: porosidad, salpicaduras y discontinuidad de soldadura. Mediante un corpus de imágenes de piezas soldadas, se realizan pruebas de clasificación e interpretación de resultados. The present project describes the MIG/MAG welding inspection of metal pieces, through a prototype module of computer vision that detects faults of type: porosit...

The luminosity function for globular clusters, 4: M3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Simoda, Mahiro; Fukuoka, Takashi

1976-01-01

The subgiant-turnoff portion (V = 17.2 - 20.0 mag) of the luminosity function for the globular cluster M3 has been determined from photometry of the stars within the annuli 3'-8' and 6'-8' for V = 17.2 - 19.0 mag and 19.0 - 20.0 mag, respectively, by using plates taken with the Kitt Peak 2.1-m reflector. Our result shows that the luminosity function for M3 has a similar steep rise in the subgiant portion as other clusters so far studied (M5, M13, and M92), in direct conflict with the result by SANDAGE (1954, 1957). A probable cause of this discrepancy is given. Comparison with theoretical luminosity functions by SIMODA and IBEN (1970) suggests that theory and observation are not inconsistent if the initial helium abundance of M3 stars is taken to be about 20 percent. It is suggested that M13 has a larger helium abundance than M3 and M92 from the intercomparison of their luminosity functions and color-magnitude diagrams. (auth.)

First industrial application of MAG STT welding with auto adaptative joint control

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tran Tien, Thong

2006-01-01

The Welding Institute has participated to an extraordinary plan: the manufacture of the new LHC (Large Hadron Collider) particles accelerator in a circular tunnel of 27 km of circumference, at the European laboratory for particles physics (CERN) located at the Franco-Swiss frontier. The LHC dipolar magnets wires constituted in semi-cylinders of 15 m length in 316 LN, thickness 10 mm, are assembled in horizontal-vertical position. The Welding Institute has developed a software allowing to implement the auto-adaptative welding with follow of laser joint, using the MAG STT (Surface Tension Transfer) process. The modeling of welding laws connected with the strategy of joints filling runs (in multi-passes), absorb the physical tolerances of the preparation (clearance, poor alignment, root of joint...) and this in welding dynamical condition. (O.M.)

Effect of Body Size and Food Quality on the Assimilation of "6"5Zn and "1"1"0"mAg in Bloody Cockles (Anadara Senilis) from Ghana

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kuranchie-Mensah, H.; Teyssie, J.-L.; Oberhaensli, F.; Metian, M.; Warnau, M.

2015-01-01

In coastal ecosystems where bivalves are often exposed to metal contamination, dietary exposure has been recognised as a dominant uptake pathway of trace metals in bivalves. The present study employed radiotracers ("6"5Zn and "1"1"0"mAg) to assess the assimilation efficiency (AE) of the two elements in Bloody cockles (Anadara senilis) from Narkwa Lagoon, Ghana. AE is an important parameter in determining bioavailability of trace elements from food. Zn and Ag bioavailabilty was assessed using single-feeding approach, followed by a 28–day depuration period, with two species of phytoplankton (Isochrysis galbana and Skelotonema costatum) used as food, and two different size groups of Bloody Cockles. Results indicate that AE of "6"5Zn and "1"1"0"mAg were influenced by the phytoplankton species used as food whereas, for both algal species, AE increased slightly with increasing cockle body size. Once taken up, "6"5Zn was relatively strongly retained in cockle’s flesh (biological half-live: ≈40 days) whereas "1"1"0"mAg was rapidly released (biological halflive: ≈5 days). A complementary experiment -using subcellular partitioning and in vitro digestion method- was performed to provide additional information on the proportion of "6"5Zn and "1"1"0mAg in the bloody cockle that is available for transfer to next trophic levels. Overall, this work highlighted that trace metal accumulation in marine filter feeders does depend on the metal bioavailability in food as well as on other biological factors, such as body size. (author)

Rouw mag er zijn

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marlieke Moors

2015-12-01

Full Text Available ABSTRACTGrieving is allowedGrief is a human experience. Every form of loss shapes you into the human being you are today. Contrary to what earlier, unproven grief models postulate, grief does not have an end point. That is, bereavement does not have to be completely processed, but it should be integrated into someone’s life. The outdated grief models were often interpreted and used in a normative way, which led to a normative standard model. This portraits the belief that every mourner would experience similar symptoms and would go through a fixed pattern of phases. However, the updated vision emphasizes the individual and unique process of coping with loss: norms concerning grief should be banned. By means of literature research, interviews with professionals and personal experiences, it became clear that finding an equilibrium between restoration-orientated and loss-orientated coping styles is most beneficial. An important aspect in finding this balance is meaningfulness. Furthermore, the ability to bear a loss and to adapt accordingly are important components. Lastly, attaching significance to a loss is a constructive way of integrating the loss into one’s life. The death of a loved one should therefore not be forgotten or tucked away. After all, grief is the price we pay for love. SAMENVATTINGRouw mag er zijnRouw is een menselijke ervaring en elk verlies vormt je als mens. Rouw heeft, in tegenstelling tot wat de verouderde, niet bewezen rouwmodellen beweren, geen eindpunt. Verlies hoeft namelijk niet verwerkt te worden, maar moet juist geïntegreerd worden in iemands leven. De verouderde rouwmodellen zijn vaak normatief opgevat en toegepast, waaruit een normatief standaardmodel is ontstaan. Daarbij werd gedacht dat elke rouwende dezelfde symptomen zou vertonen en het rouwproces volgens vaste fasen zou verlopen. Binnen de vernieuwde visie wordt er juist van uitgegaan dat elk individu een unieke manier van reageren op rouw heeft. Er zou

Identification of rare paired box 3 variant in strabismus by whole exome sequencing

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hui-Min Gong

2017-08-01

Full Text Available AIM: To identify the potentially pathogenic gene variants that contributes to the etiology of strabismus. METHODS: A Chinese pedigree with strabismus was collected and the exomes of two affected individuals were sequenced using the next-generation sequencing technology. The resulting variants from exome sequencing were filtered by subsequent bioinformatics methods and the candidate mutation was verified as heterozygous in the affected proposita and her mother by sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Whole exome sequencing and filtering identified a nonsynonymous mutation c.434G-T transition in paired box 3 (PAX3 in the two affected individuals, which were predicted to be deleterious by more than 4 bioinformatics programs. This altered amino acid residue was located in the conserved PAX domain of PAX3. This gene encodes a member of the PAX family of transcription factors, which play critical roles during fetal development. Mutations in PAX3 were associated with Waardenburg syndrome with strabismus. CONCLUSION: Our results report that the c.434G-T mutation (p.R145L in PAX3 may contribute to strabismus, expanding our understanding of the causally relevant genes for this disorder.

Cloning and sequencing of Indian Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) interleukin-3 cDNA

KAUST Repository

Sugumar, Thennarasu; Harishankar, M.; Dhinakar Raj, G.

2011-01-01

Full-length cDNA (435 bp) of the interleukin-3(IL-3) gene of the Indian water buffalo was amplified by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. This sequence had 96% nucleotide identity and 92% amino acid identity with bovine

A magnetic particle time-of-flight (MagPTOF) diagnostic for measurements of shock- and compression-bang time at the NIF (invited)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rinderknecht, H. G., E-mail: hgr@mit.edu; Sio, H.; Frenje, J. A.; Gatu Johnson, M.; Zylstra, A. B.; Sinenian, N.; Rosenberg, M. J.; Li, C. K.; Sèguin, F. H.; Petrasso, R. D. [Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 (United States); Magoon, J.; Agliata, A.; Shoup, M.; Glebov, V. U.; Hohenberger, M.; Stoeckl, C.; Sangster, T. C. [Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Rochester, New York 14623 (United States); Ayers, S.; Bailey, C. G.; Rygg, J. R. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550 (United States); and others

2014-11-15

A magnetic particle time-of-flight (MagPTOF) diagnostic has been designed to measure shock- and compression-bang time using D{sup 3}He-fusion protons and DD-fusion neutrons, respectively, at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). This capability, in combination with shock-burn weighted areal density measurements, will significantly constrain the modeling of the implosion dynamics. This design is an upgrade to the existing particle time-of-flight (pTOF) diagnostic, which records bang times using DD or DT neutrons with an accuracy better than ±70 ps [H. G. Rinderknecht et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 10D902 (2012)]. The inclusion of a deflecting magnet will increase D{sup 3}He-proton signal-to-background by a factor of 1000, allowing for the first time simultaneous measurements of shock- and compression-bang times in D{sup 3}He-filled surrogate implosions at the NIF.

A magnetic particle time-of-flight (MagPTOF) diagnostic for measurements of shock- and compression-bang time at the NIF (invited).

Science.gov (United States)

Rinderknecht, H G; Sio, H; Frenje, J A; Magoon, J; Agliata, A; Shoup, M; Ayers, S; Bailey, C G; Gatu Johnson, M; Zylstra, A B; Sinenian, N; Rosenberg, M J; Li, C K; Sèguin, F H; Petrasso, R D; Rygg, J R; Kimbrough, J R; Mackinnon, A; Bell, P; Bionta, R; Clancy, T; Zacharias, R; House, A; Döppner, T; Park, H S; LePape, S; Landen, O; Meezan, N; Robey, H; Glebov, V U; Hohenberger, M; Stoeckl, C; Sangster, T C; Li, C; Parat, J; Olson, R; Kline, J; Kilkenny, J

2014-11-01

A magnetic particle time-of-flight (MagPTOF) diagnostic has been designed to measure shock- and compression-bang time using D(3)He-fusion protons and DD-fusion neutrons, respectively, at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). This capability, in combination with shock-burn weighted areal density measurements, will significantly constrain the modeling of the implosion dynamics. This design is an upgrade to the existing particle time-of-flight (pTOF) diagnostic, which records bang times using DD or DT neutrons with an accuracy better than ±70 ps [H. G. Rinderknecht et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 10D902 (2012)]. The inclusion of a deflecting magnet will increase D(3)He-proton signal-to-background by a factor of 1000, allowing for the first time simultaneous measurements of shock- and compression-bang times in D(3)He-filled surrogate implosions at the NIF.

Diffusion-weighted imaging of the rat pelvis using 3D water-excitation MP-RAGE MR sequence

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Numano, Tomokazu; Homma, Kazuhiro; Hyodo, Koji; Nitta, Naotaka; Iwasaki, Nobuaki

2008-01-01

We developed a novel technique for fat-saturated, 3-dimensional (3D) diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging sequencing based upon the 3D magnetization-prepared, rapid gradient-echo (3D-MP-RAGE) method. We saturated fat using 2 techniques, chemical shift selective (CHESS; FatSat)-3D-DWI sequence versus water excitation (WE)-3D-DWI method, then compared the 2 sequences in terms of degree of fat suppression. In preparing the FatSat-3D-DWI sequence, we used a ''CHESS-90deg radiofrequency (RF)-motion probing gradient (MPG)-180deg RFMPG-90deg RF'' pulse-train, to sensitize the magnetization to fat-saturated diffusion. In contrast, in the WE-3D-DWI sequence, we selected a RAGE-excitation pulse with a binominal-pulse 1-1 or 1-2-1 for water-excited (fat-saturated) diffusion imaging. Experimental results in a phantom confirmed the effects of diffusion weighting and of fat saturation. Fat saturation was much better in the WE-3D-DWI sequence than the CHESS-3D-DWI sequence. From results from animal (rat pelvis) experiments using WE-3D-DWI, we obtained fat-saturated DWI. This sequence was useful for in vivo imaging. (author)

3' terminal diversity of MRP RNA and other human noncoding RNAs revealed by deep sequencing.

Science.gov (United States)

Goldfarb, Katherine C; Cech, Thomas R

2013-09-21

Post-transcriptional 3' end processing is a key component of RNA regulation. The abundant and essential RNA subunit of RNase MRP has been proposed to function in three distinct cellular compartments and therefore may utilize this mode of regulation. Here we employ 3' RACE coupled with high-throughput sequencing to characterize the 3' terminal sequences of human MRP RNA and other noncoding RNAs that form RNP complexes. The 3' terminal sequence of MRP RNA from HEK293T cells has a distinctive distribution of genomically encoded termini (including an assortment of U residues) with a portion of these selectively tagged by oligo(A) tails. This profile contrasts with the relatively homogenous 3' terminus of an in vitro transcribed MRP RNA control and the differing 3' terminal profiles of U3 snoRNA, RNase P RNA, and telomerase RNA (hTR). 3' RACE coupled with deep sequencing provides a valuable framework for the functional characterization of 3' terminal sequences of noncoding RNAs.

Accident sequence precursor analysis level 2/3 model development

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lui, C.H.; Galyean, W.J.; Brownson, D.A.

1997-01-01

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Accident Sequence Precursor (ASP) program currently uses simple Level 1 models to assess the conditional core damage probability for operational events occurring in commercial nuclear power plants (NPP). Since not all accident sequences leading to core damage will result in the same radiological consequences, it is necessary to develop simple Level 2/3 models that can be used to analyze the response of the NPP containment structure in the context of a core damage accident, estimate the magnitude of the resulting radioactive releases to the environment, and calculate the consequences associated with these releases. The simple Level 2/3 model development work was initiated in 1995, and several prototype models have been completed. Once developed, these simple Level 2/3 models are linked to the simple Level 1 models to provide risk perspectives for operational events. This paper describes the methods implemented for the development of these simple Level 2/3 ASP models, and the linkage process to the existing Level 1 models

VNTR analysis reveals unexpected genetic diversity within Mycoplasma agalactiae, the main causative agent of contagious agalactia

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Ayling Roger D

2008-11-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Mycoplasma agalactiae is the main cause of contagious agalactia, a serious disease of sheep and goats, which has major clinical and economic impacts. Previous studies of M. agalactiae have shown it to be unusually homogeneous and there are currently no available epidemiological techniques which enable a high degree of strain differentiation. Results We have developed variable number tandem repeat (VNTR analysis using the sequenced genome of the M. agalactiae type strain PG2. The PG2 genome was found to be replete with tandem repeat sequences and 4 were chosen for further analysis. VNTR 5 was located within the hypothetical protein MAG6170 a predicted lipoprotein. VNTR 14 was intergenic between the hypothetical protein MAG3350 and the hypothetical protein MAG3340. VNTR 17 was intergenic between the hypothetical protein MAG4060 and the hypothetical protein MAG4070 and VNTR 19 spanned the 5' end of the pseudogene for a lipoprotein MAG4310 and the 3' end of the hypothetical lipoprotein MAG4320. We have investigated the genetic diversity of 88 M. agalactiae isolates of wide geographic origin using VNTR analysis and compared it with pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD analysis. Simpson's index of diversity was calculated to be 0.324 for PFGE and 0.574 for VNTR analysis. VNTR analysis revealed unexpected diversity within M. agalactiae with 9 different VNTR types discovered. Some correlation was found between geographical origin and the VNTR type of the isolates. Conclusion VNTR analysis represents a useful, rapid first-line test for use in molecular epidemiological analysis of M. agalactiae for outbreak tracing and control.

OPTICAL MONITORING OF TWO BRIGHTEST NEARBY QUASARS, PHL 1811 AND 3C 273

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fan, J. H.; Liu, Y.; Yuan, Y. H.; Kurtanidze, O.; Chanishvili, R.; Richter, G. M.

2014-01-01

Variability is one of the most observable characteristics of active galactic nuclei, and it is important when considering the emission mechanism. In this paper, we report optical photometry monitoring of two nearby brightest quasars, PHL 1811 and 3C 273, using the ST-6 camera attached to the Newtonian focus and the Ap6E CCD camera attached to the primary focus of the 70 cm meniscus telescope at the Abastumani Observatory, Georgia. PHL 1811 was monitored during the period from 2002 September to 2012 December, while 3C 273 was monitored during the period from 1998 February to 2008 May. During our monitoring period, the two sources did not show any significant intra-day variability. The largest detected variations are ΔR = 0.112 ± 0.010 mag. for PHL 1811, ΔB = 0.595 ± 0.099 mag, ΔV = 0.369 ± 0.028 mag, ΔR = 0.495 ± 0.076 mag, and ΔI = 0.355 ± 0.009 mag for 3C 273. When the periodicity analysis methods are adopted for the observations of the sources, a period of p = 5.80 ± 1.12 yr is obtained for PHL 1811 in the R light curve in the present work, and periods of p = 21.10 ± 0.14, 10.00 ± 0.14, 7.30 ± 0.09, 13.20 ± 0.09, 2.10 ± 0.06, and 0.68 ± 0.05 yr are obtained for 3C 273 based on the data in the present work combined with historical works

OPTICAL MONITORING OF TWO BRIGHTEST NEARBY QUASARS, PHL 1811 AND 3C 273

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fan, J. H.; Liu, Y.; Yuan, Y. H. [Center for Astrophysics, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006 (China); Kurtanidze, O.; Chanishvili, R. [Abastumani Observatory, Mt. Kanobili, 0301 Abastumani, Georgia (United States); Richter, G. M. [Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam, An der Sternwarte 16, D-14482 Potsdam (Germany)

2014-08-01

Variability is one of the most observable characteristics of active galactic nuclei, and it is important when considering the emission mechanism. In this paper, we report optical photometry monitoring of two nearby brightest quasars, PHL 1811 and 3C 273, using the ST-6 camera attached to the Newtonian focus and the Ap6E CCD camera attached to the primary focus of the 70 cm meniscus telescope at the Abastumani Observatory, Georgia. PHL 1811 was monitored during the period from 2002 September to 2012 December, while 3C 273 was monitored during the period from 1998 February to 2008 May. During our monitoring period, the two sources did not show any significant intra-day variability. The largest detected variations are ΔR = 0.112 ± 0.010 mag. for PHL 1811, ΔB = 0.595 ± 0.099 mag, ΔV = 0.369 ± 0.028 mag, ΔR = 0.495 ± 0.076 mag, and ΔI = 0.355 ± 0.009 mag for 3C 273. When the periodicity analysis methods are adopted for the observations of the sources, a period of p = 5.80 ± 1.12 yr is obtained for PHL 1811 in the R light curve in the present work, and periods of p = 21.10 ± 0.14, 10.00 ± 0.14, 7.30 ± 0.09, 13.20 ± 0.09, 2.10 ± 0.06, and 0.68 ± 0.05 yr are obtained for 3C 273 based on the data in the present work combined with historical works.

Comparison of 3 T and 7 T MRI clinical sequences for ankle imaging

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Juras, Vladimir, E-mail: vladimir.juras@meduniwien.ac.at [Medical University of Vienna, Department of Radiology, Vienna General Hospital, Waeringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna (Austria); Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Measurement Science, Dubravska cesta 9, 84104 Bratislava (Slovakia); Welsch, Goetz, E-mail: welsch@bwh.harvard.edu [Medical University of Vienna, Department of Radiology, Vienna General Hospital, Waeringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna (Austria); Baer, Peter, E-mail: baerpeter@siemens.com [Siemens Healthcare, Richard-Strauss-Strasse 76, D81679 Munich (Germany); Kronnerwetter, Claudia, E-mail: claudia.kronnerwetter@meduniwien.ac.at [Medical University of Vienna, Department of Radiology, Vienna General Hospital, Waeringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna (Austria); Fujita, Hiroyuki, E-mail: hiroyuki.fujita@qualedyn.com [Quality Electrodynamics, LCC, 777 Beta Dr, Cleveland, OH 44143-2336 (United States); Trattnig, Siegfried, E-mail: siegfried.trattnig@meduniwien.ac.at [Medical University of Vienna, Department of Radiology, Vienna General Hospital, Waeringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna (Austria)

2012-08-15

The purpose of this study was to compare 3 T and 7 T signal-to-noise and contrast-to noise ratios of clinical sequences for imaging of the ankles with optimized sequences and dedicated coils. Ten healthy volunteers were examined consecutively on both systems with three clinical sequences: (1) 3D gradient-echo, T{sub 1}-weighted; (2) 2D fast spin-echo, PD-weighted; and (3) 2D spin-echo, T{sub 1}-weighted. SNR was calculated for six regions: cartilage; bone; muscle; synovial fluid; Achilles tendon; and Kager's fat-pad. CNR was obtained for cartilage/bone, cartilage/fluid, cartilage/muscle, and muscle/fat-pad, and compared by a one-way ANOVA test for repeated measures. Mean SNR significantly increased at 7 T compared to 3 T for 3D GRE, and 2D TSE was 60.9% and 86.7%, respectively. In contrast, an average SNR decrease of almost 25% was observed in the 2D SE sequence. A CNR increase was observed in 2D TSE images, and in most 3D GRE images. There was a substantial benefit from ultra high-field MR imaging of ankles with routine clinical sequences at 7 T compared to 3 T. Higher SNR and CNR at ultra-high field MR scanners may be useful in clinical practice for ankle imaging. However, carefully optimized protocols and dedicated extremity coils are necessary to obtain optimal results.

Comammox in drinking water systems.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Yulin; Ma, Liping; Mao, Yanping; Jiang, Xiaotao; Xia, Yu; Yu, Ke; Li, Bing; Zhang, Tong

2017-06-01

The discovery of complete ammonia oxidizer (comammox) has fundamentally upended our perception of the global nitrogen cycle. Here, we reported four metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) of comammox Nitrospira that were retrieved from metagenome datasets of tap water in Singapore (SG-bin1 and SG-bin2), Hainan province, China (HN-bin3) and Stanford, CA, USA (ST-bin4). Genes of phylogenetically distinct ammonia monooxygenase subunit A (amoA) and hydroxylamine dehydrogenase (hao) were identified in these four MAGs. Phylogenetic analysis based on ribosomal proteins, AmoA, hao and nitrite oxidoreductase (subunits nxrA and nxrB) sequences indicated their close relationships with published comammox Nitrospira. Canonical ammonia-oxidizing microbes (AOM) were also identified in the three tap water samples, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in Singapore's and Stanford's samples and ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) in Hainan's sample. The comammox amoA-like sequences were also detected from some other drinking water systems, and even outnumbered the AOA and AOB amoA-like sequences. The findings of MAGs and the occurrences of AOM in different drinking water systems provided a significant clue that comammox are widely distributed in drinking water systems. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Heteroassociative storage of hippocampal pattern sequences in the CA3 subregion

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Raphael Y. de Camargo

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Background Recent research suggests that the CA3 subregion of the hippocampus has properties of both autoassociative network, due to its ability to complete partial cues, tolerate noise, and store associations between memories, and heteroassociative one, due to its ability to store and retrieve sequences of patterns. Although there are several computational models of the CA3 as an autoassociative network, more detailed evaluations of its heteroassociative properties are missing. Methods We developed a model of the CA3 subregion containing 10,000 integrate-and-fire neurons with both recurrent excitatory and inhibitory connections, and which exhibits coupled oscillations in the gamma and theta ranges. We stored thousands of pattern sequences using a heteroassociative learning rule with competitive synaptic scaling. Results We showed that a purely heteroassociative network model can (i retrieve pattern sequences from partial cues with external noise and incomplete connectivity, (ii achieve homeostasis regarding the number of connections per neuron when many patterns are stored when using synaptic scaling, (iii continuously update the set of retrievable patterns, guaranteeing that the last stored patterns can be retrieved and older ones can be forgotten. Discussion Heteroassociative networks with synaptic scaling rules seem sufficient to achieve many desirable features regarding connectivity homeostasis, pattern sequence retrieval, noise tolerance and updating of the set of retrievable patterns.

Genomic 3' terminal sequence comparison of three isolates of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus.

Science.gov (United States)

Milton, I D; Vlasak, R; Nowotny, N; Rodak, L; Carter, M J

1992-05-15

Comparison of sequence data is necessary in older to investigate virus origins, identify features common to virulent strains, and characterize genomic organization within virus families. A virulent caliciviral disease of rabbits recently emerged in China. We have sequenced 1100 bases from the 3' ends of two independent European isolates of this virus, and compared these with previously determined calicivirus sequences. Rabbit caliciviruses were closely related, despite the different countries in which isolation was made. This supports the rapid spread of a new virus across Europe. The capsid protein sequences of these rabbit viruses differ markedly from those determined for feline calicivirus, but a hypothetical 3' open reading frame is relatively well conserved between the caliciviruses of these two different hosts and argues for a functional role.

Classification of Magnetic Nanoparticle Systems—Synthesis, Standardization and Analysis Methods in the NanoMag Project

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Sara Bogren

2015-08-01

Full Text Available This study presents classification of different magnetic single- and multi-core particle systems using their measured dynamic magnetic properties together with their nanocrystal and particle sizes. The dynamic magnetic properties are measured with AC (dynamical susceptometry and magnetorelaxometry and the size parameters are determined from electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Using these methods, we also show that the nanocrystal size and particle morphology determines the dynamic magnetic properties for both single- and multi-core particles. The presented results are obtained from the four year EU NMP FP7 project, NanoMag, which is focused on standardization of analysis methods for magnetic nanoparticles.

Complex Spiral Structure in the HD 100546 Transitional Disk as Revealed by GPI and MagAO

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Follette, Katherine B.; Macintosh, Bruce; Mullen, Wyatt; Bailey, Vanessa P. [Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, Department of Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305 (United States); Rameau, Julien [Institut de Recherche sur les Exoplanètes, Départment de Physique, Université de Montréal, Montréal QC H3C 3J7 (Canada); Dong, Ruobing; Close, Laird M.; Males, Jared R.; Morzinski, Katie M. [Steward Observatory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 (United States); Pueyo, Laurent; Perrin, Marshall [Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, MD 21218 (United States); Duchêne, Gaspard; Fung, Jeffrey; Wang, Jason [Astronomy Department, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720 (United States); Leonard, Clare; Spiro, Elijah [Physics and Astronomy Department, Amherst College, 21 Merrill Science Drive, Amherst, MA 01002 (United States); Marois, Christian [National Research Council of Canada Herzberg, 5071 West Saanich Road, Victoria, BC V9E 2E7 (Canada); Millar-Blanchaer, Maxwell A. [Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125 (United States); Ammons, S. Mark [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94551 (United States); Barman, Travis [Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 (United States); and others

2017-06-01

We present optical and near-infrared high-contrast images of the transitional disk HD 100546 taken with the Magellan Adaptive Optics system (MagAO) and the Gemini Planet Imager (GPI). GPI data include both polarized intensity and total intensity imagery, and MagAO data are taken in Simultaneous Differential Imaging mode at H α . The new GPI H -band total intensity data represent a significant enhancement in sensitivity and field rotation compared to previous data sets and enable a detailed exploration of substructure in the disk. The data are processed with a variety of differential imaging techniques (polarized, angular, reference, and simultaneous differential imaging) in an attempt to identify the disk structures that are most consistent across wavelengths, processing techniques, and algorithmic parameters. The inner disk cavity at 15 au is clearly resolved in multiple data sets, as are a variety of spiral features. While the cavity and spiral structures are identified at levels significantly distinct from the neighboring regions of the disk under several algorithms and with a range of algorithmic parameters, emission at the location of HD 100546 “ c ” varies from point-like under aggressive algorithmic parameters to a smooth continuous structure with conservative parameters, and is consistent with disk emission. Features identified in the HD 100546 disk bear qualitative similarity to computational models of a moderately inclined two-armed spiral disk, where projection effects and wrapping of the spiral arms around the star result in a number of truncated spiral features in forward-modeled images.

Clinical trial design and rationale of the Multicenter Study of MagLev Technology in Patients Undergoing Mechanical Circulatory Support Therapy With HeartMate 3 (MOMENTUM 3) investigational device exemption clinical study protocol.

Science.gov (United States)

Heatley, Gerald; Sood, Poornima; Goldstein, Daniel; Uriel, Nir; Cleveland, Joseph; Middlebrook, Don; Mehra, Mandeep R

2016-04-01

The HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist system (LVAS; St. Jude Medical, Inc., formerly Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, CA) was recently introduced into clinical trials for durable circulatory support in patients with medically refractory advanced-stage heart failure. This centrifugal, fully magnetically levitated, continuous-flow pump is engineered with the intent to enhance hemocompatibility and reduce shear stress on blood elements, while also possessing intrinsic pulsatility. Although bridge-to-transplant (BTT) and destination therapy (DT) are established dichotomous indications for durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support, clinical practice has challenged the appropriateness of these designations. The introduction of novel LVAD technology allows for the development of clinical trial designs to keep pace with current practices. The prospective, randomized Multicenter Study of MagLev Technology in Patients Undergoing Mechanical Circulatory Support Therapy With HeartMate 3 (MOMENTUM 3) clinical trial aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the HeartMate 3 LVAS by demonstrating non-inferiority to the HeartMate II LVAS (also St. Jude Medical, Inc.). The innovative trial design includes patients enrolled under a single inclusion and exclusion criteria , regardless of the intended use of the device, with outcomes ascertained in the short term (ST, at 6 months) and long term (LT, at 2 years). This adaptive trial design includes a pre-specified safety phase (n = 30) analysis. The ST cohort includes the first 294 patients and the LT cohort includes the first 366 patients for evaluation of the composite primary end-point of survival to transplant, recovery or LVAD support free of debilitating stroke (modified Rankin score >3), or re-operation to replace the pump. As part of the adaptive design, an analysis by an independent statistician will determine whether sample size adjustment is required at pre-specified times during the study. A further 662

Comparative analysis of full genomic sequences among different genotypes of dengue virus type 3

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Lin Ting-Hsiang

2008-05-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Although the previous study demonstrated the envelope protein of dengue viruses is under purifying selection pressure, little is known about the genetic differences of full-length viral genomes of DENV-3. In our study, complete genomic sequencing of DENV-3 strains collected from different geographical locations and isolation years were determined and the sequence diversity as well as selection pressure sites in the DENV genome other than within the E gene were also analyzed. Results Using maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches, our phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Taiwan's indigenous DENV-3 isolated from 1994 and 1998 dengue/DHF epidemics and one 1999 sporadic case were of the three different genotypes – I, II, and III, each associated with DENV-3 circulating in Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka, respectively. Sequence diversity and selection pressure of different genomic regions among DENV-3 different genotypes was further examined to understand the global DENV-3 evolution. The highest nucleotide sequence diversity among the fully sequenced DENV-3 strains was found in the nonstructural protein 2A (mean ± SD: 5.84 ± 0.54 and envelope protein gene regions (mean ± SD: 5.04 ± 0.32. Further analysis found that positive selection pressure of DENV-3 may occur in the non-structural protein 1 gene region and the positive selection site was detected at position 178 of the NS1 gene. Conclusion Our study confirmed that the envelope protein is under purifying selection pressure although it presented higher sequence diversity. The detection of positive selection pressure in the non-structural protein along genotype II indicated that DENV-3 originated from Southeast Asia needs to monitor the emergence of DENV strains with epidemic potential for better epidemic prevention and vaccine development.

3D-imaging of the knee with an optimized 3D-FSE-sequence and a 15-channel knee-coil

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Notohamiprodjo, Mike, E-mail: mike.notohamiprodjo@med.uni-muenchen.de [Department of Clinical Radiology, University Hospitals Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich (Germany); Department of Radiology, Langone Medical Center, Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging New York University, 660 First Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016 (United States); Horng, Annie; Kuschel, Bernhard [Department of Clinical Radiology, University Hospitals Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich (Germany); Paul, Dominik [Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Henkestr. 127, 91054 Erlangen (Germany); Li, Guobin [Siemens Mindit Magnetic Resonance Ltd., Shenzhen, Guang Dong (China); Raya, Jose G. [Department of Radiology, Langone Medical Center, Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging New York University, 660 First Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016 (United States); Reiser, Maximilian F. [Department of Clinical Radiology, University Hospitals Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich (Germany); Glaser, Christian [Department of Clinical Radiology, University Hospitals Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich (Germany); Department of Radiology, Langone Medical Center, Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging New York University, 660 First Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016 (United States)

2012-11-15

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of an optimized 3D-Fast-Spin-Echo-sequence (3D-SPACE) in combination with a 15-channel knee-coil for 3D-imaging of the knee at 3 T. Methods: 15 volunteers and 50 consecutive patients were examined at 3 T with fat-saturated moderately T2-weighted 3D-SPACE (Voxel-size (VS): 0.6 mm Multiplication-Sign 0.5 mm Multiplication-Sign 0.5 mm/acquisition-time (AT) 10:44 min) using a 15-channel knee-coil. Flip angle optimization and radial k-space reordering were applied. Signal- and contrast-to-noise-ratios (SNR, CNR) were compared to non-optimized 3D-SPACE (8-channel knee-coil) and conventional 2D-FSE (VS: 0.4 mm Multiplication-Sign 0.4 mm Multiplication-Sign 3 mm/total AT: 12 min). Two radiologists independently rated depiction of internal knee structures and assessed detection and depiction of cartilage and meniscus abnormalities compared to conventional 2D-FSE-sequences. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for a subgroup with arthroscopy as reference standard. Statistical analysis was performed with paired t-tests, confidence intervals and weighted-{kappa}-coefficients. Results: SNR and CNR particularly of fluid/cartilage of optimized 3D-SPACE were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than of the non-optimized 3D-sequence and conventional 2D-sequence. Blurring and image inhomogeneity were reduced in the optimized sequence. The thin slice-thickness was beneficial for depiction of problematical anatomical structures such as meniscal roots. 3D-SPACE showed significantly higher diagnostic confidence (p < 0.05) for diagnosis of cartilage lesions of the femoral trochlea. Overall sensitivity and specificity of 3D-SPACE and 2D-FSE for cartilage lesions was 82.3%/80.2% and 79.4%/84.2% and 100%/86.4% and 92.3%/81.8% for meniscus lesions. Conclusions: Optimized 3D-SPACE provides significantly higher signal and contrast compared to conventional 2D-FSE, particularly for fluid and cartilage, leading to improved diagnostic confidence

Evaluation of obstructive uropathy by deconvolution analysis of {sup 99m}Tc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine ({sup 99m}Tc-MAG3) renal scintigraphic data. A comparison with diuresis renography

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hada, Yoshiyuki [Mie Univ., Tsu (Japan). School of Medicine

1997-06-01

Clinical significance of ERPF (effective renal plasma flow) and MTT (mean transit time) calculated by deconvolution analysis was studied in patients with obstructive uropathy. Subjects were 84 kidneys of 38 patients and 4 people without renal abnormality (22 males and 20 females) whose age was 53.8 y in a mean. Scintigraphy was done with a Toshiba {gamma}-camera GCA-7200A equipped with a low energy-high resolution collimator with the energy width of 149 keV{+-}20% at 20 min after loading of 500 ml of water and rapidly after intravenous administration of {sup 99m}Tc-MAG3 (200 MBq). At 5 min later, blood was collected and at 10 min, furosemide was intravenously given. Plasma radioactivity was measured in a well-type scintillation counter and was used for correction of blood concentration-time curve obtained from heart area data. Split MTT, regional MTT and ERPF were calculated by deconvolution analysis. Impaired transit was judged from renogram after furosemide loading and was classified into 6 types. ERPF was found lowered in cases of obstruction and in low renal function. Regional MTT was prolonged only in the former cases. The examination with the deconvolution analysis was concluded to be widely used since it gave useful information for the treatment. (K.H.)

INTRINSIC COLORS, TEMPERATURES, AND BOLOMETRIC CORRECTIONS OF PRE-MAIN-SEQUENCE STARS

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pecaut, Mark J.; Mamajek, Eric E. [University of Rochester, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rochester, NY 14627-0171 (United States)

2013-09-01

We present an analysis of the intrinsic colors and temperatures of 5-30 Myr old pre-main-sequence (pre-MS) stars using the F0- through M9-type members of nearby, negligibly reddened groups: the η Cha cluster, the TW Hydra Association, the β Pic Moving Group, and the Tucana-Horologium Association. To check the consistency of spectral types from the literature, we estimate new spectral types for 52 nearby pre-MS stars with spectral types F3 through M4 using optical spectra taken with the SMARTS 1.5 m telescope. Combining these new types with published spectral types and photometry from the literature (Johnson-Cousins BVI{sub C} , 2MASS JHK{sub S} and WISE W1, W2, W3, and W4), we derive a new empirical spectral type-color sequence for 5-30 Myr old pre-MS stars. Colors for pre-MS stars match dwarf colors for some spectral types and colors, but for other spectral types and colors, deviations can exceed 0.3 mag. We estimate effective temperatures (T {sub eff}) and bolometric corrections (BCs) for our pre-MS star sample through comparing their photometry to synthetic photometry generated using the BT-Settl grid of model atmosphere spectra. We derive a new T {sub eff} and BC scale for pre-MS stars, which should be a more appropriate match for T Tauri stars than often-adopted dwarf star scales. While our new T {sub eff} scale for pre-MS stars is within ≅100 K of dwarfs at a given spectral type for stars sequence for O9V-M9V MS stars based on an extensive literature survey, (2) a revised Q-method relation for dereddening UBV photometry of OB-type stars, and (3) introduce two candidate spectral standard stars as representatives of spectral types K8V and K9V.

The importance of binder moisture content in Metformin HCL high-dose formulations prepared by moist aqueous granulation (MAG

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hiroshi Takasaki

2015-01-01

Full Text Available The aim of this study was to evaluate binders to improve the flowability of granulates and compactibility of Metformin HCL (Met using the moist aqueous granulation (MAG process. The effect of the binder moisture content on granulate and tablet quality was also evaluated. Vinylpyrrolidone–vinyl acetate copolymer (Kollidon VA64 fine: VA64, polyvidone (Povidone K12: PVP, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC SSL SF: HPC and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Methocel E5 LV: HPMC were evaluated as binders. These granulates, except for HPMC, had a lower yield pressure than Met active pharmaceutical ingredient (API. HPMC Met was not sufficiently granulated with low water volume. No problems were observed with the VA64 Met granulates during the tableting process. However, HPC Met granulates had a bowl-forming tendency, and PVP Met granulates had the tendency to stick during the tableting process. These bowl-forming and sticking tendencies may have been due to the low moisture absorbency of HPC and the high volume of bound water of PVP, respectively. VA64 Met granulates had the highest ambient moisture content (bulk water, bound water and moisture absorbency. It was concluded that the type of binder used for the Met MAG process has an impact on granulate flow and compactibility, as well as moisture absorbency and maintenance of moisture balance.

An Analysis of the Joints’ Properties of Fine-Grained Steel Welded by the MAG and SAW Methods

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Krawczyk R.

2016-09-01

Full Text Available The article presents an analysis of properties of welded joints of fine-grained steel of P460NH type used more and more often in the modern constructions. A process of examining a technology of welding has been carried out on the thick-walled butt joints of sheet metal by two methods of welding namely MAG – 135 and SAW – 121. The article deals with a topic of optimizing a process of welding thick-walled welded joints of fine-grained steel due to their mechanicalproperties and efficiency.

3′ terminal diversity of MRP RNA and other human noncoding RNAs revealed by deep sequencing

Science.gov (United States)

2013-01-01

Background Post-transcriptional 3′ end processing is a key component of RNA regulation. The abundant and essential RNA subunit of RNase MRP has been proposed to function in three distinct cellular compartments and therefore may utilize this mode of regulation. Here we employ 3′ RACE coupled with high-throughput sequencing to characterize the 3′ terminal sequences of human MRP RNA and other noncoding RNAs that form RNP complexes. Results The 3′ terminal sequence of MRP RNA from HEK293T cells has a distinctive distribution of genomically encoded termini (including an assortment of U residues) with a portion of these selectively tagged by oligo(A) tails. This profile contrasts with the relatively homogenous 3′ terminus of an in vitro transcribed MRP RNA control and the differing 3′ terminal profiles of U3 snoRNA, RNase P RNA, and telomerase RNA (hTR). Conclusions 3′ RACE coupled with deep sequencing provides a valuable framework for the functional characterization of 3′ terminal sequences of noncoding RNAs. PMID:24053768

CCD photometry of the distant young open cluster NGC 7510

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sagar, R.; Bonn Univ.; Griffiths, W.K.

1991-01-01

CCD observations in B, V and I passbands have been used to generate deep V, (B-V) and V,(V-I) colour-magnitude diagrams for the open cluster NGC 7510. The sample consists of 592 stars reaching down to V=21 mag. There appears to be non-uniform extinction over the face of the cluster with the value of colour excess, E(B-V), ranging from 1.0 to 1.3 mag. The law of interstellar extinction in the direction of the cluster is found to be normal. A broad main sequence is clearly visible in both colour-magnitude diagrams. From the bluest part of the colour-magnitude diagrams, the true distance modulus to the cluster has been estimated as 12.5±0.3 mag and an upper limit of 10 Myr has been assigned for the cluster age. (author)

CBESW: sequence alignment on the Playstation 3.

Science.gov (United States)

Wirawan, Adrianto; Kwoh, Chee Keong; Hieu, Nim Tri; Schmidt, Bertil

2008-09-17

The exponential growth of available biological data has caused bioinformatics to be rapidly moving towards a data-intensive, computational science. As a result, the computational power needed by bioinformatics applications is growing exponentially as well. The recent emergence of accelerator technologies has made it possible to achieve an excellent improvement in execution time for many bioinformatics applications, compared to current general-purpose platforms. In this paper, we demonstrate how the PlayStation 3, powered by the Cell Broadband Engine, can be used as a computational platform to accelerate the Smith-Waterman algorithm. For large datasets, our implementation on the PlayStation 3 provides a significant improvement in running time compared to other implementations such as SSEARCH, Striped Smith-Waterman and CUDA. Our implementation achieves a peak performance of up to 3,646 MCUPS. The results from our experiments demonstrate that the PlayStation 3 console can be used as an efficient low cost computational platform for high performance sequence alignment applications.

Complete genome sequence of the biofilm-forming Microbacterium sp. strain BH-3-3-3, isolated from conventional field-grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in Norway.

Science.gov (United States)

Dees, Merete Wiken; Brurberg, May Bente; Lysøe, Erik

2017-03-01

The genus Microbacterium contains bacteria that are ubiquitously distributed in various environments and includes plant-associated bacteria that are able to colonize tissue of agricultural crop plants. Here, we report the 3,508,491 bp complete genome sequence of Microbacterium sp. strain BH-3-3-3, isolated from conventionally grown lettuce ( Lactuca sativa ) from a field in Vestfold, Norway. The nucleotide sequence of this genome was deposited into NCBI GenBank under the accession CP017674.

Blackout sequence modeling for Atucha-I with MARCH3 code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Baron, J.; Bastianelli, B.

1997-01-01

The modeling of a blackout sequence in Atucha I nuclear power plant is presented in this paper, as a preliminary phase for a level II probabilistic safety assessment. Such sequence is analyzed with the code MARCH3 from STCP (Source Term Code Package), based on a specific model developed for Atucha, that takes into accounts it peculiarities. The analysis includes all the severe accident phases, from the initial transient (loss of heat sink), loss of coolant through the safety valves, core uncovered, heatup, metal-water reaction, melting and relocation, heatup and failure of the pressure vessel, core-concrete interaction in the reactor cavity, heatup and failure of the containment building (multi-compartmented) due to quasi-static overpressurization. The results obtained permit to visualize the time sequence of these events, as well as provide the basis for source term studies. (author) [es

ADN-Viewer: a 3D approach for bioinformatic analyses of large DNA sequences.

Science.gov (United States)

Hérisson, Joan; Ferey, Nicolas; Gros, Pierre-Emmanuel; Gherbi, Rachid

2007-01-20

Most of biologists work on textual DNA sequences that are limited to the linear representation of DNA. In this paper, we address the potential offered by Virtual Reality for 3D modeling and immersive visualization of large genomic sequences. The representation of the 3D structure of naked DNA allows biologists to observe and analyze genomes in an interactive way at different levels. We developed a powerful software platform that provides a new point of view for sequences analysis: ADNViewer. Nevertheless, a classical eukaryotic chromosome of 40 million base pairs requires about 6 Gbytes of 3D data. In order to manage these huge amounts of data in real-time, we designed various scene management algorithms and immersive human-computer interaction for user-friendly data exploration. In addition, one bioinformatics study scenario is proposed.

Evaluation of platelet aggregability during left ventricular bypass using a MedTech MagLev VAD in a series of chronic calf experiments.

Science.gov (United States)

Kimura, Taro; Yokoyama, Yoshimasa; Sakota, Daisuke; Nagaoka, Eiki; Kitao, Takashi; Takakuda, Kazuo; Takatani, Setsuo

2013-03-01

The impact of continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) pumping on platelet aggregation was investigated in animal experiments utilizing six calves. A single-use MagLev centrifugal blood pump, MedTech MagLev, was used to bypass the calves' hearts from the left atrium to the descending aorta at a flow rate of 50 ml/kg/min. The LVAD's impact on blood coagulation activities was evaluated based on the platelet aggregability, which was measured with a turbidimetric assay method during the preoperative, operative, and postoperative periods. Heparin and warfarin were used for anticoagulation, while aspirin was used for the antiplatelet therapy. A decrease in platelet aggregation immediately after the pump started was observed in the cases of successful long-term pump operation, while the absence of such a decrease might have caused coagulation-related complications to terminate the experiments. Thus, the platelet aggregability was found to be significantly affected by the pump, and its initial trend may be related to the long-term outcome of the mechanical circulatory support.

Preliminary Report: DESiGN and Test Result of KSR-3 Rocket Magnetometers

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hyo-Min Kim

2000-12-01

Full Text Available The solar wind contributes to the formation of unique space environment called the Earth's magnetosphere by various interactions with the Earth's magnetic field. Thus the solar-terrestrial environment affects the Earth's magnetic field, which can be observed with an instrument for the magnetic field measurement, the magnetometer usually mounted on the rocket and the satellite and based on the ground observatory. The magnetometer is a useful instrument for the spacecraft attitude control as well as the Earth's magnetic field measurements for a scientific purpose. In this paper, we present the preliminary design and test results of the two onboard magnetometers of KARI's (Korea Aerospace Research Institute sounding rocket, KSR-3, which will be launched four times during the period of 2001-02. The KSR-3 magnetometers consist of the fluxgate magnetometer, MAG/AIM (Attitude Information Magnetometer for acquiring the rocket flight attitude information, and of the search-coil magnetometer, MAG/SIM (Scientific Investigation Magnetometer for the observation of the Earth's magnetic field fluctuations. With the MAG/AIM, the 3-axis attitude information can be acquired by the comparison of the resulting dc magnetic vector field with the IGRF (International Geomagnetic Reference Field. The Earth's magnetic field fluctuations ranging from 10 to 1,000 Hz can also be observed with the MAG/SIM measurement.

First industrial application of the auto-adaptative MAG STT welding technique with laser joint tracking

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tran Tien, Th.

2007-01-01

The Welding Institute has participated to the plan of construction of the Large Hadron Collider. The hoops of the dipolar magnets are composed of two half cylinders 15 m in length in 10 mm 316LN austenitic stainless steel and are assembled around the magnet in a horizontal-vertical position. The Welding Institute has developed a software for carrying out the auto-adaptative welding technique with laser joint tracking, in using the MAG STT (Surface Tension Transfer) process. The modelling of the welding laws and the strategy of filling the joints in multi-paths absorb the physical tolerances of the preparation (clearance, poor alignment, root..) in dynamic welding condition too. (O.M.)

Microwave synthesis of gibberellin acid 3 magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer beads for the trace analysis of gibberellin acids in plant samples by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry detection.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Zhuomin; Tan, Wei; Hu, Yuling; Li, Gongke; Zan, Song

2012-02-21

In this study, novel GA3 magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (mag-MIP) beads were synthesized by a microwave irradiation method, and the beads were applied for the trace analysis of gibberellin acids (GAs) in plant samples including rice and cucumber coupled with high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The microwave synthetic procedure was optimized in detail. In particular, the interaction between GA3 and functional monomers was further studied for the selection of the optimal functional monomers during synthesis. It can be seen that the interaction between GA3 and acrylamide (AM) finally selected was stronger than that between GA3 and other functional monomers. GA3 mag-MIP beads were characterized by a series of physical tests. GA3 mag-MIP beads had a porous and homogeneous surface morphology with stable chemical, thermal and magnetic properties. Moreover, GA3 mag-MIP beads demonstrated selective and specific absorption behavior for the target compounds during unsaturated extraction, which resulted in a higher extraction capacity (∼708.4 pmol for GA3) and selectivity than GA3 mag-non-imprinted polymer beads. Finally, an analytical method of GA3 mag-AM-MIP bead extraction coupled with HPLC-MS detection was established and applied for the determination of trace GA1, GA3, GA4 and GA7 in rice and cucumber samples. It was satisfactory that GA4 could be actually found to be 121.5 ± 1.4 μg kg(-1) in real rice samples by this novel analytical method. The recoveries of spiked rice and cucumber samples were found to be 76.0-109.1% and 79.9-93.6% with RSDs of 2.8-8.8% and 3.1-7.7% (n = 3), respectively. The proposed method is efficient and applicable for the trace analysis of GAs in complicated plant samples.

MR colonography with fecal tagging: comparison between 2D turbo FLASH and 3D FLASH sequences

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Papanikolaou, Nickolas; Grammatikakis, John; Maris, Thomas; Prassopoulos, Panos; Gourtsoyiannis, Nicholas; Lauenstein, Thomas

2003-01-01

The objective of this study was to compare inversion recovery turbo 2D fast low-angle shot (FLASH) and 3D FLASH sequences for fecal-tagged MR colonography studies. Fifteen consecutive patients with indications for colonoscopy underwent MR colonography with fecal tagging. An inversion recovery turbo-FLASH sequence was applied and compared in terms of artifacts presence, efficiency for masking residual stool, and colonic wall conspicuity with a fat-saturated 3D FLASH sequence. Both sequences were acquired following administration of paramagnetic contrast agent. Contrast-to-noise ratio and relative contrast between colonic wall and lumen were calculated and compared for both sequences. Turbo 2D FLASH provided fewer artifacts, higher efficiency for masking the residual stool, and colonic wall conspicuity equivalent to 3D FLASH. An inversion time of 10 ms provided homogeneously low signal intensity of the colonic lumen. Contrast to noise between colonic wall and lumen was significantly higher in the 3D FLASH images, whereas differences in relative contrast were not statistically significant. An optimized inversion-recovery 2D turbo-FLASH sequence provides better fecal tagging results and should be added to the 3D FLASH sequence when designing dark-lumen MR colonography examination protocols. (orig.)

Full-length genome sequences of five hepatitis C virus isolates representing subtypes 3g, 3h, 3i and 3k, and a unique genotype 3 variant.

Science.gov (United States)

Lu, Ling; Li, Chunhua; Yuan, Jie; Lu, Teng; Okamoto, Hiroaki; Murphy, Donald G

2013-03-01

We characterized the full-length genomes of five distinct hepatitis C virus (HCV)-3 isolates. These represent the first complete genomes for subtypes 3g and 3h, the second such genomes for 3k and 3i, and of one novel variant presently not assigned to a subtype. Each genome was determined from 18-25 overlapping fragments. They had lengths of 9579-9660 nt and each contained a single ORF encoding 3020-3025 aa. They were isolated from five patients residing in Canada; four were of Asian origin and one was of Somali origin. Phylogenetic analysis using 64 partial NS5B sequences differentiated 10 assigned subtypes, 3a-3i and 3k, and two additional lineages within genotype 3. From the data of this study, HCV-3 full-length sequences are now available for six of the assigned subtypes and one unassigned. Our findings should add insights to HCV evolutionary studies and clinical applications.

Complexes of technetium-99m with tetrapeptides, a new class of 99mTc-labelled agents

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vanbilloen, Hubert P.; Bormans, Guy M.; Roo, Michel J. de; Verbruggen, Alfons M.

1995-01-01

Tetrapeptides are a class of N4-tetraligands that can efficiently bind 99m Tc. In fact, tetrapeptides can be considered as derivatives of mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) in which the mercaptoacetyl moiety is replaced by a more stable and easier to handle aminoacyl group. Direct labelling of tetrapeptides with 99m Tc in alkaline medium (pH ≥ 11) in the presence of stannous ions gave a high yield (>95%) of one or two (probably isomeric) radiochemical species. Exchange labelling at different pH values in the presence of stannous tartrate resulted in lower yields of the same 99m Tc-labelled products as those formed during direct labelling. In addition, other radiochemical species were formed of which one was characterized as an oxotechnetium-complex with the cyclisized tetrapeptide. Tetrapeptides with a chiral centre in the first amino acid yield upon labelling with 99m Tc two radiochemical species, probably the two diastereomers with an oxotechnetium core respectively syn and anti with respect to the substituent on the amino acid. Only one diastereomer was observed when the chiral carbon atom is located in the second or third amino acid. Electrophoresis indicated that these new 99m Tc-labelled complexes are neutral in acidic medium and negatively charged in neutral and alkaline conditions. This correlates with a complex in which an oxotechnetium(V) group is bound to the ligand through three deprotonated nitrogen atoms of the amide functions and the free electron pair of the amine nitrogen atom. Biodistribution in mice showed for all studied 99m Tc-labelled tetrapeptides a rapid clearance from the blood mainly by the renal system. The presence of a methyl substituent in the tetrapeptide increased the urinary excretion. 99m Tc-labelledl -glycylalanylglycylglycine showed in mice a urinary excretion comparable to that of 99m Tc-MAG3. Further rise of lipophilicity by introduction of a dimethyl, isopropyl or isobutyryl group leads to increased hepatobiliary handling. It

Primer3_masker: integrating masking of template sequence with primer design software.

Science.gov (United States)

Kõressaar, Triinu; Lepamets, Maarja; Kaplinski, Lauris; Raime, Kairi; Andreson, Reidar; Remm, Maido

2018-06-01

Designing PCR primers for amplifying regions of eukaryotic genomes is a complicated task because the genomes contain a large number of repeat sequences and other regions unsuitable for amplification by PCR. We have developed a novel k-mer based masking method that uses a statistical model to detect and mask failure-prone regions on the DNA template prior to primer design. We implemented the software as a standalone software primer3_masker and integrated it into the primer design program Primer3. The standalone version of primer3_masker is implemented in C. The source code is freely available at https://github.com/bioinfo-ut/primer3_masker/ (standalone version for Linux and macOS) and at https://github.com/primer3-org/primer3/ (integrated version). Primer3 web application that allows masking sequences of 196 animal and plant genomes is available at http://primer3.ut.ee/. maido.remm@ut.ee. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

CBESW: Sequence Alignment on the Playstation 3

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hieu Nim

2008-09-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The exponential growth of available biological data has caused bioinformatics to be rapidly moving towards a data-intensive, computational science. As a result, the computational power needed by bioinformatics applications is growing exponentially as well. The recent emergence of accelerator technologies has made it possible to achieve an excellent improvement in execution time for many bioinformatics applications, compared to current general-purpose platforms. In this paper, we demonstrate how the PlayStation® 3, powered by the Cell Broadband Engine, can be used as a computational platform to accelerate the Smith-Waterman algorithm. Results For large datasets, our implementation on the PlayStation® 3 provides a significant improvement in running time compared to other implementations such as SSEARCH, Striped Smith-Waterman and CUDA. Our implementation achieves a peak performance of up to 3,646 MCUPS. Conclusion The results from our experiments demonstrate that the PlayStation® 3 console can be used as an efficient low cost computational platform for high performance sequence alignment applications.

Efeito do formato de onda e gás de proteção sobre a taxa de fusão e geometria do cordão na soldagem MIG/MAG-PV Effect of waveform and shielding gas on melting rate and bead geometry for MIG/MAG-PV

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alexandre Saldanha do Nascimento

2012-03-01

Full Text Available Dada a importância do uso da polaridade variável na soldagem MIG/MAG (MIG/MAG-PV, com grande potencial para a aplicação de revestimento e para a soldagem de passe de raiz, �� fundamental investigar os efeitos de parâmetros do processo na formação do cordão e na taxa de fusão do arame-eletrodo. Esta última em especial, dada a maior taxa de fusão obtida pelo período de polaridade negativa. Desta forma, procurou-se avaliar o efeito de dois formatos de onda investigados anteriormente que possuem pausa de corrente antes e após o pulso principal do período de polaridade positiva, haja vista que estas condições se mostraram as mais estáveis. Investigou-se também o efeito do tipo de gás de proteção utilizado sobre as características geométricas do cordão de solda (representadas pela largura, penetração e reforço e taxas de fusão e deposição e o rendimento. As soldagens foram executadas em simples deposição sobre chapas de aço SAE 1020 pelo processo MIG/MAG-PV com 30 e 50% de porcentagem de tempo com eletrodo em polaridade negativa. Os gases de proteção utilizados foram Ar+2%O2, Ar+5%O2, Ar+8%CO2 e Ar+15%CO2. Procurou-se manter o mesmo comprimento de arco em todos os testes, por meio da variação da velocidade de alimentação de arame. Além disto, foi mantida constante a relação velocidade de alimentação de arame pela velocidade de soldagem, com o objetivo de tentar manter o volume de metal depositado constante para comparação. Pode-se concluir que o melhor entendimento do comportamento da geometria em relação aos parâmetros e consumíveis utilizados auxiliará para garantir o perfil do cordão desejado de acordo com a aplicação. Aliado a isto, a análise da taxa de fusão do processo possibilita selecionar com mais coerência os parâmetros e consumíveis utilizados que forneçam menores perdas de material e maior produtividade.Due to the importance of variable polarity in MIG/MAG welding (MIG/MAG

Different technetium complexes with mercaptoacetyltriglycine

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Johannsen, B.; Reiss, H.; Bruch, L.; Modersohn, D.; Noll, B.; Heise, K.H.; Spies, H.; Hoffmann, I.; Hoffmann, S.; Kloetzer, D.

1990-01-01

Syntheses performed with unprotected mercaptoacetylglycylglycylglycine (MAG3) both at carrier level (10 -4 M) and with no-carrier-added 99m Tc indicated that various products of different biological properties exist in the Tc/MAG3 system. Besides the known Tc(V)oxo complex recently introduced into nuclear medicine for renal function diagnosis, mainly three species were characterized by HPLC, TLC, electrophoresis and uv-vis spectroscopy as well as biodistribution studies in minipigs. Alteration of preparation conditions such as concentrations, sequence of reactant addition, pH, and time allowed to elucidate reaction routes within the system, interdependence of the species, and vulnerability of the kidney imaging agent. (author)

Comparison of the biological effects of MMS and Me-lex, a minor groove methylating agent: clarifying the role of N3-methyladenine.

Science.gov (United States)

Monti, Paola; Foggetti, Giorgia; Menichini, Paola; Inga, Alberto; Gold, Barry; Fronza, Gilberto

2014-01-01

N3-methyladenine (3-mA), generated by the reaction of methylating agents with DNA, is considered a highly toxic but weakly mutagenic lesion. However, due to its intrinsic instability, some of the biological effects of the adduct can result from the formation of the corresponding depurination product [an apurinic (AP)-site]. Previously, we exploited Me-lex, i.e. {1-methyl-4-[1-methyl-4-(3-methoxysulfonylpropanamido)pyrrole-2-carboxamido]-pyrrole-2 carboxamido}propane, a minor groove equilibrium binder with selectivity for A/T rich sequences that efficiently reacts with DNA to afford 3-mA as the dominant product, to probe the biology of this lesion. Using human p53 cDNA as a target in a yeast system, a weak increase in mutagenicity was observed in the absence of Mag1 (3-methyladenine-DNA glycosylase 1, mag1), the enzyme devoted to remove 3-mA from DNA. Moreover, a significant increase in mutagenicity occurred in the absence of the enzymes involved in the repair of AP-sites (AP endonucleases 1 and 2, apn1apn2). Since methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) has been extensively used to explore the biological effects of 3-mA, even though it produces 3-mA in low relative yield, we compared the toxicity and mutagenicity induced by MMS and Me-lex in yeast. A mutagenesis reporter plasmid was damaged in vitro by MMS and then transformed into wild-type and Translesion Synthesis (TLS) Polζ (REV3) and Polη (RAD30) deficient strains. Furthermore, a mag1rad30 double mutant strain was constructed and transformed with the DNA plasmid damaged in vitro by Me-lex. The results confirm the important role of Polζ in the mutagenic bypass of MMS and Me-lex induced lesions, with Polη contributing only towards the bypass of Me-lex induced lesions, mainly in an error-free way. Previous and present results point towards the involvement of AP-sites, derived from the depurination of 3-mA, in the observed toxicity and mutagenicity. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Functional promoter upstream p53 regulatory sequence of IGFBP3 that is silenced by tumor specific methylation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hanafusa, Tadashi; Shinji, Toshiyuki; Shiraha, Hidenori; Nouso, Kazuhiro; Iwasaki, Yoshiaki; Yumoto, Eichiro; Ono, Toshiro; Koide, Norio

2005-01-01

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 functions as a carrier of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) in circulation and a mediator of the growth suppression signal in cells. There are two reported p53 regulatory regions in the IGFBP3 gene; one upstream of the promoter and one intronic. We previously reported a hot spot of promoter hypermethylation of IGFBP-3 in human hepatocellular carcinomas and derivative cell lines. As the hot spot locates at the putative upstream p53 consensus sequences, these p53 consensus sequences are really functional is a question to be answered. In this study, we examined the p53 consensus sequences upstream of the IGFBP-3 promoter for the p53 induced expression of IGFBP-3. Deletion, mutagenesis, and methylation constructs of IGFBP-3 promoter were assessed in the human hepatoblastoma cell line HepG2 for promoter activity. Deletions and mutations of these sequences completely abolished the expression of IGFBP-3 in the presence of p53 overexpression. In vitro methylation of these p53 consensus sequences also suppressed IGFBP-3 expression. In contrast, the expression of IGFBP-3 was not affected in the absence of p53 overexpression. Further, we observed by electrophoresis mobility shift assay that p53 binding to the promoter region was diminished when methylated. From these observations, we conclude that four out of eleven p53 consensus sequences upstream of the IGFBP-3 promoter are essential for the p53 induced expression of IGFBP-3, and hypermethylation of these sequences selectively suppresses p53 induced IGFBP-3 expression in HepG2 cells

Three-dimensional isotropic T2-weighted cervical MRI at 3 T: Comparison with two-dimensional T2-weighted sequences

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kwon, J.W.; Yoon, Y.C.; Choi, S.-H.

2012-01-01

Aim: To compare three-dimensional (3D) isotropic T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences and reformation with two-dimensional (2D) T2-weighted sequences regarding image quality of the cervical spine at 3 T. Materials and methods: A phantom study was performed using a water-filled cylinder. The signal-to-noise and image homogeneity were evaluated. Fourteen (n = 14) volunteers were examined at 3 T using 3D isotropic T2-weighted sagittal and conventional 2D T2-weighted sagittal, axial, and oblique sagittal MRI. Multiplanar reformation (MPR) of the 3D T2-weighted sagittal dataset was performed simultaneously with image evaluation. In addition to artefact assessment, the visibility of anatomical structures in the 3D and 2D sequences was qualitatively assessed by two radiologists independently. Cohen’s kappa and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used for the statistical analysis. Result: The 3D isotropic T2-weighted sequence resulted in the highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and lowest non-uniformity (NU) among the sequences in the phantom study. Quantitative evaluation revealed lower NU values of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and muscles in 2D T2-weighted sagittal sequences compared to the 3D volume isotropic turbo spin-echo acquisition (VISTA) sequence. The other NU values revealed no statistically significant difference between the 2D turbo spin-echo (TSE) and 3D VISTA sequences (0.059 < p < 0.959). 3D VISTA images showed significantly fewer CSF flow artefacts (p < 0.001) and better delineated intradural nerve rootlets (p = 0.001) and neural foramina (p = 0.016) compared to 2D sequences. Conclusion: A 3D T2 weighted sequence is superior to conventional 2D sequences for the delineation of intradural nerve rootlets and neural foramina and is less affected by CSF flow artefacts.

Face recognition based on matching of local features on 3D dynamic range sequences

Science.gov (United States)

Echeagaray-Patrón, B. A.; Kober, Vitaly

2016-09-01

3D face recognition has attracted attention in the last decade due to improvement of technology of 3D image acquisition and its wide range of applications such as access control, surveillance, human-computer interaction and biometric identification systems. Most research on 3D face recognition has focused on analysis of 3D still data. In this work, a new method for face recognition using dynamic 3D range sequences is proposed. Experimental results are presented and discussed using 3D sequences in the presence of pose variation. The performance of the proposed method is compared with that of conventional face recognition algorithms based on descriptors.

CfA3: 185 TYPE Ia SUPERNOVA LIGHT CURVES FROM THE CfA

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hicken, Malcolm; Challis, Peter; Kirshner, Robert P.; Bakos, Gaspar; Berlind, Perry; Brown, Warren R.; Caldwell, Nelson; Calkins, Mike; Cho, Richard; Contreras, Maria; Jha, Saurabh; Matheson, Tom; Modjaz, Maryam; Rest, Armin; Michael Wood-Vasey, W.; Barton, Elizabeth J.; Bragg, Ann; Briceno, Cesar; Ciupik, Larry; Dendy, Kristi-Concannon

2009-01-01

We present multiband photometry of 185 type-Ia supernovae (SNe Ia), with over 11,500 observations. These were acquired between 2001 and 2008 at the F. L. Whipple Observatory of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). This sample contains the largest number of homogeneously observed and reduced nearby SNe Ia (z ∼< 0.08) published to date. It more than doubles the nearby sample, bringing SN Ia cosmology to the point where systematic uncertainties dominate. Our natural system photometry has a precision of ∼<0.02 mag in BVRIr'i' and ∼<0.04 mag in U for points brighter than 17.5 mag. We also estimate a systematic uncertainty of 0.03 mag in our SN Ia standard system BVRIr'i' photometry and 0.07 mag for U. Comparisons of our standard system photometry with published SN Ia light curves and comparison stars, where available for the same SN, reveal agreement at the level of a few hundredths mag in most cases. We find that 1991bg-like SNe Ia are sufficiently distinct from other SNe Ia in their color and light-curve-shape/luminosity relation that they should be treated separately in light-curve/distance fitter training samples. The CfA3 sample will contribute to the development of better light-curve/distance fitters, particularly in the few dozen cases where near-infrared photometry has been obtained and, together, can help disentangle host-galaxy reddening from intrinsic supernova color, reducing the systematic uncertainty in SN Ia distances due to dust.

The DNA sequence, annotation and analysis of human chromosome 3

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Muzny, D.M.; Bolund, Lars; As part of the Chinese Human Genome Sequencing Consortium, E.T.A.L.

2006-01-01

as numerous loci involved in multiple human cancers such as the gene encoding FHIT, which contains the most common constitutive fragile site in the genome, FRA3B. Using genomic sequence from chimpanzee and rhesus macaque, we were able to characterize the breakpoints defining a large pericentric inversion...

“PRONTA PARA AJUDAR OS OPERÁRIOS QUE A ELEGERAM”: Vereadora Ilza Gouvêa e a militância das tecelãs de Magé/RJ“READY TO HELP THE WORKERS WHO ELECTED HER”: Councillor Ilza Gouvêa and the militancy of the weaver women of Magé, Rio de Janeiro state

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Felipe Augusto dos Santos Ribeiro

2011-06-01

Full Text Available http://dx.doi.org/10.5965/2175180303012011199   O período compreendido entre 1947 e 1964 foi uma época bastante rica em experiências para os trabalhadores têxteis do município de Magé-RJ, tida por eles como um tempo áureo, de muitas conquistas para a categoria, sobretudo via participação político-sindical. Esse contexto coincidiu, justamente, com a ascensão do Partido Comunista do Brasil (PCB no município, tendo vários de seus militantes sido eleitos como diretores sindicais e vereadores. Ao promoverem um elevado nível de organização e mobilização dos trabalhadores locais, os comunistas conseguiram eleger, mesmo na clandestinidade, por meio de outras legendas, um total de onze vereadores em Magé, entre eles uma operária têxtil, Ilza Gouvêa, eleita em 1950. Portanto, o presente trabalho tem por objetivo analisar a atuação dessa vereadora e a militância política das tecelãs mageenses.

Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Pelvic Bone Metastases at 3.0 T: Comparison Between 3-dimensional T1-weighted CAIPIRINHA-VIBE Sequence and 2-dimensional T1-weighted Turbo Spin-Echo Sequence.

Science.gov (United States)

Yoon, Min A; Hong, Suk-Joo; Lee, Kyu-Chong; Lee, Chang Hee

2018-06-12

This study aimed to compare 3-dimensional T1-weighted gradient-echo sequence (CAIPIRINHA-volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination [VIBE]) with 2-dimensional T1-weighted turbo spin-echo sequence for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of pelvic bone metastases at 3.0 T. Thirty-one contrast-enhanced MRIs of pelvic bone metastases were included. Two contrast-enhanced sequences were evaluated for the following parameters: overall image quality, sharpness of pelvic bone, iliac vessel clarity, artifact severity, and conspicuity and edge sharpness of the smallest metastases. Quantitative analysis was performed by calculating signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio of the smallest metastases. Significant differences between the 2 sequences were assessed. CAIPIRINHA-VIBE had higher scores for overall image quality, pelvic bone sharpness, iliac vessel clarity, and edge sharpness of the metastatic lesions, and had less artifacts (all P 0.05). Our results suggest that CAIPIRINHA-VIBE may be superior to turbo spin-echo for contrast-enhanced MRI of pelvic bone metastases at 3.0 T.

Comparative d2/d3 LSU–rDNA sequence study of some Iranian ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

SERVER

2007-11-05

Nov 5, 2007 ... segments yielded one fragment at over all sequenced isolates as 787 bp in size. The DNA sequences were aligned .... expansion segments of the 28S rDNA subunit (D2/D3. LSU-rDNA) are the ... isolated from different geographical location from tea shrubs infested roots of Guilan province, Iran (Table 1).

Variations in CCL3L gene cluster sequence and non-specific gene copy numbers

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Edberg Jeffrey C

2010-03-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Copy number variations (CNVs of the gene CC chemokine ligand 3-like1 (CCL3L1 have been implicated in HIV-1 susceptibility, but the association has been inconsistent. CCL3L1 shares homology with a cluster of genes localized to chromosome 17q12, namely CCL3, CCL3L2, and, CCL3L3. These genes are involved in host defense and inflammatory processes. Several CNV assays have been developed for the CCL3L1 gene. Findings Through pairwise and multiple alignments of these genes, we have shown that the homology between these genes ranges from 50% to 99% in complete gene sequences and from 70-100% in the exonic regions, with CCL3L1 and CCL3L3 being identical. By use of MEGA 4 and BioEdit, we aligned sense primers, anti-sense primers, and probes used in several previously described assays against pre-multiple alignments of all four chemokine genes. Each set of probes and primers aligned and matched with overlapping sequences in at least two of the four genes, indicating that previously utilized RT-PCR based CNV assays are not specific for only CCL3L1. The four available assays measured median copies of 2 and 3-4 in European and African American, respectively. The concordance between the assays ranged from 0.44-0.83 suggesting individual discordant calls and inconsistencies with the assays from the expected gene coverage from the known sequence. Conclusions This indicates that some of the inconsistencies in the association studies could be due to assays that provide heterogenous results. Sequence information to determine CNV of the three genes separately would allow to test whether their association with the pathogenesis of a human disease or phenotype is affected by an individual gene or by a combination of these genes.

3T MRI of the knee with optimised isotropic 3D sequences. Accurate delineation of intra-articular pathology without prolonged acquisition times

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Abdulaal, Osamah M.; Rainford, Louise; Galligan, Marie; McGee, Allison [University College Dublin, Radiography and Diagnostic Imaging, School of Medicine, Belfield, Dublin (Ireland); MacMahon, Peter; Kavanagh, Eoin [Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Department of Radiology, Dublin (Ireland); University College Dublin, School of Medicine, Dublin (Ireland); Cashman, James [Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Department of Orthopaedics, Dublin (Ireland); University College Dublin, School of Medicine, Dublin (Ireland)

2017-11-15

To investigate optimised isotropic 3D turbo spin echo (TSE) and gradient echo (GRE)-based pulse sequences for visualisation of articular cartilage lesions within the knee joint. Optimisation of experimental imaging sequences was completed using healthy volunteers (n=16) with a 3-Tesla (3T) MRI scanner. Imaging of patients with knee cartilage abnormalities (n=57) was then performed. Acquired sequences included 3D proton density-weighted (PDW) TSE (SPACE) with and without fat-suppression (FS), and T2*W GRE (TrueFISP) sequences, with acquisition times of 6:51, 6:32 and 5:35 min, respectively. One hundred sixty-one confirmed cartilage lesions were detected and categorised (Grade II n=90, Grade III n=71). The highest sensitivity and specificity for detecting cartilage lesions were obtained with TrueFISP with values of 84.7% and 92%, respectively. Cartilage SNR mean for PDW SPACE-FS was the highest at 72.2. TrueFISP attained the highest CNR means for joint fluid/cartilage (101.5) and joint fluid/ligament (156.5), and the lowest CNR for cartilage/meniscus (48.5). Significant differences were identified across the three sequences for all anatomical structures with respect to SNR and CNR findings (p-value <0.05). Isotropic TrueFISP at 3T, optimised for acquisition time, accurately detects cartilage defects, although it demonstrated the lowest contrast between cartilage and meniscus. (orig.)

Kinematics and M(sub v) calibration of K and M dwarf stars using Hipparcos data

Science.gov (United States)

Upgren, A. R.; Ratnatunga, K. U.; Casertano, S.; Weis, E.

1997-01-01

The luminosities and kinematics of lower main sequence stars in a spectroscopically selected sample covering spectral types K 3 to M 5 are determined using Hipparcos parallaxes and proper motions. The stars separate into two kinematically distinct components, called young disk and old disk components. The young component has velocity dispersion (30, 17, 12) km/s in the U, V and W directions, respectively, and features an asymmetric drift of 8 km/s, a vertex deviation of 10 +/- 3 deg and an absolute magnitude of 10.48 mag at color (R - I)(sub Kron) = 1.0 mag. The respective features of the old component are: (56, 34, 31) km/s, 28 km/s and 0.6 mag at the same color. The slope and intrinsic width of the magnitude calibration of each component are determined. The analysis is used to investigate the possible presence of residual systematic discrepancies of the model with Hipparcos data. There are indications of a possible underestimation of the parallax errors.

High photocurrent gain in NiO thin film/M-doped ZnO nanorods (M=Ag, Cd and Ni) heterojunction based ultraviolet photodiodes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Echresh, Ahmad, E-mail: ahmadechresh@gmail.com [Department of Science and Technology, Physical Electronics and Nanotechnology Division, Campus Norrköping, Linköping University, SE-601 74 Norrköping (Sweden); Echresh, Mohammad [Department of Physics, Sanati Hoveizeh University, Ahvaz (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Khranovskyy, Volodymyr [Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University, SE-5818358183 Linköping (Sweden); Nur, Omer; Willander, Magnus [Department of Science and Technology, Physical Electronics and Nanotechnology Division, Campus Norrköping, Linköping University, SE-601 74 Norrköping (Sweden)

2016-10-15

The thermal evaporation method has been used to deposit p-type NiO thin film, which was combined with hydrothermally grown n-type pure and M-doped ZnO nanorods (M=Ag, Cd and Ni) to fabricate a high performance p-n heterojunction ultraviolet photodiodes. The fabricated photodiodes show high rectification ratio and relatively low leakage current. The p-NiO/n-Zn{sub 0.94}Ag{sub 0.06}O heterojunction photodiode displays the highest photocurrent gain (~1.52×10{sup 4}), a photoresponsivity of ~4.48×10{sup 3} AW{sup −1} and a photosensitivity of ~13.56 compared with the other fabricated photodiodes. The predominated transport mechanisms of the p-n heterojunction ultraviolet photodiodes at low and high applied forward bias may be recombination-tunneling and space charge limited current, respectively.

ORF Sequence: NC_001136 [GENIUS II[Archive

Lifescience Database Archive (English)

Full Text Available NC_001136 gi|6320573 >gi|6320573|ref|NP_010653.1| Nucleolar protein involved in pre-rRNA processing; deplet...ion causes severely decreased 18S rRNA levels; Esf1p [Saccharomyces cerevisiae] MAG

Next-generation sequence detects ARAP3 as a novel oncogene in papillary thyroid carcinoma

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Wang QX

2016-11-01

Full Text Available Qing-Xuan Wang, En-Dong Chen, Ye-Feng Cai, Yi-Li Zhou, Zhou-Ci Zheng, Ying-Hao Wang, Yi-Xiang Jin, Wen-Xu Jin, Xiao-Hua Zhang, Ou-Chen Wang Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China Purpose: Thyroid cancer is the most frequent malignancies of the endocrine system, and it has became the fastest growing type of cancer worldwide. Much still remains unknown about the molecular mechanisms of thyroid cancer. Studies have found that some certain relationship between ARAP3 and human cancer. However, the role of ARAP3 in thyroid cancer has not been well explained. This study aimed to investigate the role of ARAP3 gene in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Methods: Whole exon sequence and whole genome sequence of primary papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC samples and matched adjacent normal thyroid tissue samples were performed and then bioinformatics analysis was carried out. PTC cell lines (TPC1, BCPAP, and KTC-1 with transfection of small interfering RNA were used to investigate the functions of ARAP3 gene, including cell proliferation assay, colony formation assay, migration assay, and invasion assay. Results: Using next-generation sequence and bioinformatics analysis, we found ARAP3 genes may play an important role in thyroid cancer. Downregulation of ARAP3 significantly suppressed PTC cell lines (TPC1, BCPAP, and KTC-1, cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion. Conclusion: This study indicated that ARAP3 genes have important biological implications and may act as a potentially drugable target in PTC. Keywords: papillary thyroid carcinoma, next-generation sequence, ARAP3, oncogene

Detection of M-Sequences from Spike Sequence in Neuronal Networks

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Yoshi Nishitani

2012-01-01

Full Text Available In circuit theory, it is well known that a linear feedback shift register (LFSR circuit generates pseudorandom bit sequences (PRBS, including an M-sequence with the maximum period of length. In this study, we tried to detect M-sequences known as a pseudorandom sequence generated by the LFSR circuit from time series patterns of stimulated action potentials. Stimulated action potentials were recorded from dissociated cultures of hippocampal neurons grown on a multielectrode array. We could find several M-sequences from a 3-stage LFSR circuit (M3. These results show the possibility of assembling LFSR circuits or its equivalent ones in a neuronal network. However, since the M3 pattern was composed of only four spike intervals, the possibility of an accidental detection was not zero. Then, we detected M-sequences from random spike sequences which were not generated from an LFSR circuit and compare the result with the number of M-sequences from the originally observed raster data. As a result, a significant difference was confirmed: a greater number of “0–1” reversed the 3-stage M-sequences occurred than would have accidentally be detected. This result suggests that some LFSR equivalent circuits are assembled in neuronal networks.

Visualization of cranial nerves I-XII: value of 3D CISS and T2-weighted FSE sequences

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yousry, I.; Camelio, S.; Wiesmann, M.; Brueckmann, H.; Yousry, T.A. [Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Marchioninistrasse 15, D-81377 Munich (Germany); Schmid, U.D. [Neurosurgical Unit, Klinik im Park, 8000 Zurich (Switzerland); Horsfield, M.A. [Department of Medical Physics, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 5WW (United Kingdom)

2000-07-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of the three-dimensional constructive interference of steady state (3D CISS) sequence (slice thickness 0.7 mm) and that of the T2-weighted fast spin echo (T2-weighted FSE) sequence (slice thickness 3 mm) for the visualization of all cranial nerves in their cisternal course. Twenty healthy volunteers were examined using the T2-weighted FSE and the 3D CISS sequences. Three observers evaluated independently the cranial nerves NI-NXII in their cisternal course. The rates for successful visualization of each nerve for 3D CISS (and for T2-weighted FSE in parentheses) were as follows: NI, NII, NV, NVII, NVIII 40 of 40 (40 of 40), NIII 40 of 40 (18 of 40), NIV 19 of 40 (3 of 40), NVI 39 of 40 (5 of 40), NIX, X, XI 40 of 40 (29 of 40), and NXII 40 of 40 (4 of 40). Most of the cranial nerves can be reliably assessed when using the 3D CISS and the T2-weighted FSE sequences. Increasing the spatial resolution when using the 3D CISS sequence increases the reliability of the identification of the cranial nerves NIII-NXII. (orig.)

Visualization of cranial nerves I-XII: value of 3D CISS and T2-weighted FSE sequences

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yousry, I.; Camelio, S.; Wiesmann, M.; Brueckmann, H.; Yousry, T.A.; Schmid, U.D.; Horsfield, M.A.

2000-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of the three-dimensional constructive interference of steady state (3D CISS) sequence (slice thickness 0.7 mm) and that of the T2-weighted fast spin echo (T2-weighted FSE) sequence (slice thickness 3 mm) for the visualization of all cranial nerves in their cisternal course. Twenty healthy volunteers were examined using the T2-weighted FSE and the 3D CISS sequences. Three observers evaluated independently the cranial nerves NI-NXII in their cisternal course. The rates for successful visualization of each nerve for 3D CISS (and for T2-weighted FSE in parentheses) were as follows: NI, NII, NV, NVII, NVIII 40 of 40 (40 of 40), NIII 40 of 40 (18 of 40), NIV 19 of 40 (3 of 40), NVI 39 of 40 (5 of 40), NIX, X, XI 40 of 40 (29 of 40), and NXII 40 of 40 (4 of 40). Most of the cranial nerves can be reliably assessed when using the 3D CISS and the T2-weighted FSE sequences. Increasing the spatial resolution when using the 3D CISS sequence increases the reliability of the identification of the cranial nerves NIII-NXII. (orig.)

3D representations of amino acids—applications to protein sequence comparison and classification

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jie Li

2014-08-01

Full Text Available The amino acid sequence of a protein is the key to understanding its structure and ultimately its function in the cell. This paper addresses the fundamental issue of encoding amino acids in ways that the representation of such a protein sequence facilitates the decoding of its information content. We show that a feature-based representation in a three-dimensional (3D space derived from amino acid substitution matrices provides an adequate representation that can be used for direct comparison of protein sequences based on geometry. We measure the performance of such a representation in the context of the protein structural fold prediction problem. We compare the results of classifying different sets of proteins belonging to distinct structural folds against classifications of the same proteins obtained from sequence alone or directly from structural information. We find that sequence alone performs poorly as a structure classifier. We show in contrast that the use of the three dimensional representation of the sequences significantly improves the classification accuracy. We conclude with a discussion of the current limitations of such a representation and with a description of potential improvements.

Genome Sequence of Jumbo Phage vB_AbaM_ME3 of Acinetobacter baumanni

OpenAIRE

Buttimer, Colin; O?Sullivan, Lisa; Elbreki, Mohamed; Neve, Horst; McAuliffe, Olivia; Ross, R. Paul; Hill, Colin; O?Mahony, Jim; Coffey, Aidan

2016-01-01

Bacteriophage (phage) vB_AbaM_ME3 was previously isolated from wastewater effluent using the propagating host Acinetobacter baumannii DSM 30007. The full genome was sequenced, revealing it to be the largest Acinetobacter bacteriophage sequenced to date with a size of 234,900 bp and containing 326 open reading frames (ORFs).

Common crus aplasia: diagnosis by 3D volume rendering imaging using 3DFT-CISS sequence

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, H.J.; Song, J.W.; Chon, K.-M.; Goh, E.-K.

2004-01-01

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the findings of three-dimensional (3D) volume rendering (VR) imaging in common crus aplasia (CCA) of the inner ear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using 3D VR imaging of temporal bone constructive interference in steady state (CISS) magnetic resonance (MR) images, we retrospectively reviewed seven inner ears of six children who were candidates for cochlear implants and who had been diagnosed with CCA. As controls, we used the same method to examine 402 inner ears of 201 patients who had no clinical symptoms or signs of sensorineural hearing loss. Temporal bone MR imaging (MRI) was performed with a 1.5 T MR machine using a CISS sequence, and VR of the inner ear was performed on a work station. Morphological image analysis was performed on rotation views of 3D VR images. RESULTS: In all seven cases, CCA was diagnosed by the absence of the common crus. The remaining superior semicircular canal (SCC) was normal in five and hypoplastic in two inner ears, while the posterior SCC was normal in all seven. One patient showed bilateral symmetrical CCA. Complicated combined anomalies were seen in the cochlea, vestibule and lateral SCC. CONCLUSION: 3D VR imaging findings with MR CISS sequence can directly diagnose CCA. This technique may be useful in delineating detailed anomalies of SCCs

Genome sequence of the organohalide-respiring Dehalogenimonas alkenigignens type strain (IP3-3(T)).

Science.gov (United States)

Key, Trent A; Richmond, Dray P; Bowman, Kimberly S; Cho, Yong-Joon; Chun, Jongsik; da Costa, Milton S; Rainey, Fred A; Moe, William M

2016-01-01

Dehalogenimonas alkenigignens IP3-3(T) is a strictly anaerobic, mesophilic, Gram negative staining bacterium that grows by organohalide respiration, coupling the oxidation of H2 to the reductive dehalogenation of polychlorinated alkanes. Growth has not been observed with any non-polyhalogenated alkane electron acceptors. Here we describe the features of strain IP3-3(T) together with genome sequence information and its annotation. The 1,849,792 bp high-quality-draft genome contains 1936 predicted protein coding genes, 47 tRNA genes, a single large subunit rRNA (23S-5S) locus, and a single, orphan, small unit rRNA (16S) locus. The genome contains 29 predicted reductive dehalogenase genes, a large majority of which lack cognate genes encoding membrane anchoring proteins.

BioMagResBank (BMRB) as a partner in the Worldwide Protein Data Bank (wwPDB): new policies affecting biomolecular NMR depositions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Markley, John L.; Ulrich, Eldon L.; Berman, Helen M.; Henrick, Kim; Nakamura, Haruki; Akutsu, Hideo

2008-01-01

We describe the role of the BioMagResBank (BMRB) within the Worldwide Protein Data Bank (wwPDB) and recent policies affecting the deposition of biomolecular NMR data. All PDB depositions of structures based on NMR data must now be accompanied by experimental restraints. A scheme has been devised that allows depositors to specify a representative structure and to define residues within that structure found experimentally to be largely unstructured. The BMRB now accepts coordinate sets representing three-dimensional structural models based on experimental NMR data of molecules of biological interest that fall outside the guidelines of the Protein Data Bank (i.e., the molecule is a peptide with 23 or fewer residues, a polynucleotide with 3 or fewer residues, a polysaccharide with 3 or fewer sugar residues, or a natural product), provided that the coordinates are accompanied by representation of the covalent structure of the molecule (atom connectivity), assigned NMR chemical shifts, and the structural restraints used in generating model. The BMRB now contains an archive of NMR data for metabolites and other small molecules found in biological systems

Diagnosing the Stagnation Conditions of MagLIF Implosions Using Co and Kr dopants

Science.gov (United States)

Harding, E. C.; Hansen, S. B.; Harvey-Thompson, A. J.; Weis, M. R.; Hahn, K. D.; Gomez, M. R.; Knapp, P. F.; Slutz, S. A.; Geissel, M.; Ampleford, D. J.; Jennings, C. A.; Peterson, K.; Rochau, G. A.; Doron, R.; Stambulchik, E.; Nedostup, O.; Maron, Y.; Golovkin, I.

2017-10-01

Recent experiments on the Z-machine tested several new diagnostic techniques for investigating the stagnation conditions and the origins of the mix present in a Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF) target. For the first time we have collected K-shell spectra from a low-concentration, Kr dopant placed in the gaseous D2 fuel. In addition, thin Co coatings were strategically applied to three different internal surfaces of the target in order to assess which surfaces actively contribute to the contamination of the fuel. Both imaging spectroscopy and narrow-band crystal imaging were used to identify the location of He-like Co ions. The Te and ne of the Co is inferred by fitting the He-alpha lines and the near-by Li-like satellites. The experimental measurements and the challenges associated with the analysis will be discussed. Sandia Natl Lab is a multi-mission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC., a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc., for the U.S. DOE NNSA under contract DE-NA-0003525.

Genome Sequence of Jumbo Phage vB_AbaM_ME3 of Acinetobacter baumanni.

Science.gov (United States)

Buttimer, Colin; O'Sullivan, Lisa; Elbreki, Mohamed; Neve, Horst; McAuliffe, Olivia; Ross, R Paul; Hill, Colin; O'Mahony, Jim; Coffey, Aidan

2016-08-25

Bacteriophage (phage) vB_AbaM_ME3 was previously isolated from wastewater effluent using the propagating host Acinetobacter baumannii DSM 30007. The full genome was sequenced, revealing it to be the largest Acinetobacter bacteriophage sequenced to date with a size of 234,900 bp and containing 326 open reading frames (ORFs). Copyright © 2016 Buttimer et al.

Lipid hydrolysis products affect the composition of infant gut microbial communities in vitro

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bennike, Rikke Mette Guldhammer; Bahl, Martin Iain; Vigsnæs, Louise Kristine

2015-01-01

to 14 : 0 and MAG 12 : 0) or long-chained NEFA (LC-NEFA; 16 : 0 to 18 : 1 and MAG 16 : 0) with and without sphingosine, representing lipid hydrolysis products characteristic for intestinal hydrolysis of breast milk lipids. Ion Torrent sequencing of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene revealed...

The different expression of TRPM7 and MagT1 impacts on the proliferation of colon carcinoma cells sensitive or resistant to doxorubicin

OpenAIRE

Cazzaniga, Alessandra; Moscheni, Claudia; Trapani, Valentina; Wolf, Federica I.; Farruggia, Giovanna; Sargenti, Azzurra; Iotti, Stefano; Maier, Jeanette A. M.; Castiglioni, Sara

2017-01-01

The processes leading to anticancer drug resistance are not completely unraveled. To get insights into the underlying mechanisms, we compared colon carcinoma cells sensitive to doxorubicin with their resistant counterpart. We found that resistant cells are growth retarded, and show staminal and ultrastructural features profoundly different from sensitive cells. The resistant phenotype is accompanied by the upregulation of the magnesium transporter MagT1 and the downregulation of the ion chann...

Welding distortion analysis of multipass joint combination with different sequences using 3D FEM and experiment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Manurung, Yupiter H.P.; Lidam, Robert Ngendang; Rahim, M. Ridzwan; Zakaria, M. Yusof; Redza, M. Ridhwan; Sulaiman, M. Shahar; Tham, Ghalib; Abas, Sunhaji K.

2013-01-01

This paper presents an investigation of the welding sequence effect on induced angular distortion using FEM and experiments. The specimen of a combined joint geometry was modeled and simulated using Multipass Welding Advisor (MWA) in SYSWELD 2010 based on the thermal-elastic-plastic approach with low manganese carbon steel S3355J2G3 as specimen material and Goldak's double ellipsoid as heat source model. To validate the simulation results, a series of experiments was conducted with two different welding sequences using automated welding process, low carbon steel as parent metal, digital GMAW power source with premixed shielding gas and both-sided clamping technique. Based on the results, it was established that the thermo-elastic-plastic 3D FEM analysis shows good agreement with experimental results and the welding sequence “from outside to inside” induced less angular distortion compared to “from inside to outside”. -- Highlights: • 3D FEM was used to analyze the welding distortion on two different sequences. • Simulation results were validated with experiments using automated welding system. • Simulation results and experiments showed acceptable accuracy. • Welding sequence “outside–inside” showed less distortion than “inside–outside”

The study of 3s3p4 configuration in the P-Sequence, Co X III - Ni X IV, by laser-produced plasmas

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Borges, F.O.; Cavalcanti, G.H.; Farias, E.E.; Trigueiros, A.G.

2007-01-01

Wavelengths from radiation of plasmas produced by a Nd:YAG/glass laser focused on target of Co and Ni have been recorded photographically in the region 240-600 A with a 3m normal incidence spectrograph. For this sequence (Co X III and Ni X IV) we have identified 13 new lines belonging to the array 3s 2 3p 3 -3s3p 4 and derived 7 new levels for the 3s3p 4 configuration. The classification was established by comparison of the relative intensities for the lines along the isoelectronic sequence, extrapolation, and Hartree-Fock calculation. (author)

Sequencing and expression analysis of CD3γ/δ and CD3ɛ chains in mandarin fish, Siniperca chuatsi

Science.gov (United States)

Guo, Zheng; Nie, Pin

2013-01-01

The genomic and cDNA sequences of the CD3γ/δ and CD3ɛ homologues in the mandarin fish, Siniperca chuats i, were determined. As in other vertebrate CD3 molecules, the deduced amino acid sequences of mandarin fish CD3γ/δ and CD3ɛ contained conserved residues and motifs, such as cysteine residues and CXXC and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs. However, mandarin fish CD3γ/δ and CD3ɛ showed some differences to their mammalian counterparts, specifically the absence of a negatively charged residue in the transmembrane region of CD3γ/δ. Additionally, while an N -glycosylation site was present in CD3ɛ, the site was not observed in CD3γ/δ. The CD3γ/δ and CD3ɛ subunit sequences contain six and five exons, respectively, consistent with homologues from Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar. Phylogenetic analysis also revealed that CD3γ/δ and CD3ɛ in mandarin fish are closely related to their counterparts in Acanthopterygian fish. Real-time PCR showed CD3γ/δ and CD3ɛ were expressed mainly in the thymus and spleen in normal healthy fish and, to a lesser extent, in mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues, such as the intestine and gills. When lymphocytes isolated from head kidney were treated with the mitogens phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin, and polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid, mRNA expression levels of CD3γ/δ and CD3ɛ were significantly elevated within 12 h of treatment. This indicated the presence of T lymphocytes in the head kidney of teleost fish, and also the recognition of mitogens by the lymphocytes. Mandarin fish infected with the bacterial pathogen Flavobacterium columnare also showed an increase in the expression of CD3γ/δ and CD3ɛ mRNA, indicating that CD3γ/δ and CD3ɛ lymphocytes are involved in the immune response of this species.

Nonlinear Synchronization for Automatic Learning of 3D Pose Variability in Human Motion Sequences

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mozerov M

2010-01-01

Full Text Available A dense matching algorithm that solves the problem of synchronizing prerecorded human motion sequences, which show different speeds and accelerations, is proposed. The approach is based on minimization of MRF energy and solves the problem by using Dynamic Programming. Additionally, an optimal sequence is automatically selected from the input dataset to be a time-scale pattern for all other sequences. The paper utilizes an action specific model which automatically learns the variability of 3D human postures observed in a set of training sequences. The model is trained using the public CMU motion capture dataset for the walking action, and a mean walking performance is automatically learnt. Additionally, statistics about the observed variability of the postures and motion direction are also computed at each time step. The synchronized motion sequences are used to learn a model of human motion for action recognition and full-body tracking purposes.

Triamide mercaptide (N/sub 3/S) ligands for Tc-99m as potential Tc-99m renal function agents

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fritzberg, A.R.; Kasina, S.; Johnson, D.L.; Eshima, D.

1985-01-01

A number of diamide dimercaptide (N/sub 2/S/sub 2/) complexes of Tc-99m have shown potential as renal tubular function radiopharmaceuticals that could replace radioiodinated hippurate (OIH). Evaluation of such ligands suggested that maximum efficiency for tubular secretion and specificity resulted from addition of a carboxylate group. However, such derivatives resulted in chelate ring stereoisomers that were differently transported by the renal tubular system. The problem of stereoisomers was obviated by replacing one sulfur with an effectively planar amido nitrogen. Groups on the nitrogen then result in diastereomers only when an additional asymetric center is present. A series of triamide mercaptide compounds have been synthesized to evaluate this class as ligands for Tc-99m. One of the simplest of the series, mercaptoacetylglycylglycylglycine (MAG/sub 3/), formed a single Tc-99m product in high yield as determined by HPLC. Preliminary results with pmr and ms of the Tc-99 complex indicate a structure consistent with a 1:1 metal to ligand ratio and monooxo technetium group. Biological evaluation of Tc-99m MAG/sub 3/ showed high renal specificity and rate of excretion exceeding OIH in several species including humans. Members of the N/sub 3/S series studied include mercaptoacetylglycylglycyl-amino acids. In some cases with second asymmetric centers, two components were seen on HPLC. In mice several dianionic Tc-99m complexes were excreted faster than OIH, Tc-99m MAG/sub 2/-ala, -asn, and -gln. Trianionic Tc-99m MAG/sub 2/-asp and -glu were excreted more slowly, and Tc-99m MAG/sub 2/-phe showed hepatobiliary excretion. Triamide mercaptides represent a new ligand class for Tc-99m

Refining the Results of a Classical SELEX Experiment by Expanding the Sequence Data Set of an Aptamer Pool Selected for Protein A

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Regina Stoltenburg

2018-02-01

Full Text Available New, as yet undiscovered aptamers for Protein A were identified by applying next generation sequencing (NGS to a previously selected aptamer pool. This pool was obtained in a classical SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment experiment using the FluMag-SELEX procedure followed by cloning and Sanger sequencing. PA#2/8 was identified as the only Protein A-binding aptamer from the Sanger sequence pool, and was shown to be able to bind intact cells of Staphylococcus aureus. In this study, we show the extension of the SELEX results by re-sequencing of the same aptamer pool using a medium throughput NGS approach and data analysis. Both data pools were compared. They confirm the selection of a highly complex and heterogeneous oligonucleotide pool and show consistently a high content of orphans as well as a similar relative frequency of certain sequence groups. But in contrast to the Sanger data pool, the NGS pool was clearly dominated by one sequence group containing the known Protein A-binding aptamer PA#2/8 as the most frequent sequence in this group. In addition, we found two new sequence groups in the NGS pool represented by PA-C10 and PA-C8, respectively, which also have high specificity for Protein A. Comparative affinity studies reveal differences between the aptamers and confirm that PA#2/8 remains the most potent sequence within the selected aptamer pool reaching affinities in the low nanomolar range of KD = 20 ± 1 nM.

Refining the Results of a Classical SELEX Experiment by Expanding the Sequence Data Set of an Aptamer Pool Selected for Protein A.

Science.gov (United States)

Stoltenburg, Regina; Strehlitz, Beate

2018-02-24

New, as yet undiscovered aptamers for Protein A were identified by applying next generation sequencing (NGS) to a previously selected aptamer pool. This pool was obtained in a classical SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) experiment using the FluMag-SELEX procedure followed by cloning and Sanger sequencing. PA#2/8 was identified as the only Protein A-binding aptamer from the Sanger sequence pool, and was shown to be able to bind intact cells of Staphylococcus aureus . In this study, we show the extension of the SELEX results by re-sequencing of the same aptamer pool using a medium throughput NGS approach and data analysis. Both data pools were compared. They confirm the selection of a highly complex and heterogeneous oligonucleotide pool and show consistently a high content of orphans as well as a similar relative frequency of certain sequence groups. But in contrast to the Sanger data pool, the NGS pool was clearly dominated by one sequence group containing the known Protein A-binding aptamer PA#2/8 as the most frequent sequence in this group. In addition, we found two new sequence groups in the NGS pool represented by PA-C10 and PA-C8, respectively, which also have high specificity for Protein A. Comparative affinity studies reveal differences between the aptamers and confirm that PA#2/8 remains the most potent sequence within the selected aptamer pool reaching affinities in the low nanomolar range of K D = 20 ± 1 nM.

Blue straggler stars in the globular cluster NGC 5053

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nemec, J.M.; Cohen, J.G.

1989-01-01

A study of the low central concentration globular cluster NGC 5053 based on photometry to 23 mag is reported. Deep C-M diagrams are presented, a mean metal abundance for the cluster is derived from the color of the RGB at the level of the horizontal branch, and theoretical isochrones are used to derive a distance modulus of (m - M0) = 16.05 + or - 0.14 mag and an age of 18 + or - 3 Gyr. A luminosity function based on subgiant and upper main-sequence stars is also constructed. A total of 24 blue stragglers in NGC 5053 are identified and their properties are studied. 65 references

MRI of the coronary arteries: flip angle train optimization for 3D sequences

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hietschold, V.; Kittner, T.; Abolmaali, N.

2002-01-01

Application of contrast agents in MRI of coronary arteries improves contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), but widens the range of T 1 relaxation times of the tissues to be imaged. The flip angle train, generated for the measurement of all phase-encoding steps in the 3 rd spatial dimension of the navigator echo FLASH sequence used, is optimal only for one T 1 . Computer simulations show that it is not advisable to optimize the sequence on the basis of an extremely short T 1 relaxation time (such as in the case of contrast-enhanced vessels) because the imaging of the surrounding tissue would be negatively influenced. A sequence optimization to a T1 of approximately 200 ms seems to allow a CNR improvement of ≥ 50%. (orig.)

Replication error deficient and proficient colorectal cancer gene expression differences caused by 3'UTR polyT sequence deletions

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Wilding, Jennifer L; McGowan, Simon; Liu, Ying

2010-01-01

, and have distinct pathologies. Regulatory sequences controlling all aspects of mRNA processing, especially including message stability, are found in the 3'UTR sequence of most genes. The relevant sequences are typically A/U-rich elements or U repeats. Microarray analysis of 14 RER+ (deficient) and 16 RER......- (proficient) colorectal cancer cell lines confirms a striking difference in expression profiles. Analysis of the incidence of mononucleotide repeat sequences in the 3'UTRs, 5'UTRs, and coding sequences of those genes most differentially expressed in RER+ versus RER- cell lines has shown that much...... of this differential expression can be explained by the occurrence of a massive enrichment of genes with 3'UTR T repeats longer than 11 base pairs in the most differentially expressed genes. This enrichment was confirmed by analysis of two published consensus sets of RER differentially expressed probesets for a large...

Influence of Metal Transfer Stability and Shielding Gas Composition on CO and CO2 Emissions during Short-circuiting MIG/MAG Welding

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Valter Alves de Meneses

Full Text Available Abstract: Several studies have demonstrated the influence of parameters and shielding gas on metal transfer stability or on the generation of fumes in MIG/MAG welding, but little or nothing has been discussed regarding the emission of toxic and asphyxiating gases, particularly as it pertains to parameterization of the process. The purpose of this study was to analyze and evaluate the effect of manufacturing aspects of welding processes (short-circuit metal transfer stability and shielding gas composition on the gas emission levels during MIG/MAG welding (occupational health and environmental aspects. Using mixtures of Argon with CO2 and O2 and maintaining the same average current and the same weld bead volume, short-circuit welding was performed with carbon steel welding wire in open (welder’s breathing zone and confined environments. The welding voltage was adjusted to gradually vary the transfer stability. It was found that the richer the composition of the shielding gas is in CO2, the more CO and CO2 are generated by the arc. However, unlike fume emission, voltage and transfer stability had no effect on the generation of these gases. It was also found that despite the large quantity of CO and CO2 emitted by the arc, especially when using pure CO2 shielding gas, there was no high level residual concentration of CO and CO2 in or near the worker’s breathing zone, even in confined work cells.

Partial Sequence Analysis of Merozoite Surface Proteine-3α Gene in Plasmodium vivax Isolates from Malarious Areas of Iran

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H Mirhendi

2008-12-01

Full Text Available Background: Approximately 85-90% of malaria infections in Iran are attributed to Plasmodium vivax, while little is known about the genetic of the parasite and its strain types in this region. This study was designed and performed for describing genetic characteristics of Plasmodium vivax population of Iran based on the merozoite surface protein-3α gene sequence. Methods: Through a descriptive study we analyzed partial P. vivax merozoite surface protein-3α gene sequences from 17 clinical P. vivax isolates collected from malarious areas of Iran. Genomic DNA was extracted by Q1Aamp® DNA blood mini kit, amplified through nested PCR for a partial nucleotide sequence of PvMSP-3 gene in P. vivax. PCR-amplified products were sequenced with an ABI Prism Perkin-Elmer 310 sequencer machine and the data were analyzed with clustal W software. Results: Analysis of PvMSP-3 gene sequences demonstrated extensive polymorphisms, but the sequence identity between isolates of same types was relatively high. We identified specific insertions and deletions for the types A, B and C variants of P. vivax in our isolates. In phylogenetic comparison of geographically separated isolates, there was not a significant geo­graphical branching of the parasite populations. Conclusion: The highly polymorphic nature of isolates suggests that more investigations of the PvMSP-3 gene are needed to explore its vaccine potential.

An Analysis of the Quality of the Thick-Walled S355J2+N Steel Joint Welded by the Mag Method

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Krawczyk R.

2017-06-01

Full Text Available An analysis of the quality of the thick-walled S355J2+N steel welded joint used most frequently in the general-building, power and other contemporary steel constructions is presented in the following article. A process of examining welding technologies was made on the tick-walled butt joints of plates by using the MAG – 135 welding method. The aim of the discussed topic was to optimize the process of welding thick-walled welded joints due to their mechanical strength properties and efficiency.

Three-dimensional gradient echo versus spin echo sequence in contrast-enhanced imaging of the pituitary gland at 3 T

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kakite, Suguru, E-mail: sugkaki@med.tottori-u.ac.jp [Division of Radiology, Department of Pathophysiological and Therapeutic Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 36-1, Nishicho, Yonago 683-8503 (Japan); Fujii, Shinya [Division of Radiology, Department of Pathophysiological and Therapeutic Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 36-1, Nishicho, Yonago 683-8503 (Japan); Kurosaki, Masamichi [Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 36-1, Nishicho, Yonago 683-8503 (Japan); Kanasaki, Yoshiko; Matsusue, Eiji; Kaminou, Toshio; Ogawa, Toshihide [Division of Radiology, Department of Pathophysiological and Therapeutic Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 36-1, Nishicho, Yonago 683-8503 (Japan)

2011-07-15

Introduction: To clarify whether a three-dimensional-gradient echo (3D-GRE) or spin echo (SE) sequence is more useful for evaluating sellar lesions on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MR imaging at 3.0 Tesla (T). Methods: We retrospectively assessed contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images using 3D-GRE and SE sequences at 3.0 T obtained from 33 consecutive patients with clinically suspected sellar lesions. Two experienced neuroradiologists evaluated the images qualitatively in terms of the following criteria: boundary edge of the cavernous sinus and pituitary gland, border of sellar lesions, delineation of the optic nerve and cranial nerves within the cavernous sinus, susceptibility and flow artifacts, and overall image quality. Results: At 3.0 T, 3D-GRE provided significantly better images than the SE sequence in terms of the border of sellar lesions, delineation of cranial nerves, and overall image quality; there was no significant difference regarding the boundary edge of the cavernous sinus and pituitary gland. In addition, the 3D-GRE sequence showed fewer pulsation artifacts but more susceptibility artifacts. Conclusion: Our results indicate that 3D-GRE is the more suitable sequence for evaluating sellar lesions on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging at 3.0 T.

A 3D T1-weighted gradient-echo sequence for routine use in 3D radiosurgical treatment planning of brain metastases: first clinical results

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hawighorst, H.; Schad, L.R.; Gademann, G.; Knopp, M.V.; Wenz, F.; Kaick, G. van

1995-01-01

The authors report on a 3D sequence for MRI of the brain and its application in radiosurgical treatment planning of 35 brain metastases. The measuring sequence, called magnetization - prepared rapid gradient echo (MPRAGE), was compared with 2D T1-weighted spin-echo (SE) sequences following intravenous contrast-medium application in 19 patients with brain metastases. The average diameter of all lesions was similar in both sequences, with 16.8 and 17.0 mm for SE and MPRAGE, respectively. Target point definition was equal in 29 metastases, and in 6 cases superior on MPRAGE, due to better gray-white matter contrast and increased contrast enhancement. In cases of bleeding metastases there was improved depiction of internal structures in 3D MRI. Postprocessing of 3D MPRAGE data created multiplanar reconstruction along any chosen plane with isotropic spatial resolution, which helped to improve radiosurgical isodose distribution in 4 cases when compared to 2D SE. However, sensitivity of 3D MPRAGE to detect small lesions (< 3 mm) was decreased in one patient with more than 50 metastases. We conclude that 3D gradient-echo (GE) imaging might be of great value for radiosurgical treatment planning, but does not replace 2D SE with its current parameters. (orig.)

Reactivity of [Cp*Mo(CO)3Me] with chalcogenated borohydrides Li ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

established by crystallographic analysis for compounds 2, 3 and 7. Keywords. Molybdenum ... in photovoltaic materials, industrial materials and mag- .... 2.4 Isolation of compounds 7-9 ... Oxford Diffraction SuperNova CCD system equipped.

MRI of the lumbar spine: comparison of 3D isotropic turbo spin-echo SPACE sequence versus conventional 2D sequences at 3.0 T.

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Sungwon; Jee, Won-Hee; Jung, Joon-Yong; Lee, So-Yeon; Ryu, Kyeung-Sik; Ha, Kee-Yong

2015-02-01

Three-dimensional (3D) fast spin-echo sequence with variable flip-angle refocusing pulse allows retrospective alignments of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in any desired plane. To compare isotropic 3D T2-weighted (T2W) turbo spin-echo sequence (TSE-SPACE) with standard two-dimensional (2D) T2W TSE imaging for evaluating lumbar spine pathology at 3.0 T MRI. Forty-two patients who had spine surgery for disk herniation and had 3.0 T spine MRI were included in this study. In addition to standard 2D T2W TSE imaging, sagittal 3D T2W TSE-SPACE was obtained to produce multiplanar (MPR) images. Each set of MR images from 3D T2W TSE and 2D TSE-SPACE were independently scored for the degree of lumbar neural foraminal stenosis, central spinal stenosis, and nerve compression by two reviewers. These scores were compared with operative findings and the sensitivities were evaluated by McNemar test. Inter-observer agreements and the correlation with symptoms laterality were assessed with kappa statistics. The 3D T2W TSE and 2D TSE-SPACE had similar sensitivity in detecting foraminal stenosis (78.9% versus 78.9% in 32 foramen levels), spinal stenosis (100% versus 100% in 42 spinal levels), and nerve compression (92.9% versus 81.8% in 59 spinal nerves). The inter-observer agreements (κ = 0.849 vs. 0.451 for foraminal stenosis, κ = 0.809 vs. 0.503 for spinal stenosis, and κ = 0.681 vs. 0.429 for nerve compression) and symptoms correlation (κ = 0.449 vs. κ = 0.242) were better in 3D TSE-SPACE compared to 2D TSE. 3D TSE-SPACE with oblique coronal MPR images demonstrated better inter-observer agreements compared to 3D TSE-SPACE without oblique coronal MPR images (κ = 0.930 vs. κ = 0.681). Isotropic 3D T2W TSE-SPACE at 3.0 T was comparable to 2D T2W TSE for detecting foraminal stenosis, central spinal stenosis, and nerve compression with better inter-observer agreements and symptom correlation. © The Foundation Acta Radiologica 2014 Reprints and

Comparative evaluation of the QIAsymphony RGQ system with the easyMAG/R-gene combination for the quantitation of cytomegalovirus DNA load in whole blood

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Pillet Sylvie

2012-10-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV DNA in blood is a key feature of the virological surveillance of immunocompromised patients. Methods The QIAsymphony RGQ system (QIAGEN S.A.S., France combines the extraction/distribution steps on QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments with amplification on a Rotor-Gene Q RT-PCR machine. This system was compared to a strategy combining an extraction step on the NUCLISENS easyMAG platform (bioMérieux with the CMV R-gene kit (Argene on 100 whole blood specimens collected from immunocompromised patients of the University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, France. Results The overall agreement between the two strategies was 86% (kappa coefficient of 0.67; the 14 discrepant results corresponded to low DNA loads. The 62 samples found positive with both tests were correlated (Pearson r coefficient of 0.70, P 10 copies/ml with the easyMAG/Argene strategy (P 10 copies/ml. The inter-run and intra-run variability was consistently lower with the QIAGEN platform. Conclusions These results validate the performance of the QIAsymphony RGQ system for the routine quantitation of CMV DNA. This fully-automated platform reduces the hands-on time and improves standardization, traceability and quality control assessment.

Liquid lipases for enzymatic concentration of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in monoacylglycerols via ethanolysis: Catalytic specificity and parameterization.

Science.gov (United States)

He, Yongjin; Li, Jingbo; Kodali, Sitharam; Balle, Thomas; Chen, Bilian; Guo, Zheng

2017-01-01

This work examined catalytic specificity and fatty acid selectivity of five liquid lipases C. antarctica lipase A and B (CAL-A/B), and lipase TL (T. lanuginosus), Eversa Transfrom and NS in ethanolysis of fish oil with the aim to concentrate n-3 PUFAs into monoacylglycerols (MAGs) products. Lipase TL, Eversa Transform & NS entail a much faster reaction and produce higher MAGs yield (>30%); whereas CAL-A obtains the highest concentration of n-3 PUFAs/DHA/EPA into MAGs products (88.30%); followed by lipase NS (81.02%). 13 C NMR analysis indicates that CAL-B and lipase TL are sn-1,3 specific; but CAL-A and lipase Eversa Transform are non-regiospecific or weak sn-2 specific; which plausibly explains high enrichment effect of the latter two lipases. All liquid lipases are observed reusable for a certain times (lipase Eversa Transform up to 12 times), demonstrating their competitive advantage over immobilized form for industrial application because of their higher activity and cheaper operation cost. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

MR Imaging of the Internal Auditory Canal and Inner Ear at 3T: Comparison between 3D Driven Equilibrium and 3D Balanced Fast Field Echo Sequences

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Byun, Jun Soo; Kim, Hyung Jin; Yim, Yoo Jeong; Kim, Sung Tae; Jeon, Pyoung; Kim, Keon Ha [Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Sam Soo; Jeon, Yong Hwan; Lee, Ji Won [Kangwon National University College of Medicine, Chuncheon (Korea, Republic of)

2008-06-15

To compare the use of 3D driven equilibrium (DRIVE) imaging with 3D balanced fast field echo (bFFE) imaging in the assessment of the anatomic structures of the internal auditory canal (IAC) and inner ear at 3 Tesla (T). Thirty ears of 15 subjects (7 men and 8 women; age range, 22 71 years; average age, 50 years) without evidence of ear problems were examined on a whole-body 3T MR scanner with both 3D DRIVE and 3D bFFE sequences by using an 8-channel sensitivity encoding (SENSE) head coil. Two neuroradiologists reviewed both MR images with particular attention to the visibility of the anatomic structures, including four branches of the cranial nerves within the IAC, anatomic structures of the cochlea, vestibule, and three semicircular canals. Although both techniques provided images of relatively good quality, the 3D DRIVE sequence was somewhat superior to the 3D bFFE sequence. The discrepancies were more prominent for the basal turn of the cochlea, vestibule, and all semicircular canals, and were thought to be attributed to the presence of greater magnetic susceptibility artifacts inherent to gradient-echo techniques such as bFFE. Because of higher image quality and less susceptibility artifacts, we highly recommend the employment of 3D DRIVE imaging as the MR imaging choice for the IAC and inner ear

The optical + infrared L dwarf spectral sequence of young planetary-mass objects in the Upper Scorpius association

Science.gov (United States)

Lodieu, N.; Zapatero Osorio, M. R.; Béjar, V. J. S.; Peña Ramírez, K.

2018-01-01

We present the results of photometric and spectroscopic follow-ups of the lowest mass member candidates in the nearest OB association, Upper Scorpius (∼5-10 Myr; 145 ± 17 pc), with the Gran Telescopio de Canarias (GTC) and European Southern Observatory (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT). We confirm the membership of the large majority (>80 per cent) of candidates originally selected photometrically and astrometrically based on their spectroscopic features, weak equivalent widths of gravity-sensitive doublets and radial velocities. Confirmed members follow a sequence over a wide magnitude range (J = 17.0-19.3 mag) in several colour-magnitude diagrams with optical, near- and mid-infrared photometry and have near-infrared spectral types in the L1-L7 interval with likely masses below 15 Jupiter masses. We find that optical spectral types tend to be earlier than near-infrared spectral types by a few subclasses for spectral types later than M9. We investigate the behaviour of spectral indices, defined in the literature as a function of spectral type and gravity, by comparison with values reported in the literature for young and old dwarfs. We also derive effective temperatures in the 1900-1600 K range from fits of synthetic model-atmosphere spectra to the observed photometry, but we caution that the procedure carries large uncertainties. We determine bolometric corrections for young L dwarfs with ages of ∼5-10 Myr (Upper Sco association) and find them to be similar in the J band but larger by 0.1-0.4 mag in the K band with respect to field L dwarfs. Finally, we discover two faint young L dwarfs, Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy (VISTA) J1607-2146 (L4.5) and VISTA J1611-2215 (L5), that have Hα emission and possible flux excesses at 4.5 μm, pointing to the presence of accretion from a disc on to the central objects of mass below ∼15MJup at an age of 5-10 Myr.

Global transformation of erythrocyte properties via engagement of an SH2-like sequence in band 3.

Science.gov (United States)

Puchulu-Campanella, Estela; Turrini, Francesco M; Li, Yen-Hsing; Low, Philip S

2016-11-29

Src homology 2 (SH2) domains are composed of weakly conserved sequences of ∼100 aa that bind phosphotyrosines in signaling proteins and thereby mediate intra- and intermolecular protein-protein interactions. In exploring the mechanism whereby tyrosine phosphorylation of the erythrocyte anion transporter, band 3, triggers membrane destabilization, vesiculation, and fragmentation, we discovered a SH2 signature motif positioned between membrane-spanning helices 4 and 5. Evidence that this exposed cytoplasmic sequence contributes to a functional SH2-like domain is provided by observations that: (i) it contains the most conserved sequence of SH2 domains, GSFLVR; (ii) it binds the tyrosine phosphorylated cytoplasmic domain of band 3 (cdb3-PO 4 ) with K d = 14 nM; (iii) binding of cdb3-PO 4 to erythrocyte membranes is inhibited both by antibodies against the SH2 signature sequence and dephosphorylation of cdb3-PO 4 ; (iv) label transfer experiments demonstrate the covalent transfer of photoactivatable biotin from isolated cdb3-PO 4 (but not cdb3) to band 3 in erythrocyte membranes; and (v) phosphorylation-induced binding of cdb3-PO 4 to the membrane-spanning domain of band 3 in intact cells causes global changes in membrane properties, including (i) displacement of a glycolytic enzyme complex from the membrane, (ii) inhibition of anion transport, and (iii) rupture of the band 3-ankyrin bridge connecting the spectrin-based cytoskeleton to the membrane. Because SH2-like motifs are not retrieved by normal homology searches for SH2 domains, but can be found in many tyrosine kinase-regulated transport proteins using modified search programs, we suggest that related cases of membrane transport proteins containing similar motifs are widespread in nature where they participate in regulation of cell properties.

MRI quality assurance using the ACR phantom in a multi-unit imaging center

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ihalainen, Toni M.; Kuusela, Linda J.; Savolainen, Sauli E.; Loennroth, Nadja T.; Peltonen, Juha I.; Uusi-Simola, Jouni K.; Timonen, Marjut H.; Sipilae, Outi E.

2011-01-01

Background. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) instrumentation is vulnerable to technical and image quality problems, and quality assurance is essential. In the studied regional imaging center the long-term quality assurance has been based on MagNET phantom measurements. American College of Radiology (ACR) has an accreditation program including a standardized image quality measurement protocol and phantom. The ACR protocol includes recommended acceptance criteria for clinical sequences and thus provides possibility to assess the clinical relevance of quality assurance. The purpose of this study was to test the ACR MRI phantom in quality assurance of a multi-unit imaging center. Material and methods. The imaging center operates 11 MRI systems of three major manufacturers with field strengths of 3.0 T, 1.5 T and 1.0 T. Images of the ACR phantom were acquired using a head coil following the ACR scanning instructions. Both ACR T1- and T2-weighted sequences as well as T1- and T2-weighted brain sequences in clinical use at each site were acquired. Measurements were performed twice. The images were analyzed and the results were compared with the ACR acceptance levels. Results. The acquisition procedure with the ACR phantom was faster than with the MagNET phantoms. On the first and second measurement rounds 91% and 73% of the systems passed the ACR test. Measured slice thickness accuracies were not within the acceptance limits in site T2 sequences. Differences in the high contrast spatial resolution between the ACR and the site sequences were observed. In 3.0 T systems the image intensity uniformity was slightly lower than the ACR acceptance limit. Conclusion. The ACR method was feasible in quality assurance of a multi-unit imaging center and the ACR protocol could replace the MagNET phantom tests. An automatic analysis of the images will further improve cost-effectiveness and objectiveness of the ACR protocol

THE HST EXTREME DEEP FIELD (XDF): COMBINING ALL ACS AND WFC3/IR DATA ON THE HUDF REGION INTO THE DEEPEST FIELD EVER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Illingworth, G. D.; Magee, D.; Oesch, P. A.; Bouwens, R. J.; Labbé, I.; Franx, M.; Stiavelli, M.; Van Dokkum, P. G.; Trenti, M.; Carollo, C. M.; Gonzalez, V.

2013-01-01

The eXtreme Deep Field (XDF) combines data from 10 years of observations with the Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) and the Wide-Field Camera 3 Infra-Red (WFC3/IR) into the deepest image of the sky ever in the optical/near-IR. Since the initial observations of the Hubble Ultra-Deep Field (HUDF) in 2003, numerous surveys and programs, including supernovae follow-up, HUDF09, CANDELS, and HUDF12, have contributed additional imaging data across this region. However, these images have never been combined and made available as one complete ultra-deep image dataset. We combine them now with the XDF program. Our new and improved processing techniques provide higher quality reductions of the total dataset. All WFC3/IR and optical ACS data sets have been fully combined and accurately matched, resulting in the deepest imaging ever taken at these wavelengths, ranging from 29.1 to 30.3 AB mag (5σ in a 0.''35 diameter aperture) in 9 filters. The combined image therefore reaches to 31.2 AB mag 5σ (32.9 at 1σ) for a flat f ν source. The gains in the optical for the four filters done in the original ACS HUDF correspond to a typical improvement of 0.15 mag, with gains of 0.25 mag in the deepest areas. Such gains are equivalent to adding ∼130 to ∼240 orbits of ACS data to the HUDF. Improved processing alone results in a typical gain of ∼0.1 mag. Our 5σ (optical+near-IR) SExtractor catalogs reveal about 14,140 sources in the full field and about 7121 galaxies in the deepest part of the XDF

Acquisition of the Flight Information Using the KSR-3 Agnetometer

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sun-Mi Kim

2003-03-01

Full Text Available The KSR-3 magnetometers consist of the fluxgate magnetometer (MAG/AIM for acquiring the rocket flight attitude information, and the search-coil magnetometer (MAG/SIM for the observation of the Earth's magnetic fluctuations. The position (latitude, longitude, and height and flight condition (the transformation angle of the rocket is measured after the data based on these two magnetometers are compared with IGRF. The gap in the vector of magnetic field between the position of the launching point and an impact point is taken into account in data reduction. Angular variation of pitch, yaw, and roll can be researched when the data is applied to the coordinate system of the rocket.

WFPC2 Observations of the URSA Minor Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy

Science.gov (United States)

Mighell, Kenneth J.; Burke, Christopher J.

1999-01-01

We present our analysis of archival Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2) observations in F555W (approximately V) and F814W (approximately I) of the central region of the Ursa Minor dwarf spheroidal galaxy. The V versus V - I color-magnitude diagram features a sparsely populated blue horizontal branch, a steep thin red giant branch, and a narrow subgiant branch. The main sequence reaches approximately 2 magnitudes below the main-sequence turnoff (V(sup UMi, sub TO) approximately equals 23.27 +/- 0.11 mag) of the median stellar population. We compare the fiducial sequence of the Galactic globular cluster M92 (NGC 6341). The excellent match between Ursa Minor and M92 confirms that the median stellar population of the UMi dSph galaxy is metal poor ([Fe/H](sub UMi) approximately equals [Fe/H](sub M92) approximately equals -2.2 dex) and ancient (age(sub UMi)approximately equalsage(sub M92) approximately equals 14 Gyr). The B - V reddening and the absorption in V are estimated to be E(B - V) = 0.03 +/- 0.01 mag and A(sup UMi, sub V) = 0.09 +/- 0.03 mag. A new estimate of the distance modulus of Ursa Minor, (m - M)(sup UMi, sub 0) = 19.18 +/- 0.12 mag, has been derived based on fiducial-sequence fitting M92 [DELTA.V(sub UMi - M92) = 4.60 +/- 0.03 mag and DELTA(V - I)(sub UMi - M92) = 0.010 +/- 0.005 mag] and the adoption of the apparent V distance modulus for M92 of (m - M)(sup M92, sub V) = 14.67 +/- 0.08 mag (Pont et al. 1998, A&A, 329, 87). The Ursa Minor dwarf spheroidal galaxy is then at a distance of 69 +/- 4 kpc from the Sun. These HST observations indicate that Ursa Minor has had a very simple star formation history consisting mainly of a single major burst of star formation about 14 Gyr ago which lasted approximately stars in the central region Ursa Minor dwarf spheroidal galaxy are ancient. If the ancient Galactic globular clusters, like M92, formed concurrently with the early formation of the Milky Way galaxy itself, then the Ursa Minor

Theoretical and experimental contributions regarding the impact on work environment of welding processes in MIG / MAG protective gas medium

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Gh. Amza

2013-07-01

Full Text Available This paper presents the main factors that cause environmental pollution in the case of the welding procedure in a protective gas environment. In the research the MIG and MAG welding processes were taken into account. The materials used in the experiments were 8TiCr170 stainless steel as the base material and as filler materials 4 types of welding wires were used, characterized by different chemical compositions. To assess the impact on the work environment of such welding processes the pollution coefficient Cp was defined based on the material balance equation as the ratio of the mass of all materials used in the welding process Mt and the effective mass of the welded performed Mu.

Dependence of the mechanical properties of joints welded according to the parameters of the metal active gas (MAG welding regime

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

D. Dobrotă

2015-10-01

Full Text Available The main objective followed in the realization of welded structures is to obtain superior mechanical characteristics for these structures. The research aimed at setting ranges of values for the welding voltage (Uw, respectively for the welding current (Iw so as to obtain superior mechanical features for welded constructions. The research was carried out using E 36-4 steel as base material and SG2 wire as filler material, whereas the applied welding process was MAG. The optimization was done with the help of a number of 31 test bars considering various welding procedures for each test bar, and the experimental data were processed using the STATISTCA program.

Sequence Coding and Search System for licensee event reports: coder's manual. Volume 3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gallaher, R.B.; Guymon, R.H.; Mays, G.T.; Poore, W.P.; Cagle, R.J.; Harrington, K.H.; Johnson, M.P.

1985-04-01

Operating experience data from nuclear power plants are essential for safety and reliability analyses, especially analyses of trends and patterns. The licensee event reports (LERs) that are submitted to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) by the nuclear power plant utilities contain much of this data. The NRC's Office for Analysis and Evaluation of Operational Data (AEOD) has developed, under contract with NSIC, a system for codifying the events reported in the LERs. The primary objective of the Sequence Coding and Search System (SCSS) is to reduce the descriptive text of the LERs to coded sequences that are both computer-readable and computer-searchable. This four volume report documents and describes SCSS in detail. Volumes 3 and 4 provide a technical processor, new to SCSS, the information and methodology necessary to capture descriptive data from the LER and to codify that data into a structured format and serve as reference material for the more experienced technical processor, and contains information is essential for the more advanced user who needs to be familiar with the intricate coding techniques in order to retrieve specific details in a sequence. This volume contains updated material through amendment 1 to revision 1 of the working version of ORNL/NSIC-223, Vol. 3

Comparison of MRI sequences for evaluation of multiple sclerosis of the cervical spinal cord at 3 T

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Philpott, Cristina; Brotchie, Peter

2011-01-01

Purpose: Debate remains regarding the utility of the traditional STIR (short inversion time recovery) sequence in aiding MRI diagnosis of spinal cord lesions in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and this sequence is not included in the current imaging guidelines. A recent study proposed a T1 weighted STIR as a superior alternative to the traditional STIR and T2 fast spin echo (FSE). Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity of T2, standard STIR and T1 weighted STIR sequences in the evaluation of MS plaques on our 3 T system. Methods and materials: A retrospective analysis of patients with multiple sclerosis who presented to our institution over a period of 5 months and who had cervical cord lesions was undertaken. Patients had been examined with our institutional protocol which included T2 FSE, STIR and the recommended T1 STIR. Quantitative analysis of the lesions versus background cord using sample T-tests was performed for each sequence, and comparative analysis of the lesion contrast:background cord ratios of the 3 sequences (using two-way ANOVA tests) was performed. Results: The T2 sequence was not as sensitive in detecting lesions versus the traditional STIR and T1 weighted STIR, with 10% of lesions not detected using statistical analysis (p < 0.05). The traditional STIR also demonstrated greater contrast ratios than the T2 sequence (p < 0.05) suggesting increased sensitivity. However, the T1 STIR demonstrated even greater contrast ratios than both the traditional STIR and T2 sequences (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study confirms earlier findings of the traditional STIRs increased sensitivity versus the T2 sequence. However, the new “T1 weighted STIR” appears to be even more sensitive than both these sequences showing potential promise as an alternative method to monitor demyelinating plaques of MS.

CPHmodels-3.0--remote homology modeling using structure-guided sequence profiles

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nielsen, Morten; Lundegaard, Claus; Lund, Ole

2010-01-01

CPHmodels-3.0 is a web server predicting protein 3D structure by use of single template homology modeling. The server employs a hybrid of the scoring functions of CPHmodels-2.0 and a novel remote homology-modeling algorithm. A query sequence is first attempted modeled using the fast CPHmodels-2.......0 profile-profile scoring function suitable for close homology modeling. The new computational costly remote homology-modeling algorithm is only engaged provided that no suitable PDB template is identified in the initial search. CPHmodels-3.0 was benchmarked in the CASP8 competition and produced models.......3 A. These performance values place the CPHmodels-3.0 method in the group of high performing 3D prediction tools. Beside its accuracy, one of the important features of the method is its speed. For most queries, the response time of the server is...

Signal alteration of the cochlear perilymph on 3 different sequences after intratympanic Gd-DTPA administration at 3 tesla. Comparison of 3D-FLAIR, 3D-T1-weighted imaging, and 3D-CISS

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yamazaki, Masahiro; Naganawa, Shinji; Kawai, Hisashi; Nihashi, Takashi; Nakashima, Tsutomu

2010-01-01

Three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) imaging after intratympanic gadolinium injection is useful for pathophysiologic and morphologic analysis of the inner ear. However, statistical analysis of differences in inner ear signal intensity among 3D-FLAIR and other sequences has not been reported. We evaluated the signal intensity of cochlear fluid on each of 3D-FLAIR, 3D-T 1 -weighted imaging (T 1 WI), and 3D-constructive interference in the steady state (CISS) to clarify the differences in contrast effect among these 3 sequences using intratympanic gadolinium injection. Twenty-one patients underwent 3D-FLAIR, 3D-T 1 WI, and 3D-CISS imaging at 3 tesla 24 hours after intratympanic injection of gadolinium. We determined regions of interest of the cochleae (C) and medulla oblongata (M) on each image, evaluated the signal intensity ratio between C and M (CM ratio), and determined the ratio of cochlear signal intensity of the injected side to that of the non-injected side (contrast value). The CM ratio of the injected side (3.00±1.31, range, 0.53 to 4.88, on 3D-FLAIR; 0.83±0.30, range, 0.36 to 1.58 on 3D-T 1 WI) was significantly higher than that of the non-injected side (0.52±0.14, range, 0.30 to 0.76 on 3D-FLAIR; 0.49±0.11, range, 0.30 to 0.71 on 3D-T 1 WI) on 3D-FLAIR and 3D-T 1 WI (P 1 WI (1.73±0.60 range, 0.98 to 3.09) (P<0.001). The 3D-FLAIR sequence is the most sensitive for observing alteration in inner ear fluid signal after intratympanic gadolinium injection. Our results warrant use of 3D-FLAIR as a sensitive imaging technique to clarify the pathological and morphological mechanisms of disorders of the inner ear. (author)

Optimization of parameter values for complex pulse sequences by simulated annealing: application to 3D MP-RAGE imaging of the brain.

Science.gov (United States)

Epstein, F H; Mugler, J P; Brookeman, J R

1994-02-01

A number of pulse sequence techniques, including magnetization-prepared gradient echo (MP-GRE), segmented GRE, and hybrid RARE, employ a relatively large number of variable pulse sequence parameters and acquire the image data during a transient signal evolution. These sequences have recently been proposed and/or used for clinical applications in the brain, spine, liver, and coronary arteries. Thus, the need for a method of deriving optimal pulse sequence parameter values for this class of sequences now exists. Due to the complexity of these sequences, conventional optimization approaches, such as applying differential calculus to signal difference equations, are inadequate. We have developed a general framework for adapting the simulated annealing algorithm to pulse sequence parameter value optimization, and applied this framework to the specific case of optimizing the white matter-gray matter signal difference for a T1-weighted variable flip angle 3D MP-RAGE sequence. Using our algorithm, the values of 35 sequence parameters, including the magnetization-preparation RF pulse flip angle and delay time, 32 flip angles in the variable flip angle gradient-echo acquisition sequence, and the magnetization recovery time, were derived. Optimized 3D MP-RAGE achieved up to a 130% increase in white matter-gray matter signal difference compared with optimized 3D RF-spoiled FLASH with the same total acquisition time. The simulated annealing approach was effective at deriving optimal parameter values for a specific 3D MP-RAGE imaging objective, and may be useful for other imaging objectives and sequences in this general class.

Targeted 'next-generation' sequencing in anophthalmia and microphthalmia patients confirms SOX2, OTX2 and FOXE3 mutations.

Science.gov (United States)

Jimenez, Nelson Lopez; Flannick, Jason; Yahyavi, Mani; Li, Jiang; Bardakjian, Tanya; Tonkin, Leath; Schneider, Adele; Sherr, Elliott H; Slavotinek, Anne M

2011-12-28

Anophthalmia/microphthalmia (A/M) is caused by mutations in several different transcription factors, but mutations in each causative gene are relatively rare, emphasizing the need for a testing approach that screens multiple genes simultaneously. We used next-generation sequencing to screen 15 A/M patients for mutations in 9 pathogenic genes to evaluate this technology for screening in A/M. We used a pooled sequencing design, together with custom single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calling software. We verified predicted sequence alterations using Sanger sequencing. We verified three mutations - c.542delC in SOX2, resulting in p.Pro181Argfs*22, p.Glu105X in OTX2 and p.Cys240X in FOXE3. We found several novel sequence alterations and SNPs that were likely to be non-pathogenic - p.Glu42Lys in CRYBA4, p.Val201Met in FOXE3 and p.Asp291Asn in VSX2. Our analysis methodology gave one false positive result comprising a mutation in PAX6 (c.1268A > T, predicting p.X423LeuextX*15) that was not verified by Sanger sequencing. We also failed to detect one 20 base pair (bp) deletion and one 3 bp duplication in SOX2. Our results demonstrated the power of next-generation sequencing with pooled sample groups for the rapid screening of candidate genes for A/M as we were correctly able to identify disease-causing mutations. However, next-generation sequencing was less useful for small, intragenic deletions and duplications. We did not find mutations in 10/15 patients and conclude that there is a need for further gene discovery in A/M.

Characterisation of mutations of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit, PIK3R2, in perisylvian polymicrogyria: a next-generation sequencing study.

Science.gov (United States)

Mirzaa, Ghayda M; Conti, Valerio; Timms, Andrew E; Smyser, Christopher D; Ahmed, Sarah; Carter, Melissa; Barnett, Sarah; Hufnagel, Robert B; Goldstein, Amy; Narumi-Kishimoto, Yoko; Olds, Carissa; Collins, Sarah; Johnston, Kathreen; Deleuze, Jean-François; Nitschké, Patrick; Friend, Kathryn; Harris, Catharine; Goetsch, Allison; Martin, Beth; Boyle, Evan August; Parrini, Elena; Mei, Davide; Tattini, Lorenzo; Slavotinek, Anne; Blair, Ed; Barnett, Christopher; Shendure, Jay; Chelly, Jamel; Dobyns, William B; Guerrini, Renzo

2015-12-01

Bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria (BPP), the most common form of regional polymicrogyria, causes the congenital bilateral perisylvian syndrome, featuring oromotor dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and epilepsy. The causes of BPP are heterogeneous, but only a few genetic causes have been reported. The aim of this study was to identify additional genetic causes of BPP and characterise their frequency in this population. Children (aged ≤18 years) with polymicrogyria were enrolled into our research programme from July, 1980, to October, 2015, at two centres (Florence, Italy, and Seattle, WA, USA). We obtained samples (blood and saliva) throughout this period at both centres and did whole-exome sequencing on DNA from eight trios (two parents and one affected child) with BPP in 2014. After the identification of mosaic PIK3R2 mutations in two of these eight children, we performed targeted screening of PIK3R2 by two methods in a cohort of 118 children with BPP. First, we performed targeted sequencing of the entire PIK3R2 gene by single molecule molecular inversion probes (smMIPs) on 38 patients with BPP with normal to large head size. Second, we did amplicon sequencing of the recurrent PIK3R2 mutation (Gly373Arg) in 80 children with various types of polymicrogyria including BPP. One additional patient had clinical whole-exome sequencing done independently, and was included in this study because of the phenotypic similarity to our cohort. We identified a mosaic mutation (Gly373Arg) in a regulatory subunit of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway, PIK3R2, in two children with BPP. Of the 38 patients with BPP and normal to large head size who underwent targeted next-generation sequencing by smMIPs, we identified constitutional and mosaic PIK3R2 mutations in 17 additional children. In parallel, one patient had the recurrent PIK3R2 mutation identified by clinical whole-exome sequencing. Seven of these 20 patients had BPP alone, and 13 had BPP in association with features of the

Detecting authorized and unauthorized genetically modified organisms containing vip3A by real-time PCR and next-generation sequencing.

Science.gov (United States)

Liang, Chanjuan; van Dijk, Jeroen P; Scholtens, Ingrid M J; Staats, Martijn; Prins, Theo W; Voorhuijzen, Marleen M; da Silva, Andrea M; Arisi, Ana Carolina Maisonnave; den Dunnen, Johan T; Kok, Esther J

2014-04-01

The growing number of biotech crops with novel genetic elements increasingly complicates the detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food and feed samples using conventional screening methods. Unauthorized GMOs (UGMOs) in food and feed are currently identified through combining GMO element screening with sequencing the DNA flanking these elements. In this study, a specific and sensitive qPCR assay was developed for vip3A element detection based on the vip3Aa20 coding sequences of the recently marketed MIR162 maize and COT102 cotton. Furthermore, SiteFinding-PCR in combination with Sanger, Illumina or Pacific BioSciences (PacBio) sequencing was performed targeting the flanking DNA of the vip3Aa20 element in MIR162. De novo assembly and Basic Local Alignment Search Tool searches were used to mimic UGMO identification. PacBio data resulted in relatively long contigs in the upstream (1,326 nucleotides (nt); 95 % identity) and downstream (1,135 nt; 92 % identity) regions, whereas Illumina data resulted in two smaller contigs of 858 and 1,038 nt with higher sequence identity (>99 % identity). Both approaches outperformed Sanger sequencing, underlining the potential for next-generation sequencing in UGMO identification.

A systematic evaluation of three different cardiac T2-mapping sequences at 1.5 and 3T in healthy volunteers.

Science.gov (United States)

Baeßler, Bettina; Schaarschmidt, Frank; Stehning, Christian; Schnackenburg, Bernhard; Maintz, David; Bunck, Alexander C

2015-11-01

Previous studies showed that myocardial T2 relaxation times measured by cardiac T2-mapping vary significantly depending on sequence and field strength. Therefore, a systematic comparison of different T2-mapping sequences and the establishment of dedicated T2 reference values is mandatory for diagnostic decision-making. Phantom experiments using gel probes with a range of different T1 and T2 times were performed on a clinical 1.5T and 3T scanner. In addition, 30 healthy volunteers were examined at 1.5 and 3T in immediate succession. In each examination, three different T2-mapping sequences were performed at three short-axis slices: Multi Echo Spin Echo (MESE), T2-prepared balanced SSFP (T2prep), and Gradient Spin Echo with and without fat saturation (GraSEFS/GraSE). Segmented T2-Maps were generated according to the AHA 16-segment model and statistical analysis was performed. Significant intra-individual differences between mean T2 times were observed for all sequences. In general, T2prep resulted in lowest and GraSE in highest T2 times. A significant variation with field strength was observed for mean T2 in phantom as well as in vivo, with higher T2 values at 1.5T compared to 3T, regardless of the sequence used. Segmental T2 values for each sequence at 1.5 and 3T are presented. Despite a careful selection of sequence parameters and volunteers, significant variations of the measured T2 values were observed between field strengths, MR sequences and myocardial segments. Therefore, we present segmental T2 values for each sequence at 1.5 and 3T with the inherent potential to serve as reference values for future studies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.