Strengthening and toughening of poly(L-lactide) composites by surface modified MgO whiskers

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wen, Wei [Biomaterial Research Laboratory, Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Luo, Binghong, E-mail: tluobh@jnu.edu.cn [Biomaterial Research Laboratory, Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Engineering Research Center of Artificial Organs and Materials, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Qin, Xiaopeng; Li, Cairong [Biomaterial Research Laboratory, Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Liu, Mingxian; Ding, Shan [Biomaterial Research Laboratory, Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Engineering Research Center of Artificial Organs and Materials, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Zhou, Changren, E-mail: tcrz9@jnu.edu.cn [Biomaterial Research Laboratory, Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Engineering Research Center of Artificial Organs and Materials, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510632 (China)

2015-03-30

Highlights: • The grafted PLLA chain on the surface of g-MgO whisker was ruled out by FTIR spectroscopy and TG/DTG analyses. • The excellent dispersion of g-MgO whiskers and the strong interfacial adhesion of g-MgO whiskers/PLLA composite were proved by FSEM. • Comparing to MgO particles and MgO whiskers, fibrous-like g-MgO whiskers are the most effective reinforcing and toughening fillers for PLLA. - Abstract: To improve both the strength and toughness of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA), fibrous-like MgO whiskers with diameters of 0.15–1 μm and lengths of 15–110 μm were prepared, and subsequently surface modified with L-lactide to obtain grafted MgO whiskers (g-MgO whiskers). The structures and properties of MgO whiskers and g-MgO whiskers were studied. Then, a series of MgO whiskers/PLLA and g-MgO whiskers/PLLA composites were prepared by solution casting method, for comparison, MgO particles/PLLA composite was prepared too. The resulting composites were evaluated in terms of hydrophilicity, crystallinity, dispersion of whiskers, interfacial adhesion and mechanical performance by means of polarized optical microscopy (POM), contact angle measurement, field emission scanning electron microscope (FSEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and tensile testing. The results revealed that the crystallization rate and hydrophilicity of PLLA were improved by the introduction of MgO whiskers and g-MgO whiskers. The g-MgO whiskers can disperse more uniformly in and show stronger interfacial adhesion with the matrix than MgO whiskers as a result of the surface modification. Due to the bridge effect of the whiskers and the excellent interfacial adhesion between g-MgO whiskers and PLLA, g-MgO whiskers/PLLA composites exhibited remarkably higher strength, modulus and toughness compared to the pristine PLLA, MgO particles/PLLA and MgO whiskers/PLLA composites.

Mg2BIV: Narrow Bandgap Thermoelectric Semiconductors

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Il-Ho

2018-05-01

Thermoelectric materials can convert thermal energy directly into electric energy and vice versa. The electricity generation from waste heat via thermoelectric devices can be considered as a new energy source. For instance, automotive exhaust gas and all industrial processes generate an enormous amount of waste heat that can be converted to electricity by using thermoelectric devices. Magnesium compound Mg2BIV (BIV = Si, Ge or Sn) has a favorable combination of physical and chemical properties and can be a good base for the development of new efficient thermoelectrics. Because they possess similar properties to those of group BIV elemental semiconductors, they have been recognized as good candidates for thermoelectric applications. Mg2Si, Mg2Ge and Mg2Sn with an antifluorite structure are narrow bandgap semiconductors with indirect band gaps of 0.77 eV, 0.74 eV, and 0.35 eV, respectively. Mg2BIV has been recognized as a promising material for thermoelectric energy conversion at temperatures ranging from 500 K to 800 K. Compared to other thermoelectric materials operating in the similar temperature range, such as PbTe and filled skutterudites, the important aspects of Mg2BIV are non-toxic and earth-abundant elements. Based on classical thermoelectric theory, the material factor β ( m* / m e)3/2μκ L -1 can be utilized as the criterion for thermoelectric material selection, where m* is the density-of-states effective mass, me is the mass of an electron, μ is the carrier mobility, and κL is the lattice thermal conductivity. The β for magnesium silicides is 14, which is very high compared to 0.8 for iron silicides, 1.4 for manganese silicides, and 2.6 for silicon-germanium alloys. In this paper, basic phenomena of thermoelectricity and transport parameters for thermoelectric materials were briefly introduced, and thermoelectric properties of Mg2BIV synthesized by using a solid-state reaction were reviewed. In addition, various Mg2BIV compounds were discussed

Plasma l-citrulline concentrations in l-arginine-supplemented healthy dogs.

Science.gov (United States)

Flynn, K M; Kellihan, H B; Trepanier, L A

2017-08-01

To determine whether oral l-arginine increases plasma [l-citrulline] in dogs. Eleven healthy staff-owned dogs were used in this study. Dogs (n = 3) were given l-arginine (50mg/kg PO q8h) for 7 days, and plasma [l-arginine] and [l-citrulline] were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography at baseline (BL), steady state trough, and 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after final dosing on day 7. Eleven dogs were then treated with 100mg/kg l-arginine PO q8h for 7 days, and [l-arginine] and [l-citrulline] were measured at BL, steady state trough, and at peak 4 hrs after dosing (T4 hrs). - Plasma [l-arginine] and [l-citrulline] peaked at T4 hrs on the 50mg/kg dosage. Target outcome, modeled after human study results, of a doubling of [l-arginine] and a 25-30% increase in [l-citrulline] from BL were not reached. After the 100mg/kg dosage, plasma [l-arginine] increased from a BL median of 160.1 μM (range, 100.2-231.4 μM) to a peak of 417.4 μM (206.5-807.3 μM) at T4 hrs, and plasma [l-citrulline] increased from a BL median of 87.8 μM (59.1-117.1 μM) to peak of 102.2 μM (47.4-192.6 μM) at T4 hrs. Ten of eleven dogs showed a doubling of plasma [l-arginine] and 4/11 dogs achieved 25-30% or greater increases in plasma [l-citrulline]. No adverse effects on heart rate or blood pressure were noted. - Oral l-arginine dosage of 100mg/kg q8h doubles plasma [l-arginine] in healthy dogs, but conversion to l-citrulline is quite variable. Further evaluation of this dosage regimen in dogs with pulmonary hypertension is warranted. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Variation du coefficient de collage de l'argent et de l'or durant leur condensation sur film de MgO

Science.gov (United States)

Desrousseaux, G.; Carlan, A.; Jiang, Z.

1993-10-01

The incidence rate dependence of the sticking coefficient during the growth of gold (or silver) condensate on MgO film is experimentally investigated for a substrate kept at room temperature. This MgO substrate is deposited on quartz monitor by evaporation under UHV from a Knudsen cell. Then, from another cell, the flux of metal atoms impinges on the MgO film which covers the quartz. Under this flux of incident metal atoms, the changes (respectively θ and f) of the temperature and of the frequency of the quartz oscillator are then simultaneously recorded. Both continuous measurements enable us to calculate, at different times t, the sticking coefficient η (t) defined as the ration between the condensed metal rate q and the incident rate R. We use the results to plot η versus t and examine the slope of η-rise until the time t at which η (t) reaches unity. The progression of η (t) reaches unity. The progression of η (t) from zero to unity during the metal deposition is explained by assuming that the nucleation on preferred sites with capture of adatoms at the edge of stable germs is the prevailing condensation mechanism at the initial stage of the condensation. Our experimental results could be fitted better by assuming an exponential growth of the site occupation than an increase of the number density n_s(t) with (Rt)^{1/3}. On étudie expérimentalement la dépendance que peut présenter, par rapport au flux métallique incident, la progression vers l'unité du coefficient de collage. Pour cela, on suit cette progression pour l'or et l'argent condensés sur film de MgO à température proche de l'ambiante. Le substrat de MgO est déposé sur un quartz de pesée par évaporation sous ultra-vide à partir d'une cellule de Knudsen. Une autre cellule est utilsée pour déposer l'un de ces métaux sur le film de MgO couvrant le quartz. Les variations θ et f de la température et de la fréquence d'oscillations du quartz de pesée sous le flux d'atomes incidents

Elemental moment variation of bcc Fe{sub x}Mn{sub 1−x} on MgO(001)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bhatkar, H.; Snow, R.J. [Department of Physics, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 (United States); Arenholz, E. [Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories, Berkeley, CA 94720 (United States); Idzerda, Y.U., E-mail: idzerda@montana.edu [Department of Physics, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 (United States)

2017-02-01

We report the growth, structural characterization, and electronic structure evolution of epitaxially grown bcc Fe{sub x}Mn{sub 1−x} on MgO(001). It is observed that the 20 nm thick Fe{sub x}Mn{sub 1−x} alloy films remained bcc from 0.65≤x≤1, much beyond the bulk stability range of 0.88≤x≤1. X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism show that both the Fe and Mn L{sub 3} binding energies slightly increase with Mn incorporation and that the elemental moment of Fe in the 20 nm crystalline bcc alloy film remain nearly constant, then shows a dramatic collapse near x~0.84. The Mn MCD intensity is found to be small at all compositions that exhibit ferromagnetism - Highlights: • Bcc Fe{sub x}Mn{sub 1−x} films were stabilized beyond bulk range by epitaxial growth on MgO. • XMCD shows negligible moment in Mn regardless of composition. • Fe moment stays constant until 84% Mn concentration. • Magnetic moment suddenly collapses before any structural change seen in RHEED.

Efficient embryogenic suspension culturing and rapid transformation of a range of elite genotypes of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam.).

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Jun; Bi, Hui-Ping; Fan, Wei-Juan; Zhang, Min; Wang, Hong-Xia; Zhang, Peng

2011-12-01

Efficient Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation was developed using embryogenic suspension cell cultures of elite sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam.) cultivars, including Ayamurasaki, Sushu2, Sushu9, Sushu11, Wanshu1, Xushu18 and Xushu22. Embryogenic suspension cultures were established in LCP medium using embryogenic calli induced from apical or axillary buds on an induction medium containing 2 mg l(-1) 2,4-D. Suspension cultures were co-cultivated with A. tumefaciens strain LBA4404 harboring the binary plasmid pCAMBIA1301 with the hpt gene as a selectable marker and an intron-interrupted uidA gene as a visible marker. Several key steps of the sweet potato transformation system have been investigated and optimized, including the appropriate antibiotics and their concentrations for suppressing Agrobacterium growth and the optimal doses of hygromycin for transformant selection. A total of 485 putative transgenic plant lines were produced from the transformed calli via somatic embryogenesis and germination to plants under 10 mg l(-1) hygromycin and 200 mg l(-1) cefotaxime. PCR, GUS and Southern blot analyses of the regenerated plants showed that 92.35% of them were transgenic. The number of T-DNA insertions varied from one to three in most transgenic plant lines. Plants showed 100% survival when 308 transgenics were transferred to soil in the greenhouse and then to the field. Most of them were morphologically normal, with the production of storage roots after 3 months of cultivation in the greenhouse or fields. The development of such a robust transformation method suitable to a range of sweet potato genotypes not only provides a routine tool for genetic improvement via transgenesis but also allows us to conduct a functional verification of endogenous genes in sweet potato. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Long-range interactions of excited He atoms with the alkaline earth atoms Mg, Ca, and Sr

KAUST Repository

Zhang, J.-Y.; Babb, J. F.; Mitroy, J.; Sadeghpour, H. R.; Schwingenschlö gl, Udo; Yan, Z.-C.

2013-01-01

Dispersion coefficients for the long-range interactions of the first four excited states of He, i.e., He(2 1, 3 S) and He(2 1, 3 P), with the low-lying states of the alkaline earth atoms Mg, Ca, and Sr are calculated by summing over the reduced matrix elements of multipole transition operators.

Long-range interactions of excited He atoms with the alkaline earth atoms Mg, Ca, and Sr

KAUST Repository

Zhang, J.-Y.

2013-04-05

Dispersion coefficients for the long-range interactions of the first four excited states of He, i.e., He(2 1, 3 S) and He(2 1, 3 P), with the low-lying states of the alkaline earth atoms Mg, Ca, and Sr are calculated by summing over the reduced matrix elements of multipole transition operators.

Performance of Mg-14Li-1Al-0.1Ce as anode for Mg-air battery

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ma, Yibin; Li, Deyu [School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, West Street No. 92, Harbin 150001 (China); Li, Ning [School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, West Street No. 92, Harbin 150001 (China); Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001 (China); Zhang, Milin; Huang, Xiaomei [Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001 (China)

2011-02-15

In this research, a new Mg-air battery based on Mg-14Li-1Al-0.1Ce was prepared and the battery performance was investigated by constant current discharge test. The corrosion behavior of Mg, AZ31 and Mg-Li-Al-Ce were studied by self-corrosion rate measurement and potentiodynamic polarization measurement. The characteristics of Mg-Li-Al-Ce after discharge were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that Mg-Li-Al-Ce is more active than Mg and AZ31. The self-corrosion rate is found to be in the order: Mg-Li-Al-Ce < Mg < AZ31. It has been observed that the Mg-air battery based on Mg-Li-Al-Ce offers higher operating voltage, anodic efficiency and capacity than those with Mg and AZ31. SEM and EIS results show that the discharge product of Mg-Li-Al-Ce is loosely adhered to the alloy surface, and thus Mg-Li-Al-Ce could keep high discharge activity during discharge. (author)

Isopiestic investigation of the osmotic coefficients of MgBr{sub 2}(aq) and study of bromide salts solubility in the (m{sub 1}KBr + m{sub 2}MgBr{sub 2})(aq) system at T = 323.15 K. Thermodynamic model of solution behaviour and (solid + liquid) equilibria in the MgBr{sub 2}(aq), and (m{sub 1}KBr + m{sub 2}MgBr{sub 2})(aq) systems to high concentration and temperature

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Christov, Christomir, E-mail: christov@svr.igic.bas.b [Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, ul. ' Acad. G. Bonchev' , bl. 11, 1113 Sofia (Bulgaria)

2011-03-15

The isopiestic method has been used to determine the osmotic coefficients of the binary solutions MgBr{sub 2}(aq) (from 0.4950 to 2.5197 mol {center_dot} kg{sup -1}) at the temperature T = 323.15 K. Sodium chloride solutions have been used as isopiestic reference standards. The solubility of the bromide minerals in the mixed system (m{sub 1}KBr + m{sub 2}MgBr{sub 2})(aq) has been investigated at T = 323.15 K by the physico-chemical analysis method. In addition to simple salts {l_brace}KBr(cr) and MgBr{sub 2} . 6H{sub 2}O(cr){r_brace}, equilibrium crystallization of the highly incongruent double salt with stoichiometric composition 1:1:6 {l_brace}bromcarnallite: KBr . MgBr{sub 2} . 6H{sub 2}O(cr){r_brace} was also established. The results obtained from the isopiestic and solubility measurements have been combined with all other experimental thermodynamic quantities available in the literature (osmotic coefficients, and solubility of the bromide mineral) to construct a chemical model that calculates solute and solvent activities and (solid + liquid) equilibria in the MgBr{sub 2}(aq) binary, and (m{sub 1}KBr + m{sub 2}MgBr{sub 2})(aq) mixed systems from dilute to high solution concentration within the (273.15 to 438.15) K temperature range. The solubility modelling approach based on fundamental Pitzer specific interaction equations is employed. It was found, that the standard for 2-1 type of electrolytes approach with three ({beta}{sup (0)}, {beta}{sup (1)}, and C{sup {phi}}) single electrolyte ion interaction parameters gives excellent agreement with osmotic coefficients from T = (298.15 to 373.45) K; up to saturation at 298.15 K, and up to m(MgBr{sub 2}) = 5.83 mol {center_dot} kg{sup -1} at 373.45 K, and with MgBr{sub 2} {center_dot} 6H{sub 2}O(cr) equilibrium pure water solubility data within the (273.15 to 438.15) K temperature range and up to {approx}8.5 mol {center_dot} kg{sup -1} used in parameterization. The model for the ternary system gives very good

Mg-doped nano ferrihydrite - A new adsorbent for fluoride removal from aqueous solutions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mohapatra, M., E-mail: mamatamohapatra@yahoo.com [Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar 751 013, Orissa (India); Hariprasad, D.; Mohapatra, L.; Anand, S.; Mishra, B.K. [Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar 751 013, Orissa (India)

2012-03-01

The present study evaluates synthesized Mg-doped nano ferrihydrite powder as an adsorbent for F{sup -} removal from aqueous solutions. High surface area Mg-doped ferrihydrite was prepared by co-precipitation method under controlled conditions. Samples were prepared by varying Mg content in the range of 0.39-1.12%. Preliminary test work revealed that under similar conditions, with the increase in Mg content from 0.39 to 0.98% in doped ferrihydrite, % F{sup -} adsorption increased from 66 to 91%. Hence this sample was characterized by XRD, TEM, SAED and TG-DTA. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out by varying contact time (30-480 min), initial pH (1.0-10), initial fluoride concentration (10-150 mg/L), adsorbent dose (0.5-4 g/L), temperature (20-45 Degree-Sign C) and Cl{sup -} or SO{sub 4}{sup 2-} concentrations (nil to 50 mg/L). The results showed 0.98% Mg-doped ferrihydrite to be an excellent fluoride adsorbent giving maximum adsorption capacity of 64 mg/g. The time data fitted well to pseudo second order kinetic model. The isothermal data followed Langmuir model. Thermodynamic parameters confirmed the adsorption process to be spontaneous and endothermic. 89% of fluoride could be desorbed from loaded sample using 1 M NaOH.

Broad range tuning of structural and optical properties of Znx Mg1−x O nanostructures grown by vapor transport method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vanjaria, Jignesh V; Azhar, Ebraheem Ali; Yu, Hongbin

2016-01-01

One-dimensional (1D) Zn x Mg 1−x O nanomaterials have drawn global attention due to their remarkable chemical and physical properties, and their diverse current and future technological applications. In this work, 1D ZnMgO nanostructures with different magnesium concentrations and different morphologies were grown directly on zinc oxide-coated silicon substrates by thermal evaporation of zinc oxide, magnesium boride and graphite powders. Highly well-defined Mg-rich ZnMgO nanorods with a rock salt structure and Zn-rich ZnMgO nanostructures with a wurtzite structure have been deposited individually by careful optimization of the source mixture and process parameters. Structural and optical properties of the deposited products were studied by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. Cathodoluminescence measurements demonstrate strong dominant peaks at 3.3 eV in Mg poor ZnMgO nanostructures and 4.8 eV in Mg rich nanostructures implying that the ZnMgO nanostructures can be used for the fabrication of deep UV optoelectronic devices. A mechanism for the formation and achieved diverse morphology of the ZnMgO nanostructures was proposed based on the characterization results. (paper)

Effect of TiON–MgO intermediate layer on microstructure and magnetic properties of L1{sub 0} FePt–C–SiO{sub 2} films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Deng, J.Y. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576 (Singapore); Dong, K.F. [School of Automation, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074 (China); Peng, Y.G.; Ju, G.P. [Seagate Technology, Fremont, CA 94538 (United States); Hu, J.F. [Data Storage Institute (DSI), Singapore 117608 (Singapore); Chow, G.M.; Chen, J.S. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576 (Singapore)

2016-11-01

The microstructure and magnetic properties of L1{sub 0} FePt–C–SiO{sub 2} films grown on TiON–MgO intermediate layer were studied. TiON–MgO layer was deposited by co-sputtering TiN and MgO–TiO{sub 2} targets at 380 °C. With increasing MgO–TiO{sub 2} doping concentration, the contact angle between FePt grains with intermediate layer gradually increased, and it was close to 90° when the volume percentage of MgO–TiO{sub 2} reached 30%. At this condition, a high out-of-plane coercivity of 19.1 kOe was obtained, while the opening-up of in-plane M-H loop was very narrow. Moreover, it was found that the out-of-plane coercivity can be further improved to 21.6 kOe, by slightly increasing the percentage of MgO–TiO{sub 2} to 35 vol%. - Highlights: • The effect of TiON–MgO intermediate layer was studied. • With increasing the MgO composition, the surface energy of intermediate layer increased, and the FePt/TiON–MgO interfacial energy decreased. The contact angle of FePt grains with intermediate layer increased with the MgO composition, and 90° contact angle could be achieved by optimizing the MgO composition. • Good perpendicular magnetic anisotropy was retained with large out-of-plane coercivity and narrow in-plane opening-up.

Comparison of 1 mg and 2 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression tests for the screening of Cushing's syndrome in obese patients.

Science.gov (United States)

Sahin, Mustafa; Kebapcilar, Levent; Taslipinar, Abdullah; Azal, Omer; Ozgurtas, Taner; Corakci, Ahmet; Akgul, Emin Ozgur; Taslipinar, Mine Yavuz; Yazici, Mahmut; Kutlu, Mustafa

2009-01-01

Obesity is currently a major public health problem and one of the potential underlying causes of obesity in a minority of patients is Cushing's syndrome (CS). Traditionally, the gold standard screening test for CS is 1 mg dexamethasone overnight suppression test. However, it is known that obese subjects have high false positive results with this test. We have therefore compared the 1 mg and 2 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression tests in obese subjects. Patients whose serum cortisol after ODST was >50 nM underwent and a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST); 24-hour urine cortisol was collected for basal urinary free cortisol (UFC). For positive results after overnight 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test we also performed the overnight 2-mg dexamethasone suppression test. We prospectively evaluated 100 patients (22 men and 78 women, ranging in age from 17 to 73 years with a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2 who had been referred to our hospital-affiliated endocrine clinic because of simple obesity. Suppression of serum cortisol to suppression. Thyroid function tests, lipid profiles, homocysteine, antithyroglobulin, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody levels, vitamin B12, folate levels, insulin resistance [by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)] and 1.0 mg postdexamethasone (postdex) suppression cortisol levels were measured. We found an 8% false-positive rate in 1 mg overnight test and 2% in 2 mg overnight test (p=0.001). There was no correlation between the cortisol levels after ODST and other parameters. Our results indicate that the 2 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (ODST) is more convenient and accurate than 1-mg ODST as a screening test for excluding CS in subjects with simple obesity.

Implementation Study of Patient-Ready Syringes Containing 25 mg/mL Methotrexate Solution for Use in Treating Ectopic Pregnancy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

R. Respaud

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Background. Ectopic pregnancy (EP is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality during the first trimester of pregnancy. Small unruptured tubal pregnancies can be treated medically with a single dose of methotrexate (MTX. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of a 25 mg/mL solution of MTX to devise a secure delivery circuit for the preparation and use of this medication in the management of EP. Method. MTX solutions were packaged in polypropylene syringes, stored over an 84-day period, and protected from light either at +2 to +8°C or at 23°C. We assessed the physical and chemical stability of the solutions at various time points over the storage period. A pharmaceutical delivery circuit was implemented that involved the batch preparation of MTX syringes. Results. We show that 25 mg/mL MTX solutions remain stable over an 84-day period under the storage conditions tested. Standard doses were prepared, ranging from 50 mg to 100 mg. The results of this study suggest that MTX syringes can be prepared in advance by the pharmacy, ready to be dispensed at any time that a diagnosis of EP is made. Conclusion. The high stability of a 25 mg/mL MTX solution in polypropylene syringes makes it possible to implement a flexible and cost-effective delivery circuit for ready-to-use preparations of this drug, providing 24-hour access and preventing treatment delays.

A Negative Thermal Expansion Material of ZrMgMo3O12

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Song Wen-Bo; Liang Er-Jun; Liu Xian-Sheng; Li Zhi-Yuan; Yuan Bao-He; Wang Jun-Qiao

2013-01-01

A material with the formula ZrMgMo 3 O 12 having negative thermal expansion is presented and characterized. It is shown that ZrMgMo 3 O 12 crystallizes in an orthorhombic symmetry with space group Pnma(62) or Pna2 1 (33) and exhibits negative thermal expansion in a large temperature range (α l = −3.8 × 10 −6 K −1 from 300K to 1000K by x-ray diffraction and α l = −3.73 × 10 −6 K −1 from 295K to 775K by dilatometer). ZrMgMo 3 O 12 remains the orthorhombic structure without phase transition or decomposition at least from 123K to 1200K and is not hygroscopic. These properties make it an excellent material with negative thermal expansion for a variety of applications

Ropivacaine 7.5 mg/mL for Caesarean Section

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

N. K. Nguyen

2010-01-01

Full Text Available Background. Pain after Caesarean delivery is partly related to Pfannenstiel incision, which can be infiltrated with local anaesthetic solutions. Methods. A double- blind randomized control trial was designed to assess the analgesic efficacy of 7.5 mg/mL ropivacaine solution compared to control group, in two groups of one hundred and forty four parturients for each group, who underwent Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia: group R (ropivacaine group and group C (control group. All parturients also received spinal sufentanil (2.5 g. Results. Ropivacaine infiltration in the Pfannenstiel incision for Caesarean delivery before wound closure leads to a reduction of 30% in the overall consumption of analgesics (348 550 mg for group R versus 504 426 mg for group C with <.05, especially opioids in the first 24 hours, but also significantly increases the time interval until the first request for an analgesic (4 h 20 min ± 2 h 26 for group R versus 2 h 42 ± 1 h 30 for group C. The P values for the two groups were: <.0001 for paracetamol, <.0001 for ketoprofen and P for nalbuphine which was the most significant. There is no significant difference in the threshold of VAS in the two series. Conclusion. This technique can contribute towards a programme of early rehabilitation in sectioned mothers, with earlier discharge from the post-labour suite.

The effect of theobromine 200 mg/l topical gel exposure duration against surface enamel hardness resistance from 1% citric acid

Science.gov (United States)

Herisa, H. M.; Noerdin, A.; Eriwati, Y. K.

2017-08-01

Theobromine can be used to prevent the demineralization of enamel and can stimulate the growth of new enamels. This study analyzes the effect of theobromine’s gel duration exposure on enamel hardness resistance from 1% citric acid. Twenty-eight specimens were divided into three experimental groups; were exposed to theobromine gel 200 mg/l for 16, 48, and 96 minutes; and were then immersed in 1% citric acid. The control group was only immersed in 1% citric acid. Results: A Wilcoxon test showed a significant increase and decrease in enamel microhardness after exposure to theobromine gel and citric acid (p enamel microhardness between different durations of exposure to theobromine gel and immersion in citric acid (p enamel microhardness but did not contribute to the enamel’s hardness resistance after immersion in 1% citric acid. The duration of theobromine gel application affected enamel microhardness and acid resistance.

Development and studies of Cd_1_−_xMg_xTe thin films with varying band gaps to understand the Mg incorporation and the related material properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Palomera, Roger C.; Martínez, Omar S.; Pantoja-Enriquez, J.; Mathews, N.R.; Reyes-Banda, Martín G.; Krishnan, B.; Mathew, X.

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Cd_1_−_xMg_xTe films with band gap in the range 1.47–2.41 eV is obtained. • Cd substitution by Mg was confirmed with SIMS and XPS analysis. • Cd_1_−_xMg_xTe films maintained CdTe structural features but with higher band gap. • Mg incorporation in CdTe inhibited grain growth. - Abstract: In this paper we report a systematic work involving the development of Cd_1_−_xMg_xTe thin films by co-evaporation of CdTe and Mg. The evaporation rate of both materials were adjusted to obtain ternary films of varying stoichiometry and hence the band gap. We have deposited films with band gap ranging from 1.47 to 2.41 eV. The films were characterized for structural, morphological, optical, opto-electronic, and spectroscopic properties. The film stoichiometry was studied across the thickness using SIMS data. SEM images showed that the grain size has a dependence on Mg content in the film, which inhibits the grain growth. The structural parameters showed a systematic dependence on Mg content in the film, however, there was no noticeable change in the XRD reflections with respect that of pure CdTe for lower concentrations of Mg. XPS analysis shed light on the incorporation of Mg further supporting the band gap variations observed with the UV–Vis spectroscopic studies. The photoresponse of the film was affected by Mg incorporation. Prototype devices of the type Cd_1_−_XMg_xTe/CdS were fabricated and the results are discussed.

Simultaneous removal of carbon and nitrogen by mycelial pellets of a heterotrophic nitrifying fungus-Penicillium sp. L1.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Yuxiang; Hu, Tingting; Zhao, Jing; Lv, Yongkang; Ren, Ruipeng

2017-02-01

A novel heterotrophic nitrifying fungus, defined as Penicillium sp. L1, can form mycelial pellets in liquid medium in this study. The effects of inoculation method, C/N ratio, initial pH, and temperature were gradually evaluated to improve the simultaneous removal of total nitrogen (TN) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in wastewater by Penicillium sp. L1. Results showed that compared with spore inoculation, 48 h pellet inoculum could significantly increase the pellet size (from about 1.5 mm to 3.2 mm) and improve the removal capability, particularly for COD removal (from less than 50-86.20%). The removal efficiencies of TN and COD reached 98.38% (from 136.01 mg/L to 2.20 mg/L) and 92.40% (from 10,720 mg/L to 815 mg/L) under the following conditions: C/N 36, pH 3, 30°C, and inoculation with 48 h pellets. The pellet diameter reached 4.8 mm after 4-day cultivation. In this case, Penicillium sp. L1 removed TN from 415.93 mg/L to 43.39 mg/L, as well as COD from 29,533 mg/L to 8850 mg/L. Overall, the results indicated that the pellet size was closely related to the pollutant-removal ability of Penicillium sp. L1. Furthermore, mycelial pellets (4.8 mm, dead) only adsorbed 38.08% TN (from 125.45 mg/L to 77.78 mg/L), which indicated that adsorption did not play a major role in the nitrogen-removal process. Copyright © 2016 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of Antioxidant Properties of Wild Blueberries (Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. and Vaccinium myrtillus L. with Cultivated Blueberry Varieties (Vaccinium corymbosum L. in Artvin Region of Turkey

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Özlem Saral

2014-09-01

Full Text Available Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. and Vaccinium myrtillus L. which are found naturally in most part of Blacksea Region, and Artvin are generally called bear grape, Trabzon tea, and likapa. In addition, different varieties of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L. have been cultivated in Artvin region for 5 or 6 years. Blueberries contain appreciable levels of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins and flavonols that have high biological activity. V. arctostaphylos and V. myrtillus show that natural distrubition with received V. corymbosum of different cultured species in Artvin region will be determined antioxidant activity in this study. In this study showed that wild species had a higher antioxidant effect than cultivated species. V. myrtillus had high total polyphenols (11.539-20.742 mg GAE/g dry sample, flavonoids (1.182-2.676 mg QE/g dry sample and anthocyanins (3.305-11.473 mg Cyn/g dry sample than V. corymbosum species. In addition, wild species had high CUPRAC, FRAP and DPPH values. The antioxidant activities found with CUPRAC, expressed as trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity ranged from 0.143 to 0.297 mmol TEAC/g dry sample. Those determined with DPPH expressed as IC50 ranged from 0.229 to 1.178 mg/ml. Those determined with FRAP expressed as FeSO4.7H2O equivalent were in 130.719–346.115 µmol Fe/g dry sample range.

Concentrations in plasma, epithelial lining fluid, alveolar macrophages and bronchial mucosa after a single intravenous dose of 1.6 mg/kg of iclaprim (AR-100) in healthy men.

Science.gov (United States)

Andrews, J; Honeybourne, D; Ashby, J; Jevons, G; Fraise, A; Fry, P; Warrington, S; Hawser, S; Wise, R

2007-09-01

A validated microbiological assay was used to measure concentrations of iclaprim (AR-100) in plasma, bronchial mucosa (BM), alveolar macrophages (AM) and epithelial lining fluid (ELF) after a single 1.6 mg/kg intravenous 60 min iv infusion of iclaprim. Male volunteers were randomly allocated to three nominal sampling time intervals 1-2 h (Group A), 3-4 h (Group B) and 5.5-7.0 h (Group C) after the start of the drug infusion. Mean iclaprim concentrations in plasma, BM, AM and ELF, respectively, were for Group A 0.59 mg/L (SD 0.18), 0.51 mg/kg (SD 0.17), 24.51 mg/L (SD 21.22) and 12.61 mg/L (SD 7.33); Group B 0.24 mg/L (SD 0.05), 0.35 mg/kg (SD 0.17), 7.16 mg/L (SD 1.91) and 6.38 mg/L (SD 5.17); and Group C 0.14 mg/L (SD 0.05), no detectable level in BM, 5.28 mg/L (SD 2.30) and 2.66 mg/L (SD 2.08). Iclaprim concentrations in ELF and AM exceeded the MIC(90) for penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae (MIC90 0.06 mg/L), penicillin-intermediate S. pneumoniae (MIC90 2 mg/L), penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae (MIC90 4 mg/L) for 7, 7 and 4 h, respectively, and Chlamydia pneumoniae (MIC90 0.5 mg/L) for 7 h. Mean iclaprim concentrations in ELF exceeded the MIC90 for Haemophilus influenzae (MIC90 4 mg/L) and Moraxella catarrhalis (MIC90 8 mg/L) for up to 4 and 2 h, respectively; in AM the MIC90 was exceeded for up to 7 h. Furthermore, the MIC90 for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus of 0.12 mg/L was exceeded at all sites for up to 7 h. These data suggest that iclaprim reaches lung concentrations that should be effective in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia.

Evaluation on a radioimmunoassay of. alpha. /sub 1/ microglobulin (. alpha. /sub 1/-m) with simplified procedures

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Matsui, Kazuyo; Moriuma, Hatsuko; Mishima, Chiho; Honda, Minoru; Tomonobu, Masahiro; Kanao, Keisuke; Fushimi, Hisako (Sumitomo Hospital, Osaka (Japan))

1989-06-01

A newly established double antibody radioimmunoassay (RIA) was fundamentally and clinically evaluated. Original procedures were partially modified as follows: Sample volume for serum and urine was changed to 25{mu}l, and thus 200 mg/l of {alpha}/sub 1/-m standard was prepared using 50 {mu}l of original standard solution (100 mg/l). The results were satisfactory in sensitivity (0.3 mg/l obtained from -2SD method), intraassay precision with its coefficient variation (CV) ranging from 3.0 to 7.4%, interassay precision with its CV ranging from 3.0 to 10.7%, and recovery with the mean value of 102.4% in serum and 108.2% in urine respectively. There were no changes about {alpha}/sub 1/-m value between diluted (2 times) and undiluted with high concentration samples. Normal levels of {alpha}/sub 1/-m were less than 25 mg/l is serum and less than 10 mg/l in urine. The present results indicate that the determination of {alpha}/sub 1/-m could be very simple and useful for the most sensitive screening test for the evaluation of renal function. (author).

Mott transition in Ga-doped Mg{sub x}Zn{sub 1-x}O: A direct observation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wei Wei; Nori, Sudhakar [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC (United States); Jin Chunming [Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina and North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7115, Raleigh, NC 27695-7115 (United States); Narayan, Jagdish [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC (United States); Narayan, Roger J., E-mail: roger_narayan@unc.edu [Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina and North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7115, Raleigh, NC 27695-7115 (United States); Ponarin, Dmtri; Smirnov, Alex [Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC (United States)

2010-07-25

This paper reports the direct evidence for Mott transition in Ga-doped Mg{sub x}Zn{sub 1-x}O thin films. Highly transparent Ga-doped Mg{sub x}Zn{sub 1-x}O thin films were grown on c-plane sapphire substrates using pulsed laser deposition. 0.1 at.%, 0.5 at.% and 1 at.% Ga-doped Mg{sub 0.1}Zn{sub 0.9}O films were selected for resistivity measurements in the temperature range from 250 K to 40 mK. The 0.1 at.% Ga-doped Mg{sub 0.1}Zn{sub 0.9}O thin film showed typical insulator-like behavior and the 1 at.% Ga-doped Mg{sub 0.1}Zn{sub 0.9}O thin film showed typical metal-like behavior. The 0.5 at.% Ga-doped Mg{sub 0.1}Zn{sub 0.9}O film showed increasing resistivity with decreasing temperature; resistivity was saturated with a value of 1.15 x 10{sup -2} {Omega} cm at 40 mK, which is characteristic of the metal-insulator transition region. Temperature-dependent conductivity {sigma}(T) in the low temperature range revealed that the electron-electron scattering is the dominant dephasing mechanism. The inelastic scattering time is found to vary as T{sup -3/2}.

Investigation of electrostatic waves in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies in L-4 and ACT-1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ono, Masayuki.

1993-05-01

Electrostatic waves in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF) were studied in the Princeton L-4 and ACT-1 devices for approximately ten years, from 1975 to 1985. The investigation began in the L-4 linear device, looking for the parametric excitation of electrostatic ion cyclotron waves in multi-ion-species plasmas. In addition, this investigation verified multi-ion-species effects on the electrostatic ion cyclotron wave dispersion religion including the ion-ion hybrid resonance. Finite-Larmor-radius modification of the wave dispersion relation was also observed, even for ion temperatures of T i ∼ 1/40 eV. Taking advantage of the relatively high field and long device length of L-4, the existence of the cold electrostatic ion cyclotron wave (CES ICW) was verified. With the arrival of the ACT-1 toroidal device, finite-Larmor-radius (FLR) waves were studied in a relatively collisionless warm-ion hydrogen plasma. Detailed investigations of ion Bernstein waves (IBW) included the verification of mode-transformation in their launching, their wave propagation characteristics, their absorption, and the resulting ion heating. This basic physics activity played a crucial role in developing a new reactor heating concept termed ion Bernstein wave heating. Experimental research in the lower hybrid frequency range confirmed the existence of FLR effects near the lower hybrid resonance, predicted by Stix in 1965. In a neon plasma with a carefully placed phased wave exciter, the neutralized ion Bernstein wave was observed for the first time. Using a fastwave ICRF antenna, two parasitic excitation processes for IBW -- parametric instability and density-gradient-driven excitation -- were also discovered. In the concluding section of this paper, a possible application of externally launched electrostatic waves is suggested for helium ash removal from fusion reactor plasmas

Sorption of selenium on Mg-Al and Mg-Al-Eu layered double hydroxides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Curtius, H.; Paparigas, Z.; Kaiser, G.

2008-01-01

Salt domes represent deep geological formations which are under consideration as final repositories for irradiated research reactor fuel elements. For long-term safety aspects the mobilisation of the radionuclides due to a water ingress is intensively investigated. At the Institute of Energy Research (IEF-6), leaching experiments were performed in a hot cell facility with UAl x -Al and U 3 Si 2 -Al dispersed research reactor fuel elements in repository-relevant MgCl 2 -rich salt brines under anaerobic conditions. The fuel plates corroded completely within one year and a Mg-Al-layered double hydroxide (LDH) with chloride as interlayer anion was identified as one crystalline phase component of the corrosion products (secondary phases). This Mg-Al-LDH was synthesized, characterized, and the ability to retard europium by an incorporation process was investigated. Europium, as a representative for lanthanides, was identified to be one of the radionuclides which were found in the corrosion products. We could show that europium was incorporated in the lattice structure. LDHs have high anion exchange capacities that enhance their potential to remove anionic contaminants from aqueous systems. In this work the sorption behaviour of selenium in the chemical form as selenite (SeO 3 2- ) on Mg-Al-LDH and on Mg-Al-Eu-LDH was investigated. Especially the influence of the larger europium-III ion was of interest. It represents in the Mg-Al-Eu-LDH about 10% of the molar aluminium amount. The sorption has been experimentally studied in a wide range of pH, ionic strength, radionuclide and sorbent concentration. Both LDHs with chloride as interlayer anion were synthesized by a coprecipitation method under controlled conditions, and their main physico-chemical properties were analyzed prior to the sorption experiments. The sorption kinetics of selenite on the LDHs in water and in MgCl 2 -rich brine were rapid using a LDH concentration of 10 g/L. Equilibrium, indicated by stable p

C7L family of poxvirus host range genes inhibits antiviral activities induced by type I interferons and interferon regulatory factor 1.

Science.gov (United States)

Meng, Xiangzhi; Schoggins, John; Rose, Lloyd; Cao, Jingxin; Ploss, Alexander; Rice, Charles M; Xiang, Yan

2012-04-01

Vaccinia virus (VACV) K1L and C7L function equivalently in many mammalian cells to support VACV replication and antagonize antiviral activities induced by type I interferons (IFNs). While K1L is limited to orthopoxviruses, genes that are homologous to C7L are found in diverse mammalian poxviruses. In this study, we showed that the C7L homologues from sheeppox virus and swinepox virus could rescue the replication defect of a VACV mutant deleted of both K1L and C7L (vK1L(-)C7L(-)). Interestingly, the sheeppox virus C7L homologue could rescue the replication of vK1L(-)C7L(-) in human HeLa cells but not in murine 3T3 and LA-4 cells, in contrast to all other C7L homologues. Replacing amino acids 134 and 135 of the sheeppox virus C7L homologue, however, made it functional in the two murine cell lines, suggesting that these two residues are critical for antagonizing a putative host restriction factor which has some subtle sequence variation in human and murine cells. Furthermore, the C7L family of host range genes from diverse mammalian poxviruses were all capable of antagonizing type I IFN-induced antiviral activities against VACV. Screening of a library of more than 350 IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) identified interferon-regulated factor 1 (IRF1) as an inhibitor of vK1L(-)C7L(-) but not wild-type VACV. Expression of either K1L or C7L, however, rendered vK1L(-)C7L(-) resistant to IRF1-induced antiviral activities. Altogether, our data show that K1L and C7L antagonize IRF1-induced antiviral activities and that the host modulation function of C7L is evolutionally conserved in all poxviruses that can readily replicate in tissue-cultured mammalian cells.

Impact of Mg content on native point defects in Mg{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}O (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.56)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Perkins, J.; Foster, G. M. [Department of Physics, The Ohio State University, 191 West Woodruff Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43210 (United States); Myer, M.; Mehra, S. [Columbus School for Girls, 56 S. Columbia Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43209 (United States); Chauveau, J. M. [Centre de Recherche sur l’Hetero-Epitaxie et ses Applications, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CRHEA-CNRS), Rue B. Gregory, F-06560 Valbonne Sophia Antipolis (France); University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, Parc Valrose, F-06102 Nice Cedex 2 (France); Hierro, A. [Dpto. Ingeniería Electrónica and ISOM, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid (Spain); Redondo-Cubero, A. [Dpto. Física Aplicada y Centro de Micro-Análisis de Materiales, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid (Spain); Windl, W. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University, 2041 College Road N., Columbus, Ohio 43210 (United States); Brillson, L. J., E-mail: brillson.1@osu.edu [Department of Physics, The Ohio State University, 191 West Woodruff Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43210 (United States); Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The Ohio State University, 2015 Neil Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210-1272 (United States); Center for Materials Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210 (United States)

2015-06-01

We used depth-resolved cathodoluminescence spectroscopy and surface photovoltage spectroscopy to measure the densities, energy levels, and spatial distributions of zinc/magnesium cation and oxygen vacancies in isostructural, single-phase, non-polar Mg{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}O alloys over a wide (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.56) range. Within this wide range, both defect types exhibit strong Mg content-dependent surface segregation and pronounced bulk density minima corresponding to unit cell volume minima, which can inhibit defect formation due to electrostatic repulsion. Mg in ZnO significantly reduces native defect densities and their non-polar surface segregation, both major factors in carrier transport and doping of these oxide semiconductors.

Passive dosing of triclosan in multi-generation tests with copepods - Stable exposure concentrations and effects at the low µg l-1 range

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ribbenstedt, Anton; Mustajärvi, Lukas; Breitholtz, Magnus

2017-01-01

to test the applicability of passive dosing to maintain stable concentrations of the organochlorine bacteriocide triclosan in the water phase during a 6-week multi-generation population development test with the harpacticoid copepod Nitocra spinipes. Triclosan was loaded into silicone (1000 mg), which...... was used as passive dosing phase in the exposure vials. The distribution ratio for triclosan between silicone and water (Dsilicone-water ) was 10466 ± 1927. A population development test was conducted at three concentration levels of triclosan that were measured to be 3-5 µg L(-1) , 7-11 µg L(-1) and 16...... exerted on juvenile development. Progressively lower development index values in the populations exposed to increasing triclosan concentrations suggest developmental retardation. Our results further stress the need for chronic exposure during ecotoxicity testing in chemical risk assessment as even...

Rumex L. species induce apoptosis in 1301, EOL-1 and H-9 cell lines.

Science.gov (United States)

Wegiera, Magdalena; Smolarz, Helena D; Bogucka-Kocka, Anna

2012-01-01

The Rumex L. (dock) species for many centuries have been used in medical treatment, through their adstringent, spasmolitic or cholagogic action. In the present study, the in vitro screening of cytotoxic activities of ethanol extract from roots, leaves and fruits of six Rumex species: R. acetosa L., R. acetosella L., R. confertus Willd., R. crispus L., R. hydrolapathum Huds. and R. obtusifolius L. were performed. We found remarkable cytotoxic activities on leukemic 1301 and EOL-1 cell lines and T cell line at concentration dependent manners. Cytotoxic activity was determined in two ways: trypan blue test and annexin-V FITC and propidium iodide assay. Received IC50 values of investigated extracts on 1301, EOL-1 and H-9 cell lines ranged from 0.22, 0.17 and 0.04 to 2.56, 1.91 and 1.83 mg/mL, respectively. Analysis of morphological changes demonstrated that the extract exerted cell-death via apoptosis. The overall activities of Rumex species support the traditional use of the extract from the fruits of R. confertus, R. crispus, R. hydrolapathum and R. obtusifolius in the treatment of cancer.

Real-life effectiveness of omalizumab in severe allergic asthma above the recommended dosing range criteria.

Science.gov (United States)

Hew, M; Gillman, A; Sutherland, M; Wark, P; Bowden, J; Guo, M; Reddel, H K; Jenkins, C; Marks, G B; Thien, F; Rimmer, J; Katsoulotos, G P; Cook, M; Yang, I; Katelaris, C; Bowler, S; Langton, D; Wright, C; Bint, M; Yozghatlian, V; Burgess, S; Sivakumaran, P; Yan, K Y; Kritikos, V; Peters, M; Baraket, M; Aminazad, A; Robinson, P; Jaffe, A; Powell, H; Upham, J W; McDonald, V M; Gibson, P G

2016-11-01

Omalizumab (Xolair) dosing in severe allergic asthma is based on serum IgE and bodyweight. In Australia, patients eligible for omalizumab but exceeding recommended ranges for IgE (30-1500 IU/mL) and bodyweight (30-150 kg) may still receive a ceiling dose of 750 mg/4 weeks. About 62% of patients receiving government-subsidized omalizumab are enrolled in the Australian Xolair Registry (AXR). To determine whether AXR participants above the recommended dosing ranges benefit from omalizumab and to compare their response to within-range participants. Data were stratified according to dose range status (above-range or within-range). Further sub-analyses were conducted according to the reason for being above the dosing range (IgE only vs. IgE and weight). Data for 179 participants were analysed. About 55 (31%) were above recommended dosing criteria; other characteristics were similar to within-range participants. Above-range participants had higher baseline IgE [812 (IQR 632, 1747) IU/mL vs. 209 (IQR 134, 306) IU/mL] and received higher doses of omalizumab [750 (IQR 650, 750) mg] compared to within-range participants [450 (IQR, 300, 600) mg]. At 6 months, improvements in Juniper 5-item Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-5, 3.61 down to 2.01 for above-range, 3.47 down to 1.93 for within-range, P omalizumab have significantly improved symptom control, quality of life and lung function to a similar degree to within-range participants, achieved without dose escalation above 750 mg. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The effect of the MgO buffer layer thickness on magnetic anisotropy in MgO/Fe/Cr/MgO buffer/MgO(001)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kozioł-Rachwał, Anna, E-mail: a.koziolrachwal@aist.go.jp [National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Spintronics Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8568 (Japan); AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków (Poland); Nozaki, Takayuki; Zayets, Vadym; Kubota, Hitoshi; Fukushima, Akio; Yuasa, Shinji [National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Spintronics Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8568 (Japan); Suzuki, Yoshishige [National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Spintronics Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8568 (Japan); Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531 (Japan)

2016-08-28

The relationship between the magnetic properties and MgO buffer layer thickness d was studied in epitaxial MgO/Fe(t)/Cr/MgO(d) layers grown on MgO(001) substrate in which the Fe thickness t ranged from 0.4 nm to 1.1 nm. For 0.4 nm ≤ t ≤ 0.7 nm, a non-monotonic coercivity dependence on the MgO buffer thickness was shown by perpendicular magneto-optic Kerr effect magnetometry. For thicker Fe films, an increase in the buffer layer thickness resulted in a spin reorientation transition from perpendicular to the in-plane magnetization direction. Possible origins of these unusual behaviors were discussed in terms of the suppression of carbon contamination at the Fe surface and changes in the magnetoelastic anisotropy in the system. These results illustrate a method to control magnetic anisotropy in MgO/Fe/Cr/MgO(d) via an appropriate choice of MgO buffer layer thickness d.

Characteristics and corrosion studies of vanadate conversion coating formed on Mg-14 wt%Li-1 wt%Al-0.1 wt%Ce alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ma Yibin [School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001 (China); Li Ning, E-mail: lininghit@263.net [School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001 (China); Li Deyu [School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001 (China); Zhang Milin; Huang Xiaomei [Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001 (China)

2012-11-15

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Vanadate film forms on the surface of Mg-Li-Al-Ce alloy. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Vanadate coating improves the corrosion resistance. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Vanadate coating is composed of Mg(OH){sub 2}, Li{sub 2}O and V{sub 2}O{sub 5}. - Abstract: Mg-14Li-1Al-0.1Ce alloy is immersed in NH{sub 4}VO{sub 3} + K{sub 3}(Fe(CN){sub 6}) solutions with different NH{sub 4}VO{sub 3} and/or K{sub 3}(Fe(CN){sub 6}) concentrations, and different immersion time. The surface morphology and composition of the vanadate coating are then characterized by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersion spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the corrosion behavior of the conversion coating is studied by polarization technique and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The experimental results indicate that the vanadate film with better corrosion resistance forms on Mg-Li-Al-Ce surface after the sample is immersed in 30 g L{sup -1} NH{sub 4}VO{sub 3} + 3.75 g L{sup -1} K{sub 3}(Fe(CN){sub 6}) solution at 80 Degree-Sign C for 10 min. The coating consists of V{sub 2}O{sub 5}, Li{sub 2}O and Mg(OH){sub 2}.

Thermodynamic Properties, Hysteresis Behavior and Stress-Strain Analysis of MgH2 Thin Films, Studied over a Wide Temperature Range

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yevheniy Pivak

2012-06-01

Full Text Available Using hydrogenography, we investigate the thermodynamic parameters and hysteresis behavior in Mg thin films capped by Ta/Pd, in a temperature range from 333 K to 545 K. The enthalpy and entropy of hydride decomposition, ∆Hdes = −78.3 kJ/molH2, ∆Sdes = −136.1 J/K molH2, estimated from the Van't Hoff analysis, are in good agreement with bulk results, while the absorption thermodynamics, ∆Habs = −61.6 kJ/molH2, ∆Sabs = −110.9 J/K molH2, appear to be substantially affected by the clamping of the film to the substrate. The clamping is negligible at high temperatures, T > 523 K, while at lower temperatures, T < 393 K, it is considerable. The hysteresis at room temperature in Mg/Ta/Pd films increases by a factor of 16 as compared to MgH2 bulk. The hysteresis increases even further in Mg/Pd films, most likely due to the formation of a Mg-Pd alloy at the Mg/Pd interface. The stress–strain analysis of the Mg/Ta/Pd films at 300–333 K proves that the increase of the hysteresis occurs due to additional mechanical work during the (de-hydrogenation cycle. With a proper temperature correction, our stress–strain analysis quantitatively and qualitatively explains the hysteresis behavior in thin films, as compared to bulk, over the whole temperature range.

Development of novel quinoa-based yoghurt fermented with dextran producer Weissella cibaria MG1.

Science.gov (United States)

Zannini, Emanuele; Jeske, Stephanie; Lynch, Kieran M; Arendt, Elke K

2018-03-02

The aim of this study was to develop a novel beverage fermented with Weissella cibaria MG1 based on aqueous extracts of wholemeal quinoa flour. The protein digestibility of quinoa based-milk was improved by applying complex proteolytic enzymes able to increase protein solubility by 54.58%. The growth and fermentation characteristics of Weissella cibaria MG1, including EPS production at the end of fermentation, were investigated. Fermented wholemeal quinoa milk using MG1 showed high viable cell counts (>10 9 cfu/ml), a pH of 5.16, and significantly higher water holding capacity (WHC, 100%), viscosity (0.57mPas) and exopolysaccharide (EPS) amount (40mg/l) than the chemical acidified control. High EPS (dextran) concentration in quinoa milk caused earlier aggregation because more EPS occupy more space, and the chenopodin were forced to interact with each other. Microstructure observation indicated that the network structures of EPS-protein improve the texture of fermented quinoa milk. Overall, Weissella cibaria MG1 showed satisfactory technology properties and great potential for further possible application in the development of high viscosity fermented quinoa milk. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Methionine kinetics and balance at the 1985 FAO/WHO/UNU intake requirement in adult men studied with L-[2H3-methyl-1-13C]methionine as a tracer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Young, V.R.; Wagner, D.A.; Burini, R.; Storch, K.J.

1991-01-01

The upper range of the requirement for methionine plus cystine in healthy adults was proposed in 1985 by FAO/WHO/UNU to be 13 mg.kg body wt-1.d-1. To explore the validity of this estimate, five healthy, young adult men were given for 7 d a diet based on an L-amino acid mixture supplying 13 mg methionine.kg-1.d-1 (87 mumol.kg-1.d-1) without cystine. Constant intravenous infusions of L-[2H3-methyl-1-13C]methionine were given on days 5 and 7 while subjects were in the fed and postabsorptive states, respectively. Estimates were made of methionine oxidation, and daily methionine balance was derived from the intake-oxidation data. For the five subjects, methionine balances were -0.9, +0.7, +3.5, -3.1, and -3.8 mg kg-1.d-1, or -6, +5, +23, -21, and -26 mumol.kg-1.d-1. These findings lead to the conclusion that the upper range of the requirement for methionine plus cystine probably exceeds 13 mg.kg-1.d-1 in healthy young adults. The implications of this conclusion for establishing an appropriate amount of sulfur amino acids in an amino acid requirement pattern for adults is discussed

Evaluation of 500- and 1,000-mg doses of ciprofloxacin for the treatment of chancroid.

Science.gov (United States)

Bodhidatta, L; Taylor, D N; Chitwarakorn, A; Kuvanont, K; Echeverria, P

1988-01-01

A randomized, double-blind study was performed comparing ciprofloxacin in a 500-mg single dose with 1,000 mg (500-mg doses given 12 h apart) for the treatment of chancroid in Thailand. Haemophilus ducreyi was isolated from 87 (48%) of 180 men with a clinical diagnosis of chancroid. For men with ulcers that were culture positive for H. ducreyi, rates of cure were 100% in the 500-mg group and 98% in the 1,000-mg group. For men with ulcers that were culture negative for H. ducreyi, rates of cure were 93% in the 500-mg group and 96% in the 1,000-mg group. The MIC of ciprofloxacin for 50% of isolates among 85 isolates of H. ducreyi was 0.007 micrograms/ml (range, 0.002 to 0.03 micrograms/ml). No significant adverse effects were detected in either group. These data indicate that both of these treatment regimens are equally effective therapies for chancroid in Thailand. PMID:3293526

Rock glaciers, Zailiysiky Range, Kungei Ranges, Tienshan, Kazakhstan, Version 1

Data.gov (United States)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration — The Zailiyskiy Alatau is the northernmost parallel latitudinal ranges of the Northern Tien Shan. The highest point of this range is the Talgar peak (4973 m a.s.l.)....

COMBINED SPINAL EPIDURAL ANALGESIA IN LABOUR: COMPARISON OF BUPIVACAINE 1.25 MG WITH FENTANYL AND ROPIVACAINE 2.5 MG WITH FENTANYL INTRATHECAL

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Prakash T. S. N

2016-10-01

with ASA I and ASA II in established labour with cervical dilatation less than 5 cm was selected and randomly allocated into two groups using closed envelope method. Informed written consent was taken from all participants. They were divided into 2 groups of 20 each. Group I received intrathecal Inj. Bupivacaine 1.25 mg and Inj. Fentanyl 20 µg. Group II received intrathecal Inj. Ropivacaine 2.5 mg and Inj. Fentanyl 20 µg for combined spinal epidural. IV line was secured with 18G cannula. Patient was preloaded with 500 mL of Hartmann’s solution. Basal vital parameter like pulse rate, blood pressure, respiration, O2 saturation were recorded. The patient was positioned in a sitting position with the help of an assistant. Under aseptic conditions, the back was prepared with 5% povidone-iodine solution, spirit and area was draped. L3-L4 interspace was identified. Skin was infiltrated with 2 mL of 1% Xylocaine. After infiltration of local anaesthetic by using needle through needle technique 18-gauge Tuohy needle, epidural space was identified with loss of resistance to air technique. Then, a 15 mm (27 G long ‘Whitacre’ spinal needle was introduced through the epidural needle and the correct position of the tip in the intrathecal space was confirmed by observation of free flow of CSF. Patients were allocated randomly to receive intrathecal injection of bupivacaine 1.25 mg (0.5% bupivacaine 0.25 mL with fentanyl 20 µg (Group I n=30 or ropivacaine 2.5 mg/0.2% ropivacaine 1.25 mL with fentanyl 20 µg (Group II, n=30 both made up to total volume of 2 mL with saline. Injection of intrathecal drug was completed in 10 secs., then 20G epidural catheter was threaded through the epidural needle into the epidural space in cephalad direction. The epidural needle was slowly pulled out without disturbing the catheter. About 3 to 5 cm of catheter was left in epidural space. The catheter was well secured with plaster. Patients vitals was recorded every 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90

Reversal of rocuronium-induced (1.2 mg kg-1) profound neuromuscular block by accidental high dose of sugammadex (40 mg kg-1).

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Molina, A.L.; Boer, H.D. de; Klimek, M.; Heeringa, M.; Klein, J.

2007-01-01

Sugammadex is the first selective relaxant binding agent and reverses rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block. A case is reported in which a patient accidentally received a high dose of sugammadex (40 mg kg-1) to reverse a rocuronium-induced (1.2 mg kg-1) profound neuromuscular block. A fast and

Preparation of a Ni-MgO-Al2O3 catalyst with high activity and resistance to potassium poisoning during direct internal reforming of methane in molten carbonate fuel cells

Science.gov (United States)

Jang, Won-Jun; Jung, You-Shick; Shim, Jae-Oh; Roh, Hyun-Seog; Yoon, Wang Lai

2018-02-01

Steam reforming of methane (SRM) is conducted using a series of Ni-MgO-Al2O3 catalysts for direct internal reforming (DIR) in molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). Ni-MgO-Al2O3 catalysts are prepared by the homogeneous precipitation method with a variety of MgO loading amounts ranging from 3 to 15 wt%. In addition, each precursor concentrations are systemically changed (Ni: 1.2-4.8 mol L-1; Mg: 0.3-1.2 mol L-1; Al: 0.4-1.6 mol L-1) at the optimized composition (10 wt% MgO). The effects of MgO loading and precursor concentration on the catalytic performance and resistance against poisoning of the catalyst by potassium (K) are investigated. The Ni-MgO-Al2O3 catalyst with 10 wt% MgO and the original precursor concentration (Ni: 1.2 mol L-1; Mg: 0.3 mol L-1; Al: 0.4 mol L-1) exhibits the highest CH4 conversion and resistance against K poisoning even at the extremely high gas space velocity (GHSV) of 1,512,000 h-1. Excellent SRM performance of the Ni-MgO-Al2O3 catalyst is attributed to strong metal (Ni) to alumina support interaction (SMSI) when magnesium oxide (MgO) is co-precipitated with the Ni-Al2O3. The enhanced interaction of the Ni with MgO-Al2O3 support is found to protect the active Ni species against K poisoning.

Improvement of embryogenesis and regeneration by air desiccation in maize (zea mays l.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Morshed, S.; Siddique, B.; Islam, S.M.S.

2016-01-01

Calli derived from mature embryos of four maize varieties viz. Mohar, Khoi bhutta, Barnali and Shuvra were cultured in three basal media for regeneration (MS, N6 and 6N1) which individually supplemented with four hormonal combinations e.g. H1 = BAP 0.5 mg/l + IAA 0.0 mg/l, H2 = BAP 1.0 mg/l + IAA 0.5 mg/l, H3 = BAP 1.5 mg/l + IAA 1.0 mg/l and H4 = BAP 2.0 mg/l + IAA 1.5 mg/l. The highest frequency of regeneration was found with MS + H2 (41.35%) in Mohar, while the lowest was 17.37% in 6N1 + H1 for Barnali. To enhance the capability of regeneration, calli were pretreated by ten groups (6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54 and 60 h) of desiccation periods. The degrees of desiccation of pretreated calli were determined; and it was ranged as 6.23 to 40.52% where Khoi bhutta showed the maximum value at 60 h desiccation. The callus of Mohar exhibited the highest frequency of regeneration (75.24%) which desiccated for 48 h; and it was around 2 fold higher than the control. The variety Khoi bhutta showed the lowest efficiency (31.80%) when the callus was desiccated for 6 h. All the varieties performed their maximum regeneration at different periods, where 36, 30 and 42 h desiccation were optimal for Barnali (67.23%), Khoi bhutta (68.03%) and Shuvra (73.98%) accordingly. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant effect of maize genotype and periods of partial air desiccation to enhance regeneration at p<0.05 level. (author)

Concentrations of moxifloxacin in serum and pulmonary compartments following a single 400 mg oral dose in patients undergoing fibre-optic bronchoscopy.

Science.gov (United States)

Soman, A; Honeybourne, D; Andrews, J; Jevons, G; Wise, R

1999-12-01

The concentrations of moxifloxacin achieved after a single 400 mg dose were measured in serum, epithelial lining fluid (ELF), alveolar macrophages (AM) and bronchial mucosa (BM). Concentrations were determined using a microbiological assay. Nineteen patients undergoing fibre-optic bronchoscopy were studied. Mean serum, ELF, AM and BM concentrations at 2.2, 12 and 24 h were as follows: 2.2 h: 3.2 mg/L, 20.7 mg/L, 56.7 mg/L, 5.4 mg/kg; 12 h: 1.1 mg/L, 5.9 mg/L, 54.1 mg/L, 2.0 mg/kg; 24 h: 0.5 mg/L, 3.6 mg/L, 35.9 mg/L, 1.1 mg/kg, respectively. These concentrations exceed the MIC(90)s for common respiratory pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae (0.25 mg/L), Haemophilus influenzae (0.03 mg/L), Moraxella catarrhalis (0.12 mg/L), Chlamydia pneumoniae (0.12 mg/L) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (0. 12 mg/L) and indicate that moxifloxacin should be effective in the treatment of community-acquired, lower respiratory tract infections.

Alternaria sp. MG1, a resveratrol-producing fungus: isolation, identification, and optimal cultivation conditions for resveratrol production.

Science.gov (United States)

Shi, Junling; Zeng, Qin; Liu, Yanlin; Pan, Zhongli

2012-07-01

Due to its potential in preventing or slowing the occurrence of many diseases, resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) has attracted great research interest. The objective of this study was to identify microorganisms from selected plants that produce resveratrol and to optimize the conditions for resveratrol production. Endophytes from Merlot wine grapes (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Merlot), wild Vitis (Vitis quinquangularis Rehd.), and Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum Siebold & Zucc.) were isolated, and their abilities to produce resveratrol were evaluated. A total of 65 isolates were obtained and 21 produced resveratrol (6-123 μg/L) in liquid culture. The resveratrol-producing isolates belonged to seven genera, Botryosphaeria, Penicillium, Cephalosporium, Aspergillus, Geotrichum, Mucor, and Alternaria. The resveratrol-producing capability decreased or was completely lost in most isolates after three rounds of subculture. It was found that only the strain Alternaria sp. MG1 (isolated from cob of Merlot using GA1 medium) had stable and high resveratrol-producing capability in all subcultures. During liquid cultivation of Alternaria sp. MG1 in potato dextrose medium, the synthesis of resveratrol began on the first day, increased to peak levels on day 7, and then decreased sharply thereafter. Cell growth increased during cultivation and reached a stable and high level of biomass after 5 days. The best fermentation conditions for resveratrol production in liquid cultures of Alternaria sp. MG1 were an inoculum size of 6 %, a medium volume of 125 mL in a 250-mL flask, a rotation speed of 101 rpm, and a temperature of 27 °C.

Biological Effects of Osteoblast-Like Cells on Nanohydroxyapatite Particles at a Low Concentration Range

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xiaochen Liu

2011-01-01

Full Text Available The biological effects of osteoblast-like MG-63 cells on nanohydroxyapatite (n-HA at the low concentration range (5–25 g/mL for 5 days was investigated. The results showed the viability and actin cytoskeleton of the cells descended with the increase of the concentration of n-HA, and the actin cytoskeleton of cells was depolymerised and became more disordered. Apoptotic rate of cells (1.85%, 1.99%, and 2.29% increased with the increase of n-HA concentration (5, 15, and 25 g/mL and become significantly higher than the control. Total intracellular protein content decreased with n-HA concentration increase, showing significant difference between 25 g/mL and the control, and no significant change of ALP activity was observed at the 5th day. The results revealed that the cell growth was inhibited by n-HA in a concentration-dependent manner, and the obvious biological effects of MG-63 cells on n-HA existed at the low concentration range from 5 to 25 g/mL.

Holistic control of Herbal Teas and Tinctures Based on sage ( L. for compounds with Beneficial and Adverse Effects using NMR Spectroscopy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Stephan G. Walch

2012-01-01

Full Text Available A methodology that utilizes 1 H-NMR spectroscopy has been developed to simultaneously analyze toxic terpenes (thujone and camphor, major polyphenolic compounds, the total antioxidant capacity (ORAC and the Folin-Ciocalteu (FC index in foods and medicines containing sage. The quantitative determination of rosmarinic acid (limit of detection (LOD = 10 mg/L and total thujone (LOD = 0.35 mg/L was possible using direct integration of the signals. For other parameters (derivatives of rosmarinic acid, carnosol and flavone glycosides, ORAC and FC index, chemometric regression models obtained separately for alcohol-based tinctures (R 2 = 0.94-0.98 and aqueous tea infusions (R 2 = 0.79-0.99 were suitable for screening analysis. The relative standard deviations for authentic samples were below 10%. The developed methodology was applied for the analysis of a wide variety of sage products (n = 108. The total thujone content in aqueous tea infusions was found to be in the range of not detectable (nd to 37.5 mg/L (average 9.2 mg/L, while tinctures contained higher levels (range nd–-409 mg/L, average 107 mg/L. The camphor content varied from 2.1 to 43.7 mg/L in aqueous infusions and from not detectable to 748 mg/L in tinctures (averages were 14.1 and 206 mg/L, respectively. Phenolic compounds were also detected in the majority of the investigated products. 1 H-NMR spectroscopy was proven to have the ability to holistically control all important adverse and beneficial compounds in sage products in a single experiment, considerably saving time, resources and costs as NMR replaces four separate methodologies that were previously needed to analyze the same parameters.

Atomic-scale microstructures, Raman spectra and dielectric properties of cubic pyrochlore-typed Bi1.5MgNb1.5O7 dielectric ceramics

KAUST Repository

Li, Yangyang

2014-07-01

Single-phase cubic pyrochlore-typed Bi1.5MgNb 1.5O7 (BMN) dielectric ceramics were synthesized at temperatures of 1050-1200 °C by solid-state reaction method. Their atomic-scale microstructures and dielectric properties were investigated. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the BMN ceramics had an average cubic pyrochlore structure, whereas the Raman spectra indicated that they had an essentially cubic symmetry with small local deviations at the A and O\\' sites of the cubic pyrochlore structure. This was confirmed by selected electron area diffraction (SAED) patterns, where the reflections of {442} (not allowed in the cubic pyrochlore with Fd3̄m symmetry) were clearly observed. SEM and TEM images revealed that the average grain size was increased with the sintering temperature, and an un-homogeneous grain growth was observed at high temperatures. HRTEM images and SAED patterns revealed the single-crystalline nature of the BMN ceramic grains. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) elemental mapping studies indicated that the compositional distributions of Bi, Mg, Nb and O elements in the ceramic grains were homogenous, and no elemental precipitation was observed at the grain boundary. Quantitative EDS data on ceramic grains revealed the expected cationic stoichiometry based on the initial composition of Bi1.5MgNb1.5O7. Dielectric constants of all the BMN samples exhibited almost frequency independent characteristic in the frequency range of 102-106 Hz, and the highest value was 195 for the BMN ceramics sintered at sintered at 1150 °C with the highest bulk density. The dielectric losses were stable and less than 0.002 in the frequency range of 102-105 Hz. The high dielectric constants of the present BMN samples can be ascribed to the local atomic deviations at the A and O\\' sites from the ideal atomic positions of the pyrochlore structure, which affect the different polarization mechanisms in the BMN ceramics, and which in turn enhance the dielectric

Atomic-scale microstructures, Raman spectra and dielectric properties of cubic pyrochlore-typed Bi1.5MgNb1.5O7 dielectric ceramics

KAUST Repository

Li, Yangyang; Zhu, Xinhua; Al-Kassab, Talaat

2014-01-01

Single-phase cubic pyrochlore-typed Bi1.5MgNb 1.5O7 (BMN) dielectric ceramics were synthesized at temperatures of 1050-1200 °C by solid-state reaction method. Their atomic-scale microstructures and dielectric properties were investigated. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the BMN ceramics had an average cubic pyrochlore structure, whereas the Raman spectra indicated that they had an essentially cubic symmetry with small local deviations at the A and O' sites of the cubic pyrochlore structure. This was confirmed by selected electron area diffraction (SAED) patterns, where the reflections of {442} (not allowed in the cubic pyrochlore with Fd3̄m symmetry) were clearly observed. SEM and TEM images revealed that the average grain size was increased with the sintering temperature, and an un-homogeneous grain growth was observed at high temperatures. HRTEM images and SAED patterns revealed the single-crystalline nature of the BMN ceramic grains. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) elemental mapping studies indicated that the compositional distributions of Bi, Mg, Nb and O elements in the ceramic grains were homogenous, and no elemental precipitation was observed at the grain boundary. Quantitative EDS data on ceramic grains revealed the expected cationic stoichiometry based on the initial composition of Bi1.5MgNb1.5O7. Dielectric constants of all the BMN samples exhibited almost frequency independent characteristic in the frequency range of 102-106 Hz, and the highest value was 195 for the BMN ceramics sintered at sintered at 1150 °C with the highest bulk density. The dielectric losses were stable and less than 0.002 in the frequency range of 102-105 Hz. The high dielectric constants of the present BMN samples can be ascribed to the local atomic deviations at the A and O' sites from the ideal atomic positions of the pyrochlore structure, which affect the different polarization mechanisms in the BMN ceramics, and which in turn enhance the dielectric constants of

A novel potentiometric biosensor for selective L-cysteine determination using L-cysteine-desulfhydrase producing Trichosporon jirovecii yeast cells coupled with sulfide electrode

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hassan, Saad S.M.; El-Baz, Ashraf F.; Abd-Rabboh, Hisham S.M.

2007-01-01

Trichosporon jirovecii yeast cells are used for the first time as a source of L-cysteine desulfhydrase enzyme (EC 4.4.1.1) and incorporated in a biosensor for determining L-cysteine. The cells are grown under cadmium stress conditions to increase the expression level of the enzyme. The intact cells are immobilized on the membrane of a solid-state Ag 2 S electrode to provide a simple L-cysteine responsive biosensor. Upon immersion of the sensor in L-cysteine containing solutions, L-cysteine undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis into pyruvate, ammonia and sulfide ion. The rate of sulfide ion formation is potentiometrically measured as a function of L-cysteine concentration. Under optimized conditions (phosphate buffer pH 7, temperature 37 ± 1 deg. C and actual weight of immobilized yeast cells 100 mg), a linear relationship between L-cysteine concentration and the initial rate of sulfide liberation (dE/dt) is obtained. The sensor response covers the concentration range of 0.2-150 mg L -1 (1.7-1250 μmol L -1 ) L-cysteine. Validation of the assay method according to the quality control/quality assurance standards (precision, accuracy, between-day variability, within-day reproducibility, range of measurements and lower limit of detection) reveals remarkable performance characteristics of the proposed biosensor. The sensor is satisfactorily utilized for determination of L-cysteine in some pharmaceutical formulations. The lower limit of detection is ∼1 μmol L -1 and the accuracy and precision of the method are 97.5% and ±1.1%, respectively. Structurally similar sulfur containing compounds such as glutathione, cystine, methionine, and D-cysteine do no interfere

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of less than 70 mg/dL is associated with fewer cardiovascular events in acute coronary syndrome patients: a real-life cohort in Thailand

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chinwong D

2015-04-01

Full Text Available Dujrudee Chinwong,1,2 Jayanton Patumanond,3 Surarong Chinwong,1 Khanchai Siriwattana,4 Siriluck Gunaparn,5 John Joseph Hall,6 Arintaya Phrommintikul5 1Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; 2Clinical Epidemiology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; 3Center of Excellence in Applied Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand; 4Division of Medicine, Nakornping Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand; 5Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; 6Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia Background: Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease or mortality; however, the LDL-C goal for therapy in acute coronary syndrome (ACS patients is controversial and varies among guidelines. This study aimed to assess the effect of reaching an LDL-C goal of <70 mg/dL (<1.8 mmol/L on first composite cardiovascular outcomes in routine clinical practice in Thailand.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using medical charts and the electronic hospital database of patients diagnosed with ACS and treated with statins at a tertiary care hospital in Thailand between 2009 and 2012. After admission, patients were followed from the date of LDL-C goal assessment until the first event of composite cardiovascular outcomes (nonfatal ACS, nonfatal stroke, or all-cause death. Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for potential confounders were used.Results: Of 405 patients, mean age was 65 years (60% males. Twenty-seven percent of the patients attained an LDL-C goal of <70 mg/dL, 38% had LDL-C between 70 and 99 mg/dL, and 35% had LDL-C ≥100 mg/dL. Forty-six patients experienced a composite

The Design of Morphological/Linguistic Data in L1 and L2 ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

user

learners' MA of an L1 or L2 can be measured (and, as an extension to this, that users' and .... and they could activate these strategies and skills when confronted with new .... cussion of a wide range of morphological phenomena in English.

Concentration dependence of transmission losses in UV-laser irradiated bovine α-, βH-, βL- and γ-crystallin solutions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hott, J.L.; Borkman, R.F.

1993-01-01

Experiments with calf lens protein fractions in aqueous buffer solutions at room temperature showed that β H -, β L - and γ-crystallin fractions became opaque following ultraviolet exposure at 308 nm, while the α-crystallin fraction remained transparent. Transmission loss, due to UV-irradiation, for all of the crystallin samples was studied in the concentration range of 0.1 mg/mL to 1.0 mg/mL, and for α- and γ-crystallin, in the range up to 5 mg/mL. With increased concentrations of β H -, β L -and γ-crystalline, the rate of opacification increased. However, with α-crystallin, the loss of transmission was negligible for all of the concentrations and irradiation times studied. Opacification of the crystallins was accompanied by formation of higher molecular weight insoluble proteins as detected by SDS-PAGE. (Author)

Characterization of bicrystalline epitaxial LaNiO{sub 3} films fabricated on MgO (1 0 0) substrates by pulsed laser deposition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zheng Liang [School of Microelectronics and Solid-State Electronics, University of Electronics Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054 (China); Zhu Jun [School of Microelectronics and Solid-State Electronics, University of Electronics Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054 (China)]. E-mail: junzhu@uestc.edu.cn; Zhang Ying [School of Microelectronics and Solid-State Electronics, University of Electronics Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054 (China); Jiang Shuwen [School of Microelectronics and Solid-State Electronics, University of Electronics Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054 (China); Li Yanrong [School of Microelectronics and Solid-State Electronics, University of Electronics Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054 (China); Huawei Xian [School of Microelectronics and Solid-State Electronics, University of Electronics Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054 (China); Li Jinlong [School of Microelectronics and Solid-State Electronics, University of Electronics Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054 (China)

2006-03-15

A series of metallic LaNiO{sub 3} (LNO) thin films were deposited on MgO (1 0 0) substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) under the oxygen pressure of 20 Pa at different substrate temperatures from 450 to 750 deg. C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to characterize the crystal structure of LNO films. {theta}-2{theta} scans of XRD indicate that LNO film deposited at a substrate temperature of 700 deg. C has a high orientation of (l l 0). At other substrate temperatures, the LNO films have mixed phases of (l l 0) and (l 0 0). Furthermore, pole figure measurements show that LNO thin films, with the bicrystalline structure, were epitaxially deposited on MgO (1 0 0) substrates in the mode of LNO (1 1 0)//MgO (1 0 0) at 700 deg. C. Reflection high-energy electric diffraction (RHEED) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were also performed to investigate the microstructure of LNO films with the high (l l 0) orientation. RHEED patterns clearly confirm this epitaxial relationship. An atomically smooth surface of LNO films at 700 deg. C was obtained. In addition, bicrystalline epitaxial LNO films, fabricated at 700 deg. C, present a excellent conductivity with a lower electrical resistivity of 300 {mu} {omega} cm. Thus, the obtained results indicate that bicystalline epitaxial LNO films could serve as a promising candidate of electrode materials for the fabrication of ferroelectric or dielectric films.

Compréhension de la stabilité thermique des alliages d'aluminium Al-Cu-Mg Understanding of the thermal stability of Al-Cu-Mg aluminum alloys

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pouget Gaëlle

2013-11-01

Full Text Available Les alliages d'aluminium 2xxx (Al-Cu-Mg sont connus pour être performants à chaud et sont par exemple utilisés pour certaines pièces de structure des avions. L'effet de la composition en Cu et Mg sur leur stabilité thermique, ainsi que celui de la précipitation durcissante associée ont été étudiés. Des comportements différents sont observés et trois zones de composition (en poids % identifiées: 3,1–3,7Cu et 1,6–2,0Mg : durcissement par la phase S' (Al2CuMg, limite d'élasticité ∼ 465 MPa à l'état T8 et bonne stabilité thermique jusqu'à 200 ∘C. 4,8–5,4Cu et 0–0,4Mg : durcissement par la phase θ' (Al2Cu, limite d'élasticité ∼ 380 MPa à l'état T8 et bonne stabilité thermique jusqu'à 300 ∘C. 3,7–4,3Cu et 0,9–1,3Mg : durcissement par S'+ θ', limite d'élasticité ∼ 470 MPa à l'état T8 mais stabilité thermique insuffisante à 150 ∘C et au delà; ce vieillissement important est associé à une concentration en Cu en solution solide élevée, ce qui accélère la cinétique de coalescence des précipités. La première zone de composition est donc recommandée pour des applications à température intermédiaire, typiquement 150 ∘C, et la seconde pour des applications à plus haute température, entre 250 et 300 ∘C. La troisième zone est à éviter pour des applications à 150 ∘C et au-delà. 2xxx aluminum alloys (Al-Cu-Mg have a good behaviour at elevated temperature and are used for some aircraft's structural parts. In this study, the effect of Cu and Mg content on the thermal stability and strengthening precipitation has been investigated. Three different behaviours are observed depending on the alloy composition: 3.1–3.7Cu, 1.6–2.0Mg: strengthening by S' (Al2CuMg, yield strength ∼ 465 MPa in T8 temper and good thermal stability up to 200 ∘C. 4.8–5.4Cu, 0–0.4Mg: strengthening by θ' (Al2Cu, yield strength ∼ 380 MPa in T8 and good thermal stability up to

Thermodynamic properties, hysteresis behavior and stress-strain analysis of MgH2 thin films, studied over a wide temperature range

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Pivak, Y.; Schreuders, H.; Dam, B.

2012-01-01

Using hydrogenography, we investigate the thermodynamic parameters and hysteresis behavior in Mg thin films capped by Ta/Pd, in a temperature range from 333 K to 545 K. The enthalpy and entropy of hydride decomposition, ?Hdes = ?78.3 kJ/molH2, ?Sdes = ?136.1 J/K molH2, estimated from the Van't Hoff

Vitamin, Trace Element, and Fatty Acid Levels of Vitex agnus-castus L., Juniperus oxycedrus L., and Papaver somniferum L. Plant Seeds

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ahmet Ozkaya

2013-01-01

Full Text Available The levels of fat-soluble vitamin, trace element and fatty acid of Vitex agnus-castus L., Juniperus oxycedrus L., and Papaver somniferum L. seeds in Turkey were determined by using HPLC, ICP-OES, and GC, respectively. In the Vitex agnus-castus L., Juniperus oxycedrus L., and Papaver somniferum L. seeds, linoleic acid (18 : 2 was determined with the highest level rates (%54.11, %28.03, and %72.14, resp.. In the Vitex agnus-castus L. seeds, R-tocopherol, α-tocopherol, and K1 levels were determined as 9.70 μg/g, 18.20 μg/g, and 24.79 μg/g, respectively; In the Juniperus oxycedrus L. seeds, R-tocopherol, α-tocopherol, and K1 were determined as 18.50 μg/g, 0.84 μg/g, and 5.00 μg/g, respectively, and in the Papaver somniferum L. seeds, R-tocopherol, α-tocopherol, K1, and D2 levels were determined as 43.25 μg/g, 122.05 μg/g, 12.01 μg/g, and 0.62 μg/g, respectively. In the Vitex agnus-castus L., Juniperus oxycedrus L., and Papaver somniferum L. seeds, nickel (Ni, zinc (Zn, and iron (Fe were determined with the trace element level rates (4.42 mg/kg, 10.43 mg/kg, 3.71 mg/kg for Ni, 7.00 mg/kg, 7.70 mg/kg, and 24 mg/kg for Zn and 93.73 mg/kg, 187.95 mg/kg, and 149.64 mg/kg for Fe, resp.. These parameters in seeds are very important for human life.

High pressure phase transitions in Mg{sub 1-x}Ca{sub x}O: Theory

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Srivastava, Anurag; Chauhan, Mamta [Advanced Material Research Lab, Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Gwalior (India); Singh, R.K. [Department of Physics, ITM University, Gurgaon (India); Padegaonker, Rishikesh [Indian Embassy School, Sana (Yemen)

2011-08-15

We have analysed a B1 {yields} B2 structural phase transitions in Mg{sub 1-x}Ca{sub x}O solid solutions and their ground state properties by using first principle density functional theory and charge transfer interaction potential (CTIP) approach. The effects of exchange-correlation interactions are handled by the generalized gradient approximation with Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof type parameterization. CTIP approach includes the long range modified Coulomb with charge transfer interactions and short range part of this model includes the van der Waals as well as Hafemeister Flygare type overlap repulsive interactions. The study observes a linear variation of calculated transition pressure, bulk modulus and lattice parameter of Mg{sub 1-x}Ca{sub x}O as a function of Ca composition. The observed results for the end point members are in agreement to their experimental counterparts and the deviations have been discussed. (Copyright copyright 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

The Poxvirus C7L Host Range Factor Superfamily

OpenAIRE

Liu, Jia; Rothenburg, Stefan; McFadden, Grant

2012-01-01

Host range factors, expressed by the poxvirus family, determine the host tropism of species, tissue, and cell specificity. C7L family members exist in the genomes of most sequenced mammalian poxviruses, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved effort adapting to the hosts. In general, C7L orthologs influence the host tropism in mammalian cell culture, and for some poxviruses it is essential for the complete viral life cycle in vitro and in vivo. The C7L family members lack obvious sequence homo...

Two separate regulatory systems participate in control of swarming motility of Serratia liquefaciens MG1

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Givskov, M; Ostling, J; Eberl, L

1998-01-01

Swarming motility of Serratia liquefaciens MG1 requires the expression of two genetic loci, flhDC and swrI. Here we demonstrate that the products of the flhDC operon (the flagellar master regulator) and the swrI gene (the extracellular signal molecule N-butanoyl-L-homoserine lactone) are global...

Development of Isocratic RP-HPLC Method for Separation and Quantification of L-Citrulline and L-Arginine in Watermelons

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rasdin Ridwan

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Watermelons (Citrullus lanatus are known to have sufficient amino acid content. In this study, watermelons grown and consumed in Malaysia were investigated for their amino acid content, L-citrulline and L-arginine, by the isocratic RP-HPLC method. Flesh and rind watermelons were juiced, and freeze-dried samples were used for separation and quantification of L-citrulline and L-arginine. Three different mobile phases, 0.7% H3P04, 0.1% H3P04, and 0.7% H3P04 : ACN (90 : 10, were tested on two different columns using Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18 and Gemini C18 with a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min and a detection wavelength at 195 nm. Efficient separation with reproducible resolution of L-citrulline and L-arginine was achieved using 0.1% H3P04 on the Gemini C18 column. The method was validated and good linearity of L-citrulline and L-arginine was obtained with R2 = 0.9956, y=0.1664x+2.4142 and R2=0.9912, y=0.4100x+3.4850, respectively. L-citrulline content showed the highest concentration in red watermelon of flesh and rind juice extract (43.81 mg/g and 45.02 mg/g, whereas L-arginine concentration was lower than L-citrulline, ranging from 3.39 to 11.14 mg/g. The isocratic RP-HPLC method with 0.1% H3P04 on the Gemini C18 column proved to be efficient for separation and quantification of L-citrulline and L-arginine in watermelons.

Pinning in high performance MgB{sub 2} thin films and bulks: Role of Mg-B-O nano-scale inhomogeneities

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Prikhna, Tatiana, E-mail: prikhna@mail.ru [Institute for Superhard Materials of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine , 2, Avtozavodskaya Str. , Kiev 07074 (Ukraine); Shapovalov, Andrey [Institute for Superhard Materials of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine , 2, Avtozavodskaya Str. , Kiev 07074 (Ukraine); Eisterer, Michael [Atominstitut, Vienna University of Technology, Stadionallee 2, 1020 Vienna (Austria); Shaternik, Vladimir [G.V. Kurdyumov Institute for Metal Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 36 Academician Vernadsky blvd., Kiev, 03680 (Ukraine); Goldacker, Wilfried [Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 76344 Eggenstein (Germany); Weber, Harald W. [Atominstitut, Vienna University of Technology, Stadionallee 2, 1020 Vienna (Austria); Moshchil, Viktor; Kozyrev, Artem; Sverdun, Vladimir [Institute for Superhard Materials of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine , 2, Avtozavodskaya Str. , Kiev 07074 (Ukraine); Boutko, Viktor [Donetsk Institute for Physics and Engineering named after O.O. Galkin of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, R. Luxemburg str.72, Donetsk-114, 83114 (Ukraine); Grechnev, Gennadiy [B. Verkin Institute for Low Temperature Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 47, Prospekt Nauky, Kharkiv 61103 (Ukraine); Gusev, Alexandr [Donetsk Institute for Physics and Engineering named after O.O. Galkin of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, R. Luxemburg str.72, Donetsk-114, 83114 (Ukraine); Kovylaev, Valeriy; Shaternik, Anton [Institute for Superhard Materials of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine , 2, Avtozavodskaya Str. , Kiev 07074 (Ukraine)

2017-02-15

Highlights: • Pinning in MgB{sub 2} depends on the Mg-B-O nano-scaled inhomogeneities. • Finer oxygen-enriched inhomogeneities is the reason of the higher J{sub c} in MgB{sub 2} thin films as compared to bulk. • The results of DOS calculations for MgB{sub 2-x}O{sub x} compounds demonstrate that they have metal-like behavior. • Ordered oxygen distribution in MgB{sub 2} (in pairs or zigzags) reduces binding energy. - Abstract: The comparison of nano-crystalline MgB{sub 2} oxygen-containing thin film (140 nm) and highly dense bulk materials showed that the critical current density, J{sub c}, depends on the distribution of Mg-B-O nano-scale inhomogeneities. It has been shown that MgB{sub 2} bulks with high J{sub c} in low (∼10{sup 6} A/cm{sup 2} in 0-1 T at 10 K) and medium magnetic fields contain MgB{sub 0.6-0.8}O{sub 0.8-0.9} nano-inclusions, where δT{sub c} or a combined δT{sub c} (dominant) / δ{sub l} pinning mechanism prevails, while in bulk MgB{sub 2} with high J{sub c} in high magnetic fields (B{sub irr}(18.5 K) = 15 T, B{sub c2}(0 K) = 42.1 T) MgB{sub 1.2-2.7}O{sub 1.8-2.5} nano-layers are present and δ{sub l} pinning prevails. The structure of oxygen-containing films with high J{sub c} in low and high magnetic fields (J{sub c} (0 T) = 1.8 × 10{sup 7} A/cm{sup 2} and J{sub c} (5 T) = 2 × 10{sup 6} A/cm{sup 2} at 10 K) contains very fine oxygen-enriched Mg-B-O inhomogeneities and δ{sub l} pinning is realized. The results of DOS calculations in MgB{sub 2-x}O{sub x} cells for x = 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1 demonstrate that all compounds are conductors with metal-like behaviour. In the case of ordered oxygen substitution for boron the binding energy, E{sub b}, does not increase sufficiently as compared with that for MgB{sub 2}, while when oxygen atoms form zigzag chains the calculated E{sub b} is even lower (E{sub b} = −1.15712 Ry).

L-ascorbic acid, β-carotene and lycopene content in papaya fruits (Carica papaya with or without physiological skin freckles Conteúdo de ácido l-ascórbico, β-caroteno e licopeno em frutos de mamão (Carica papaya com e sem mancha fisiológica

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Leandro Marelli de Souza

2008-01-01

Full Text Available The Skin Freckles is a papaya skin disorder that depreciates de fruit appearance and hampers its commercialization, although not lowering its nutritive value. Being the papaya a good source of ascorbic acid, β-carotene and licopene this research aimed at determining L-ascorbic acid, β-carotene and licopene content in papaya fruits, from 'Formosa' and 'Solo' group varieties, with and without apparent physiological skin disease (skin freckles. Fruits were harvested in the Southeast Region of Brazil. L-ascorbic acid content was determined by titration technique. β-carotene and licopene contents were determined by high performance liquid chromatography technique (HPLC. L-ascorbic acid content in papaya fruits ranged from (59.9 ± 3.4 mg 100 g-1 to (112.4 ± 12.6 mg 100 g-1 in fresh papaya pulp. β-carotene content ranged from (0.19 ± 0.07 mg 100 g-1 to (0.56 ± 0.09 mg 100 g-1 and that of licopene ranged from (1.44 ± 0.28 mg 100 g-1 to (3.39 ± 0.32 mg 100 g-1 in fresh papaya pulp. L-ascorbic acid contents of papaya fruits with skin disease averaged 7.0 mg 100 g-1 to 10.0 mg 100 g-1 higher than those of papaya fruits without skin freckles (P A Mancha Fisiológica do Mamão (MFM é uma desordem da casca do mamão, que deprecia a aparência do fruto e prejudica a sua comercialização, embora não prejudique o seu valor nutritivo. Considerando ser o mamão, uma boa fonte de ácido L-ascórbico, b-caroteno e licopeno, esta pesquisa visou determinar o índice destes componentes em frutas de mamão, das variedades do grupo 'Formosa' e 'Solo', com e sem Mancha Fisiológica do Mamão (MFM aparente na pele. As frutas foram colhidas na região do sudeste de Brasil. O teor de ácido L-ascórbico foi determinado pela técnica de titulação. Os índices do b-caroteno e do licopeno foram determinados pela técnica de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC. O teor de ácido L-ascórbico variou de (59,9 ± 3,4 mg 100 g-1 a (112,4 ± 12,6 mg 100 g-1

Volumizing effects of a smooth, highly cohesive, viscous 20-mg/mL hyaluronic acid volumizing filler: prospective European study

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Hoffmann Klaus

2009-08-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Facial volume loss contributes significantly to facial aging. The 20-mg/mL hyaluronic acid (HA formulation used in this study is a smooth, highly cohesive, viscous, fully reversible, volumizing filler indicated to restore facial volume. This first prospective study evaluated use in current aesthetic clinical practice. Methods A pan-European evaluation conducted under guidelines of the World Association of Opinion and Marketing Research, the trial comprised a baseline visit (visit 1 and a follow-up (visit 2 at 14 ± 7 days posttreatment. Physicians photographed patients at each visit. Each patient was treated with the 20-mg/mL HA volumizing filler as supplied in standard packaging. Procedural details, aesthetic outcomes, safety, and physician and patient ratings of their experience were recorded. Results Fifteen physicians and 70 patients (91% female; mean age: 50 years participated. Mean volume loss at baseline was 3.7 (moderate on the Facial Volume Loss Scale. Local anesthesia was used in 64.3% of cases. Most injections (85% were administered with needles rather than cannulas. Of the 208 injections, 59% were in the malar region, primarily above the periosteum. Subcutaneous injections were most common for other sites. The mean total injection volume per patient was 4.6 mL. The mean volume loss score declined significantly (P Conclusion The 20-mg/mL smooth, highly cohesive, viscous, volumizing HA filler was effective, well tolerated, and easy to use in current clinical practice. Participants were very likely to recommend this product to colleagues and friends, and patients would be very or quite likely to request this product for future treatments.

Effet du Mg et des oligo-éléments sur le comportement de cinq variétés d'arachides (Arachis hypogeae L.

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Lumpungu, K.

1987-01-01

Full Text Available Effect of magnesium and trace elements on the development of five groundnut varieties (Arachis hypogeae L.. A study of Mg and certain minor elements (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo and Zn given by seed imbibition has been conducted. The results have shown that the effect of Mg and minor elements on the growth, yield (pods and seeds and lipids content of the seeds depend on the variety and rate of Mg and minor elements application.

Accuracy evaluation of contour next compared with five blood glucose monitoring systems across a wide range of blood glucose concentrations occurring in a clinical research setting.

Science.gov (United States)

Klaff, Leslie J; Brazg, Ronald; Hughes, Kristen; Tideman, Ann M; Schachner, Holly C; Stenger, Patricia; Pardo, Scott; Dunne, Nancy; Parkes, Joan Lee

2015-01-01

This study evaluated the accuracy of Contour(®) Next (CN; Bayer HealthCare LLC, Diabetes Care, Whippany, NJ) compared with five blood glucose monitoring systems (BGMSs) across a wide range of clinically occurring blood glucose levels. Subjects (n=146) were ≥ 18 years and had type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Subjects' glucose levels were safely lowered or raised to provide a wide range of glucose values. Capillary blood samples were tested on six BGMSs and a YSI glucose analyzer (YSI Life Sciences, Inc., Yellow Springs, OH) as the reference. Extreme glucose values were achieved by glucose modification of the blood sample. System accuracy was assessed by mean absolute difference (MAD) and mean absolute relative difference (MARD) across several glucose ranges, with glucose range (Abbott Diabetes Care, Inc., Alameda, CA), 2.77 mg/dL; OneTouch(®) Ultra(®) 2 (LifeScan, Inc., Milpitas, CA), 10.20 mg/dL; OneTouch(®) Verio(®) Pro (LifeScan, Inc.), 4.53 mg/dL; and Truetrack(®) (Nipro Diagnostics, Inc., Fort Lauderdale, FL), 11.08 mg/dL. The lowest MAD in the low glucose range, from CN, was statistically significantly lower than those of the other BGMSs with the exception of the FSL. CN also had a statistically significantly lower MARD than all other BGMSs in the low glucose range. In the overall glucose range (21-496 mg/dL), CN yielded the lowest MAD and MARD values, which were statistically significantly lower in comparison with the other BGMSs. When compared with other BGMSs, CN demonstrated the lowest mean deviation from the reference value (by MAD and MARD) across multiple glucose ranges.

Safety and Activity of Anti–PD-L1 Antibody in Patients with Advanced Cancer

Science.gov (United States)

Brahmer, Julie R.; Tykodi, Scott S.; Chow, Laura Q.M.; Hwu, Wen-Jen; Topalian, Suzanne L.; Hwu, Patrick; Drake, Charles G.; Camacho, Luis H.; Kauh, John; Odunsi, Kunle; Pitot, Henry C.; Hamid, Omid; Bhatia, Shailender; Martins, Renato; Eaton, Keith; Chen, Shuming; Salay, Theresa M.; Alaparthy, Suresh; Grosso, Joseph F.; Korman, Alan J.; Parker, Susan M.; Agrawal, Shruti; Goldberg, Stacie M.; Pardoll, Drew M.; Gupta, Ashok; Wigginton, Jon M.

2013-01-01

BACKGROUND Programmed death 1 (PD-1) protein, a T-cell coinhibitory receptor, and one of its ligands, PD-L1, play a pivotal role in the ability of tumor cells to evade the host’s immune system. Blockade of interactions between PD-1 and PD-L1 enhances immune function in vitro and mediates antitumor activity in preclinical models. METHODS In this multicenter phase 1 trial, we administered intravenous anti–PD-L1 antibody (at escalating doses ranging from 0.3 to 10 mg per kilogram of body weight) to patients with selected advanced cancers. Anti–PD-L1 antibody was administered every 14 days in 6-week cycles for up to 16 cycles or until the patient had a complete response or confirmed disease progression. RESULTS As of February 24, 2012, a total of 207 patients — 75 with non–small-cell lung cancer, 55 with melanoma, 18 with colorectal cancer, 17 with renal-cell cancer, 17 with ovarian cancer, 14 with pancreatic cancer, 7 with gastric cancer, and 4 with breast cancer — had received anti–PD-L1 antibody. The median duration of therapy was 12 weeks (range, 2 to 111). Grade 3 or 4 toxic effects that investigators considered to be related to treatment occurred in 9% of patients. Among patients with a response that could be evaluated, an objective response (a complete or partial response) was observed in 9 of 52 patients with melanoma, 2 of 17 with renal-cell cancer, 5 of 49 with non–small-cell lung cancer, and 1 of 17 with ovarian cancer. Responses lasted for 1 year or more in 8 of 16 patients with at least 1 year of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Antibody-mediated blockade of PD-L1 induced durable tumor regression (objective response rate of 6 to 17%) and prolonged stabilization of disease (rates of 12 to 41% at 24 weeks) in patients with advanced cancers, including non–small-cell lung cancer, melanoma, and renal-cell cancer. (Funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00729664.) PMID:22658128

Structural characteristics and corrosion behavior of biodegradable Mg-Zn, Mg-Zn-Gd alloys.

Science.gov (United States)

Kubásek, J; Vojtěch, D

2013-07-01

In this research, binary Mg-Zn (up to 3 wt% Zn) and ternary Mg-Zn-Gd (up to 3 wt% Gd, 3 wt% Zn) alloys were prepared by induction melting in an argon atmosphere. The structures of these alloys were characterized using light and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence. In addition, Brinell hardness measurements were taken to supplement these studies. Corrosion behavior was evaluated by immersion tests and potentiodynamic measurements in a physiological solution (9 g/l NaCl). Depending on the composition, structures of the as-cast alloys contained α-Mg dendrites, MgZn, Mg5Gd and Mg3Gd2Zn3 phases. Compared to pure Mg, zinc improved the corrosion resistance of binary Mg-Zn. Gadolinium also improved the corrosion resistance in the case of Mg-1Zn-3Gd alloy. The highest corrosion rate was observed for Mg-3Zn-3Gd alloy. Our results improve the understanding of the relationships between the structure and corrosion behavior of our studied alloy systems.

Behavior of methyl orange and orange 10 (orange G) in the presence of hydrotalcite type compounds of Mg/Al and Mg/Fe; Comportamiento de naranja de metilo y naranja 10 (orange G) en presencia de compuestos tipo hidrotalcita de mg/Al y Mg/Fe

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cruz N, G.

2015-07-01

This work is focused on studying the sorption capacity of methyl orange dye (Nm) and orange 10 (N-10) in the presence of hydrotalcite type compounds of Mg/Al and Mg/Fe uncalcined and calcined previously at 500 degrees Celsius. Sorption isotherms were determined and the study of the kinetics of sorption was performed. The materials were characterized before and after sorption processes of these dyes by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, the specific surface area determination by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method, thermogravimetry coupled to mass and infrared spectrometry. The hydrotalcite type compounds reported in this paper were prepared in the laboratory and their acronyms are: HTMgAlG1, HTMgAlMO, HTMgFeG1 and HTMgFeG2. Note that in this work the best conditions for preparing compounds of Mg/Fe were found. From patterns of X-ray diffraction was identified the typical crystal structure of the hydrotalcite type compounds. By scanning electron microscopy the morphology could be determined in the form of flakes characteristics of these compounds. Likewise with elemental analysis of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy the presence of Mg, Al, Fe and C, elements of interest for this study was determined. The compounds presented a specific surface area relatively high from 80 to 120 m{sup 2}/g. Thermogravimetry results presented spectra of mass loss very characteristic associated to water losses, dehydroxylation and decarboxylation. The characteristic bands of water and carbonate were assigned by infrared spectroscopy and the bands corresponding to the dyes sulfonates were identified only for the calcined materials. The sorption capacities found of these compounds were as follows: for Nm in the compound HTMgAlG1 uncalcined was 17.82 mg/g for an initial concentration of 200 mg/L and for calcined (HTMgAlMOcal) of 99.8 mg/g with and initial concentration of 1000 mg/L. Moreover, the sorption capacity of the dye N-10 in this same material was 17.92 mg/g and 99

Direct observation of the crystal structure changes in the Mg{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}O alloy system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yoo, Seung Jo; Lee, Ji-Hyun; Kim, Chang-Yeon [Nano-Bio Electron Microscopy Research Group, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), 169-148 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-806 (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Chang Hoi [Department of Nano Semiconductor Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-Gu, Busan 606-791 (Korea, Republic of); Shin, Jae Won [Nano-Bio Electron Microscopy Research Group, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), 169-148 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-806 (Korea, Republic of); Center for Nanomaterials and Chemical Reactions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 305-701 (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Hong Seung, E-mail: hongseung@hhu.ac.kr [Department of Nano Semiconductor Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-Gu, Busan 606-791 (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Jin-Gyu, E-mail: jjintta@kbsi.re.kr [Nano-Bio Electron Microscopy Research Group, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), 169-148 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-806 (Korea, Republic of)

2015-08-03

We directly observed the crystal structure changes of the Mg{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}O alloy thin film deposited on Si (111) substrates. Through the in situ heating transmission electron microscopy study, it was determined that the crystal structure changes did not occur up to at 400 °C, whereas the disappearance of the hexagonal structure was observed at 500 °C in the layer of nanosized grains. Additionally, the decreased intensity of the Zn L-edge was analyzed in the comparison of the core loss electron energy loss spectroscopy spectra of the Zn L-edge and the Mg K-edge obtained at room temperature and 500 °C. Based on these experimental results, the process of crystal structure changes could be explained by the evaporation of Zn atoms in the Mg{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}O alloy system. This phenomenon is prominent in the improvement of the microstructure of the Mg{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}O alloy thin film by controlling the thermal annealing temperature. - Highlights: • Mg{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}O thin films coexisting with cubic and hexagonal structures were deposited. • Crystal structure changes of the thin films were directly observed at 500 °C. • The process of microstructure changes could be caused by the evaporation of Zn atoms.

Impact of Glucose Meter Error on Glycemic Variability and Time in Target Range During Glycemic Control After Cardiovascular Surgery.

Science.gov (United States)

Karon, Brad S; Meeusen, Jeffrey W; Bryant, Sandra C

2015-08-25

We retrospectively studied the impact of glucose meter error on the efficacy of glycemic control after cardiovascular surgery. Adult patients undergoing intravenous insulin glycemic control therapy after cardiovascular surgery, with 12-24 consecutive glucose meter measurements used to make insulin dosing decisions, had glucose values analyzed to determine glycemic variability by both standard deviation (SD) and continuous overall net glycemic action (CONGA), and percentage glucose values in target glucose range (110-150 mg/dL). Information was recorded for 70 patients during each of 2 periods, with different glucose meters used to measure glucose and dose insulin during each period but no other changes to the glycemic control protocol. Accuracy and precision of each meter were also compared using whole blood specimens from ICU patients. Glucose meter 1 (GM1) had median bias of 11 mg/dL compared to a laboratory reference method, while glucose meter 2 (GM2) had a median bias of 1 mg/dL. GM1 and GM2 differed little in precision (CV = 2.0% and 2.7%, respectively). Compared to the period when GM1 was used to make insulin dosing decisions, patients whose insulin dose was managed by GM2 demonstrated reduced glycemic variability as measured by both SD (13.7 vs 21.6 mg/dL, P meter error (bias) was associated with decreased glycemic variability and increased percentage of values in target glucose range for patients placed on intravenous insulin therapy following cardiovascular surgery. © 2015 Diabetes Technology Society.

Growth and Yield Stimulation of Winter Oilseed Rape (Brasssica Napus L. by Mg-Titanit Fertiliser

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Kováčik Peter

2014-12-01

Full Text Available The effort to achieve higher yields at the required qualitative level has led to the intensive studying the problems of the rational usage of the titanium containing fertilisers by the agricultural research in the course the previous thirty years. Therefore, the objective of the experiment was to evaluate the impact of two doses of Mg-Titanit (0.2 l/ha and 0.4 l/ha on the formation of the aboveground and underground phytomass, also on the total chlorophyll in leaves, on the titanium and nitrogen content in the seeds and straw, on the quantity and quality of winter rape yield. The doses were applied two or three times on the leaves of winter rape (BBCH 50-52, BBCH 59, BBCH 66-67. The experiment was realized on the Haplic Chernozem (48°42´ N, 17°70´ E - Western Slovakia during two farming years (2009/2010 and 2010/2011. The results showed that all three applications of Mg-Titanit in both doses stimulated the formation of aboveground and underground phytomass of winter rape. The highest growth of phytomass was detected after the second application. The application of Mg-Titanit in the growth phases BBCH 50-52 and BBCH 59 increased the contents of both chlorophylls (a and b, where the growth of chlorophyll b content was more considerable than the growth of chlorophyll a content. The third spraying by Mg-Titanit decreased the content of the total chlorophyll. The application of Mg-Titanit had the positive impact on the yield of seeds, straw and fat content in the winter oilseed rape seeds.

Bioequivalence of a single 400-mg dose of imatinib 100-mg oral tablets and a 400-mg tablet in healthy adult Korean volunteers.

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Hae Won; Seong, Sook Jin; Park, Sung Min; Lee, Joomi; Gwon, Mi-Ri; Kim, Hyun-Ju; Lim, Sung Mook; Lim, Mi-Sun; Kim, Woomi; Yang, Dong Heon; Yoon, Young-Ran

2015-06-01

Imatinib mesylate (IM) is a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. A new once-daily 400-mg film-coated tablet of imatinib has been developed by a pharmaceutical company in Korea. The present study was designed to assess and compare the PK parameters, bioavailability, and bioequivalence of the new imatinib 400-mg formulation (test) versus the conventional 100-mg formulation (reference) administered as a single 400-mg dose in healthy adult male volunteers. This randomized, open-label, single-dose, two-way crossover study was conducted in healthy Korean male volunteers. Eligible subjects were randomly assigned in a 1 : 1 ratio to receive 400 mg of the test (one 400-mg tablet) or reference (four 100-mg tablets) formulation, followed by a 2-week washout period and administration of the alternate formulation. Serial blood samples were collected at 0 (predose), 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after administration. Plasma imatinib concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The formulations were to be considered bioequivalent if the 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the adjusted geometric mean ratios for Cmax, AUC(0-t), and AUC(0-∞)ž were within the predetermined range of 0.80 - 1.25. In total, 35 subjects completed the study. No serious adverse event was reported during the study. The 90% CIs of the adjusted geometric mean ratios of the test formulation to the reference formulation for C(max), AUC(0-t) and AUC(0-∞)ž of imatinib were all within the bioequivalence criteria range of 0.8 - 1.25. The test formulation of imatinib met the Korean regulatory requirements for bioequivalence. Both imatinib formulations were well-tolerated in all subjects.

Study of the Mg incorporation in CdTe for developing wide band gap Cd{sub 1-x}Mg{sub x}Te thin films for possible use as top-cell absorber in a tandem solar cell

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Martinez, Omar S. [Centro de Investigacion en Energia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, 62580 Temixco, Morelos (Mexico); Universidad Politecnica del Estado de Guerrero, Comunidad de Puente Campuzano, C.P. 40325 Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero (Mexico); Millan, Aduljay Remolina [Centro de Investigacion en Energia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, 62580 Temixco, Morelos (Mexico); Huerta, L.; Santana, G. [Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. C.P 04510 Mexico D.F. (Mexico); Mathews, N.R.; Ramon-Garcia, M.L.; Morales, Erik R. [Centro de Investigacion en Energia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, 62580 Temixco, Morelos (Mexico); Mathew, X., E-mail: xm@cie.unam.mx [Centro de Investigacion en Energia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, 62580 Temixco, Morelos (Mexico)

2012-02-15

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Thin films of Cd{sub 1-x}Mg{sub x}Te with high spatial uniformity and band gap in the range of 1.6-1.96 eV were deposited by vacuum co-evaporation of CdTe and Mg. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Obtained Cd{sub 1-x}Mg{sub x}Te films have the structural characteristics of the CdTe, evidence of the change in atomic scattering due to incorporation of Mg was observed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer XRD and XPS data confirmed the incorporation of Mg in the lattice of CdTe. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer SEM images revealed the impact of Mg incorporation on the morphology of the films, the changes in grain size and grain morphology are noticeable. - Abstract: Thin films of Cd{sub 1-x}Mg{sub x}Te with band gap in the range of 1.6-1.96 eV were deposited by vacuum co-evaporation of CdTe and Mg on glass substrates heated at 300 Degree-Sign C. Different experimental techniques such as XRD, UV-vis spectroscopy, SEM, and XPS were used to study the effect of Mg incorporation into the lattice of CdTe. The band gap of the films showed a clear tendency to increase as the Mg content in the film is increased. The Cd{sub 1-x}Mg{sub x}Te films maintain all the structural characteristics of the CdTe, however, diminishing of intensity for the XRD patterns is observed due to both change in preferential orientation and change in atomic scattering due to the incorporation of Mg. SEM images showed significant evidences of morphological changes due to the presence of Mg. XRD, UV-vis spectroscopy, and XPS data confirmed the incorporation of Mg in the lattice of CdTe. The significant increase in band gap of CdTe due to incorporation of Mg suggests that the Cd{sub 1-x}Mg{sub x}Te thin film is a candidate material to use as absorber layer in the top-cell of a tandem solar cell.

Bog bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum L.) extract reduces cultured Hep-G2, Caco-2, and 3T3-L1 cell viability, affects cell cycle progression, and has variable effects on membrane permeability.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Jia; Zhang, Wei; Jing, Hao; Popovich, David G

2010-04-01

Bog bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum L.) is a blue-pigmented edible berry related to bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and the common blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a bog bilberry anthocyanin extract (BBAE) on cell growth, membrane permeability, and cell cycle of 2 malignant cancer cell lines, Caco-2 and Hep-G2, and a nonmalignant murine 3T3-L1 cell line. BBAE contained 3 identified anthocyanins. The most abundant anthocyanin was cyanidin-3-glucoside (140.9 +/- 2.6 microg/mg of dry weight), followed by malvidin-3-glucoside (10.3 +/- 0.3 microg/mg) and malvidin-3-galactoside (8.1 +/- 0.4 microg/mg). Hep-G2 LC50 was calculated to be 0.563 +/- 0.04 mg/mL, Caco-2 LC50 was 0.390 +/- 0.30 mg/mL and 0.214 +/- 0.02 mg/mL for 3T3-L1 cells. LDH release, a marker of membrane permeability, was significantly increased in Hep-G2 cells and Caco-2 cells after 48 and 72 h compared to 24 h. The increase was 21% at 48 h and 57% at 72 h in Caco-2 cells and 66% and 139% in Hep-G2 cells compared to 24 h. However, 3T3-L1 cells showed an unexpected significant lower LDH activity (P < or = 0.05) after 72 h of exposure corresponding to a 21% reduction in LDH release. BBAE treatment increased sub-G1 in all 3 cell lines without influencing cells in the G2/M phase. BBAE treatment reduced the growth and increased the accumulation of sub-G1 cells in 2 malignant and 1 nonmalignant cell line; however, the effect on membrane permeability differs considerably between the malignant and nonmalignant cells and may in part be due to differences in cellular membrane composition.

Short range order of Mg-Cd-alloys during the transition from the solid to the molten state

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Boos, A.; Steeb, S.

1977-01-01

Recently a method was published for the determination of short range order parameters in binary melts and also a method for the determination of the concentration of different structures which form such a melt. These methods are used in the present work to evaluate the atomic structure of Mg-Cd-melts and to reval the changes in short range order during the melting process. (orig.) [de

Antiproliferative activity of aqueous leaf extract of Annona muricata L. on the prostate, BPH-1 cells, and some target genes.

Science.gov (United States)

Asare, George Awuku; Afriyie, Dan; Ngala, Robert A; Abutiate, Harry; Doku, Derek; Mahmood, Seidu A; Rahman, Habibur

2015-01-01

Annona muricata L. has been reported to possess antitumor and antiproliferative properties. Not much work has been done on its effect on BPH-1 cell lines, and no in vivo studies targeting the prostate organ exist. The study determined the effect of A muricata on human BPH-1 cells and prostate organ. The MTT assay was performed on BPH-1 cells using the aqueous leaf extract of A muricata. Cells (1 × 10(5) per well) were challenged with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/mL extract for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Cell proliferation and morphology were examined microscopically. BPH-1 cells (1 × 10(4) per well) were seeded into 6-well plates and incubated for 48 hours with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/mL A muricata extract. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was performed using mRNA extracted from the cells. Possible target genes, Bax and Bcl-2, were examined. Twenty F344 male rats (≈200 g) were gavaged 30 mg/mL (10 rats) and 300 mg/mL (10 rats) and fed ad libitum alongside 10 control rats. Rats were sacrificed after 60 days. The prostate, seminal vesicles, and testes were harvested for histological examination. Annona muricata demonstrated antiproliferative effects with an IC50 of 1.36 mg/mL. Best results were obtained after 48 hours, with near cell extinction at 72 hours. Bax gene was upregulated, while Bcl-2 was downregulated. Normal histological architecture was observed for all testes. Seminal vesicle was significantly reduced in test groups (P BPH-1 cells and reduces prostate size, possibly through apoptosis. © The Author(s) 2014.

Concentrations of garenoxacin in plasma, bronchial mucosa, alveolar macrophages and epithelial lining fluid following a single oral 600 mg dose in healthy adult subjects.

Science.gov (United States)

Andrews, J; Honeybourne, D; Jevons, G; Boyce, M; Wise, R; Bello, A; Gajjar, D

2003-03-01

A microbiological assay was used to measure concentrations of garenoxacin (BMS-284756) in plasma, bronchial mucosa (BM), alveolar macrophages (AM) and epithelial lining fluid (ELF), following a single 600 mg oral dose. Twenty-four healthy subjects were allocated into four nominal time intervals after the dose, 2.5-3.5, 4.5-5.5, 10.5-11.5 and 23.5-24.5 h. Mean concentrations in plasma, BM, AM and ELF, respectively, for the four nominal time windows were for 2.5-3.5 h 10.0 mg/L (S.D. 2.8), 7.0 mg/kg (S.D. 1.3), 106.1 mg/L (S.D. 60.3) and 9.2 mg/L (S.D. 3.6); 4.5-5.5 h 8.7 mg/L (S.D. 2.2), 6.0 mg/kg (S.D. 1.9), 158.6 mg/L (S.D. 137.4) and 14.3 mg/L (S.D. 8.2); 10.5-11.5 h 6.1 mg/L (S.D. 1.9), 4.0 mg/kg (S.D. 1.4), 76.0 mg/L (S.D. 47.7) and 7.9 mg/L (S.D. 4.6); and 23.5-24.5 h 2.1 mg/L (S.D. 0.5), 1.7 mg/kg (S.D. 0.7), 30.7 mg/L (S.D. 12.9) and 3.3 mg/L (S.D. 2.3). Concentrations at all sites exceeded MIC(90)s for the common respiratory pathogens Haemophilus influenzae (0.03 mg/L), Moraxella catarrhalis (0.015 mg/L) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (0.06 mg/L). These data suggest that garenoxacin should be effective in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Antimicrobial activity of Piper nigrum L. and Cassia didymobotyra L. leaf extract on selected food borne pathogens

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mohd. Sayeed Akthar

2014-09-01

, while, it was found at concentration of 50.0 mg/mL for petroleum ether and aqueous leaf extract of P. nigrum and C. didymobotyra. However, the MIC of methanol leaf extracts of P. nigrum and ethanol and methanol leaf extracts P. nigrum and C. didymobotyra for Aspergillus spp. was recorded at concentration of 12.5 mg/mL, while, the MIC concentration ranged from 25.0-50.0 mg/ mL for other tested solvent leaf extract of P. nigrum and C. didymobotyra. Conclusions: This study suggests that test plants could be potential candidates for developing the new antimicrobial drugs against the wide range of pathogenic bacteria and fungal strains.

The local structure of Ca-Na pyroxenes. 2-Xanes studies at the Mg and A1 K edges

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mottana, A.; Cibin, G.; Paris, E.; Giuli, G.; Florence Univ., Florence

1999-01-01

X-ray absorption spectra at the Mg and A1 K edges have been recorded on synthetic endmember diopside (Di) and jadeite (Jd) and on a series of natural Fe-poor Ca-Na clinopyroxenes compositionally straddling the Jd-Di join. The spectra of C2/c members of the series (C-omphacites) are different from having P2/n symmetry (P-omphacites). Differences can be explained by theoretical spectra calculated via the multiple-scattering formalism on atomic clusters with at least 89 atoms, extending to a. 0.62 nm away from the Mg viz. A1 absorber: Xanes detects in these systems medium- rather than short-range order-disorder relationships. Near-edge features of C-omphacites reflect the single-type of octahedral arrangement of the back scattering nearest-neighbours (six O atoms) around the absorber (Mg resp. A1) at the centre of the cluster (site M1). Others arise again from medium-range order. P-omphacites show more complicated spectra than C-omphacites. Their additional features reflect the increased local disorder around the probed atom (Mg resp. A1) induced by the two alternative M1, M11 configurations of the six O atoms forming the first co-ordination spheres. Mg and A1 are confirmed to be preferentially partitioned in the M1 resp. M11 site of the P-omphacite crystal structure, however never exclusively, but in a ratio close to 85:15 (plus or minus 10%) that implies a certain degree of local disorder. Changes in the relative heights of some prominent features are more evident in the A1 than in the Mg K-edge spectra. They are diagnostic to qualitatively distinguish C-from P-omphacites

The local structure of Ca-Na pyroxenes. 2-Xanes studies at the Mg and A1 K edges

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mottana, A. [Rome Univ. Roma Tre, Rome (Italy). Dipt. di Scienze Geologiche; Murata, T. [Kyoto University of Education, Kyoto (Japan). Dept. of Physics; Marcelli, A. [Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Frascati, RM (Italy). Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati; Wu, Z.Y. [Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Frascati, RM (Italy). Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati]|[Laboratoire Piere Suee, Gif-sur Yvette Cedex, (France); Cibin, G. [Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Frascati, RM (Italy). Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati; Paris, E. [Camerino Univ., Camerino, MC (Italy). Dipt. di Scienze della Terra; Giuli, G. [Camerino Univ., Camerino, MC (Italy). Dipt. di Scienze della Terra]|[Florence Univ., Florence (Italy). Dipt. di Scienze della Terra

1999-07-01

X-ray absorption spectra at the Mg and A1 K edges have been recorded on synthetic end member diopside (Di) and jadeite (Jd) and on a series of natural Fe-poor Ca-Na clinopyroxenes compositionally straddling the Jd-Di join. The spectra of C2/c members of the series (C-omphacites) are different from having P2/n symmetry (P-omphacites). Differences can be explained by theoretical spectra calculated via the multiple-scattering formalism on atomic clusters with at least 89 atoms, extending to a. 0.62 nm away from the Mg viz. A1 absorber: Xanes detects in these systems medium- rather than short-range order-disorder relationships. Near-edge features of C-omphacites reflect the single-type of octahedral arrangement of the back scattering nearest-neighbours (six O atoms) around the absorber (Mg resp. A1) at the centre of the cluster (site M1). Others arise again from medium-range order. P-omphacites show more complicated spectra than C-omphacites. Their additional features reflect the increased local disorder around the probed atom (Mg resp. A1) induced by the two alternative M1, M11 configurations of the six O atoms forming the first co-ordination spheres. Mg and A1 are confirmed to be preferentially partitioned in the M1 resp. M11 site of the P-omphacite crystal structure, however never exclusively, but in a ratio close to 85:15 (plus or minus 10%) that implies a certain degree of local disorder. Changes in the relative heights of some prominent features are more evident in the A1 than in the Mg K-edge spectra. They are diagnostic to qualitatively distinguish C-from P-omphacites.

Tuning anomalous Hall conductivity in L1[sub 0] FePt films by long range chemical ordering

KAUST Repository

Chen, M.; Shi, Z.; Xu, W. J.; Zhang, Xixiang; Du, J.; Zhou, S. M.

2011-01-01

For L10 FePt films, the anomalous Hall conductivity σ xy=-a σxx-b, where a=a0f(T), b=b 0f(T), and f (T) is the temperature dependence factor of the spontaneous magnetization. With increasing chemical long range ordering S, a0 changes its sign accompanied by a reduction of its magnitude and b0 increases monotonically. The spin-orbit coupling strength is suggested to increase with increasing S. As an approach, the long range chemical ordering can be used to control the anomalous Hall effect in ferromagnetic alloy films. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.

Tuning anomalous Hall conductivity in L1[sub 0] FePt films by long range chemical ordering

KAUST Repository

Chen, M.

2011-02-24

For L10 FePt films, the anomalous Hall conductivity σ xy=-a σxx-b, where a=a0f(T), b=b 0f(T), and f (T) is the temperature dependence factor of the spontaneous magnetization. With increasing chemical long range ordering S, a0 changes its sign accompanied by a reduction of its magnitude and b0 increases monotonically. The spin-orbit coupling strength is suggested to increase with increasing S. As an approach, the long range chemical ordering can be used to control the anomalous Hall effect in ferromagnetic alloy films. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.

Pile oscillator measurements of thermal absorption cross sections of Al, Mg, Fe and Cu; Mesure des sections efficaces thermiques d'absorption de l'Al, du Mg, du Fe et du Cu par la methode d'oscillation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Carre, J C; Vidal, R [Commissariat a l' Energie Atomique, Saclay (France). Centre d' Etudes Nucleaires

1964-07-01

The phase oscillation technique used at ZOE has the property of reducing of a marked factor the effect of neutron scattering by the sample. The absorption cross sections of poorly absorbing and highly scattering materials have been measured; for neutrons of 2,200 m/s, the following values are obtained: 229 {+-} 3 mb for Al; 64.2 {+-} 1.5 mb for Mg, 2.53 {+-} 0.03 b for Fe and 3.74 {+-} 0.04 b for Cu. (authors) [French] La methode d'oscillation de phase utilisee a ZOE possede la propriete de diminuer d'un facteur important l'influence de la diffusion. Les sections efficaces de capture de materiaux peu capturants et tres diffusants, ont ete mesurees; pour des neutrons de 2200 m/s, on obtient pour l'Al: 229 {+-} 3mb, pour le Mg: 64,2 {+-} 1,5 mb, pour le Fe: 2,53 {+-} 0,03 b et pour le Cu: 3,74 {+-} 0,04 b. (auteurs)

Positron annihilation 2D-ACAR study of semi-coherent Li nanoclusters in MgO(1 0 0) and MgO(1 1 0)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Falub, C.V.; Mijnarends, P.E.; Eijt, S.W.H.; Huis, M.A. van; Veen, A. van; Schut, H.

2002-01-01

Depth selective positron annihilation two-dimensional angular correlation of annihilation radiation (2D-ACAR) is used to determine the electronic structure of Li nanoclusters formed by implantation of 10 16 cm -2 6 Li ions (with an energy of 30 keV) in MgO(1 0 0) and (1 1 0) crystals, and subsequently annealed at 950 K. The 2D-ACAR spectra of Li-implanted MgO obtained with 4 keV positrons reveal the semi-coherent ordering state of the embedded metallic Li nanoclusters. The results agree with ab initio Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker calculations

Positron annihilation 2D-ACAR study of semi-coherent Li nanoclusters in MgO(1 0 0) and MgO(1 1 0)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Falub, C.V. E-mail: c.falub@iri.tudelft.nl; Mijnarends, P.E.; Eijt, S.W.H.; Huis, M.A. van; Veen, A. van; Schut, H

2002-05-01

Depth selective positron annihilation two-dimensional angular correlation of annihilation radiation (2D-ACAR) is used to determine the electronic structure of Li nanoclusters formed by implantation of 10{sup 16} cm{sup -2} {sup 6}Li ions (with an energy of 30 keV) in MgO(1 0 0) and (1 1 0) crystals, and subsequently annealed at 950 K. The 2D-ACAR spectra of Li-implanted MgO obtained with 4 keV positrons reveal the semi-coherent ordering state of the embedded metallic Li nanoclusters. The results agree with ab initio Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker calculations.

Positron annihilation 2D-ACAR study of semi-coherent Li nanoclusters in MgO( 1 0 0 ) and MgO( 1 1 0 )

Science.gov (United States)

Falub, C. V.; Mijnarends, P. E.; Eijt, S. W. H.; van Huis, M. A.; van Veen, A.; Schut, H.

2002-05-01

Depth selective positron annihilation two-dimensional angular correlation of annihilation radiation (2D-ACAR) is used to determine the electronic structure of Li nanoclusters formed by implantation of 10 16 cm -26Li ions (with an energy of 30 keV) in MgO(1 0 0) and (1 1 0) crystals, and subsequently annealed at 950 K. The 2D-ACAR spectra of Li-implanted MgO obtained with 4 keV positrons reveal the semi-coherent ordering state of the embedded metallic Li nanoclusters. The results agree with ab initio Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker calculations.

In-situ synchrotron x-ray study of MgB2 formation when doped by SiC

Science.gov (United States)

Abrahamsen, A. B.; Grivel, J.-C.; Andersen, N. H.; Herrmann, M.; Häßler, W.; Birajdar, B.; Eibl, O.; Saksl, K.

2008-02-01

We have studied the evolution of the reaction xMg + 2B + ySiC → zMg1-p(B1-qCq)2 + yMg2Si in samples of 1, 2, 5 and 10 wt% SiC doping. We found a coincident formation of MgB2 and Mg2Si, whereas the crystalline part of the SiC nano particles is not reacting at all. Evidence for incorporation of carbon into the MgB2 phase was established from the decrease of the a-axis lattice parameter upon increasing SiC doping. An estimate of the MgB2 lower limit grain size was found to decrease from L100 = 795 Å and L002 = 337 Å at 1 wt% SiC to L100 = 227 Å and L002= 60 Å at 10 wt% SiC. Thus superconductivity might be suppressed at 10 wt% SiC doping due to the grain size approaching the coherence length.

Production of phenylpyruvic acid from L-phenylalanine using an L-amino acid deaminase from Proteus mirabilis: comparison of enzymatic and whole-cell biotransformation approaches.

Science.gov (United States)

Hou, Ying; Hossain, Gazi Sakir; Li, Jianghua; Shin, Hyun-Dong; Liu, Long; Du, Guocheng

2015-10-01

Phenylpyruvic acid (PPA) is an important organic acid that has a wide range of applications. In this study, the membrane-bound L-amino acid deaminase (L-AAD) gene from Proteus mirabilis KCTC 2566 was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) and then the L-AAD was purified. After that, we used the purified enzyme and the recombinant E. coli whole-cell biocatalyst to produce PPA via a one-step biotransformation from L-phenylalanine. L-AAD was solubilized from the membrane and purified 52-fold with an overall yield of 13 %, which corresponded to a specific activity of 0.94 ± 0.01 μmol PPA min(-1)·mg(-1). Then, the biotransformation conditions for the pure enzyme and the whole-cell biocatalyst were optimized. The maximal production was 2.6 ± 0.1 g·L(-1) (specific activity of 1.02 ± 0.02 μmol PPA min(-1)·mg(-1) protein, 86.7 ± 5 % mass conversion rate, and 1.04 g·L(-1)·h(-1) productivity) and 3.3 ± 0.2 g L(-1) (specific activity of 0.013 ± 0.003 μmol PPA min(-1)·mg(-1) protein, 82.5 ± 4 % mass conversion rate, and 0.55 g·L(-1)·h(-1) productivity) for the pure enzyme and whole-cell biocatalyst, respectively. Comparative studies of the enzymatic and whole-cell biotransformation were performed in terms of specific activity, production, conversion, productivity, stability, need of external cofactors, and recycling. We have developed two eco-friendly and efficient approaches for PPA production. The strategy described herein may aid the biotransformational synthesis of other α-keto acids from their corresponding amino acids.

The Effect of Increasing Sn Content on High-Temperature Mechanical Deformation of an Mg-3%Cu-1%Ca Alloy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Georgios S.E. Antipas

2013-11-01

Full Text Available Chill casting of magnesium alloy samples with secondary alloying elements of Cu, Ca and Sn at % w.t. concentrations in the range 1–5, 0.1–5 and 0.1–3 respectively, gave rise to appreciably enhanced resistance to high-temperature creep, while maintaining good heat conductivity. The latter was considered to be driven by Cu and Mg-Cu intermetallics while it was clear that Sn mediated the high-temperature performance, mainly via networks of Mg2Sn and MgCaSn precipitates along the Mg matrix grain boundaries. It was postulated that Sn formed intermetallics by preferential substitution of Ca atoms and, thus, did not degrade the heat conductivity by retaining Cu. The % w.t. stoichiometry with the optimum combination of heat conductivity and resistance to high-temperature creep was found to be Mg-3Cu-1Ca-0.1Sn.

Polymorphisms of vitamin K-related genes (EPHX1 and VKORC1L1) and stable warfarin doses.

Science.gov (United States)

Chung, Jee-Eun; Lee, Kyung Eun; Chang, Byung Chul; Gwak, Hye Sun

2018-01-30

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of EPHX1 and VKORC1L1 polymorphisms on variability of responses to warfarin. Sixteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 201 patients with stable warfarin doses were analyzed including genes of VKORC1, CYP2C9, CYP4F2, GGCX, EPHX1 and VKORC1L1. Univariate analysis was conducted for the association of genotypes with stable warfarin doses. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate factors that independently affected the inter-individual variability of warfarin dose requirements. The rs4072879 of VKORC1L1 (A>G) was significantly associated with stable warfarin doses; wild homozygote carriers (AA) required significantly lower stable warfarin doses than those with the variant G allele (5.02±1.56 vs. 5.96±2.01mg; p=0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that EPHX1 rs1877724 and VKORC1L1 rs4072879 accounted for 1.5% and 1.3% of the warfarin dose variability. Adding EPHX1 and VKORC1L1 SNPs to the base model including non-genetic variables (operation age, body weight and the therapy of ACEI or ARB) and genetic variables (VKORC1 rs9934438, CYP2C9 rs1057910, and CYP4F2 rs2108622) gave a number needed to genotype of 34. This study showed that polymorphisms of EPHX1 and VKORC1L1 could be determinants of stable warfarin doses. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Behavior of methyl orange and orange 10 (orange G) in the presence of hydrotalcite type compounds of Mg/Al and Mg/Fe

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cruz N, G.

2015-01-01

This work is focused on studying the sorption capacity of methyl orange dye (Nm) and orange 10 (N-10) in the presence of hydrotalcite type compounds of Mg/Al and Mg/Fe uncalcined and calcined previously at 500 degrees Celsius. Sorption isotherms were determined and the study of the kinetics of sorption was performed. The materials were characterized before and after sorption processes of these dyes by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, the specific surface area determination by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method, thermogravimetry coupled to mass and infrared spectrometry. The hydrotalcite type compounds reported in this paper were prepared in the laboratory and their acronyms are: HTMgAlG1, HTMgAlMO, HTMgFeG1 and HTMgFeG2. Note that in this work the best conditions for preparing compounds of Mg/Fe were found. From patterns of X-ray diffraction was identified the typical crystal structure of the hydrotalcite type compounds. By scanning electron microscopy the morphology could be determined in the form of flakes characteristics of these compounds. Likewise with elemental analysis of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy the presence of Mg, Al, Fe and C, elements of interest for this study was determined. The compounds presented a specific surface area relatively high from 80 to 120 m 2 /g. Thermogravimetry results presented spectra of mass loss very characteristic associated to water losses, dehydroxylation and decarboxylation. The characteristic bands of water and carbonate were assigned by infrared spectroscopy and the bands corresponding to the dyes sulfonates were identified only for the calcined materials. The sorption capacities found of these compounds were as follows: for Nm in the compound HTMgAlG1 uncalcined was 17.82 mg/g for an initial concentration of 200 mg/L and for calcined (HTMgAlMOcal) of 99.8 mg/g with and initial concentration of 1000 mg/L. Moreover, the sorption capacity of the dye N-10 in this same material was 17.92 mg/g and 99.4 mg

In vitro cytotoxicity of allelopathic plants Adonis vernalis L. Origanum vulgare ssp. vulgare L. and Nepeta nuda subsp. nuda

Science.gov (United States)

Koleva, Vanya; Dragoeva, Asya; Stoyanova, Zheni; Yordanova, Zhenia; Ali, Selime; Uzunov, Nikolay M.; Melendez-Alafort, Laura; Rosato, Antonio; Enchev, Dobromir D.

2018-03-01

Medicinal plants produce various secondary metabolites as a part of their chemical defence and survival in nature. These compounds have a wide range of biological activities. Nowadays, medicinal plants are used as source of allelochemicals and new effective anticancer agents. Our previous studies revealed allelopathic potential of water extracts of Adonis vernalis L. (Ranunculaceae), Origanum vulgare ssp. vulgare L. and Nepeta nuda subsp. nuda (Lamiaceae). Present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the same extracts in vitro on human hepatoma cell line SK-HEP-1. Cell proliferation/viability was assessed using Premixed WST-1 Cell Proliferation Reagent. Adonis water extract (1.83mg/ml) had notable negative influence on cancer cell line tested. Oregano (3.5 mg/ml) also exerted negative effect, but to a lesser degree. On the contrary, nepeta water extract (6.59 mg/ml) had an opposite effect, stimulating cell proliferation. One possible explanation could be the type of extraction: after treatment with nepeta methanol extract (6.59 mg/ml) cell viability was significantly reduced. In conclusion, Adonis vernalis and Nepeta nuda subsp. nuda possess metabolites with growth inhibitory effect on human hepatoma cell line SK-HEP-1. Further research is needed to clarify biological activity of lower concentrations which are appropriate to enable the design of new anticancer drugs.

Clinical Experience With 11,460 mL of a 20-mg/mL, Smooth, Highly Cohesive, Viscous Hyaluronic Acid Filler.

Science.gov (United States)

Humphrey, Shannon; Carruthers, Jean; Carruthers, Alastair

2015-09-01

A 3-dimensional approach to facial rejuvenation restores volume lost over time. Hyaluronic acid (HA) filling agents provide long-lasting correction with minimal side effects and a high level of patient satisfaction. The newest HA formulation is a 20-mg/mL smooth cohesive filler (Juvéderm Voluma [HA-V]) that combines both low- and high-molecular-weight HA for more efficient cross-linking and greater lift capabilities. To document the clinical experience with HA-V over the course of 68 months. The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who received HA-V for facial augmentation between February 1, 2009, and October 1, 2014. Clinical results were assessed 2 weeks after initial treatment, with touch-ups performed as necessary. Color photographs were taken before and after treatment, and adverse events were documented. Over 68 months, the authors treated 2,342 patients with 11,460 mL of HA-V. Aesthetic results lasted upwards of 12 months, and most side effects were transient and mild. Three patients developed signs of vascular compromise that was promptly treated and resolved within 2 months. Twenty-one patients (<0.5%) experienced late-onset, temporary, nontender nodules that were successfully managed with conservative measures. Easy to use and well tolerated, HA-V is ideally formulated for soft-tissue augmentation in the face, with clinical effects lasting 12 months or longer.

Tunable magnetic properties by interfacial manipulation of L1(0)-FePt perpendicular ultrathin film with island-like structures.

Science.gov (United States)

Feng, C; Wang, S G; Yang, M Y; Zhang, E; Zhan, Q; Jiang, Y; Li, B H; Yu, G H

2012-02-01

Based on interfacial manipulation of the MgO single crystal substrate and non-magnetic AIN compound, a L1(0)-FePt perpendicular ultrathin film with the structure of MgO/FePt-AIN/Ta was designed, prepared, and investigated. The film is comprised of L1(0)-FePt "magnetic islands," which exhibits a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA), tunable coercivity (Hc), and interparticle exchange coupling (IEC). The MgO substrate promotes PMA of the film because of interfacial control of the FePt lattice orientation. The AIN compound is doped to increase the difference of surface energy between FePt layer and MgO substrate and to suppress the growth of FePt grains, which takes control of island growth mode of FePt atoms. The AIN compound also acts as isolator of L1(0)-FePt islands to pin the sites of FePt domains, resulting in the tunability of Hc and IEC of the films.

Synergistic Antihypertensive Effect of Carthamus tinctorius L. Extract and Captopril in l-NAME-Induced Hypertensive Rats via Restoration of eNOS and AT1R Expression

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Putcharawipa Maneesai

2016-02-01

Full Text Available This study examined the effect of Carthamus tinctorius (CT extract plus captopril treatment on blood pressure, vascular function, nitric oxide (NO bioavailability, oxidative stress and renin-angiotensin system (RAS in Nω-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME-induced hypertension. Rats were treated with l-NAME (40 mg/kg/day for five weeks and given CT extract (75 or 150 or 300 or 500 mg/kg/day: captopril (5 mg/kg/day or CT extract (300 mg/kg/day plus captopril (5 mg/kg/day for two consecutive weeks. CT extract reduced blood pressure dose-dependently, and the most effective dose was 300 mg/kg/day. l-NAME-induced hypertensive rats showed abnormalities including high blood pressure, high vascular resistance, impairment of acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation in isolated aortic rings and mesenteric vascular beds, increased vascular superoxide production and plasma malondialdehyde levels, downregulation of eNOS, low level of plasma nitric oxide metabolites, upregulation of angiotensin II type 1 receptor and increased plasma angiotensin II. These abnormalities were alleviated by treatment with either CT extract or captopril. Combination treatment of CT extract and captopril normalized all the abnormalities found in hypertensive rats except endothelial dysfunction. These data indicate that there are synergistic antihypertensive effects of CT extract and captopril. These effects are likely mediated by their anti-oxidative properties and their inhibition of RAS.

Z-contrast imaging of ordered structures in Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 and Ba(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yan, Y.; Pennycook, S.J.; Xu, Z.; Viehland, D.

1998-02-01

Lead-based cubic perovskites such as Pb(B 1/3 2+ B 2/3 5+ )O 3 (B 2+ Mg, Co, Ni, Zn; B 5+ = Nb, Ta) are relaxor ferroelectrics. Localized order and disorder often occur in materials of this type. In the Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 (PMN) family, previous studies have proposed two models, space-charge and charge-balance models. In the first model, the ordered regions carry a net negative charge [Pb(Mg 1/2 Nb 1/2 )O 3 ], while in the second model it does not carry a net charge [Pb((Mg 2/3 Nb 1/3 ) 1/2 Nb 1/2 )O 3 ]. However, no direct evidence for these two models has appeared in the literature yet. In this paper the authors report the first direct observations of local ordering in undoped and La-doped Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 , using high-resolution Z-contrast imaging. Because the ordered structure in Ba(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 is well known, the Z-contrast image from an ordered domain is used as a reference for this study

Carnation (Dianthus caryophylus L.).

Science.gov (United States)

Nontaswatsri, Chalermsri; Fukai, Seiichi

2006-01-01

Carnation is a valuable crop for the cut flower industry and demand for new and improved varieties is growing. However, genetic transformation of carnations is currently limited because of a lack of efficient routine technique. In this chapter, we present an easy and effective protocol for gene transfer to carnation node explants and subsequent adventitious shoot regeneration. For high-adventitious shoot regeneration, node explants from first to third node of 5- to 8-cm long shoots were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, containing 1.0 mg/Lthidiazuron (TDZ), 0.1 mg/L alpha-napthalenoacetic acid (NAA), 20 g/L sucrose, and 2 g/L Gellan gum for 10 d. Then the explants were cut into 8 radial segments and subcultured onto MS medium, containing 1.0 mg/L BA, 0.1 mg/L NAA, 20 g/L sucrose and 2 g/L Gellan Gum. For effective genetic transformation, 3- to 5-d precultured node explants were submerged in an Agrobacerium suspension for 10 min, then cocultivated on filter paper soaked with water and 50 microM acetosyringone (AS). After cocultivation, the explants were cut into eight radial segments and subcultured onto selection medium until transformed shoots regenerated from the explants.

Children at risk of diabetes type 1. Treatment with acetyl-L-carnitine plus nicotinamide - case reports.

Science.gov (United States)

Fernandez, Ivana Cristina; Del Carmen Camberos, María; Passicot, Gisel Anabel; Martucci, Lucía Camila; Cresto, Juan Carlos

2013-01-01

Abstract Objectives: The aim was to evaluate the treatment with acetyl-L-carnitine (50 mg/kg/day) and nicotinamide (25 mg/kg/day) in children at risk of type 1 diabetes. This treatment was effective and harmless in experimental type 1 diabetes in mice. Nine out of seventy healthy participants of the type 1 diabetes risk study were treated. They were typified for diabetes with HLA-DQB1 and positive autoantibodies. Children with a first peak of insulin response ≤48 µU were randomly distributed in control and treated patients. Children evolution was followed with an intravenous glucose tolerance test. Control children were treated when was another risk parameter was added. During their evolution all children were treated. Treatment periods differ (range: 120-16 months) because children began treatment at different times. During the treatment 4 patients recovered their parameters and the medication was suspended; 2 patients continued the treatment with favorable evolution. Two children evolved slowly with normal growth and development. One girl became diabetic because she was treated late. In children at risk, this treatment delays the development or remits the evolution of type 1 diabetes.

Validación de un método analítico alternativo para la cuantificación de hidralazina en un inyectable de 20 mg/mL

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Lisette Martínez Miranda

2004-04-01

Full Text Available Se desarrolló un método analítico por espectrofotometría ultravioleta para la cuantificación de hidralazina en un inyectable de 20 mg/mL. En la validación se evaluaron los parámetros de especificidad para estos fines, linealidad del sistema, exactitud y precisión expresada en sus 2 formas, repetibilidad y reproducibilidad. El método analítico resultó ser sencillo y rápido, además de específico, lineal, preciso, exacto en el rango de concentraciones estudiadas.An analytical method was developed by ultraviolet spectrophotometry to quantify hydralazine in an injection of 20 mg/mL. In the validation, the parameters of specificity to these ends, lineality of the system, accuracy and precision expressed in its 2 forms, repeatablity and reproducibility, were evaluated. The analytical method proved to be simple, fast, linear, accurate and exact in the range of the studied concentrations.

Mass propagation of Rauwolfia serpentina L. Benth.

Science.gov (United States)

Salma, U; Rahman, M S M; Islam, S; Haque, N; Khatun, M; Jubair, T A; Paul, B C

2008-05-01

A protocol for mass propagation through axillary bud proliferation was established for Rauwolfia serpentina L. Benth. (Apocynaceae). MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg L(-1) BA and 0.2 mg L(-1) NAA elicited the maximum number of shoots (4 multiple shoots) from nodal explants. These adventitious shoots were best rooted on half strength MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L(-1) each of IBA and IAA. The in vitro raised plants were acclimatized in glass house and successfully transplanted to field condition with almost 95% survival.

Vibrational spectra of 1-hydroxy- and 1,4-dihydroxyanthraquinones and their magnesium chelate complexes. I. Isotopic effects of OH/OD and 24Mg/26Mg substitutions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kirszenbaum, Marek

1977-01-01

The vibrational spectra of 1-hydroxy- and 1,4-dihydroxyanthraquinones, their deuterated derivatives and their 24 Mg/ 26 Mg chelate complexes are examined in the spectral region 1700-250cm -1 . The study of deuteroxyanthraquinones allow an assignment of the OH/OD group vibrations and show the multiple coupling of the delta OH vibrations with the vCC and delta CH quinonic vibrations. These results lead to a modification of some spectral assignments of magnesium chelate complexe of 1-OH-AQ. The isotopic 24 Mg/ 26 Mg substitution enables the chelate ring vibrations which depend on the motions of the magnesium atom to be observed. The vC=O and vC-O vibrations frequencies of magnesium chelate complexe [Mg(1,4-O 2 -AQ)]sub(n) show an important difference of the chelate ring electronic state in comparison of those of 1,4-(OH) 2 -AQ. The discussion of the infrared and Raman spectra in the Mg-O vibrations region lead to the conclusion that the configuration of oxygens arround the magnesium is tetrahedral [fr

Analysis of Ca and Mg in blood of golden hamster using NAA technique

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aguiar, Rodrigo O.; Zamboni, Cibele B.; Medeiros, Jose A.G.

2009-01-01

Neutron activation analysis (NAA) technique has been used to determine simultaneously Ca and Mg concentrations in whole blood of Golden Hamster. The reference values for Ca (0.17 - 0.29 gL -1 ) and Mg (0.042 - 0.074 gL -1 ) can be used to performed biochemistry investigation using whole blood. (author)

Synthesis of MgO nanoparticle loaded mesoporous Al2O3 and its defluoridation study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dayananda, Desagani; Sarva, Venkateswara R.; Prasad, Sivankutty V.; Arunachalam, Jayaraman; Parameswaran, Padmanabhan; Ghosh, Narendra N.

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Simple and cost effective preparation of MgO nanoparticles loaded mesoporous Al 2 O 3 . • Adsorbents possess high surface area and mesoporous structure. • Higher fluoride removal capacity of MgO loaded Al 2 O 3 than that of pure Al 2 O 3 . • Faster fluoride adsorption kinetics of MgO loaded Al 2 O 3 from water. - Abstract: MgO nanoparticle loaded mesoporous alumina has been synthesized using a simple aqueous solution based cost effective method for removal of fluoride from water. Wide angle powder X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption desorption analysis, transmission electron microscopy techniques and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to characterize the synthesized adsorbents. Synthesized adsorbents possess high surface area with mesoporous structure. The adsorbents have been thoroughly investigated for the adsorption of F − using batch adsorption method. MgO nanoparticle loading on mesoporous Al 2 O 3 enhances the F − adsorption capacity of Al 2 O 3 from 56% to 90% (initial F − concentration = 10 mg L −1 ). Kinetic study revealed that adsorption kinetics follows the pseudo-second order model, suggesting the chemisorption mechanism. The F − adsorption isotherm data was explained by both Langmuir and Freundlich model. The maximum adsorption capacity of 40MgO@Al 2 O 3 was 37.35 mg g −1 . It was also observed that, when the solutions having F − concentration of 5 mg L −1 and 10 mg L −1 was treated with 40MgO@Al 2 O 3 , the F − concentration in treated water became <1 mg L −1 , which is well below the recommendation of WHO

Sr, Mg cosubstituted HA porous macro-granules: potentialities as resorbable bone filler with antiosteoporotic functions.

Science.gov (United States)

Landi, Elena; Uggeri, Jacopo; Medri, Valentina; Guizzardi, Stefano

2013-09-01

Porous macro-granules of nanostructured apatite with Ca ions partially cosubstituted with Mg and Sr ions in different ratios (SrMgHAs), were synthesized at 37°C and compared with Mg and/or Sr free apatites (MgHAs and HA). Strontium improved the Mg substitution extent in the apatite and the chemical-physical and thermal stability of the resulting cosubstituted apatite. Porous macro-granules of 400-600 micron with selected composition were tested for the ionic release in synthetic body fluid and the data were related with the results of preliminary cell investigation in vitro. As compared to the corresponding Sr-free granulate, the SrMgHA could be exploited to prolong the beneficial Mg release during the bone regeneration process. In addition the contemporary in situ supply of Sr, an antiosteoporotic and anticarie ion, could influence the quality of new hard tissues. The ionic multirelease created a more favorable environment for human osteoblasts, demonstrated by a proliferative effect for each dose tested in the range 0.1-10 mg/mL. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of Mg/Ca ratios on microbially induced carbonate precipitation

Science.gov (United States)

Balci, Nurgul; Demirel, Cansu; Seref Sonmez, M.; Kurt, M. Ali

2016-04-01

Influence of Mg/Ca ratios on microbially induced carbonate mineralogy were investigated by series of experiments carried out under various environmental conditions (Mg/Ca ratio, temperature and salinity). Halophilic bacterial cultures used for biomineralization experiments were isolated from hypersaline Lake Acıgöl (Denizli, SW Turkey), displaying extreme water chemistry with an average pH around 8.6 (Balci eta l.,2015). Enriched bacterial culture used in the experiments consisted of Halomonas saccharevitans strain AJ275, Halomonas alimentaria strain L7B; Idiomarina sp. TBZ29, 98% Idiomarina seosensis strain CL-SP19. Biomineralization experiments were set up using above enriched culture with Mg/Ca ratios of 0.05, 1, 4 and 15 and salinity of 8% and 15% experiments at 30oC and 10oC. Additionally, long-term biomineralization experiments were set up to last for a year, for Mg/Ca=4 and Mg/Ca=15 experiments at 30oC. For each experimental condition abiotic experiments were also conducted. Solution chemistry throughout incubation was monitored for Na, K, Mg, Ca, bicarbonate, carbonate, ammonium and phosphate for a month. At the end of the experiments, precipitates were collected and morphology and mineralogy of the biominerals were investigated and results were evaluated using the software DIFFRAC.SUITE EVA. Overall the preliminary results showed chemical precipitation of calcite, halite, hydromagnesite and sylvite. Results obtained from biological experiments indicate that, low Mg/Ca ratios (0.05 and 1) favor chlorapatite precipitation, whereas higher Mg/Ca ratios favor struvite precipitation. Biomineralization of dolomite, huntite and magnesite is favorable at high Mg/Ca ratios (4 and 15), in the presence of halophilic bacteria. Moreover, results indicate that supersaturation with respect to Mg (Mg/Ca=15) combined with NaCl (15%) inhibits biomineralization and forms chemical precipitates. 15% salinity is shown to favor chemical precipitation of mineral phases more than

A successional stage community dominated by Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn. in Lavras County, MG, Brazil

OpenAIRE

Martins, G. de; Carvalho, D.A. de

1982-01-01

Numa área situada no município de Lavras, MG, o desmatamento realizado há cerca de dez anos propiciou a formação de uma comunidade infestante dominada por Pteridium aquilium (L.) Khun., te ndo como codominantes Imperara brasiliensis Trin. e Andropogon bicornis L.. Como fatores que mantém esta comu nidade devem ser considerados: a) as queimadas intermiten te s; b) a acidez do solo; c) a alta percentagem de saturação de aluminio ; d) a ação fitotóxica do próprio P. aquilinum; e) a falta de pala...

Assessment of uptake and phytotoxicity of cyanobacterial extracts containing microcystins or cylindrospermopsin on parsley (Petroselinum crispum L.) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L).

Science.gov (United States)

Pereira, Ana L; Azevedo, Joana; Vasconcelos, Vitor

2017-01-01

Blooms of harmful cyanobacteria that synthesize cyanotoxins are increasing worldwide. Agronomic plants can uptake these cyanotoxins and given that plants are ultimately ingested by humans, this represents a public health problem. In this research, parsley and coriander grown in soil and watered through 7 days with crude extracts containing microcystins (MCs) or cylindrospermopsin (CYN) in 0.1-1 μg mL -1 concentration range were evaluated concerning their biomass, biochemical parameters and uptake of cyanotoxins. Although biomass, chlorophylls (a and b), carotenoids and glutathione-S-transferase of parsley and coriander exposed to the crude extracts containing MC or CYN had shown variations, these values were not statistically significantly different. Protein synthesis is not inhibited in coriander exposed to MC or CYN and in parsley exposed to MC. Also, glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in parsley and coriander was not affected by exposure to MC, and in coriander, the CYN did not induce statistically significant differences in these two antioxidative enzymes. Only parsley showed statistically significant increase in protein content exposed to 0.5 μg CYN mL -1 (3.981 ± 0.099 mg g -1 FW) compared to control (2.484 ± 0.145 mg g -1 FW), statistically significant decrease in GR exposed to 0.1 μg CYN mL -1 (0.684 ± 0.117 nmol min -1  mg -1 protein) compared to control (1.30 ± 0.06 nmol min -1  mg -1 protein) and statistically significant increase in GPx exposed to 1 μg CYN mL -1 (0.054 ± 0.026 nmol min -1  mg -1 protein) compared to 0.5 μg CYN mL -1 (0.003 ± 0.001 nmol min -1  mg -1 protein). These changes may be due to the induction of defensive mechanisms by plants by the presence of toxic compounds in the soil or probably to a low generation of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, the parsley and coriander leaves and stems after 10 days of exposure did not accumulate microcystins or

Analysis of Ca and Mg in blood of golden hamster using NAA technique

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aguiar, Rodrigo O.; Zamboni, Cibele B.; Medeiros, Jose A.G. [Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN/SP), Sao Paulo, SP (Brazil)], e-mail: rodrigoaguiar@usp.br, e-mail: czamboni@ipen.br, e-mail: jageiros@yahoo.com.br

2009-07-01

Neutron activation analysis (NAA) technique has been used to determine simultaneously Ca and Mg concentrations in whole blood of Golden Hamster. The reference values for Ca (0.17 - 0.29 gL{sup -1} ) and Mg (0.042 - 0.074 gL{sup -1} ) can be used to performed biochemistry investigation using whole blood. (author)

Significance of tear β2-MG radioimmunoassay in herpes simplex keratitis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Feng Zhuxu; Zhao Suzhen; Zhang Qiliang; Chen Fengfen; Tang Baoyi

1994-01-01

Levels of tear and serum β 2 -MG are determined with radioimmunoassay in 35 patients with herpes simplex keratitis and 40 normal subjects. The results show that tear β 2 -MG levels of patients with herpes simplex keratitis (13.21 +- 6.15 mg/l) and normal subjects (8.43 +- 1.52 mg/l) are significantly different (P 2 -MG levels of tear and that of serum in normal subjects (P 2 -MG levels of tear and that of serum in patients with herpes simplex keratitis (P 2 -MG levels of patients with herpes simplex keratitis and that of normal subjects (P>0.05). The β 2 -MG levels of tear is higher than that of serum in normal subjects which reflects more correctly immune condition of patients with herpes simplex keratitis than that of serum

Multiplicação in vitro de oliveira (Olea europaea L. Olive (Olea europaea L. in vitro multiplication

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Leonardo Ferreira Dutra

2004-02-01

Full Text Available Com o objetivo de induzir a multiplicação em explantes de oliveira, segmentos nodais oriundos de plântulas mantidas in vitro foram excisados e inoculados em tubos de ensaio contendo meio de cultura MS suplementado com 2 g L-1 de carvão ativado, BAP (0, 1, 2 e 4 mg L-1 e ANA (0; 0,01; 0,1 e 1 mg L-1, solidificado com 6 g L-1 de ágar e pH ajustado para 5,8. Durante 100 dias, os explantes foram mantidos em sala de crescimento a 25±1ºC, intensidade luminosa de 32 µmoles.m-2.s-1 e fotoperíodo de 16 horas. Não houve indução de brotações nos segmentos nodais. O maior comprimento da parte aérea foi obtido com 0,1 mg L-1 de ANA na ausência de BAP. O meio de cultura sem BAP proporcionou maior peso de matéria fresca da parte aérea.This work had the objective to induce olive multiplication. Nodal segments from in vitro plantlets were excised and inoculated in test tubes containing MS culture medium supplemented with activated charcoal (2 g L-1, BAP (0, 1, 2 and 4 mg L-1, NAA (0; 0.01; 0.1 and 1 mg L-1, agar (6 g L-1 and pH adjusted to 5.8. The explant were maintained in growth room to 25±1°C, 32 µmoles.m-2.s-1 light intensity and 16 hours photoperiod for 100 days. There was not shoots induction in the nodal segments. Larger length of aerial part were obtained with ANA 0.1 mg L-1 in the BAP absence. Culture medium without BAP provides larger weight of fresh matter of the aerial part.

Kelayakan Kualitas Perairan Sekitar Mangrove Center Tuban Untuk Aplikasi Alat Pengumpul Kerang Hijau (Perna viridis L.

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Syarifah Hikmah Julinda Sari

2015-04-01

Full Text Available The coastal waters around the Mangrove Center Tuban, East Java is a potential habitat for the green mussel (Perna viridis L.. Therefore, the water quality of this area need to be assessment. The study was aimed to determine the feasibility of water quality in coastal water f Mangrove Center Tuban for application collecting gear of green mussels. The sampling was conducted by set up three stations randomly in studied area. Parameters was measured including temperature, pH, salinity, DO, depth, turbidity, BOD and TSS. The results showed that the coastal waters around the Mangrove Center Tuban, owned temperature that ranged from 29.10 to 30.67 0C, the pH ranged from 8.23 to 8.37, salinity ranged from 26.87 to 30.30 ‰, DO fall in the range of 6,63- 6.87 mg / L, the water depth at the time of measurement ranges from 40-85 cm. TSS ranged from 206.2 mg / L to 353.7 mg / L, BOD value between 4.05 to 12.2 mg / L, while the turbidity ranged from 134 to 400 NTU. Parameters that below the standard namely temperature, pH, DO, salinity and BOD, while TSS and turbidity were exceed the threshold quality standards set by the government.

In vitro antimicrobial and antimycobacterial activity and HPLC-DAD screening of phenolics from Chenopodium ambrosioides L.

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Roberta S. Jesus

Full Text Available Abstract The main objective of this study was to demonstrate the antimicrobial potential of the crude extract and fractions of Chenopodium ambrosioides L., popularly known as Santa-Maria herb, against microorganisms of clinical interest by the microdilution technique, and also to show the chromatographic profile of the phenolic compounds in the species. The Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of cardiotonic, anthraquinone, alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids. The analysis by HPLC-DAD revealed the presence of rutin in the crude extract (12.5 ± 0.20 mg/g, ethyl acetate (16.5 ± 0.37 mg/g and n-butanol (8.85 ± 0.11 mg/g, whereas quercetin and chrysin were quantified in chloroform fraction (1.95 ± 0.04 and 1.04 ± 0.01 mg/g, respectively. The most promising results were obtained with the ethyl acetate fraction, which inhibited a greater number of microorganisms and presented the lowest values of MIC against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC = 0.42 mg/mL, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 34.37 mg/mL, Paenibacillus apiarus (MIC = 4.29 mg/mL and Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus (MIC = 4.29 mg/mL. Considering mycobacterial inhibition, the best results were obtained by chloroform fraction against M. tuberculosis, M. smegmatis, and M. avium (MIC ranging from 156.25 to 625 µg/mL. This study proves, in part, that the popular use of C. ambrosioides L. can be an effective and sustainable alternative for the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by various infectious agents.

Long-term outcomes of two rescue therapies in lamivudine-refractory patients with chronic hepatitis B: combined lamivudine and adefovir, and 1-mg entecavir

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EunYoung Ze

2014-09-01

Full Text Available Background/AimsAdefovir (ADV and lamivudine (LAM combination therapy (ADV+LAM has been a useful option for patients with LAM-resistant (LAM-r chronic hepatitis B (CHB. However, the long-term outcomes of LAM+ADV and 1-mg entecavir (ETV rescue therapies have still been limited. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term outcomes of these two rescue therapies.MethodsSixty patients with LAM-r CHB underwent rescue therapy with LAM+ADV (n=36 or 1-mg ETV (n=24. We determined the duration of rescue therapy, timing and type of mutation, undetectable serum hepatitis B virus (HBV DNA by PCR (lower limitation of detection, < 140 copies/mL, biochemical response (alanine aminotransferase < 40 IU/mL, and the incidence of hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg seroconversion and virologic breakthrough.ResultsBaseline characteristics did not differ between the two therapy groups. The duration of rescue therapy was 56 months (range, 14-100 months in the ADV+LAM group and 42 months (range, 12-73 months in the ETV group (P=0.036. The cumulative rates of HBV DNA undetectability and HBeAg seroconversion up to 6 years were 88.6% and 43.0%, respectively, in the ADV+LAM group, and 45.8% and 31.8% in the ETV group. The rate of virologic breakthrough and resistance was 14.4% in the ADV+LAM group and 71.9% in the ETV group (P=0.001.ConclusionsCombination of LAM and ADV therapy for up to 6 years achieved modest rates of virological suppression and resistance. ETV is not an optimal therapy because the risk of viral breakthrough to ETV increases over time.

A real-time fluorescent sensor specific to Mg2+: crystallographic evidence, DFT calculation and its use for quantitative determination of magnesium in drinking water.

Science.gov (United States)

Men, Guangwen; Chen, Chunrong; Zhang, Shitong; Liang, Chunshuang; Wang, Ying; Deng, Mengyu; Shang, Hongxing; Yang, Bing; Jiang, Shimei

2015-02-14

An "off-the-shelf" fluorescence "turn-on" Mg(2+) chemosensor 3,5-dichlorosalicylaldehyde (BCSA) was rationally designed and developed. This proposed sensor works based on Mg(2+)-induced formation of the 2 : 1 BCSA-Mg(2+) complex. The coordination of BSCA to Mg(2+) increases its structural rigidity generating a chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) effect which was confirmed by single crystal XRD studies of the BSCA-Mg(2+) complex and TD/DFT calculations. This sensor exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity for the quantitative monitoring of Mg(2+) with a wide detection range (0-40 μM), a low detection limit (2.89 × 10(-7) mol L(-1)) and a short response time (sensor can be utilized to monitor Mg(2+) in real time within actual samples from drinking water.

Carotenoids and Carotenoid Esters of Red and Yellow Physalis (Physalis alkekengi L. and P. pubescens L.) Fruits and Calyces.

Science.gov (United States)

Wen, Xin; Hempel, Judith; Schweiggert, Ralf M; Ni, Yuanying; Carle, Reinhold

2017-08-02

Carotenoid profiles of fruits and calyces of red (Physalis alkekengi L.) and yellow (P. pubescens L.) Physalis were characterized by HPLC-DAD-APCI-MS n . Altogether 69 carotenoids were detected in red Physalis, thereof, 45 were identified. In yellow Physalis, 40 carotenoids were detected and 33 were identified. Zeaxanthin esters with various fatty acids were found to be the most abundant carotenoids in red Physalis, accounting for 51-63% of total carotenoids, followed by β-cryptoxanthin esters (16-24%). In yellow Physalis, mainly free carotenoids such as lutein and β-carotene were found. Total carotenoid contents ranged between 19.8 and 21.6 mg/100 g fresh red Physalis fruits and 1.28-1.38 mg/100 g fresh yellow Physalis fruits, demonstrating that Physalis fruits are rich sources of dietary carotenoids. Yellow Physalis calyces contained only 153-306 μg carotenoids/g dry weight, while those of red Physalis contained substantially higher amounts (14.6-17.6 mg/g dry weight), thus possibly exhibiting great potential as a natural source for commercial zeaxanthin extraction.

House dust mite induces expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in EoL-1 human eosinophilic leukemic cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Kwon, Byoung Chul; Sohn, Myung Hyun; Kim, Kyung Won; Kim, Eun Soo; Kim, Kyu-Earn; Shin, Myeong Heon

2007-10-01

The house dust mite (HDM) is considered to be the most common indoor allergen associated with bronchial asthma. In this study, we investigated whether crude extract of the HDM Dermatophagoides farinae could activate human eosinophilic leukemic cells (EoL-1) to induce upregulation of cell-surface adhesion molecules. When EoL-1 cells were incubated with D. farinae extract, expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) significantly increased on the cell surfaces compared to cells incubated with medium alone. In contrast, surface expression of CD11b and CD49d in EoL-1 cells was not affected by D. farinae extract. In addition, pretreatment of cells with NF-kappaB inhibitor (MG-132) or JNK inhibitor (SP600125) significantly inhibited ICAM-1 expression promoted by HDM extract. However, neither p38 MAP kinase inhibitor nor MEK inhibitor prevented HDM-induced ICAM-1 expression in EoL-1 cells. These results suggest that crude extract of D. farinae induces ICAM-1 expression in EoL-1 cells through signaling pathways involving both NF-kappaB and JNK.

Mechanochemical Synthesis of Nanostructured MgXNi1-XO Compound by Mg-NiO Mixture

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Nader Setoudeh

2017-06-01

Full Text Available Synthesis of magnesium nickel oxide phase such as MgxNi1-xO solid solutions has been studied in this research article using mechnochmical reaction between magnesium and nickel oxide. Mixtures of magnesium powder and nickel oxide (Mg+NiO with stoichiometric compositions were milled for different times in a planetary ball mill. Reduction reaction of nickel oxide by magnesium via a mechanically induced self-sustaining reaction (MSR was confirmed in the XRD measurements of the as-milled samples. Formation of nanostructured magnesium nickel oxide phases (such as Mg0.4Ni0.6O or MgNiO2 was observed after isothermal heating of the 30 minutes milled samples at 1000°C where nickel phase seems to disappear in XRD patterns. The traces of phases such as Mg0.4Ni0.6O or MgNiO2 were also observed in the as-milled mixtures. Therefore, the XRD results of the as-milled samples suggested that the formation of magnesium nickel oxide phases could be possible even after prolonged milling. The XRD and SEM results of both as-milled and isothermally heated samples indicated that the crystallite size and particle size of the final products reached to nanoscale after milling. Morphological and compositional evolution of the samples after heat treatment was monitored through SEM imaging and elemental analyses. The results confirmed that the composition of final product is close to Mg0.4Ni0.6O compound.

In vitro propagation of garlic ( Allium sativum L.) through adventitious ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

, Balady, Sids 40 and VFG 180 (3 - 1) as well as a garlic wild type through adventitious shoot organogenesis. Shoot and root apices were subjected to eight callus induction treatments. A combination of 1 mg L-1 2,4-D + 5 mg L-1 BA + 5 mg L-1 ...

Mutation of Aspergillus oryzae for improved production of 3, 4-dihydroxy phenyl-L-alanine (L-DOPA from L-tyrosine Mutação de Aspergillus orizae para produção melhorada de 3,4-dihidroxi fenil-L-alanina (L-DOPA a partir de L-tirosina

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Ikram-ul Haq

2006-03-01

Full Text Available Aspergillus oryzae mutant strain UV-7 was further improved for the production of L-DOPA from L-tyrosine using chemical mutation. Different putative mutant strains of organism were tested for the production of L-DOPA in submerged fermentation. Among these putative mutant strains, mutant designated SI-12 gave maximum production of L-DOPA (300 mg L-DOPA.g-1 cells. The production of L-DOPA from different carbon source solutions (So= 30 g.l-1 by mutant culture was investigated at different nitrogen sources, initial pH and temperature values. At optimum pH (pHo= 5.0, and temperature (t=30ºC, 100% sugars were utilized for production and cell mass formation, corresponding to final L-DOPA product yield of 150 mg.g-1 substrate utilized, and maximum volumetric and specific productivities of 125 mg.l-1.h-1, and 150 mg.g-1 cells. h-1, respectively. There was up to 3-fold enhancement in product formation rate. This enhancement is the highest reported in literature. To explain the kinetic mechanism of L-DOPA formation and thermal inactivation of tyrosinase, the thermodynamic parameters were determined with the application of Arrhenius model: activation enthalpy and entropy for product formation, in case of mutant derivative, were 40 k j/mol and 0.076 k j/mol. K for L-DOPA production and 116 k j/mol and 0.590 k j/mol. K for thermal inactivation, respectively. The respective values for product formation were lower while those for product deactivation were higher than the respective values for the parental culture. Therefore, the mutant strain was thermodynamically more resistant to thermal denaturation.A produção de L-DOPA a partir de tirosina pela cepa mutante de Aspergillus orizae UV-7 foi melhorada através de mutação química. Diferentes cepas foram testadas quanto a produção de L-DOPA por fermentação submersa, observando-se que a cepa denominada SI-12 foi a melhor produtora (300 mg de L-DOPA por g de células. A produção de L-DOPA pela cepa

Chemical guide parameters for Spanish lemon (Citrus limon (L.) Burm.) juices.

Science.gov (United States)

Lorente, José; Vegara, Salud; Martí, Nuria; Ibarz, Albert; Coll, Luís; Hernández, Julio; Valero, Manuel; Saura, Domingo

2014-11-01

To contribute for setting reference guideline for commercial juice extracted from the Spanish lemon varieties, chemical composition of 92 direct and 92 reconstituted samples were investigated. In direct lemon juice, titratable acidity was 52.4 g/L, being the citric acid the main component. Glucose, fructose and sucrose concentrations were 7.9, 7.3 and 4.5 g/L, respectively. Predominant mineral was potassium (1264.2mg/L), followed by phosphorous (306 mg/L), calcium (112 mg/L) and magnesium (92.6 mg/L). Hesperidin ranged from 257 to 484.8 mg/L, while water soluble pectins varied between 164.8 and 550 mg/L. Similar values were obtained in reconstituted lemon juice. There are different parameters that did not reach or exceeded the limits proposed by the European Association of the Industry of Juices and Nectars. These levels should be taken into account to modify the present reference guideline and that Spanish lemon juices are not discarded for to have lower or bigger values. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Correlations between Strong Range Spread-F and GPS L-Band Scintillations Observed in Hainan in 2004

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guo-Jun, Wang; Jian-Kui, Shi; She-Ping, Shang; Xiao, Wang

2009-01-01

Data from the DPS-4 digisonde and the GPS L-band ionospheric scintillation monitor are employed to study the correlations between strong range spread-F (SSF) and GPS L-band scintillations observed in the ionosphere over Hainan Island, China (19.5°N, 109.1°E geogr., dip lat. 9°N) in 2004. The SSF in the ionogram is different from the general range spread-F because it extends in frequency well beyond FoF2 and makes FoF2 difficult to be determined. The observations show that the SSF phenomenon is frequently accompanied by the occurrence of GPS L-band scintillations. The SSF and GPS L-band scintillations occur frequently in the equinoctial months (March, April, September, and October), but rarely in the winter (January, February, November, and December) and summer (May–August); especially, occurrence variations of the SSF and GPS L-band scintillations nearly have a same trend. The SSF and scintillations may be associated with the occurrence of topside plasma bubbles and could be explained by the generalized Rayleigh–Taylor instability

Study of vacancy decays in the L-shell photoionization of barium in the excitation energy range of 5.6-30 keV: from L{sub 2} edge to energy high above the thresholds of double L-vacancy production

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zou, Y [Key Laboratory of Applied Ion Beam Physics (Chinese Educational Ministry), Fudan University, Shanghai 200433 (China); Oura, M [RIKEN Spring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148 (Japan); Hutton, R [Lund Observatory, SE-221 00 Lund (Sweden); Yamaoka, H [RIKEN Spring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148 (Japan); Takeshima, N [Department of Chemistry and Materials Technology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585 (Japan); Takahiro, K [Department of Chemistry and Materials Technology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585 (Japan); Kawatsura, K [Department of Chemistry and Materials Technology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585 (Japan); Mukoyama, T [Kansai Gaidai University, 16-1 Nakamiyahigashino-cho, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1001 (Japan)

2006-11-28

Photoinduced Ba L x-rays were measured, in the excitation energy range of 5.6-30 keV, by using high-brilliance undulator radiation. The obtained intensity ratios, the excitation-energy independent L{beta}{sub 4}/L{beta}{sub 3}, L{eta}/L{beta}{sub 1}, L{iota}/L{alpha}{sub 1,2}, L{beta}{sub 6}/L{alpha}{sub 1,2} and L{beta}{sub 2,15}/L{alpha}{sub 1,2} as well as the excitation-energy dependent L{beta}{sub 1}/L{alpha}{sub 1,2}, L{beta}{sub 3}/L{alpha}{sub 1,2} and L{beta}{sub 3}/L{beta}{sub 1}, were compared with theoretical calculations, in which the calculations were performed by applying various subsets of the L subshell fluorescence yields and Coster-Kronig yields. Deviations of the theoretical calculations from the experimental results call on improvements in theory for the emission rates. We have also surveyed the L{alpha}{sub 1,2} related x-ray hypersatellite lines in the photoinduced Ba L x-ray spectrum.

Comparison of initial loading doses of 5 mg and 10 mg for warfarin therapy

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Sidnei Lastória

2014-03-01

Full Text Available CONTEXT: The question of what is the best loading dosage of warfarin when starting anticoagulant treatment has been under discussion for ten years. We were unable to find any comparative studies of these characteristics conducted here in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of two initial warfarin dosage regimens for anticoagulant treatment. METHODS: One-hundred and ten consecutive patients of both sexes, with indications for anticoagulation because of venous or arterial thromboembolism, were analyzed prospectively. During the first 3 days of treatment, these patients were given adequate heparin to keep aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time between 1.5 and 2.5, plus 5 mg of warfarin. From the fourth day onwards, their warfarin doses were adjusted using International Normalized Ratios (INR; target range: 2 to 3. This prospective cohort was compared with a historical series of 110 patients had been given 10 mg of warfarin on the first 2 days and 5 mg on the third day with adjustments based on INR thereafter. Outcomes analyzed were as follows: recurrence of thromboembolism, bleeding events and time taken to enter the therapeutic range. RESULTS: Efficacy, safety and length of hospital stay were similar in both samples. The sample that were given 10 mg entered the therapeutic range earlier (means: 4.5 days vs. 5.8 days, were on lower doses at discharge and had better therapeutic indicators at the first return appointment. CONCLUSIONS: The 10 mg dosage regimen took less time to attain the therapeutic range and was associated with lower warfarin doses at discharge and better INR at first out-patients follow-up visit.

L(2,1)-labelling of Circular-arc Graph

OpenAIRE

Paul, Satyabrata; Pal, Madhumangal; Pal, Anita

2014-01-01

An L(2,1)-labelling of a graph $G=(V, E)$ is $\\lambda_{2,1}(G)$ a function $f$ from the vertex set V (G) to the set of non-negative integers such that adjacent vertices get numbers at least two apart, and vertices at distance two get distinct numbers. The L(2,1)-labelling number denoted by $\\lambda_{2,1}(G)$ of $G$ is the minimum range of labels over all such labelling. In this article, it is shown that, for a circular-arc graph $G$, the upper bound of $\\lambda_{2,1}(G)$ is $\\Delta+3\\omega$, ...

The dependence of Raman scattering on Mg concentration in Mg-doped GaN grown by MBE

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Flynn, Chris; Lee, William

2014-01-01

Magnesium-doped GaN (GaN:Mg) films having Mg concentrations in the range 5 × 10 18 –5 × 10 20 cm −3 were fabricated by molecular beam epitaxy. Raman spectroscopy was employed to study the effects of Mg incorporation on the positions of the E 2 and A 1 (LO) lines identifiable in the Raman spectra. For Mg concentrations in excess of 2 × 10 19 cm −3 , increases in the Mg concentration shift both lines to higher wave numbers. The shifts of the Raman lines reveal a trend towards compressive stress induced by incorporation of Mg into the GaN films. The observed correlation between the Mg concentration and the Raman line positions establish Raman spectroscopy as a useful tool for optimizing growth of Mg-doped GaN. (papers)

Phytofiltration of cadmium from water by Limnocharis flava (L.) Buchenau grown in free-floating culture system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abhilash, P.C.; Pandey, Vimal Chandra; Srivastava, Pankaj; Rakesh, P.S.; Chandran, Smitha; Singh, Nandita; Thomas, A.P.

2009-01-01

A hydroponics experiment was conducted to examine the phytofiltration of Cd by Limnocharis flava (L.) Buchenau grown in low-level Cd-contaminated water. For this, 45 d old seedlings of L .flava were transferred to a floating-support culture system containing nutrient solution spiked with four levels of Cd (0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg l -1 ) and were separately harvested after 3, 7, 21 and 30 d. After 30 d harvesting, the percentage removal of Cd from the above four treatments reached up to 98, 96, 95 and 93%, respectively. Interestingly, all treatments had higher growth rate than control at 95% confidence level and plants still remained healthy at 4 mg l -1 Cd exposure. The bioaccumulation study showed a linear relationship of Cd (R 2 = 0.896-0.999) in all plant parts with the exposure time (3-30 d) and Cd concentrations in hydroponics system (0.5-4 mg l -1 ). Although, the root of L. flava had higher Cd concentration than leaf and peduncles, the total Cd concentrations in aerial plant parts were higher than the roots. The maximum bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) value of L. flava were calculated as 984.42 and 1.43, respectively. Estimated Cd accumulation capacity of L. flava per unit area (m 2 ) was found to be in the range of 218. 35-1698.92 mg m -2 .The experimental results demonstrated that L. flava is a suitable candidate for the phytofiltartion (>93%) of Cd from low-level Cd-contaminated water.

Phytofiltration of cadmium from water by Limnocharis flava (L.) Buchenau grown in free-floating culture system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Abhilash, P.C., E-mail: pcabhilash@gmail.com [Eco-Auditing Group, National Botanical Research Institute, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226 001, Uttar Pradesh (India); School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Priyadharshini Hills P.O., Kottayam- 686 008, Kerala (India); Pandey, Vimal Chandra; Srivastava, Pankaj [Eco-Auditing Group, National Botanical Research Institute, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226 001, Uttar Pradesh (India); Rakesh, P.S.; Chandran, Smitha [School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Priyadharshini Hills P.O., Kottayam-686 008, Kerala (India); Singh, Nandita [Eco-Auditing Group, National Botanical Research Institute, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226 001, Uttar Pradesh (India); Thomas, A.P. [School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Priyadharshini Hills P.O., Kottayam-686 008, Kerala (India)

2009-10-30

A hydroponics experiment was conducted to examine the phytofiltration of Cd by Limnocharis flava (L.) Buchenau grown in low-level Cd-contaminated water. For this, 45 d old seedlings of L .flava were transferred to a floating-support culture system containing nutrient solution spiked with four levels of Cd (0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg l{sup -1}) and were separately harvested after 3, 7, 21 and 30 d. After 30 d harvesting, the percentage removal of Cd from the above four treatments reached up to 98, 96, 95 and 93%, respectively. Interestingly, all treatments had higher growth rate than control at 95% confidence level and plants still remained healthy at 4 mg l{sup -1} Cd exposure. The bioaccumulation study showed a linear relationship of Cd (R{sup 2} = 0.896-0.999) in all plant parts with the exposure time (3-30 d) and Cd concentrations in hydroponics system (0.5-4 mg l{sup -1}). Although, the root of L. flava had higher Cd concentration than leaf and peduncles, the total Cd concentrations in aerial plant parts were higher than the roots. The maximum bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) value of L. flava were calculated as 984.42 and 1.43, respectively. Estimated Cd accumulation capacity of L. flava per unit area (m{sup 2}) was found to be in the range of 218. 35-1698.92 mg m{sup -2}.The experimental results demonstrated that L. flava is a suitable candidate for the phytofiltartion (>93%) of Cd from low-level Cd-contaminated water.

Phytofiltration of cadmium from water by Limnocharis flava (L.) Buchenau grown in free-floating culture system.

Science.gov (United States)

Abhilash, P C; Pandey, Vimal Chandra; Srivastava, Pankaj; Rakesh, P S; Chandran, Smitha; Singh, Nandita; Thomas, A P

2009-10-30

A hydroponics experiment was conducted to examine the phytofiltration of Cd by Limnocharis flava (L.) Buchenau grown in low-level Cd-contaminated water. For this, 45 d old seedlings of L .flava were transferred to a floating-support culture system containing nutrient solution spiked with four levels of Cd (0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg l(-1)) and were separately harvested after 3, 7, 21 and 30 d. After 30 d harvesting, the percentage removal of Cd from the above four treatments reached up to 98, 96, 95 and 93%, respectively. Interestingly, all treatments had higher growth rate than control at 95% confidence level and plants still remained healthy at 4 mg l(-1) Cd exposure. The bioaccumulation study showed a linear relationship of Cd (R(2)=0.896-0.999) in all plant parts with the exposure time (3-30 d) and Cd concentrations in hydroponics system (0.5-4 mg l(-1)). Although, the root of L. flava had higher Cd concentration than leaf and peduncles, the total Cd concentrations in aerial plant parts were higher than the roots. The maximum bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) value of L. flava were calculated as 984.42 and 1.43, respectively. Estimated Cd accumulation capacity of L. flava per unit area (m(2)) was found to be in the range of 218. 35-1698.92 mg m(-2).The experimental results demonstrated that L. flava is a suitable candidate for the phytofiltartion (>93%) of Cd from low-level Cd-contaminated water.

Pharmacokinetic and tolerability of i.m. disodium clodronate 200 mg/lidocaine 1%, given twice monthly, in comparison with i.m. disodium clodronate 100 mg/lidocaine 1%, given weekly, in healthy postmenopausal female patients.

Science.gov (United States)

Radicioni, Milko; Cremonesi, Giovanni; Baraldi, Enrica; Leuratti, Chiara; Mariotti, Fabrizia

2013-04-01

Clodronate is a bisphosphonate effective in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Non-adherence to bisphosphonates, however, is a major issue in clinical practice. Simplifying dose regimens may increase compliance. To assess bioequivalence between an intramuscular (i.m.) clodronate 200 mg/lidocaine 1% twice-a-month formulation and a clodronate 100 mg/lidocaine 1% weekly formulation in 32 postmenopausal women. In this double-blind, randomized, two-way crossover study, test and reference formulations were administered in single dose, with a 2-week wash-out between administrations. The primary endpoint was clodronic acid cumulative excretion in the first 24 hours after injection (Xu0-24h). Cumulative excretion in the 72 hours post-dose (Xu0-72h) and maximum excretion rate (Ratemax) were also evaluated. Bioequivalence was assumed if the 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the geometric means ratios of the dose-normalized parameters were within the 80.00 - 125.00% range. Local tolerability was evaluated. Mean Xu0-24h values were 114.03 ±23.13 mg and 55.22 ±9.73 mg for clodronate 200 mg and 100 mg. The 90% CIs for dose-normalized Xu0-24h, Xu0-72h and Ratemax ere 95 -110%, 94 -107% and 95 - 113%. Local tolerability of both treatments was good. The differences in pain intensity between formulations were not sigificantly different at most assessment times. Headache was the only treatment-related adverse event. Bioequivalence of the two formulations was confirmed in terms of dose-normalized rate and amount of clodronic acid excretion. This result, together with the favorable tolerability of the novel 200 mg formulation, suggests the possibility of reducing the number of i.m. administrations from once-a-week to twice-a-month.

Assessment of Direct Regeneration in Germany (Matricaria chamomilla L. and Shirazi Chamomiles (Matricaria recutita L.

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A. Masoumiasl

2016-07-01

Full Text Available Introduction: German (Matricaria chamomilla L. and Shirazi (Matricaria recutita L. chamomiles are the most important medicinal plants of the Astraceae family which are used in the pharmaceutical, health, food and cosmetics industries. Production of this plant has been undertaken in Iran mainly in Isfahan, Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad, Golestan and Hamedan provinces. In vitro propagation of plants have higher potential to produce qualified natural products, restoring and preserving of endangered plants, induction of somaclonal variation, industrial reproduction, valuable secondary metabolites and increased active ingredients. Researchers reported successful micropropagation system for five chamomile varieties on MS medium contained 0.01 mg/l NAA and 2.5 mg/l kinetin. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of stem (with and without node, leaf and cotyledon explants and different plant growth regulators on direct regeneration of German and Shirazi chamomiles. Although the Shirazi chamomile is native to Iran, but German chamomile is Iran non-indigenous cultivar. By our knowledge, there have been no comparison reports about responses of these cultivars to tissue culture. Materials and Methods: This research was performed in the central laboratory of Agriculture Faculty in Yasouj University. Seeds were provided from Pakan-Bazr institute, Isfahan. Chamomile seeds were disinfected by ethanol (70% for 5-10 min and sodium hypocholorite 3% for 5-12 min and then washed for several times by distilled water. Then, seeds were sown on MS medium for germination. After 2-3 weeks, seedlings were grown and then planted in MS medium supplemented with hormonal combinations of NAA at two levels (0.1 and 0.5 mg/l, kinetin at three levels (2, 2.5 and 3 mg/l and Zeatin, BAP and 2ip at three levels (0.5, 1 and 1.5 mg/l. The experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with four replications. Factors included explants, cultivars and hormonal

Determination of Betaine in Lycium Barbarum L. by High Performance Capillary Electrophoresis

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Haixing; Wang, Chunyan; Peng, Xuewei

2017-12-01

This paper presents the determination of betaine content in Lycium barbarum L. by high performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE) method. The borax solution was chosen as buffer solution, and its concentration was 40 mmol at a constant voltage of 20kV and injecting pressure time of 10s at 20°C. Linearity was kept in the concent ration range of 0.0113∼1.45mg of betaine with correlation coefficient of 0.9. The recovery was in the range of 97.95%∼126% (n=4). The sample content of betaine was 29.3mg/g and RSD 6.4% (n=6). This method is specific, simple and rapid and accurate, which is suitable for the detection of the content of betaine in Lycium barbarum L.

L = ± 1 stellarator

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kikuchi, T.; Shiina, S.; Saito, K.; Gesso, H.; Aizawa, M.; Kawakami, I.

1985-01-01

We report the magnetic field configuration of helical magnetic axis stellarator. The magnetic field configuration is composed of large l=1 field and small l=-1 and l=0(bumpy) fields. The large l=1 field (combined with the small l=-1 field) is used to form helical magnetic axis with the helical curvature much larger than the toroidal curvature, which provides the high limiting values of β. The small l=-1 field, furthermore, as well as the large l=1 field reduces the Pfirsch-Schlueter currents by combining with l=0 field. Therefore, the large l=1 field and the combination of three field components may be favourable for the increase of limiting β value

Arsenic reduction from aqueous environment by water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.).

Science.gov (United States)

Basu, Arindam; Kumar, Sunil; Mukherjee, Somnath

2003-04-01

Arsenate uptake by aquatic plant water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) was studied in the laboratory condition to investigate a low cost natural aquatic treatment system for pollutant removal. The plants were harvested from a local pollution free pond in young condition and hydroponically cultured in the laboratory. Bioaccumulation was noticed to be both concentration and duration dependent. The results show that the plant could effectively abosrb arsenic between a range of 0.25 to 5.0 mg/l to the extent of 82.0 to 22.8% for a biomass of 20g/l at pH 7.0 after 144 hours. The results were also plotted in Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms and the data were well fitted. The sorption capacity was evaluated as 1.43 mg/g for Langmuir isotherm and 1.01 mg/g for Freundlich isotherm. The removal efficiency was, however, noted to be maximum (87.5%) at pH 6.5. The effect of biomass quantity has also been investigated along with some metabolic parameters.

Cell suspension method to improve green spot in in-vitro culture of jarak pagar (Jatropha curcas L ) mutant lines

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ita Dwimahyani

2007-01-01

Jatropha curcas has a high potential as an alternative energy source, since it can produce natural oil which could be processed into fuel replacing fossil energy. Increasing demand of biodiesel has resulted in increasing demand for high quality of Jatropha germplasm. Cell suspension method is expected to assure the production of a homogeneous germplasm of Jatropha. A laboratory experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness cell suspension method in of Jatropha curcas cotyledon. The explant used in this experiment was Jatropha curcas seed mutant line (JH-38) which has superiority in plant height, early maturity and unseasonable fruiting. Two kinds of in-vitro medium were used for callus induction, i.e. medium A (MS + 2,4-D 2.0 mg/l + BAP 0.5 mg/l + malt extract 0.1 g + agar 8.0 g/l) and medium B (MS + 2,4-D 3.0 mg/l + BAP 0,5 mg/l + malt extract 0,1 g + agar 8.0 g/l). The same medium composition without agar was used for cell generating, and medium ECS (MS + glutamine 0.5 g + casein hydrolysate 0.5 g + IAA 0.5 mg/l + BAP 3.0 mg/l + agar 8.0 g/l for cell growth. Results of the experiment showed that the optimum growth of calli was obtained by explant JH-38/3 in medium A. The growth level of embryonic cell ranged from 0 to 130 %. The optimum percentage green spot is shown by JH-38/1 explant in medium A. (author)

Plasma MIC-1 correlates with systemic inflammation but is not an independent determinant of nutritional status or survival in oesophago-gastric cancer.

Science.gov (United States)

Skipworth, R J E; Deans, D A C; Tan, B H L; Sangster, K; Paterson-Brown, S; Brown, D A; Hunter, M; Breit, S N; Ross, J A; Fearon, K C H

2010-02-16

Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1(MIC-1) is a potential modulator of systemic inflammation and nutritional depletion, both of which are adverse prognostic factors in oesophago-gastric cancer (OGC). Plasma MIC-1, systemic inflammation (defined as plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) of > or =10 mg l(-1) or modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) of > or =1), and nutritional status were assessed in newly diagnosed OGC patients (n=293). Healthy volunteers (n=35) served as controls. MIC-1 was elevated in patients (median=1371 pg ml(-1); range 141-39 053) when compared with controls (median=377 pg ml(-1); range 141-3786; Pgastric tumours (median=1592 pg ml(-1); range 141-12 643) showed higher MIC-1 concentrations than patients with junctional (median=1337 pg ml(-1); range 383-39 053) and oesophageal tumours (median=1180 pg ml(-1); range 258-31 184; P=0.015). Patients showed a median weight loss of 6.4% (range 0.0-33.4%), and 42% of patients had an mGPS of > or =1 or plasma CRP of > or =10 mg l(-1) (median=9 mg l(-1); range 1-200). MIC-1 correlated positively with disease stage (r(2)=0.217; Pnutritional status or survival in OGC.

Evaluation of antioxidant and cytoprotective activities of Arnica montana L. and Artemisia absinthium L. ethanolic extracts

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Craciunescu Oana

2012-09-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Arnica montana L. and Artemisia absinthium L. (Asteraceae are medicinal plants native to temperate regions of Europe, including Romania, traditionally used for treatment of skin wounds, bruises and contusions. In the present study, A. montana and A. absinthium ethanolic extracts were evaluated for their chemical composition, antioxidant activity and protective effect against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in a mouse fibroblast-like NCTC cell line. Results A. absinthium extract showed a higher antioxidant capacity than A. montana extract as Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, Oxygen radical absorbance capacity and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical-scavenging activity, in correlation with its flavonoids and phenolic acids content. Both plant extracts had significant effects on the growth of NCTC cells in the range of 10–100 mg/L A. montana and 10–500 mg/L A. absinthium. They also protected fibroblast cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage, at the same doses. The best protection was observed in cell pre-treatment with 10 mg/L A. montana and 10–300 mg/L A. absinthium, respectively, as determined by Neutral red and lactate dehydrogenase assays. In addition, cell pre-treatment with plant extracts, at these concentrations, prevented morphological changes induced by hydrogen peroxide. Flow-cytometry analysis showed that pre-treatment with A. montana and A. absinthium extracts restored the proportion of cells in each phase of the cell cycle. Conclusions A. montana and A. absinthium extracts, rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, showed a good antioxidant activity and cytoprotective effect against oxidative damage in fibroblast-like cells. These results provide scientific support for the traditional use of A. montana and A. absinthium in treatment of skin disorders.

Bioproduction of L-Aspartic Acid and Cinnamic Acid by L-Aspartate Ammonia Lyase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1.

Science.gov (United States)

Patel, Arti T; Akhani, Rekha C; Patel, Manisha J; Dedania, Samir R; Patel, Darshan H

2017-06-01

Aspartase (L-aspartate ammonia lyase, EC 4.3.1.1) catalyses the reversible amination and deamination of L-aspartic acid to fumaric acid which can be used to produce important biochemical. In this study, we have explored the characteristics of aspartase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 (PA-AspA). To overproduce PA-AspA, the 1425-bp gene was introduced in Escherichia coli BL21 and purified. A 51.0-kDa protein was observed as a homogenous purified protein on SDS-PAGE. The enzyme was optimally active at pH 8.0 and 35 °C. PA-AspA has retained 56% activity after 7 days of incubation at 35 °C, which displays the hyperthermostablility characteristics of the enzyme. PA-AspA is activated in the presence of metal ions and Mg2+ is found to be most effective. Among the substrates tested for specificity of PA-AspA, L-phenylalanine (38.35 ± 2.68) showed the highest specific activity followed by L-aspartic acid (31.21 ± 3.31) and fumarate (5.42 ± 2.94). K m values for L-phenylalanine, L-aspartic acid and fumarate were 1.71 mM, 0.346 μM and 2 M, respectively. The catalytic efficiency (k cat /K m ) for L-aspartic acid (14.18 s -1  mM -1 ) was higher than that for L-phenylalanine (4.65 s -1  mM -1 ). For bioconversion, from an initial concentration of 1000 mM of fumarate and 30 mM of L-phenylalanine, PA-AspA was found to convert 395.31 μM L-aspartic acid and 3.47 mM cinnamic acid, respectively.

Stability of 2 mg/mL Adenosine Solution in Polyvinyl Chloride and Polyolefin Infusion Bags.

Science.gov (United States)

DeAngelis, Michael; Ferrara, Alexander; Gregory, Kaleigh; Zammit, Kimberly; Zhao, Fang

2018-04-01

Adenosine is a potent endogenous mediator of vasodilation. Compounded sterile solutions of adenosine are used in cardiac catheterization lab to perform stress tests on the heart. These tests are used to determine the fractional flow reserve (FFR) and are commonly used in the management and diagnosis of cardiovascular conditions. The purpose of this study was to assess the physical and chemical stability of 2 mg/mL adenosine in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP in polyvinyl chloride [PVC]) and polyolefin infusion bags stored at room temperature (20°C-25°C) and under refrigeration (2°C-8°C). The compounding and analytical methods used in this study were very similar to those described in the prior publications from the authors' laboratory. To ensure a uniform starting concentration of all stability samples, a batch of 2 mg/mL adenosine solution was prepared and then packaged into empty PVC and polyolefin infusion bags. These stability samples were prepared in triplicate for each bag type and storage temperature (a total of 12 samples). The infusion bag samples were assessed for stability immediately after preparation and after 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days. At each time point, the infusion bags were first visually inspected against a light background for color change, clarity, and particulates. Aliquots were drawn from each sample at each time point for pH analysis and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Over 14 days of storage at room temperature or refrigeration, no considerable change in visual appearance or pH was observed in any bags. All samples retained 90% to 110% of the initial drug concentration. No significant degradation peaks were observed in the HPLC chromatograms.

Preparation of c-axis perpendicularly oriented ultra-thin L10-FePt films on MgO and VN underlayers

Science.gov (United States)

Futamoto, Masaaki; Shimizu, Tomoki; Ohtake, Mitsuru

2018-05-01

Ultra-thin L10-FePt films of 2 nm average thickness are prepared on (001) oriented MgO and VN underlayers epitaxially grown on base substrate of SrTiO3(001) single crystal. Detailed cross-sectional structures are observed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Continuous L10-FePt(001) thin films with very flat surface are prepared on VN(001) underlayer whereas the films prepared on MgO(001) underlayer consist of isolated L10-FePt(001) crystal islands. Presence of misfit dislocation and lattice bending in L10-FePt material is reducing the effective lattice mismatch with respect to the underlayer to be less than 0.5 %. Formation of very flat and continuous FePt layer on VN underlayer is due to the large surface energy of VN material where de-wetting of FePt material at high temperature annealing process is suppressed under a force balance between the surface and interface energies of FePt and VN materials. An employment of underlayer or substrate material with the lattice constant and the surface energy larger than those of L10-FePt is important for the preparation of very thin FePt epitaxial thin continuous film with the c-axis controlled to be perpendicular to the substrate surface.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity of Melittis melissophyllum L. extracts

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Grujić Slavica M.

2014-01-01

Full Text Available The antioxidant activities of methanol and ethanol (10%, 30%, 50% and 96% extracts of the aerial parts of Melittis melissophyllum L. were determined by DPP H, ABTS and FRAP assays. The content of flavonoids and phenols was also investigated. The total phenolic content in the extracts was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu assay; their amounts ranged between 63.5 and 111.7 mg GAeqv/g, while the concentrations of flavonoids were from 7.33 to 56.00 mg Queqv/g. IC50 values of the DPP H scavenging effect were from 0.109 to 0.664 mg/mL. The DPP H scavenging effect of the extracts was determined and the obtained IC50 values were from 0.109 to 0.664 mg/mL of solution. The values of ABTS radical activity were from 0.45 to 0.89 mg ascorbic acid/g. The FRAP value was within the range 0.160-0.382 mmol Fe/mg. The obtained values were analyzed by means of multivariate analysis, employing a hierarchical cluster analysis and between-groups linkage. The presented results confirmed that M. melissophyllum possesses good antioxidant properties and may serve as a promising source of natural antioxidants. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 173029

Exploring the island of inversion with the d({sup 30}Mg,p){sup 31}Mg reaction

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bildstein, Vinzenz

2010-12-07

In this thesis the results of a d({sup 30}Mg,p){sup 31}Mg experiment at REX-ISOLDE are presented. {sup 31}Mg is located directly on the border of the so-called ''Island of Inversion'', a region of the nuclear chart around {sup 32}Mg where deformed intruder states of the fp shell form the ground states of the nuclei instead of the normal spherical states of the sd shell. A recent experiment has shown the ground state of {sup 31}Mg to be a 1/2{sup +} state and indicates more than 90% intruder configuration. The question whether the low-lying excited states of {sup 31}Mg are deformed intruder states as well or rather spherical states from the sd shell, indicating shape coexistence, is still open. The d({sup 30}Mg,p) {sup 31}Mg reaction is thus a good tool to gain more insight into the nature of the Island of Inversion. In the framework of this thesis the angular distribution of protons was measured for the second excited state at 221 keV in coincidence with de-excitation {gamma}-rays. The angular distribution was compared to DWBA calculations for different transferred orbital momenta, identifying the state for the first time as an l=1 state. The experiment was performed with the new charged particle detector setup T-REX. The setup is optimized for transfer reactions with radioactive beams in inverse kinematics. T-REX was developed, built, installed, and used for this first one neutron transfer experiment in the context of this thesis. The T-REX setup consists of {delta}E-E{sub Rest} telescopes made out of position sensitive silicon detectors that cover almost 4{pi} of the solid angle and can be combined with the MINIBALL {gamma}-ray detector array. It has a large solid angle for the detection and identification of the light recoils from transfer reactions. T-REX allows in combination with the MINIBALL Germanium detector array the tagging of the excited states by their characteristic {gamma}-rays. The combination of T-REX and MINIBALL achieves an

Precipitation kinetics of Al-1.12 Mg{sub 2}Si-0.35 Si and Al-1.07 Mg{sub 2}Si-0.33 Cu alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gaber, A. [Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut 71516 (Egypt); Gaffar, M.A. [Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut 71516 (Egypt)]. E-mail: mgaafar@aucegypt.edu; Mostafa, M.S. [Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut 71516 (Egypt); Zeid, E.F. Abo [Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut 71516 (Egypt)

2007-02-21

The kinetics of hardening precipitates of Al-1.12 wt.% Mg{sub 2}Si-0.35 wt.% Si (excess Si) and Al-1.07 wt.% Mg{sub 2}Si-0.33 wt.% Cu (balanced + Cu) alloys have been investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry and hardness measurements. The excess Si enhances the precipitation kinetics and improves the strength of the material. On the other hand, however addition of Cu assist formation of the Q' phase which positively changed the alloy strength. The high binding energy between vacancies and solute atoms (Si and Mg) enhances the combination of Si, Mg and vacancies to form Si-Mg-vacancy clusters. These clusters act as nucleation sites for GP-zones. The coexistence of the {beta}'- and Q'-precipitates in the balanced + Cu alloy results in a higher peak age hardening compared to the alloy with Si in excess.

Liquid shoot culture of Salvia officinalis L. for micropropagation and production of antioxidant compounds; effect of triacontanol

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Izabela Grzegorczyk

2011-01-01

Full Text Available Liquid shoot culture of Salvia officinalis L. in MS medium containing IAA (0.1 mg l-1 and BAP (0.45 mg l-1 was developed and evaluated in relation to shoot multiplication and antioxidant compound (carnosic acid, carnosol and rosmarinic acid accumulation. In the liquid medium, on average, 3 new shoots per explant (shoot tip were obtained within 3 weeks. The shoots produced 8.2±0.02 mg of diterpenoids and 31.2±0.29 mg of rosmarinic acid per gram of dry weight. Shoot proliferation and diterpenoid content increased when triacontanol (5, 10 or 20 pg l-1 was added to the liquid medium. In optimum conditions (at 20 pg l-1 TRIA almost 7 shoots were formed per explant after 3 weeks. An increase in diterpenoid production (expressed as the sum of carnosol and carnosic acid ranged from 30% to 50% and dependended on triacontanol concentration tested. The level of diterpenoids in triacontanol-treated shoots was similar to the content of compounds in commercial herbal product (dried leaves of S. officinalis (10-12 mg g-1 dry wt. Triacontanol did not increase rosmarinic acid production, but the content of the phenolic as compound in shoots grown in liquid culture (31 mg g-1 dry wt was even 24 times higher compared to samples of dried leaves of S. officinalis plants. We also demonstrated that the highest amounts of CA, Car and RA were accumulated in young, top parts of sage shoots. This observation could be useful for improving the selection of material for the extraction of natural antioxidants from S. officinalis.

Phytoextraction of cadmium by rice (Oryza sativa L.), soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), and maize (Zea mays L.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Murakami, M. [Department of Environmental Chemistry, National Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, 3-1-3 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856 (Japan)]. E-mail: simple@affrc.go.jp; Ae, N. [Department of Environmental Chemistry, National Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, 3-1-3 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856 (Japan)]. E-mail: aenoriha@kobe-u.ac.jp; Ishikawa, S. [Department of Environmental Chemistry, National Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, 3-1-3 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856 (Japan)]. E-mail: isatoru@niaes.affrc.go.jp

2007-01-15

Selecting a phytoextraction plant with high Cd-accumulating ability based on the plant's compatibility with mechanized cultivation techniques may yield more immediately practical results than selection based on high tolerance to Cd. Rice (Oryza sativa L., cv. Nipponbare and Milyang 23), soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr., cv. Enrei and Suzuyutaka), and maize (Zea mays L., cv. Gold Dent) were grown on one Andosol and two Fluvisols with low concentration of Cd contamination ranging from 0.83 to 4.29 mg Cd kg{sup -1}, during 60 days in pots (550 mL) placed in a greenhouse. Shoot Cd uptake was as follows: Gold Dent < Enrei and Nipponbare < Suzuyutaka and Milyang 23. Several soil Cd fractions after Milyang 23 harvesting decreased most. Milyang 23 accumulated 10-15% of the total soil Cd in its shoot. The Milyang 23 rice is thus promising for phytoextraction of Cd from paddy soils with low contamination level. - Milyang 23 rice (Oryza sativa L.) accumulated 10-15% of the total soil Cd in its shoot.

Phytoextraction of cadmium by rice (Oryza sativa L.), soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), and maize (Zea mays L.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Murakami, M.; Ae, N.; Ishikawa, S.

2007-01-01

Selecting a phytoextraction plant with high Cd-accumulating ability based on the plant's compatibility with mechanized cultivation techniques may yield more immediately practical results than selection based on high tolerance to Cd. Rice (Oryza sativa L., cv. Nipponbare and Milyang 23), soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr., cv. Enrei and Suzuyutaka), and maize (Zea mays L., cv. Gold Dent) were grown on one Andosol and two Fluvisols with low concentration of Cd contamination ranging from 0.83 to 4.29 mg Cd kg -1 , during 60 days in pots (550 mL) placed in a greenhouse. Shoot Cd uptake was as follows: Gold Dent < Enrei and Nipponbare < Suzuyutaka and Milyang 23. Several soil Cd fractions after Milyang 23 harvesting decreased most. Milyang 23 accumulated 10-15% of the total soil Cd in its shoot. The Milyang 23 rice is thus promising for phytoextraction of Cd from paddy soils with low contamination level. - Milyang 23 rice (Oryza sativa L.) accumulated 10-15% of the total soil Cd in its shoot

neutron multiplicity measurements on 220 l waste drums containing Pu in the range 0.1-1 g 240Pueff with the time interval analysis method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Baeten, P.; Bruggeman, M.; Carchon, R.; De Boeck, W.

1998-01-01

Measurement results are presented for the assay of plutonium in 220 l waste drums containing Pu-masses in the range 0.1-1 g 240 Pu eff obtained with the time interval analysis (TIA) method. TIA is a neutron multiplicity method based on the concept of one- and two-dimensional Rossi-alpha distributions. The main source of measurement bias in neutron multiplicity measurements at low count-rates is the impredictable variation of the high-multiplicity neutron background of spallation neutrons induced by cosmic rays. The TIA-method was therefore equipped with a special background filter, which is designed and optimized to reduce the influence of these spallation neutrons by rejecting the high-multiplicity events. The measurement results, obtained with the background correction filter outlined in this paper, prove the repeatability and validity of the TIA-method and show that multiplicity counting with the TIA-technique is applicable for masses as low as 0.1 g 240 Pu eff even at a detection efficiency of 12%. (orig.)

Comparison of Ca2+ and Mg2+ enhancing aerobic granulation in SBR

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu Lin; Gao Dawen; Zhang Min; Fu Yuan

2010-01-01

Two sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) were operated to investigate the effect of Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ augmentation on aerobic granulation. Reactor R1 was augmented with Ca 2+ at 40 mg/L, while Mg 2+ was added to the reactor R2 with 40 mg/L. Results showed that the reactor R1 had a faster granulation process compared with R2, and the mature granules in R1 showed better physical characteristics. However, the mature granules in R2 had the higher production yield of polysaccharides and proteins, and aerobic granules in R2 experienced a faster substrate biodegradation. Microbial and genetic characteristics in mature granules were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) techniques. The results revealed that Mg 2+ addition led to higher microbial diversity in mature granules. In addition, an uncultured bacterium (AB447697) was major specie in R1, and β-proteobacterium was dominant in R2. It can be concluded that Ca 2+ had an important effect on physical properties of aerobic granules, while Mg 2+ played a key role on biological properties during the sludge granulation.

Propagação vegetativa de jambeiro vermelho [Syzygium malaccense (L. Merr. & L.M. Perry] Vegetative propagation of malay apple [Syzygium malaccense (L. Merr. & L.M. Perry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Eduardo José de Almeida

2010-12-01

Full Text Available O jambeiro vermelho [Syzygium malaccense (L. Merr. & L.M. Perry] se apresenta como opção ao fruticultor por apresentar frutos atrativos e bem aceitos pelo consumidor. A dificuldade de cultivo dessa espécie reside no fato de que a planta possui um porte demasiadamente alto e longo período juvenil quando propagada por semente, com isso, é desejável sua multiplicação vegetativa visando a antecipar o período produtivo e diminuir seu porte. Foi estudada a possibilidade de clonagem dessa espécie pelas técnicas de estaquia, alporquia e enxertia. No experimento por estaquia, testaram-se três doses de ácido indolbutírico (AIB (0, 1.000 3.000 e 5.000 mg L-1 em dois comprimentos de estacas herbáceas (15 e 25 cm. No experimento de alporquia, avaliaram-se duas épocas de realização do alporque (verão e outono e quatro doses de AIB (0, 1.000, 4.000, 7.000 e 10.000 mg kg-1. Na enxertia, analisou-se a compatibilidade do jambeiro vermelho (S. malaccense sobre o jambeiro rosa [Syzygium jambos (L. Alston] com dois diâmetros de porta-enxertos (0,5 e 0,8 cm em duas épocas (inverno e verão, pelo método de enxertia de topo em fenda cheia. A estaquia obteve até 20% de enraizamento, independentemente da dose de AIB, exceto na dose de 5.000 mg L-1, que apresentou efeito negativo ao enraizamento entre estacas de 15 cm; não houve sucesso para alporquia e enxertia, nas condições estudadas.The Malay Apple [Syzygium malaccense (L. Merr. & L.M. Perry] is an option for the producer as its fruits are attractive and well accepted by the consumer. The difficulty of culture of this species is that the plant is very tall and has a long juvenile period when propagated by seed, making its vegetative propagation necessary to anticipate the productive period and decrease its size. The possibility of vegetative propagation of this species was studied by cutting, layering, and grafting. In the cutting experiment, three doses of indolbutyric acid (IBA (0, 1,000, 3

Transport and activation of S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine and N-acetyl-S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine in rat kidney proximal tubules

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, G.H.; Stevens, J.L.

1989-01-01

An important step in understanding the mechanism underlying the tubular specificity of the nephrotoxicity of toxic cysteine conjugates is to identify the rate-limiting steps in their activation. The rate-limiting steps in the activation of toxic cysteine conjugates were characterized using isolated proximal tubules from the rat and 35S-labeled S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine (DCVC) and N-acetyl-S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine (NAC-DCVC) as model compounds. The accumulation by tubules of 35S radiolabel from both DCVC and NAC-DCVC was time and temperature dependent and was mediated by both Na+-dependent and independent processes. Kinetic studies with DCVC in the presence of sodium revealed the presence of two components with apparent Km and Vmax values of (1) 46 microM and 0.21 nmol/mg min and (2) 2080 microM and 7.3 nmol/mg.min. NAC-DVVC uptake was via a single system with apparent Km and Vmax values of 157 microM and 0.65 nmol/mg.min, respectively. Probenecid, an inhibitor of the renal organic anion transport system, inhibited accumulation of radiolabel from NAC-DCVC, but not from DCVC. The covalent binding of 35S label to cellular macromolecules was much greater from [35S]DCVC than from NAC-[35S]DCVC. Analysis of metabolites showed that a substantial amount of the cellular NAC-[35S]DCVC was unmetabolized while [35S]DCVC was rapidly metabolized to bound 35S-labeled material and unidentified products. The data suggest that DCVC is rapidly metabolized following transport, but that activation of NAC-DCVC depends on a slower rate of deacetylation. The results are discussed with regard to the segment specificity of cysteine conjugate toxicity and the role of disposition in vivo in the nephrotoxicity of glutathione conjugates

MgB2 and Mg1-xAlxB2 single crystals: high pressure growth and physical properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Karpinski, J.; Kazakov, S.M.; Jun, J.; Zhigadlo, N.D.; Angst, M.; Puzniak, R.; Wisniewski, A.

2004-01-01

Single crystals of MgB 2 have been grown with a high pressure cubic anvil technique. They grow via the peritectic decomposition of the MgNB 9 ternary nitride. The crystals are of a size up to 2 x 1 x 0.1 mm 3 with a weight up to 230 μg. Typically they have transition temperatures between 38 and 38.6 K with a width of 0.3-0.5 K. Investigations of the P-T phase diagram prove that the MgB 2 phase is stable at least up to 2190 deg. C at high hydrostatic pressure in the presence of Mg vapor under high pressure. Substitution of aluminum for magnesium in single crystals leads to stepwise decrease of T c . This indicates a possible appearance of superstructures or phases with different T c 's. The upper critical field decreases with Al doping

Monoclonal Antibody L1Mab-13 Detected Human PD-L1 in Lung Cancers.

Science.gov (United States)

Yamada, Shinji; Itai, Shunsuke; Nakamura, Takuro; Yanaka, Miyuki; Chang, Yao-Wen; Suzuki, Hiroyoshi; Kaneko, Mika K; Kato, Yukinari

2018-04-01

Programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein expressed on antigen-presenting cells. It is also expressed in several tumor cells such as melanoma and lung cancer cells. A strong correlation has been reported between human PD-L1 (hPD-L1) expression in tumor cells and negative prognosis in cancer patients. Here, a novel anti-hPD-L1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) L 1 Mab-13 (IgG 1 , kappa) was produced using a cell-based immunization and screening (CBIS) method. We investigated hPD-L1 expression in lung cancer using flow cytometry, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analyses. L 1 Mab-13 specifically reacted hPD-L1 of hPD-L1-overexpressed Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells and endogenous hPD-L1 of KMST-6 (human fibroblast) in flow cytometry and Western blot. Furthermore, L 1 Mab-13 reacted with lung cancer cell lines (EBC-1, Lu65, and Lu99) in flow cytometry and stained lung cancer tissues in a membrane-staining pattern in immunohistochemical analysis. These results indicate that a novel anti-hPD-L1 mAb, L 1 Mab-13, is very useful for detecting hPD-L1 of lung cancers in flow cytometry, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analyses.

High strain rate tensile behavior of Al-4.8Cu-1.2Mg alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bobbili, Ravindranadh; Paman, Ashish; Madhu, V.

2016-01-01

The purpose of the current study is to perform quasi static and high strain rate tensile tests on Al-4.8Cu-1.2Mg alloy under different strain rates ranging from 0.01–3500/s and also at temperatures of 25,100, 200 and 300 °C. The combined effect of strain rate, temperature and stress triaxiality on the material behavior is studied by testing both smooth and notched specimens. Johnson–Cook (J–C) constitutive and fracture models are established based on high strain rate tensile data obtained from Split hopkinson tension bar (SHTB) and quasi-static tests. By modifying the strain hardening and strain rate hardening terms in the Johnson–Cook (J–C) constitutive model, a new J–C constitutive model of Al-4.8Cu-1.2Mg alloy was obtained. The improved Johnson–Cook constitutive model matched the experiment results very well. With the Johnson–Cook constitutive and fracture models, numerical simulations of tensile tests at different conditions for Al-4.8Cu-1.2Mg alloy were conducted. Numerical simulations are performed using a non-linear explicit finite element code autodyn. Good agreement is obtained between the numerical simulation results and the experiment results. The fracture surfaces of specimens tested under various strain rates and temperatures were studied under scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Thermoluminescence responses of photon- and electron-irradiated lithium potassium borate co-doped with Cu+Mg or Ti+Mg

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alajerami, Y.S.M.; Hashim, S.; Ramli, A.T.; Saleh, M.A.; Saripan, M.I.; Alzimami, K.; Min Ung, Ngie

2013-01-01

New glasses Li 2 CO 3 –K 2 CO 3 –H 3 BO 3 (LKB) co-doped with CuO and MgO, or with TiO 2 and MgO, were synthesized by the chemical quenching technique. The thermoluminescence (TL) responses of LKB:Cu,Mg and LKB:Ti,Mg irradiated with 6 MV photons or 6 MeV electrons were compared in the dose range 0.5–4.0 Gy. The standard commercial dosimeter LiF:Mg,Ti (TLD-100) was used to calibrate the TL reader and as a reference in comparison of the TL properties of the new materials. The dependence of the responses of the new materials on 60 Co dose is linear in the range of 1–1000 Gy. The TL yields of both of the co-doped glasses and TLD-100 are greater for electron irradiation than for photon irradiation. The TL sensitivity of LKB:Ti,Mg is 1.3 times higher than the sensitivity of LKB:Cu,Mg and 12 times less than the sensitivity of TLD-100. The new TL dosimetric materials have low effective atomic numbers, good linearity of the dose responses, excellent signal reproducibility, and a simple glow curve structure. This combination of properties makes them suitable for radiation dosimetry. - Highlights: • Enhancement of about three times has been shown with the increment of MgO. • A comparison was carried out between the TL responses of the prepared dosimeters and TLD-100. • The prepared dosimeters show simple glow curve, low Z material and excellent reproducibility. • The TL measurements show a linear dose response in a long span of exposures. • The electron response shows 1.18 times greater than photon response for the prepared dosimeters

Synthesis and magnetic properties of ferrites spinels Mg{sub x}Cu{sub 1-x}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mounkachi, O.; Hamedoun, M. [Institute of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, MAScIR, Rabat (Morocco); Belaiche, M. [Institute of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, MAScIR, Rabat (Morocco); Hassan II Academy of Science and Technology, Rabat (Morocco); Laboratoire de Magnetisme, Materiaux Magnetiques, Microonde et Ceramique, Ecole Normale Superieure, Universite Mohammed V-Agdal, B.P. 9235, Ocean, Rabat (Morocco); Benyoussef, A. [Institute of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, MAScIR, Rabat (Morocco); Hassan II Academy of Science and Technology, Rabat (Morocco); LMPHE, (URAC 12), Faculte des Sciences, Universite Mohammed V-Agdal, Rabat (Morocco); Masrour, R. [Laboratory of Materials, Process, Environment and Quality, Cady Ayad University, National School of Applied Sciences, Safi (Morocco); El Moussaoui, H. [Institute of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, MAScIR, Rabat (Morocco); LMPHE, (URAC 12), Faculte des Sciences, Universite Mohammed V-Agdal, Rabat (Morocco); Sajieddine, M., E-mail: hamedoun@hotmail.com [Faculte des Sciences et Techniques, Universite Moulay Slimane, Beni Mellal (Morocco)

2012-01-01

Polycrystalline Mg{sub 0.6}Cu{sub 0.4}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} ferrites have been prepared using solid-state reaction technique. Their structural and magnetic properties have been studied, using X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements. Using mean field theory and high-temperature series expansions (HTSE), extrapolated with the pade approximants method, the magnetic properties of Mg{sub 1-x}Cu{sub x}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} have been studied. The nearest neighbor super-exchange interactions for intra-site and inter-site of the Mg{sub 1-x}Cu{sub x}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} ferrites spinels, in the range 0{<=}x{<=}1, have been computed using the probability approach, based on Moessbauer data. The Curie temperature T{sub c} is calculated as a function of Mg concentration. The obtained theoretical results are in good agreement with experimental ones obtained by magnetic measurements.

High-precision Mg isotope measurements of terrestrial and extraterrestrial material by HR-MC-ICPMS—implications for the relative and absolute Mg isotope composition of the bulk silicate Earth

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bizzarro, Martin; Paton, Chad; Larsen, Kirsten Kolbjørn

2011-01-01

-isotope composition for Earth’s mantle – and hence that of the bulk silicate Earth – to be 25Mg/24Mg 1/4 0.126896 ¿ 0.000025 and 26Mg/24Mg 1/4 0.139652 ¿ 0.000033. Given the restricted range of m25Mg obtained for bulk planetary material by the sample-standard bracketing technique and the excellent agreement between...

THE IMPACT OF TOXIC HEAVY METALS ON THE HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN COMMON CARP (CYPRINUS CARPIO L.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

R. Vinodhini ، M. Narayanan

2009-01-01

Full Text Available The aim of the present investigation was to determine the effect of heavy metal pollutants such as cadmium, chromium, nickel and lead in aquatic system on common carp (Cyprinus carpio L. by using a set of biochemical parameters. The experimental group of fish was exposed to a sublethal concentration of 5 mg/L of combined (Cd+Pb+Cr+Ni metal solution containing 1.25 mg/L of each metal ion (1/10th of LC 50/48 h for a period of 32 days. The results indicated that the values of the hemoglobin were in the range of 55.30±1.20 g/L to 74.55±1.33 g/L (p<0.001 and the packed cell volume was in the range of 26.72±0.26% to 30.68±0.43% (p<0.01. Concentrations of red blood cells, blood glucose and total cholesterol were significantly elevated. The level of serum iron and copper was increased. The results showed the decreased activity of vitamin C during chronic exposure to toxic heavy metals, which indicates the presence of reactive oxygen species–induced peroxidation. The study suggested that the presence of toxic heavy metals in aquatic environment has strong influence on the hematological parameters in the fresh water fish common carp (Cyprinus carpio L..

Microstructure, mechanical properties, in vitro degradation and cytotoxicity evaluations of Mg-1.5Y-1.2Zn-0.44Zr alloys for biodegradable metallic implants.

Science.gov (United States)

Fan, Jun; Qiu, Xin; Niu, Xiaodong; Tian, Zheng; Sun, Wei; Liu, Xiaojuan; Li, Yangde; Li, Weirong; Meng, Jian

2013-05-01

Mg-1.5Y-1.2Zn-0.44Zr alloys were newly developed as degradable metallic biomaterials. A comprehensive investigation of the microstructure, mechanical properties, in vitro degradation assessments and in vitro cytotoxicity evaluations of the as-cast state, as-heat treated state and as-extruded state alloys was done. The microstructure observations show that the Mg-1.5Y-1.2Zn-0.44Zr alloys are mainly composed of the matrix α-Mg phases and the Mg12ZnY secondary phases (LPS structure). The hot extrusion method significantly refined the grains and eliminated the defects of both as-cast and heat treated alloys and thereby contributed to the better mechanical properties and biodegradation resistance. The values of tensile strength and tensile yield strength of the alloy in the as-extruded condition are about 236 and 178 MPa respectively, with an excellent elongation of 28%. Meanwhile, the value of compressive strength is about 471 MPa and the value of bending strength is about 501 MPa. The superior bending strength further demonstrates the excellent ductility of the hot extruded alloys. The results of immersion tests and electrochemical measurements in the SBF indicate that a protective film precipitated on the alloy's surface with the extension of degradation. The protective film contains Mg(OH)2 and hydroxyapatite (HA) which can reinforce osteoblast activity and promote good biocompatibility. No significant cytotoxicity towards L-929 cells was detected and the immersion extracts of alloy samples could enhance the cell proliferation with time in the cytotoxicity evaluations, implying that the Mg-1.5Y-1.2Zn-0.44Zr alloys have the potential to be used for biomedical applications. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Upregulated ROS production induced by the proteasome inhibitor MG-132 on XBP1 gene expression and cell apoptosis in Tca-8113 cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Hai-ying; Ren, Xiao-yan; Wang, Wei-hua; Zhang, Ying-xin; Chen, Shuang-feng; Zhang, Bin; Wang, Le-xin

2014-07-01

Exposure of Tca-8113 cells to proteasome inhibitor carbobenzoxy-Leu-Leu-leucinal (MG-132) causing apoptosis is associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. X-box-binding protein-1 (XBP1) is an important regulator of a subset of genes active during ER stress, which is related to cell survival and is required for tumor growth. The present study is to evaluate the effect of MG-132 on ROS production, XBP1 gene expression, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), ASK1 and c-jun protein expression in tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line Tca-8113 cells. ROS production was measured by reactive oxygen species assay. X-box binding protein-1 (XBP1) mRNA was analyzed by real-time-PCR, TRAF2, ASK1 and c-jun protein were investigated by western blot and immunocytochemistry respectively. The result indicated that ROS production, TRAF2, ASK1 and c-jun were elevated in MG-132 treated cells. Giving ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) largely prevented the effects of MG-132. Furthermore, treating with MG-132 lead to decreased XBP1 mRNA expression but could not completely block the expression of XBP1. Taken together, these findings provide the evidence that MG-132 induced ER stress lead to Tca-8113 cells apoptosis through ROS generation and TRAF2-ASK1-JNK signal pathway activation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Plant pigments (antioxidants of medicinal plants Malva Sylvestris l. and Malva Moschata l. (Malvaceae

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sulejman Redžić

2005-05-01

Full Text Available Qualitative-quantitative structure of plant pigments in wild plants Malva silvestrs L. and Malva moschata L. (Malvaceae, which were collected in 20 locations in Sarajevo area and surroundings, was tested during spring and summer in 2003. Acetone extracts of both categories were made and rising paper-chromatography done for the purpose of qualitative analysis. Quantitative analysis was done by spectrophotometry. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and xanthophylls presence was confirmed by separation of pigments from acetone extract of these plant species. Spectrophotometric analysis of acetone extracts showed these results (given in mg/L: chlorophyll a 2,386, chlorophyll b 0,332 and carrotenoides 1,037. Data given in mg/g dry substance are: chlorophyll a 1,193x10(-2, chlorophyll b 1,66x10(-3, and carrotenoides 5,185x10(-3. Pigments structure (in mg/L in species Malva moschata is 1,6 for chlorophyll; 1,419 for chlorophyll b; and 0,364 for carrotenoides. Data given in mg/g are: chlorophyll a 8x10(-3, chlorophyll b 7,09x10(-3, and carrotenoides 1,82x10(-3. Considering that species Malva moschata L. grows on ecologically clear soils as opposed to well-known medicinal species Malvasylvestris L., and considering the production of phytomass, phytochemical structure and pharmacological influence it can be considered very medical and be given advantage over this wider spread category.

Efficient callus formation and plant regeneration of goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.].

Science.gov (United States)

Yemets, A I; Klimkina, L A; Tarassenko, L V; Blume, Y B

2003-02-01

Efficient methods in totipotent callus formation, cell suspension culture establishment and whole-plant regeneration have been developed for the goosegrass [ Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.] and its dinitroaniline-resistant biotypes. The optimum medium for inducing morphogenic calli consisted of N6 basal salts and B5 vitamins supplemented with 1-2 mg l(-1) 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 2 mg l(-1) glycine, 100 mg l(-1) asparagine, 100 mg l(-1) casein hydrolysate, 30 g l(-1) sucrose and 0.6% agar, pH 5.7. The presence of organogenic and embryogenic structures in these calli was histologically documented. Cell suspension cultures derived from young calli were established in a liquid medium with the same composition. Morphogenic structures of direct shoots and somatic embryos were grown into rooted plantlets on medium containing MS basal salts, B5 vitamins, 1 mg l(-1) kinetin (Kn) and 0.1 mg l(-1) indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 3% sucrose, 0.6% agar, pH 5.7. Calli derived from the R-biotype of E. indica possessed a high resistance to trifluralin (dinitroaniline herbicide) and cross-resistance to a structurally non-related herbicide, amiprophosmethyl (phosphorothioamidate herbicide), as did the original resistant plants. Embryogenic cell suspension culture was a better source of E. indica protoplasts than callus or mesophyll tissue. The enzyme solution containing 1.5% cellulase Onozuka R-10, 0.5% driselase, 1% pectolyase Y-23, 0.5% hemicellulase and N(6) mineral salts with an additional 0.2 M KCl and 0.1 M CaCl(2) (pH 5.4-5.5) was used for protoplast isolation. The purified protoplasts were cultivated in KM8p liquid medium supplemented with 2 mg l(-1) 2,4-D and 0.2 mg l(-1) Kn.

Nanocavity formation processes in MgO(1 0 0) by light ion (D, He, Li) and heavy ion (Kr, Cu, Au) implantation

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Veen, A. van E-mail: avveen@iri.tudelft.nl; Huis, M.A. van; Fedorov, A.V.; Schut, H.; Labohm, F.; Kooi, B.J.; Hosson, J.Th.M. de

2002-05-01

In studies on the controlled growth of metallic precipitates in MgO it is attempted to use nanometer size cavities as precursors for formation of metallic precipitates. In MgO nanocavities can easily be generated by light gas ion bombardment at room temperature with typically 30 keV ion energy to a dose of 10{sup 16} cm{sup -2}, followed by annealing to 1300 K. It has been shown earlier by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) that the cavities (thickness 2-3 nm and length/width 5-10 nm) have a perfectly rectangular shape bounded by {l_brace}1 0 0{r_brace} faces. The majority of the gas has been released at this temperature and the cavities are stable until annealing at 1500 K. The depth location of the cavities and the implanted ions is monitored by positron beam analysis, neutron depth profiling, RBS/channeling and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The presence of metallic nanoprecipitates is detected by optical absorption measurements and by high-resolution XTEM. Surprisingly, all the metallic implants induce, in addition to metallic precipitates in a band at the mean ion range, small rectangular and cubic nanocavities. These are most clearly observed at a depth shallower than the precipitate band. In the case of gold the cavities are produced in close proximity to the crystal surface. The results indicate that in MgO vacancy clustering dominates over Frenkel-pair recombination. Results of molecular dynamics calculations will be used to discuss the observed defect recovery and clustering processes in MgO.

Linagliptin potentiates the effect of l-dopa on the behavioural, biochemical and immunohistochemical changes in experimentally-induced Parkinsonism: Role of toll-like receptor 4, TGF-β1, NF-κB and glucagon-like peptide 1.

Science.gov (United States)

Kabel, Ahmed M; Omar, Mohamed S; Alhadhrami, A; Alharthi, Salman S; Alrobaian, Majed M

2018-05-01

Our aim was to assess the effect of different doses of linagliptin with or without l-dopa/Carbidopa on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced parkinsonism in mice. Eighty Balb/c mice were divided into 8 equal groups: Control; MPTP; MPTP + l-dopa/Carbidopa; MPTP + linagliptin 3 mg/kg/day; MPTP + linagliptin 10 mg/kg/day; MPTP + Carboxymethyl cellulose; MPTP + l-dopa/Carbidopa + linagliptin 3 mg/kg/day and MPTP + l-dopa/Carbidopa + linagliptin 10 mg/kg/day. Striatal dopamine, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), antioxidant enzymes, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), receptors of advanced glycation end products (RAGE), nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), mitochondrial complex I activity, catalepsy and total swim scores were measured. Also, the substantia nigra was subjected to immunohistochemical examination. The combination of l-dopa/Carbidopa and linagliptin in a dose-dependent manner resulted in significant improvement of the behavioural changes, striatal dopamine, antioxidant parameters, Nrf2/HO-1 content, GLP-1, ATP and mitochondrial complex I activity with significant decrease in striatal RAGE, TGF-β1, TNF-α, IL-10, TLR4 and alleviated the immunohistochemical changes better than the groups that received either l-dopa/Carbidopa or linagliptin alone. The combination of l-dopa/Carbidopa and linagliptin might represent a promising therapeutic modality for management of parkinsonism. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sequel of MgO nanoparticles in PLACL nanofibers for anti-cancer therapy in synergy with curcumin/β-cyclodextrin

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sudakaran, Shruthi Vathaluru; Venugopal, Jayarama Reddy; Vijayakumar, Gnaneshwar Puvala; Abisegapriyan, Sivasubramanian; Grace, Andrews Nirmala; Ramakrishna, Seeram

2017-01-01

Pharmaceutical industries spend more money in developing new and efficient methods for delivering successful drugs for anticancer therapy. Electrospun nanofibers and nanoparticles loaded with drugs have versatile biomedical applications ranging from wound healing to anticancer therapy. We aimed to attempt for fabricating elastomeric poly (L-lactic acid-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLACL) with Aloe Vera (AV), magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles, curcumin (CUR) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) composite nanofibers to control the growth of MCF-7 cells for breast cancer therapy. The study focused on the interaction of MgO nanoparticle with CUR and β-CD inhibiting the proliferation of Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cells. FESEM micrographs of fabricated electrospun PLACL, PLACL/AV, PLACL/AV/MgO, PLACL/AV/MgO/CUR and PLACL/AV/MgO/β-CD nanofibrous scaffolds achieved bead free, random and uniform nanofibers with fiber diameter in the range of 786 ± 286, 507 ± 171, 334 ± 95, 360 ± 94 and 326 ± 80 nm respectively. Proliferation of MCF-7 cells was decreased by 65.92% in PLACL/AV/MgO/CUR with respect to PLACL/AV/MgO nanofibrous scaffolds on day 9. The obtained results proved that 1% CUR interacting with MgO nanoparticles showed higher inhibition of MCF-7 cells among all other nanofibrous scaffolds thus serving as a promising biocomposite material system for the breast cancer therapy. - Highlights: • Biocomposite nanofibrous scaffolds fabricated bead free, uniform and possess rough fiber surface • Aloe Vera and MgO nanoparticles initiates cell adhesion and proliferation • CUR (1%)/MgO nanoparticle showed higher level of cell inhibition of MCF-7 cells compared to all other nanofibrous scaffolds • PLACL/AV/MgO/CUR nanofibrous scaffolds proved to be a potential material system for cancer therapy

Sequel of MgO nanoparticles in PLACL nanofibers for anti-cancer therapy in synergy with curcumin/β-cyclodextrin

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sudakaran, Shruthi Vathaluru [Centre for Nanofibers & Nanotechnology, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore (Singapore); The Centre for Nanotechnology Research, VIT University, Vellore (India); Venugopal, Jayarama Reddy, E-mail: mpejrv@nus.edu.sg [Centre for Nanofibers & Nanotechnology, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore (Singapore); Vijayakumar, Gnaneshwar Puvala [Centre for Nanofibers & Nanotechnology, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore (Singapore); Abisegapriyan, Sivasubramanian [Centre for Nanofibers & Nanotechnology, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore (Singapore); The Centre for Nanotechnology Research, VIT University, Vellore (India); Grace, Andrews Nirmala [The Centre for Nanotechnology Research, VIT University, Vellore (India); Ramakrishna, Seeram [Centre for Nanofibers & Nanotechnology, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore (Singapore)

2017-02-01

Pharmaceutical industries spend more money in developing new and efficient methods for delivering successful drugs for anticancer therapy. Electrospun nanofibers and nanoparticles loaded with drugs have versatile biomedical applications ranging from wound healing to anticancer therapy. We aimed to attempt for fabricating elastomeric poly (L-lactic acid-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLACL) with Aloe Vera (AV), magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles, curcumin (CUR) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) composite nanofibers to control the growth of MCF-7 cells for breast cancer therapy. The study focused on the interaction of MgO nanoparticle with CUR and β-CD inhibiting the proliferation of Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cells. FESEM micrographs of fabricated electrospun PLACL, PLACL/AV, PLACL/AV/MgO, PLACL/AV/MgO/CUR and PLACL/AV/MgO/β-CD nanofibrous scaffolds achieved bead free, random and uniform nanofibers with fiber diameter in the range of 786 ± 286, 507 ± 171, 334 ± 95, 360 ± 94 and 326 ± 80 nm respectively. Proliferation of MCF-7 cells was decreased by 65.92% in PLACL/AV/MgO/CUR with respect to PLACL/AV/MgO nanofibrous scaffolds on day 9. The obtained results proved that 1% CUR interacting with MgO nanoparticles showed higher inhibition of MCF-7 cells among all other nanofibrous scaffolds thus serving as a promising biocomposite material system for the breast cancer therapy. - Highlights: • Biocomposite nanofibrous scaffolds fabricated bead free, uniform and possess rough fiber surface • Aloe Vera and MgO nanoparticles initiates cell adhesion and proliferation • CUR (1%)/MgO nanoparticle showed higher level of cell inhibition of MCF-7 cells compared to all other nanofibrous scaffolds • PLACL/AV/MgO/CUR nanofibrous scaffolds proved to be a potential material system for cancer therapy.

Gas chromatographic determination of 1,1-dimethylhydrazine in water samples by solid-phase microextraction with derivatization

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Madi Abilev

2014-10-01

Full Text Available 1,1-Dimethylhydrazine (1,1-DMH used as a rocket fuel component is highly reactive and unstable compound. It greatly complicates its accurate and express determination in environmental samples. Goal of this work was to develop a method for its express determination in water samples based on solid-phase microextraction with preliminary derivatization. Acetone was selected as reagent for derivatization because during its reaction with 1,1-DMH, volatile and hydrophobic acetone dimethylhydrazone (ADMH was formed. It was established that fiber based on 100-micron polydimethylsiloxane provides the most efficient extraction of ADMH from water at extraction time 2 min. Optimal concentration of acetone was 30 mg/mL. The minimum time for reaction of 1,1-DMH with acetone is 10 minutes. Addition of acids and alkali reduced ADMH response that may be caused by degradation of 1,1-DMH and reduction of derivatization rate. Addition of salt allowed to increase the response of ADMH however made impossible the quantitative determination of 1,1-DMH. Dependence of ADMH response on the concentration of 1,1-DMH at optimized parameters is linear in the concentrations range of 0.1-100 mg/L and can be used for quantitative determination of 1,1-DMH in water. Detection limit of the developed method is 0.02 mg/L. Reproducibility index of the method in the whole range of concentrations did not exceed 7%, accuracy index - 15%. Developed method is simple, inexpensive, accurate, automated and can be recommended for implementation in laboratories conducting environmental monitoring in areas of rocket-carriers fall.

Influence of elemental diffusion on low temperature formation of MgH2 in TiMn1.3T0.2-Mg (T = 3d-transition elements)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yamamoto, K.; Tanioka, S.; Tsushio, Y.; Shimizu, T.; Morishita, T.; Orimo, S.; Fujii, H.

1996-01-01

In order to examine the influence of the elemental diffusion from the host compound into the Mg region on low temperature formation of MgH 2 , we have investigated the hydriding properties and the microstructures of the composite materials TiMn 1.3 T 0.2 -Mg (T = V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu). MgH 2 is formed at 353 K in all composite materials. Of all the substitutions, the amount of MgH 2 is the largest in the case of the Cu substitution, which originates from the existence of the Mg-Mg 2 Cu eutectic formed by Cu diffusion from the host compound TiMn 1.3 Cu 0.2 into the Mg region during the liquid phase sintering. In addition, the hydrogen capacity of TiMn 1.3 Cu 0.2 -Mg (that is TiMn 1.3 Cu 0.1 -(Mg+Mg 2 Cu) after the sintering) easily saturates in comparison with TiMn 1.5 -(Mg+Mg 2 Cu) without Cu diffusion. It is concluded that Cu diffusion promotes the mobility of hydrogen atoms at the complex interface between the host compound and the Mg region. (orig.)

Thermodynamics of HEDPA protonation in different media and complex formation with Mg2+ and Ca2+

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Foti, Claudia; Giuffrè, Ottavia; Sammartano, Silvio

2013-01-01

Highlights: • Acid–base properties of etidronic acid in different ionic media and at different ionic strengths. • Complex formation of etidronate with Na + , K + , Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ . • Dependence on ionic strength analysed by a Debye–Hückel type equation and the SIT approach. • Suggested protonation constants calculated at I = 0.1 mol · L −1 and t = 25 °C, in different ionic media. -- Abstract: Acid–base properties of etidronic acid [(1-Hydroxyethane-1,1-diyil)bis(phosphonic acid), HEDPA] in different ionic media and at different ionic strengths (NaCl, KCl: I ⩽ 2 mol · L −1 ; (C 2 H 5 ) 4 NI: I ⩽ 1 mol · L −1 ) were studied at t = 25 °C, determining, by potentiometric and calorimetric techniques, protonation constants and enthalpy changes. The differences in the protonation constants in the different supporting electrolytes were also interpreted in terms of weak complex formation with M i L (with i = 1, 2), MLH j (with j = 1, 2, 3) and M 2 LH species (with L = HEDPA; M = Na + , K + ). The formation constants for the species of Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ , were determined by potentiometric titrations at different ionic strengths (0.1 ⩽ I/mol · L −1 ⩽ 1) in NaCl at t = 25 °C. The stability of these species is fairly high, as an example, at I = 0.1 mol · L −1 and t = 25 °C, for ML species, log β = 6.52 and 6.86, for Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ , respectively, obtained by considering simultaneously HEDPA–Na + interactions. The dependence on ionic strength was analysed by a Debye–Hückel type equation and the SIT (Specific ion Interaction Theory) approach for protonation thermodynamic parameters and by a Debye–Hückel type equation for Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ complex formation. The sequestering ability of HEDPA toward Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ was also analysed. A comparison with literature data is given

Phenolics in Slovenian bilberries ( Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and blueberries ( Vaccinium corymbosum L.).

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Moze, Spela; Polak, Tomaz; Gasperlin, Lea; Koron, Darinka; Vanzo, Andreja; Poklar Ulrih, Natasa; Abram, Veronika

2011-07-13

Phenolics from bilberries ( Vaccinium myrtillus L.) sampled from seven different locations and highbush blueberries ( Vaccinium corymbosum L.) from one location in Slovenia were analyzed. In samples of both species 15 anthocyanins were identified by LC-MS/MS. Their contents were expressed as cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalents (C3GE); bilberries contained 1210.3 ± 111.5 mg C3GE/100 g fw and blueberries 212.4 ± 14.1 mg C3GE/100 g fw. Glycosides of delphinidin and cyanidin were predominant (488.5 vs 363.6 mg C3GE/100 g fw) in the bilberries and glycosides of malvidin (108.0 vs 100.8 mg C3GE/100 g fw) in the blueberries, whereas the contents of peonidin were lowest (74.5 vs 4.8 mg C3GE/100 g fw) in both berries. The contents of flavanols, flavonols, phenolic acids, and stilbenes were determined by LC-MS. For the first time, rutin was identified (bilberries, 0.2 ± 0.0 mg/100 g fw; blueberries, 3.1 ± 0.1 mg/100 g fw). Chlorogenic acid (as 3-caffeoylquinic acid) was the most abundant among the phenolic acids (23.1 ± 1.0 mg/100 g fw in bilberries and 70.0 ± 3.4 mg/100 g fw in blueberries). Statistical analysis shows that the content of 27 individual flavonoids, phenolic acids, and stilbenes can be used to identify the picking region of these Slovenian bilberries.

Evaluation of antioxidant compounds, antioxidant activities, and mineral composition of 13 collected purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) accessions.

Science.gov (United States)

Alam, Md Amirul; Juraimi, Abdul Shukor; Rafii, M Y; Abdul Hamid, Azizah; Aslani, Farzad; Hasan, M M; Mohd Zainudin, Mohd Asraf; Uddin, Md Kamal

2014-01-01

The methanolic extracts of 13 accessions of purslane were analyzed for their total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), and total carotenoid contents (TCC) and antioxidant activity of extracts was screened using FRAP assay and DPPH radical scavenging methods. The TPC, TFC, and TCC ranged from 0.96 ± 0.04 to 9.12 ± 0.29 mg GAE/g DW, 0.13 ± 0.04 to 1.44 ± 0.08 mg RE/g DW, and 0.52 ± 0.06 to 5.64 ± 0.09 mg (β-carotene equivalent) BCE/g DW, respectively. The DPPH scavenging (IC50) activity varied between 2.52 ± 0.03 mg/mL and 3.29 ± 0.01 mg/mL and FRAP ranged from 7.39 ± 0.08 to 104.2 ± 6.34  μmol TE/g DW. Among all the measured micro- and macrominerals K content was the highest followed by N, Na, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Zn, and Mn. The overall findings proved that ornamental purslane was richer in antioxidant properties, whereas common purslane possesses more mineral contents than ornamental ones.

Influence of Rare Earth Elements on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mg{sub 97}Zn{sub 1}Y{sub 1}RE{sub 1} Alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, Jonghyun, E-mail: joindoc@kumamoto-u.ac.jp [Department of Material Science, Magnesium Research Center (MRC), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-8555 (Japan); Kawamura, Y. [Department of Material Science, Magnesium Research Center (MRC), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-8555 (Japan)

2013-06-20

Mg{sub 97}Zn{sub 1}Y{sub 1}RE{sub 1} (RE=La, Ce, Nd and Sm, at. %) alloys were prepared by high-frequency induction melting in an Ar atmosphere. Rods were extruded at 623 K and a ram speed of 2.5 mm·s{sup −1} using a circular die with an extrusion ratio of 10. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the extruded alloys were investigated. The Mg{sub 97}Zn{sub 1}Y{sub 1}Nd{sub 1} and Mg{sub 97}Zn{sub 1}Y{sub 1}Sm{sub 1} alloys consisted of only two phases: α-Mg and a Mg-RE intermetallic compound. The Mg{sub 97}Zn{sub 1}Y{sub 1}La{sub 1} and Mg{sub 97}Zn{sub 1}Y{sub 1}Ce{sub 1} alloys consisted of three phases: α-Mg, a Mg-RE intermetallic compound, and a Mg{sub 12}ZnY phase with a long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase. Additionally, after extrusion, the three-phase Mg{sub 97}Zn{sub 1}Y{sub 1}RE{sub 1} alloys, i.e., those with an LPSO phase, had a stratified microstructure and exhibited better mechanical properties than those without an LPSO. At room temperature, the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of the three-phase Mg{sub 97}Zn{sub 1}Y{sub 1}La{sub 1} and Mg{sub 97}Zn{sub 1}Y{sub 1}Ce{sub 1} alloys were 381–384 MPa and 427–429 MPa, respectively, and yield strengths greater than 280 MPa were observed at the elevated temperature of 523 K.

UJI AKTIVITAS ANTIOKSIDAN MENGGUNAKAN RADIKAL 1,1-DIFENIL-2- PIKRILHIDRAZIL DAN PENETAPAN KANDUNGAN FENOLIK TOTAL FRAKSI ETIL ASETAT EKSTRAK ETANOL BUAH ANGGUR BALI (Vitis vinifera L.

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Mikhael Gustandy

2016-04-01

Full Text Available Abstract: This research was conducted to determine the antioxidant activity of ethyl acetat fraction of extract of Balinesse grape (Vitis vinifera L. using free radical and determine the total phenolic content. Balinesse grape was extracted with ethanol and then fractionated using ethyl acetate. Free radical scavenging activity was tested by measuring the DPPH radical scavenging activity. Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteau method measured the concentration of phenolic content in gallic acid total equivalents using unit's mg/g. The mean IC50 value for DPPH radical scavenging activity of the ethyl acetat fraction of ethanolic extract of Balinesse grape was found to be 36.55 ± 0.09 µg/mL. The phenolic content was ranging from 3.23 ± 0.02 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of ethyl acetat fraction of ethanolic extract of Balinesse grape. Keywords: antioxidants, Balinesse grape (Vitis vinifera L., fraction of ethyl acetat, DPPH, total phenolic content.

Hilic MS/MS determination of amino acids in herbs of Fumaria schleicheri L., Ocimum basilicum L., and leaves of Corylus avellana L.

Science.gov (United States)

Prokopenko, Yuliya; Jakštas, Valdas; Žvikas, Vaidotas; Georgiyants, Victoriya; Ivanauskas, Liudas

2018-05-18

The aim of research was to study the content of amino acids using in extracts of Fumaria schleicheri L., Ocimum basilicum L., and Corylus avellana L. by HILIC MS/MS method. Separation of amino acids in the samples was carried out with Acquity H-class UPLC system (Waters, Milford, USA) equipped with SeQuant ZIC-Hilic collumn (2.1 × 150 mm, 3.5 μm) (Merck Millipore, Darmstadt, Germany). The MS/MS fragment ion chromatograms of the test solutions established the presence of 19 amino acids. The obtained results have shown that O. basilicum L. characterized the highest concentrations of different neurogenic amino acids (128.1 mg/kg), comparing with F. schleicheri L. and C. avellana L. (57.72 and 52.91 mg/kg, respectively).

Formation process of micro arc oxidation coatings obtained in a sodium phytate containing solution with and without CaCO{sub 3} on binary Mg-1.0Ca alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, R.F. [School of Material and Electromechanics, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang 330013 (China); Zhang, Y.Q. [Zhejiang DunAn Light Alloy Technology CO,.LTD, Zhuji 311835 (China); Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201 (China); Zhang, S.F.; Qu, B. [School of Material and Electromechanics, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang 330013 (China); Guo, S.B. [Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201 (China); Xiang, J.H., E-mail: xiangjunhuai@163.com [School of Material and Electromechanics, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang 330013 (China)

2015-01-15

Highlights: • Compared to the Mg phase, the area of Mg{sub 2}Ca phase is much smaller. • The coatings are preferentially developed on the area adjacent to Mg{sub 2}Ca phase. • During MAO process, some sodium phytate molecules are hydrolyzed. • Anodic coatings are developed from uneven to uniform. - Abstract: Micro arc oxidation (MAO) is an effective method to improve the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys. In order to reveal the influence of alloying element Ca and CaCO{sub 3} electrolyte on the formation process and chemical compositions of MAO coatings on binary Mg-1.0Ca alloy, anodic coatings after different anodizing times were prepared on binary Mg-1.0Ca alloy in a base solution containing 3 g/L sodium hydroxide and 15 g/L sodium phytate with and without addition of CaCO{sub 3}. The coating formation was studied by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that Mg-1.0Ca alloy is composed of two phases, the Mg phase and Mg{sub 2}Ca phase. After treating for 5 s, the coating began to develop and was preferentially formed on the area nearby Mg{sub 2}Ca phase, which may be resulted from the intrinsic electronegative potential of the Mg phase than that of Mg{sub 2}Ca phase. Anodic coatings unevenly covered the total surface after 20 s. After 80 s, the coatings were uniformly developed on Mg-1.0Ca alloy with micro pores. During MAO process, some sodium phytate molecules are hydrolyzed into inorganic phosphate. CaCO{sub 3} has minor influence on the calcium content of the obtained MAO coatings.

Antimycobacterial activity evaluation and MIC determination of liophilizated hydroalcoholic extracts of Bixa orellana L., Bixaceae

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Renata B. Silva

Full Text Available Bixa orellana is used in popular medicine against several diseases. Extracts of its fruit, root and leaf presented antimicrobial activity, while seed extract showed negative results. This study aimed at verifying the antimycobacterial activity of B. orellanalyophilized hydroalcoholic extracts over Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration against five bacteria. Antimycobacterial activity was determined by diffusion technique, while MIC was assessed by diffusion and colorimetric analysis. MICs were 0.3, 0.5 and 0.2 mg/mL respectively, for leaf, root and stem extracts, against M. tuberculosis. Stem's extract showed 1.2 mg/mL for B. cereus, 1.53 mg/mL for S. aureusand S. typhimurium, 4.50 mg/mL for P. aeruginosaand 8.01 mg/mL for P. mirabillis.Leaf extracts showed 0.66 mg/mL for P. aeruginosa, 0.94 mg/mL for P. mirabillis, 1.88 mg/mL for S. aureus, 3.95 mg/mL for B. cereusand 8.37 mg/mL for S. typhimurium. Root's extracts showed 0.25 mg/mL for P. aeruginosa,0.31 mg/mL for S. aureus, 0.62 mg/mL for S. typhimuriumand 3.00 mg/mL for B. cereusand P. mirabillis. Leaf and stem extracts showed antimycobacterial activity. MICs were lower in colorimetric analysis than in agar diffusion. Extracts revealed bacteriostatic activity against the five bacterial.

Biocompatibility Assessment of Novel Bioresorbable Alloys Mg-Zn-Se and Mg-Zn-Cu for Endovascular Applications: In- Vitro Studies.

Science.gov (United States)

Persaud-Sharma, Dharam; Budiansky, Noah; McGoron, Anthony J

2013-01-01

Previous studies have shown that using biodegradable magnesium alloys such as Mg-Zn and Mg-Zn-Al possess the appropriate mechanical properties and biocompatibility to serve in a multitude of biological applications ranging from endovascular to orthopedic and fixation devices. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of novel as-cast magnesium alloys Mg-1Zn-1Cu wt.% and Mg-1Zn-1Se wt.% as potential implantable biomedical materials, and compare their biologically effective properties to a binary Mg-Zn alloy. The cytotoxicity of these experimental alloys was evaluated using a tetrazolium based- MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) assay and a lactate dehydrogenase membrane integrity assay (LDH). The MTS assay was performed on extract solutions obtained from a 30-day period of alloy immersion and agitation in simulated body fluid to evaluate the major degradation products eluted from the alloy materials. Human foreskin fibroblast cell growth on the experimental magnesium alloys was evaluated for a 72 hour period, and cell death was quantified by measuring lactate dehydrogenase concentrations. Both Mg-Zn-Se and Mg-Zn-Cu alloys exhibit low cytotoxicity levels which are suitable for biomaterial applications. The Mg-Zn-Cu alloy was found to completely degrade within 72 hours, resulting in lower human foreskin fibroblast cell viability. The Mg-Zn-Se alloy was shown to be less cytotoxic than both the Mg-Zn-Cu and Mg-Zn alloys.

Molecular mechanism of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade via anti-PD-L1 antibodies atezolizumab and durvalumab.

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Hyun Tae; Lee, Ju Yeon; Lim, Heejin; Lee, Sang Hyung; Moon, Yu Jeong; Pyo, Hyo Jeong; Ryu, Seong Eon; Shin, Woori; Heo, Yong-Seok

2017-07-17

In 2016 and 2017, monoclonal antibodies targeting PD-L1, including atezolizumab, durvalumab, and avelumab, were approved by the FDA for the treatment of multiple advanced cancers. And many other anti-PD-L1 antibodies are under clinical trials. Recently, the crystal structures of PD-L1 in complex with BMS-936559 and avelumab have been determined, revealing details of the antigen-antibody interactions. However, it is still unknown how atezolizumab and durvalumab specifically recognize PD-L1, although this is important for investigating novel binding sites on PD-L1 targeted by other therapeutic antibodies for the design and improvement of anti-PD-L1 agents. Here, we report the crystal structures of PD-L1 in complex with atezolizumab and durvalumab to elucidate the precise epitopes involved and the structural basis for PD-1/PD-L1 blockade by these antibodies. A comprehensive comparison of PD-L1 interactions with anti-PD-L1 antibodies provides a better understanding of the mechanism of PD-L1 blockade as well as new insights into the rational design of improved anti-PD-L1 therapeutics.

The influence of variety on the content of bioactive compounds in beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ján Kovarovič

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Vegetable are widespread throughout the world and is a major part of the human diet. From the perspective of agricultural crops that belong to the group of Beta vulgaris (beetroot, mangold, sugar beets, fodder beet are first-rate vegetables. Especially popular is used in the food industry for the production of sugar, various vegetable juices, coloring agents, and many other products. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L. is considered one of the ten most important vegetable in the world, thanks to the content of rare natural pigments (betalains, polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber. In this work we evaluated content of bioactive substances, especially the content of total polyphenols, anthocyanins and antioxidant activity in several varieties (Cylindra, Kahira, Chioggia, Crosby Egyptian of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.. Samples of plant material were collected at full maturity stages from areas of Zeleneč (Czech Republic. Zeleneč is area without negative influences and emission sources. Samples of fresh beetroot (Beta vulgaris L. were homogenized and were prepared as an extract: 50 g cut beetroot (Beta vulgaris L. extracted by 100 mL 80% ethanol for sixteen hours. These extracts were used for analyses. The content of the total polyphenols was determined by using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent (FCR. The absorbance was measured at 765 nm of wavelength against blank. The content of total anthocyanins was measured at 520 nm wavelength of the blank. Antioxidant activity was measured using a compound DPPH˙ (2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl at 515.6 nm in the spectrophotometer. In the present experiment it was detected, that total polyphenols content in samples ranges from 218.00 mg.kg-1 to 887.75 mg.kg-1, total anthocyanins content in samples ranges from 14.48 ±0.40 mg.kg-1 to 84.50 ±4.71 mg.kg-1 and values of antioxidant activity were in interval from 8.37 ±0.29% to 21.83 ±0.35%. 

Phosphorus Doped Zn 1- x Mg x O Nanowire Arrays

KAUST Repository

Lin, S. S.; Hong, J. I.; Song, J. H.; Zhu, Y.; He, H. P.; Xu, Z.; Wei, Y. G.; Ding, Y.; Snyder, R. L.; Wang, Z. L.

2009-01-01

We demonstrate the growth of phosphorus doped Zn 1-xMg xO nanowire (NW) using pulsed laser deposition. For the first time, p-type Zn 0.92Mg 0.08O:P NWs are likely obtained In reference to atomic force microscopy based piezoelectric output

The chemical phenol extraction of intermetallic particles from casting AlSi5Cu1Mg alloy.

Science.gov (United States)

Mrówka-Nowotnik, G; Sieniawski, J; Nowotnik, A

2010-03-01

This paper presents a chemical extraction technique for determination of intermetallic phases formed in the casting AlSi5Cu1Mg aluminium alloy. Commercial aluminium alloys contain a wide range of intermetallic particles that are formed during casting, homogenization and thermomechanical processing. During solidification, particles of intermetallics are dispersed in interdendritic spaces as fine primary phases. Coarse intermetallic compounds that are formed in this aluminium alloy are characterized by unique atomic arrangement (crystallographic structure), morphology, stability, physical and mechanical properties. The volume fraction, chemistry and morphology of the intermetallics significantly affect properties and material behaviour during thermomechanical processing. Therefore, accurate determination of intermetallics is essential to understand and control microstructural evolution in Al alloys. Thus, in this paper it is shown that chemical phenol extraction method can be applied for precise qualitative evaluation. The results of optical light microscopy LOM, scanning electron microscopy SEM and X-ray diffraction XRD analysis reveal that as-cast AlSi5Cu1Mg alloy contains a wide range of intermetallic phases such as Al(4)Fe, gamma- Al(3)FeSi, alpha-Al(8)Fe(2)Si, beta-Al(5)FeSi, Al(12)FeMnSi.

Radiation-induced effects in MgO single crystal by 200 keV and 1 MeV Ni ion implantation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Takahashi, Ryohei; Nakai, Yoshihiro; Hamaguchi, Dai [Kyoto Inst. of Tech. (Japan); and others

1997-03-01

MgO(100) single crystals were implanted with 1.0 MeV and 200 keV Ni ions between 10{sup 15} and 10{sup 17} ions/cm{sup 2} at room temperature. Before and after thermal annealing the radiation damage and the lattice location of implanted Ni ions were analyzed by using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry with channeling and optical absorption measurements. For 1.0 MeV Ni ions, the disorder of Mg atoms increased slowly with ion dose near surface region, while it increased sharply and saturated with ion dose from 2x10{sup 16} ions/cm{sup 2} near ion range. The radiation damage was recovered and implanted Ni ions diffused to the whole of crystal and occupied substitutional positions after 1400degC annealing. For 200 keV Ni ions, the disorder of Mg atoms increased with dose near ion range and had a maximum at about 5x10{sup 16} ions/cm{sup 2}. This tendency agrees with the behavior of color centers obtained from optical measurements. For thermal annealing the radiation damage did not change during 500degC annealing, but the aggregate centers appeared after 300degC annealing. (author)

Electromagnetic and microwave absorption properties of BaMg{sub x}Co{sub 1−x}TiFe{sub 10}O{sub 19}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chen, Jing [State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for Nonmetal Composites and Functional Materials, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010 (China); School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010 (China); Meng, Pingyuan [Huzhou Innovation Center of Advanced Materials, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huzhou 215100 (China); Wang, Meiling [State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for Nonmetal Composites and Functional Materials, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010 (China); School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010 (China); Zhou, Guanchen [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010 (China); Wang, Xinqing [State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for Nonmetal Composites and Functional Materials, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010 (China); School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010 (China); Xu, Guangliang, E-mail: xuguangliang@swust.edu.cn [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010 (China)

2016-09-15

To improve the impedance matching and then achieve a better microwave absorption performance in electromagnetic absorber, the Mg{sup 2+} was added to occupy the sites of Co{sup 2+} in hexagonal-type ferrite BaCoTiFe{sub 10}O{sub 19}. BaMg{sub x}Co{sub 1−x}TiFe{sub 10}O{sub 19} were synthesized by a simple sol-gel combustion technique and the phase of BaMg{sub x}Co{sub 1−x}TiFe{sub 10}O{sub 19} was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The grain size of BaMg{sub x}Co{sub 1−x}TiFe{sub 10}O{sub 19} was in the range of 100–400 nm and crystal particles were refined with the augment of doped Mg{sup 2+}. Based on the static magnetic measurement, the coercivity (H{sub c}) increased and the saturation magnetization (M{sub s}) decreased as the x increased. Moreover, it was found that BaMg{sub 0.4}Co{sub 0.6}TiFe{sub 10}O{sub 19} possessed a maximum reflection loss of −33.7 dB with a matching thickness of 2.0 mm measured by the vector net-analyzer in the frequency of 0.5–18 GHz, which also had a bandwidth below −20 dB ranging from 11.5 GHz to 17.2 GHz. Meanwhile, the permeability of the prepared ferrites could be adjusted and a proper match was provided between dielectric and magnetic properties by controlling the doped content of Mg{sup 2+}, which would be significant to the application of BaMg{sub x}Co{sub 1−x}TiFe{sub 10}O{sub 19} in the field of the microwave absorbing materials. - Highlights: • The Mg{sup 2+} ions were first employed to occupy the place of Co{sup 2+} ions in BaCoTiFe{sub 10}O{sub 19}. • The grains were refined as Co substitution by Mg in ferrite. • The peaks of complex permeability shift to high frequency with Mg{sup 2+} substituted. • The coercivity increased and saturation magnetization slightly decreased. • Substitution of Mg{sup 2+} enhanced microwave absorption and broadened bandwidth.

A validated method for the quantitation of 1,1-difluoroethane using a gas in equilibrium method of calibration.

Science.gov (United States)

Avella, Joseph; Lehrer, Michael; Zito, S William

2008-10-01

1,1-Difluoroethane (DFE), also known as Freon 152A, is a member of a class of compounds known as halogenated hydrocarbons. A number of these compounds have gained notoriety because of their ability to induce rapid onset of intoxication after inhalation exposure. Abuse of DFE has necessitated development of methods for its detection and quantitation in postmortem and human performance specimens. Furthermore, methodologies applicable to research studies are required as there have been limited toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic reports published on DFE. This paper describes a method for the quantitation of DFE using a gas chromatography-flame-ionization headspace technique that employs solventless standards for calibration. Two calibration curves using 0.5 mL whole blood calibrators which ranged from A: 0.225-1.350 to B: 9.0-180.0 mg/L were developed. These were evaluated for linearity (0.9992 and 0.9995), limit of detection of 0.018 mg/L, limit of quantitation of 0.099 mg/L (recovery 111.9%, CV 9.92%), and upper limit of linearity of 27,000.0 mg/L. Combined curve recovery results of a 98.0 mg/L DFE control that was prepared using an alternate technique was 102.2% with CV of 3.09%. No matrix interference was observed in DFE enriched blood, urine or brain specimens nor did analysis of variance detect any significant differences (alpha = 0.01) in the area under the curve of blood, urine or brain specimens at three identical DFE concentrations. The method is suitable for use in forensic laboratories because validation was performed on instrumentation routinely used in forensic labs and due to the ease with which the calibration range can be adjusted. Perhaps more importantly it is also useful for research oriented studies because the removal of solvent from standard preparation eliminates the possibility for solvent induced changes to the gas/liquid partitioning of DFE or chromatographic interference due to the presence of solvent in specimens.

In vitro shoot regeneration and microcorm development in crocus vernus (l.) hill

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sivanesan, I.

2014-01-01

An efficient method has been developed for In vitro regeneration of shoot and microcorm from corm explants of Crocus vernus. Corms were cut into 0.5-1.0 cm long segments and cultured on the SH medium supplemented with 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, or 4.0 mg L-1 2-isopentyl adenine (2-iP), N6-benzyladenine (BA), and N6-furfuryladenine (kinetin, Kin) alone or combination with 0.5 or 1.0 mg L-1 alpha-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) for shoot regeneration. Of the three cytokinins tested, BA was found to be the most effective cytokinin for shoot formation. The number of shoots induced per explant was more when BA was combined with 0.5 mg L-1 NAA than with 1.0 mg L-1 NAA. The greatest percentage of shoot induction (97.2) with the mean number of 11.8 shoots per explant was obtained when the SH medium was supplemented with 2.0 mg L-1 BA and 0.5 mg L-1 NAA. The frequency of microcorm induction was significantly affected by the concentrations of sucrose.The greatest number of 6.1 microcorms per explant was obtained when the SH medium was supplemented with 2.0 mg L-1 BA, 0.5 mg L-1 NAA and 6.0% sucrose. The microcorms formed In vitro developed daughter corms when they were cultured on this medium. Microcorms were separated from the culture and planted out in acclimatization boxes containing a commercial medium. About 85% of corms developed shoot and root after 30 days. This protocol could be utilized for genetic transformation and mass clonal propagation of C. (author)

Micronutrients (B, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn) content in made tea (Camellia sinensis L.) and tea infusion with health prospect: A critical review.

Science.gov (United States)

Karak, Tanmoy; Kutu, Funso Raphael; Nath, Jyoti Rani; Sonar, Indira; Paul, Ranjit Kumar; Boruah, Romesh Kumar; Sanyal, Sandip; Sabhapondit, Santanu; Dutta, Amrit Kumar

2017-09-22

Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) is a perennial acidophilic crop, and known to be a nonalcoholic stimulating beverage that is most widely consumed after water. The aim of this review paper is to provide a detailed documentation of selected micronutrient contents, viz. boron (B), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn) in made tea and tea infusion. Available data from the literature were used to calculate human health aspect associated with the consumption of tea infusion. A wide range of micronutrients reported in both made tea and tea infusion could be the major sources of micronutrients for human. The content of B, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn in made tea are ranged from 3.04 to 58.44 μg g -1 , below detectable limit (BDL) to 122.4 μg g -1 , BDL to 602 μg g -1 , 0.275 to 13,040 μg g -1 , 0.004 to 15,866 μg g -1 , 0.04 to 570.80 μg g -1 and 0.01 to 1120 μg g -1 , respectively. Only 3.2 μg L -1 to 7.25 mg L -1 , 0.01 μg L -1 to 7 mg L -1 , 3.80 μg L -1 to 6.13 mg L -1 , 135.59 μg L -1 -11.05 mg L -1 , 0.05 μg L -1 to 1980.34 mg L -1 , 0.012 to 3.78 μg L -1 , and 1.12 μg L -1 to 2.32 μg L -1 of B, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn, respectively, are found in tea infusion which are lower than the prescribed limit of micronutrients in drinking water by World Health Organization. Furthermore, micronutrient contents in tea infusion depend on infusion procedure as well as on the instrument used for analysis. The proportion of micronutrients found in different tea types are 1.0-88.9% for B, 10-60% for Co, 2.0-97.8% for Cu, 67.8-89.9% for Fe, 71.0-87.4% for Mn, 13.3-34% for Mo, and 34.9-83% for Zn. From the results, it can also be concluded that consumption of three cups of tea infusion per day does not have any adverse effect on human health with respect to the referred micronutrients rather got beneficial effects to human.

Thermoelectric power of PrMg3

Science.gov (United States)

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

2010-01-01

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

Thermoelectric power of PrMg3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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

2010-01-01

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

The effect of substrate temperature upon the compositions of Mg and Se in Zn{sub 1-x}Mg{sub x}Se{sub y}Te{sub 1-y} layer grown by MOVPE

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nishio, M.; Ito, R.; Tanaka, K.; Urata, K.; Nakamura, Y.; Tanaka, T. [Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saga University, 1 Honjo, Saga 840-8502 (Japan); Saito, K.; Guo, Q.X. [Synchrotron Light Application Center, Saga University, 1 Honjo, Saga 840-8502 (Japan)

2014-07-15

The growth of Zn{sub 1-x}Mg{sub x}Se{sub y}Te{sub 1-y} layers was performed on (100) ZnTe substrate by metalorganic vapour phase epitaxy using dimethylzinc, bis-methylcyclopentadienyl-magnesium, diethyltelluride and diethylselenide. The effects of substrate temperature upon the compositions of Mg and Se have been investigated. The Mg composition in Zn{sub 1-x}Mg{sub x}Se{sub y}Te{sub 1-y} layer is significantly enhanced at low substrate temperature. Although the Se composition decreases with decreasing the substrate temperature, Zn{sub 1-x}Mg{sub x}Se{sub y}Te{sub 1-y} layer with a relatively high Se composition of 0.3 is obtainable at a low substrate temperature as low as 380 C. For all the layers, a two-mode behaviour with ZnTe- and MgTe-like longitudinal optical phonon modes is confirmed by Raman scattering. (copyright 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)

Vinegar rice (Oryza sativa L. produced by a submerged fermentation process from alcoholic fermented rice

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wilma Aparecida Spinosa

2015-03-01

Full Text Available Considering the limited availability of technology for the production of rice vinegar and also due to the potential consumer product market, this study aimed to use alcoholic fermented rice (rice wine (Oryza sativa L. for vinegar production. An alcoholic solution with 6.28% (w/v ethanol was oxidized by a submerged fermentation process to produce vinegar. The process of acetic acid fermentation occurred at 30 ± 0.3°C in a FRINGS® Acetator (Germany for the production of vinegar and was followed through 10 cycles. The vinegar had a total acidity of 6.85% (w/v, 0.17% alcohol (w/v, 1.26% (w/v minerals and 1.78% (w/v dry extract. The composition of organic acids present in rice vinegar was: cis-aconitic acid (6 mg/L, maleic acid (3 mg/L, trans-aconitic acid (3 mg/L, shikimic + succinic acid (4 mg/L, lactic acid (300 mg/L, formic acid (180 mg/L, oxalic acid (3 mg/L, fumaric acid (3 mg/L and itaconic acid (1 mg/L.

Corrosion analysis of AlMg2 and AlMgSi using electrochemical method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dian A; Maman Kartaman; Rosika K; Yanlinastuti

2014-01-01

Corrosion test of cladding materials and structures of research reactor fuel, AlMgSi and AlMg2 have been performed in demineralized water of pH 2 and 6.7 using an electrochemical method. Corrosion phenomenon is affected by several factor such as composition and condition of solution. The purpose of this activity is to investigate the corrosion phenomena through the determination of the parameters of corrosion and polarization curve. The materials used are AlMg2 and AlMgSi alloy in circular dish shape with an area of 1 Cm"2. Preparation of the test sample is performed through several stages polishing, cleaning and drying procedures followed ASTM G3. The electrochemical method is done by measuring the open circuit potential (OCP), polarization resistance and potentiodynamic in demineralized water of pH 2 and pH 6.7 at temperature of 25°C. The results of the OCP is the corrosion potential (Ecorr) of AlMg2 and AlMgSi each of -906.1 mV and -619.8 mV at pH 2 and -868.6 and -756.7 mV at pH 6.7 mV. The results of measurements by polarization resistance technique showed that the corrosion rate of AlMg2 and AlMgSi in safe category (<2 mpy) at pH 6.7 and at pH 2 corrosion rate increased significantly, but still in the lightweight category (<20 mpy). Potentiodynamic curves showed that the passivation at pH 6.7 is very low while the passivation at pH 2 occurs within a relatively short range potential and followed events corroded. (author)

In Vitro Propagation of Heliconia bihai (L. L. from Zygotic Embryos Propagação In vitro de Heliconia bihai (L. L. provenientes de embriões zigóticos

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cláudia Ulisses

2010-03-01

Full Text Available The internal morphology of embryos from immature and mature fruits of Heliconia bihai (L. L. cv. Lobster Claw Two was examined. Embryos were inoculated into MS media (full MS and ½ MS and GA3 (0, 2.5 and 5 mg L-1 with either sucrose or glucose. These plantlets were then replicated and transferred to MS medium (full MS or ½ MS with 0 or 2.5 mg L-1 BAP and their multiplication was evaluated 30 and 45 days after inoculation. The genetic variability of the multiplied plants was estimated using isoenzyme analyses. The internal morphology of the mature embryos revealed their tissues to be in more advanced stages of differentiation than immature embryos. In the conversion phase, 85% of the inoculated embryos developed into plants in the ½ MS medium with sucrose, in contrast to only 41% of the embryos that were cultivated with glucose. In the multiplication phase, plants cultivated in ½ MS medium with 2.5 mg L-1 BAP demonstrated more buds. Isoenzyme analyses showed pattern changes in terms of the color intensity and the migration of some of the bands. These results may be associated with differences in the ages of the mother plants and of the plantlets obtained in vitro.Inicialmente os embriões procedentes de frutos imaturos e maduros de Heliconia bihai (L. L. cv. Lobster Claw Two foram avaliados quanto à morfologia interna. Os embriões maduros foram inoculados em meio MS (1/2MS e MS completo e GA3 (0, 2,5 e 5,0 mg L-1, utilizando sacarose ou glucose. Posteriormente, as plantas obtidas foram transferidas para meio 1/2MS acrescido de 0 ou 2.5 mg L-1 de BAP e aos 30 e 45 dias após a inoculação, avaliou-se a formação de gemas laterais. Aos 45 dias avaliou-se a variabilidade genética dessas plantas através da análise isoenzimática. Ao avaliar a morfologia interna observou-se que os embriões maduros apresentaram estádios de diferenciação superior aos embriões imaturos. Na fase de conversão do embrião em planta, observou-se que 85% dos

Physico-chemical characteristics of seed oils extracted from different apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) varieties from Pakistan

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Manzoor, M.; Anwar, F.; Ashraf, M.; Alkharfy, K. M.

2012-11-01

The fruit seed oils from four varieties of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.), namely, Halmas, Nari, Travet and Charmagzi were analyzed for different physico-chemical characteristics. The oil yield from the apricot seeds (kernels) ranged from 32.23-42.51%, while the protein, fiber and ash contents ranged from 13.21-20.90%, 5.13-9.81% and 2.11-3.89%, respectively. The extracted oils had an average iodine value (g of I/100 g of oil) of 96.4-106.3; density at 24 degree centigrade 0.87-0.93 mg/mL; refractive index (40 degree centigrade), 1.4655-1.4790; saponification value, 189.1-199.4 mg of KOH/g oil; unsaponifiable matter, 0.59-0.88%; free fatty acid (mg of KOH/g oil), 0.41-1.28; and color (1-inch cell), 1.31-2.96R 1 14.8-29.8Y. With regard to the oxidation state, the tested oils showed values for specific extinction at 232 and 268 nm, 2.30-3.42 and 0.82-1.04, respectively, while the peroxide value was 1.0-2.32 meq O{sub 2}/kg and, p-anisidine was 1.22-1.90. The major fatty acid found in the oils was oleic acid (62.34-80.97%) followed by linoleic (13.13-30.33%), palmitic (3.35-5.93%), linolenic (0.73-1.03%) and stearic (1.10-1.68%) acids. The contents of {alpha}-, {gamma}-, and {delta}-, tocopherols in the oils ranged from 14.8-40.4, 330.8-520.8 and 28.5-60.2 mg/kg, respectively. The results of our present investigation revealed that apricot seed is a potential source of oil which can be used both for edible and oleo chemical applications. (Author) 55 refs.

Raman study of cations’ distribution in ZnxMg1−xFe2O4 nanoparticles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silva, S. W. da; Nakagomi, F.; Silva, M. S.; Franco, A.; Garg, V. K.; Oliveira, A. C.; Morais, P. C.

2012-01-01

In a complementary way, Raman and Mössbauer spectroscopy were successfully employed to assess the cations’ distribution among the tetrahedral (A-site) and octahedral (B-site) sites of nonosized Zn x Mg 1−x Fe 2 O 4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) cubic ferrite structure, synthesized by combustion reaction method. Nanoparticles with little change in size distributions, in the 40 nm (x = 0.0) up to 42 nm (x = 1.0) were obtained. Mössbauer data indicated that as the Zn-content (x) increases in the range 0 ≤ x ≤ 1, the Fe 3+ ion monotonically increases (decreases) the A-site (B-site) occupancy up to nearly equal values at the highest end x value. Analysis of the Raman data, however, confirms that the three highest energy modes around 650, 668 and 710 cm −1 are assigned to Zn–O (B-site), Fe–O (A-site) and Mg–O (A-site) vibrations, respectively. Additionally, in agreement with the Mössbauer data, the Raman data show that as the Zn-content (x) increases in the range 0 ≤ x ≤ 1, the occupancy of A-sites by Mg 2+ ions monotonically reduces with concomitant increase of A- and B-sites occupancy by Fe 3+ and Zn 2+ ions, respectively. Indeed, combination of the two sets of spectroscopic data (Raman and Mössbauer) provides an effective protocol for assessing the cations’ distribution within the crystal structure of nanosized quaternary cubic ferrite samples.

[Effect of M007 mediated photodynamic therapy on proliferation of human osteosarcoma MG63 cells in vitro].

Science.gov (United States)

Zhou, Yu-Kai; Wu, Wen-Zhi; Zhang, Lan; Yang, Chun-Hui; Wang, Yan-Ping

2012-01-01

To investigate the effect of a new photosensitizer, M007 mediated photodynamic therapy on proliferation of human osteosarcoma MG63 cells in vitro. Human osteosarcoma MG63 cells were prepared as 1 x 10(6) /mL single-cell suspension, and 1 mL cells were transferred into 60 mL culture dish, then treated with 5 different gradient dosages (0, 2, 4, 8, 16 micromol/L) of M007 followed by photodynamic therapy or dark reaction for 10 min. The survival rate of the cells and the mode of cell death were detected by flow cytometry with the stain of Annexin V-FITC/PI. The effect on proliferation of survival cells was observed by MTT assay and colony-forming assay. M007 mediated photodynamic therapy induced the inactivation of MG63 human osteosarcoma cells in the way of late apoptosis/necrosis or becoming naked nucleus predominately. More than 90% MG63 cells in M007-PDT group were dead under the treatment of 2-16 micromol/L M007. The survival rates of 4-16 micromol/L M007-PDT group were steadily less than 1%. The optical densities did not increase with extension of culture time in 2-8 micromol/L M007-PDT group (P > 0.05). There were 16 survival alive cells found occasionally in 2 micromol/L M007-PDT group, but no colonies found in other groups. M007 mediated photodynamic therapy totally inactivated human osteosarcoma MG63 cells in vitro with the dosage more than 4 micromol/L.

Malignant mesothelioma effusions are infiltrated by CD3+ T cells highly expressing PD-L1 and the PD-L1+ tumor cells within these effusions are susceptible to ADCC by the anti-PD-L1 antibody avelumab

Science.gov (United States)

Khanna, Swati; Thomas, Anish; Abate-Daga, Daniel; Zhang, Jingli; Morrow, Betsy; Steinberg, Seth M.; Orlandi, Augusto; Ferroni, Patrizia; Schlom, Jeffrey; Guadagni, Fiorella; Hassan, Raffit

2016-01-01

INTRODUCTION The functional aspects of programmed death 1 (PD-1) and PD ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoints in malignant mesothelioma have not been studied. METHODS Tumor samples from 65 patients with mesothelioma were evaluated for PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry and its prognostic significance. Malignant effusions from patients with pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma were evaluated for PD-1+ and PD-L1+ infiltrating lymphocytes and their role in inducing tumor cell PD-L1 expression. Antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of avelumab, a fully humanized IgG1 anti PD-L1 antibody towards primary mesothelioma cell lines was evaluated in presence of autologous and allogeneic NK cells. RESULTS Of 65 pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma tumors examined, 41 (63%) were PD-L1 positive, which was associated with slightly inferior overall survival compared to patients with PD-L1 negative tumors (median 23.0 vs. 33.3 months; p=0.35). The frequency of PD-L1 expression was similar in pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma patients with 62% and 64% of samples positive, respectively. Of nine mesothelioma effusion samples evaluated, the fraction of cells expressing PD-L1 ranged from 12 to 83%. Of 7 patients with paired malignant effusion and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) samples, PD-L1 expression was significantly higher on CD3+ T cells present in malignant effusions as compared with PBMC (p=0.016). In addition, CD14+PD-1+ cells were elevated in malignant effusions compared with PBMC (p=0.031). The lymphocytes present in malignant effusions recognized autologous tumor cells and induced IFN-γ-mediated PD-L1 expression on the tumor cell surface. Of the three primary mesothelioma cell lines tested, two were susceptible to avelumab mediated ADCC in presence of autologous NK cells. CONCLUSION The majority of pleural as well as peritoneal mesothelioma express PD-L1. Malignant effusions in this disease are characterized by presence of tumor cells and CD3+ T

Microstructural evolution in Mg-rich Mg-Zn-Y alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Biswas, T.; Ranganathan, S.; Nair, S.; Bajargan, G.

2005-01-01

Mg-rich Mg-Zn-Y alloys with nominal compositions Mg 97 Zn 1 Y 2 , Mg 97 Zn 2 Y 1 , Mg 92 Zn 6.5 Y 1.5 and Mg 97-x Zn 1 Y 2 Zr x have been chosen for the present study. These alloys are prepared by using sand casting mold. The sand cast alloys are remelted and subjected to copper mold casting and melt spinning techniques. The effect of cooling rate on microstructures was studied. It is observed that the size of the precipitates decreases with an increase of cooling rate. The formation of nano precipitates results in higher strength of the alloy as compared to the conventional alloys. The microstructures of melt spun ribbons are compared with RS/PM (rapidly solidified power metallurgy) Mg 97 Zn 1 Y 2 alloy, obtained from a different source. (author)

Selection of regularization parameter for l1-regularized damage detection

Science.gov (United States)

Hou, Rongrong; Xia, Yong; Bao, Yuequan; Zhou, Xiaoqing

2018-06-01

The l1 regularization technique has been developed for structural health monitoring and damage detection through employing the sparsity condition of structural damage. The regularization parameter, which controls the trade-off between data fidelity and solution size of the regularization problem, exerts a crucial effect on the solution. However, the l1 regularization problem has no closed-form solution, and the regularization parameter is usually selected by experience. This study proposes two strategies of selecting the regularization parameter for the l1-regularized damage detection problem. The first method utilizes the residual and solution norms of the optimization problem and ensures that they are both small. The other method is based on the discrepancy principle, which requires that the variance of the discrepancy between the calculated and measured responses is close to the variance of the measurement noise. The two methods are applied to a cantilever beam and a three-story frame. A range of the regularization parameter, rather than one single value, can be determined. When the regularization parameter in this range is selected, the damage can be accurately identified even for multiple damage scenarios. This range also indicates the sensitivity degree of the damage identification problem to the regularization parameter.

Synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of poly(L-γ-glutamyl-glutamine-paclitaxel nanoconjugate

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sang Van

2010-10-01

Full Text Available Sang Van1, Sanjib K Das1, Xinghe Wang1, Zhongling Feng1, Yi Jin1, Zheng Hou1, Fu Chen1, Annie Pham1, Nan Jiang1, Stephen B Howell2, Lei Yu11Nitto Denko Technical Corporation, Oceanside, CA, USA; 2Moores Cancer Center, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USAAbstract: The purpose of this study was to develop a novel, highly water-soluble poly(L-γ-glutamyl-glutamine-paclitaxel nanoconjugate (PGG-PTX that would improve the therapeutic index of paclitaxel (PTX. PGG-PTX is a modification of poly(L-glutamic acid-paclitaxel conjugate (PGA-PTX in which an additional glutamic acid has been added to each glutamic side chain in the polymer. PGG-PTX has higher water-solubility and faster dissolution than PGA-PTX. Unlike PGA-PTX, PGG-PTX self-assembles into nanoparticles, whose size remains in the range of 12–15 nm over the concentration range from 25 to 2,000 µg/mL in saline. Its critical micellar concentration in saline was found to be ~25 µg/mL. The potency of PGG-PTX when tested in vitro against the human lung cancer H460 cell line was comparable to other known polymer-PTX conjugates. However, PGG-PTX possesses lower toxicity compared with PGA-PTX in mice. The maximum tolerated dose of PGG-PTX was found to be 350 mg PTX/kg, which is 2.2-fold higher than the maximum tolerated dose of 160 mg PTX/kg reported for the PGA-PTX. This result indicates that PGG-PTX was substantially less toxic in vivo than PGA-PTX.Keywords: nanoconjugates, poly(L-glutamic acid, poly(L-γ-glutamyl-glutamine-paclitaxel, nanoparticles, anticancer

Lead Pollution of Shooting Range Soils

African Journals Online (AJOL)

NICOLAAS

range. Most of the shooting range soils contained high levels of Pb in the range above 2000 mg kg–1 far exceeding the United States ... N. Sehube, R. Kelebemang, O. Totolo, M. Laetsang, O. Kamwi and P. Dinake,. 21 ..... Eng. Sci., 1999, 16,.

Triangular M/G/1-type and tree-like QBD Markov chains

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Van Houdt, B.; Leeuwaarden, van J.S.H.

2009-01-01

In applying matrix-analytic methods to M/G/1-type and tree-like QBD Markov chains, it is crucial to determine the solution to a (set of) nonlinear matrix equation(s). This is usually done via iterative methods. We consider the highly structured subclass of triangular M/G/1-type and tree-like QBD

Automatic Echographic Detection of Halloysite Clay Nanotubes in a Low Concentration Range.

Science.gov (United States)

Conversano, Francesco; Pisani, Paola; Casciaro, Ernesto; Di Paola, Marco; Leporatti, Stefano; Franchini, Roberto; Quarta, Alessandra; Gigli, Giuseppe; Casciaro, Sergio

2016-04-11

Aim of this work was to investigate the automatic echographic detection of an experimental drug delivery agent, halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs), by employing an innovative method based on advanced spectral analysis of the corresponding "raw" radiofrequency backscatter signals. Different HNT concentrations in a low range (5.5-66 × 10 10 part/mL, equivalent to 0.25-3.00 mg/mL) were dispersed in custom-designed tissue-mimicking phantoms and imaged through a clinically-available echographic device at a conventional ultrasound diagnostic frequency (10 MHz). The most effective response (sensitivity = 60%, specificity = 95%), was found at a concentration of 33 × 10 10 part/mL (1.5 mg/mL), representing a kind of best compromise between the need of enough particles to introduce detectable spectral modifications in the backscattered signal and the necessity to avoid the losses of spectral peculiarity associated to higher HNT concentrations. Based on theoretical considerations and quantitative comparisons with literature-available results, this concentration could also represent an optimal concentration level for the automatic echographic detection of different solid nanoparticles when employing a similar ultrasound frequency. Future dedicated studies will assess the actual clinical usefulness of the proposed approach and the potential of HNTs for effective theranostic applications.

Evaluation of antioxidant properties, elemental and phenolic contents composition of wild nettle (Urtica dioica L.) from Tunceli in Turkey.

Science.gov (United States)

Yildirim, N C; Turkoglu, S; Ince, O K; Ince, M

2013-11-03

Wild nettle (Urtica dioica L.) types were sampled from different geographical regions in Tunceli (Turkey) to determine their mineral, vitamin, phenolic contents and their antioxidant properties. The total phenol varied from 37.419 ± 0.380 to 19.182 ± 1.00 mg of GAEs g(-1) of dry nettle. The highest radical scavenging effect was observed in Mazgirt parting of the ways 7.5 km with 33.70 ± 0.849 mg mL(-1). The highest reducing power was observed in the nettles from Mazgirt parting of the ways 7.5 km. Among the various macronutrients estimated in the plant samples, potassium was present in the highest quantity followed by calcium and phosphate. Kaempferol and resveratrol were not determined in some nettle samples but rutin levels were determined in all samples. Vitamin A concentrations were ranged between 13.64 ± 1.90 and 5.74 ± 1.00 (mg kg(-1) dry weight). These results show that Urtica dioica L. collected from Tunceli in Turkey could be considered as a natural alternative source for food, pharmacology and medicine sectors.

Mg II ABSORPTION CHARACTERISTICS OF A VOLUME-LIMITED SAMPLE OF GALAXIES AT z ∼ 0.1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barton, Elizabeth J.; Cooke, Jeff

2009-01-01

We present an initial survey of Mg II absorption characteristics in the halos of a carefully constructed, volume-limited subsample of galaxies embedded in the spectroscopic part of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). We observed quasars near sightlines to 20 low-redshift (z ∼ 0.1), luminous (M r + 5log h ≤-20.5) galaxies in SDSS DR4 and DR6 with the LRIS-B spectrograph on the Keck I telescope. The primary systematic criteria for the targeted galaxies are a redshift z ∼> 0.1 and the presence of an appropriate bright background quasar within a projected 75 h -1 kpc of its center, although we preferentially sample galaxies with lower impact parameters and slightly more star formation within this range. Of the observed systems, six exhibit strong (W eq (2796) ≥ 0.3 A) Mg II absorption at the galaxy's redshift, six systems have upper limits which preclude strong Mg II absorption, while the remaining observations rule out very strong (W eq (2796) ≥ 1-2 A) absorption. The absorbers fall at higher impact parameters than many non-absorber sightlines, indicating a covering fraction f c ∼ -1 kpc (f c ∼ 0.25). The data are consistent with a possible dependence of covering fraction and/or absorption halo size on the environment or star-forming properties of the central galaxy.

Elastic properties of Sr- and Mg-doped lanthanum gallate at elevated temperature

Science.gov (United States)

Okamura, T.; Shimizu, S.; Mogi, M.; Tanimura, M.; Furuya, K.; Munakata, F.

The elastic moduli, i.e., Young's modulus, shear modulus and Poisson's ratio, of a sintered La 0.9Sr 0.1Ga 0.8Mg 0.2O 3- δ bulk have been experimentally determined in the temperature range from room temperature to 1373 K using a resonance technique. Anomalous elastic properties were observed over a wide temperature range from 473 to 1173 K. In the results for internal friction and in X-ray diffraction measurements at elevated temperature, two varieties of structural changes were seen in La 0.9Sr 0.1Ga 0.8Mg 0.2O 3- δ in the examined temperature range. The results agreed with the findings of a previous crystallographic study of the same composition system by Slater et al. In addition, the temperature range in which a successive structural change occurred in La 0.9Sr 0.1Ga 0.8Mg 0.2O 3- δ was the same as that exhibiting the anomalous elastic properties. Taking all the results together, it can be inferred that the successive structural change in the significant temperature range is responsible for the elastic property anomaly of La 0.9Sr 0.1Ga 0.8Mg 0.2O 3- δ.

Allelopathic Effect of Echinochloa colona L. and Cyperus iria L. Weed Extracts on the Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Rice and Soyabean

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Neha Chopra

2017-01-01

Full Text Available The present study was undertaken to assess the allelopathic effect of Echinochloa colona L. and Cyperus iria L. in relation to the germination and primary growth of Oryza sativa L. (rice and Glycine max L. (soyabean. Effects of dichloromethane (DCM and double distilled water soluble (DDW fractions of E. colona L. and C. iria L. root and aerial part extracts reduced germination and suppressed early seedling growth of rice and soyabean. With increase in extract concentration from 1 to 100 mg/mL, a gradual decrease in seed germination and seedling length occurred. The highest growth of G. max seedling was recorded in DDW fraction of E. colona aerial part extract at 1 mg/mL concentration with 94% germination and the lowest length was found in DCM fraction of C. iria root extract at 100 mg/mL concentration with 65% germination. In O. sativa, the highest length was noted at 1 mg/mL concentration in DDW fraction of E. colona aerial part extract with 82% germination and the lowest length was found in DCM fraction of C. iria and E. colona root extracts with germination 57% and 62%, respectively, at 100 mg/mL concentration. The results suggested that these weeds had good allelopathic potential which reduces germination and plant growth.

L1 and L2 Distance Effects in Learning L3 Dutch

Science.gov (United States)

Schepens, Job J.; der Slik, Frans; Hout, Roeland

2016-01-01

Many people speak more than two languages. How do languages acquired earlier affect the learnability of additional languages? We show that linguistic distances between speakers' first (L1) and second (L2) languages and their third (L3) language play a role. Larger distances from the L1 to the L3 and from the L2 to the L3 correlate with lower…

Role of Glyoxalase 1 (Glo1 and methylglyoxal (MG in behavior: recent advances and mechanistic insights

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Margaret G Distler

2012-11-01

Full Text Available Glyoxalase 1 (GLO1 is a ubiquitous cellular enzyme that participates in the detoxification of methylglyoxal (MG, a cyotoxic byproduct of glycolysis that induces protein modification (advanced glycation end-products, AGEs, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The concentration of MG is elevated under high-glucose conditions, such as diabetes. As such, GLO1 and MG have been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Recently, findings have linked GLO1 to numerous behavioral phenotypes, including psychiatric diseases (anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and autism and pain. This review highlights GLO1’s association with behavioral phenotypes, describes recent discoveries that have elucidated the underlying mechanisms, and identifies opportunities for future research.

Oncolytic Maraba Virus MG1 as a Treatment for Sarcoma.

Science.gov (United States)

Le Boeuf, Fabrice; Selman, Mohammed; Son, Hwan Hee; Bergeron, Anabel; Chen, Andrew; Tsang, Jovian; Butterwick, Derek; Arulanandam, Rozanne; Forbes, Nicole E; Tzelepis, Fanny; Bell, John C; Werier, Joel; Abdelbary, Hesham; Diallo, Jean-Simon

2017-09-15

The poor prognosis of patients with advanced bone and soft-tissue sarcoma has not changed in the past several decades, highlighting the necessity for new therapeutic approaches. Immunotherapies, including oncolytic viral (OV) therapy, have shown great promise in a number of clinical trials for a variety of tumor types. However, the effective application of OV in treating sarcoma still remains to be demonstrated. Although few pre-clinical studies using distinct OVs have been performed and demonstrated therapeutic benefit in sarcoma models, a side-by-side comparison of clinically relevant OV platforms has not been performed. Four clinically relevant OV platforms (Reovirus, Vaccinia virus, Herpes-simplex virus and Rhabdovirus) were screened for their ability to infect and kill human and canine sarcoma cell lines in vitro, and human sarcoma specimens ex vivo. In vivo treatment efficacy was tested in a murine model. The rhabdovirus MG1 demonstrated the highest potency in vitro. Ex vivo, MG1 productively infected more than 80% of human sarcoma tissues tested, and treatment in vivo led to a significant increase in long-lasting cures in sarcoma-bearing mice. Importantly, MG1 treatment induced the generation of memory immune response that provided protection against a subsequent tumor challenge. This study opens the door for the use of MG1-based oncolytic immunotherapy strategies as treatment for sarcoma or as a component of a combined therapy. © 2017 UICC.

Low Parametric Sensitivity Realizations with relaxed L2-dynamic-range-scaling constraints

OpenAIRE

Hilaire , Thibault

2009-01-01

This paper presents a new dynamic-range scaling for the implementation of filters/controllers in state-space form. Relaxing the classical L2-scaling constraints by specific fixed-point considerations allows for a higher degree of freedom for the optimal L2-parametric sensitivity problem. However, overflows in the implementation are still prevented. The underlying constrained problem is converted into an unconstrained problem for which a solution can be provided. This leads to realizations whi...

Hydroponic cultivation of Physalis angulata L.: growth and production under nitrogen doses

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Romeu da Silva Leite

2017-06-01

Full Text Available The Physalis angulata L. species has attracted interest due to the production of compounds with pharmacological activity and its potential for fruiticulture. Given that it is a fast-growing and highly productive species, determining the most adequate nitrogen (N doses could contribute to higher crop yields. This study aimed at assessing the influence of N concentrations, in a hydroponic system, on the growth and production of P. angulata, as well as determining the critical N level in leaves. The experiment was conducted in individual pots with nutrient solutions, applying a completely randomized design and twelve replications, using five N doses (0 mg L-1, 56 mg L-1, 112 mg L-1, 168 mg L-1 and 224 mg L-1. Growth and production indices, amount of total N on leaves and stems and critical N levels were assessed. The increase of N doses in the nutrient solution influenced plant growth and fruit production, as well as the accumulation of total N in the leaves and stems. Based on the maximum economic yield, a dose of 162 mg L-1 of N is recommended for hydroponics, which provided a fruit yield of 7.27 g m-2 and critical total N level in leaves of 51.98 g kg-1.

Studies on the toxicity of cadmium to the three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus L

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pascoe, D.; Mattey, D.L.

1977-08-01

Cadmium was found to be lethal to sticklebacks at all concentrations from 100.0 to 0.001 mg Cd l/sup -1/, in water of 103-111 mg l/sup -1/ hardness as CaCO/sub 3/. The pattern of mortality as shown by the time-concentration curve suggests that toxicity is not due to a single mechanism but changes with concentration. Fish were found to accumulate cadmium, the whole body levels incrasing from 0.90 ..mu..g/g fresh weight at 0.001 mg Cd l/sup -1/ exposure concentration to 51.0 ..mu..g/g at 100 mg Cd l/sup -1/. The concentration factor was shown to decrease with increasing exposure concentration from 0.51 at 100 mg Cd l/sup -1/ to 511 at 0.001 mg Cd l/sup -1/. The plerocercoid parasite Schistocephalus solidus in the host's perivisceral cavity contained less cadmium than the tissues of its host.

An investigation of normal urine with a creatinine concentration under the cutoff of 20 mg/dL for specimen validity testing in a toxicology laboratory.

Science.gov (United States)

Holden, Brad; Guice, Erica A

2014-05-01

In clinical and forensic toxicology laboratories, one commonly used method for urine specimen validity testing is creatinine concentration. In this study, workplace guidelines are examined to determine their relevance to forensic and clinical toxicology samples. Specifically, it investigates the occurrence of urine creatinine concentrations under 20 mg/dL and notes potential issues with factors influencing creatinine concentration by utilizing a simple, novel method consisting of cation-paring high-pressure liquid chromatography in tandem with ultraviolet detection to determine the creatinine concentration in 3019 donors. Of the 4227 sample population in this study, 209 (4.94%) were below the cutoff value of 20 mg/dL for dilute urine. Because there are many factors that can influence the urinary creatinine concentration, samples that have creatinine under the 20 mg/dL cutoff do not always implicate sample adulteration. © 2014 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Creep behavior and threshold stress of an extruded Al-6Mg-2Sc-1Zr alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Deshmukh, S.P.; Mishra, R.S.; Kendig, K.L.

2004-01-01

Creep experiments were performed on extruded Al-6Mg-2Sc-1Zr (wt.%) alloy in a temperature range of 423-533 K. A threshold type creep behavior was measured and explained by observed dislocation-particle interactions. The experimental threshold stress values at various temperatures were compared with existing theoretical models. None of the available models could account for the decrease in threshold creep strength with increasing temperature

Malignant Mesothelioma Effusions Are Infiltrated by CD3+ T Cells Highly Expressing PD-L1 and the PD-L1+ Tumor Cells within These Effusions Are Susceptible to ADCC by the Anti-PD-L1 Antibody Avelumab.

Science.gov (United States)

Khanna, Swati; Thomas, Anish; Abate-Daga, Daniel; Zhang, Jingli; Morrow, Betsy; Steinberg, Seth M; Orlandi, Augusto; Ferroni, Patrizia; Schlom, Jeffrey; Guadagni, Fiorella; Hassan, Raffit

2016-11-01

The functional aspects of programmed death 1 (PD-1) and PD ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoints in malignant mesothelioma have not been studied. Tumor samples from 65 patients with mesothelioma were evaluated for PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry, and its prognostic significance was examined. Malignant effusions from patients with pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma were evaluated for PD-1-positive and PD-L1-positive infiltrating lymphocytes and their role in inducing PD-L1 expression in tumor cells. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of avelumab, a fully humanized immunoglobulin G1 anti PD-L1 antibody against primary mesothelioma cell lines, was evaluated in presence of autologous and allogeneic natural killer cells. Of 65 pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma tumors examined, 41 (63%) were PD-L1-positive, which was associated with slightly inferior overall survival compared to patients with PD-L1-negative tumors (median 23.0 versus 33.3 months, p = 0.35). The frequency of PD-L1 expression was similar in patients with pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, with 62% and 64% of samples testing positive, respectively. In nine mesothelioma effusion samples evaluated, the fraction of cells expressing PD-L1 ranged from 12% to 83%. In seven patients with paired malignant effusion and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples, PD-L1 expression was significantly higher on CD3-positive T cells present in malignant effusions as compared with PBMCs (p = 0.016). In addition, the numbers of CD14-positive PD-1-positive cells were increased in malignant effusions compared with PBMCs (p = 0.031). The lymphocytes present in malignant effusions recognized autologous tumor cells and induced interferon-γ-mediated PD-L1 expression on the tumor cell surface. Of the three primary mesothelioma cell lines tested, two were susceptible to avelumab-mediated ADCC in the presence of autologous natural killer cells. Most pleural as well as peritoneal mesotheliomas

Lead Poisoning at an Indoor Firing Range.

Science.gov (United States)

Kang, Kyung Wook; Park, Won Ju

2017-10-01

In March 2014, a 39-year-old Korean male presented with a 6-month history of various nonspecific symptoms including dizziness, fatigue, asthenia, irritability, elevated blood pressure, palpitation, eyestrain, and tinnitus. His occupational history revealed that he had been working as an indoor firing range manager for 13 months; therefore, he was subjected to a blood lead level (BLL) test. The test results showed a BLL of 64 μg/dL; hence, he was diagnosed with lead poisoning and immediately withdrawn from work. As evident from the workplace environmental monitoring, the level of lead exposure in the air exceeded its limit (0.015-0.387 mg/m³). He received chelation treatment with calcium-disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (1 g/day) for 5 days without any adverse effects. In the follow-up results after 2 months, the BLL had decreased to 9.7 μg/dL and the symptoms resolved. This report represents the first occupational case of lead poisoning in firing ranges in Korea, and this necessitates institutional management to prevent the recurrence of poisoning through this route. Workplace environmental monitoring should be implemented for indoor firing ranges, and the workers should undergo regularly scheduled special health examinations. In clinical practice, it is essential to question the patient about his occupational history. © 2017 The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences.

Study on anisotropy of n-type Mg3Sb2-based thermoelectric materials

Science.gov (United States)

Song, Shaowei; Mao, Jun; Shuai, Jing; Zhu, Hangtian; Ren, Zhensong; Saparamadu, Udara; Tang, Zhongjia; Wang, Bo; Ren, Zhifeng

2018-02-01

The recent discovery of a high thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) in an n-type Mg3Sb2-based Zintl phase triggered an intense research effort to pursue even higher ZT. Based on our previous report on Mg3.1Nb0.1Sb1.5Bi0.49Te0.01, we report here that partial texturing in the (001) plane is achieved by double hot pressing, which is further confirmed by the rocking curves of the (002) plane. The textured samples of Mg3.1Nb0.1Sb1.5Bi0.49Te0.01 show a much better average performance in the (00l) plane. Hall mobility is significantly improved to ˜105 cm2 V-1 s-1 at room temperature in the (00l) plane due to texturing, resulting in higher electrical conductivity, a higher power factor of ˜18 μW cm-1 K-2 at room temperature, and also higher average ZT. This work shows that texturing is good for higher thermoelectric performance, suggesting that single crystals of n-type Mg3Sb2-based Zintl compounds are worth pursuing.

Nonparametric inference from the M/G/1 workload

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hansen, Martin Bøgsted; Pitts, Susan M.

2006-01-01

Consider an M/G/1 queue with unknown service-time distribution and unknown traffic intensity ρ. Given systematically sampled observations of the workload, we construct estimators of ρ and of the service-time distribution function, and we study asymptotoic properties of these estimators....

Nonparametric inference from the M/G/1 workload

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hansen, Martin Bøgsted; Pitts, Susan M.

Consider an M/G/1 queue with unknown service-time distribution and unknown traffic intensity $\\rho$. Given systematically sampled observations of the workload, we construct estimators of $\\rho$ and of the service-time distribution function, and we study asymptotic properties of these estimators....

Micropropagation of Codiaeum variegatum (L.) Blume and regeneration induction via adventitious buds and somatic embryogenesis.

Science.gov (United States)

Radice, Silvia

2010-01-01

Codiaeum variegatum (L) Blume cv. "Corazon de oro" and cv. "Norma" are successfully micropropagated when culture are initiated with explants taken from newly sprouted shoots. The establishment and multiplication steps are possible when 1 mg/L BA or 1 mg/L IAA and 3 mg/L 2iP are added to MS medium, according to the cultivar respectively selected.Adventive organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis are induced from leaf explants taken from in vitro buds of croton. On leaf-sectioned of "Corazon de oro" cultured in vitro, 1 mg/L BA stimulates continuous somatic embryos development and induces some shoots too. Replacing BA with 1 mg/L TDZ induces up to 100% bud regeneration in the same explants. On the other hand, leaf-sectioned of C. variegatum cv. Norma does not start somatic embryo differentiation if 1 mg/L TDZ is not added to the MS basal medium. Incipient callus is observed after 30 days of culture, and then, subculture to MS with 1 mg/L BA allows the same process to show on the "Corazon de oro" cultivar. Somatic embryos show growth arrest that is partially overcome by transfer to hormone-free basal medium with activated charcoal. Root induction is possible on basal medium plus 1 mg/L IBA. Plantlets in the greenhouse have variegated leaves true-to-type.

Avelumab, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, in patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer: a phase 1b JAVELIN Solid Tumor study

OpenAIRE

Dirix, Luc Y.; Takacs, Istvan; Jerusalem, Guy; Nikolinakos, Petros; Arkenau, Hendrik-Tobias; Forero-Torres, Andres; Boccia, Ralph; Lippman, Marc E.; Somer, Robert; Smakal, Martin; Emens, Leisha A.; Hrinczenko, Borys; Edenfield, William; Gurtler, Jayne; von Heydebreck, Anja

2017-01-01

Purpose Agents targeting programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) or its ligand (PD-L1) have shown antitumor activity in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The aim of this study was to assess the activity of avelumab, a PD-L1 inhibitor, in patients with MBC. Methods In a phase 1 trial (JAVELIN Solid Tumor; NCT01772004), patients with MBC refractory to or progressing after standard-of-care therapy received avelumab intravenously 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks. Tumors were assessed every 6 week...

Structural and magnetic properties of Mg-Zn ferrites (Mg1−xZnxFe2O4) prepared by sol-gel method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Reyes-Rodríguez, Pamela Yajaira; Cortés-Hernández, Dora Alicia; Escobedo-Bocardo, José Concepción; Almanza-Robles, José Manuel; Sánchez-Fuentes, Héctor Javier; Jasso-Terán, Argentina; De León-Prado, Laura Elena; Méndez-Nonell, Juan; Hurtado-López, Gilberto Francisco

2017-01-01

In this study, the Mg 1−x Zn x Fe 2 O 4 nanoparticles (x=0–0.9) were prepared by sol-gel method. These ferrites exhibit an inverse spinel structure and the lattice parameter increases as the substitution of Zn 2+ ions is increased. At lower Zn content (0.1≤x≤0.5), saturation magnetization (Ms) increases, while it decreases at higher Zn content (x≥6). The remnant magnetization (0.17–2.0 emu/g) and coercive field (6.0–60 Oe) indicate a ferrimagnetic behavior. The average core diameter of selected ferrites is around 15 nm and the nanoparticles morphology is quasi spherical. The heating ability of some Mg 0.9 Zn 0.1 Fe 2 O 4 and Mg 0.7 Zn 0.3 Fe 2 O 4 aqueous suspensions indicates that the magnetic nanoparticles can increase the medium temperature up to 42 °C in a time less than 10 min - Highlights: • Magnetic nanoparticles of Mg 1−x Zn x Fe 2 O 4 were synthesized by sol-gel method. • Nanoparticles showing a single spinel crystalline structure were obtained. • Aqueous suspensions of Mg 0.7 Zn 0.3 Fe 2 O 4 and Mg 0.9 Zn 0.1 Fe 2 O 4 show heating ability.

In vitro plant regeneration from leaf explants of Solanum pimpinellifolium L.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Shirley Valderrama-Alfaro

2011-01-01

Full Text Available Tomato is a species of agricultural importance. Besides, it is a source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidant compounds. Therefore it is essential to obtain varieties resistant to diseases. Solanum pimpinellifolium L. ‘Tomatillo wild’, one of the wild relatives of tomato, is considered multipurpose reservoir of genes. This characteristic must be exploited. In vitro plantlets from leaves of ‘wild tomatillo’ were regenerated with this objective. A system for in vitro germination of seeds obtained from ex vitro sources was created. The use of seed allowed obtaining adequate seedlings in a short time to start regeneration. Thein vitro response of explants was evaluated in four treatments. The Murashige and Skoog (MS basal culture medium supplemented with a-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA and 6-benzyl aminopurine (BAP was used in different combinations. The higher percentage (30% of shoot induction was achieved with 0.1 mg l1 NAA / 1 mg l1 BAP. The presence of callus and roots was observed after seven days of culture in the combination treatment with 1 mg l1 NAA / 0.1 mg l1 BAP. Callus showed 1 or 2 adventitious shoots per explant after 30 days of culture and 3 to 6 shoots after seventy days. Furthermore, the presence of fully formed adventitious plantlets (shoot and root was observed after the fifth week of culture. Therefore, the best combination for in vitro regeneration is NAA 0.1 mg l1 / 1 mg l1 BAP. Keywords: auxin, cytokinins, indirect organogenesis

Isothermal (vapour + liquid) equilibrium for the binary {l_brace}1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (R134) + propane (R290){r_brace} and {l_brace}1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (R134) + isobutane (R600a){r_brace} systems

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dong Xueqiang [Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2711, Beijing 100190 (China); Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039 (China); Gong Maoqiong, E-mail: gongmq@mail.ipc.ac.c [Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2711, Beijing 100190 (China); Liu Junsheng [Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2711, Beijing 100190 (China); Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039 (China); Wu Jianfeng, E-mail: jfwu@mail.ipc.ac.c [Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2711, Beijing 100190 (China)

2010-09-15

(Vapour + liquid) equilibrium (VLE) data for the binary systems of {l_brace}1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (R134) + propane (R290){r_brace} and {l_brace}1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (R134) + isobutane (R600a){r_brace} were measured with a recirculation method at the temperatures ranging from (263.15 to 278.15) K and (268.15 to 288.15) K, respectively. All of the data were correlated by the Peng-Robinson (PR) equation of state (EoS) with the Huron-Vidal (HV) mixing rules utilizing the non-random two-liquid (NRTL) activity coefficient model. Good agreement can be found between the experimental data and the correlated results. Azeotropic behaviour can be found at the measured temperature ranges for these two mixtures.

Water quality and toxicity of river water downstream of the uranium mining facility at Pocos de Caldas, MG, Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lauria, Dejanira C.; Vascocnellos, Luisa M.H.; Simoes, Francisco F. Lamego; Clain, Almir F.; Scassiotti, Walter F.; Antunes, Ivan; Ferreira, Ana M.; Nascimento, Marcos R.L.

2009-01-01

The uranium mining site of Pocos de Caldas consists of open mine pit, tailings, waste rock dumps and an acid rock drainage problem, which has the potential to impact upon freshwater of the Ribeirao das Antas catchment. The high level of manganese (value of 1.8 mg/L) contained in the discharge water (DW) is an important factor affecting the water quality of the river (water quality criterion for aquatic life for Mn is 0.1 mg/L). Water quality criteria (WQC) are used for regulatory purpose and intended to define concentrations of chemicals in water that are protective of aquatic life and human health. WQC is a standard, although it is recognized that in some instances these criteria may be overprotective as metal bioavailability and hence toxicity is dependent on water chemistry. The toxicity assessment of WD was performed by bioassays with Daphnia similis and Ceriodaphnia dubia as bioindicators. As DW showed no toxicity to the organisms and the chemical analysis and dose assessments pointed U and Mn as the most important metals for water toxicity, the U and Mn toxicities were evaluated in the DW spiked with U and Mn. Acute uranium toxicity (48 h immobilisation test) for Daphnia similis was determined as a LC50 value (concentration that is toxic to 50% of test organisms) around 0.05-0.06 mg/L, value close to the one found for effects on reproduction, a 7 day LOEC (lowest observed effect concentration) of 0.062 mg/L for Ceriodaphnia dubia. The value of NOEC (no-observed effect concentration) for U was 0.03 mg U/L, which is higher than the concentration corresponded to the authorized dose limit for 238 U (0.004 mg/L) and higher than the uranium WQC (0.02 mg U/L). The manganese concentration in the DW is lower than the found value of LC50 (11.5 mg/L), LOEC (10 mg/L) and NOEC (5 mg Mn/L). (author)

Bioavailability of everolimus administered as a single 5 mg tablet versus five 1 mg tablets: a randomized, open-label, two-way crossover study of healthy volunteers.

Science.gov (United States)

Thudium, Karen; Gallo, Jorge; Bouillaud, Emmanuel; Sachs, Carolin; Eddy, Simantini; Cheung, Wing

2015-01-01

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor everolimus has a well-established pharmacokinetics profile. We conducted a randomized, single-center, open-label, two-sequence, two-period crossover study of healthy volunteers to assess the relative bioavailability of everolimus administered as one 5 mg tablet or five 1 mg tablets. Subjects were randomized 1:1 to receive everolimus dosed as one 5 mg tablet or as five 1 mg tablets on day 1, followed by a washout period on days 8-14 and then the opposite formulation on day 15. Blood sampling for pharmacokinetic evaluation was performed at prespecified time points, with 17 samples taken for each treatment period. Primary variables for evaluation of relative bioavailability were area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity (AUCinf) and maximum blood concentration (Cmax). Safety was assessed by reporting the incidence of adverse events (AEs). Twenty-two participants received everolimus as one 5 mg tablet followed by five 1 mg tablets (n=11) or the opposite sequence (n=11). The Cmax of five 1 mg tablets was 48% higher than that of one 5 mg tablet (geometric mean ratio, 1.48; 90% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-1.62). AUCinf was similar (geometric mean ratio, 1.08; 90% CI, 1.02-1.16), as were the extent of absorption and the distribution and elimination kinetics. AEs, all grade 1 or 2, were observed in 54.5% of subjects. Although the extent of absorption was similar, the Cmax of five 1 mg tablets was higher than that of one 5 mg tablet, suggesting these formulations lead to different peak blood concentrations and are not interchangeable at the dose tested.

Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Activities of Amaranthus cruentus L. and Amaranthus hybridus L. Extracts

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Jeanne F. Millogo

2012-06-01

Full Text Available This paper describes a preliminary assessment of the nutraceutical value of Amaranthus cruentus (A. cruentus and Amaranthus hybridus (A. hybridus, two food plant species found in Burkina Faso. Hydroacetonic (HAE, methanolic (ME, and aqueous extracts (AE from the aerial parts were screened for in vitro antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities. Phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, saponins and betalains. Hydroacetonic extracts have shown the most diversity for secondary metabolites. The TLC analyses of flavonoids from HAE extracts showed the presence of rutin and other unidentified compounds. The phenolic compound contents of the HAE, ME and AE extracts were determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method and ranged from 7.55 to 10.18 mg Gallic acid equivalent GAE/100 mg. Tannins, flavonoids, and flavonols ranged from 2.83 to 10.17 mg tannic acid equivalent (TAE/100 mg, 0.37 to 7.06 mg quercetin equivalent (QE /100 mg, and 0.09 to 1.31 mg QE/100 mg, respectively. The betacyanin contents were 40.42 and 6.35 mg Amaranthin Equivalent/100 g aerial parts (dry weight in A. cruentus and A. hybridus, respectively. Free-radical scavenging activity expressed as IC₅₀ (DPPH method and iron reducing power (FRAP method ranged from 56 to 423 µg/mL and from 2.26 to 2.56 mmol AAE/g, respectively. Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities of extracts of A. cruentus and A. hybridus were 3.18% and 38.22%, respectively. The A. hybridus extract showed the best antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibition activities. The results indicated that the phytochemical contents of the two species justify their traditional uses as nutraceutical food plants.

Parity violations in electron-nucleon scattering and the SU(2)sub(L)xSU(2)sub(R)xU(1)sub(L+R) electroweak symmetry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rajpoot, S.

1981-07-01

The SU(2)sub(L) x SU(2)sub(R) x U(1)sub(L+R) model of electroweak interactions is described with the most general gauge couplings gsub(L), gsub(R) and gsub(L+R). The case in which neutrino neutral current interactions are identical to the standard SU(2)sub(L) x U(1)sub(L+R) model is discussed in detail. It is shown that with the weak angle lying in the experimental range sin 2 thetaSUB(w)=0.23+-0.015 and 1 2 /gsub(R) 2 <3 it is possible to explain the amount of parity violation observed at SLAC and at the same time predict values of the ''weak charge'' in bismuth to lie in the range admitted by the controversal data from different experiments. (author)

Immobilization of lead in shooting range soils by means of cement, quicklime, and phosphate amendments.

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Cao, Xinde; Dermatas, Dimitris; Xu, Xuanfeng; Shen, Gang

2008-03-01

Lead (Pb) contamination at shooting range sites is increasingly under environmental concern. Controlling Pb leachability from shooting range soil media is an important step to minimize Pb exposure to the surrounding environment. This study investigated stabilization of Pb in shooting range soils treated with cement, quicklime, and phosphate. Two soils were used and collected from two shooting ranges, referred to as SR1 and SR2. The treatment additives were applied to the soils at rates from 2.5% to 10% (w/w). The effectiveness of each treatment was evaluated by Pb (w/w). The effectiveness of each treatment was evaluated by Pb leachability, measured by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). The possible mechanisms for Pb immobilization were elucidated using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). Cement and quicklime treatments were effective in immobilizing Pb in SR1 soil, with reduction of Pb concentration in TCLP leachate (TCLP-Pb) to be below the U.S. EPA non-hazardous regulatory limit of 5 mg L(-1) at application rates of > or =5% and 28-d incubation. By contrast, cement and quicklime amendments were less effective for Pb stabilization in SR2 soil because the TCLP-Pb levels in the treated soil were still higher than the limit of 5 mg L(-1) at all application rates, although they were significantly reduced in comparison with the untreated soil. Phosphate application was most effective in reducing Pb leach ing in both soils. Even at an application rate as low as 5% and 1-d incubation, phosphate could reduce TCLP-Pb to be below the limit of 5 mg L(-1) in both soils. Immobilization of Pb in the SR1 soil amended with cement and quicklime was attributed to the formation of pozzolanic minerals (e.g., calcium silicate hydrate C-S-H and ettringite) that could encapsulate soil Pb. The pozzolanic reaction was limited in the SR2 soil upon the application of cement and quicklime. Reduction of the TCLP-Pb might result from complexation of Pb on the surface of the

THE CONTENT OF POLYPHENOLS IN FRUIT OF HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY (VACCINIUM CORYMBOSUM L. RELATING TO DIFFERENT FERTILIZER APPLICATION

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Michal Medvecký

2015-02-01

Full Text Available Six varieties of high blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L. grown on a plantation of research station in Krivá, that is located in the northern part of Slovakia, was examined to determine the content of polyphenols in the fruit depending on the three variants of fertilization. The first variant was realized with the application of organic fertilization, second one with mineral fertilizers and third variant was left without fertilization. The content of total polyphenols (TP was determined spectrophotometrically using Folin-Ciocalteau reagent. The total polyphenol content ranged from 2522.90 mg.kg-1 to 4960.20 mg.kg-1 in the variant with organic fertilization. In the variant with mineral fertilization the total polyphenol content ranged from 2278.25 mg.kg-1 to 3350.23 mg.kg-1. In the variant without fertilization was concentration of total polyphenols from 2503.63 mg.kg-1 to 3790.48 mg.kg-1. Statistical evaluation of the results confirmed a very weak correlation between polyphenols and one variety of different fertilization on the level of significance (p <0.05. Statistically significant effect on the level of significance (p <0.05 in Tukey's test was confirmed at the Patriot variety of organic and mineral fertilization and the mineral fertilization and control variant.

Thermoluminescence studies of γ-irradiated ZnO:Mg"2"+ nanoparticles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pushpa, N.; Kokila, M.K.; Nagabhushana, K.R.

2016-01-01

Pure and Mg"2"+ doped ZnO nanoparticles are synthesized by solution combustion method. X-ray diffraction studies of the samples confirm hexagonal phase. Crystallite size is calculated using Scherer formula and found to be ∼30 nm for undoped ZnO and 34–38 nm for Mg"2"+ doped ZnO. A broad PL emission in the range 400–600 nm with peaks at 400, 450, 468, 483, 492, 517, 553 nm are observed in both pure and Mg"2"+ doped nanoparticles. Near band edge emission of ZnO is observed at 400 nm. The broad band emissions are due to surface defects. PL emission intensity is found to increase with Mg"2"+ concentration up to 1.5 mol% and then decreases due to concentration quenching. Samples are irradiated with γ-rays in a dose range 0.05–8 kGy. Gamma irradiation doesn’t affect PL properties. Undoped samples exhibit unstructured low intense TL glow with peak at 720 K. Whereas Mg"2"+ doped samples exhibit well structured TL glow curves with peak at ∼618 K. TL glow peak intensity of Mg"2"+ doped samples increases with Mg"2"+ concentration up to 2 mol%, thereafter decreases. TL curves of Mg"2"+ (2 mol%) doped ZnO exhibit two glows, a high intense peak at 618 K and a weak one with peak at ∼485 K. TL intensity of Mg"2"+ (2 mol%) doped ZnO samples increases with gamma dose up to 1 kGy and then decreases. Kinetic parameters of TL glows are calculated by deconvolution technique. Activation energy and frequency factor are found to be 1.5 eV and 3.38 × 10"1"1 s"−"1 respectively.

Evaluation of the Toxic Effect from Eupatorium Microphyllum L.F. (Asteraceae Extracts on Aedes Aegypti Larvae (Diptera: Culicidae in Laboratory Conditions

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Álvaro Rozo

2008-07-01

Full Text Available In the present work the toxic activity ofextracts of Eupatorium microphyllum L.F. wasevaluated on 4th instar larvae of the mosquitoAedes aegypti (Linneaus, under laboratoryconditions. Aqueous extracts were utilized inconcentrations of 500 mg L-1, 1,500 mg L-1 and2,500 mg L-1 and acetone in concentrations of10 mg L-1, 20 mg L-1, 30 mg L-1, 40 mg L-1and50 mg L-1. The bioassays were carried out fortriplicate each one with 20 larvae, exposedfor 24 hours to 150 mL of solution. In all thebioassays were employed control groups. Inthe evaluation of the acetone extracts, a negativecontrol was employed to avoid that themortality of the larvae to occur on account ofthe solvent. The Aqueous extracts showed lowmoderate action in the mortality of larvae, lessthan 20%. On the contrary, the action of theacetone extracts was observed to 10 and 20 mgL-1with 15% of mortality, while to 30 and 40mg L-1 were registered 22 to 38% of mortality.However, to 50 mg L-1 the mortality wasof 95.4% with highly significant statisticalresults. The concentrations of the acetone extractsshowed to be the most efficient for thecontrol of the mosquitoes selected. Both typesof extracts showed toxic effect in larvae of A.aegypti, nevertheless, greater effect in theacetone extracts was observed relating to theaqueous extracts of E. microphyllum, whichconstitutes a viable alternative in the search ofnew larvicides from composed natural.

Study on the secondary metabolic regulation of callus of Panax quinquefolium L

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Meiping; Wang Yi; Sun Chunyu; Li Xianggao

2003-01-01

The effects of precursors with different kind, concentration, growth phase, time and different ATP, nicotinic acid concentration on the callus growth and saponin formation with the buds of Panax quinquefolium L. has been studied. The results showed that 0.1% mevalonic acid inhibited the callus growth but promoted the saponin formation; L-leucine of 100 mg/L had no obvious effects on callus growth, but promoted the saponin formation; Mg(Ac) 2 of 444 mg/L promoted both the callus growth and saponin content. The optimum time for precursor feeding is at the beginning of regeneration. The optimum time for mevalonic acid is 6h; ATP of 160 mg/L promoted both the callus growth and saponin formation. Nicotinic acid of 1.0 mg/L promoted callus growth and saponin formation. With 4000 Gy of 60 Co γ-rays, the saponin content has been increased 1 time compared with nonirradiation

Composição química, atividade antibacteriana in vitro e toxicidade em Artemia salina do óleo essencial das inflorescências de Ocimum gratissimum L., Lamiaceae Chemical composition, antibacterial activity in vitro and brine-shrimp toxicity of the essential oil from inflorescences of Ocimum gratissimum L., Lamiaceae.

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Lenise L. Silva

2010-11-01

Full Text Available O óleo essencial das inflorescências de Ocimum gratissimum L., Lamiaceae foi obtido por hidrodestilação e analisado por CG/EM. Os constituintes majoritários identificados foram eugenol (81,94% e γ-muuroleno (12,58%. O óleo essencial das inflorescências demonstrou atividade antibacteriana frente a todas as cepas bacterianas testadas pelo método de microdiluição em caldo. Merece destaque a atividade verificada frente às cepas resistentes de Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli. Os valores obtidos de concentração inibitória mínima (CIM e a concentração bactericida mínima (CBM variaram, respectivamente, entre 0,5-2 mg/mL e 1-4 mg/mL. Valores de CL50 de 233,8 (200,7-272,0 µg/mL para o óleo essencial e 186,1 (144,1-228,5 µg/mL para o eugenol, utilizado como controle positivo, foram observados frente à Artemia salina L.The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation of the inflorescences of Ocimum gratissimum L. was analyzed by GC/MS. The main constituents were eugenol (81.94% and γ-muurolene (12.58%. Antibacterial activity was shown against all assayed strains by the broth microdilution method. It's worth noting the activity against resistant strains of Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC values ranged between 0.5-2 mg/mL and 1-4 mg/mL, respectively. Preliminary toxicity assayed by the brine-shrimp (Artemia salina L. test showed LC50 values of 233.8 (200.7 - 272.0 µg/mL and 186.1 (144.1 - 228.5 µg/mL, respectively for the essential oil and eugenol (positive control.

Elicitation of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) cell suspension culture for enhancement of inulin production and altered degree of polymerisation.

Science.gov (United States)

Ma, Chunquan; Zhou, Dong; Wang, Haitao; Han, Dongming; Wang, Yang; Yan, Xiufeng

2017-01-01

Plant cell suspension cultures have emerged as a potential source of secondary metabolites for food additives and pharmaceuticals. In this study inulin accumulation and its degree of polymerisation (DP) in the treated cells in the same medium were investigated after treatment with six types of elicitors. An in vitro cell suspension culture of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) was optimised by adding an extra nitrogen source. According to the growth kinetics, a maximum biomass of 5.48 g L -1 was obtained from the optimal cell suspension medium consisted of Murashige and Skoog basic medium (MS) + 1.0 mg L -1 α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) + 1.0 mg L -1 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) + 0.5 mg L -1 proline + 1.0 mg L -1 glutamine. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA, 250 µmol L -1 ) treatment for 15 days led to the highest levels of inulin (2955.27 ± 9.81 mg L -1 compared to control of 1217.46 ± 0.26 mg L -1 ). The elicited effect of five elicitors to the suspension cells of Jerusalem artichoke is as follows: AgNO 3 (Ag, 10 µmol L -1 ), salicylic acid (SA, 75 µmol L -1 ), chitosan (KJT, 40 mg L -1 ), Trichoderma viride (Tv, 90 mg L -1 ), yeast extract (YE, 0.25 mg L -1 ), and the corresponding content of inulin is increased by 2.05-, 1.93-, 1.76-, 1.44- and 1.18-fold compared to control, respectively. The obvious effect on the percentage of lower DP in inulin was observed in cells treated with 40 mg L -1 KJT, 0.25 mg L -1 YE and 10 µmol L -1 Ag. Among the six types of elicitors, the descending order of inulin content is MeJA > Ag > SA > KJT > Tv > YE. For the purpose inulin with lower DP and its application to prebiotic food, three elicitors, including KJT, YE and Ag, can be used for the elicitation. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Aplicação de métodos de calibração multivariada para a determinação simultânea de riboflavina (VB2, tiamina (VB1, piridoxina (VB6 e nicotinamida (VPP UV spectrophotrometry and chemometrics methods for simultaneous determinations of riboflavin (VB2, thiamine (VB1, pyridoxine (VB6 and nicotinamide (VPP

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Rosângela C. Barthus

2007-01-01

Full Text Available In this work, the artificial neural networks (ANN and partial least squares (PLS regression were applied to UV spectral data for quantitative determination of thiamin hydrochloride (VB1, riboflavin phosphate (VB2, pyridoxine hydrochloride (VB6 and nicotinamide (VPP in pharmaceutical samples. For calibration purposes, commercial samples in 0.2 mol L-1 acetate buffer (pH 4.0 were employed as standards. The concentration ranges used in the calibration step were: 0.1 - 7.5 mg L-1 for VB1, 0.1 - 3.0 mg L-1 for VB2, 0.1 - 3.0 mg L-1 for VB6 and 0.4 - 30.0 mg L-1 for VPP. From the results it is possible to verify that both methods can be successfully applied for these determinations. The similar error values were obtained by using neural network or PLS methods. The proposed methodology is simple, rapid and can be easily used in quality control laboratories.

Accumulation of lead (Pb) in brown trout (Salmo trutta) from a lake downstream a former shooting range.

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Mariussen, Espen; Heier, Lene Sørlie; Teien, Hans Christian; Pettersen, Marit Nandrup; Holth, Tor Fredrik; Salbu, Brit; Rosseland, Bjørn Olav

2017-01-01

An environmental survey was performed in Lake Kyrtjønn, a small lake within an abandoned shooting range in the south of Norway. In Lake Kyrtjønn the total water concentrations of Pb (14µg/L), Cu (6.1µg/L) and Sb (1.3µg/L) were elevated compared to the nearby reference Lake Stitjønn, where the total concentrations of Pb, Cu and Sb were 0.76, 1.8 and 0.12µg/L, respectively. Brown trout (Salmo trutta) from Lake Kyrtjønn had very high levels of Pb in bone (104mg/kg w.w.), kidney (161mg/kg w.w.) and the gills (137mg/kg d.w), and a strong inhibition of the ALA-D enzyme activity were observed in the blood (24% of control). Dry fertilized brown trout eggs were placed in the small outlet streams from Lake Kyrtjønn and the reference lake for 6 months, and the concentrations of Pb and Cu in eggs from the Lake Kyrtjønn stream were significantly higher than in eggs from the reference. More than 90% of Pb accumulated in the egg shell, whereas more than 80% of the Cu and Zn accumulated in the egg interior. Pb in the lake sediments was elevated in the upper 2-5cm layer (410-2700mg/kg d.w), and was predominantly associated with redox sensitive fractions (e.g., organic materials, hydroxides) indicating low potential mobility and bioavailability of the deposited Pb. Only minor amounts of Cu and Sb were deposited in the sediments. The present work showed that the adult brown trout, as well as fertilized eggs and alevins, may be subjected to increased stress due to chronic exposure to Pb, whereas exposure to Cu, Zn and Sb were of less importance. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Non-HDL Cholesterol is a More Superior Predictor of Small-Dense LDL Cholesterol than LDL Cholesterol in Japanese Subjects with TG Levels ＜400 mg/dL.

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Moriyama, Kengo; Takahashi, Eiko

2016-09-01

The Japan Atherosclerosis Society (JAS) guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of hyperlipidemia in Japanese adults recommend using low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) calculated by Friedewald formula (F_LDL-C) for subjects with triglyceride (TG) levels ＜400 mg/dL and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels for subjects with TG levels ≥400 mg/dL. Because small-dense LDL particles are more atherogenic than large LDL particles, we sought the better lipid parameter which was more reflective of the high small-dense LDL-C (sdLDL-C) levels in subjects with TG levels ＜400 mg/dL. This study included 769 Japanese subjects who met our inclusion criteria and underwent an annual health examination, including sdLDL-C analyses. The correlation coefficient of non-HDL-C for sdLDL-C (r=0.760) was significantly higher than that of F_LDL-C (r=0.601). The area under the curve (95% confidence interval) was 0.771 (0.731, 0.811) for F_LDL-C and 0.871 (0.842, 0.901) for non HDL-C, which showed significantly higher predictive value for more than fourth quartile value of sdLDL-C (46 mg/dL). The optimal cut-off point of non-HDL-C was 158 mg/dL. Even in subjects stratified by waist circumstance, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, TG, and F_LDL-C levels and non-HDL-C showed stronger relationships with sdLDL-C than F_LDL-C. Moreover, non-HDL-C showed a better relationship with sdLDL-C than total cholesterol (TC), TC/HDL-C, and non-HDL-C/HDL-C. Our data suggested that non-HDL-C is superior to F_LDL-C and one of the reliable surrogate lipid markers of sdLDL-C in Japanese subjects with TG levels ＜400 mg/dL.

Optimization of adventitious root culture for production of biomass and secondary metabolites in Prunella vulgaris L.

Science.gov (United States)

Fazal, Hina; Abbasi, Bilal Haider; Ahmad, Nisar

2014-11-01

Adventitious root cultures of Prunella vulgaris L. were established in shaking flask system for the production of biomass and secondary metabolites. Adventitious root cultures were induced from callus cultures obtained from leaf explants on solid Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing combination of 6-benzyladenine (BA; 1.0 mg l(-1)) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA; 1.5 mg l(-1)). Thereafter, 0.49 g inoculum was transferred to liquid MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of NAA (0.5-2.0 mg l(-1)). Growth kinetics of adventitious roots was recorded with an interval of 7 days for 49 days period. Highest biomass accumulation (2.13 g/l) was observed in liquid medium containing 1.0 mg l(-1) NAA after 21 days of inoculation. However, other concentrations of NAA also showed similar accumulation pattern but the biomass gradually decreases after 49 days of inoculation. Adventitious roots were collected and dried for investigation of total phenolics (TP), total flavonoids (TF), and antioxidant activities. Higher TPC (0.995 GAE mg/g-DRB) and TFC (6.615 RE mg/g-DRB) were observed in 0.5 mg l(-1) NAA treated cultures. In contrast, higher antioxidant activity (83.53 %) was observed 1.5 mg l(-1) NAA treated cultures. These results are helpful in up scaling of root cultures into bioreactor for secondary metabolites production.

Desarrollo de la formulación de la suspensión oral de ibuprofeno 100 mg/5 mL para uso pediátrico Development of formulation for oral suspension Ibuprofen 100 mg/5mL for pediatric use

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Nilia de la Paz Martín-Viaña

2009-08-01

Full Text Available Se empleó el método de prueba y error para el desarrollo de la formulación de la suspensión oral de ibuprofeno 100 mg/5 mL para uso pediátrico; se estudió su estabilidad químico-física por el método acelerado y de vida de estante; se envasó en frasco de vidrio ámbar por 120 mL y se almacenó a temperatura ambiente. Se realizó el estudio reológico y la determinación de la viscosidad aparente, además, se efectuó el estudio microbiológico a través de la prueba de efectividad de preservativo antimicrobiano y el conteo microbiano; se comprobó la seguridad del producto mediante el estudio toxicológico. Todos los resultados cumplieron con los límites de calidad establecidos en la literatura científica, USP 30, para este tipo de forma farmacéutica. Se concluye que el medicamento desarrollado está correctamente formulado, desde el punto de vista galénico con un tiempo de vida útil de 24 meses bajo las condiciones estudiadas.Authors used the test and error method to develop the formulation of Ibuprofen oral suspension (100 mg/5 mL for pediatric use. Its chemical-physic stability was studied through accelerated method and shelf life. It was bottled in amber glass small bottles by 120 mL, and it was stored at room temperature. A rheology study and assessment of apparent viscosity was made as well as a microbiologic one by test of effectiveness of antimicrobial preservative and the microbial count. Product safe was verified by toxicology study. All results fulfilled quality limits established in scientific literature, USP 30, for this type of pharmaceutical method. We conclude that drug developed is correctly formulated, from the doctoral point of view with a time of useful life of 24 months under study conditions.

The influence of different hormone concentration and combination on callus induction and regeneration of Rauwolfia serpentina L. Benth.

Science.gov (United States)

Salma, U; Rahman, M S M; Islam, S; Haque, N; Jubair, T A; Haque, A K M F; Mukti, I J

2008-06-15

The influence of media composition on callus induction and subsequent regeneration of Rauwolfia serpentina L. Benth has been studied. High frequency (96.43%) callus induction was obtained when nodal segments from in vitro raised shoots were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg L(-1) BA and 2.0 mg L(-1) NAA. The callus differentiated into adventitious shoots when it was subcultured on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg L(-1) BA with 0.2 mg L(-1) NAA. Regenerated shoots were best rooted on half-strength MS medium with 1.0 mg L(-1) each of IBA and IAA.

Variable-range hopping in 2D quasi-1D electronic systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Teber, S.

2005-12-01

A semi-phenomenological theory of variable-range hopping (VRH) is developed for two-dimensional (2D) quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) systems such as arrays of quantum wires in the Wigner crystal regime. The theory follows the phenomenology of Efros, Mott and Shklovskii allied with microscopic arguments. We first derive the Coulomb gap in the single-particle density of states, g(ε), where ε is the energy of the charge excitation. We then derive the main exponential dependence of the electron conductivity in the linear (L), i.e. σ(T) ∼ exp [-(T L /T) γL ], and current in the non-linear (NL), i.e. j(E) ∼ [-(E NL /E) γNL ], response regimes (E is the applied electric field). Due to the strong anisotropy of the system and its peculiar dielectric properties we show that unusual, with respect to known results, Coulomb gaps open followed by unusual VRH laws, i.e. with respect to the disorder-dependence of T L and E NL and the values of γ L and γ NL . (author)

Mg-lattice associations in red coralline algae

Science.gov (United States)

Kamenos, N. A.; Cusack, M.; Huthwelker, T.; Lagarde, P.; Scheibling, R. E.

2009-04-01

Recent investigations have shown red coralline algae to record ambient temperature in their calcite skeletons. Temperature recorded by variation in Mg concentrations within algal growth bands has sub-annual resolution and high accuracy. The conversion of Mg concentration to temperature is based on the assumption of Ca replacement by Mg within the algal calcite skeleton at higher temperatures. While Mg-temperature relationships in coralline algae have been calibrated for some species, the location of Mg within the calcite lattice remains unknown. Critically, if Mg is not a lattice component but associated with organic components this could lead to erroneous temperature records. Before coralline algae are used in large scale climate reconstructions it is therefore important to determine the location of Mg. Synchrotron Mg-X-ray absorbance near edge structure (XANES) indicates that Mg is associated with the calcite lattice in Lithothamnion glaciale (contemporary free-living, contemporary encrusting and sub-fossil free-living) and Phymatolithon calcareum (contemporary free-living) coralline algae. Mg is deposited within the calcite lattice in all seasons ( L. glaciale & P. calcareum) and thallus areas ( P. calcareum). These results suggest L. glaciale and P. calcareum are robust Mg-palaeotemperature proxies. We suggest that similar confirmation be obtained for Mg associations in other species of red coralline algae aiding our understanding of their role in climate reconstruction at large spatial scales.

Directed modification of L-LcLDH1, an L-lactate dehydrogenase from Lactobacillus casei, to improve its specific activity and catalytic efficiency towards phenylpyruvic acid.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Jian-Fang; Li, Xue-Qing; Liu, Yan; Yuan, Feng-Jiao; Zhang, Ting; Wu, Min-Chen; Zhang, Ji-Ru

2018-05-22

To improve the specific activity and catalytic efficiency of L-LcLDH1, an NADH-dependent allosteric L-lactate dehydrogenase from L. casei, towards phenylpyruvic acid (PPA), its directed modification was conducted based on the semi-rational design. The three variant genes, Lcldh1 Q88R , Lcldh1 I229A and Lcldh1 T235G , were constructed by whole-plasmid PCR as designed theoretically, and expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3), respectively. The purified mutant, L-LcLDH1 Q88R or L-LcLDH1 I229A , displayed the specific activity of 451.5 or 512.4 U/mg towards PPA, by which the asymmetric reduction of PPA afforded L-phenyllactic acid (PLA) with an enantiomeric excess (ee p ) more than 99%. Their catalytic efficiencies (k cat /K m ) without D-fructose-1,6-diphosphate (D-FDP) were 4.8- and 5.2-fold that of L-LcLDH1. Additionally, the k cat /K m values of L-LcLDH1 Q88R and L-LcLDH1 I229A with D-FDP were 168.4- and 8.5-fold higher than those of the same enzymes without D-FDP, respectively. The analysis of catalytic mechanisms by molecular docking (MD) simulation indicated that substituting I229 in L-LcLDH1 with Ala enlarges the space of substrate-binding pocket, and that the replacement of Q88 with Arg makes the inlet of pocket larger than that of L-LcLDH1. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Protozooplankton community in a region influenced by uranium mining (Caldas, MG, Brazil)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ronqui, Leilane B.; Roque, Claudio Vitor; Rodgher, Suzelei; Ferrari, Carla R.; Campos, Michelle B.; Nascimento, Marcos R.L.; Azevedo, Heliana de; Seleghim, Mirna H.R.

2009-01-01

In the months of Oct/2008 and Jan/2009 samples were collected for analysis of the protozooplanktonic community and physical and chemical variables in samples of water of the PM point and P41 point in the Antas Reservoir. The least values were verified of pH (Oct/08 = 4.10 and Jan/09 3.70) in samples of water of the PM point, when likened to the values detected in the P41 (Oct/08 = 7.20 and Jan/09 = 6.70). Elevated values of sulphate were detected in derived samples of water of the PM point (Oct/08 1832.0 mg.l -1 and Jan/09 = 1653.0 mg.l -1 ) when compared to those detected in the P41 point (Oct/08 = 386.7 mg.l -1 and Jan/09 = 7.42 mg.l -1 ). The composition of the protozooplanktonic community in samples of water of the PM point for the October presented less diversity of sorts when compared to the result obtained in sample of the P41 point, when three types registered only. The least average values of total density of the protozooplanktonic community took place in the PM point, where the highest values of concentration were verified for chemical parameters (hardness, sulphate, uranium and thorium), as well as, values of pH acid. Being so, the low values of cellular density and Diversity Index registered in the PM point, probably they were made a list to possible toxic effects of the chemical elements and radionuclides (uranium and thorium) presents in the in nature effluents of this uranium mine on the protozooplanktonic community verified. (author)

Turbulence, raindrops and the l{sup 1/2} number density law

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lovejoy, S [Department of Physics, McGill University, 3600 University street, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2T8 (Canada); Schertzer, D [Universite Paris-Est, ENPC/CEREVE, 77455 Marne-la-Vallee Cedex 2 (France)], E-mail: lovejoy@physics.mcgill.ca

2008-07-15

Using a unique data set of three-dimensional drop positions and masses (the HYDROP experiment), we show that the distribution of liquid water in rain displays a sharp transition between large scales which follow a passive scalar-like Corrsin-Obukhov (k{sup -5/3}) spectrum and a small-scale statistically homogeneous white noise regime. We argue that the transition scale l{sub c} is the critical scale where the mean Stokes number (= drop inertial time/turbulent eddy time) St{sub l} is unity. For five storms, we found l{sub c} in the range 45-75 cm with the corresponding dissipation scale St{sub {eta}} in the range 200-300. Since the mean interdrop distance was significantly smaller ({approx} 10 cm) than l{sub c} we infer that rain consists of 'patches' whose mean liquid water content is determined by turbulence with each patch being statistically homogeneous. For l>l{sub c}, we have St{sub l}<1 and due to the observed statistical homogeneity for l{sub c}, we argue that we can use Maxey's relations between drop and wind velocities at coarse grained resolution l{sub c}. From this, we derive equations for the number and mass densities (n and {rho}) and their variance fluxes ({psi} and {chi}). By showing that {chi} is dissipated at small scales (with l{sub {rho}}{sub ,diss}{approx}l{sub c}) and {psi} over a wide range, we conclude that {rho} should indeed follow Corrsin-Obukhov k{sup -5/3} spectra but that n should instead follow a k{sup -2} spectrum corresponding to fluctuations scaling as {delta}{rho}{approx}l{sup 1/3} and {delta}n{approx}l{sup 1/2}. While the Corrsin-Obukhov law has never been observed in rain before, its discovery is perhaps not surprising; in contrast the {delta}n{approx}l{sup 1/2} number density law is quite new. The key difference between the {delta}{rho}, {delta}n laws is the fact that the microphysics (coalescence, breakup) conserves drop mass, but not numbers of particles. This implies that the timescale for the transfer of the

Impact of Mg content on native point defects in MgxZn1−xO (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.56

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

J. Perkins

2015-06-01

Full Text Available We used depth-resolved cathodoluminescence spectroscopy and surface photovoltage spectroscopy to measure the densities, energy levels, and spatial distributions of zinc/magnesium cation and oxygen vacancies in isostructural, single-phase, non-polar MgxZn1−xO alloys over a wide (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.56 range. Within this wide range, both defect types exhibit strong Mg content-dependent surface segregation and pronounced bulk density minima corresponding to unit cell volume minima, which can inhibit defect formation due to electrostatic repulsion. Mg in ZnO significantly reduces native defect densities and their non-polar surface segregation, both major factors in carrier transport and doping of these oxide semiconductors.

Do L2 Writing Courses Affect the Improvement of L1 Writing Skills via Skills Transfer from L2 to L1?

Science.gov (United States)

Gonca, Altmisdort

2016-01-01

This study investigates the relationship of second language (L2) writing skills proficiency with the first language (L1) writing skills, in light of the language transfer. The study aims to analyze the positive effects of L2 writing proficiency on L1 writing proficiency. Forty native Turkish-speaking university students participated in the study.…

Effect of 2,4-D Levels and Tropical Maize Genotypes (Zea mays L

African Journals Online (AJOL)

LETA TULU BEDADA

) selection medium having 5 g/l mannose as selective agent. .... LS macro-and micro-salts, 1.5 mg/l 2,4-D, 1 g/l casein hydrolysate, 68.5 g/l sucrose, 36 g/l ... thiamine HCl, 2 mg/l glycine†; †Glycine is an amino acid but it was included in vitamin.

The M/G/1 queue with permanent customers

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Boxma, O.J.; Cohen, J.W.

1991-01-01

The authors examine an M/G/1 FCFS (first come, first served) queue with two types of customers: ordinary customers, who arrive according to a Poisson process, and permanent customers, who immediately return to the end of the queue after having received a service. The influence of the permanent

Compilation of hydrologic data for White Sands pupfish habitat and nonhabitat areas, northern Tularosa Basin, White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, 1911-2008

Science.gov (United States)

Naus, C.A.; Myers, R.G.; Saleh, D.K.; Myers, N.C.

2014-01-01

The White Sands pupfish (Cyprinodon tularosa), listed as threatened by the State of New Mexico and as a Federal species of concern, is endemic to the Tularosa Basin, New Mexico. Because water quality can affect pupfish and the environmental conditions of their habitat, a comprehensive compilation of hydrologic data for pupfish habitat and nonhabitat areas in the northern Tularosa Basin was undertaken by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with White Sands Missile Range. The four locations within the Tularosa Basin that are known pupfish habitat areas are the Salt Creek, Malpais Spring and Malpais Salt Marsh, Main Mound Spring, and Lost River habitat areas. Streamflow data from the Salt Creek near Tularosa streamflow-gaging station indicated that the average annual mean streamflow and average annual total streamflow for water years 1995–2008 were 1.35 cubic feet per second (ft3/s) and 983 acre-feet, respectively. Periods of no flow were observed in water years 2002 through 2006. Dissolved-solids concentrations in Salt Creek samples collected from 1911 through 2007 ranged from 2,290 to 66,700 milligrams per liter (mg/L). The average annual mean streamflow and average annual total streamflow at the Malpais Spring near Oscura streamflow-gaging station for water years 2003–8 were 6.81 ft3/s and 584 acre-feet, respectively. Dissolved-solids concentrations for 16 Malpais Spring samples ranged from 3,882 to 5,500 mg/L. Isotopic data for a Malpais Spring near Oscura water sample collected in 1982 indicated that the water was more than 27,900 years old. Streamflow from Main Mound Spring was estimated at 0.007 ft3/s in 1955 and 1957 and ranged from 0.02 to 0.07 ft3/s from 1996 to 2001. Dissolved-solids concentrations in samples collected between 1955 and 2007 ranged from an estimated 3,760 to 4,240 mg/L in the upper pond and 4,840 to 5,120 mg/L in the lower pond. Isotopic data for a Main Mound Spring water sample collected in 1982 indicated that the water was about

Evaluation of surface water quality in aquatic bodies under the influence of uranium mining (MG, Brazil).

Science.gov (United States)

Rodgher, Suzelei; de Azevedo, Heliana; Ferrari, Carla Rolim; Roque, Cláudio Vítor; Ronqui, Leilane Barbosa; de Campos, Michelle Burato; Nascimento, Marcos Roberto Lopes

2013-03-01

The quality of the water in a uranium-ore-mining area located in Caldas (Minas Gerais State, Brazil) and in a reservoir (Antas reservoir) that receives the neutralized acid solution leaching from the waste heaps generated by uranium mining was investigated. The samples were collected during four periods (October 2008, January, April and July 2009) from six sampling stations. Physical and chemical analyses were performed on the water samples, and the data obtained were compared with those of the Brazilian Environmental Standards and WHO standard. The water samples obtained from waste rock piles showed high uranium concentrations (5.62 mg L(-1)), high manganese values (75 mg L(-1)) and low average pH values (3.4). The evaluation of the water quality at the point considered the limit between the Ore Treatment Unit of the Brazilian Nuclear Industries and the environment (Consulta Creek) indicated contamination by fluoride, manganese, uranium and zinc. The Antas reservoir showed seasonal variations in water quality, with mean concentrations for fluoride (0.50 mg L(-1)), sulfate (16 mg L(-1)) and hardness (20 mg L(-1)) which were low in January, evidencing the effect of rainwater flowing into the system. The concentrations for fluoride, sulfate and manganese were close or above to the limits established by current legislation at the point where the treated mining effluent was discharged and downstream from this point. This study demonstrated that the effluent discharged by the UTM affected the quality of the water in the Antas reservoir, and thus the treatments currently used for effluent need to be reviewed.

Evaluación del efecto tóxico de extractos de Eupatorium microphyllum L.F. (Asteraceae) sobre larvas de Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) en condiciones de laboratorio

OpenAIRE

Bello, Felio J.; Rozo, Álvaro; Zapata, Cristina

2010-01-01

En el presente trabajo se evaluó la actividad tóxica de extractos de Eupatorium microphyllum L.F. sobre larvas de IV estadio del mosquito Aedes aegypti (Linneaus), bajo condiciones de laboratorio. Se utilizaron extractos acuosos en concentraciones del 500 mg L-1, 1.500 mg L-1 y 2.500 mg L-1 y acetónicos en concentraciones de 10 mg L-1, 20 mg L-1, 30 mg L-1, 40 mg L-1 y 50 mg L-1. Los bioensayos se realizaron por triplicado, cada uno con 20 larvas, expuestas durante 24 horas a 150 mL de soluci...

Accumulation, distribution and toxicological effects induced by chromium on the development of mangrove plant Kandelia candel (L. Druce

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kazi Shakila Islam

2009-04-01

Full Text Available A study was performed for investigating accumulation, distribution and toxicological effects induced by chromium (Cr on the development of the mangrove seedling Kandelia candel (L. Druce. Seedlings treated with increasing concentrations of CrCl3 solution (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 mg L-1, respectively were grown in a basic nutrient solution for three months. The five month old seedlings were harvested for the experiment. This study showed that Cr treatment significantly decreased growth of K. candel in terms of seedling height, leaf number and total biomass. At the highest 3 mg L-1 Cr exposure, there was a 34.47% decrease in final seedling height, 68.95% decrease in leaf number and a 60.65% decrease in total biomass. The present study demonstrates that Cr accumulation ability of K. candel seedlings increased with the increase of treatment strength up to certain level. The concentrations of Cr in root, hypocotyl, stem and leaf ranged from 22.87 to 1.43 mg kg-1, 1.30 to 0.68 mg kg-1, 2.42 to 0.91 mg kg-1, and 1.74 to 0.74 mg kg-1, respectively. When comparing Cr concentration in different plant parts with respect to their controls, the results showed that treated plant root bioaccumulated high amounts of Cr. Almost 80% of Cr was accumulated mainly in roots. The distribution pattern of Cr in K. candel was Root > Stem > Leaf > Hypocotyl. Our findings indicated that the high concentration of Cr supply may interfere with several metabolic processes of seedlings, causing toxicity to plants as exhibited by chlorosis, necrosis, and finally, plant death.

Cuscuta chinensis extract promotes osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Hyun Mo; Shin, Hyun-Kyung; Kang, Young-Hee; Kim, Jin-Kyung

2009-02-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the aqueous extract of To-Sa-Za (TSZ-AE), the seed of Cuscuta chinensis Lam., which is a traditional medicinal herb commonly used in Korea and other oriental countries, could induce osteogenic activity in human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells. TSZ-AE treatment mildly promoted the proliferation of MG-63 cells at doses of 500 and 1,000 microg/mL in the 24-hour culture period. Dose-dependent increases in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and collagen synthesis were shown at 48 and 72 hours of incubation. The release of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 but not osteocalcin in the MG-63 cells was induced by TSZ-AE at 72 hours (100-1,000 microg/mL). In addition, TSZ-AE markedly increased mRNA expression of ALP, collagen, and BMP-2 in the MG-63 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Mineralization in the culture of MG-63 cells was significantly induced at 500 and 1,000 microg/mL TSZ-AE treatment. In conclusion, this study shows that TSZ-AE enhanced ALP activity, collagen synthesis, BMP-2 expression, and mineralization in MG-63 cells. These results strongly suggest that C. chinensis can play an important role in osteoblastic bone formation and may possibly lead to the development of bone-forming drugs.

Phytoremediation potential of Cd and Zn by wetland plants, Colocasia esculenta L. Schott., Cyperus malaccensis Lam. and Typha angustifolia L. grown in hydroponics.

Science.gov (United States)

Chayapan, P; Kruatrachue, M; Meetam, M; Pokethitiyook, P

2015-09-01

Cadmium and zinc phytoremediation potential of wetland plants, Colocasia esculenta, Cyperus malaccensis, and Typha angustifolia, was investigated. Plants were grown for 15 days in nutrient solutions containing various concentrations of Cd (0, 5, 10, 20, 50 mg l(-1)) and Zn (0, 10, 20, 50, 100 mg l(-1)). T angustifolia was tolerant to both metals as indicated by high RGR when grown in 50 mg I(-1) Cd and 100 mg I(-1) Zn solutions. All these plants accumulated more metals in their underground parts and > 100 mg kg(-1) in their aboveground with TF values 10,000 mg kg(-1) in its aboveground parts with TF > 1. T angustifolia exhibited highest biomass production and highest Cd and Zn uptake, confirming that this plant is a suitable candidate for treating of Cd contaminated soil/sediments.

Establishment of Cell Suspension Culture and Plant Regeneration in Abrus precatorius L., a Rare Medicinal Plant

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mohammad Serajur RAHMAN

2012-02-01

Full Text Available A new protocol has been developed for cell culture and in vitro regeneration of Abrus precatorius that holds enormous potentiality for preparation of medicines. In vitro grown calli were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS liquid media in agitated condition fortified with 0.5 mg/l 6-Benzylaminopurine. Growth curve of cells revealed that the cells continued to grow until 12 days of culture and got the highest peak from day 6-8. Isolated cell was found to produce highest 8.2% calli when suspended on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l 6-Benzylaminopurine and 0.1 mg/l 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid. Callus derived from single cell produced highest number of embryo (25-28% cultured on MS medium fortified with 2.0 mg/l 6-Benzylaminopurine and 0.2 mg/l 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid. The bipolar embryos were selected and optimum shoot formation was recorded on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l 6-Benzylaminopurine and 0.1 mg/l 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid. The optimum root induction was noticed in MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l 3-Indolebutyric acid. Rooted plantlets were successfully transferred to potting soil and acclimatized to outdoor conditions.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and exercise-induced changes in subjects suspected of coronary artery disease

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Mouridsen, Mette Rauhe; Nielsen, Olav Wendelboe; Carlsen, Christian Malchau

2014-01-01

stenosis (n=41), compared with non-CAD-subjects (n=114), 2.93 mg/L (interquartile range 1.03-5.06 mg/L) and 1.30 mg/L (interquartile range 0.76-2.74 mg/L), respectively, P=0.007. In multivariate analyses testing conventional risk factors, hs-CRP proved borderline significant, odds ratio =2.32, P=0....... An increase in hs-CRP of 0.13 mg/L (interquartile range 0.05-0.24 mg/L) from baseline to 5 minutes after peak exercise was found (P

Carbon source dependent somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. cv. SVPR2 through suspension cultures.

Science.gov (United States)

Ganesan, M; Jayabalan, N

2005-10-01

Highly reproducible and simple protocol for cotton somatic embryogenesis is described here by using different concentrations of maltose, glucose, sucrose and fructose. Maltose (30 g/l) is the best carbon source for embryogenic callus induction and glucose (30 g/l) was suitable for induction, maturation of embryoids and plant regeneration. Creamy white embryogenic calli of hypocotyl explants were formed on medium containing MS basal salts, myo-inositol (100 mg/l), thiamine HCI (0.3 mg/l), picloram (0.3 mg/l), Kin (0.1 mg/l) and maltose (30 g/l). During embryo induction and maturation, accelerated growth was observed in liquid medium containing NH3NO4 (1 g/l), picloram (2.0 mg/l), 2 ip (0.2 mg/l), Kin (0.1 mg/l) and glucose (30 g/l). Before embryoid induction, large clumps of embryogenic tissue were formed. These tissues only produced viable embryoids. Completely matured somatic embryos were germinated successfully on the medium fortified with MS salts, myo-inositol (50 mg/l), thiamine HCl (0.2 mg/l), GA3 (0.2 mg/l), BA (1.0 mg/l) and glucose (30 g/l). Compared with earlier reports, 65% of somatic embryo germination was observed. The abnormal embryo formation was highly reduced by using glucose (30 g/l) compared to other carbon sources. The regenerated plantlets were fertile but smaller in height than the seed derived control plants.

Combination of the auxins NAA, IBA, and IAA with GA3 improves the commercial seed-tuber production of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under in vitro conditions.

Science.gov (United States)

Kumlay, Ahmet Metin

2014-01-01

The study compared the effects of 1.0 × MS medium containing various concentrations of α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), alone or in combination with gibberellic acid (GA3) in micropropagation of three potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars Pasinler, Granola, and Caspar using binodal stem cuttings. The results testified improved regeneration on 1.0 × MS medium containing variants of NAA, IAA, and IBA plus GA3 on all cultivars. The minimum days to shoot induction on three cultivars ranged 4.25-5 d on 1.0 × MS medium containing 0.25 mg L(-1) GA3 + 1 mg L(-1) NAA. The longest shoots (11.8 cm), maximum number of nodes (13.50), and maximum number of leaves (11.00) were recorded on cv. Caspar on 1.0 × MS medium containing 1 mg L(-1) NAA + 0.25 mg L(-1) GA3. The minimum time to root induction (12.25 d) was noted on cv. Pasinler on the same medium. All of the regenerated shoots could be easily rooted. The results showed that the combined effect of various concentrations of NAA, IAA, and IBA plus GA3 was more pronounced compared to the auxins used alone. The results of this research are of significant importance for potato breeders.

[Comparison of 1 mg/body and 3 mg/body of intravenous granisetron for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and adverse events in hematological malignancy patients].

Science.gov (United States)

Motohashi, Shinya; Hori, Katsuhito; Ono, Takaaki; Ohnishi, Kazunori; Kawakami, Junichi

2012-01-01

Granisetron is a selective 5-hydroxy tryptamine3 receptor antagonist and widely used for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Recommended dose of intravenous granisetron in the USA and Europe has been set at 0.01 mg/kg (1 mg/body) in the antiemetic treatment guidelines established by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and National Comprehension Cancer Network. In contrast, the approved dose in Japan is 0.04 mg/kg (3 mg/body). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compared 1 mg/body with 3 mg/body of intravenous granisetron for CINV had been reported in Japan. In these RCTs, however, hematological malignancy patients were excluded. We performed observational retrospective study to compare 1 mg/body with 3 mg/body of intravenous granisetron for the prevention of CINV and adverse events in hematological malignancy patients. Number of the patients and chemotherapy courses were 15 and 30 in the 1 mg/body group, and 15 and 27 in the 3 mg/body group, respectively. No nausea rates in the 1 and 3 mg/body group were 83% and 89% of courses, respectively. No vomiting rates in the 1 and 3 mg/body group were 97% and 100% of courses, respectively. The incidences of constipation in the 1 and 3 mg/body group were 34% and 45% of courses, respectively. Anaphylaxis and headache did not occur in both groups. Our findings suggested that 1 mg/body of intravenous granisetron can prevent from CINV in hematological malignancy patients, as well as 3 mg/body.

In vitro propagation of silybum marianum (l.) gaertn. and genetic fidelity assessment of micropropagated plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lv, Y.W.; Wamg, R.J.; Yang, Z.S.; Wang, Y.J.

2017-01-01

Silybum marianum (milk thistle), an annual and biennial herbaceous plant, has been used to treat liver disease for 2000 years. An efficient system for micropropagation from leaf explants of wild-grown S. marianum was successfully established and the genetic fidelity of micropropagated plants was assessed using PCR-based random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). The highest frequency (98.9%) of callus induction was obtained from explants cultivated for 4 weeks on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.5 mg l/sup -1/N6-Benzylaminopurine (BA) and 2.0 mg l/sup -1/ alpha-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The optimal medium for shoots organogenesis was MS supplemented with 3.0 mg l/sup -1/ Gibberellic acid (GA/sub 3/) and 1.0 mg l/sup -1/NAA, while shoot proliferation was accomplished in MS supplemented with 1.0 mg l/sup -1/BA and 0.3 mg l/sup -1/NAA. Rooting (94.5%) of these shoots was achieved after 4 weeks on 1/2 MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l/sup -1/ IBA. A total of 92% of the plants were surviving 6 weeks after transplantation of plantlets to soil. RAPD analysis revealed that the genetic fidelity between the parent and the In vitro-raised plantlets exhibited 100% similarity. This confirmed the true-to-type nature of the In vitro-raised clones. |(author)

Concentration effect on inter-mineral equilibrium isotope fractionation: insights from Mg and Ca isotopic systems

Science.gov (United States)

Huang, F.; Wang, W.; Zhou, C.; Kang, J.; Wu, Z.

2017-12-01

Many naturally occurring minerals, such as carbonate, garnet, pyroxene, and feldspar, are solid solutions with large variations in chemical compositions. Such variations may affect mineral structures and modify the chemical bonding environment around atoms, which further impacts the equilibrium isotope fractionation factors among minerals. Here we investigated the effects of Mg content on equilibrium Mg and Ca isotope fractionation among carbonates and Ca content on equilibrium Ca isotope fractionation between orthopyroxene (opx) and clinopyroxene (cpx) using first-principles calculations. Our results show that the average Mg-O bond length increases with decreasing Mg/(Mg+Ca) in calcite when it is greater than 1/48[1] and the average Ca-O bond length significantly decreases with decreasing Ca/(Ca+Mg+Fe) in opx when it ranges from 2/16 to 1/48[2]. Equilibrium isotope fractionation is mainly controlled by bond strengths, which could be measured by bond lengths. Thus, 103lnα26Mg/24Mg between dolomite and calcite dramatically increases with decreasing Mg/(Mg+Ca) in calcite [1] and it reaches a constant value when it is lower than 1/48. 103lnα44Ca/40Ca between opx and cpx significantly increases with decreasing Ca content in opx when Ca/(Ca+Mg+Fe) ranges from 2/16 to 1/48 [2]. If Ca/(Ca+Mg+Fe) is below 1/48, 103lnα44Ca/40Ca is not sensitive to Ca content. Based on our results, we conclude that the concentration effect on equilibrium isotope fractionation could be significant within a certain range of chemical composition of minerals, which should be a ubiquitous phenomenon in solid solution systems. [1] Wang, W., Qin, T., Zhou, C., Huang, S., Wu, Z., Huang, F., 2017. GCA 208, 185-197. [2] Feng, C., Qin, T., Huang, S., Wu, Z., Huang, F., 2014. GCA 143, 132-142.

Radiation effect in another culture rice (Oryza Sativa L.) variety Krispo-38

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Montepeque, R.; Molina, L.G.; Lopez, J.J.; Pazos, W.; Ramirez, J.

1993-01-01

Seeds of the rice variety Krispo-38 were irradiated with 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 Gray (Gy) and sown in the greenhouse. From each treatment, others containing uninucleate pollen grains were collected and cultured on a N6 agar medium with 5% sucrose concentration and supplemented with mg/l naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 1 mg/l kinetin and 1 mg/l 2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The pollen grains were induced to develop callus. The percentage of others that produced calli varied from 0.8 for the 400-Gy treatment to 3.3% for the control. The calli were transferred to N6 medium with 3% sucrose concentration, supplemented with 0.5 mg/l NAA and 1 mg/l kinetin. The percentage of calli that produced green plants varied from 1.9 for the 300-Gy treatment to 10.5 for the 200 Gy treatment. Plants developed in 2-5 weeks after callus transplant. A total of 101 green plants was obtained

Phylogeography of the common shrimp, Crangon crangon (L.) across its distribution range

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Luttikhuizen, P.C.; Campos, J.; van Bleijswijk, J.; Peijnenburg, K.T.C.A.; van der Veer, H.W.

2008-01-01

The common or brown shrimp Crangon crangon (L.) is a highly abundant and important taxon, both ecologically and commercially, yet knowledge on its population structure and historical biogeography is limited. We studied population genetic structure across the distribution range of this species by

Counter-current acid leaching process for the removal of Cu, Pb, Sb and Zn from shooting range soil.

Science.gov (United States)

Lafond, Stéphanie; Blais, Jean-François; Mercier, Guy; Martel, Richard

2013-01-01

This research explores the performance of a counter-current leaching process (CCLP) for Cu, Pb, Sb and Zn extraction in a polluted shooting range soil. The initial metal concentrations in the soil were 1790 mg Cu/kg, 48,300 mg Pb/kg, 840 mg Sb/kg and 368 mg Zn/kg. The leaching process consisted of five one-hour acid leaching steps, which used 1 M H2SO4 + 4 M NaCl (20 degrees C, soil suspension = 100 g/L) followed by two water rinsing steps. Ten counter-current remediation cycles were completed and the average metal removal yields were 98.3 +/- 0.3% of Cu, 99.5 +/- 0.1% of Pb, 75.5 +/- 5.1% of Sb and 29.1 +/- 27.2% of Zn. The quality of metal leaching did not deteriorate throughout the 10 remediation cycles completed for this study. The CCLP reduced acid and salt use by approximately 68% and reduced water consumption by approximately 60%, exceeding reductions achieved by a standard acid leaching process.

Preparation and characterisation of Os doped MgB{sub 2}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Grivel, J.-C., E-mail: jean@dtu.dk; Namazkar, S.; Alexiou, A.; Holte, O.J.

2014-12-15

Highlights: • Polycrystalline osmium doped MgB{sub 2} samples were prepared by solid state route. • Up to 1 at.% Mg can be replaced by Os in the MgB{sub 2} lattice. • T{sub c} decreases at a rate of 2.1 K/at.% Os upon doping. - Abstract: Polycrystalline samples with Mg{sub 1−x}Os{sub x}B{sub 2.04} nominal stoichiometry were made by reacting elemental powders at 800 °C under argon atmosphere. Based on XRD diffraction patterns, EDS analysis and magnetisation measurements, it is found that Os can replace up to about 1 at.% Mg in the MgB{sub 2} lattice. Beyond this doping level, unreacted Os and Mg-rich Mg–Os impurity phases are formed. The a-axis parameter contracts upon doping while the superconducting transition temperature decreases at a rate of 2.1 K/at.% Os substitution. At 10 K, Os doping induces an improvement of the normalised critical current density under applied magnetic fields in excess of 0.5 T, indicating a modest enhancement of flux pinning in this range.

Epitaxial growth of bcc-FexCo100-x thin films on MgO(1 1 0) single-crystal substrates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ohtake, Mitsuru; Nishiyama, Tsutomu; Shikada, Kouhei; Kirino, Fumiyoshi; Futamoto, Masaaki

2010-01-01

Fe x Co 100-x (x=100, 65, 50 at%) epitaxial thin films were prepared on MgO(1 1 0) single-crystal substrates heated at 300 deg. C by ultra-high vacuum molecular beam epitaxy. The film structure and the growth mechanism are discussed. FeCo(2 1 1) films with bcc structure grow epitaxially on MgO(1 1 0) substrates with two types of variants whose orientations are rotated around the film normal by 180 deg. each other for all compositions. Fe x Co 100-x film growth follows the Volmer Weber mode. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates the out-of-plane and the in-plane lattice spacings are in agreement with the values of respective bulk Fe x Co 100-x crystals with very small errors less than ±0.4%, suggesting the strains in the films are very small. High-resolution cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy shows that periodical misfit dislocations are preferentially introduced in the film at the Fe 50 Co 50 /MgO interface along the MgO[1 1-bar 0] direction. The presence of such periodical dislocations decreases the large lattice mismatch of about -17% existing at the FeCo/MgO interface along the MgO[1 1-bar 0] direction.

English Language Learners' Nonword Repetition Performance: The Influence of Age, L2 Vocabulary Size, Length of L2 Exposure, and L1 Phonology.

Science.gov (United States)

Duncan, Tamara Sorenson; Paradis, Johanne

2016-02-01

This study examined individual differences in English language learners' (ELLs) nonword repetition (NWR) accuracy, focusing on the effects of age, English vocabulary size, length of exposure to English, and first-language (L1) phonology. Participants were 75 typically developing ELLs (mean age 5;8 [years;months]) whose exposure to English began on average at age 4;4. Children spoke either a Chinese language or South Asian language as an L1 and were given English standardized tests for NWR and receptive vocabulary. Although the majority of ELLs scored within or above the monolingual normal range (71%), 29% scored below. Mixed logistic regression modeling revealed that a larger English vocabulary, longer English exposure, South Asian L1, and older age all had significant and positive effects on ELLs' NWR accuracy. Error analyses revealed the following L1 effect: onset consonants were produced more accurately than codas overall, but this effect was stronger for the Chinese group whose L1s have a more limited coda inventory compared with English. ELLs' NWR performance is influenced by a number of factors. Consideration of these factors is important in deciding whether monolingual norm referencing is appropriate for ELL children.

Helical magnetic axis configuration combined with l = 1 and weak l = -1 torsatron fields

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kikuchi, Hitoshi; Saito, Katsunori; Gesso, Hirokazu; Shiina, Shoichi

1989-01-01

The superposition of a relatively weak l = -1 torsatron field on a main l = 1 torsatron field leads to the improvement of the confinement properties due to the formation of a local magnetic well, which results from the local curvature of the helical magnetic axis with a larger excursion in the major radius direction. This l±1 helical magnetic axis system has a comparatively simple, compact coil structure. Here the vacuum configuration properties of l = ±1 system are described. (author)

Microstructure, biocorrosion and cytotoxicity evaluations of rapid solidified Mg-3Ca alloy ribbons as a biodegradable material

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gu, X N; Zhou, W R; Zheng, Y F; Li, X L; Cheng, Y

2010-01-01

Rapidly solidified (RS) Mg-3Ca alloy ribbons were prepared by the melt-spinning technique at different wheel rotating speeds (15 m s -1 , 30 m s -1 and 45 m s -1 ) with the as-cast Mg-3Ca alloy ingot as a raw material. The RS45 Mg-3Ca alloy ribbon showed a much more fine grain size feature (approximately 200-500 nm) in comparison to the coarse grain size (50-100 μm) of the original as-cast Mg-3Ca alloy ingot. The corrosion electrochemical tests in simulated body fluid indicated that the corrosion rate of the as-cast Mg-3Ca alloy was strongly reduced by the RS procedure and tended to be further decreased with increasing wheel rotating speeds (1.43 mm yr -1 for RS15, 0.94 mm yr -1 for RS30 and 0.36 mm yr -1 for RS45). The RS Mg-3Ca alloy ribbons showed more uniform corrosion morphology compared with the as-cast Mg-3Ca alloy after polarization. The cytotoxicity evaluation revealed that the three experimental as-spun Mg-3Ca alloy ribbon extracts did not induce toxicity to the L-929 cells, whereas the as-cast Mg-3Ca alloy ingot extract did. The L-929 cells showed more improved adhesion on the surfaces of the three as-spun Mg-3Ca alloy ribbons than that of the as-cast Mg-3Ca alloy ingot.

Integral data test of HENDL1.0/MG and visualBUS with neutronics shielding experiments. Pt.1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gao Chunjing; Deng Tieru; Xu Dezheng; Li Jingjing; Wu Yican

2004-01-01

HENDL1.0/MG, a multi-group working library of the Hybrid Evaluated Nuclear Data Library, was home-developed by the FDS Team of ASIPP (Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences) on the basis of several national data libraries. To validate and qualify the process of producing HENDL1.0/MG, simulating calculations of a series of existent spherical shell benchmark experiments (Al, Mo, Co, Ti, Mn, W, Be and V) have been performed with HENDL1.0/MG and the multifunctional neutronics code system named VisualBUS home-developed also by FDS Team. (authors)

Lunar and Lagrangian Point L1 L2 CubeSat Communication and Navigation Considerations

Science.gov (United States)

Schaire, Scott; Wong, Yen F.; Altunc, Serhat; Bussey, George; Shelton, Marta; Folta, Dave; Gramling, Cheryl; Celeste, Peter; Anderson, Mile; Perrotto, Trish;

Conductivity, XRD, and FTIR studies of New Mg2+-ion-conducting solid polymer electrolytes: [PEG: Mg(CH3COO)2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Polu, Anji Reddy; Kumar, Ranveer; Causin, Valerio; Neppalli, Ramesh

2011-01-01

Solid polymer electrolytes based on poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) doped with Mg(CH 3 COO) 2 have been prepared by using the solution-casting method. The X-ray diffraction patterns of PEG with Mg(CH 3 COO) 2 salt indicated a decrease in the degree of crystallinity with increasing concentration of the salt. The complexation of Mg(CH 3 COO) 2 salt with the polymer was confirmed by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies. The ionic conductivity was measured for the [PEG: Mg(CH 3 COO) 2 ] system in the frequency range 50 Hz - 1 MHz. The addition of Mg salt was found to improve the ionic conductivity significantly. The 15-wt-% Mg(CH 3 COO) 2 -doped system had a maximum conductivity of 1.07 x 10 -6 S/cm at 303 K. The conductance spectrum shows two distinct regions: a dc plateau and a dispersive region. The temperature dependence of the ionic conductivity reveals the conduction mechanism to be an Arrhenius-type thermally activated process.

Tackling Cancer Resistance by Immunotherapy: Updated Clinical Impact and Safety of PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Shifaa M. Abdin

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Cancer therapy has been constantly evolving with the hope of finding the most effective agents with the least toxic effects to eradicate tumors. Cancer immunotherapy is currently among the most promising options, fulfilling this hope in a wide range of tumors. Immunotherapy aims to activate immunity to fight cancer in a very specific and targeted manner; however, some abnormal immune reactions known as immune-related adverse events (IRAEs might occur. Therefore, many researchers are aiming to define the most proper protocols for managing these complications without interfering with the anticancer effect. One of these targeted approaches is the inhibition of the interaction between the checkpoint protein, programmed death-receptor 1 (PD-1, and its ligand, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1, via a class of antibodies known as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. These antibodies achieved prodigious success in a wide range of malignancies, including those where optimal treatment is not yet fully identified. In this review, we have critically explored and discussed the outcome of the latest PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitor studies in different malignancies compared to standard chemotherapeutic alternatives with a special focus on the clinical efficacy and safety. The approval of the clinical applications of nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, avelumab, and durvalumab in the last few years clearly highlights the hopeful future of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors for cancer patients. These promising results of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have encouraged many ongoing preclinical and clinical trials to explore the extent of antitumor activity, clinical efficacy and safety as well as to extend their applications.

Tackling Cancer Resistance by Immunotherapy: Updated Clinical Impact and Safety of PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors.

Science.gov (United States)

Abdin, Shifaa M; Zaher, Dana M; Arafa, El-Shaimaa A; Omar, Hany A

2018-01-25

Cancer therapy has been constantly evolving with the hope of finding the most effective agents with the least toxic effects to eradicate tumors. Cancer immunotherapy is currently among the most promising options, fulfilling this hope in a wide range of tumors. Immunotherapy aims to activate immunity to fight cancer in a very specific and targeted manner; however, some abnormal immune reactions known as immune-related adverse events (IRAEs) might occur. Therefore, many researchers are aiming to define the most proper protocols for managing these complications without interfering with the anticancer effect. One of these targeted approaches is the inhibition of the interaction between the checkpoint protein, programmed death-receptor 1 (PD-1), and its ligand, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), via a class of antibodies known as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. These antibodies achieved prodigious success in a wide range of malignancies, including those where optimal treatment is not yet fully identified. In this review, we have critically explored and discussed the outcome of the latest PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitor studies in different malignancies compared to standard chemotherapeutic alternatives with a special focus on the clinical efficacy and safety. The approval of the clinical applications of nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, avelumab, and durvalumab in the last few years clearly highlights the hopeful future of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors for cancer patients. These promising results of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have encouraged many ongoing preclinical and clinical trials to explore the extent of antitumor activity, clinical efficacy and safety as well as to extend their applications.

Transesterification of palm oil on K{sub y}Mg{sub 1} {sub -} {sub x}Zn{sub 1} {sub +} {sub x}O{sub 3} catalyst: Effect of Mg-Zn interaction

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Olutoye, M.A.; Hameed, B.H. [School of Chemical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang (Malaysia)

2010-06-15

The Mg-Zn interaction effect of K{sub y}Mg{sub 1} {sub -} {sub x}Zn{sub 1} {sub +} {sub x}O{sub 3} heterogeneous type catalyst and its performance on transesterification of palm oil have been studied using the response surface methodology and the factorial design of experiments. The catalyst was synthesized using the co-precipitation method and the activity was assessed by transesterification of palm oil into fatty acid methyl esters. The ratio of the Mg/Zn metal interaction, temperature and time of calcination were found to have positive influence on the conversion of palm oil to fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) with the effect of metal to metal ratio and temperature of calcination being more significant. The catalytic activity was found to decrease at higher calcination temperature and the catalyst type K{sub 2}Mg{sub 0.34}Zn{sub 1.66}O{sub 3} with Mg/Zn ratio of 4.81 gave FAME content of 73% at a catalyst loading of 1.404 wt.% of oil with molar ratio of methanol to oil being 6:1 at temperature of 150 C in 6 h. A regression model was obtained to predict conversions to methyl esters as a function of metal interaction ratio, temperature of calcination and time. The observed activity of the synthesized catalyst was due to its synergetic structure and composition. (author)

LOW Mg/Si PLANETARY HOST STARS AND THEIR Mg-DEPLETED TERRESTRIAL PLANETS

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Carter-Bond, Jade C.; O' Brien, David P. [Planetary Science Institute, 1700 E. Fort Lowell, Tucson, AZ 85719 (United States); Delgado Mena, Elisa; Israelian, Garik; Gonzalez Hernandez, Jonay I. [Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias, 38200 La Laguna, Tenerife (Spain); Santos, Nuno C., E-mail: j.bond@unsw.edu.au [Centro de Astrofisica, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Estrelas, 4150-762 Porto (Portugal)

2012-03-15

Simulations have shown that a diverse range of extrasolar terrestrial planet bulk compositions are likely to exist based on the observed variations in host star elemental abundances. Based on recent studies, it is expected that a significant proportion of host stars may have Mg/Si ratios below 1. Here we examine this previously neglected group of systems. Planets simulated as forming within these systems are found to be Mg-depleted (compared to Earth), consisting of silicate species such as pyroxene and various feldspars. Planetary carbon abundances also vary in accordance with the host star C/O ratio. The predicted abundances are in keeping with observations of polluted white dwarfs, lending validity to this approach. Further studies are required to determine the full planetary impacts of the bulk compositions predicted here.

Diagnose nutricional de cafeeiros da região do Alto Jequitinhonha (MG: normas dris e faixas críticas de nutrientes Nutritional diagnosis of coffee plantations in the Upper Jequitinhonha Valley, Minas Gerais State, Brazil: dris norms and critical nutrient ranges

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Múcio Mágno de Melo Farnezi

2009-08-01

, have not been established yet. The lack of these norms hinders the application of the DRIS to the coffee plantations in the region. The foliar diagnosis, based on the DRIS and on critical reference ranges, stands out among the tools that allow an efficient use of fertilizers. This study aimed to determine DRIS norms as well as to establish values of the critical nutrient ranges of reference for the nutritional diagnosis of coffee in the Upper Jequitinhonha Valley, by the DRIS. The foliar concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in 52 coffee plantations were determined in two cropping years (2005 and 2006. To establish DRIS norms 23 plantations were chosen, with yields higher than or equal to 30 sacks of coffee grain per hectare in each harvest. The critical nutrient ranges for the DRIS were obtaind by determinig the frequency with which each nutrient content of the plantations in two harvests was deficient, adequate or excessive according to the cited standards and sufficiency ranges reported in the literature. The DRIS norms were established for coffee in the region of the Upper Jequitinhonha Valley and used to propose appropriate critical ranges. For this purpose, the following values were proposed: for N (2.25-2.79 kg dag-1, P (0.18-0.22 kg dag-1, K (1.72-2.10 kg dag-1, Ca (1.26-1.51 kg dag-1, Mg (0.29-0.35 kg dag-1, S (0.13-0.32 kg dag-1, B (83.8-96.3 mg kg-1, Cu (5.7-9.3 mg kg-1, Fe (67.5 - 116.2 mg kg-1, Mn (219-422 mg kg-1, and for Zn (17.4-30.0 mg kg-1. In regional coffee plantations with inadequate nutrition deficiencies of P, K, S, B, Cu, Mn, and Zn were observed as well as excessive contents of Ca, Mg and Fe.

Microstructure and properties of Mg-Al binary alloys

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

ZHENG Wei-chao

2006-11-01

Full Text Available The effects of different amounts of added Al, ranging from 1 % to 9 %, on the microstructure and properties of Mg-Al binary alloys were investigated. The results showed that when the amount of added Al is less than 5%, the grain size of the Mg-Al binary alloys decreases dramatically from 3 097 μm to 151 μm with increasing addition of Al. Further addition of Al up to 9% makes the grain size decrease slowly to 111 μm. The α-Mg dendrite arms are also refined. Increasing the amount of added Al decreases the hot cracking susceptibility of the Mg-Al binary alloys remarkably, and enhances the micro-hardness of the α-Mg matrix.

The Oncolytic Virus MG1 Targets and Eliminates Cells Latently Infected With HIV-1: Implications for an HIV Cure.

Science.gov (United States)

Ranganath, Nischal; Sandstrom, Teslin S; Burke Schinkel, Stephanie C; Côté, Sandra C; Angel, Jonathan B

2018-02-14

Cells latently infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) evade immune- and drug-mediated clearance. These cells harbor intracellular signaling defects, including impairment of the antiviral type I interferon response. Such defects have also been observed in several cancers and have been exploited for the development of therapeutic oncolytic viruses, including the recombinant Maraba virus (MG1). We therefore hypothesized that MG1 would infect and eliminate cells latently infected with HIV-1, while sparing healthy uninfected cells. Preferential infection and elimination by MG1 was first demonstrated in cell lines latently infected with HIV-1. Following this, a reduction in HIV-1 DNA and inducible HIV-1 replication was observed following MG1 infection of latently infected, resting CD4+ T cells generated using an in vitro model of latency. Last, MG1 infection resulted in a reduction in HIV-1 DNA and inducible HIV-1 replication in memory CD4+ T cells isolated from effectively treated, HIV-1-infected individuals. Our results therefore highlight a novel approach to eliminate the latent HIV-1 reservoir. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

The GH51 α-l-arabinofuranosidase from Paenibacillus sp. THS1 is multifunctional, hydrolyzing main-chain and side-chain glycosidic bonds in heteroxylans.

Science.gov (United States)

Bouraoui, Hanen; Desrousseaux, Marie-Laure; Ioannou, Eleni; Alvira, Pablo; Manaï, Mohamed; Rémond, Caroline; Dumon, Claire; Fernandez-Fuentes, Narcis; O'Donohue, Michael J

2016-01-01

Conceptually, multi-functional enzymes are attractive because in the case of complex polymer hydrolysis having two or more activities defined by a single enzyme offers the possibility of synergy and reduced enzyme cocktail complexity. Nevertheless, multi-functional enzymes are quite rare and are generally multi-domain assemblies with each activity being defined by a separate protein module. However, a recent report described a GH51 arabinofuranosidase from Alicyclobacillus sp. A4 that displays both α-l-arabinofuranosidase and β-d-xylanase activities, which are defined by a single active site. Following on from this, we describe in detail another multi-functional GH51 arabinofuranosidase and discuss the molecular basis of multifunctionality. THSAbf is a GH51 α-l-arabinofuranosidase. Characterization revealed that THSAbf is active up to 75 °C, stable at 60 °C and active over a broad pH range (4-7). THSAbf preferentially releases para-nitrophenyl from the l-arabinofuranoside (k cat/K M = 1050 s(-1) mM(-1)) and to some extent from d-galactofuranoside and d-xyloside. THSAbf is active on 4-O-methylglucuronoxylans from birch and beechwood (10.8 and 14.4 U mg(-1), respectively) and on sugar beet branched and linear arabinans (1.1 ± 0.24 and 1.8 ± 0.1 U mg(-1)). Further investigation revealed that like the Alicyclobacillus sp. A4 α-l-arabinofuranosidase, THSAbf also displays endo-xylanase activity, cleaving β-1,4 bonds in heteroxylans. The optimum pH for THASAbf activity is substrate dependent, but ablation of the catalytic nucleophile caused a general loss of activity, indicating the involvement of a single active center. Combining the α-l-arabinofuranosidase with a GH11 endoxylanase did not procure synergy. The molecular modeling of THSAbf revealed a wide active site cleft and clues to explain multi-functionality. The discovery of single active site, multifunctional enzymes such as THSAbf opens up exciting avenues for enzyme engineering and the