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Maximum Velocity (maximum + velocity)
Selected AbstractsKinetic studies on aminopeptidase M-mediated degradation of human hemorphin LVV-H7 and its N -terminally truncated productsJOURNAL OF PEPTIDE SCIENCE, Issue 7 2008Harald John Abstract The human hemorphin LVV-H7 belongs to the class of µ-opiod receptor-binding peptides, which also exhibits significant affinity to insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) thereby affecting IRAP inhibition. The inhibitory potency towards IRAP is of pharmaceutical interest for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Consecutive N -terminal cleavage of the first two amino acid residues of LVV-H7 affects a drastic increase of the binding affinity (V-H7) but ultimately leads to its complete abolition after cleavage of the next amino acid residue (H7). Therefore, we investigated LVV-H7 truncation by aminopeptidase M (AP-M) identified as a LVV-H7 degrading enzyme potentially regulating hemorphin activity towards IRAP in vivo. Using a selective quantitative multi-component capillary zone electrophoretic method (CZE-UV), we analyzed the AP-M-mediated subsequent proteolysis of the hemorphins LVV-H7 (L32 -F41), VV-H7 (V33 -F41), and V-H7 (V34 -F41) in vitro. Incubations were carried out with synthetic hemorphins applied as single substrates or in combination. Maximum velocities (Vmax), catalytic constants (turnover numbers, kcat), and specific enzyme activities (EA) were calculated. L32 cleavage from LVV-H7 happens more than two-times faster (kcat: 140 min,1 ± 9%, EA: 1.0 U/mg ± 9%) than V33 cleavage from VV-H7 (kcat: 61 min,1 ± 10%, EA: 0.43 U/mg ± 10%) or V32 deletion from V-H7 (kcat: 62 min,1 ± 8%, EA: 0.46 U/mg ± 8%). In contrast, we showed that H7 (Y35 -F41) was neither degraded by porcine AP-M nor did it act as an inhibitor for this enzyme. Determined turnover numbers were in the same dimension as those reported for dynorphin degradation. This is the first time that AP-M-mediated truncation of natural underivatized LVV-H7 and its physiological metabolites was analyzed to determine kinetic parameters useful for understanding hemorphin processing and designing hemorphin-derived drug candidates. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Acceleration of absolute negative mobilityJOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 10 2007Jan Regtmeier Abstract Recently, the counter intuitive migration phenomenon of absolute negative mobility (ANM) has been demonstrated to occur for colloidal particles in a suitably arranged post array within a microfluidic device [1]. This effect is based on the interplay of Brownian motion, nonlinear dynamics induced through microstructuring, and nonequilibrium driving, and results in a particle movement opposite to an applied static force. Simultaneously, the migration of a different particle species along the direction of the static force is possible [19], thus providing a new tool for particle sorting in microfluidic device format. The so far demonstrated maximum velocities for micrometer-sized spheres are slow, i. e., in the order of 10 nm per second. Here, we investigate numerically, how maximum ANM velocities can be significantly accelerated by a careful adjustment of the post size and shape. Based on this numerical analysis, a post design is developed and tested in a microfluidic device made of PDMS. The experiment reveals an order of magnitude increase in velocity. [source] Regulation of the catalytic behaviour of L-form starch phosphorylase from sweet potato roots by proteolysisPHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM, Issue 4 2002Han-Min Chen Starch phosphorylase (SP) is an enzyme used for the reversible phosphorolysis of the ,-glucan in plant cells. When compared to its isoform in an animal cell, glycogen phosphorylase, a peptide containing 78 amino acids (L78) is inserted in the centre of the low-affinity type starch phosphorylase (L-SP). We found that the amino acid sequence of L78 had several interesting features including the presence of a PEST region, which serves as a signal for rapid degradation. Indeed, most L-SP molecules isolated from mature sweet potato roots were nicked in the middle of a molecule, but still retained their tertiary or quaternary structures, as well as full catalytic activity. The nicking sites on the L78 were identified by amino acid sequencing of these peptides, which also enabled us to propose a proteolytic process for L-SP. Enzyme kinetic studies of L-SP in the direction of starch synthesis indicated that the Km decreased during the proteolytic process when starch was used as the limiting substrate, but the Km for the other substrate (Glc-1-P) increased. On the other hand, the maximum velocities (Vmax) increased for both substrates. Mobility of the nicked L-SP was retarded on a native polyacrylamide gel containing soluble starch, indicating the increased affinity for starch. Results in this study suggested that L78 and its proteolytic modifications might play a regulatory role on the catalytic behaviour of L-SP in starch biosynthesis. [source] Fetal tricuspid valve Doppler at 11,13 weeks and 6 days: reference values and reproducibilityPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 8 2010Milena Almeida Prado Ninno Abstract Objective To determine normal blood flow velocities across the fetal tricuspid valve (TV) at 11,13 weeks and 6 days of gestation and to examine the reproducibility of these measurements. Methods A prospective study involving 166 normal singleton pregnancies examined at 11,13 weeks and 6 days was carried out. Descriptive analysis of E- and A-waves' maximum velocities, E/A ratio, duration of the cardiac cycle (C) and diastole (D) and D/C ratio were calculated. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement analysis was performed in a subgroup of 12 cases. Results Average ( ± SD) flow velocities were: E-wave, 25.0 ( ± 4.6) cm/s; A-wave, 42.9 ( ± 5.9) cm/s; E/A, 0.58 ( ± 0.07); cardiac cycle, 390 ( ± 21.1) ms; diastole, 147 ( ± 18) ms and D/C, 0.38 ( ± 0.04). Significant correlation was observed between all parameters (except A-wave) and gestational age but not with nuchal translucency (NT). Intraclass correlation coefficients (interobserver, intraobsever examiner 1 and intraobserver examiner 2) were: E-wave, 0.53, 0.53 and 0.64; A-wave, 0.45, 0.46 and 0.49; cardiac cycle, 0.70, 0.79 and 0.84 and diastole, 0.63, 0.85 and 0.82, respectively. Conclusions The present study establishes normal Doppler parameters for blood flow across the TV at 11,13 weeks and 6 days and demonstrates that these parameters do not correlate with NT measurement and have good/moderate reproducibility. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Influence of changing the chewing region on mandibular movementAUSTRALIAN DENTAL JOURNAL, Issue 1 2009K Hashii Abstract Background:, In the shortened dental arch condition, little is known of how patients adapt their jaw function during mastication to the new oral environment. This study aimed to investigate the changes in mandibular movements when the chewing region was changed from the first molar to the first premolar. Methods:, Thirty clinical residents with natural dentitions were recruited. The subjects were asked to chew a piece of beef jerky using either the first molar or the first premolar on the preferred chewing side. Three-dimensional trajectories of lower incisors and both condyles were analysed using a jaw movement tracking device with six degrees of freedom during the period between the onset and offset of electromyographic bursts from the masseter and anterior temporal muscles. Results:, The closing angle of the lower incisors for first premolar chewing was narrower in comparison with that for first molar chewing (p < 0.05). The lengths of the condylar trajectories and the maximum velocities of the condylar movement for first premolar chewing were smaller and slower, respectively, in comparison with those for first molar chewing (both sides; p < 0.01). Conclusions:, The mandibular movement during mastication might be changed to adapt the premolar chewing because of a loss of posterior occlusal supports. [source] Further studies on knockout mice lacking a functional dynein heavy chain (MDHC7).CYTOSKELETON, Issue 2 2005Abstract Male mice had been previously generated in which the inner dynein arm heavy chain 7 gene (MDHC7) was disrupted. MDHC7,/, animals show asthenozoospermia and are sterile. Very few of their spermatozoa can achieve forward progression, but for those that can, we add here the information (1) that the three-dimensional aspects of their movement are normal; (2) that their maximum velocity is less than that of wild-type controls; and (3) that they are entirely unable to penetrate media of raised viscosity (25,4,000 cP). However, the large majority of the spermatozoa can achieve only a low amplitude vibration. In these sperm we find, using electron microscopy, that the outer dense fibres retain attachments to the inner surface of the mitochondria. Such attachments are present in normal epididymal mouse spermatozoa but are broken down as soon as the sperm become motile on release from the epididymis. The attachments are presumed to be essential during midpiece development and, afterwards, to require a threshold level of force to loosen them and so permit the sliding displacements necessary for normal bending. We presume that the disruption of the inner dynein arm heavy chain gene, MDHC7, means that there is insufficient force to overcome the attachments, for all but a few spermatozoa. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 61:74,82, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A substructure shaking table test for reproduction of earthquake responses of high-rise buildingsEARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 12 2009Xiaodong Ji Abstract When subjected to long-period ground motions, high-rise buildings' upper floors undergo large responses. Furniture and nonstructural components are susceptible to significant damage in such events. This paper proposes a full-scale substructure shaking table test to reproduce large floor responses of high-rise buildings. The response at the top floor of a virtual 30-story building model subjected to a synthesized long-period ground motion is taken as a target wave for reproduction. Since a shaking table has difficulties in directly reproducing such large responses due to various capacity limitations, a rubber-and-mass system is proposed to amplify the table motion. To achieve an accurate reproduction of the floor responses, a control algorithm called the open-loop inverse dynamics compensation via simulation (IDCS) algorithm is used to generate a special input wave for the shaking table. To implement the IDCS algorithm, the model matching method and the H, method are adopted to construct the controller. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the open-loop IDCS algorithm and compare the performance of different methods of controller design. A series of full-scale substructure shaking table tests are conducted in E-Defense to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method and examine the seismic behavior of furniture. The test results demonstrate that the rubber-and-mass system is capable of amplifying the table motion by a factor of about 3.5 for the maximum velocity and displacement, and the substructure shaking table test can reproduce the large floor responses for a few minutes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Characterization of ,- d -glucosidase extracted from soil fractionsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 2 2000M. D. Busto Summary One way to study the state in which stabilized extracellular enzymes persist and are active in the soil is by extraction from the soil, with subsequent fractionation of enzyme,organomineral complexes and characterization of such complexes. In order to investigate the location and characteristics of soil ,-glucosidase, three soil fractions were obtained both from real (undisturbed) soil aggregates and from structural (dispersed in water and physically disrupted) aggregates using two different granulometric procedures. The ,-glucosidase activity of the fraction was then assayed. When the aggregates were dispersed, more than 73% of activity was in the soil microaggregates with diameters of less than 50 ,m (SF50). These aggregates were associated with strongly humified organic matter. Solutions of diluted pyrophosphate at neutral pH liberated active ,-glucosidase from all fractions, although the efficacy of extraction varied according to the type of fraction. The SF50 fraction and aggregates of 2000,100 ,m obtained by sieving (SF2000) showed the greatest ,-glucosidase activity (34.5 and 36.0%, respectively). Micro- and ultrafiltration of SF50 extracts increased the total ,-glucosidase activity, whereas these procedures, applied to the RF2000 fraction, decreased it. Humus,,-glucosidase complexes in the SF50 fraction, between 0.45 ,m and 105 nominal molecular weight limit ( nmwl) (SF50II) and < 105nmwl (SF50III) showed an optimum pH at 5.4, and in the SF50I fraction (> 0.45 ,m) the optimum was 4.0. The stability of ,-glucosidase in the aggregates of the smallest size SF50II and SF50III decreased at acid pHs. The presence of two enzymes (or two forms of the same enzyme) catalysing the same reaction with different values of Michaelis constant and maximum velocity was observed in all but one of the ,-glucosidase complexes extracted and partially purified from the SF50 aggregates. [source] Dinucleoside polyphosphates stimulate the primer independent synthesis of poly(A) catalyzed by yeast poly(A) polymeraseFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 21 2002María A. Günther Sillero Novel properties of the primer independent synthesis of poly(A), catalyzed by the yeast poly(A) polymerase are presented. The commercial enzyme from yeast, in contrast to the enzyme from Escherichia coli, is unable to adenylate the 3,-OH end of nucleosides, nucleotides or dinucleoside polyphosphates (NpnN). In the presence of 0.05 mm ATP, dinucleotides (at 0.01 mm) activated the enzyme velocity in the following decreasing order: Gp4G, 100; Gp3G, 82; Ap6A, 61; Gp2G, 52; Ap4A, 51; Ap2A, 41; Gp5G, 36; Ap5A, 27; Ap3A, 20, where 100 represents a 10-fold activation in relation to a control without effector. The velocity of the enzyme towards its substrate ATP displayed sigmoidal kinetics with a Hill coefficient (nH) of 1.6 and a Km(S0.5) value of 0.308 ± 0.120 mm. Dinucleoside polyphosphates did not affect the maximum velocity (Vmax) of the reaction, but did alter its nH and Km(S0.5) values. In the presence of 0.01 mm Gp4G or Ap4A the nH and Km(S0.5) values were (1.0 and 0.063 ± 0.012 mm) and (0.8 and 0.170 ± 0.025 mm), respectively. With these kinetic properties, a dinucleoside polyphosphate concentration as low as 1 µm may have a noticeable activating effect on the synthesis of poly(A) by the enzyme. These findings together with previous publications from this laboratory point to a potential relationship between dinucleoside polyphosphates and enzymes catalyzing the synthesis and/or modification of DNA or RNA. [source] BARGEN continuous GPS data across the eastern Basin and Range province, and implications for fault system dynamicsGEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2004Nathan A. Niemi SUMMARY We collected data from a transect of continuous Global Positioning System (GPS) sites across the eastern Basin and Range province at latitude 39°N from 1997,2000. Intersite velocities define a region ,350 km wide of broadly distributed strain accumulation at ,10 nstr yr,1. On the western margin of the region, site EGAN, ,10 km north of Ely, Nevada, moved at a rate of 3.9 ± 0.2 mm yr,1 to the west relative to site CAST, which is on the Colorado Plateau. Velocities of most sites to the west of Ely moved at an average rate of ,3 mm yr,1 relative to CAST, defining an area across central Nevada that does not appear to be extending significantly. The late Quaternary geological velocity field, derived using seismic reflection and neotectonic data, indicates a maximum velocity of EGAN with respect to the Colorado Plateau of ,4 mm yr,1, also distributed relatively evenly across the region. The geodetic and late Quaternary geological velocity fields, therefore, are consistent, but strain release on the Sevier Desert detachment and the Wasatch fault appears to have been anomalously high in the Holocene. Previous models suggesting horizontal displacement rates in the eastern Basin and Range near 3 mm yr,1, which focused mainly along the Wasatch zone and Intermountain seismic belt, may overestimate the Holocene Wasatch rate by at least 50 per cent and the Quaternary rate by nearly an order of magnitude, while ignoring potentially major seismogenic faults further to the west. [source] A deterministic seismic hazard map of India and adjacent areasGEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2003Imtiyaz A. Parvez SUMMARY A seismic hazard map of the territory of India and adjacent areas has been prepared using a deterministic approach based on the computation of synthetic seismograms complete with all main phases. The input data set consists of structural models, seismogenic zones, focal mechanisms and earthquake catalogues. There are few probabilistic hazard maps available for the Indian subcontinent, however, this is the first study aimed at producing a deterministic seismic hazard map for the Indian region using realistic strong ground motion modelling with the knowledge of the physical process of earthquake generation, the level of seismicity and wave propagation in anelastic media. Synthetic seismograms at a frequency of 1 Hz have been generated at a regular grid of 0.2°× 0.2° by the modal summation technique. The seismic hazard, expressed in terms of maximum displacement (Dmax), maximum velocity (Vmax), and design ground acceleration (DGA), has been extracted from the synthetic signals and mapped on a regular grid over the studied territory. The estimated values of the peak ground acceleration are compared with the observed data available for the Himalayan region and are found to be in agreement. Many parts of the Himalayan region have DGA values exceeding 0.6 g. The epicentral areas of the great Assam earthquakes of 1897 and 1950 in northeast India represent the maximum hazard with DGA values reaching 1.2,1.3 g. The peak velocity and displacement in the same region is estimated as 120,177 cm s,1 and 60,90 cm, respectively. [source] Sensitivity of the 2-oxoglutarate carrier to alcohol intake contributes to mitochondrial glutathione depletionHEPATOLOGY, Issue 3 2003Olga Coll The mitochondrial pool of reduced glutathione (mGSH) is known to play a protective role against liver injury and cytokine-mediated cell death. However, the identification of the mitochondrial carriers involved in its transport in hepatocellular mitochondria remains unestablished. In this study, we show that the functional expression of the 2-oxoglutarate carrier from HepG2 cells in mitochondria from Xenopus laevis oocytes conferred a reduced glutathione (GSH) transport activity that was inhibited by phenylsuccinate, a specific inhibitor of the carrier. In addition, the mitochondrial transport of GSH and 2-oxoglutarate in isolated mitochondria from rat liver exhibited mutual competition and sensitivity to glutamate and phenylsuccinate. Interestingly, the kinetics of 2-oxoglutarate transport in rat liver mitochondria displayed a single Michaelis-Menten component with a Michaelis constant of 3.1 ± 0.3 mmol/L and maximum velocity of 1.9 ± 0.1 nmol/mg protein/25 seconds. Furthermore, the initial rate of 2-oxoglutarate was reduced in mitochondria from alcohol-fed rat livers, an effect that was not accompanied by an alcohol-induced decrease in the 2-oxoglutarate messenger RNA levels but rather by changes in mitochondrial membrane dynamics induced by alcohol. The fluidization of mitochondria by the fluidizing agent 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl 8-(cis-2-n-octylcyclopropyl) (A2C) restored the initial transport rate of both GSH and 2-oxoglutarate. Finally, these changes were reproduced in normal liver mitochondria enriched in cholesterol where the fluidization of cholesterol-enriched mitochondria with A2C restored the order membrane parameter and the mitochondrial 2-oxoglutarate uptake. In conclusion, these findings provide unequivocal evidence for 2-oxoglutarate as a GSH carrier and its sensitivity to membrane dynamics perturbation contributes in part to the alcohol-induced mGSH depletion. [source] Effects of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin®) therapy on retrobulbar blood flow parameters in patients with neovascular age-related macular degenerationJOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND, Issue 2 2010Ahmet Mete MD Abstract Background. To investigate the effects of intravitreal bevacizumab on retrobulbar circulation in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Method. Thirty patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration were assessed prospectively by both color Doppler imaging and fundus fluorescein angiography. Spectral Doppler analysis allowed the measurement of the maximum velocity (Vmax) and minimum velocity (Vmin) of the central retinal vein (CRV), and peak systolic (PSV), end-diastolic (EDV) velocities of blood flows, and pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) values in the central retinal artery (CRA), nasal and temporal posterior ciliary arteries (NPCA, TPCA), and ophthalmic artery (OA). The t test for paired samples was used to compare retrobulbar blood flow values before and after intravitreal bevacizumab injection. Result. PSV and EDV of the NPCA and PSV of the TPCA were significantly decreased after intravitreal bevacizumab injection (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the other parameters. Conclusion. Our results suggest that intravitreal bevacizumab therapy has a measurable effect on retrobulbar blood flow. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2010 [source] Effects of diffuse fatty infiltration of the liver on portal vein flow hemodynamicsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND, Issue 3 2008Ali Balci MD Abstract Purpose To investigate the effects of various degrees of diffuse fatty infiltration of the liver on portal vein blood flow with Doppler sonography. Methods One hundred forty subjects were examined with color and spectral Doppler sonography. The subjects were divided into 4 groups of 35 subjects each according to the degree (normal, grade 1, grade 2 and grade 3) of hepatic fatty infiltration assessed on gray-scale images. The portal vein pulsatility index (VPI) and time-averaged mean flow velocity (MFV) were calculated for each subject. VPI was calculated as (peak maximum velocity , peak minimum velocity) / peak maximum velocity. Results VPI and MFV values were, respectively, 0.32 ± 0.06 and 16.8 ± 2.6 cm/second in the normal group, 0.27 ± 0.07 and 14.2 ± 2.2 cm/second in the group with grade 1 fatty infiltration, 0.22 ± 0.06 and 12.2 ± 1.8 cm/second in the group with grade 2 fatty infiltration, and 0.18 ± 0.04 and 10.8 ± 1.5 cm/second in the group with grade 3 fatty infiltration. There was a negative inverse correlation between the grade of fatty infiltration and both VPI (f = 55.3, p < 0.001) and MFV (f = 43.9, p < 0.001). Conclusion The pulsatility index and mean velocity of the portal vein blood flow decrease as the severity of fatty infiltration increases. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008. [source] Monoamine oxidase activity in kidney and heart of Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg)JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2007C. M. C. Salles The values of Michaelis,Menten constant (KM) and maximum velocity (VMAX) for kidney and heart monoamine oxidase (MAO) from pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus were determined. The mean ±s.e. KM values were 17·28 ± 2·27 ,M for kidney and 15·38 ± 1·86 ,M for heart. MAO activities were 111·60 ± 3·25 and 15·12 ± 0·30 nmols min,1 g,1 of wet tissue for kidney and heart, respectively. In addition, MAO inhibitory studies in these two tissues indicate that this enzyme may be a different isoform of MAO. [source] Recombinant factor VIIa and fibrinogen display additive effect during in vitro haemodilution with crystalloidsACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2009C. FENGER-ERIKSEN Background: Major blood loss requires fluid resuscitation for maintaining hemodynamic stability. Excessive volume infusions predispose to dilutional coagulopathy through loss, consumption and dilution of cells and proteins involved in haemostasis. Further treatment with fibrinogen concentrate and/or recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) may be initiated, although the haemostatic effects in a situation with haemodilution are not fully detailed. The present study evaluates haemostatic effect of fibrinogen and rFVIIa and their combination in an in vitro model of haemodiluted whole blood with two commonly used crystalloids. Methods: Eight healthy, male volunteers were enrolled. Outcome variables were clot initiation, propagation and strength assessed by thrombelastographic parameters: clotting time, clot formation time, maximum velocity, time until maximum velocity, maximum clot firmness evaluated at dilution levels of 0% (control), 10%, 30% and 50% with isotonic saline and Ringer's lactate in a model of tissue factor-activated whole blood. Fibrinogen and rFVIIa were additional final reaction concentrations, reflecting commonly used clinically therapeutic dosages. Results: Dose-dependent coagulopathy developed following haemodilution with isotonic saline and Ringer's lactate, characterised by a prolonged clot initiation, reduced clot propagation and reduced clot strength. Fibrinogen improved clot strength and propagation phase while rFVIIa shortened clot initiation, both with a positive dose dependency. Conclusions: The combination of fibrinogen and rFVIIa displays an additive effect and improves overall in vitro whole blood clot formation in a model of in vitro crystalloid-induced haemodilution. [source] Phase-contrast velocimetry with hyperpolarized 3He for in vitro and in vivo characterization of airflowMAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE, Issue 6 2006Ludovic de Rochefort Abstract This paper describes a technique that combines radial MRI and phase contrast (PC) to map the velocities of hyperpolarized gases (3He) in respiratory airways. The method was evaluated on well known geometries (straight and U-shaped pipes) before it was applied in vivo. Dynamic 2D maps of the three velocity components were obtained from a 10-mm slice with an in-plane spatial resolution of 1.6 mm within 1 s. Integration of the in vitro through-plane velocity over the slice matched the input flow within a relative precision of 6.4%. As expected for the given Reynolds number, a parabolic velocity profile was obtained in the straight pipe. In the U-shaped pipe the three velocity components were measured and compared to a fluid-dynamics simulation so the precision was evaluated as fine as 0.025 m s,1. The technique also demonstrated its ability to visualize vortices and localize characteristic points, such as the maximum velocity and vortex-center positions. Finally, in vivo feasibility was demonstrated in the human trachea during inhalation. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Reference ranges for umbilical vein blood flow in the second half of pregnancy based on longitudinal dataPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 2 2005Ganesh Acharya Abstract Objectives To construct new reference ranges for serial measurements of umbilical vein (UV) blood flow. Methods Prospective longitudinal study of blood flow velocities and diameter of the UV measured at four-weekly intervals during 19 to 42 weeks' gestation in 130 low-risk singleton pregnancies. Regression models and multilevel modeling were used to construct the reference ranges. Results On the basis of 511 sets of longitudinal observations, we established new reference percentiles of UV diameter, blood flow velocities, volume flow, and blood flow normalized for fetal weight and abdominal circumference. They reflected some of the developmental patterns of previous cross-sectional studies, but with important differences, particularly near term. The UV blood flow showed a continuous increase until term, whereas the flow normalized per unit fetal weight, a corresponding reduction. Calculating the blood flow on the basis of intensity-weighted mean velocity or 0.5 of the maximum velocity gave almost interchangeable results for most fetuses. Conclusion New reference ranges for UV blood flow based on longitudinal observations appear slightly different from cross-sectional studies, and should be more appropriate for serial evaluation of fetal circulation. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Hydrodynamics of gas,solid fluidization in tapered bedsTHE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 3 2009J. S. N. Murthy Abstract Gas,solid fluidization has a wide range of industrial applications like catalytic reactions, combustion, gasification, etc. In a number of these applications, there is particle size reduction during the operation leading to severe entrainment and limitation of operating velocity. The various problems associated with particles of different sizes or changing particles sizes could be overcome by adopting tapered beds in fluidization operation. In the present investigation, the fluidization phenomenon in tapered beds has been critically assessed through experimental investigations using particles of different sizes and materials and wide range of apex angles of the vessels. The effect of particle size and apex angle on the fluidization behaviour is clearly brought out which has not been reported so far in literature. The importance of compressive force existing in tapered beds is highlighted. In addition, correlations for all hydrodynamic characteristics, viz. critical fluidization velocity, minimum velocity for full fluidization, maximum velocity for defluidization, peak pressure drop, fluctuation ratio, compressive force, and hysteresis have been developed some of which are proposed for the first time. La fluidisation gaz-solide revêt un vaste éventail d'applications industrielles comme les réactions catalytiques, la combustion, la gazéification, etc. Pour un certain nombre deces applications, il y a une réduction granulométrique durant l'activité menant à un entraînement età une limitation intenses de la vitesse de fonctionnement. Les divers problèmes liés aux particules de dimensions différentes ou aux dimensions de particules changeantes pourraient être surmontésen adoptant les lits coniques dans les activités de fluidisation. Dans le cadre de la présente étude, lephénomène de fluidisation dans les lits coniques a été évalué de façon critique au moyen devérifications expérimentales employant des particules de dimensions et de matières différentes et d'un vaste éventail d'angles de sommet de fluidiseurs. L'effet de la dimension des particules et del'angle des sommets sur le comportement de la fluidisation est nettement mis en évidence, ce quin'a pas été soulevé à venir jusqu'ici dans la documentation. L'importance de la force decompression qui existe dans les lits coniques est mise en évidence. De plus, les corrélations relativement à l'ensemble des caractéristiques hydrodynamiques, c.-à-d. la vitesse de fluidisation critique, la vitesse minimale de fluidisation complète, la vitesse maximale de défluidisation, la chute des pics de pression, le taux de fluctuation, la force de compression et l'hystérésis, ont été élaborées, certaines d'entre elles étant avancées pour la première fois. [source] Flow over a hill covered with a plant canopyTHE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY, Issue 596 2004J. J. Finnigan Abstract We develop an analytical model for atmospheric boundary-layer flow over a hill that is covered with a vegetation canopy. The slope of the hill is assumed to be small enough that the flow above the canopy can be treated within the linear framework of Hunt. Perturbations to the flow within the canopy are driven by the pressure gradient associated with the flow over the hill. In the upper canopy this pressure gradient is balanced by downwards turbulent transport of momentum and the canopy drag. The flow there can be calculated from linearized dynamics, which show that the maximum streamwise winds are where the perturbation pressure is at a minimum, i.e. near the crest of the hill. Deep within the canopy the pressure gradient associated with the flow over the hill is balanced by the canopy drag, here the nonlinear canopy drag. This nonlinear balance shows how the streamwise winds are largest where the perturbation pressure gradient is largest, i.e. on the upwind slope of the hill. In the lee of the hill this nonlinear solution shows how the pressure gradient decelerates the wind deep within the canopy, leading to separation with a region of reversed flow when the canopy is sufficiently deep. Coupling between the out-of-phase flows within and above the canopy means that the maximum velocity is further upwind of the hill crest than in flow over a rough hill, while the extra turbulent mixing caused by the canopy significantly reduces the magnitude of the velocity speed-up over the hill. Finally, we find that there is no formal limit process where the solutions with a canopy yield the well-known solutions for flow over a rough hill. This finding calls into question the very use of a roughness length in accelerating or decelerating turbulent boundary layers. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society [source] Catecholamine synthesis and metabolism in the central nervous system of mice lacking ,2 -adrenoceptor subtypesBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 3 2009MA Vieira-Coelho Background and purpose:, This study investigates the role of ,2 -adrenoceptor subtypes, ,2A, ,2B and ,2C, on catecholamine synthesis and catabolism in the central nervous system of mice. Experimental approach:, Activities of the main catecholamine synthetic and catabolic enzymes were determined in whole brains obtained from ,2A -, ,2B - and ,2C -adrenoceptor knockout (KO) and C56Bl\7 wild-type (WT) mice. Key results:, Although no significant differences were found in tyrosine hydroxylase activity and expression, brain tissue levels of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine were threefold higher in ,2A - and ,2C -adrenoceptor KO mice. Brain tissue levels of dopamine and noradrenaline were significantly higher in ,2A and ,2CKOs compared with WT [WT: 2.8 ± 0.5, 1.1 ± 0.1; ,2AKO: 6.9 ± 0.7, 1.9 ± 0.1; ,2BKO: 2.3 ± 0.2, 1.0 ± 0.1; ,2CKO: 4.6 ± 0.8, 1.5 ± 0.2 nmol·(g tissue),1, for dopamine and noradrenaline respectively]. Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase activity was significantly higher in ,2A and ,2CKO [WT: 40 ± 1; ,2A: 77 ± 2; ,2B: 40 ± 1; ,2C: 50 ± 1, maximum velocity (Vmax) in nmol·(mg protein),1·h,1], but no significant differences were found in dopamine ,-hydroxylase. Of the catabolic enzymes, catechol- O -methyltransferase enzyme activity was significantly higher in all three ,2KO mice [WT: 2.0 ± 0.0; ,2A: 2.4 ± 0.1; ,2B: 2.2 ± 0.0; ,2C: 2.2 ± 0.0 nmol·(mg protein),1·h,1], but no significant differences were found in monoamine oxidase activity between all ,2KOs and WT mice. Conclusions and implications:, In mouse brain, deletion of ,2A - or ,2C -adrenoceptors increased cerebral aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase activity and catecholamine tissue levels. Deletion of any ,2 -adrenoceptor subtypes resulted in increased activity of catechol- O -methyltransferase. Higher 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine tissue levels in ,2A and ,2CKO mice could be explained by increased 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine transport. [source] Damping index of Doppler hepatic vein waveform to assess the severity of portal hypertension and response to propranolol in liver cirrhosis: a prospective nonrandomized studyLIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 8 2007Moon Young Kim Abstract Background and Aims: Alterations in the Doppler hepatic vein (HV) waveform are associated with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. We prospectively evaluated the correlation between the extent of abnormal Doppler HV waveforms expressed as damping index (DI) and the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and response to propranolol in patients with cirrhosis. Material and Methods: In 76 patients with cirrhosis (69 men and seven women), both DI of Doppler HV waveform and HVPG were measured, and the relationship between them was analysed. DI was calculated by the minimum velocity/maximum velocity of the HV waveform. An HVPG>12 mmHg was defined as severe portal hypertension. In a subgroup of 19 patients receiving propranolol, changes in both DI and HVPG were evaluated after propranolol administration for 3 months. One author (S. K. B.) performed all DI of Doppler HV waveform studies. Results: Abnormal HV waveforms were seen in 66 of 76 patients (86.8%). DI significantly correlated with the grade of HVPG, i.e. with higher HVPG increased DI was observed (P<0.01). By logistic regression analysis, DI>0.6 was significantly more likely to be severe portal hypertension (odds ratio: 14.19, 95% confidence interval: 4.07,49.55). Receiver-operating characteristic curve according to the value of 0.6 of DI showed a sensitivity of 75.9% and a specificity of 81.8% for the presence of severe portal hypertension. In 19 patients of the propranolol subgroup, change of DI following propranolol treatment also significantly correlated with that of HVPG (P<0.01). Conclusions: Damping index of the HV waveform by Doppler ultrasonography might be a non-invasive supplementary tool in evaluating the severity of portal hypertension and in responding to propranolol in patients with liver cirrhosis. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||