Migration of Interplanetary Dust

We numerically investigate the migration of dust particles with initial orbits close to those of the numbered asteroids, observed trans-Neptunian objects, and Comet Encke. The fraction of silicate asteroidal particles that collided with the Earth during their lifetime varied from 1.1% for 100 micron particles to 0.008% for 1 micron particles. Almost all asteroidal particles with diameter d>4 microns collided with the Sun. The peaks in the migrating asteroidal dust particles' semi-major axis distribution at the n:(n+1) resonances with Earth and Venus and the gaps associated with the 1:1 resonances with these planets are more pronounced for larger particles. The probability of collisions of cometary particles with the Earth is smaller than for asteroidal particles, and this difference is greater for larger particles.Comment: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 15 pages, 8 Figures, submitte

Neutrino Masses via the Zee Mechanism in 5D split fermions model

We study the Zee model in the framework of the split fermion model in $M_4\times S_1/Z_2$ spacetime. Neutrino masses are generated through 1-loop diagrams without the right-handed neutrinos introduced. By assuming an order one anarchical complex 5D Yukawa couplings, all the effective 4D Yukawa couplings are determined by the wave function overlap between the split fermions and the bulk scalars in the fifth dimension. The predictability of the Yukawa couplings is in sharp contrast to the original Zee model in 4D where the Yukawa couplings are unknown free parameters. This setup exhibits a geometrical alternative to the lepton flavor symmetry. By giving four explicit sets of the split fermion locations, we demonstrate that it is possible to simultaneously fit the lepton masses and neutrino oscillation data by just a handful free parameters without much fine tuning. Moreover, we are able to make definite predictions for the mixing angle $\theta_{13}$, the absolute neutrino masses, and the lepton flavor violation processes for each configuration.Comment: 16 pages, 2 figure

A case study of designing a mobile app prototype for seniors

As technology has advanced rapidly over recent decades, the aging population has also grown. Therefore, the importance of addressing senior users’ needs in using and learning technology deserves attention from the government and industry. There have been websites and mobile applications designed for senior learners to take online courses, join online discussions or make friends. However, there are limited mobile apps for seniors to acquire information, while connecting to others online. To fill the gap, this report explores the design considerations that should be taken into account to facilitate seniors to better use of technology. A mobile app prototype, Chatlet, was developed to illustrate the ideas of a mobile app that might interest seniors. To evaluate the design features, a case study on four seniors between 56 and 76 years old was conducted through interviews and usability testing. The findings indicate that seniors are motivated to use mobile apps mostly for getting information and communication, and one’s self-efficacy with technology could impact their selection of online activities. It is recommended that a senior-friendly mobile app be responsive to users’ actions on the app, have availability of technical support and clearly present the purpose of the app. Further details about design recommendations on mobile apps for seniors and pedagogical implications are discussed within the reportCurriculum and Instructio

Tissue-specific expression in transgenic mice directed by the 5'-flanking sequences of the human gene encoding interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein

Journal ArticleInterphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) is an extracellular protein that has been suggested to participate in the visual process as a carrier for visual retinoids. A chimeric gene composed of the human IRBP promoter fused to the bacterial reporter gene chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) was used to generate transgenic mice. Analysis of six transgenic families revealed that the CAT gene, concomitant with the endogenous IRBP gene, was expressed primarily in the retina and, to a lesser extent, in the pineal gland. These results establish that a 1.3-kilobase fragment from the 5' end of the human IRBP gene is sufficient to direct transgene expression to a visual subdivision of the central nervous system

Human interstitial retinoid-binding protein. Gene structure and primary structure

Journal ArticleInterstitial retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) is synthesized and secreted by rod photoreceptor cells into the interphotoreceptor matrix and is known to bind retinoids and fatty acids. We have used cDNA clones encoding human IRBP to isolate a 15-kilobase genomic fragment that encompasses the complete human IRBP gene. The IRBP gene spans more than 11 kilobases and is interrupted by three introns, all of which are positioned near the 3'-end of the coding sequence. The 3741-base pair coding region of IRBP appears to have been generated by quadruplication of an approximately 900 base pair long ancestral gene. The deduced amino acid sequence predicts a mature protein of 1,230 residues (calculated molecular weight 133,000). The protein sequence can be aligned into four homologous segments, each consisting of about 300 residues. Sequence similarity between segments is as high as 60% when conservative substitutions are taken into account. Two putative N-linked glycosylation sites are located in highly conserved domains in the center of the first and second segment of IRBP. A domain consisting of 41 residues at the COOH-terminal end of the third segment has 15 matching residues (38%) with an intradiscal loop of rhodopsin, a retinal-binding protein in rod photoreceptors

Investigation of Tensile Properties of Bulk and SLM Fabricated 304L Stainless Steel Using Various Gage Length Specimens

The complex solidification dynamics and thermal cycling during Selective Laser Melting process is expected to result in non-equilibrium material characteristics. There is an essential need for characterization techniques which are critical towards the estimation of anisotropies. The current investigation is targeted towards establishing tensile testing methodologies and their relation to differing gage lengths. Dog-bone shaped specimen designs with gage lengths of 1”, 0.3” and 0.12” were employed in this research. The characterization was performed on hot rolled-annealed 304 stainless and SLM fabricated 304L stainless. It was theorized that smaller gage length specimens would be instrumental in mapping material property anisotropy at a better spatial resolution. The ultimate tensile and yield strength data were used to identify the material property distribution and assess the anisotropy. The material property distributions were used to successfully assess the testing methodologies and material characteristics.Mechanical Engineerin

The Selected Traditional Chinese Medicinal Formulas for Treating Diabetic Nephropathy: Perspective of Modern Science

ABSTRACTWith the increasing patients and limited therapeutic options, diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a long-term complication of diabetic mellitus. The precise mechanism of DN is not yet fully understood and the effective blockade of the progression of nephropathy remains a therapeutic challenge. Application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for diabetes and its related complications has received increasing attention due to its wide availability, low side effects, and proven therapeutic mechanisms and benefits. In the current review, we mainly focus on the recent laboratory studies of the TCM formulas including Wu-Ling-San (Poria Five Powder; 五苓散 Wǔ Líng Sǎn), Danggui-Buxue-Tang (Tangkuei and Astragalus Decoction; 當歸補血湯 Dāng Guī Bǔ Xuè Tang), and Danggui-Shaoyao-San (Tangkuei and Paeonia Formula; 當歸芍藥散 Dāng Guī Sháo Yào Sǎn), conducted by the Committee on Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy at the Department of Health of Taiwan Government, in the amelioration of DN. These selected TCM formulas have anti-diabetic properties, with antihyperglycemic activity accompanied by amelioration of advanced glycation end product–mediated renal damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. However, the renoprotective effects of the selected TCM formulas did not correlate with suppressing renal renin–angiotensin system hyperactivity in diabetic rats. These TCM formulas also have the capacity to ameliorate the defective antioxidative defense system, leading to modulation of the oxidative stress, thereby resulting in downregulation of nuclear factor-κB as well as transforming growth factor-β1 and, consequently, attenuation of extracellular matrix components such as fibronectin or type IV collagen expression in diabetic renal cortex tissue. More detailed mechanistic researches and long-term clinical evaluations, as well as evaluation of safety of the selected TCM formulas are needed for their future applications in DN therapy

Myricetin Ameliorates Defective Post-Receptor Insulin Signaling via β-Endorphin Signaling in the Skeletal Muscles of Fructose-Fed Rats

β-Endorphin plays a major role in the amelioration of insulin resistance. The present study documents that myricetin (3,5,7,3′, 4′, 5′-hexahydroxyflavone) ameliorates insulin resistance by enhancing β-endorphin production in insulin-resistant rats. The rats were induced for insulin resistance by feeding them a diet containing 60% fructose for 6 weeks. The degree of insulin resistance was measured by the homeostasis model assessment of basal insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The plasma levels of insulin and β-endorphin were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The insulin receptor-related signaling mediators in the soleus muscles of rats were evaluated by immunoprecipitation or immunoblotting. Myricetin was injected daily (1 mg kg−1 per injection, thrice daily) for 14 days. Consequently, the high-glucose plasma levels in fructose-fed rats decreased significantly concomitant with an increase in plasma β-endorphin. The reduction of the elevated HOMA-IR index following treatment with myricetin was subsequently inhibited by the administration of β-funaltrexamine hydrochloride (β-FNA) at doses sufficient to block μ-opioid receptors (MOR). The myricetin treatment was also observed to affect the phosphorylation of the insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate-1, Akt and Akt substrate of 160 kDa, with subsequent effects on glucose-transporter subtype 4 translocation, all of which were blocked by β-FNA pretreatment. These results indicated that enhancement of β-endorphin secretion, which in turn leads to peripheral MOR activation, is involved in the action of myricetin on the amelioration of impaired signaling intermediates downstream of insulin receptors

A Chinese Herbal Decoction, Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang, Prepared from Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae sinensis, Ameliorates Insulin Resistance Induced by A High-Fructose Diet in Rats

Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang (DBT), a Chinese medicinal decoction contains Radix Angelicae sinensis (Danggui) and Radix Astragali (Huangqi) at a ratio of 1 : 5, is used commonly for treating women's ailments. This study was conducted to explore the effects of this preparation on insulin resistance in rats fed with 6-week diet containing 60% fructose. Similar to the action of rosiglitazone (4 mg kg−1 per day by an oral administration), repeated oral administration of DBT (2.5 g kg−1 per day) for 14 days was found to significantly alleviate the hyperglycemia but made no influence on plasma lipid profiles nor weight gain in fructose chow-fed rats. Also, the higher degree of insulin resistance as measured by homeostasis model assessment of basal insulin resistance in fructose chow-fed rats was significantly decreased by repeated DBT treatment. DBT displays the characteristic of rosiglitazone by increasing the whole-body insulin sensitivity in fructose chow-fed rats after 2-week treatment, as evidenced by the marked elevation of composite whole-body insulin sensitivity index during the oral glucose tolerance test. DBT improves insulin sensitivity through increased post-receptor insulin signaling mediated by enhancements in insulin receptor substrate-1-associated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase step and glucose transporter subtype 4 translocation in soleus muscles of animals exhibiting insulin resistance. DBT is therefore proposed as potentially useful adjuvant therapy for patients with insulin resistance and/or the patients who wish to increase insulin sensitivity

Photo-induced radical polarization and liquid-state dynamic nuclear polarization using fullerene nitroxide derivatives.

We report on radical polarization and optically-driven liquid DNP using nitroxide radicals functionalized by photoexcitable fullerene derivatives. Pulse laser excitation of the fullerene moiety leads to transient nitroxide radical polarization that is one order of magnitude larger than that at the Boltzmann equilibrium. The life time of the radical polarization increases with the size of the fullerene derivative and is correlated with the electronic spin-lattice relaxation time T1e. Overhauser NMR signal enhancements of toluene solvent protons were observed under steady-state illumination, which replaced microwave irradiation