Proton isotropy boundaries as measured on mid- and low-altitude satellites

Polar CAMMICE MICS proton pitch angle distributions with energies of 31-80 keV were analyzed to determine the locations where anisotropic pitch angle distributions (perpendicular flux dominating) change to isotropic distributions. We compared the positions of these mid-altitude isotropic distribution boundaries (IDB) for different activity conditions with low-altitude isotropic boundaries (IB) observed by NOAA 12. Although the obtained statistical properties of IDBs were quite similar to those of IBs, a small difference in latitudes, most pronounced on the nightside and dayside, was found. We selected several events during which simultaneous observations in the same local time sector were available from Polar at mid-altitudes, and NOAA or DMSP at low-altitudes. Magnetic field mapping using the Tsyganenko T01 model with the observed solar wind input parameters showed that the low- and mid-altitude isotropization boundaries were closely located, which leads us to suggest that the Polar IDB and low-altitude IBs are related. Furthermore, we introduced a procedure to control the difference between the observed and model magnetic field to reduce the large scatter in the mapping. We showed that the isotropic distribution boundary (IDB) lies in the region where <i>R<sub>c</sub></i>/ρ~6, that is at the boundary of the region where the non-adiabatic pitch angle scattering is strong enough. We therefore conclude that the scattering in the large field line curvature regions in the nightside current sheet is the main mechanism producing isotropization for the main portion of proton population in the tail current sheet. This mechanism controls the observed positions of both IB and IDB boundaries. Thus, this tail region can be probed, in its turn, with observations of these isotropy boundaries.<p> <b>Keywords.</b> Magnetospheric physics (Energetic particles, Precipitating; Magnetospheric configuration and dynamics; Magnetotail

Influence of VEGF deprivation upon vascular formation by endothelium in the presence of macrophages

Development of angiogenesis depends on the functional state of endothelial cells, as well as on the balanced secretion of cytokines, growth factors and chemokines by endothelial cells and cells of microenvironment. Macrophages represent an essential component of the microenvironment and take part in the formation of blood vessels both due to the production of cytokines and due to contact interactions with endothelial cells. VEGF is among the most important cytokines that control angiogenesis at all its stages. Currently, the role of VEGF in the intercellular interactions of endothelial cells and macrophages is not well described. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of VEGF deprivation using monoclonal antibodies on angiogenesis under conditions of co-cultivation of endothelium and macrophages. Materials and methods: monoclonal antibodies to VEGF-A were used for VEGF deprivation in monoculture of endothelial cells and in co-culture of endothelial cells with macrophages. The IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα cytokines were used as inducers. When VEGF-A was removed from the medium, endothelial cells show plasticity and form longer vessels, they modify the expression of VEGF receptors. Macrophages regulate endothelial cell activity through the secretion of cytokines, including VEGF, and through contact interactions with endothelial cells. THP-1 cells increase the sensitivity of endothelial cells to VEGF by stimulating the VEGFR1 and VEGFR3 expression, this effect is VEGF-A-independent. The IL-1β, IL-6, TNFa cytokines independently stimulate non-branching angiogenesis, increasing the length of the vessels. At the same time, IL-ip increases the VEGFR1 expression on the surface of endothelial cells. In contrast, IL-6 and TNFα decrease it, thereby regulating the sensitivity of endothelial cells to VEGF. The effects of these cytokines are not dependent on VEGF-A. The IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα cytokines promote acquisition of anti-angiogenic properties by THP-1 cells that is independent on VEGF-A, as well as on expression of its receptors by endothelial cells. Thus, VEGF is an important, but not the sole factor controlling angiogenesis. Under conditions of VEGF-A deficiency, either endothelial cells or microenvironment cells are able to compensate for its functional load due to the production of other growth factors

Happiness around the world: A combined etic-emic approach across 63 countries.

What does it mean to be happy? The vast majority of cross-cultural studies on happiness have employed a Western-origin, or "WEIRD" measure of happiness that conceptualizes it as a self-centered (or "independent"), high-arousal emotion. However, research from Eastern cultures, particularly Japan, conceptualizes happiness as including an interpersonal aspect emphasizing harmony and connectedness to others. Following a combined emic-etic approach (Cheung, van de Vijver & Leong, 2011), we assessed the cross-cultural applicability of a measure of independent happiness developed in the US (Subjective Happiness Scale; Lyubomirsky & Lepper, 1999) and a measure of interdependent happiness developed in Japan (Interdependent Happiness Scale; Hitokoto & Uchida, 2015), with data from 63 countries representing 7 sociocultural regions. Results indicate that the schema of independent happiness was more coherent in more WEIRD countries. In contrast, the coherence of interdependent happiness was unrelated to a country's "WEIRD-ness." Reliabilities of both happiness measures were lowest in African and Middle Eastern countries, suggesting these two conceptualizations of happiness may not be globally comprehensive. Overall, while the two measures had many similar correlates and properties, the self-focused concept of independent happiness is "WEIRD-er" than interdependent happiness, suggesting cross-cultural researchers should attend to both conceptualizations

CMS physics technical design report : Addendum on high density QCD with heavy ions

Peer reviewe

VALIDATION OF UV-SPECTROMETRY ASSAY METHOD FOR DISSOLUTION PROFILE TEST FOR MOXIFLOXACINE TABLETS

Validation of UV-spectrometry assay method for dissolution profile test for levofloxacine tablets was carried out. The evaluated validation characteristics were: specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and analytical range. It was shown than main validation characteristics meet the Russian State Pharmacopoeia XIII requirements

DISSOLUTION PROFILE STUDY FOR EXTENDED RELEASE VALPROIC ACID DOSAGE FORM (DEPAKINE® CHRONO)

Dissolution profile study for extended-release valproic acid preparations was performed in three dissolution media: 0.1 M hydrochloric acid, acetate buffer pH 4.5, citrate-phosphate buffer pH 6.8 using Apparatus 1 at 75 rpm. Time points were 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 hours. Assay of released API was performed using HPLC-UV. API did not released or slightly released in 0.1 M hydrochloric acid and acetate buffer pH 4.5 because of low solubility of valproate in acid form. Recommended dissolution medium was citrate-phosphate buffer pH 6.8 which provides high solubility, stability and complete release of API

VALIDATION OF UV-SPECTROMETRY ASSAY METHOD FOR DISSOLUTION PROFILE TEST FOR LEVOFLOXACINE TABLETS

Validation of UV-spectrometry assay method for dissolution profile test for levofloxacine tablets was carried out. The evaluated validation characteristics were: specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, analytical range. It was shown than main validation characteristics meet the Russian State Pharmacopoeia requirements

EFFECTS OF SECRETABLE PLACENTAL FACTORS UPON SECRETION OF CYTOKINES BY THP-1 MONOCYTE-LIKE CELLS

Abstract. Мonocytes in feto-placental circulation are exposed to factors secreted by placental tissue. These factors influence monocyte functions in pregnancy. In present study, an in vitro model (monocyte-like THP-1 cells) was used for assessing effects of soluble placental factors obtained from women with physiological pregnancies, or preeclampsia cases. The following effects of placental factors were revealed: increased secretion of VEGF by THP-1 cells along with decreased secretion of IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 under the influence of placental factors from the I. trimester of pregnancy in comparison with III. trimester. Secretion of IL-6 and MCP-1 by THP-1 cells was increased, and secretion of soluble TNFRII was decreased upon co-cultivation with soluble placental factors from the women with preeclampsia, as compared with placental products from physiological pregnancies.The work is supported by grants ГК № 02.740.11.0711 from Ministry of Education and Science, and НШ-3594.2010.7 grant from the President of Russian Federation

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF MOXIFLOXACIN DETERMINATION IN HUMAN PLASMA BY HPLC-UV METHOD

A new method for determination of moxifloxacin in human plasma using HPLC with UV-detection is described. The sample preparation was made by protein precipitation by 50% trifluoracetic acid solution. The method was validated in terms of selectivity, calibration curve, accuracy, precision, lower limit of quantification, carry-over and stability. The analytical range was 100-5000 ng/mL. Limit of determination was 31 ng/mL. Method could be applied to moxifloxacin determination in plasma for PK and BE studies

INFLUENCE OF SOLUBLE PLACENTADERIVED FACTORS UPON EXPRESSION OF SURFACE RECEPTORS ON THP-1 CELLS

Abstract. During the passage through the utero-placental circulation, peripheral blood monocytes are exposed to action of various soluble placenta-derived factors. Subsequently these cells migrate to placental tissue and play a key role in regulation of placental growth and development. We investigated the influence of placental secretory factors upon expression of THP-1 cells surface receptors during normal pregnancy, and pregnancy complicated with preeclampsia. Soluble placenta-derived factors produced by the third-trimester placenta caused reduced intensity of CD11а, CD18, CD54, CD14, TRAIL and VEGFR1 expression on THP-1 cells, as compared with the first-trimester placental extracts. Soluble placenta-derived factors from preeclamptic placenta caused an increased intensity of CD18 and CD54 expression by THP-1 cells and decreased intensity of VEGFR1 expression in comparison to normal pregnancy. The work was supported by grants of the President of the Russian Federation № НШ-131.2012.7, СП-3492.2013.4 МК-1580.2013.7 and by grant РФФИ № 13-04-00304 А