Separation of oxidatively damaged DNA Nucleobases and Nucleosides on Packed and Monolith C18 Columns by HPLC-UV-EC

This study involves the incorporation of a commercially available Phenomenex Onyx C18 monolith column into the separation and detection of oxidative DNA damage. It includes thorough investigation of monolith performance and a comparison of the performance of monolith columns with a commercially available packed Restek reverse phase Ultra C18 column for the separation of DNA bases and nucleosides. The performance of the monolith was examined using efficiency, resolution, plate height, asymmetry and retention times, and in each case showed improved or at least comparable results in the separation of a mix of DNA bases and nucleosides. A 90% reduction, from just under 40 min. to just under 4 min., was obtained in the elution time of this separation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a fast monolith column separation successfully coupled to both a UV-vis and EC detector, which is especially useful for analysis of oxidative DNA damage. The determination of 8-oxoG and 8-OH-dG, oxidation products of guanine and 2’-deoxyguanosine, respectively, may be compromised by their ease of oxidation and therefore the fast separation, selective and sensitive detection, with no artifactual oxidation, detailed in this report, is ideal

Nickel(II)-catalysed oxidative guanine and DNA damage beyond 8-oxoguanine

Oxidative DNA damage is one of the most important and most studied mechanisms of disease. It has been associated with a range of terminal diseases such as cancer, heart disease, hepatitis, and HIV, as well as with a variety of everyday ailments. There are various mechanisms by which this type of DNA damage can be initiated, through radiation and chemical oxidation, among others; however, these mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated. A HPLC-UV-EC study of the oxidation of DNA mediated by nickel(II) obtained results that show an erratic, almost oscillatory formation of 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) from free guanine and from guanine in DNA. Sporadic 8-oxoG concentrations were also observed when 8-oxoG alone was subjected to these conditions. A HPLC-MS/MS study showed the formation of oxidised-guanidinohydantoin (oxGH) from free guanine at pH 11, and the formation of guanidinohydantoin (GH) from DNA at pH 5.5

Continued evaluation of potential for geologic storage of carbon dioxide in the southeastern United States

Southern States Energy Board Duke Energy Santee Cooper Power Southern CompanyBureau of Economic Geolog

A Quantitative Comparison of Opacities Calculated Using the Distorted- Wave and R\boldsymbol{R}-Matrix Methods

The present debate on the reliability of astrophysical opacities has reached a new climax with the recent measurements of Fe opacities on the Z-machine at the Sandia National Laboratory \citep{Bailey2015}. To understand the differences between theoretical results, on the one hand, and experiments on the other, as well as the differences among the various theoretical results, detailed comparisons are needed. Many ingredients are involved in the calculation of opacities; deconstructing the whole process and comparing the differences at each step are necessary to quantify their importance and impact on the final results. We present here such a comparison using the two main approaches to calculate the required atomic data, the $R$-Matrix and distorted-wave methods, as well as sets of configurations and coupling schemes to quantify the effects on the opacities for the $Fe\ XVII$ and $Ni\ XIV$ ions.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figure

Nuclear magnetic resonance measurements reveal the origin of the Debye process in monohydroxy alcohols

Monohydroxy alcohols show a structural relaxation and at longer time scales a Debye-type dielectric peak. From spin-lattice relaxation experiments using different nuclear probes an intermediate, slower-than-structural dynamics is identified for n-butanol. Based on these findings and on diffusion measurements, a model of self-restructuring, transient chains is proposed. The model is demonstrated to explain consistently the so far puzzling observations made for this class of hydrogen-bonded glass forming liquids.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Physical fitness and prior physical activity are both associated with less cortisol secretion during psychosocial stress

Background: Evidence linking fitness and decreased psychosocial stress comes from studies of athletes and typically relies upon self-report measures. Furthermore, there is little evidence regarding the impact of physical activity (PA) prior to a stressor. The aims of this study were to determine whether fitness and prior PA influence cortisol concentrations during psychosocial stress. Methods: Seventy-five non-athletic participants took part in a submaximal walk prior to the Trier Social Stress Test for Groups (TSST-G). During the walk, fitness was assessed using heart rate (HR). A further 89 participants took part in the TSST-G without the walk. Stress responsiveness was assessed using salivary cortisol collected at 10-min intervals on seven occasions. Results: Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that average walking HR accounted for 9% of the variance in cortisol secretion (P = .016), where a higher HR was associated with higher cortisol secretion. Between-subjects ANCOVA revealed that the walking group had a significantly lower cortisol secretion than the non-walking group (P = .009). Conclusions: These findings indicate that fitter individuals have reduced cortisol secretion during psychosocial stress. They also indicate that prior PA can reduce cortisol concentrations during psychosocial stress and are suggestive of a role of PA in reducing the impact of stress on health

Potential sinks for geologic storage of carbon dioxide generated by power plants in North and South Carolina

Duke Energy Progress Energy Santee Cooper Power SCANA CorporationBureau of Economic Geolog

The effect of the visual exercise environment on the response to psychological stress: a pilot study

Background: Performing physical activity whilst exposed to nature can improve health. However, there is little evidence of its impact on stress outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the visual exercise environment on the response to a psychosocial stressor. Methods: Eighteen participants were randomised to one of three conditions: i. control; ii. Nature or; iii. Built condition. Participants exercised for 30min on a treadmill at 50% of their VO2max whilst viewing a video of either a natural or built environment or a blank screen. Following the exercise, participants completed the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), a standardised laboratory stressor. Salivary samples were collected before, during and after the TSST to calculate cortisol reactivity and recovery. Results: One-way ANOVA revealed a significant effect of viewing condition on cortisol reactivity [F (2, 11) = 4.686, p = .034; n2p= .460]; with significantly lower reactivity in the built compared to the nature condition (p = .027, d=1.73). There was no effect of condition on cortisol recovery (P>0.05; n2p= .257). Conclusions: In the context of the adverse health impact of lower (i.e. blunted) cortisol responding, these findings could indicate a negative impact of the built environment on stress responses

Potential Sinks for Geologic Storage of CO2 Generated in the Carolinas

This document summarizes a scoping study of the current state of knowledge of carbon storage options for our geographic area. The focus is on one aspect of carbon capture and storage—identification of deep saline aquifers in which carbon dioxide (CO2 ) generated in the Carolinas might be stored. The study does not address other aspects of CO2 storage projects, such as capture and compression of the gas, well construction and development, or injection. Transport of CO2 is touched upon in this study but has not been fully addressed. The information contained in this document is primarily from review of published geologic literature and unpublished data. No field data collection has been completed as part of this study. Further work will be necessary to increase confidence in the suitability of the potential CO2 storage sites identified in this report. This study does not address the regulatory, environmental, or public policy issues associated with carbon storage, which are under development at this time.Duke Energy, Progress Energy, Santee Cooper Power, South Carolina Electric and Gas, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Southern States Energy Board (SSEB)Bureau of Economic Geolog

Perception of first respiratory infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa by people with cystic fibrosis and those close to them: an online qualitative study

Background: People with cystic fibrosis (CF) are susceptible to respiratory infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), which may become chronic if initial eradication fails. Environmental acquisition and person-to-person transmission can occur. Respiratory PA infection is associated with increased mortality and more hospitalisations. This may cause patients and families anxiety and lead them to adopt preventive measures which may be ineffectual and intrusive. It is not possible to hold a conventional focus group to explore these issues because people with CF cannot meet together due to the risk of cross-infection. Objective: To explore the perceptions of first respiratory infection with PA in people with CF and those close to them. Design: We designed an online survey, to maximise accessibility and avoid the risk of cross-infection. This established the respondent's relationship with CF, asked 3 open questions about perceptions of PA and a final question about the prioritisation of research. Responses were analysed using a structured, iterative process. We identified keywords, analysed these incontext and derived key themes. Setting: Promotion through social media allowed respondents from any country to participate. Participants: People with CF and those close to them. Results: Responses were received from 393 people, including 266 parents and 97 people with CF. The key themes were the emotional burden of PA (fear in particular); the burden of treatment PA entails and the need for accurate knowledge about PA. Conclusions: Lack of knowledge and the health beliefs of individuals may promote fear of infection and inappropriate avoidance measures. Uncertainty about the implications of PA infection and the treatment required may cause anxiety. Healthcare professionals should provide clear information about how PA might be acquired and the treatment necessary, making clear the limitations of current understanding and acknowledging health beliefs