Density Of Beta Research Articles

Effects of glass-ceramic produced by the sol-gel route in macrophages recruitment and polarization into bone tissue regeneration.

Effective bone substitute biomaterials remain an important challenge in patients with large bone defects. Glass ceramics produced by different synthesis routes may result in changes in the material physicochemical properties and consequently affect the success or failure of the bone healing response. To investigate the differences in the orchestration of the inflammatory and healing process in bone grafting and repair using different glass-ceramic routes production. Thirty male Wistar rats underwent surgical unilateral parietal defects filled with silicate glass-ceramic produced by distinct routes: BS - particulate glass-ceramic produced via the fusion/solidification route, and BG - particulate glass-ceramic produced via the sol-gel route. After 7, 14, and 21 days from biomaterial grafting, parietal bones were removed to be analyzed under H&E and Massons' Trichome staining, and immunohistochemistry for CD206, iNOS, and TGF-β. Our findings demonstrated that the density of lymphocytes and plasma cells was significantly higher in the BS group at 45, and 7 days compared to the BG group, respectively. Furthermore, a significant increase of foreign body giant cells (FBGCs) in the BG group at day 7, compared to BS was found, demonstrating early efficient recruitment of FBGCs against sol-gel-derived glass-ceramic particulate (BS group). According to macrophage profiles, CD206+ macrophages enhanced at the final periods of both groups, being significantly higher at 45 days of BS compared to the BG group. On the other hand, the density of transformation growth factor beta (TGF-β) positive cells on 21 days were the highest in BG, and the lowest in the BS group, demonstrating a differential synergy among groups. Noteworthy, TGF-β+ cells were significantly higher at 21 days of BG compared to the BS group. Glass-ceramic biomaterials can act differently in the biological process of bone remodeling due to their route production, being the sol-gel route more efficient to activate M2 macrophages and specific FBGCs compared to the traditional route. Altogether, these features lead to a better understanding of the effectiveness of inflammatory response for biomaterial degradation and provide new insights for further preclinical and clinical studies involved in bone healing.

GABAergic synaptic transmission and cortical oscillation patterns in the primary somatosensory area of a valproic acid rat model of autism spectrum disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impaired social communication and interaction associated with repetitive or stereotyped behaviour. Prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure in rodents is a commonly used model of ASD. Resveratrol (RSV) has been shown to prevent interneuronal and behavioural impairments in the VPA model. We investigated the effects of prenatal VPA exposure and RSV on the GABAergic synaptic transmission, brain oscillations and on the genic expression of interneuron-associated transcription factor LHX6 in the primary somatosensory area (PSSA). Prenatal VPA exposure decreased the sIPSC and mIPSC frequencies and the sIPSC decay kinetics onto layers 4/5 pyramidal cells of PSSA. About 40% of VPA animals exhibited absence-like spike-wave discharge (SWD) events associated with behaviour arrest and increased power spectrum density of delta, beta and gamma cortical oscillations. VPA animals had reduced LHX6 expression in PSSA, but VPA animals treated with RSV had no changes on synaptic inhibition or LHX6 expression in the PSSA. SWD events associated with behaviour arrest and the abnormal increment of cortical oscillations were also absent in VPA animals treated with RSV. These findings provide new venues to investigate the role of both RSV and VPA in the pathophysiology of ASD and highlight the VPA animal model as an interesting tool to investigate pathways related to the aetiology and possible future therapies to this neuropsychiatric disorder.

Affection of facial artifacts caused by micro-expressions on electroencephalography signals.

Macro-expressions are widely used in emotion recognition based on electroencephalography (EEG) because of their use as an intuitive external expression. Similarly, micro-expressions, as suppressed and brief emotional expressions, can also reflect a person's genuine emotional state. Therefore, researchers have started to focus on emotion recognition studies based on micro-expressions and EEG. However, compared to the effect of artifacts generated by macro-expressions on the EEG signal, it is not clear how artifacts generated by micro-expressions affect EEG signals. In this study, we investigated the effects of facial muscle activity caused by micro-expressions in positive emotions on EEG signals. We recorded the participants' facial expression images and EEG signals while they watched positive emotion-inducing videos. We then divided the 13 facial regions and extracted the main directional mean optical flow features as facial micro-expression image features, and the power spectral densities of theta, alpha, beta, and gamma frequency bands as EEG features. Multiple linear regression and Granger causality test analyses were used to determine the extent of the effect of facial muscle activity artifacts on EEG signals. The results showed that the average percentage of EEG signals affected by muscle artifacts caused by micro-expressions was 11.5%, with the frontal and temporal regions being significantly affected. After removing the artifacts from the EEG signal, the average percentage of the affected EEG signal dropped to 3.7%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the affection of facial artifacts caused by micro-expressions on EEG signals.

Conversion of sugar diacetyls to bio-hydrocarbons by the catalytic cracking in a fixed bed with fresh and deactivated Beta zeolite

The conversion of biomass into fuel under typical refinery conditions is a promising solution to decrease carbon footprint. Herein we convert a representative compound of a new bio-petroleum, DX (1,2:3,5-di-O-isopropylidene-α-D-xylofuranose) mixture with n-hexane. Firstly fresh zeolites (Beta, ZSM-5 and USY) were explored. Beta zeolite showed a high performance in converting DX into hydrocarbons. Thus it was further modified by hydrothermal deactivation. This treatment reduced the acid site density of Beta, resulting in an improvement in aromatics, reducing gas 2-fold and coke 1-fold, and only leaving a small amount of oxygenates in the liquid fraction in the test with 20% DX.

Repeated administration of acrylamide for 28 days reduces late-stage progenitor cells and immature granule cells accompanying impaired neurite outgrowth in the adult hippocampal neurogenesis in young-adult rats

Acrylamide (AA) is a neurotoxicant that causes synaptic impairment in distal axons. We previously found that developmental exposure to AA decreased proliferation of late-stage neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in the hippocampal neurogenesis of the dentate gyrus (DG) in rats. To investigate whether hippocampal neurogenesis is similarly affected by AA exposure in a general toxicity study, AA was administered to 7-week-old male rats via oral gavage at dosages of 0, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg for 28 days. In the subgranular zone (SGZ) and granule cell layer, AA decreased the densities of doublecortin-positive (+) cells and TOAD-64/Ulip/CRMP protein 4b+ cells per SGZ length. In addition, AA decreased the neurite length of doublecortin+ cells and downregulated genes related to neurite outgrowth (Ncam2 and Nrep) and neurotrophic factor (Bdnf and Ntrk2) in the DG. These results suggest that AA exposure for 28 days decreases type-3 NPCs and immature granule cells in neurogenesis of granule cell lineages involving the impairment of neurite outgrowth in young-adult rats. In the DG hilus, AA increased the density of cholinergic receptor nicotinic beta 2 subunit+ cells. AA also downregulated Reln related to the control of neuronal migration by interneurons in the DG. Furthermore, AA decreased the density of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)+ astrocytes in the DG hilus and downregulated Gfap and the genes of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (Cspg4 and Pdgfra). Thus, AA decreased granule cell lineage subpopulations in the late-stage differentiation of hippocampal neurogenesis after young-adult stage exposure, exhibiting a pattern similar to the developmental exposure.

The Prediction of Acute Postoperative Pain Based on Neural Oscillations Measured before the Surgery.

Even with an improved understanding of pain mechanisms and advances in perioperative pain management, inadequately controlled postoperative pain remains. Predicting acute postoperative pain based on presurgery physiological measures could provide valuable insights into individualized, effective analgesic strategies, thus helping improve the analgesic efficacy. Considering the strong correlation between pain perception and neural oscillations, we hypothesize that acute postoperative pain could be predicted by neural oscillations measured shortly before the surgery. Here, we explored the relationship between neural oscillations 2 hours before the thoracoscopic surgery and the subjective intensity of acute postoperative pain. The spectral power density of resting-state beta and gamma band oscillations at the frontocentral region was significantly different between patients with different levels of acute postoperative pain (i.e., low pain vs. moderate/high pain). A positive correlation was also observed between the spectral power density of resting-state beta and gamma band oscillations and subjective reports of postoperative pain. Then, we predicted the level of acute postoperative pain based on features of neural oscillations using machine learning techniques, which achieved a prediction accuracy of 92.54% and a correlation coefficient between the real pain intensities and the predicted pain intensities of 0.84. Altogether, the prediction of acute postoperative pain based on neural oscillations measured before the surgery is feasible and could meet the clinical needs in the future for better control of postoperative pain and other unwanted negative effects. The study was registered on the Clinical Trial Registry (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03761576?term=NCT03761576&draw=2&rank=1) with the registration number NCT03761576.

Evaluation of operator’s state under the influence of electromagnetic noise generator

The purpose of the work, the results of which are presented within the the article, was to study changes in the nonlinear EEG parameters represented by sample entropy, correlation dimension, fractal dimension, Lempel-Ziv complexity while the operator is irradiated with electromagnetic noise. Apart from the above nonlinear parameters, we studied the change in the power spectral density of delta-, theta-, alpha-, and beta-rhythms. A change in the spectral power density of beta- and theta-rhythms, fractal dimension, and sample entropy during irradiation was associated with a change in the above parameters during depression. A change in the spectral power density of delta-, theta-, alpha-, and beta-rhythms, the correlation dimension, and Lempel-Ziv complexity during irradiation was associated with a change in the above parameters in stress. A change in the spectral power density of the theta rhythm, sample entropy and Lempel-Ziv complexity during irradiation was associated with a change in the above parameters during mental fatigue. The power of the electromagnetic noise generator was 30 mW, the spectral range was 5 GHz, and the generator itself was a generator of electromagnetic noise radiation on transistors. The mathematical description of the calculation of nonlinear parameters represented by sample entropy, correlation dimension, fractal dimension and Lempel-Ziv complexity was studied. The registration of electroencephalograms was carried out according to the “10/20” scheme using the MBN electroencephalograph. The results of the work showed the presence of a depressive and stressful state, as well as the absence of mental fatigue when exposed to electromagnetic noise radiation, if we are guided by the change in sample entropy, correlation dimension, fractal

The Effect of Focused Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Behavioral Profiles and Motor Cortex Signals in the Animal Model of Parkinsonism

Background: Non-invasive magnetic stimulation therapies have become a widespread neuromodulation method utilized in the treatment of mood disorders. Although these methods have shown efficacy in the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as bipolar affective disorder and depression, a few studies have been done on Parkinson's disease (PD). Objective: This study was executed to demonstrate the effectiveness of focused transcranial magnetic stimulation (fTMS) for the treatment of PD. For this aim, a new stimulation coil design with the semi-hexagonal core was used to concentrate magnetic flux in the particular innervation nucleus. Several TMS protocols were tested to stimulate the STN region of 6-OHDA lesioned rats to determine the most effective treatment. Results: The progress of treatment was investigated by recording and analyzing the neurophysiological activity of the primary motor cortex and locomotor behaviors. After 6-OHDA injection, sharp increases in the energy and power spectral density of beta and low- gamma band were caused. Also, the motor activities of rats reduced, and the degree of catalepsy increased significantly. By completing the proposed 1Hz r-TMS treatment, the amount of energy and power density in these bands diminished and came close to the baseline. Furthermore, debilitating motor fluctuations were reverted considerably. Conclusion: Experimental results reveal that after 40 days of the non-invasive procedure, both oscillatory activity and the locomotor behavior produce remarkable changes. The 1Hz r-TMS showed acceptable performance in a reduction of symptoms in the PD. The outcomes of the animal trials have raised some hopes to employ the findings of this study in human clinical research.

Decoding Imagined 3D Arm Movement Trajectories From EEG to Control Two Virtual Arms-A Pilot Study.

Background: Realization of online control of an artificial or virtual arm using information decoded from EEG normally occurs by classifying different activation states or voluntary modulation of the sensorimotor activity linked to different overt actions of the subject. However, using a more natural control scheme, such as decoding the trajectory of imagined 3D arm movements to move a prosthetic, robotic, or virtual arm has been reported in a limited amount of studies, all using offline feed-forward control schemes.Objective: In this study, we report the first attempt to realize online control of two virtual arms generating movements toward three targets/arm in 3D space. The 3D trajectory of imagined arm movements was decoded from power spectral density of mu, low beta, high beta, and low gamma EEG oscillations using multiple linear regression. The analysis was performed on a dataset recorded from three subjects in seven sessions wherein each session comprised three experimental blocks: an offline calibration block and two online feedback blocks. Target classification accuracy using predicted trajectories of the virtual arms was computed and compared with results of a filter-bank common spatial patterns (FBCSP) based multi-class classification method involving mutual information (MI) selection and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) modules.Main Results: Target classification accuracy from predicted trajectory of imagined 3D arm movements in the offline runs for two subjects (mean 45%, std 5%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than chance level (33.3%). Nevertheless, the accuracy during real-time control of the virtual arms using the trajectory decoded directly from EEG was in the range of chance level (33.3%). However, the results of two subjects show that false-positive feedback may increase the accuracy in closed-loop. The FBCSP based multi-class classification method distinguished imagined movements of left and right arm with reasonable accuracy for two of the three subjects (mean 70%, std 5% compared to 50% chance level). However, classification of the imagined arm movement toward three targets was not successful with the FBCSP classifier as the achieved accuracy (mean 33%, std 5%) was similar to the chance level (33.3%). Sub-optimal components of the multi-session experimental paradigm were identified, and an improved paradigm proposed.

Ultrastructural and Immunofluorescent Analysis of Lithium Effects on Autophagy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most malignant cancers worldwide. The role of autophagy in the НСС development and progression is controversial and are still not well known. It has been shown that lithium induces autophagy and apoptosis, affects on proliferation and survival of various human malignancies. In this study we estimated lithium`s effects on autophagy in HCC in vivo.Materials and methods: Subcellular components and autophagic vacuoles were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. The number of cells with LC3 and LAMP1 punctate was analyzed by double-immunofluorescence staining. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Mann–Whitney nonparametric tests were used to assess statistically significant differences at P &lt; 0.05.Results: Lithium carbonate increased the numerical and volume density of autophagic vacuoles and autophagy marker LC3 beta. Therefore, lithium carbonate promotes enlarged autophagic vacuoles formation in HCC cells in vivo.Conclusion: Extended and unresolved autophagy induces cancer cell death by stimulating autophagic cell death. Thus, lithium-mediated autophagy can be an attractive approach in HCC chemotherapy.

PO-138 Mechanism of Cortical Information Output after Exercise Fatigue Induced by D2DR

Objective In this experiment, the Local field potential (LFPs) was observed in the substantia nigra compact and electrical activity change in corticostriatal pathway after D2DR intervention in exercise-induced fatigue rats. We analyzed the changes of DA neuron discharge and D2DR mediated corticostriatal pathway information transmission. To explore the mechanism of D2D2 mediated DA system in the information output of cortical M1 region.&#x0D; Methods Wistar rats were used to establish the model of exercise-induced fatigue. The rats were divided into control group (CG), 7 days fatigue group (7FG) and 24 hour recovery group (24RG). We used in vivo multichannel recording technology to record electrical activity in the M1, striatum and substantia nigra compact of rats and observed the electrophysiological changes after D2DR intervention. We also detected the expression of TH proteins in the dorsolateral striatum before and after exercise-induced fatigue by immunohistochemistry.&#x0D; Results 1) Compared with group CG, the expression of TH protein in the dorsolateral area of striatum was significantly decreased in group 7FG (P&lt;0.05). 2) Compared with the CG group, the power spectral density of the θ, α and β band of the SNc was increased after seven days of exhaustion exercise(P &lt; 0.05); After 24 hours of recovery, the PSD value decreased significantly compared with the 7FG group(P&lt;0.05). 3)Compared with the CG group the power spectral density of alpha (7-13Hz) and beta (15-30Hz) bands in the M1 region and striatum was increased in 7FG after injection D2DR agonist(P &lt; 0.05) .&#x0D; Conclusions After exercise-induced fatigue, the activity of substantia nigra was increased, and the activity of M1 and striatum was lower than that of the blank control group after the D2DR agonist injection. As a key receptor for the DA signal system, D2DR regulates the electrical activity of the nigrostriatal DA pathway and affects the comprehensive information output of the cortex, which can be regarded as a target for exercise-induced fatigue (NSFC: 31401018, SKXJX: 2014014, Corresponding houlj@bnu.edu.cn).

Grain Refinement and Aging Hardening of the Mg-10Gd-3Y-2Ag-0.4Zr Alloy Produced by a Two-Step Forming Process.

Grain refinement and precipitation are two effective ways to improve the mechanical properties of Mg-RE alloys. In this work, a two-step forming process is proposed. This includes cold rolling and subsequent annealing at high temperature for a short duration. By the two-step forming process, grains can be refined from 100 μm to 20 μm in compare with ~30 μm by common hot rolling at 450 °C for a reduction of 80%. The sample shows more distinct aging hardening, as the hardness amplification of 60 HV is twice that of the hot-rolled sample. The precipitation is observed by high angle annular dark field-scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). Dynamic precipitation in the sample by the two-step route is found to be effectively suppressed. Interestingly, after subsequent annealing, the density of precipitation, especially β′, become much higher than that in hot-rolled samples.

Decoding Imagined 3D Hand Movement Trajectories From EEG: Evidence to Support the Use of Mu, Beta, and Low Gamma Oscillations.

Objective: To date, motion trajectory prediction (MTP) of a limb from non-invasive electroencephalography (EEG) has relied, primarily, on band-pass filtered samples of EEG potentials i.e., the potential time-series model. Most MTP studies involve decoding 2D and 3D arm movements i.e., executed arm movements. Decoding of observed or imagined 3D movements has been demonstrated with limited success and only reported in a few studies. MTP studies normally use EEG potentials filtered in the low delta (~1 Hz) band for reconstructing the trajectory of an executed or an imagined/observed movement. In contrast to MTP, multiclass classification based sensorimotor rhythm brain-computer interfaces aim to classify movements using the power spectral density of mu (8–12 Hz) and beta (12–28 Hz) bands.Approach: We investigated if replacing the standard potentials time-series input with a power spectral density based bandpower time-series improves trajectory decoding accuracy of kinesthetically imagined 3D hand movement tasks (i.e., imagined 3D trajectory of the hand joint) and whether imagined 3D hand movements kinematics are encoded also in mu and beta bands. Twelve naïve subjects were asked to generate or imagine generating pointing movements with their right dominant arm to four targets distributed in 3D space in synchrony with an auditory cue (beep).Main results: Using the bandpower time-series based model, the highest decoding accuracy for motor execution was observed in mu and beta bands whilst for imagined movements the low gamma (28–40 Hz) band was also observed to improve decoding accuracy for some subjects. Moreover, for both (executed and imagined) movements, the bandpower time-series model with mu, beta, and low gamma bands produced significantly higher reconstruction accuracy than the commonly used potential time-series model and delta oscillations.Significance: Contrary to many studies that investigated only executed hand movements and recommend using delta oscillations for decoding directional information of a single limb joint, our findings suggest that motor kinematics for imagined movements are reflected mostly in power spectral density of mu, beta and low gamma bands, and that these bands may be most informative for decoding 3D trajectories of imagined limb movements.

Developmental Toxicant Exposure Is Associated with Transgenerational Adenomyosis in a Murine Model.

The common environmental toxicant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD or, commonly, dioxin) is a known endocrine disruptor that has been linked to the development of endometriosis in experimental models. Using a murine model, we previously demonstrated that in utero TCDD exposure promotes the transgenerational development of an “endometriosis-like” uterine phenotype consisting of reduced responsiveness to progesterone, as well as subfertility and an increased risk of preterm birth. Because adenomyosis is frequently observed as a comorbidity in women with endometriosis, herein we sought to determine the incidence of adenomyosis in nonpregnant mice with a history of direct or indirect TCDD exposure. Using histologic assessment and immunohistochemical staining, we analyzed murine uteri for adenomyosis, microvessel density, and expression of estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ESR1 and ESR2). Our studies revealed that unexposed control mice did not exhibit adenomyosis, whereas this disease was frequently observed in mice with a history of early-life TCDD exposure. A transgenerational impact of developmental TCDD exposure was demonstrated, because a subset of mice with only an indirect exposure (F3) also exhibited adenomyosis. Microvessel density within the uterus was significantly higher in all groups of TCDD-exposed mice compared with control animals, with density correlated to the severity of disease. Both ESR1 and ESR2 proteins exhibited alterations in expression in experimental mice compared with controls. Similar to women with endometriosis, we observed a significant reduction in the ratio of Esr1:Esr2 mRNA in all F1 mice compared with controls. Although this retrospective study was not designed to specifically address mechanisms associated with the development of adenomyosis, our data suggest that developmental TCDD exposure permanently alters adult steroid responses, which may contribute to the transgenerational development of adenomyosis.

Response of a thermodynamic system subject to stochastic thermal perturbations

The thermal response of a closed thermodynamic system perturbed by random fluctuations of the heat transfer rate through its boundary is studied by means of stochastic differential equations, in analogy with the mesoscopic thermodynamics approach. It is shown that the probability density of the thermodynamic beta (inverse temperature), which reflects the system randomisation due to the perturbation, can be significantly different from that of the perturbation itself.

EEG and transcranial dopplerography of middle cerebral artery in patiens with primary headaches

The objective of this study was to evaluate relationships between EEG and TCD changes of middle cerebral artery (MCA) in patients with primary headaches. Seventy seven patients with primary headaches(age=24,2±7.0) and 15 normal subjects were assessed using ICHD-2, neurological evaluation, visual analogue scale (1-10 points), transcranial dopplerography (TCD) and an EEG analysis of absolute and relative band amplitude at rest. Three groups were compared:30 patients with Tension headaches(TH),32 patients with migraine(MG),15 patients with cluster headache(CLH)and the control group. Were used dominant frequency, amplitude, index of waves, correlation analysis of EEG, standardized low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (sLoreta) and maximum, minimum, average frequency, RI, PI by TCD of middle cerebral artery (MCA). The EEG showed significant differences between the control group and patients with TH,MG and CLH.Oscillation of delta in left frontal lobe (Brodmann area 11)in patients with TH, in the right frontal lobe in MG patients and bilateral in CH patient. The maximal density of theta in the left occipital lobe(Br.area 18) in TH patient, in right occipital lobe in MG and bilateral in CLH patients. In occipital lobe in patients with TH, MG and in frontal lobe in the patients with CH was find the maximal density of Alpha 1 waves, as well as the alpha 2 in occipital lobe in all patients. Maximal density of beta 1 was registered in the right occipital lobe in TH,MG patients and in frontal lobe in CLH patients. Gamma waves were registered in frontal lobe in all patients and in control group (F(1,56)=18,2.p 0,01. Were determined that TCD parameters such as RI, PI decreased in MG,CLH patients (p<0.001) This study suggested EEG and TCD of MCA as a possible physiological tool in the assessment of pathogenesis of headaches.

Expression and significance of beta(2)-adrenoreceptor in inflammatory cells of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

To investigate the relationship between beta(2)-adrenoceptor (beta(2)-AR) expression in inflammatory cells and airflow limitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to the severity of COPD, 37 patients with stable COPD were divided into three groups. Samples of peripheral blood and induced sputum were collected from 37 COPD patients, 11 of II grade, 12 of grade III, and 14 of grade IV. Counting and classification of white blood cells in the peripheral blood and induced sputum were made. Radioligand binding assay was used to detect the maximum binding capacity (Bmax) reflecting the density, and balance dissociation constant (Kd) reflecting the affinity of beta(2)-AR in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from both kinds of specimens. Thirteen normal smokers were used as control group. No significant differences were found in peripheral blood leukocyte count, classification and induced sputum cell count among the 3 COPD groups and control group, but the neutrophil cell count levels of induced sputum of the COPD groups were all significantly higher than that of the control group (all P = 0.00). For the control, and COPD grade II, III, and IV groups, the Bmax levels of PBMC beta(2)-AR were (106 +/- 52), (156 +/- 72), (135 +/- 57) and (123 +/- 58) fmol/mg respectively (F = 1.45, P = 0.24); the Kd levels of PBMC beta(2)-AR were (548 +/- 267), (343 +/- 144), (297 +/- 150), and (375 +/- 95) pmol/L respectively (F = 4.84, P = 0.01); the Bmax levels of beta(2)-AR of induced sputum cells were (126 +/- 46), (116 +/- 54), (106 +/- 36), and (76 +/- 30) respectively (F = 3.46, P = 0.02); and the Kd levels of beta(2)-AR of induced sputum cells were (570 +/- 290), (405 +/- 197), (404 +/- 139), and (347 +/- 123) respectively (F = 2.97, P = 0.04). There was a positive correlation between the forced expiratory volume in one second in percentage of predicted and density of beta(2)-AR in induced sputum cells from the COPD patients (r = 0.43, P = 0.01). There was a positive correlation between the Bmax of beta(2)-AR in PBMC and induced sputum cells (r = 0.40, P = 0.02). The expression of beta(2)-AR in PBMC and induced sputum cells from COPD patients is down-regulated with progression of the disease. The expression of beta(2)-AR in the induced sputum cells changes more significantly than that in the PBMC. The expression of beta(2)-AR in inflammatory cells in the airway may play a more important role in the COPD progress.

Simultaneous evolution of plasma rotation, radial electric field, MHD activity and plasma confinement in the STOR-M tokamak

Radial electric field shear and poloidal plasma rotation are important factors affecting transport and confinement in tokamaks. Alteration of the electric field and plasma rotation in the vicinity of magnetic islands is also an important factor in tokamak plasma confinement. In the STOR-M tokamak, fast (∼1 ms) simultaneous alterations of the radial electric field, plasma rotation (M‖ = 0–0.4 in the plasma current direction), floating potential fluctuations in the periphery and MHD activity generated by rotating islands have been observed experimentally during normal ohmic discharges. The observed time and magnitude of the changes depend on the average electron density and poloidal beta at the beginning of the discharge. In discharges with high initial poloidal beta these changes are accompanied by a reduction in Hα emission and an increase in the line averaged density. Drastic decreases in Hα and increases in line averaged electron density and estimation of poloidal beta suggest that STOR-M confinement is significantly affected in ohmic discharges without an external additional energy input or biasing. MHD activity in STOR-M is damped when a negative electric field is observed at the limiter region of the plasma edge. MHD frequency is observed to decrease with the negative electric field.

Sex-specific densities of estrogen receptors alpha and beta in the subnuclei of the nucleus tractus solitarius, hypoglossal nucleus and dorsal vagal motor nucleus weanling rats

In rats ventilatory responses to N-methyl- d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor modulation are sexually dimorphic and may be altered by manipulating brain levels of estrogen receptors. Here we used image analysis and immunohistochemistry in weanling male and female rats to quantitate areas and densities of ER alpha and ER beta-positive neurons within medullary regions associated with cardiopulmonary regulation including the hypoglossal nucleus, subnuclei of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. Weanling rats were selected because ventilation, metabolic rate, and body and brain weights are comparable at this age and there are no large fluctuations in plasma hormone levels. Females, relative to males, had smaller areas in the A2 region and parts of the NTS. Counts and densities for ER alpha were greater in females than males in almost all regions studied. In contrast sex differences in ER beta were found in fewer nuclei, but in those higher counts and densities were noted in females. In general, ER beta-positive neurons in the brainstem regions examined were less prevalent than ER alpha neurons. Thus, in weanling rats sex affected ER alpha and ER beta neuronal densities in brainstem regions associated with cardiopulmonary regulation that may be responsible for sex differences in control of breathing.

The effects of exercise training on myocardial adrenergic and muscarinic receptors

We investigated the effects of exercise training on heart rate variability (HRV) and myocardial adrenergic and muscarinic receptors in rats. Exercise training induced a decrease in body mass while ventricular size remained unchanged, a development we considered as a relative cardiac hypertrophy. In addition, there was a reduction in the density of myocardial beta(1)-adrenergic receptors. These structural changes were associated with functional adaptations, as illustrated by the increased response of the sinus node to sympathetic blockade.