PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Spectrum Analysis”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,279 records · Page 71Linked to original sources

Molecular cloning and characterization of a transcription regulator with homology to GC-binding factor.

GC-binding factor (GCF) represses transcription of certain genes and is encoded by a 3.0-kilobase mRNA (Kageyama, R., and Pastan, I. (1989) Cell 59, 815-825). The GCF cDNA hybridizes to two additional mRNA species, 4.2 and 1.2 kilobases. We have used differential hybridization to identify a cDNA clone (termed GCF2) for the 4. 2-kilobase mRNA and find that it is highly expressed in HUT-102 cells. The open reading frame consists of 2256 nucleotides and encodes a protein of 752 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 83 kilodaltons. GCF2 expressed in vitro using reticulocyte lysates and Escherichia coli migrates as a 160-kilodalton protein in SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis but has a molecular mass of 83 kilodaltons as determined by mass spectrum analysis. GCF2 binds to epidermal growth factor receptor promoter fragments, and the major binding site is located between nucleotides -249 and -233. Cotransfection assays show that GCF2 acts to repress transcription from the epidermal growth factor receptor promoter in constructs containing the major GCF2 binding site and not when the site had been mutated. Thus, GCF2 is a newly identified transcriptional repressor with aberrant electrophoretic mobility.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The Cap-binding protein eIF4E promotes folding of a functional domain of yeast translation initiation factor eIF4G1.

The association of eucaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4G with the cap-binding protein eIF4E establishes a critical link between the mRNA and the ribosome during translation initiation. This association requires a conserved seven amino acid peptide within eIF4G that binds to eIF4E. Here we report that a 98-amino acid fragment of S. cerevisiae eIF4G1 that contains this eIF4E binding peptide undergoes an unfolded to folded transition upon binding to eIF4E. The folding of the eIF4G1 domain was evidenced by the eIF4E-dependent changes in its protease sensitivity and (1)H-(15)N HSQC NMR spectrum. Analysis of a series of charge-to-alanine mutations throughout the essential 55.4-kDa core of yeast eIF4G1 also revealed substitutions within this 98-amino acid region that led to reduced eIF4E binding in vivo and in vitro. These data suggest that the association of yeast eIF4E with eIF4G1 leads to the formation of a structured domain within eIF4G1 that could serve as a specific site for interactions with other components of the translational apparatus. They also suggest that the stability of the native eIF4E-eIF4G complex is determined by amino acid residues outside of the conserved seven-residue consensus sequence.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of the amino-terminal activation domain of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha. Importance of alpha-helical structure in the transactivating function.

The transactivating function of the A/B region of mouse peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha; NR1C1) was characterized. The truncated version of PPARalpha lacking the A/B region had 60-70% lower transactivating function than full-length PPARalpha in both the presence and absence of the peroxisome proliferator ciprofibrate. When tethered to the yeast Gal4 DNA-binding domain, the A/B region exhibited the significant ligand-independent transactivating function, AF-1 activity. The first 44 amino acid residues were necessary for maximal transactivation, and the minimally essential region was further delimited to amino acids 15-44. This region is highly enriched with acidic residues, but mutational analyses showed that the protein structure, rather than the negative charge itself, was important for the AF-1 activity. An alpha-helical configuration was predicted for this region, and a CD spectrum analysis of the synthetic peptides showed that mutant sequences with higher AF-1 activity have higher helical contents and vice versa. The most active mutant, in which Met(31) was replaced with Leu, was approximately 5-fold more potent than the wild-type A/B region. These findings indicate that the AF-1 region of PPARalpha is an acidic activation domain and that the helix-forming property is implicated in the transactivating function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

73-kDa molecular chaperone HSP73 is a direct target of antibiotic gentamicin.

Although gentamicin (GM) has been used widely as an antibiotic, the specific binding protein of the drug has not yet been understood sufficiently. Here we show that GM specifically associates with the 73-kDa molecular chaperone HSP73 and reduces its chaperone activity in vitro. In the present study, we investigated GM-specific binding proteins using a GM-affinity column and porcine kidney cytosol. After washing the column, only the 73-kDa protein was eluted from the column by the addition of 10 mm GM. None of the other proteins were found in the eluant. Upon immunoblotting, the protein was identical to HSP73. Upon CD spectrum analysis, the binding of GM to HSP73 resulted in a conformational change in the protein. Although HSP73 prevents aggregation of unfolded rhodanese in vitro, the chaperone activity of HSP73 was suppressed in the presence of GM. Using limited proteolysis of HSP73 by TPCK-trypsin, the GM binding site is a COOH-terminal for one third of the protein known to be a peptide-binding domain. During immunohistochemistry, HSP73 and GM were co-localized in enlarged lysosomes of rat kidneys with GM-induced acute tubular injury in vivo. Our results suggest that the specific association between HSP73 and GM may reduce the chaperone activity of HSP73 in vitro and/or in vivo, and this may have an interaction with GM toxicity in kidneys with GM-induced acute tubular injury.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗

Measurement of chromium VI and chromium III in stainless steel welding fumes with electrom spectroscopy for chemical analysis and neutron activation analysis.

Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) was explored as a means of studying the oxidation state of chromium in SMAC (coated electrode) stainless steel welding fume collected on Nucleopore filters in the laboratory. Chromuim VI and III (as a percent of the total chromium) obtained from ESCA analysis was applied to results from Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) to yield an average of 69 microgram chromium VI per sample. Diphenylcarbazide/atomic absorption (DPC/AA) results are reported for samples submitted to an industrial laboratory. Possible chemical species and solubility of chromium VI in stainless steel fumes is discussed in light of analogy between the SMAC process and the manufacturing process for chromates.

Air Pollutants↗

Abnormal electroencephalogram in irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain and abnormal bowel habits. IBS patients sometimes complain of sleep disturbance, depression, and various autonomic symptoms. Our hypothesis is that the central nervous system (CNS) might play a role in the pathogenesis of IBS. METHODS: We conducted two experiments using an electroencephalogram (EEG) to evaluate brain activity while at rest and during mental arithmetic stress with pharmacologic neostigmine administered to IBS patients. The first experiment was conducted on 48 conscious and relaxed patients (24 IBS patients and 24 normal controls). EEG recordings were evaluated for visual and power spectrum data. In the second experiment colonic manometric studies combined with EEG recordings were performed in 21 of 24 IBS patients and 8 of 24 normal controls under mental arithmetic stress and the administration of neostigmine. RESULTS: Inspection of the EEG showed significantly greater EEG abnormality in the IBS patients (29.2%) than in the controls (4.2%) (P < 0.02). In the power spectrum analysis of the EEG the IBS patients showed significantly greater beta power percentage than did the normal subjects (P < 0.02). A significant positive correlation was observed between the colonic motility index and beta power percentage after the administration of neostigmine, 10 microg/kg, only in the IBS patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A brain dysfunction as indexed by the EEG suggests an electrophysiologic brain-gut interaction in IBS.

Adolescent↗

Compensatory mechanisms in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery occlusion.

Twelve patients with asymptomatic occlusion of one (n = 8) or both (n = 4) internal carotid arteries were examined by positron emission tomography (PET) and transcranial Doppler ultrasound. PET measurements included the determination of the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), oxygen extraction ratio (rOER), cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (rCMRO2), and cerebral metabolic rate of glucose consumption (rCMRGlc). Transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) was used to determine the pathways and efficacy of collateralization via the circle of Willis and included spectrum analysis of flow velocities within the middle and anterior cerebral arteries as well as vasoreactivity tests. In correspondence with ultrasound evidence of a haemodynamically effective intracranial collateral circulation no significant differences between patients and controls were observed for rOER, rCMRO2 and rCMRGlc, but rCBF was globally reduced. Furthermore, in all patients with unilateral carotid occlusion PET excluded side asymmetries of any parameter studied. In contrast, flow velocity parameters measured by TCD were significantly reduced ipsilateral and significantly increased contralateral to the carotid obstruction. Vasodilative capacities, however, remained preserved even in the territory of the occluded carotid system. These data indicate that patients with asymptomatic carotid occlusion compensate by haemodynamic and not by metabolic mechanisms in contrast to symptomatic patients.

Aged↗

The effects of benomyl and its breakdown products carbendazim and butyl isocyanate on the structure and function of tracheal ciliated cells.

The effects of the fungicide benomyl and its breakdown products, carbendazim and butyl isocyanate, were examined on canine tracheal epithelial tissue in primary culture. Changes in ciliary frequencies were monitored with an optical spectrum analysis system. Serial dilutions of the test compounds were prepared in 100% corn oil and applied to the cell cultures for intervals up to 6 hours and frequencies measured at intervals of 15 minutes to 1 hour. Benomyl and butyl isocyanate caused concentration-dependent decreases in ciliary beat frequency. Benomyl at 300 micrograms/ml (3 mM) caused ciliostasis within 75 minutes of exposure. Butyl isocyanate at a molar concentration three times lower than benomyl (1 mM) caused a similar response, although within 30 minutes. The IBC50 for benomyl was 0.75 mM, while for butyl isocyanate it was 0.52 mM. Carbendazim caused a moderate decrease in frequency over a 6 hour exposure period. Benomyl caused moderate to severe swelling of the mitochondria of ciliated epithelial cells with other cell organelles appearing normal. Butyl isocyanate did not cause any noticeable effect on cell ultrastructure and the apparently low rate of penetration of carbendazim into cells made it impossible to obtain an effect which justified ultrastructural analysis. It appears, at least for benomyl and butyl isocyanate, that while the physiological effect of these two compounds (inhibition of ciliary beat) is the same, the sites of action in the cell may be different.

Animals↗

Circadian rhythms in competitive sabre fencers: internal desynchronization and performance.

During a 7-10 day span, circadian rhythms of sleep-wake, self-rated fatigue and mood, oral temperature, eye-hand skill and right and left hand grip strength were investigated in eight subjects: five males (21-28 years of age), members of the French sabre fencing team selected for the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, and three females (19-26 years of age) practicing fleuret (foil) fencing as a sports activity. On the average six measurements/day/variable/subject were performed. The single cosinor method showed that a circadian rhythm was detectable for only 26 out of the 56 time series (46.4%). Power spectrum analysis gave almost the same figure (19 out of 48: 39.5%) with regard to rhythms with tau = 24 hr indicating that with one exception (subject JFL) rhythms were internally desynchronized including differences tau between right and left hand grip strength rhythms for three subjects. Results suggest: (a) a physiologic synchronization of circadian rhythms may be a predictor of good performance; (b) however, internal desynchronization as shown previously may be a trivial phenomenon and thus does not imply in itself alterations of either health or performance; (c) chronobiologic methods should be recommended for a better understanding of changes in performance by those participating in competitive and other sports.

Adult↗

Chromosome aberration and lipid peroxidation in chromium-exposed workers.

Chromosome aberration frequency and lipid peroxidation levels were analyzed to investigate their efficacy as biological markers for monitoring the genotoxicity and oxidative damage in Korean chromium (Cr)-exposed workers. Fifty-one Cr-exposed workers and 31 age-matched controls in ten chrome-plating plants were sampled. The Cr level was measured in the workers' blood and urine, and in the ambient air at the workplaces. The conventional Giemsa staining method and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique were used for chromosome aberration analysis. Spectrum green whole chromosome paint specific for chromosome 4 was used in the FISH procedure. As for lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured in the blood plasma as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). The blood Cr concentration was statistically correlated with both the frequency of chromatid exchange and the total frequency of chromosome/chromatid breaks and exchanges, as detected by the Giemsa staining. Meanwhile, the frequency of translocation, as detected by the FISH technique, was significantly higher in the Cr-exposed workers than in the controls and it correlated with the blood Cr concentration. Although the concentration of MDA, the metabolite of lipid peroxidation, in the exposed workers was higher than that of the controls, no statistically significant correlation between the MDA level and the blood or urine Cr levels was observed. Accordingly, the genotoxicity and oxidative damage (plasma lipid peroxidation) in the Korean Cr-exposed workers were consequential at quite low exposure levels, plus chromosome rearrangement, especially translocation, was clearly evident as a biological response marker for Cr exposure based on a significant positive correlation between the translocations detected by FISH and the Cr in the blood.

Adult↗

Erectile dysfunction: anatomical parameters, etiology, diagnosis, and therapy.

Functional anatomy of the human penis involves various parameters: cavernous tissue, covering integument, prepuce foreskin, corpora cavernosa, corpus spongiosum, glans, facia, arterial supply, venous drainage, lymph drainage, musculature, and nerve supply. Several factors affect the expression/degree of erectile dysfunction (ED) endocrine profile, aging/senescence, demyelinating diseases, and surgery. Risk factors of ED are: age, vascular factors, metabolic diseases (diabetes mellitus), neurologic diseases, and HIV/AIDS. Several drugs are associated with ED: antiandrogenic, anticholinergic, antidepressants, antihypertensive, major tranquilizers, anxiolytics, and certain medicines/metabolites. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) is a multidimensional scale for assessment of erectile dysfunction. The main structures mediating erection are the corpora cavernosa or "erectile bodies," which are fused distally for approximately three-quarters of their length. They separate proximally to fuse with each ischial tuberosity of the pelvis. On their ventral surface lies the corpus spongiosum, which surrounds the urethra. Coital dysfunction is classified into "erectile dysfunction" (psychosexual and endocrine/neuro-endocrine) and "ejaculatory dysfunction" (psychosexual, and genitourinary surgery). Vasculogenic impotence was evaluated by high-resolution ultrasonography and pulsed Doppler spectrum analysis. Cavernosal, alpha-blockade is a technique used to evaluate and treat ED. Another diagnostic procedure for ED involves color floro and spectural Doppler imaging after papaverine-induced erection in impotent men. Color Doppler and duplex ultrasonography are used to evaluate Peyronie's disease. Sildenafil cilrate (Viagra) is an effective therapy of ED in men. Vardenavil is a highly selective phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor which improved ED. Prostagland E1, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and phentolamine mesylate (administered by autoinjectors) have been applied to treat ED in patients resistant to other intracavernosal agents. Clinical trials were conducted on self-injection of vasoactive drugs, apomorphine SL, and tadalafil in diabetic men. Medical therapy of ED includes: medicated urethral system for erection (MUSE), intravenous pharmacotherapy, arterial revascularization, vacuum devices, two- and three-component inflatable penile prosthesis, semi-rigid penile prosthesis in situ, and inflatable one-piece penile prosthesis. Surgical therapy include procedures to correct Peyronie's penile deformity and penile deformity, procedures to avoid inevitable shortening accompanying Nesbit's disease, and for penile lengthening.

Erectile Dysfunction↗

Effects of impulse noise on transiently evoked otoacoustic emission in soldiers.

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of exposure to impulse noise on TEOAE, as compared to PTA. The study comprised 92 soldiers, subjected to impulse noise during military service. The control group consisted of secondary school students, not exposed to noise. Extended high frequency PTA, and TEOAE were recorded before and after one year of military service. The total level of noise and spectrum analysis were performed for all kinds of weapons, separately. The highest levels of noise for weapons were related to frequencies from 1.6-16 kHz. After military service significant deterioration of hearing was observed on average by 6 dB exclusively at the frequencies of 10 and 12 kHz. TEOAE reduction was registered predominantly at frequencies of 2, 3 and 4 kHz, with the greatest decrease at 2 kHz (p <0.02). The control group did not show any significant audiometric changes as well as TEOAE during the time of experiment.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Review of the 4-hexylresorcinol procedure for acrolein analysis.

The purpose of this paper is to present laboratory results showing major problems with the 4-hexylresorcinol method used for acrolein analysis. A discrepancy in the analytical procedure described by ASTM and NIOSH gives rise to underestimation of acrolein levels based on the length of time the mixed reagents have been prepared prior to sampling. Underestimations by as much as 35% may occur due to the problems in the existing methodologies.

Acrolein↗

The limit of photoreceptor sensitivity: molecular mechanisms of dark noise in retinal cones.

Detection threshold in cone photoreceptors requires the simultaneous absorption of several photons because single photon photocurrent is small in amplitude and does not exceed intrinsic fluctuations in the outer segment dark current (dark noise). To understand the mechanisms that limit light sensitivity, we characterized the molecular origin of dark noise in intact, isolated bass single cones. Dark noise is caused by continuous fluctuations in the cytoplasmic concentrations of both cGMP and Ca(2+) that arise from the activity in darkness of both guanylate cyclase (GC), the enzyme that synthesizes cGMP, and phosphodiesterase (PDE), the enzyme that hydrolyzes it. In cones loaded with high concentration Ca(2+) buffering agents, we demonstrate that variation in cGMP levels arise from fluctuations in the mean PDE enzymatic activity. The rates of PDE activation and inactivation determine the quantitative characteristics of the dark noise power density spectrum. We developed a mathematical model based on the dynamics of PDE activity that accurately predicts this power spectrum. Analysis of the experimental data with the theoretical model allows us to determine the rates of PDE activation and deactivation in the intact photoreceptor. In fish cones, the mean lifetime of active PDE at room temperature is approximately 55 ms. In nonmammalian rods, in contrast, active PDE lifetime is approximately 555 ms. This remarkable difference helps explain why cones are noisier than rods and why cone photocurrents are smaller in peak amplitude and faster in time course than those in rods. Both these features make cones less light sensitive than rods.

Adaptation, Ocular↗

PETSIM: Monte Carlo simulation of all sensitivity and resolution parameters of cylindrical positron imaging systems.

Monte Carlo simulation techniques are applied to track the annihilation photons from positron decay, and store the photon histories. Reasonably realistic models of the isotope distribution in the brain and heart during typical PET studies, as well as the traditional phantoms used for measuring PET scanner performance can be built out of up to 10 hollow or solid cylinders. Separate programs model the source distribution and its attenuation characteristics, the collimators and the detectors. These modules are connected by compact gamma history files which are stored on disc or tape. Over 50 million gamma ray histories can be saved on a 1 Gbyte disc, representing the decay of several billion atoms. This allows for good precision even for single thin slices in scanners with wide axial acceptance. The simulation results include spectrum analysis, sensitivity to true coincident events, scattered coincident and single rays, and the effects on these parameters of detector dead time. The storage of intermediate results on tape reduces simulation time, since most common source geometries need be generated only once. The sensitivities in multi-slice systems are presented as matrices of coincident crystal planes. The matrix shows the true count sensitivity and the scatter fraction together for each valid combination of planes. This presentation is very useful for assessing the effects of various degrees of inter-plane collimation. The spatial resolution analysis includes the effects of positron range, non-collinearity of the gamma rays, multiple interaction within the detectors, and the effects of quantization into single crystals in multiple-crystal block detectors. Each of these effects can be turned on or off without repeating the simulation. Both in-plane and axial resolutions are calculated as a function of location of the positron-emitting nucleus and the angle of incidence of gamma rays on the crystals. Single crystals, blocks and crystals with depth of interaction encoding can be specified, as can the method of backprojection (planar, or 3D), so that the detector geometry can be optimized.

Computer Simulation↗

On the use of autoregressive time series in the modelling of Doppler signals for diagnostic purposes.

Doppler instruments are widely used in the diagnosis of vascular diseases: however, the physician generally makes the diagnosis from personal experience, and by subjective evaluation of some quantities related to blood flow (e.g., maximum or mean frequency envelope, or zero-crossing density). In order to obtain more objective criteria, methods based on either spectrum analysis, or on Laplace or other orthogonal transforms have been proposed. An alternative approach to the diagnosis of vascular alterations is proposed, which relies on the modelling of flow signals by means of autoregressive time series. The parameters of the autoregressive model have been used for the detection of alterations. The basis of the method is discussed and some preliminary results are reported.

Doppler Effect↗

Chronodiagnostic acquisition of recovery speed of heart rate under bathing stress.

Cycling on an ergometer is one effective means of measuring cardiovascular function while applying stress on the heart. Bathing in a hot water bath applies a low stress to the heart. The electrocardiograms of a healthy adult male (aged 35 at the start of study) were recorded while taking a hot water bath with no electrode attached to the body over a period of 2 years (376 days over a 762 day period). The recovery speed following the initial overshoot of the heart rate (HR) was observed. The bathtub was designed for the automatic acquisition of ECG data. Immediately after immersion in the tub, the HR reached a peak within 20 s and then exponentially decreased toward the lowest rate in the 120 s of bathing. The initial recovery speed of the HR from the stress of bathing had a specific rhythm in the subject. Spectrum analysis of the speed series indicated that slow recovery speed appeared in cyclic periods of approximately 1 year, 42 days and 17 days. The methodology may provide a chronodiagnostic index of an exercise test for cardiovascular function.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

A method for bio-electrical impedance analysis based on a step-voltage response.

Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) has been researched broadly, since it is simple, it presents good results and the analysers are portable, allowing it to be used in field studies. This paper presents a new technique of BIA based on a step-voltage current response and bipolar electrode array. A prototype of this new kind of analyser was developed and constructed to test the technique. Bench tests were performed to calibrate the prototype and the obtained results were comparable to those of commercial analysers. Body composition tests were conducted on 67 subjects of both sexes. Besides the bioimpedance analysis, anthropometric measures, consisting of weight, height, circumference and skinfold thickness, were also obtained from the subjects to allow an estimation of the body composition from anthropometric equations established in the literature. The results point to a good correlation (Pearson coefficient, r = 0.9645) between the anthropometric estimated fat-free mass (FFM) and its analogue estimated by the new bioimpedance technique.

Adult↗