University of Hawaii at Manoa

About: University of Hawaii at Manoa is a education organization based out in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 13693 authors who have published 25161 publications receiving 1023924 citations.

Observation of a Charged Charmoniumlike Structure Z(c) (4020) and Search for the Z(c) (3900) in e(+)e(-) -> pi(+) pi(-)h(c)

Abstract: We study e(+)e(-) -> pi(+) pi(-)h(c) at center-of-mass energies from 3.90 to 4.42 GeV by using data samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider. The Born cross sections are measured at 13 energies and are found to be of the same order of magnitude as those of e(+)e(-) -> pi(+) pi(-) J/Psi but with a different line shape. In the pi(+/-)h(c) mass spectrum, a distinct structure, referred to as Z(c)(4020) is observed at 4. 02 GeV/c(2). The Z(c)(4020) carries an electric charge and couples to charmonium. A fit to the pi(+/-)h(c) invariant mass spectrum, neglecting possible interferences, results in a mass of (4022.9 +/- 0.8 +/- 2.7) MeV/c(2) and a width of (7.9 +/- 2.7 +/- 2.6) MeV for the Z(c)(4020), where the first errors are statistical and the second systematic. The difference between the parameters of this structure and the Z(c) (4025) observed in the D*(D) over bar* final state is within 1.5 sigma, but whether they are the same state needs further investigation. No significant Z(c)(3900) signal is observed, and upper limits on the Z(c)(3900) production cross sections in pi +/- h(c) at center-of-mass energies of 4.23 and 4.26 GeVare set.

Structural and metabolic brain changes in the striatum associated with methamphetamine abuse.

Abstract: Aims To review structural, chemical and metabolic brain changes, particularly those in the basal ganglia, in individuals who used methamphetamine, as well as in children with prenatal methamphetamine exposure. Methods Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) studies that evaluated brain structural, chemical and metabolite changes in methamphetamine subjects, or children with prenatal methamphetamine exposure, were reviewed and summarized. Relevant pre-clinical studies that provided insights to the interpretations of these imaging studies were also reviewed. Results In adults who used methamphetamine, MRI demonstrates enlarged striatal volumes, while MR spectroscopy shows reduced concentrations of the neuronal marker N-acetylasparate and total creatine in the basal ganglia. In contrast, children with prenatal methamphetamine exposure show smaller striatal structures and elevated total creatine. Furthermore, PET studies consistently showed reduced dopamine transporter (DAT) density and reduced dopamine D2 receptors in the striatum of methamphetamine subjects. PET studies also found lower levels of serotonergic transporter density and vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2) across striatal subregions, as well as altered brain glucose metabolism that correlated with severity of psychiatric symptoms in the limbic and orbitofrontal regions. Conclusion Neuroimaging studies demonstrate abnormalities in brain structure and chemistry convincingly in individuals who used methamphetamine and in children with prenatal methamphetamine exposure, especially in the striatum. However, many important questions remain and larger sample sizes are needed to validate these preliminary observations. Furthermore, longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the effects of treatment and abstinence on these brain changes and to determine whether imaging, and possibly genetic, markers can be used to predict treatment outcome or relapse.

Key Questions in Marine Megafauna Movement Ecology

Abstract: It is a golden age for animal movement studies and so an opportune time to assess priorities for future work. We assembled 40 experts to identify key questions in this field, focussing on marine megafauna, which include a broad range of birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish. Research on these taxa has both underpinned many of the recent technical developments and led to fundamental discoveries in the field. We show that the questions have broad applicability to other taxa, including terrestrial animals, flying insects, and swimming invertebrates, and, as such, this exercise provides a useful roadmap for targeted deployments and data syntheses that should advance the field of movement ecology.

Ray Tracing for Radio Propagation Modeling: Principles and Applications

Abstract: This paper reviews the basic concepts of rays, ray tracing algorithms, and radio propagation modeling using ray tracing methods We focus on the fundamental concepts and the development of practical ray tracing algorithms The most recent progress and a future perspective of ray tracing are also discussed We envision propagation modeling in the near future as an intelligent, accurate, and real-time system in which ray tracing plays an important role This review is especially useful for experts who are developing new ray tracing algorithms to enhance modeling accuracy and improve computational speed

Astaxanthin: a novel potential treatment for oxidative stress and inflammation in cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: Oxidative stress and inflammation are implicated in several different manifestations of cardiovascular disease (CVD). They are generated, in part, from the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) that activate transcriptional messengers, such as nuclear factor-kappaB, tangibly contributing to endothelial dysfunction, the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, irreversible damage after ischemic reperfusion, and even arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation. Despite this connection between oxidative stress and CVD, there are currently no recognized therapeutic interventions to address this important unmet need. Antioxidants that provide a broad, "upstream" approach via ROS/RNS quenching or free radical chain breaking seem an appropriate therapeutic option based on epidemiologic, dietary, and in vivo animal model data. However, human clinical trials with several different well-known agents, such as vitamin E and beta-carotene, have been disappointing. Does this mean antioxidants as a class are ineffective, or rather that the "right" compound(s) have yet to be found, their mechanisms of action understood, and their appropriate targeting and dosages determined? A large class of potent naturally-occurring antioxidants exploited by nature-the oxygenated carotenoids (xanthophylls)-have demonstrated utility in their natural form but have eluded development as successful targeted therapeutic agents up to the present time. This article characterizes the mechanism by which this novel group of antioxidants function and reviews their preclinical development. Results from multiple species support the antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties of the prototype compound, astaxanthin, establishing it as an appropriate candidate for development as a therapeutic agent for cardiovascular oxidative stress and inflammation.