Fiber-Optic Imaging Probe Developed for Space Used to Detect Diabetes Through the Eye

Approximately 16 million Americans have diabetes mellitus, which can severely impair eyesight by causing cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Cataracts are 1.6 times more common in people with diabetes than in those without diabetes, and cataract extraction is the only surgical treatment. In many cases, diabetes-related ocular pathologies go undiagnosed until visual function is compromised. This ongoing pilot project seeks to study the progression of diabetes in a unique animal model by monitoring changes in the lens with a safe, sensitive, dynamic light-scattering probe. Dynamic light scattering (DLS), has the potential to diagnose cataracts at the molecular level. Recently, a new DLS fiber-optic probe was developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field for noncontact, accurate, and extremely sensitive particle-sizing measurements in fluid dispersions and suspensions (ref. 1). This compact, portable, and rugged probe is free of optical alignment, offers point-and-shoot operation for various online field applications and challenging environments, and yet is extremely flexible in regards to sample container sizes, materials, and shapes. No external vibration isolation and no index matching are required. It can measure particles as small as 1 nm and as large as few micrometers in a wide concentration range from very dilute (waterlike) dispersions to very turbid (milklike) suspensions. It is safe and fast to use, since it only requires very low laser power (10 nW to 3 mW) with very short data acquisition times (2 to 10 sec)

Complicated spastic paraplegia in patients with AP5Z1 mutations (SPG48)

Objective: Biallelic mutations in the AP5Z1 gene encoding the AP-5 ζ subunit have been described in a small number of patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) (SPG48); we sought to define genotype–phenotype correlations in patients with homozygous or compound heterozygous sequence variants predicted to be deleterious. Methods: We performed clinical, radiologic, and pathologic studies in 6 patients with biallelic mutations in AP5Z1. Results: In 4 of the 6 patients, there was complete loss of AP-5 ζ protein. Clinical features encompassed not only prominent spastic paraparesis but also sensory and motor neuropathy, ataxia, dystonia, myoclonus, and parkinsonism. Skin fibroblasts from affected patients tested positive for periodic acid Schiff and autofluorescent storage material, while electron microscopic analysis demonstrated lamellar storage material consistent with abnormal storage of lysosomal material. Conclusions: Our findings expand the spectrum of AP5Z1-associated neurodegenerative disorders and point to clinical and pathophysiologic overlap between autosomal recessive forms of HSP and lysosomal storage disorders

ビコールとフィリピノの２言語を用いた初等理科教育 : フィリピンのビコール地域におけるビコール話者の生徒の場合

The purpose of this study is to determine in which language Bicol-speaking students have better understanding of science ideas. The study also examined the students’ extent of language usage in and outside their homes, and their language preference when learning science. Additionally, this study also investigated primary school teachers’ opinions on their students’ language preference in learning science. The study focused in soliciting students’ and teachers’ perceptions on language use in science, developing instructional materials, and administering science lessons using two local languages, Filipino, the national language, and Bicol, the mother language of the respondents which were then compared to respondents who were taught using the English language, the instructional language of science education. The study was guided by the following process. First, the language demography of the country and the language policies implemented thru the constitution and department of education orders were reviewed. Studies conducted in other regions which are related to mother language-based education were also reviewed. Second, the researcher conducted school visits to public primary schools located in the provinces of the Bicol region. School principals and teachers were interviewed, and science classes in three class sections were observed focusing on the language use. Third, based on the insights gained, the research design and framework of the study was formulated and research materials were developed. Fourth, the research materials were administered to selected participants, afterwards data were collected and analyzed. The study aimed to address the main research problem: Do Bicol-speaking primary students understand the science lesson and other science related activities better in Bicol or Filipino, compared to English? In order to provide the answer, the following specific research problems guided the course of the research: (1) What are the effects of using two languages, Bicol and Filipino, on students’ academic performance in science compared to using the language of instruction in science? In which language do students understand better? (2) What are the students’ language preference in learning science ideas, and their language environment in and out of their school? And, (3) What are the perceptions of primary school teachers towards the mother language-based science education? The descriptive methodology was employed during the process of this study. Instruments that were used in the research included survey questionnaires and actual classroom lesson, reading comprehension and vocabulary tests in three languages. The survey questionnaires served as data to find out the students’ language preference in learning science ideas in science related activities. Actual classroom lessons provides data on students’ performance (recitations, class participation, expression of own ideas, following teacher’s instructions) in class. The tests in three languages consisted of a reading material about the science topic from the lessons taught, and test items that determine if the students understood what they have been taught. The findings revealed the following: 1. Students who were taught using the Filipino language obtained better mean scores in the test compared to students who were taught using their mother language. On the other hand, students who were taught using the English language obtained the lowest mean scores. Furthermore, the results revealed that students prefer the Filipino language during class discussions, recitations, in following their teacher’s instructions during science related classroom activities, and in doing their homework. 2. Students who were taught using the Filipino and Bicol languages exhibited easiness and eagerness to participate and follow teachers instruction during science classes. Students were also able to express their own ideas during class recitations and discussions compared to the students who were taught in English. 3. The results of the tests in which student respondents obtained better scores in Filipino was supported by the results of the survey administered to them. The results revealed that majority respondents prefer the Filipino language in learning and comprehending science concepts, in expressing their own ideas, and in following their teacher’s instructions. 4. The results also revealed that from teachers’ point of view, the Filipino language, even though not the mother language of the students in the region, is the language preferred by students in most science related activities along with the Bicol language. On the other hand, although their students favor the Filipino language in various science related activities, for several reasons (e.g. the difficulty and cost of translating science concept into local languages, the status of English as the international language, the importance of English for higher education, lack of training in multilingual-based teaching), a considerable number of teacher respondents still perceive that English is the best medium (most appropriate) of instruction for primary science education in the Bicol region. Several insights were gained from the data of this study. First, the Bicol speaking primary students switch languages between home and school which could affect their learning. Second, the results of the tests revealed that Bicol speaking students have demonstrated better performance when they were taught in the Filipino and Bicol languages. The findings are supported by the studies conducted by Dekker and Dumatog in 2003, by Balce in 2010 and by Oyzon et al., 2012, which similarly resulted to better performance of student respondents in their mother language. Third, the use of local languages in teaching science ideas at the moment would depend on the content being taught. Fourth, the results of the study show that the use of two local languages, Filipino and Bicol languages, in primary science level could benefits Bicol-speaking students in terms of better understanding of science ideas. Lastly, although Bicol is the mother language of the student respondents, they performed better in the test in Filipino language, which is the national language. This indicate that at this time, the Filipino language has a stronger foundation as an academic language than Bicol since Filipino is also the language of instruction in subjects such as Social Studies and Filipino. In addition to Filipino being spoken, written and used as medium of instruction, it is also used in school textbooks, magazines and newspapers. Based on the findings in this study, it is concluded that, grade 3 Bicol-speaking students understand science ideas from science lessons and other science related activities better in Filipino language and in Bicol language compared to the English language. Most importantly, the results of this study revealed that the Bicol speaking students were conditioned to the Filipino language that they became familiar and comfortable using the language. Therefore, if the learners are highly exposed to other language in spite of existing mother tongue language, this may affect the language preference of the students’ in the learning process in the classroom. Thus, the study recommended further research on mother language-based science education by developing more instructional lessons and materials to various thematic content of the science curriculum to determine whether the use of local languages is appropriate to lesson being taught. Further research on finding and developing equivalent or near equivalent meanings or definitions of science terms in the local languages. Providing more opportunities for teachers as well as school administrators to develop school-based instructional materials for science education using local languages that students are familiar.広島大学(Hiroshima University)博士(学術)Doctor of Philosophydoctora

Rhizoclonium hieroglyphicum and Recycled Papers as Materials for Handcrafted Papermaking

The study explored the usage of Rhizoclonium hieroglyphicum and recycled papers as materials for handcrafted paper. The Rhizoclonium hieroglyphicum was mixed with 25%, 50%, and 75% wastepaper with three treatments of different material ratios formed following the same procedure. Each treatment was tested in terms of grammage, opacity, microscopic analysis, and tensile strength, with each test having ten trials except the oil absorbency and thickness test. Algae were mixed with 1.5% NaOH and cooked for 30 minutes at 95 degrees Celsius then 10 grams of calcium carbonate for every 100 grams of the pulp mixture. After various tests of the algae paper, the results show that the product composed of 75% algae and 25% waste copy paper has a higher value in terms of the tests recommended by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). After analyzing the data of the tests to determine the viability and quality of the treatments, as well as taking their data and results, and having a statistical analysis among the three treatments, it shows the effectiveness of using Rhizoclonium hieroglyphicum as an alternative material for paper

Complicated spastic paraplegia in patients with AP5Z1 mutations (SPG48).

OBJECTIVE: Biallelic mutations in the AP5Z1 gene encoding the AP-5 ζ subunit have been described in a small number of patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) (SPG48); we sought to define genotype-phenotype correlations in patients with homozygous or compound heterozygous sequence variants predicted to be deleterious. METHODS: We performed clinical, radiologic, and pathologic studies in 6 patients with biallelic mutations in AP5Z1. RESULTS: In 4 of the 6 patients, there was complete loss of AP-5 ζ protein. Clinical features encompassed not only prominent spastic paraparesis but also sensory and motor neuropathy, ataxia, dystonia, myoclonus, and parkinsonism. Skin fibroblasts from affected patients tested positive for periodic acid Schiff and autofluorescent storage material, while electron microscopic analysis demonstrated lamellar storage material consistent with abnormal storage of lysosomal material. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings expand the spectrum of AP5Z1-associated neurodegenerative disorders and point to clinical and pathophysiologic overlap between autosomal recessive forms of HSP and lysosomal storage disorders

βB1-Crystallin: Thermodynamic Profiles of Molecular Interactions

β-Crystallins are structural proteins maintaining eye lens transparency and opacification. Previous work demonstrated that dimerization of both βA3 and βB2 crystallins (βA3 and βB2) involves endothermic enthalpy of association (∼8 kcal/mol) mediated by hydrophobic interactions.Thermodynamic profiles of the associations of dimeric βA3 and βB1 and tetrameric βB1/βA3 were measured using sedimentation equilibrium. The homo- and heteromolecular associations of βB1 crystallin are dominated by exothermic enthalpy (-13.3 and -24.5 kcal/mol, respectively).Global thermodynamics of βB1 interactions suggest a role in the formation of stable protein complexes in the lens via specific van der Waals contacts, hydrogen bonds and salt bridges whereas those β-crystallins which associate by predominately hydrophobic forces participate in a weaker protein associations

An Objective Scatter Index Based on Double-Pass Retinal Images of a Point Source to Classify Cataracts

PURPOSE: To propose a new objective scatter index (OSI) based in the analysis of double-pass images of a point source to rank and classify cataract patients. This classification scheme is compared with a current subjective system. METHODS: We selected a population including a group of normal young eyes as control and patients diagnosed with cataract (grades NO2, NO3 and NO4) according to the Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS III). For each eye, we recorded double-pass retinal images of a point source. In each patient, we determined an objective scatter index (OSI) as the ratio of the intensity at an eccentric location in the image and the central part. This index provides information on the relevant forward scatter affecting vision. Since the double-pass retinal images are affected by both ocular aberrations and intraocular scattering, an analysis was performed to show the ranges of contributions of aberrations to the OSI. RESULTS: We used the OSI values to classify each eye according to the degree of scatter. The young normal eyes of the control group had OSI values below 1, while the OSI for subjects in LOCS grade II were around 1 to 2. The use of the objective index showed some of the weakness of subjective classification schemes. In particular, several subjects initially classified independently as grade NO2 or NO3 had similar OSI values, and in some cases even higher than subjects classified as grade NO4. A new classification scheme based in OSI is proposed. CONCLUSIONS: We introduced an objective index based in the analysis of double-pass retinal images to classify cataract patients. The method is robust and fully based in objective measurements; i.e., not depending on subjective decisions. This procedure could be used in combination with standard current methods to improve cataract patient surgery scheduling

αA-Crystallin Peptide 66SDRDKFVIFLDVKHF80 Accumulating in Aging Lens Impairs the Function of α-Crystallin and Induces Lens Protein Aggregation

The eye lens is composed of fiber cells that are filled with α-, β- and γ-crystallins. The primary function of crystallins is to maintain the clarity of the lens through ordered interactions as well as through the chaperone-like function of α-crystallin. With aging, the chaperone function of α-crystallin decreases, with the concomitant accumulation of water-insoluble, light-scattering oligomers and crystallin-derived peptides. The role of crystallin-derived peptides in age-related lens protein aggregation and insolubilization is not understood.We found that αA-crystallin-derived peptide, (66)SDRDKFVIFLDVKHF(80), which accumulates in the aging lens, can inhibit the chaperone activity of α-crystallin and cause aggregation and precipitation of lens crystallins. Age-related change in the concentration of αA-(66-80) peptide was estimated by mass spectrometry. The interaction of the peptide with native crystallin was studied by multi-angle light scattering and fluorescence methods. High molar ratios of peptide-to-crystallin were favourable for aggregation and precipitation. Time-lapse recordings showed that, in the presence of αA-(66-80) peptide, α-crystallin aggregates and functions as a nucleus for protein aggregation, attracting aggregation of additional α-, β- and γ-crystallins. Additionally, the αA-(66-80) peptide shares the principal properties of amyloid peptides, such as β-sheet structure and fibril formation.These results suggest that crystallin-derived peptides such as αA-(66-80), generated in vivo, can induce age-related lens changes by disrupting the structure and organization of crystallins, leading to their insolubilization. The accumulation of such peptides in aging lenses may explain a novel mechanism for age-related crystallin aggregation and cataractogenesis