Sample records for access protect af

  1. Safety of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure: results from the Watchman Left Atrial Appendage System for Embolic Protection in Patients with AF (PROTECT AF) clinical trial and the Continued Access Registry.

    PubMed

    Reddy, Vivek Y; Holmes, David; Doshi, Shephal K; Neuzil, Petr; Kar, Saibal

    2011-02-01

    The Watchman Left Atrial Appendage System for Embolic Protection in Patients With AF (PROTECT AF) randomized trial compared left atrial appendage closure against warfarin in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with CHADS₂ ≥1. Although the study met the primary efficacy end point of being noninferior to warfarin therapy for the prevention of stroke/systemic embolism/cardiovascular death, there was a significantly higher risk of complications, predominantly pericardial effusion and procedural stroke related to air embolism. Here, we report the influence of experience on the safety of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure. The study cohort for this analysis included patients in the PROTECT AF trial who underwent attempted device left atrial appendage closure (n=542 patients) and those from a subsequent nonrandomized registry of patients undergoing Watchman implantation (Continued Access Protocol [CAP] Registry; n=460 patients). The safety end point included bleeding- and procedure-related events (pericardial effusion, stroke, device embolization). There was a significant decline in the rate of procedure- or device-related safety events within 7 days of the procedure across the 2 studies, with 7.7% and 3.7% of patients, respectively, experiencing events (P=0.007), and between the first and second halves of PROTECT AF and CAP, with 10.0%, 5.5%, and 3.7% of patients, respectively, experiencing events (P=0.006). The rate of serious pericardial effusion within 7 days of implantation, which had made up >50% of the safety events in PROTECT AF, was lower in the CAP Registry (5.0% versus 2.2%, respectively; P=0.019). There was a similar experience-related improvement in procedure-related stroke (0.9% versus 0%, respectively; P=0.039). Finally, the functional impact of these safety events, as defined by significant disability or death, was statistically superior in the Watchman group compared with the warfarin group in PROTECT AF. This remained true whether significance

  2. Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) Hydroxamate Siderophores Protect Formation of Af Biofilms from the Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) Product Pyoverdine

    PubMed Central

    Sass, Gabriele; Stevens, David A

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Background Pa and Af are pathogens frequently found together in airways of immunocompromised patients and patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Hence, interactions of Pa and Af require understanding. Both Pa and Af are crucially dependent on the availability of iron, and therefore are competitors in their microenvironment. We have shown, using deletion mutants of Pa, that the Pa siderophore pyoverdine, the dominant Pa inhibitor of Af, interferes with Af biofilms by iron chelation, and denial of iron to the fungus. Methods Protective compounds in Af supernatants were evaluated using assays for the quantification of Af biofilm metabolism by XTT measurement, spectrometric pyoverdine measurement, as well as Chrome Azorole S (CAS) assay for the determination of siderophore production. Results Here we provide evidence that whereas iron usage by Af promotes pyoverdine production by Pa, Af has developed a defense mechanism against anti-fungal pyoverdine effects. The ability of Af to produce hydroxamate siderophores, and shed these into the surrounding medium, where they sequester and transport iron, is a key factor for Af self-defense against Pa. Under low iron conditions, such as in the presence of high amounts of the Pa siderophore pyoverdine, siderophore-bound iron is then fed to Af, protecting the fungus from iron starvation. Af with a deletion mutation in sidA, a gene essential for the production of hydroxamate siderophores, was significantly more sensitive to Pa supernatants, as well as pure pyoverdine, than wild-type Af. Af supernatants, produced in the presence of celastrol, an inhibitor of SidA-generated biosynthesis of siderophores, or produced by the sidA mutant, were not able to protect Af from iron starvation. Conclusion Interference with the iron-dependent Af self-defense mechanism might represent a new approach for therapy against aspergillosis. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

  3. Cost-Effectiveness of Percutaneous Closure of the Left Atrial Appendage in Atrial Fibrillation Based on Results from PROTECT AF vs. PREVAIL

    PubMed Central

    Freeman, James V.; Hutton, David W.; Barnes, Geoffrey D.; Zhu, Ruo P.; Owens, Douglas K.; Garber, Alan M.; Go, Alan S.; Hlatky, Mark A.; Heidenreich, Paul A.; Wang, Paul J.; Al-Ahmad, Amin; Turakhia, Mintu P.

    2016-01-01

    Background Randomized trials of left atrial appendage (LAA) closure with the Watchman device have shown varying results, and its cost-effectiveness compared to anticoagulation has not been evaluated using all available contemporary trial data. Methods and Results We used a Markov decision model to estimate lifetime quality-adjusted survival, costs, and cost-effectiveness of LAA closure with Watchman, compared directly with warfarin and indirectly with dabigatran, using data from the long-term (mean 3.8 year) follow-up of PROTECT AF and PREVAIL randomized trials. Using data from PROTECT AF, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) compared to warfarin and dabigatran were $20,486 and $23,422 per quality adjusted life year (QALY), respectively. Using data from PREVAIL, LAA closure was dominated by warfarin and dabigatran, meaning that it was less effective (8.44, 8.54, and 8.59 QALYs, respectively) and more costly. At a willingness-to-pay-threshold of $50,000 per QALY, LAA closure was cost-effective 90% and 9% of the time under PROTECT AF and PREVAIL assumptions, respectively. These results were sensitive to the rates of ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage for LAA closure and medical anticoagulation. Conclusions Using data from the PROTECT AF trial, LAA closure with the Watchman device was cost-effective; using PREVAIL trial data, Watchman was more costly and less effective than warfarin and dabigatran. PROTECT AF enrolled more patients and has substantially longer follow-up time, allowing greater statistical certainty with the cost-effectiveness results. However, longer term trial results and post-marketing surveillance of major adverse events will be vital to determining the value of the Watchman in clinical practice. PMID:27307517

  4. Cost-Effectiveness of Percutaneous Closure of the Left Atrial Appendage in Atrial Fibrillation Based on Results From PROTECT AF Versus PREVAIL.

    PubMed

    Freeman, James V; Hutton, David W; Barnes, Geoffrey D; Zhu, Ruo P; Owens, Douglas K; Garber, Alan M; Go, Alan S; Hlatky, Mark A; Heidenreich, Paul A; Wang, Paul J; Al-Ahmad, Amin; Turakhia, Mintu P

    2016-06-01

    Randomized trials of left atrial appendage (LAA) closure with the Watchman device have shown varying results, and its cost effectiveness compared with anticoagulation has not been evaluated using all available contemporary trial data. We used a Markov decision model to estimate lifetime quality-adjusted survival, costs, and cost effectiveness of LAA closure with Watchman, compared directly with warfarin and indirectly with dabigatran, using data from the long-term (mean 3.8 year) follow-up of Percutaneous Closure of the Left Atrial Appendage Versus Warfarin Therapy for Prevention of Stroke in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation (PROTECT AF) and Prospective Randomized Evaluation of the Watchman LAA Closure Device in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation (PREVAIL) randomized trials. Using data from PROTECT AF, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios compared with warfarin and dabigatran were $20 486 and $23 422 per quality-adjusted life year, respectively. Using data from PREVAIL, LAA closure was dominated by warfarin and dabigatran, meaning that it was less effective (8.44, 8.54, and 8.59 quality-adjusted life years, respectively) and more costly. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50 000 per quality-adjusted life year, LAA closure was cost effective 90% and 9% of the time under PROTECT AF and PREVAIL assumptions, respectively. These results were sensitive to the rates of ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage for LAA closure and medical anticoagulation. Using data from the PROTECT AF trial, LAA closure with the Watchman device was cost effective; using PREVAIL trial data, Watchman was more costly and less effective than warfarin and dabigatran. PROTECT AF enrolled more patients and has substantially longer follow-up time, allowing greater statistical certainty with the cost-effectiveness results. However, longer-term trial results and postmarketing surveillance of major adverse events will be vital to determining the value of the Watchman in clinical

  5. Assessment of Device-Related Thrombus and Associated Clinical Outcomes With the WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Embolic Protection in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation (from the PROTECT-AF Trial).

    PubMed

    Main, Michael L; Fan, Dali; Reddy, Vivek Y; Holmes, David R; Gordon, Nicole T; Coggins, Tina R; House, John A; Liao, Lawrence; Rabineau, Dawn; Latus, George G; Huber, Kenneth C; Sievert, Horst; Wright, Richard F; Doshi, Shephal K; Douglas, Pamela S

    2016-04-01

    Left atrial appendage closure with the WATCHMAN device is an alternative to anticoagulation for stroke prevention in selected patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). LA device-related thrombus (DRT) is poorly defined and understood. We aimed to (1) develop consensus echocardiographic diagnostic criteria for DRT; (2) estimate the incidence of DRT; and (3) determine clinical event rates in patients with DRT. In phase 1 (training), a training manual was developed and reviewed by 3 echocardiographers with left atrial appendage closure device experience. All available transesophageal (TEE) studies in the WATCHMAN left atrial appendage system for embolic protection in patients with atrial fibrillation (PROTECT-AF) trial patients with suspected DRT were reviewed in 2 subsequent phases. In phase 2 (primary blind read), each reviewer independently scored each study for DRT, and final echo criteria were developed. Unanimously scored studies were considered adjudicated, whereas all others were reevaluated by all reviewers in phase 3 (group adjudication read). DRT was suspected in 35 of 485 patients by the site investigator, the echocardiography core laboratory, or both; 93 of the individual TEE studies were available for review. In phase 2, 3 readers agreed on 67 (72%) of time points. Based on phases 1 and 2, 5 DRT criteria were developed. In phase 3, studies without agreement in phase 2 were adjudicated using these criteria. Overall, at least 1 TEE was DRT positive in 27 (5.7%) PROTECT-AF patients. Stroke, peripheral embolism, or cardiac/unexplained death occurred in subjects with DRT at a rate of 3.4 per 100 patient-years follow-up. In conclusion, DRT were identified on at least 1 TEE in 27 PROTECT-AF patients, indicating a DRT incidence of 5.7%. Primary efficacy events in patients with DRT occurred at a rate of 3.4 per 100 patient-years follow-up, intermediate in frequency between event rates previously reported for the overall device and warfarin arms in PROTECT-AF

  6. Evaluation of the Sustainability and Clinical Outcome of Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) in a Child Protection Center

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kolko, David J.; Iselin, Anne-Marie R.; Gully, Kevin J.

    2011-01-01

    This paper examines the sustainability and outcome of Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) as delivered by practitioners in a community-based child protection program who had received training in the model several years earlier. Formerly described as Abuse-Focused CBT, AF-CBT is an evidence-based treatment (EBT) for…

  7. 5-Year Outcomes After Left Atrial Appendage Closure: From the PREVAIL and PROTECT AF Trials.

    PubMed

    Reddy, Vivek Y; Doshi, Shephal K; Kar, Saibal; Gibson, Douglas N; Price, Matthew J; Huber, Kenneth; Horton, Rodney P; Buchbinder, Maurice; Neuzil, Petr; Gordon, Nicole T; Holmes, David R

    2017-12-19

    The PROTECT AF (WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage System for Embolic Protection in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation) trial demonstrated that left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with the Watchman device (Boston Scientific, St. Paul, Minnesota) was equivalent to warfarin for preventing stroke in atrial fibrillation, but had a high rate of complications. In a second randomized trial, PREVAIL (Evaluation of the WATCHMAN LAA Closure Device in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Versus Long Term Warfarin Therapy), the complication rate was low. The warfarin cohort experienced an unexpectedly low ischemic stroke rate, rendering the efficacy endpoints inconclusive. However, these outcomes were based on relatively few patients followed for a relatively short time. The final results of the PREVAIL trial, both alone and as part of a patient-level meta-analysis with the PROTECT AF trial, are reported with patients in both trials followed for 5 years. PREVAIL and PROTECT AF are prospective randomized clinical trials with patients randomized 2:1 to LAAC or warfarin; together, they enrolled 1,114 patients for 4,343 patient-years. Analyses are by intention-to-treat, and rates are events per 100 patient-years. For the PREVAIL trial, the first composite coprimary endpoint of stroke, systemic embolism (SE), or cardiovascular/unexplained death did not achieve noninferiority (posterior probability for noninferiority = 88.4%), whereas the second coprimary endpoint of post-procedure ischemic stroke/SE did achieve noninferiority (posterior probability for noninferiority = 97.5%); the warfarin arm maintained an unusually low ischemic stroke rate (0.73%). In the meta-analysis, the composite endpoint was similar between groups (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.820; p = 0.27), as were all-stroke/SE (HR: 0.961; p = 0.87). The ischemic stroke/SE rate was numerically higher with LAAC, but this difference did not reach statistical significance (HR: 1.71; p = 0.080). However, differences in

  8. 45 CFR 164.524 - Access of individuals to protected health information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... Health Information § 164.524 Access of individuals to protected health information. (a) Standard: Access to protected health information—(1) Right of access. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (a)(2... protected health information about the individual in a designated record set, for as long as the protected...

  9. 45 CFR 164.524 - Access of individuals to protected health information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... Health Information § 164.524 Access of individuals to protected health information. (a) Standard: Access to protected health information—(1) Right of access. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (a)(2... protected health information about the individual in a designated record set, for as long as the protected...

  10. 32 CFR 989.12 - AF Form 813, Request for Environmental Impact Analysis.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 6 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false AF Form 813, Request for Environmental Impact... FORCE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS PROCESS (EIAP) § 989.12 AF Form 813, Request for Environmental Impact Analysis. The Air Force uses AF Form 813 to document the need for...

  11. The splicing factor U2AF65 stabilizes TRF1 protein by inhibiting its ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kim, Jeonghee; Chung, In Kwon, E-mail: topoviro@yonsei.ac.kr

    Highlights: •Identification of U2AF65 as a novel TRF1-interacting protein. •U2AF65 stabilizes TRF1 protein by inhibiting its ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis. •U2AF65 interferes with the interaction between TRF1 and Fbx4. •U2AF65 represents a new route for modulating TRF1 function at telomeres. -- Abstract: The human telomeric protein TRF1 is a component of the six-subunit protein complex shelterin, which provides telomere protection by organizing the telomere into a high-order structure. TRF1 functions as a negative regulator of telomere length by controlling the access of telomerase to telomeres. Thus, the cellular abundance of TRF1 at telomeres should be maintained and tightly regulated to ensure propermore » telomere function. Here, we identify U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) auxiliary factor 65 (U2AF65), an essential pre-mRNA splicing factor, as a novel TRF1-interacting protein. U2AF65 interacts with TRF1 in vitro and in vivo and is capable of stabilizing TRF1 protein by inhibiting its ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis. We also found that U2AF65 interferes with the interaction between TRF1 and Fbx4, an E3 ubiquitin ligase for TRF1. Depletion of endogenous U2AF65 expression by short interfering RNA (siRNA) reduced the stability of endogenous TRF1 whereas overexpression of U2AF65 significantly extended the half-life of TRF1. These findings demonstrate that U2AF65 plays a critical role in regulating the level of TRF1 through physical interaction and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Hence, U2AF65 represents a new route for modulating TRF1 function at telomeres.« less

  12. GLA-AF, an emulsion-free vaccine adjuvant for pandemic influenza.

    PubMed

    Clegg, Christopher H; Roque, Richard; Perrone, Lucy A; Rininger, Joseph A; Bowen, Richard; Reed, Steven G

    2014-01-01

    The ongoing threat from Influenza necessitates the development of new vaccine and adjuvant technologies that can maximize vaccine immunogenicity, shorten production cycles, and increase global vaccine supply. Currently, the most successful adjuvants for Influenza vaccines are squalene-based oil-in-water emulsions. These adjuvants enhance seroprotective antibody titers to homologous and heterologous strains of virus, and augment a significant dose sparing activity that could improve vaccine manufacturing capacity. As an alternative to an emulsion, we tested a simple lipid-based aqueous formulation containing a synthetic TLR4 ligand (GLA-AF) for its ability to enhance protection against H5N1 infection. GLA-AF was very effective in adjuvanting recombinant H5 hemagglutinin antigen (rH5) in mice and was as potent as the stable emulsion, SE. Both adjuvants induced similar antibody titers using a sub-microgram dose of rH5, and both conferred complete protection against a highly pathogenic H5N1 challenge. However, GLA-AF was the superior adjuvant in ferrets. GLA-AF stimulated a broader antibody response than SE after both the prime and boost immunization with rH5, and ferrets were better protected against homologous and heterologous strains of H5N1 virus. Thus, GLA-AF is a potent emulsion-free adjuvant that warrants consideration for pandemic influenza vaccine development.

  13. 15 CFR 923.24 - Shorefront access and protection planning.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Shorefront access and protection... COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM REGULATIONS Special Management Areas § 923.24 Shorefront access and protection planning. (a) The management program must include a definition of the term...

  14. 15 CFR 923.24 - Shorefront access and protection planning.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Shorefront access and protection... COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM REGULATIONS Special Management Areas § 923.24 Shorefront access and protection planning. (a) The management program must include a definition of the term...

  15. 15 CFR 923.24 - Shorefront access and protection planning.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Shorefront access and protection... COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM REGULATIONS Special Management Areas § 923.24 Shorefront access and protection planning. (a) The management program must include a definition of the term...

  16. 15 CFR 923.24 - Shorefront access and protection planning.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Shorefront access and protection... COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM REGULATIONS Special Management Areas § 923.24 Shorefront access and protection planning. (a) The management program must include a definition of the term...

  17. 15 CFR 923.24 - Shorefront access and protection planning.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Shorefront access and protection... COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM REGULATIONS Special Management Areas § 923.24 Shorefront access and protection planning. (a) The management program must include a definition of the term...

  18. Evaluation of the sustainability and clinical outcome of alternatives for families: A cognitive-behavioral therapy (AF-CBT) in a child protection center

    PubMed Central

    Iselin, Anne-Marie R.; Gully, Kevin J.

    2011-01-01

    This paper examines the sustainability and outcome of Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) as delivered by practitioners in a community-based child protection program who had received training in the model several years earlier. Formerly described as Abuse-Focused CBT, AF-CBT is an evidence-based treatment (EBT) for child physical abuse and family aggression/conflict that was included in the National Child Traumatic Stress Network’s initial EBT dissemination efforts in 2002. Seven practitioners participated in a year-long Learning Collaborative in AF-CBT and in similar training programs for 4 other EBTs. The agency’s routine data collection system was used to document the clinical and adjustment outcomes of 52 families presenting with a physically abused child who received their services between 2 and 5 years after the AF-CBT training had ended. Measures of the use of all 5 EBTs documented their frequency, internal consistency, and intercorrelations. Controlling for the unique content of the other four EBTs, the amount of AF-CBT Abuse-specific content delivered was related to improvements on standardized parent rating scales (i.e., child externalizing behavior, anger, anxiety, social competence) and both parent and clinician ratings of the child’s adjustment at discharge (i.e., child more safe, less scared/sad, more appropriate with peers). The amount of AF-CBT General content was related to a few discharge ratings (better child prognosis, helpfulness to parents). These novel data provide suggestive evidence for the sustainability and clinical benefits of AF-CBT in an existing community clinic serving physically abused children and their families, and are discussed in the context of key developments in the treatment model and dissemination literature. PMID:21354619

  19. Emergency access to protected health records.

    PubMed

    Künzi, Julien; Koster, Paul; Petković, Milan

    2009-01-01

    Digital Rights Management (DRM) schemes are receiving increased attention in the healthcare domain for the protection of sensitive health records as they offer security against insider attacks and advance protection features such as usage control. However, to be accepted by health care providers, a DRM solution has to fulfill specific healthcare requirements including emergency access. In this paper, we propose such DRM solution that can be deployed in highly distributed environments of electronic or personal health record infrastructures.

  20. 7 CFR 1755.508 - Customer access location protection.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 11 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Customer access location protection. 1755.508 Section 1755.508 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICIES ON SPECIFICATIONS, ACCEPTABLE MATERIALS, AND STANDARD...

  1. 7 CFR 1755.508 - Customer access location protection.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 11 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Customer access location protection. 1755.508 Section 1755.508 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICIES ON SPECIFICATIONS, ACCEPTABLE MATERIALS, AND STANDARD...

  2. 7 CFR 1755.508 - Customer access location protection.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 11 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Customer access location protection. 1755.508 Section 1755.508 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICIES ON SPECIFICATIONS, ACCEPTABLE MATERIALS, AND STANDARD...

  3. International trends in clinical characteristics and oral anticoagulation treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation: Results from the GARFIELD-AF, ORBIT-AF I, and ORBIT-AF II registries.

    PubMed

    Steinberg, Benjamin A; Gao, Haiyan; Shrader, Peter; Pieper, Karen; Thomas, Laine; Camm, A John; Ezekowitz, Michael D; Fonarow, Gregg C; Gersh, Bernard J; Goldhaber, Samuel; Haas, Sylvia; Hacke, Werner; Kowey, Peter R; Ansell, Jack; Mahaffey, Kenneth W; Naccarelli, Gerald; Reiffel, James A; Turpie, Alexander; Verheugt, Freek; Piccini, Jonathan P; Kakkar, Ajay; Peterson, Eric D; Fox, Keith A A

    2017-12-01

    Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in the world. We aimed to provide comprehensive data on international patterns of AF stroke prevention treatment. Demographics, comorbidities, and stroke risk of the patients in the GARFIELD-AF (n=51,270), ORBIT-AF I (n=10,132), and ORBIT-AF II (n=11,602) registries were compared (overall N=73,004 from 35 countries). Stroke prevention therapies were assessed among patients with new-onset AF (≤6 weeks). Patients from GARFIELD-AF were less likely to be white (63% vs 89% for ORBIT-AF I and 86% for ORBIT-AF II) or have coronary artery disease (19% vs 36% and 27%), but had similar stroke risk (85% CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc ≥2 vs 91% and 85%) and lower bleeding risk (11% with HAS-BLED ≥3 vs 24% and 15%). Oral anticoagulant use was 46% and 57% for patients with a CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc=0 and 69% and 87% for CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc ≥2 in GARFIELD-AF and ORBIT-AF II, respectively, but with substantial geographic heterogeneity in use of oral anticoagulant (range: 31%-93% [GARFIELD-AF] and 66%-100% [ORBIT-AF II]). Among patients with new-onset AF, non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant use increased over time to 43% in 2016 for GARFIELD-AF and 71% for ORBIT-AF II, whereas use of antiplatelet monotherapy decreased from 36% to 17% (GARFIELD-AF) and 18% to 8% (ORBIT-AF I and II). Among new-onset AF patients, non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant use has increased and antiplatelet monotherapy has decreased. However, anticoagulation is used frequently in low-risk patients and inconsistently in those at high risk of stroke. Significant geographic variability in anticoagulation persists and represents an opportunity for improvement. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Inequality in access to cultural ecosystem services from protected areas in the Chilean biodiversity hotspot.

    PubMed

    Martinez-Harms, Maria Jose; Bryan, Brett A; Wood, Spencer A; Fisher, David M; Law, Elizabeth; Rhodes, Jonathan R; Dobbs, Cynnamon; Biggs, Duan; Wilson, Kerrie A

    2018-09-15

    Experiences with nature through visits to protected areas provide important cultural ecosystem services that have the potential to strengthen pro-environmental attitudes and behavior. Understanding accessibility to protected areas and likely preferences for enjoying the benefits of nature visits are key factors in identifying ways to reduce inequality in access and inform the planning and management for future protected areas. We develop, at a regional scale, a novel social media database of visits to public protected areas in part of the Chilean biodiversity hotspot using geotagged photographs and assess the inequality of access using the home locations of the visitors and socio-economic data. We find that 20% of the population of the region make 87% of the visits to protected areas. The larger, more biodiverse protected areas were the most visited and provided most cultural ecosystem services. Wealthier people tend to travel further to visit protected areas while people with lower incomes tend to visit protected areas that are closer to home. By providing information on the current spatial flows of people to protected areas, we demonstrate the need to expand the protected area network, especially in lower income areas, to reduce inequality in access to the benefits from cultural ecosystem services provided by nature to people. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Health Information in Somali (Af-Soomaali )

    MedlinePlus

    ... Af-Soomaali (Somali) Bilingual PDF Health Information Translations Pendulum Exercises for Shoulder - Af-Soomaali (Somali) Bilingual PDF ... Af-Soomaali (Somali) Bilingual PDF Health Information Translations Pendulum Exercises for Shoulder - Af-Soomaali (Somali) Bilingual PDF ...

  6. Metropolitan natural area protection to maximize public access and species representation

    Treesearch

    Jane A. Ruliffson; Robert G. Haight; Paul H. Gobster; Frances R. Homans

    2003-01-01

    In response to widespread urban development, local governments in metropolitan areas in the United States acquire and protect privately-owned open space. We addressed the planner's problem of allocating a fixed budget for open space protection among eligible natural areas with the twin objectives of maximizing public access and species representation. Both...

  7. Quality of Recovery Evaluation of the Protection Schemes for Fiber-Wireless Access Networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fu, Minglei; Chai, Zhicheng; Le, Zichun

    2016-03-01

    With the rapid development of fiber-wireless (FiWi) access network, the protection schemes have got more and more attention due to the risk of huge data loss when failures occur. However, there are few studies on the performance evaluation of the FiWi protection schemes by the unified evaluation criterion. In this paper, quality of recovery (QoR) method was adopted to evaluate the performance of three typical protection schemes (MPMC scheme, OBOF scheme and RPMF scheme) against the segment-level failure in FiWi access network. The QoR models of the three schemes were derived in terms of availability, quality of backup path, recovery time and redundancy. To compare the performance of the three protection schemes comprehensively, five different classes of network services such as emergency service, prioritized elastic service, conversational service, etc. were utilized by means of assigning different QoR weights. Simulation results showed that, for the most service cases, RPMF scheme was proved to be the best solution to enhance the survivability when planning the FiWi access network.

  8. Topological ferrimagnetic behaviours of coordination polymers containing manganese(II) chains with mixed azide and carboxylate bridges and alternating F/AF/AF'/AF'/AF interactions.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yan-Qin; Liu, Hou-Ting; Qi, Yan; Gao, En-Qing

    2014-08-21

    Two Mn(ii) complexes with azide and a new zwitterionic tetracarboxylate ligand 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(4-carboxylatopyridinium-1-methylene)benzene (L(1)), {[Mn5(L(1))2(N3)8(OH)2]·12H2O}n () and {[Mn5(L(1))2(N3)8(H2O)2](ClO4)2·6H2O}n (), have been synthesized and characterized crystallographically and magnetically. and contain similar alternating chains constructed by azide and carboxylate bridges. The independent sets of bridges alternate in an ABCCB sequence between adjacent Mn(ii) ions: (EO-N3)2 double bridges (EO = end-on) (denoted as A), [(EO-N3)(OCO)2] triple bridges (denoted as B) and [(EO-N3)(OCO)] double bridges (denoted as C). The alternating chains are interlinked into 2D coordination networks by the tetrapyridinium spacers. Magnetic studies demonstrate that the magnetic coupling through the double EO azide bridges is ferromagnetic and that through mixed azide/carboxylate bridges is antiferromagnetic. The unprecedented F/AF/AF'/AF'/AF coupling sequence along the chain dictates an uncompensated ground spin state (S = 5/2 per Mn5 unit) and leads to one-dimensional topological ferrimagnetism, which features a minimum in the χT versus T plot.

  9. Increasing Access and Usability of Remote Sensing Data: The NASA Protected Area Archive

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Geller, Gary N.

    2004-01-01

    Although remote sensing data are now widely available, much of it at low or no-cost, many managers of protected conservation areas do not have the expertise or tools to view or analyze it. Thus access to it by the protected area management community is effectively blocked. The Protected Area Archive will increase access to remote sensing data by creating collections of satellite images of protected areas and packaging them with simple-to-use visualization and analytical tools. The user can easily locate the area and image of interest on a map, then display, roam, and zoom the image. A set of simple tools will be provided so the user can explore the data and employ it to assist in management and monitoring of their area. The 'Phase 1 ' version requires only a Windows-based computer and basic computer skills, and may be of particular help to protected area managers in developing countries.

  10. Complex Transcriptional Control of the Antibiotic Regulator afsS in Streptomyces: PhoP and AfsR Are Overlapping, Competitive Activators▿

    PubMed Central

    Santos-Beneit, Fernando; Rodríguez-García, Antonio; Martín, Juan F.

    2011-01-01

    The afsS gene of several Streptomyces species encodes a small sigma factor-like protein that acts as an activator of several pathway-specific regulatory genes (e.g., actII-ORF4 and redD in Streptomyces coelicolor). The two pleiotropic regulators AfsR and PhoP bind to overlapping sequences in the −35 region of the afsS promoter and control its expression. Using mutated afsS promoters containing specific point mutations in the AfsR and PhoP binding sequences, we proved that the overlapping recognition sequences for AfsR and PhoP are displaced by 1 nucleotide. Different nucleotide positions are important for binding of AfsR or PhoP, as shown by electrophoretic mobility shift assays and by reporter studies using the luxAB gene coupled to the different promoters. Mutant promoter M5 (with a nucleotide change at position 5 of the consensus box) binds AfsR but not PhoP with high affinity (named “superAfsR”). Expression of the afsS gene from this promoter led to overproduction of actinorhodin. Mutant promoter M16 binds PhoP with extremely high affinity (“superPhoP”). Studies with ΔafsR and ΔphoP mutants (lacking AfsR and PhoP, respectively) showed that both global regulators are competitive transcriptional activators of afsS. AfsR has greater influence on expression of afsS than PhoP, as shown by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) and promoter reporter (luciferase) studies. These two high-level regulators appear to integrate different nutritional signals (particularly phosphate limitation sensed by PhoR), S-adenosylmethionine, and other still unknown environmental signals (leading to AfsR phosphorylation) for the AfsS-mediated control of biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. PMID:21378195

  11. Protecting Patient Records from Unwarranted Access

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gardner, Ryan; Garera, Sujata; Rubin, Aviel D.; Rajan, Anand; Rozas, Carlos V.; Sastry, Manoj

    Securing access to medical information is vital to protecting patient privacy. However, Electronic Patient Record (EPR) systems are vulnerable to a number of inside and outside threats. Adversaries can compromise EPR client machines to obtain a variety of highly sensitive information including valid EPR login credentials, without detection. Furthermore, medical staff can covertly view records of their choosing for personal interest or more malicious purposes. In particular, we observe that the lack of integrity measurement and auditability in these systems creates a potential threat to the privacy of patient information. We explore the use of virtualization and trusted computing hardware to address these problems. We identify open problems and encourage further research in the area.

  12. Quality of life assessment in the randomized PROTECT AF (Percutaneous Closure of the Left Atrial Appendage Versus Warfarin Therapy for Prevention of Stroke in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation) trial of patients at risk for stroke with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

    PubMed

    Alli, Oluseun; Doshi, Shepal; Kar, Saibal; Reddy, Vivek; Sievert, Horst; Mullin, Chris; Swarup, Vijay; Whisenant, Brian; Holmes, David

    2013-04-30

    This study sought to assess quality of life parameters in a subset of patients enrolled in the PROTECT AF (Percutaneous Closure of the Left Atrial Appendage Versus Warfarin Therapy for Prevention of Stroke in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation) trial. The PROTECT AF (Percutaneous Closure of the Left Atrial Appendage Versus Warfarin Therapy for Prevention of Stroke in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation) trial demonstrated that in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and CHADS2 (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes mellitus, and prior stroke, transient ischemic attack, or thromboembolism) score ≥1, a left atrial appendage closure device is noninferior to long-term warfarin for stroke prevention. Given this equivalency, quality of life (QOL) indicators are an important metric for evaluating these 2 different strategies. QOL using the Short-Form 12 Health Survey, version 2, measurement tool was obtained at baseline and 12 months in a subset of 547 patients in the PROTECT AF trial (361 device and 186 warfarin patients). The analysis cohort consisted of patients for whom either paired quality of life data were available after 12 months of follow-up or for patients who died. With the device, the total physical score improved in 34.9% and was unchanged in 29.9% versus warfarin in whom 24.7% were improved and 31.7% were unchanged (p = 0.01). Mental health improvement occurred in 33.0% of the device group versus 22.6% in the warfarin group (p = 0.06). There was a significant improvement in QOL in patients randomized to device for total physical score, physical function, and in physical role limitation compared to control. There were significant differences in the change in total physical score among warfarin naive and not-warfarin naive subgroups in the device group compared to control, but larger gains were seen with the warfarin naive subgroup with a 12-month change of 1.3 ± 8.8 versus -3.6 ± 6.7 (p = 0.0004) device compared to warfarin

  13. Effects of NCMS on access to care and financial protection in China.

    PubMed

    Hou, Zhiyuan; Van de Poel, Ellen; Van Doorslaer, Eddy; Yu, Baorong; Meng, Qingyue

    2014-08-01

    The introduction of the New Cooperative Medical Scheme (NCMS) in rural China has been the most rapid and dramatic extension of health insurance coverage in the developing world in this millennium. The literature to date has mainly used the uneven rollout of NCMS across counties as a way of identifying its effects on access to care and financial protection. This study exploits the cross-county variation in NCMS generosity in 2006 and 2008 in the Ningxia and Shandong provinces to estimate the effect of coverage generosity on utilization and financial protection. Our results confirm earlier findings of NCMS being effective in increasing access to care but not in increasing financial protection. In addition, we find NCMS enrollees to be sensitive to the price incentives set in the NCMS design when choosing their provider and providers to respond by increasing prices and/or providing more expensive care. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  14. Feasibility, Process, and Outcomes of Cardiovascular Clinical Trial Data Sharing: A Reproduction Analysis of the SMART-AF Trial.

    PubMed

    Gay, Hawkins C; Baldridge, Abigail S; Huffman, Mark D

    2017-12-01

    Data sharing is as an expanding initiative for enhancing trust in the clinical research enterprise. To evaluate the feasibility, process, and outcomes of a reproduction analysis of the THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH Catheter for the Treatment of Symptomatic Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (SMART-AF) trial using shared clinical trial data. A reproduction analysis of the SMART-AF trial was performed using the data sets, data dictionary, case report file, and statistical analysis plan from the original trial accessed through the Yale Open Data Access Project using the SAS Clinical Trials Data Transparency platform. SMART-AF was a multicenter, single-arm trial evaluating the effectiveness and safety of an irrigated, contact force-sensing catheter for ablation of drug refractory, symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in 172 participants recruited from 21 sites between June 2011 and December 2011. Analysis of the data was conducted between December 2016 and April 2017. Effectiveness outcomes included freedom from atrial arrhythmias after ablation and proportion of participants without any arrhythmia recurrence over the 12 months of follow-up after a 3-month blanking period. Safety outcomes included major adverse device- or procedure-related events. The SMART AF trial participants' mean age was 58.7 (10.8) years, and 72% were men. The time from initial proposal submission to final analysis was 11 months. Freedom from atrial arrhythmias at 12 months postprocedure was similar compared with the primary study report (74.0%; 95% CI, 66.0-82.0 vs 76.4%; 95% CI, 68.7-84.1). The reproduction analysis success rate was higher than the primary study report (65.8%; 95% CI 56.5-74.2 vs 75.6%; 95% CI, 67.2-82.5). Adverse events were minimal and similar between the 2 analyses, but contact force range or regression models could not be reproduced. The feasibility of a reproduction analysis of the SMART-AF trial was demonstrated through an academic data-sharing platform. Data sharing can be

  15. AF4 and AF4N protein complexes: recruitment of P-TEFb kinase, their interactome and potential functions

    PubMed Central

    Scholz, Bastian; Kowarz, Eric; Rössler, Tanja; Ahmad, Khalil; Steinhilber, Dieter; Marschalek, Rolf

    2015-01-01

    AF4/AFF1 and AF5/AFF4 are the molecular backbone to assemble “super-elongation complexes” (SECs) that have two main functions: (1) control of transcriptional elongation by recruiting the positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb = CyclinT1/CDK9) that is usually stored in inhibitory 7SK RNPs; (2) binding of different histone methyltransferases, like DOT1L, NSD1 and CARM1. This way, transcribed genes obtain specific histone signatures (e.g. H3K79me2/3, H3K36me2) to generate a transcriptional memory system. Here we addressed several questions: how is P-TEFb recruited into SEC, how is the AF4 interactome composed, and what is the function of the naturally occuring AF4N protein variant which exhibits only the first 360 amino acids of the AF4 full-length protein. Noteworthy, shorter protein variants are a specific feature of all AFF protein family members. Here, we demonstrate that full-length AF4 and AF4N are both catalyzing the transition of P-TEFb from 7SK RNP to their N-terminal domain. We have also mapped the protein-protein interaction network within both complexes. In addition, we have first evidence that the AF4N protein also recruits TFIIH and the tumor suppressor MEN1. This indicate that AF4N may have additional functions in transcriptional initiation and in MEN1-dependend transcriptional processes. PMID:26171280

  16. 77 FR 20743 - Protective Force Personnel Medical, Physical Readiness, Training, and Access Authorization Standards

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-04-06

    ...-HQ-2012-0002] RIN 1992-AA40 Protective Force Personnel Medical, Physical Readiness, Training, and... the proposed rule to amend the standards for medical, physical performance, training, and access... proposed rule to revise the standards for medical, physical performance, training, and access...

  17. Clinical and Economic Implications of AF Related Stroke.

    PubMed

    Ali, Ali N; Abdelhafiz, Ahmed

    2016-01-01

    A major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) relates to the increased risk of stroke. The burden of illness that AF imparts on stroke is likely to increase with our aging populations and increasingly sophisticated cardiac monitoring techniques. Understanding the clinical and economic differences between AF related ischaemic stroke and non-AF related stroke is important if we are to improve future cost effectiveness analyses of potential preventative treatments, but also to help educate clinical and policy decision makers on use or availability of treatments to prevent AF related stroke. In this article we review the existing evidence that highlights differences in the clinical characteristics and outcomes between AF and non-AF stroke, as well as differences in their economic impact and discuss ways to improve future economic analyses.

  18. Protective effects of Urtica dioica seed extract in aflatoxicosis: histopathological and biochemical findings.

    PubMed

    Uyar, A; Yener, Z; Dogan, A

    2016-04-01

    The ameliorative potential and antioxidant capacity of an extract of Urtica dioica seeds (UDS) was investigated using histopathological changes in liver and kidney, measuring serum marker enzymes, antioxidant defence systems and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde (MDA)) content in various tissues of broilers exposed to aflatoxin (AF). A total of 32 broilers were divided randomly into 4 groups: control, UDS extract-treated, AF-treated and AF+UDS extract-treated. Broilers in control and UDS extract-treated groups were fed on a diet without AF. The AF-treated group and AF+UDS extract-treated groups were treated with an estimated 1 mg total AF/kg feed. The AF+UDS extract groups received in addition 30 ml UDS extract/kg diet for 21 d. The AF-treated group had significantly decreased body weight gain when compared to the other groups. Biochemical analysis showed a small increase in the concentrations of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase and lactate dehydrogenase in the AF-treated group compared to that of the control group, whereas concentrations of these enzymes were decreased in the AF+UDS group compared to that of the AF-treated group. Administration of supplementary UDS extract helped restore the AF-induced increase in MDA and reduced the antioxidant system towards normality, particularly in the liver, brain, kidney and heart. Hepatorenal protection by UDS extracts was further supported by the almost normal histology in AF+UDS extract-treated group as compared to the degenerative changes in the AF-treated broilers. It was concluded that UDS extract has a protective hepatorenal effect in broilers affected by aflatoxicosis, probably acting by promoting the antioxidative defence systems.

  19. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from infants with MLL-AF4+ acute leukemia harbor and express the MLL-AF4 fusion gene

    PubMed Central

    Catalina, Purificación; Rodríguez, René; Melen, Gustavo J.; Bueno, Clara; Arriero, Mar; García-Sánchez, Félix; Lassaletta, Alvaro; García-Sanz, Ramón

    2009-01-01

    MLL-AF4 fusion is a hallmark genetic abnormality in infant B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) known to arise in utero. The cellular origin of leukemic fusion genes during human development is difficult to ascertain. The bone marrow (BM) microenvironment plays an important role in the pathogenesis of several hematological malignances. BM mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) from 38 children diagnosed with cytogenetically different acute leukemias were screened for leukemic fusion genes. Fusion genes were absent in BM-MSCs of childhood leukemias carrying TEL-AML1, BCR-ABL, AML1-ETO, MLL-AF9, MLL-AF10, MLL-ENL or hyperdiploidy. However, MLL-AF4 was detected and expressed in BM-MSCs from all cases of MLL-AF4+ B-ALL. Unlike leukemic blasts, MLL-AF4+ BM-MSCs did not display monoclonal Ig gene rearrangements. Endogenous or ectopic expression of MLL-AF4 exerted no effect on MSC culture homeostasis. These findings suggest that MSCs may be in part tumor-related, highlighting an unrecognized role of the BM milieu on the pathogenesis of MLL-AF4+ B-ALL. MLL-AF4 itself is not sufficient for MSC transformation and the expression of MLL-AF4 in MSCs is compatible with a mesenchymal phenotype, suggesting a differential impact in the hematopoietic system and mesenchyme. The absence of monoclonal rearrangements in MLL-AF4+ BM-MSCs precludes the possibility of cellular plasticity or de-differentiation of B-ALL blasts and suggests that MLL-AF4 might arise in a population of prehematopoietic precursors. PMID:19995953

  20. STBC AF relay for unmanned aircraft system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Adachi, Fumiyuki; Miyazaki, Hiroyuki; Endo, Chikara

    2015-01-01

    If a large scale disaster similar to the Great East Japan Earthquake 2011 happens, some areas may be isolated from the communications network. Recently, unmanned aircraft system (UAS) based wireless relay communication has been attracting much attention since it is able to quickly re-establish the connection between isolated areas and the network. However, the channel between ground station (GS) and unmanned aircraft (UA) is unreliable due to UA's swing motion and as consequence, the relay communication quality degrades. In this paper, we introduce space-time block coded (STBC) amplify-and-forward (AF) relay for UAS based wireless relay communication to improve relay communication quality. A group of UAs forms single frequency network (SFN) to perform STBC-AF cooperative relay. In STBC-AF relay, only conjugate operation, block exchange and amplifying are required at UAs. Therefore, STBC-AF relay improves the relay communication quality while alleviating the complexity problem at UAs. It is shown by computer simulation that STBC-AF relay can achieve better throughput performance than conventional AF relay.

  1. Credit-Card Bill Seeks to Protect Students but Could Limit Their Access to Credit

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Field, Kelly

    2009-01-01

    Congress passed legislation last week that would shield students and other consumers from sudden spikes in interest rates and fees, but that could make it harder for young people to access credit to pay for college. The legislation would extend broad new consumer protections to all credit-card holders, offering special protections to college…

  2. AF Sites

    Science.gov Websites

    Speeches Archive Former AF Top 3 Viewpoints and Speeches Air Force Warrior Games 2017 Events 2018 Air Force Strategic Documents Desert Storm 25th Anniversary Observances DoD Warrior Games Portraits in Courage

  3. 45 CFR 164.524 - Access of individuals to protected health information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... individual with access to the protected health information in the form or format requested by the individual, if it is readily producible in such form or format; or, if not, in a readable hard copy form or such other form or format as agreed to by the covered entity and the individual. (ii) The covered entity may...

  4. Pace: Privacy-Protection for Access Control Enforcement in P2P Networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sánchez-Artigas, Marc; García-López, Pedro

    In open environments such as peer-to-peer (P2P) systems, the decision to collaborate with multiple users — e.g., by granting access to a resource — is hard to achieve in practice due to extreme decentralization and the lack of trusted third parties. The literature contains a plethora of applications in which a scalable solution for distributed access control is crucial. This fact motivates us to propose a protocol to enforce access control, applicable to networks consisting entirely of untrusted nodes. The main feature of our protocol is that it protects both sensitive permissions and sensitive policies, and does not rely on any centralized authority. We analyze the efficiency (computational effort and communication overhead) as well as the security of our protocol.

  5. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, Intellectual Property Protection, and Access to Medicines.

    PubMed

    Townsend, Belinda; Gleeson, Deborah; Lopert, Ruth

    2016-11-01

    The inclusion of elevated standards of intellectual property (IP) protection in the recently negotiated Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement has raised serious public health concerns regarding access to medicines. A lesser-known trade agreement under negotiation in the Asia-Pacific region is the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Framed as an attempt to reassert ASEAN's position in response to the United States-led TPP, RCEP includes key players China and India as well as several low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Leaked drafts of IP provisions proposed by Japan and South Korea raise similar concerns in the Asia-Pacific region. This article identifies TRIPS (Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights agreement)-Plus provisions in leaked negotiating texts and examines their implications for LMICs that are not also parties to the TPP: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, China, and India. We find that higher levels of IP protection delay the market entry of generic medicines, giving rise to increased costs to governments and reduced access to essential medicines. The article concludes that the public health community should recognize risks inherent in trade agreements that promote expansions of IP rights and engage with governments to ensure that public health is adequately and explicitly protected in trade and investment negotiations. © 2016 APJPH.

  6. AF-Shell 1.0 User Guide

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    McElroy, Mark W.

    2017-01-01

    This document serves as a user guide for the AF-Shell 1.0 software, an efficient tool for progressive damage simulation in composite laminates. This guide contains minimal technical material and is meant solely as a guide for a new user to apply AF-Shell 1.0 to laminate damage simulation problems.

  7. Wild-Type U2AF1 Antagonizes the Splicing Program Characteristic of U2AF1-Mutant Tumors and Is Required for Cell Survival

    PubMed Central

    Fei, Dennis Liang; Motowski, Hayley; Chatrikhi, Rakesh; Gao, Shaojian; Kielkopf, Clara L.; Varmus, Harold

    2016-01-01

    We have asked how the common S34F mutation in the splicing factor U2AF1 regulates alternative splicing in lung cancer, and why wild-type U2AF1 is retained in cancers with this mutation. A human lung epithelial cell line was genetically modified so that U2AF1S34F is expressed from one of the two endogenous U2AF1 loci. By altering levels of mutant or wild-type U2AF1 in this cell line and by analyzing published data on human lung adenocarcinomas, we show that S34F-associated changes in alternative splicing are proportional to the ratio of S34F:wild-type gene products and not to absolute levels of either the mutant or wild-type factor. Preferential recognition of specific 3′ splice sites in S34F-expressing cells is largely explained by differential in vitro RNA-binding affinities of mutant versus wild-type U2AF1 for those same 3′ splice sites. Finally, we show that lung adenocarcinoma cell lines bearing U2AF1 mutations do not require the mutant protein for growth in vitro or in vivo. In contrast, wild-type U2AF1 is required for survival, regardless of whether cells carry the U2AF1S34F allele. Our results provide mechanistic explanations of the magnitude of splicing changes observed in U2AF1-mutant cells and why tumors harboring U2AF1 mutations always retain an expressed copy of the wild-type allele. PMID:27776121

  8. AF-GEOSpace Version 2.1 Release

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hilmer, R. V.; Ginet, G. P.; Hall, T.; Holeman, E.; Madden, D.; Perry, K. L.; Tautz, M.; Roth, C.

    2006-05-01

    AF-GEOSpace Version 2.1 is a graphics-intensive software program with space environment models and applications developed recently by the Space Weather Center of Excellence at AFRL. A review of new and planned AF-GEOSpace capabilities will be given. The software addresses a wide range of physical domains and addresses such topics as solar disturbance propagation, geomagnetic field and radiation belt configurations, auroral particle precipitation, and ionospheric scintillation. Building on the success of previous releases, AF-GEOSpace has become a platform for the rapid prototyping of automated operational and simulation space weather visualization products and helps with a variety of tasks, including: orbit specification for radiation hazard avoidance; satellite design assessment and post-event anomaly analysis; solar disturbance effects forecasting; determination of link outage regions for active ionospheric conditions; satellite magnetic conjugate studies, scientific model validation and comparison, physics research, and education. Previously, Version 2.0 provided a simplified graphical user interface, improved science and application modules, significantly enhanced graphical performance, common input data archive sets, and 1-D, 2-D, and 3- D visualization tools for all models. Dynamic capabilities permit multiple environments to be generated at user- specified time intervals while animation tools enable the display of satellite orbits and environment data together as a function of time. Building on the Version 2.0 software architecture, AF-GEOSpace Version 2.1 includes a host of new modules providing, for example, plasma sheet charged particle fluxes, neutral atmosphere densities, 3-D cosmic ray cutoff maps, low-altitude trapped proton belt flux specification, DMSP particle data displays, satellite magnetic field footprint mapping determination, and meteor sky maps and shower/storm fluxes with spacecraft impact probabilities. AF-GEOSpace Version 2.1 was

  9. Identification of U2AF(35)-dependent exons by RNA-Seq reveals a link between 3′ splice-site organization and activity of U2AF-related proteins

    PubMed Central

    Kralovicova, Jana; Knut, Marcin; Cross, Nicholas C. P.; Vorechovsky, Igor

    2015-01-01

    The auxiliary factor of U2 small nuclear RNA (U2AF) is a heterodimer consisting of 65- and 35-kD proteins that bind the polypyrimidine tract (PPT) and AG dinucleotides at the 3′ splice site (3′ss). The gene encoding U2AF35 (U2AF1) is alternatively spliced, giving rise to two isoforms U2AF35a and U2AF35b. Here, we knocked down U2AF35 and each isoform and characterized transcriptomes of HEK293 cells with varying U2AF35/U2AF65 and U2AF35a/b ratios. Depletion of both isoforms preferentially modified alternative RNA processing events without widespread failure to recognize 3′ss or constitutive exons. Over a third of differentially used exons were terminal, resulting largely from the use of known alternative polyadenylation (APA) sites. Intronic APA sites activated in depleted cultures were mostly proximal whereas tandem 3′UTR APA was biased toward distal sites. Exons upregulated in depleted cells were preceded by longer AG exclusion zones and PPTs than downregulated or control exons and were largely activated by PUF60 and repressed by CAPERα. The U2AF(35) repression and activation was associated with a significant interchange in the average probabilities to form single-stranded RNA in the optimal PPT and branch site locations and sequences further upstream. Although most differentially used exons were responsive to both U2AF subunits and their inclusion correlated with U2AF levels, a small number of transcripts exhibited distinct responses to U2AF35a and U2AF35b, supporting the existence of isoform-specific interactions. These results provide new insights into function of U2AF and U2AF35 in alternative RNA processing. PMID:25779042

  10. Access to healthcare and financial risk protection for older adults in Mexico: secondary data analysis of a national survey

    PubMed Central

    Doubova, Svetlana V; Pérez-Cuevas, Ricardo; Canning, David; Reich, Michael R

    2015-01-01

    Objectives While the benefits of Seguro Popular health insurance in Mexico relative to no insurance have been widely documented, little has been reported on its effects relative to the pre-existing Social Security health insurance. We analyse the effects of Social Security and Seguro Popular health insurances in Mexico on access to healthcare of older adults, and on financial risk protection to their households, compared with older adults without health insurance. Setting Secondary data analysis was performed using the 2012 Mexican Survey of Health and Nutrition (ENSANUT). Participants The study population comprised 18 847 older adults and 13 180 households that have an elderly member. Outcome measures The dependent variables were access to healthcare given the reported need, the financial burden imposed by health expenditures measured through catastrophic health-related expenditures, and using savings for health-related expenditures. Separate propensity score matching analyses were conducted for each comparison. The analysis for access was performed at the individual level, and the analysis for financial burden at the household level. In each case, matching on a wide set of relevant characteristics was achieved. Results Seguro Popular showed a protective effect against lack of access to healthcare for older adults compared with those with no insurance. The average treatment effect on the treated (ATET) was ascertained through using the nearest-neighbour matching (−8.1%, t-stat −2.305) analysis. However, Seguro Popular did not show a protective effect against catastrophic expenditures in a household where an older adult lived. Social Security showed increased access to healthcare (ATET −11.3%, t-stat −3.138), and protective effect against catastrophic expenditures for households with an elderly member (ATET −1.9%, t-stat −2.178). Conclusions Seguro Popular increased access to healthcare for Mexican older adults. Social Security showed a significant

  11. Access to healthcare and financial risk protection for older adults in Mexico: secondary data analysis of a national survey.

    PubMed

    Doubova, Svetlana V; Pérez-Cuevas, Ricardo; Canning, David; Reich, Michael R

    2015-07-21

    While the benefits of Seguro Popular health insurance in Mexico relative to no insurance have been widely documented, little has been reported on its effects relative to the pre-existing Social Security health insurance. We analyse the effects of Social Security and Seguro Popular health insurances in Mexico on access to healthcare of older adults, and on financial risk protection to their households, compared with older adults without health insurance. Secondary data analysis was performed using the 2012 Mexican Survey of Health and Nutrition (ENSANUT). The study population comprised 18,847 older adults and 13,180 households that have an elderly member. The dependent variables were access to healthcare given the reported need, the financial burden imposed by health expenditures measured through catastrophic health-related expenditures, and using savings for health-related expenditures. Separate propensity score matching analyses were conducted for each comparison. The analysis for access was performed at the individual level, and the analysis for financial burden at the household level. In each case, matching on a wide set of relevant characteristics was achieved. Seguro Popular showed a protective effect against lack of access to healthcare for older adults compared with those with no insurance. The average treatment effect on the treated (ATET) was ascertained through using the nearest-neighbour matching (-8.1%, t-stat -2.305) analysis. However, Seguro Popular did not show a protective effect against catastrophic expenditures in a household where an older adult lived. Social Security showed increased access to healthcare (ATET -11.3%, t-stat -3.138), and protective effect against catastrophic expenditures for households with an elderly member (ATET -1.9%, t-stat -2.178). Seguro Popular increased access to healthcare for Mexican older adults. Social Security showed a significant protective effect against lack of access and catastrophic expenditures compared with

  12. Is AF Ablation Cost Effective?

    PubMed Central

    Martin-Doyle, William; Reynolds, Matthew R.

    2010-01-01

    The use of catheter ablation to treat AF is increasing rapidly, but there is presently an incomplete understanding of its cost-effectiveness. AF ablation procedures involve significant up-front expenditures, but multiple randomized trials have demonstrated that ablation is more effective than antiarrhythmic drugs at maintaining sinus rhythm in a second-line and possibly first-line rhythm control setting. Although truly long-term data are limited, ablation, as compared with antiarrrhythmic drugs, also appears associated with improved symptoms and quality of life and a reduction in downstream hospitalization and other health care resource utilization. Several groups have developed cost effectiveness models comparing AF ablation primarily to antiarrhythmic drugs and the model results suggest that ablation likely falls within the range generally accepted as cost-effective in developed nations. This paper will review available information on the cost-effectiveness of catheter ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, and discuss continued areas of uncertainty where further research is required. PMID:20936083

  13. TRIPS, the Doha declaration and paragraph 6 decision: what are the remaining steps for protecting access to medicines?

    PubMed Central

    Kerry, Vanessa Bradford; Lee, Kelley

    2007-01-01

    Background The World Trade Organisation's Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health (known as the Doha Declaration) of 2001, and subsequent Decision on the Interpretation of Paragraph 6 reached in 2003, affirmed the flexibilities available under the Agreement on Trade Related Property Rights (TRIPS) to member states seeking to protect public health. Despite these important clarifications, the actual implementation of these measures to improve access to medicines remains uncertain. There are also concerns that so-called TRIPS-plus measures within many regional and bilateral trade agreements are further undermining the capacity of the poor to access affordable medicines. Methods The paper reviews policy debates among governments, nongovernmental organisations and international organisations from 1995, and notably since 2003, surrounding access to medicines and trade agreements. The provisions for protecting public health provided by the Doha Declaration and Paragraph 6 Decision are reviewed in terms of challenges for implementation, along with measures to protect intellectual property rights (IPRs) under selected regional and bilateral trade agreements. Results While provisions, in principle, were affirmed for member states under the TRIPS agreement to protect public health, numerous challenges remain. Implementation of the flexibilities has been hindered by lack of capacity in many LMICs. More intransigent have been stark inequalities in power and influence among trading nations, leaving LMICs vulnerable to pressures to permit the globalization of IPRs in order to protect broader trade and economic interests. Such inequalities are apparent in proposals or adopted TRIPS-plus measures which re-establish the primacy of trade over public health goals. Conclusion Despite being hailed as a "watershed in international trade", the Doha Declaration and Paragraph 6 decision have not resolved the problem of access to affordable medicines. The way forward must begin

  14. AF-GEOSPACE Version 2.1

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hilmer, R. V.; Ginet, G. P.; Hall, T.; Holeman, E.; Madden, D.; Tautz, M.; Roth, C.

    2004-05-01

    AF-GEOSpace is a graphics-intensive software program with space environment models and applications developed and distributed by the Space Weather Center of Excellence at AFRL. A review of current (Version 2.0) and planned (Version 2.1) AF-GEOSpace capabilities will be given. A wide range of physical domains is represented enabling the software to address such things as solar disturbance propagation, radiation belt configuration, and ionospheric auroral particle precipitation and scintillation. The software is currently being used to aid with the design, operation, and simulation of a wide variety of communications, navigation, and surveillance systems. Building on the success of previous releases, AF-GEOSpace has become a platform for the rapid prototyping of automated operational and simulation space weather visualization products and helps with a variety of tasks, including: orbit specification for radiation hazard avoidance; satellite design assessment and post-event anomaly analysis; solar disturbance effects forecasting; frequency and antenna management for radar and HF communications; determination of link outage regions for active ionospheric conditions; scientific model validation and comparison, physics research, and education. Version 2.0 provided a simplified graphical user interface, improved science and application modules, and significantly enhanced graphical performance. Common input data archive sets, application modules, and 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D visualization tools are provided to all models. Dynamic capabilities permit multiple environments to be generated at user-specified time intervals while animation tools enable displays such as satellite orbits and environment data together as a function of time. Building on the existing Version 2.0 software architecture, AF-GEOSpace Version 2.1 is currently under development and will include a host of new modules to provide, for example, geosynchronous charged particle fluxes, neutral atmosphere densities

  15. Management of atrial fibrillation in Greece: the MANAGE-AF study.

    PubMed

    Andrikopoulos, George; Pastromas, Sokratis; Mantas, Ioannis; Sakellariou, Dimitris; Kyrpizidis, Christos; Makridis, Pantelis; Goumas, Georgios; Stakos, Dimitris; Gotsis, Alexandros; Kartalis, Athanasios; Kazianis, Georgios; Babalis, Dimitrios; Toli, Konstantina; Tzeis, Stylianos; Papavasileiou, Maria; Kalogeropoulos, Petros; Vardas, Panos

    2014-01-01

    Although atrial fibrillation (AF) is a highly prevalent health problem with high morbidity and mortality, data regarding the clinical characteristics and management of AF in the Greek population are scarce. The "Current Clinical Practice in the MANAGEment of Atrial Fibrillation in Greece" study (MANAGEAF) aimed to assess the epidemiological features as well as the daily clinical practice in the management of Greek patients with AF. Taking into consideration the distribution of the Greek population, 603 consecutive patients over 18 years of age, with any type of AF, presenting at the emergency departments or outpatient clinics of 27 different centers, were included in our study. The mean age of the patients was 68.5 ± 12.1 years, with male patients representing 52.5% of the study population. The most common AF type in our cohort was non-paroxysmal AF (60%), including the patients with permanent (24.1%), persistent (17.4%), long-standing (4.8%) and first diagnosed AF (13.8%). Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (70.3%). A history of stroke or transient ischemic attack was detected in 9.2% of the patients, while 6.2% had a history of gastrointestinal bleeding. About half of the patients (49.3%) were treated with anticoagulant drugs, mainly vitamin K antagonists (46.9%), while 34.2% were on antiplatelet drugs, aspirin and/or clopidogrel. The mean INR level (1.7 ± 0.8) was sub-therapeutic, although the mean values for CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were 1.6 ± 1.2 and 3.0 ± 1.7, respectively. The MANAGE-AF baseline results indicate unsatisfactory levels of compliance with the current guidelines for the management of AF in Greece. Considering the undisputed effectiveness of anticoagulant treatment for preventing AF-related strokes, MANAGE-AF demonstrates the need for optimization of our therapeutic strategies for the management of cardioembolic stroke risk.

  16. Clark AFB, Philippines. Revised Uniform Summary of Surface Weather Observations (RUSSWO). Parts A-F.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-02-01

    DATA PROCESSING DIVISION USAFETAC Air Weather Service ( MAC) 2L._qi( .3 I-H M3,; #983270 :.15 11 E 120 33 EL --V478 FT ?.p1K I-ARTS A-F HUMS...THIS PAGE .a.. E ...d) REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE READ INSTRUCTIONS REPORTDOCUMENTATIONPAGE_ BEFORE COMPLETING FORM I REPORT NUMBER 12 GOVT ACCESSION NO. 3...62225 P. 320 14 MONITORING AGENCY NAME & ADDRESS(f dlle’. e , Ifr Controlling Offfe) 15. SECURITY CLASS. (of this report) UNCLASSIFIED T5

  17. Complementary DNA cloning, sequence analysis, and tissue transcription profile of a novel U2AF2 gene from the Chinese Banna mini-pig inbred line.

    PubMed

    Wang, S Y; Huo, J L; Miao, Y W; Cheng, W M; Zeng, Y Z

    2013-04-02

    U2 small nuclear RNA auxiliary factor 2 (U2AF2) is an important gene for pre-messenger RNA splicing in higher eukaryotes. In this study, the Banna mini-pig inbred line (BMI) U2AF2 coding sequence (CDS) was cloned, sequenced, and characterized. The U2AF2 complete CDS was amplified using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique based on the conserved sequence information of cattle and known highly homologous swine expressed sequence tags. This novel gene was deposited into the National Center for Biotechnology Information database (Accession No. JQ839267). Sequence analysis revealed that the BMI U2AF2 coding sequence consisted of 1416 bp and encoded 471 amino acids with a molecular weight of 53.12 kDa. The protein sequence has high sequence homology with U2AF65 of 6 species - Homo sapiens (100%), Equus caballus (100%), Canis lupus (100%), Macaca mulatta (99.8%), Bos taurus (74.4%), and Mus musculus (74.4%). The phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that BMI U2AF65 has a closer genetic relationship with B. taurus U2AF65 than with U2AF65 of E. caballus, C. lupus, M. mulatta, H. sapiens, and M. musculus. RT-PCR analysis showed that BMI U2AF2 was most highly expressed in the brain; moderately expressed in the spleen, lung, muscle, and skin; and weakly expressed in the liver, kidney, and ovary. Its expression was nearly silent in the spinal cord, nerve fiber, heart, stomach, pancreas, and intestine. Three microRNA target sites were predicted in the CDS of BMI U2AF2 messenger RNA. Our results establish a foundation for further insight into this swine gene.

  18. Left atrial structure and function in atrial fibrillation: ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48

    PubMed Central

    Gupta, Deepak K.; Shah, Amil M.; Giugliano, Robert P.; Ruff, Christian T.; Antman, Elliott M.; Grip, Laura T.; Deenadayalu, Naveen; Hoffman, Elaine; Patel, Indravadan; Shi, Minggao; Mercuri, Michele; Mitrovic, Veselin; Braunwald, Eugene; Solomon, Scott D.

    2014-01-01

    Aims The complex relationship between left atrial (LA) structure and function, electrical burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke risk is not well understood. We aimed to describe LA structure and function in AF. Methods and results Left atrial structure and function was assessed in 971 subjects enrolled in the echocardiographic substudy of ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48. Left atrial size, emptying fraction (LAEF), and contractile function were compared across AF types (paroxysmal, persistent, or permanent) and CHADS2 scores as an estimate of stroke risk. The majority of AF patients (55%) had both LA enlargement and reduced LAEF, with an inverse relationship between LA size and LAEF (R = −0.57, P < 0.001). With an increasing electrical burden of AF and higher CHADS2 scores, LA size increased and LAEF declined. Moreover, 19% of AF subjects had impaired LAEF despite normal LA size, and LA contractile dysfunction was present even among the subset of AF subjects in sinus rhythm at the time of echocardiography. Conclusions In a contemporary AF population, LA structure and function were increasingly abnormal with a greater electrical burden of AF and higher stroke risk estimated by the CHADS2 score. Moreover, LA dysfunction was present despite normal LA size and sinus rhythm, suggesting that the assessment of LA function may add important incremental information in the evaluation of AF patients. Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov; ID = NCT00781391. PMID:24302269

  19. 75 FR 47464 - Exemption to Prohibition on Circumvention of Copyright Protection Systems for Access Control...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-08-06

    ... LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Copyright Office 37 CFR Part 201 [Docket No. RM 2008-8] Exemption to Prohibition on Circumvention of Copyright Protection Systems for Access Control Technologies AGENCY: Copyright Office, Library of Congress. ACTION: Final Rule; correction. SUMMARY: The Copyright Office makes a...

  20. Structure and biological activities of eumenine mastoparan-AF (EMP-AF), a new mast cell degranulating peptide in the venom of the solitary wasp (Anterhynchium flavomarginatum micado).

    PubMed

    Konno, K; Hisada, M; Naoki, H; Itagaki, Y; Kawai, N; Miwa, A; Yasuhara, T; Morimoto, Y; Nakata, Y

    2000-11-01

    A new mast cell degranulating peptide, eumenine mastoparan-AF (EMP-AF), was isolated from the venom of the solitary wasp Anterhynchium flavomarginatum micado, the most common eumenine wasp found in Japan. The structure was analyzed by FAB-MS/MS together with Edman degradation, which was corroborated by solid-phase synthesis. The sequence of EMP-AF, Ile-Asn-Leu-Leu-Lys-Ile-Ala-Lys-Gly-Ile-Ile-Lys-Ser-Leu-NH(2), was similar to that of mastoparan, a mast cell degranulating peptide from a hornet venom; tetradecapeptide with C-terminus amidated and rich in hydrophobic and basic amino acids. In fact, EMP-AF exhibited similar activity to mastoparan in stimulating degranulation from rat peritoneal mast cells and RBL-2H3 cells. It also showed significant hemolytic activity in human erythrocytes. Therefore, this is the first example that a mast cell degranulating peptide is found in the solitary wasp venom. Besides the degranulation and hemolytic activity, EMP-AF also affects on neuromuscular transmission in the lobster walking leg preparation. Three analogs EMP-AF-1 approximately 3 were snythesized and biologically tested together with EMP-AF, resulting in the importance of the C-terminal amide structure for biological activities.

  1. Access to properly fitting personal protective equipment for female construction workers.

    PubMed

    Onyebeke, Lynn C; Papazaharias, Demetrios M; Freund, Alice; Dropkin, Jonathan; McCann, Michael; Sanchez, Sadie H; Hashim, Dana; Meyer, John D; Lucchini, Roberto G; Zuckerman, Norman C

    2016-11-01

    Previous literature suggests that most personal protective equipment (PPE) for construction is designed for males and does not accommodate female anthropometry. We conducted a pilot study to identify whether female construction workers currently have adequate access to properly fitting PPE. Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with union female carpenters, laborers, and ironworkers. Researchers coded focus group transcriptions and extracted major themes using thematic framework analysis. Participants (n = 23) had a mean of 15.1 years of construction experience (range 3-34.5 years). A majority reported fit problems for many types of PPE (gloves, harnesses, safety vests, work boots, outerwear), generally noting that the equipment provided by contractors was too large. Other emergent themes included female workers purchasing their own PPE, exposure to various safety hazards from poorly fitted PPE, and perceived indifferent safety culture. Female construction workers continue to have difficulty accessing properly fitting PPE. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:1032-1040, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  2. Long-Term Overexpression of Hsp70 Does Not Protect against Cardiac Dysfunction and Adverse Remodeling in a MURC Transgenic Mouse Model with Chronic Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation

    PubMed Central

    Bernardo, Bianca C.; Sapra, Geeta; Patterson, Natalie L.; Cemerlang, Nelly; Kiriazis, Helen; Ueyama, Tomomi; Febbraio, Mark A.; McMullen, Julie R.

    2015-01-01

    Previous animal studies had shown that increasing heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) using a transgenic, gene therapy or pharmacological approach provided cardiac protection in models of acute cardiac stress. Furthermore, clinical studies had reported associations between Hsp70 levels and protection against atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is the most common cardiac arrhythmia presenting in cardiology clinics and is associated with increased rates of heart failure and stroke. Improved therapies for AF and heart failure are urgently required. Despite promising observations in animal studies which targeted Hsp70, we recently reported that increasing Hsp70 was unable to attenuate cardiac dysfunction and pathology in a mouse model which develops heart failure and intermittent AF. Given our somewhat unexpected finding and the extensive literature suggesting Hsp70 provides cardiac protection, it was considered important to assess whether Hsp70 could provide protection in another mouse model of heart failure and AF. The aim of the current study was to determine whether increasing Hsp70 could attenuate adverse cardiac remodeling, cardiac dysfunction and episodes of arrhythmia in a mouse model of heart failure and AF due to overexpression of Muscle-Restricted Coiled-Coil (MURC). Cardiac function and pathology were assessed in mice at approximately 12 months of age. We report here, that chronic overexpression of Hsp70 was unable to provide protection against cardiac dysfunction, conduction abnormalities, fibrosis or characteristic molecular markers of the failing heart. In summary, elevated Hsp70 may provide protection in acute cardiac stress settings, but appears insufficient to protect the heart under chronic cardiac disease conditions. PMID:26660322

  3. Long-Term Overexpression of Hsp70 Does Not Protect against Cardiac Dysfunction and Adverse Remodeling in a MURC Transgenic Mouse Model with Chronic Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation.

    PubMed

    Bernardo, Bianca C; Sapra, Geeta; Patterson, Natalie L; Cemerlang, Nelly; Kiriazis, Helen; Ueyama, Tomomi; Febbraio, Mark A; McMullen, Julie R

    2015-01-01

    Previous animal studies had shown that increasing heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) using a transgenic, gene therapy or pharmacological approach provided cardiac protection in models of acute cardiac stress. Furthermore, clinical studies had reported associations between Hsp70 levels and protection against atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is the most common cardiac arrhythmia presenting in cardiology clinics and is associated with increased rates of heart failure and stroke. Improved therapies for AF and heart failure are urgently required. Despite promising observations in animal studies which targeted Hsp70, we recently reported that increasing Hsp70 was unable to attenuate cardiac dysfunction and pathology in a mouse model which develops heart failure and intermittent AF. Given our somewhat unexpected finding and the extensive literature suggesting Hsp70 provides cardiac protection, it was considered important to assess whether Hsp70 could provide protection in another mouse model of heart failure and AF. The aim of the current study was to determine whether increasing Hsp70 could attenuate adverse cardiac remodeling, cardiac dysfunction and episodes of arrhythmia in a mouse model of heart failure and AF due to overexpression of Muscle-Restricted Coiled-Coil (MURC). Cardiac function and pathology were assessed in mice at approximately 12 months of age. We report here, that chronic overexpression of Hsp70 was unable to provide protection against cardiac dysfunction, conduction abnormalities, fibrosis or characteristic molecular markers of the failing heart. In summary, elevated Hsp70 may provide protection in acute cardiac stress settings, but appears insufficient to protect the heart under chronic cardiac disease conditions.

  4. Increased Heart Rate Is Associated With Higher Mortality in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation (AF): Results From the Outcomes Registry for Better Informed Treatment of AF (ORBIT-AF)

    PubMed Central

    Steinberg, Benjamin A; Kim, Sunghee; Thomas, Laine; Fonarow, Gregg C; Gersh, Bernard J; Holmqvist, Fredrik; Hylek, Elaine; Kowey, Peter R; Mahaffey, Kenneth W; Naccarelli, Gerald; Reiffel, James A; Chang, Paul; Peterson, Eric D; Piccini, Jonathan P

    2015-01-01

    Background Most patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) require rate control; however, the optimal target heart rate remains under debate. We aimed to assess rate control and subsequent outcomes among patients with permanent AF. Methods and Results We studied 2812 US outpatients with permanent AF in the Outcomes Registry for Better Informed Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. Resting heart rate was measured longitudinally and used as a time-dependent covariate in multivariable Cox models of all-cause and cause-specific mortality during a median follow-up of 24 months. At baseline, 7.4% (n=207) had resting heart rate <60 beats per minute (bpm), 62% (n=1755) 60 to 79 bpm, 29% (n=817) 80 to 109 bpm, and 1.2% (n=33) ≥110 bpm. Groups did not differ by age, previous cerebrovascular disease, heart failure status, CHA2DS2-VASc scores, renal function, or left ventricular function. There were significant differences in race (P=0.001), sinus node dysfunction (P=0.004), and treatment with calcium-channel blockers (P=0.006) and anticoagulation (P=0.009). In analyses of continuous heart rates, lower heart rate ≤65 bpm was associated with higher all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.15 per 5-bpm decrease; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.32; P=0.04). Similarly, increasing heart rate >65 bpm was associated with higher all-cause mortality (adjusted HR, 1.10 per 5-bpm increase; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.15; P<0.0001). This relationship was consistent across endpoints and in a broader sensitivity analysis of permanent and nonpermanent AF patients. Conclusions Among patients with permanent AF, there is a J-shaped relationship between heart rate and mortality. These data support current guideline recommendations, and clinical trials are warranted to determine optimal rate control. Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT01165710. PMID:26370445

  5. Increased Heart Rate Is Associated With Higher Mortality in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation (AF): Results From the Outcomes Registry for Better Informed Treatment of AF (ORBIT-AF).

    PubMed

    Steinberg, Benjamin A; Kim, Sunghee; Thomas, Laine; Fonarow, Gregg C; Gersh, Bernard J; Holmqvist, Fredrik; Hylek, Elaine; Kowey, Peter R; Mahaffey, Kenneth W; Naccarelli, Gerald; Reiffel, James A; Chang, Paul; Peterson, Eric D; Piccini, Jonathan P

    2015-09-14

    Most patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) require rate control; however, the optimal target heart rate remains under debate. We aimed to assess rate control and subsequent outcomes among patients with permanent AF. We studied 2812 US outpatients with permanent AF in the Outcomes Registry for Better Informed Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. Resting heart rate was measured longitudinally and used as a time-dependent covariate in multivariable Cox models of all-cause and cause-specific mortality during a median follow-up of 24 months. At baseline, 7.4% (n=207) had resting heart rate <60 beats per minute (bpm), 62% (n=1755) 60 to 79 bpm, 29% (n=817) 80 to 109 bpm, and 1.2% (n=33) ≥110 bpm. Groups did not differ by age, previous cerebrovascular disease, heart failure status, CHA2DS2-VASc scores, renal function, or left ventricular function. There were significant differences in race (P=0.001), sinus node dysfunction (P=0.004), and treatment with calcium-channel blockers (P=0.006) and anticoagulation (P=0.009). In analyses of continuous heart rates, lower heart rate ≤65 bpm was associated with higher all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.15 per 5-bpm decrease; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.32; P=0.04). Similarly, increasing heart rate >65 bpm was associated with higher all-cause mortality (adjusted HR, 1.10 per 5-bpm increase; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.15; P<0.0001). This relationship was consistent across endpoints and in a broader sensitivity analysis of permanent and nonpermanent AF patients. Among patients with permanent AF, there is a J-shaped relationship between heart rate and mortality. These data support current guideline recommendations, and clinical trials are warranted to determine optimal rate control. URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT01165710. © 2015 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley Blackwell.

  6. Tatalina AFS, Alaska. Revised Uniform Summary of Surface Weather Observations (RUSSWO). Parts A-F.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-03-01

    M’CROCOpy pESLUTONEST CkA~l PH THIS SHEET Af) m r’",I "er-"i cprit, r I ~~~~Tahen 01.-ing ,lt c’, ’ .c,- us. Bel ii % owe i -r LEVEL ~ut with Ier r iNVENTORY...82172 MAR N 62 53 W V558 ELV: 964 FT PAT. PAinTS A-F HOURS SU M &UZED: OOOOZ - 230OZ PER{IOD OF RECORD: HOUPLY OBSERYATION.1: JAN 73 - DEC 81 SLW4MAY OF...NOVEM_ _ _ _ .._ ,- .- ,z. 702315 SA A. i. ts 58 9 STATION LOCATION AND INS’rRUMtNTATION ,HI STORY NUr! TIf E 11T to tw ITLmU am M GS of CEO(IAPNICAL

  7. Sparrevohn AFS, Alaska. Revised Uniform Summary of Surface Weather Observations.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-09-18

    SSURFACE WEATHER OBSERVATIONS SPARREVOHN AFS AK MSC #702350 N 61 06 W155 35 ELEV: 1573 FT PASV PARTS A-F HOURS SUMMARIZED: 0000 - 2300 LST PERIOD OF RECORD...stations around the world. This is the provenance of the number (e.g., MSC 999999) which will appear on future OL-A standard products. D I...AFS Af PEt 7oif of [ COPD : 77-84 MONTH: A W, HO URS4LS3: ALL 7.3 itIts 816181L1F7 IN 6FAFLIF WILCS INs ((I (F IF F G CF b t I, [ CF ŕ 6 1 ,F F F tF7F I

  8. The Role of U2AF1 Mutations in the Pathogenesis of Myelodysplastic Syndromes

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-10-01

    mutation, U2AF1(S34F), on hematopoiesis and pre-mRNA splicing in vivo, we created doxycycline-inducible U2AF1(WT) and U2AF1(S34F) transgenic mice...U2AF1(S34F) versus U2AF1(WT). Together, these results suggest that mutant U2AF1 expression contributes to the altered hematopoiesis and pre-mRNA...Spliceosome, Mouse Model, Hematopoiesis , RNA-seq, U2AF1 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 18. NUMBER OF PAGES 19a. NAME

  9. Cloning and characterization of two duplicated interleukin-17A/F2 genes in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.): Transcripts expression and bioactivity of recombinant IL-17A/F2.

    PubMed

    Li, Hongxia; Yu, Juhua; Li, Jianlin; Tang, Yongkai; Yu, Fan; Zhou, Jie; Yu, Wenjuan

    2016-04-01

    Interleukin-17 (IL-17) plays an important role in inflammation and host defense in mammals. In this study, we identified two duplicated IL-17A/F2 genes in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) (ccIL-17A/F2a and ccIL-17A/F2b), putative encoded proteins contain 140 amino acids (aa) with conserved IL-17 family motifs. Expression analysis revealed high constitutive expression of ccIL-17A/F2s in mucosal tissues, including gill, skin and intestine, their expression could be induced by Aeromonas hydrophila, suggesting a potential role in mucosal immunity. Recombinant ccIL-17A/F2a protein (rccIL-17A/F2a) produced in Escherichia coli could induce the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β) and the antimicrobial peptides S100A1, S100A10a and S100A10b in the primary kidney in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Above findings suggest that ccIL-17A/F2 plays an important role in both proinflammatory and innate immunity. Two duplicated ccIL-17A/F2s showed different expression level with ccIL-17A/F2a higher than b, comparison of two 5' regulatory regions indicated the length from anticipated promoter to transcriptional start site (TSS) and putative transcription factor binding site (TFBS) were different. Promoter activity of ccIL-17A/F2a was 2.5 times of ccIL-17A/F2b which consistent with expression results of two genes. These suggest mutations in 5'regulatory region contributed to the differentiation of duplicated genes. To our knowledge, this is the first report to analyze 5'regulatory region of piscine IL-17 family genes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Hospitalizations in patients with atrial fibrillation: an analysis from ROCKET AF.

    PubMed

    DeVore, Adam D; Hellkamp, Anne S; Becker, Richard C; Berkowitz, Scott D; Breithardt, Guenter; Hacke, Werner; Halperin, Jonathan L; Hankey, Graeme J; Mahaffey, Kenneth W; Nessel, Christopher C; Singer, Daniel E; Fox, Keith A A; Patel, Manesh R; Piccini, Jonathan P

    2016-08-01

    The high costs associated with treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) are primarily due to hospital care, but there are limited data to understand the reasons for and predictors of hospitalization in patients with AF. The ROCKET AF trial compared rivaroxaban with warfarin for stroke prophylaxis in AF. We described the frequency of and reasons for hospitalization during study follow-up and utilized Cox proportional hazards models to assess for baseline characteristics associated with all-cause hospitalization. Of 14 171 patients, 14% were hospitalized at least once. Of 2614 total hospitalizations, 41% were cardiovascular including 4% for AF; of the remaining, 12% were for bleeding. Compared with patients not hospitalized, hospitalized patients were older (74 vs. 72 years), and more frequently had diabetes (46 vs. 39%), prior MI (23 vs. 16%), and paroxysmal AF (19 vs. 17%), but less frequently had prior transient ischaemic attack/stroke (49 vs. 56%). After multivariable adjustment, lung disease [hazard ratio (HR) 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29-1.66], diabetes [1.22, (1.11-1.34)], prior MI [1.27, (1.13-1.42)], and renal dysfunction [HR 1.07 per 5 unit GFR < 65 mL/min, (1.04-1.10)] were associated with increased hospitalization risk. Treatment assignment was not associated with differential rates of hospitalization. Nearly 1 in 7 of the moderate-to-high-risk patients with AF enrolled in this trial was hospitalized within 2 years, and both AF and bleeding were rare causes of hospitalization. Further research is needed to determine whether care pathways directed at comorbid conditions among AF patients could reduce the need for and costs associated with hospitalization. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.

  11. Adiabatic Compression Sensitivity of AF-M315E (Briefing Charts)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-07-27

    Charts 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) July 2015-July 2015 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Adiabatic Compression Sensitivity of AF - M315E (Briefing Charts) 5a...PA#15402. 14. ABSTRACT The Air Force Research Laboratory developed monopropellant, AF - M315E , has been selected for demonstration under the NASA...Pollux Drive, Edwards AFB, CA 93524-7048. Adiabatic Compression Sensitivity of AF - M315E Phu Quach ERC, Incorporated Air Force Research Laboratory

  12. AF RPA Training: Utility and Tradition in Conflict

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-06-01

    The AF and the Army offer competing views on the future of UAS training . Both services export its cultural values, as the Navy, USMC, and...and visions. Despite common technologies, each service approached UAS from different starting points, and created different training models. The AF...issues reflected different approaches each service took to Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operational employment, personnel management, and training

  13. Organic Techniques for Protecting Virtual Private Network (VPN) Services from Access Link Flooding Attacks

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2002-01-01

    Submitted to ICN 2002 Organic Techniques for Protecting Virtual Private Network (VPN) Services from Access Link Flooding Attacks1 Ranga S. Ramanujan ...using these techniques is also described. Contact author: Dr. Ranga S. Ramanujan Architecture Technology Corporation 9971 Valley View Road Eden Prairie...OF ABSTRACT 18. NUMBER OF PAGES 15 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON a. REPORT unclassified b. ABSTRACT unclassified c . THIS PAGE unclassified

  14. Dental Laboratory Career Ladder AFS 982X0.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-09-01

    7ADA120 102 AIR FORCE OCCUPATIONAL MEASUREMENT CENTER RANDOLPH AFB TX F/6 Ri9 DENTAL LABORATORY CAREER LADDER AFS 982XO.(U) UNCLASSIFIED NLEEEili E...Eli E~lllllllllEEE EEEEEIIIEEEEEE EIEEEEIIEEEEEE IIIIIIIIIIIIIIlLZ UNITED STATES AIR FORCE 0! DENTAL LABORATORY CAREER LADDER DTlC AFS 982X0 ELEr.L_...LADDER STRUCTURE GROUPS ----------------------------------- 57 APPENDIX B - JOB DESCRIPTIONS FOR BASE AND AREA DENTAL LABORATORY PERSONNEL

  15. Refinement of detecting atrial fibrillation in stroke patients: results from the TRACK-AF Study.

    PubMed

    Reinke, F; Bettin, M; Ross, L S; Kochhäuser, S; Kleffner, I; Ritter, M; Minnerup, J; Dechering, D; Eckardt, L; Dittrich, R

    2018-04-01

    Detection of occult atrial fibrillation (AF) is crucial for optimal secondary prevention in stroke patients. The AF detection rate was determined by implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) and compared to the prediction rate of the probability of incident AF by software based analysis of a continuously monitored electrocardiogram at follow-up (stroke risk analysis, SRA); an optimized AF detection algorithm is proposed by combining both tools. In a monocentric prospective study 105 out of 389 patients with cryptogenic stroke despite extensive diagnostic workup were investigated with two additional cardiac monitoring tools: (a) 20 months' monitoring by ICM and (b) SRA during hospitalization at the stroke unit. The detection rate of occult AF was 18% by ICM (n = 19) (range 6-575 days) and 62% (n = 65) had an increased risk for AF predicted by SRA. When comparing the predictive accuracy of SRA to ICM, the sensitivity was 95%, specificity 35%, positive predictive value 27% and negative predictive value 96%. In 18 patients with AF detected by ICM, SRA also showed a medium risk for AF. Only one patient with a very low risk predicted by SRA developed AF revealed by ICM after 417 days. A combination of SRA and ICM is a promising strategy to detect occult AF. SRA is reliable in predicting incident AF with a high negative predictive value. Thus, SRA may serve as a cost-effective pre-selection tool identifying patients at risk for AF who may benefit from further cardiac monitoring by ICM. © 2017 EAN.

  16. Effects of Iron Depletion on CALM-AF10 Leukemias

    PubMed Central

    Heath, Jessica L.; Weiss, Joshua M.

    2014-01-01

    Iron, an essential nutrient for cellular growth and proliferation, enters cells via clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). The clathrin assembly lymphoid myeloid (CALM) protein plays an essential role in the cellular import of iron by CME. CALM-AF10 leukemias harbor a single copy of the normal CALM gene, and may therefore be more sensitive to the growth inhibitory effect of iron restriction compared with normal hematopoietic cells. We found that Calm heterozygous (CalmHET) murine fibroblasts exhibit signs of iron deficiency, with increased surface transferrin receptor (sTfR) levels and reduced growth rates. CalmHET hematopoietic cells are more sensitive in vitro to iron chelators than their wild type counterparts. Iron chelation also displayed toxicity towards cultured CalmHET CALM-AF10 leukemia cells and this effect was additive to that of chemotherapy. In mice transplanted with CalmHET CALM-AF10 leukemia, we found that dietary iron restriction reduces tumor burden in the spleen. However, dietary iron restriction, used alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy, did not increase survival of mice with CalmHET CALM-AF10 leukemia. In summary, while Calm heterozygosity results in iron deficiency and increased sensitivity to iron chelation in vitro, our data in mice do not suggest that iron depletion strategies would be beneficial for the therapy of CALM-AF10 leukemia patients. PMID:25193880

  17. 76 FR 52241 - Activation of Ice Protection

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-22

    ... CONTACT: For operational questions contact Charles J. Enders, Air Carrier Operations Branch, AFS-220... 20591; telephone (202) 493-1422; facsimile (202) 267-5229; e-mail Charles.J[email protected] . For... Avenue, SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1234; facsimile (425) 227-1149; e-mail Robert.C...

  18. Termination of persistent atrial fibrillation during pulmonary vein isolation: insight from the MAGIC-AF trial.

    PubMed

    Singh, Sheldon M; d'Avila, Andre; Kim, Young-Hoon; Aryana, Arash; Mangrum, J Michael; Michaud, Gregory F; Dukkipati, Srinivas R; Barrett, Conor D; Heist, E Kevin; Parides, Michael K; Thorpe, Kevin E; Reddy, Vivek Y

    2017-10-01

    Controversy on the optimal ablation strategy for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) exists with limited work evaluating a strategy of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone when AF terminates during PVI. Thirty-five patients had AF termination during PVI in the Modified Ablation Guided by Ibutilide Use in Chronic Atrial Fibrillation (MAGIC-AF; ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01014741) study. The objective of the current study is to report the 1-year outcome after PVI alone in this unique patient group. The 1-year single procedure freedom from atrial arrhythmia off anti-arrhythmic drugs was reported for the 35 patients in the MAGIC-AF study with persistent AF termination during or upon completion of PVI. Freedom from recurrent atrial arrhythmia was achieved in 60% of patients where AF terminated during PVI. Cavotricuspid isthmus flutter was common when AF terminated to a macro re-entrant flutter during PVI, and responsible for 92% of all flutter circuits with AF termination. Persistent AF termination during PVI may identify a subgroup of patients who experience a similar long-term clinical outcome with PVI ablation alone when compared with other more extensive persistent AF ablation strategies. Pulmonary vein isolation alone may be an appropriate tactic in this subgroup of persistent AF patients. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2016. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  19. Extracting uranium from seawater: Promising AF series adsorbents

    DOE PAGES

    Das, Sadananda; Oyola, Y.; Mayes, Richard T.; ...

    2015-11-02

    Here, a new family of high surface area polyethylene fiber adsorbents (AF series) was recently developed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The AF series of were synthesized by radiation-induced graft polymerization of acrylonitrile and itaconic acid (at different monomer/co-monomer mol ratios) onto high surface area polyethylene fibers. The degree of grafting (%DOG) of AF series adsorbents was found to be 154 354%. The grafted nitrile groups were converted to amidoxime groups by treating with hydroxylamine. The amidoximated adsorbents were then conditioned with 0.44M KOH at 80 C followed by screening at ORNL with simulated seawater spiked with 8more » ppm uranium. Uranium adsorption capacity in simulated seawater screening ranged from 170-200 g-U/kg-ads irrespective of %DOG. A monomer/co-monomer mol ratio in the range of 7.57-10.14 seemed to be optimum for highest uranium loading capacity. Subsequently, the adsorbents were also tested with natural seawater at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) using flow-through exposure uptake experiments to determine uranium loading capacity with varying KOH conditioning time at 80 C. The highest adsorption capacity of AF1 measured after 56 days of marine testing was demonstrated as 3.9 g-U/kg-adsorbent and 3.2 g-U/kg-adsorbent for 1hr and 3hrs of KOH conditioning at 80 C, respectively. Based on capacity values of several AF1 samples, it was observed that changing KOH conditioning from 3hrs to 1hr at 80 C resulted in 22-27% increase in uranium loading capacity in seawater.« less

  20. Extracting Uranium from Seawater: Promising AF Series Adsorbents

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Das, S.; Oyola, Y.; Mayes, Richard T.

    A new family of high-surface-area polyethylene fiber adsorbents named the AF series was recently developed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The AF series adsorbents were synthesized by radiation-induced graft polymerization of acrylonitrile and itaconic acid (at different monomer/comonomer mol ratios) onto high surface area polyethylene fibers. The degree of grafting (%DOG) of AF series adsorbents was found to be 154-354%. The grafted nitrile groups were converted to amidoxime groups by treating with hydroxylamine. The amidoximated adsorbents were then conditioned with 0.44 M KOH at 80 °C followed by screening at ORNL with sodium-based synthetic aqueous solution, spiked withmore » 8 ppm uranium. The uranium adsorption capacity in simulated seawater screening ranged from 170 to 200 g-U/kg-ads irrespective of %DOG. A monomer/comonomer molar ratio in the range of 7.57-10.14 seemed to be optimum for highest uranium loading capacity. Subsequently, the adsorbents were also tested with natural seawater at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) using flow-through column experiments to determine uranium loading capacity with varying KOH conditioning times at 80 °C. The highest adsorption capacity of AF1 measured after 56 days of marine testing was demonstrated as 3.9 g-U/kg-adsorbent and 3.2 g-U/kg-adsorbent for 1 and 3 h of KOH conditioning at 80 °C, respectively. Based on capacity values of several AF1 samples, it was observed that changing KOH conditioning from 1 to 3 h at 80 °C resulted in a 22-27% decrease in uranium adsorption capacity in seawater.« less

  1. Extracting uranium from seawater: Promising AF series adsorbents

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Das, Sadananda; Oyola, Y.; Mayes, Richard T.

    Here, a new family of high surface area polyethylene fiber adsorbents (AF series) was recently developed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The AF series of were synthesized by radiation-induced graft polymerization of acrylonitrile and itaconic acid (at different monomer/co-monomer mol ratios) onto high surface area polyethylene fibers. The degree of grafting (%DOG) of AF series adsorbents was found to be 154 354%. The grafted nitrile groups were converted to amidoxime groups by treating with hydroxylamine. The amidoximated adsorbents were then conditioned with 0.44M KOH at 80 C followed by screening at ORNL with simulated seawater spiked with 8more » ppm uranium. Uranium adsorption capacity in simulated seawater screening ranged from 170-200 g-U/kg-ads irrespective of %DOG. A monomer/co-monomer mol ratio in the range of 7.57-10.14 seemed to be optimum for highest uranium loading capacity. Subsequently, the adsorbents were also tested with natural seawater at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) using flow-through exposure uptake experiments to determine uranium loading capacity with varying KOH conditioning time at 80 C. The highest adsorption capacity of AF1 measured after 56 days of marine testing was demonstrated as 3.9 g-U/kg-adsorbent and 3.2 g-U/kg-adsorbent for 1hr and 3hrs of KOH conditioning at 80 C, respectively. Based on capacity values of several AF1 samples, it was observed that changing KOH conditioning from 3hrs to 1hr at 80 C resulted in 22-27% increase in uranium loading capacity in seawater.« less

  2. CERN’s AFS replacement project

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Iven, J.; Lamanna, M.; Pace, A.

    2017-10-01

    OpenAFS is the legacy solution for a variety of use cases at CERN, most notably home-directory services. OpenAFS has been used as the primary shared file-system for Linux (and other) clients for more than 20 years, but despite an excellent track record, the project’s age and architectural limitations are becoming more evident. We are now working to offer an alternative solution based on existing CERN storage services. The new solution will offer evolved functionality, and is expected to eventually benefit from operational synergies. In this paper we will present CERN’s usage and an analysis of our technical choices: we will focus on the alternatives chosen for the various use cases (among them EOS, CERNBox and CASTOR); on implementing the migration process over the coming years; and the challenges and opportunities of the migration.

  3. U2AF1 mutations alter splice site recognition in hematological malignancies.

    PubMed

    Ilagan, Janine O; Ramakrishnan, Aravind; Hayes, Brian; Murphy, Michele E; Zebari, Ahmad S; Bradley, Philip; Bradley, Robert K

    2015-01-01

    Whole-exome sequencing studies have identified common mutations affecting genes encoding components of the RNA splicing machinery in hematological malignancies. Here, we sought to determine how mutations affecting the 3' splice site recognition factor U2AF1 alter its normal role in RNA splicing. We find that U2AF1 mutations influence the similarity of splicing programs in leukemias, but do not give rise to widespread splicing failure. U2AF1 mutations cause differential splicing of hundreds of genes, affecting biological pathways such as DNA methylation (DNMT3B), X chromosome inactivation (H2AFY), the DNA damage response (ATR, FANCA), and apoptosis (CASP8). We show that U2AF1 mutations alter the preferred 3' splice site motif in patients, in cell culture, and in vitro. Mutations affecting the first and second zinc fingers give rise to different alterations in splice site preference and largely distinct downstream splicing programs. These allele-specific effects are consistent with a computationally predicted model of U2AF1 in complex with RNA. Our findings suggest that U2AF1 mutations contribute to pathogenesis by causing quantitative changes in splicing that affect diverse cellular pathways, and give insight into the normal function of U2AF1's zinc finger domains. © 2015 Ilagan et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

  4. Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in Females: Insight from the MAGIC-AF Trial.

    PubMed

    Singh, Sheldon M; D'Avila, Andre; Aryana, Arash; Kim, Young-Hoon; Mangrum, J Michael; Michaud, Gregory F; Dukkipati, Srinivas R; Heist, E Kevin; Barrett, Conor D; Thorpe, Kevin E; Reddy, Vivek Y

    2016-07-27

    Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is less frequently performed in women when compared to men. There are conflicting data on the safety and efficacy of AF ablation in women. The objective of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes in a contemporary cohort of men and women undergoing persistent AF ablation procedures. A total of 182 men and 53 women undergoing a first-ever persistent AF catheter ablation procedure in The Modified Ablation Guided by Ibutilide Use in Chronic Atrial Fibrillation (MAGIC-AF) trial were evaluated. Clinical and procedural characteristics were compared between each gender. The primary efficacy endpoint was the 1-year single procedure freedom from atrial arrhythmia off anti-arrhythmic drugs. Women undergoing catheter ablation procedures were older than men (P < 0.001). The duration of AF and associated co-morbidities were similar between both genders. Single procedure drug-free atrial arrhythmia recurrence occurred in 53% of the cohort with no difference based on gender (men = 54%, women = 53%; P = 1.0). Procedural (P = 0.04), fluoroscopic (P = 0.02), and ablation times (P = 0.003) were shorter in women compared to men. Periprocedural complications and postablation improvement in quality of life were similar between men and women. Women undergoing a first-ever persistent AF ablation procedure were older but had similar clinical outcomes and complications when compared with men. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  5. Embossed Teflon AF Laminate Membrane Microfluidic Diaphragm Valves

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Willis, Peter; Hunt, Brian; White,Victor; Grunthaner, Frank

    2008-01-01

    A microfluidic system has been designed to survive spaceflight and to function autonomously on the Martian surface. It manipulates microscopic quantities of liquid water and performs chemical analyses on these samples to assay for the presence of molecules associated with past or present living processes. This technology lies at the core of the Urey Instrument, which is scheduled for inclusion on the Pasteur Payload of the ESA ExoMars rover mission in 2013. Fabrication processes have been developed to make the microfabricated Teflon-AF microfluidic diaphragm pumps capable of surviving extreme temperature excursions before and after exposure to liquid water. Two glass wafers are etched with features and a continuous Teflon membrane is sandwiched between them (see figure). Single valves are constructed using this geometry. The microfabricated devices are then post processed by heating the assembled device while applying pneumatic pressure to force the Teflon diaphragm against the valve seat while it is softened. After cooling the device, the embossed membrane retains this new shape. This solves previous problems with bubble introduction into the fluid flow where deformations of the membrane at the valve seat occurred during device bonding at elevated temperatures (100-150 C). The use of laminated membranes containing commercial Teflon AF 2400 sheet sandwiched between spun Teflon AF 1600 layers performed best, and were less gas permeable than Teflon AF 1600 membranes on their own. Spinning Teflon AF 1600 solution (6 percent in FLOURINERT(Registered TradeMark) FC40 solvent, 3M Company) at 500 rpm for 1.5 seconds, followed by 1,000 rpm for 3 seconds onto Borofloat glass wafers, results in a 10-micron-thick film of extremely smooth Teflon AF. This spinning process is repeated several times on flat, blank, glass wafers in order to gradually build a thick, smooth membrane. After running this process at least five times, the wafer and Teflon coating are heated under vacuum

  6. Low molecular weight glycosaminoglycan C3 attenuates AF64A-stimulated, low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor-immunoreactive axonal varicosities in the rat septum.

    PubMed

    Dudas, Bertalan; Rose, Michael; Cornelli, Umberto; Hanin, Israel

    2005-02-01

    Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although, as we have shown earlier, a low molecular weight GAG, C3, protects against ethylcholine aziridinium (AF64A)-induced cholinergic damage, and against A(beta)-induced tau-2-immunoreactivity (IR), the mechanism of the neuroprotective effect of GAGs is not yet known. Several clues exist. Previous studies in rats revealed that continuous NGF infusion (icv) after AF64A injection increases septal ChAT and AChE activities. Moreover, C3 increases axonal outgrowth in the rat hippocampus, raising the possibility of a NGF-receptor mediated neuroprotection. Furthermore, it has been reported that NGF expression is increased in the septum following AF64A administration. To study the question regarding the mechanism of neuroprotective action of GAGs, AF64A, a selective cholinotoxin, was administered stereotaxically, bilaterally, into the lateral ventricles of Fischer albino male rats (1 nmol/2 microl/side). In order to establish the effect of C3 on the expression of the NGF receptor-IR elements, C3 was administered orally (25 mg/kg, once a day), by gavage, 7 days before, and 7 days after the AF64A injection. NGF receptor immunohistochemistry revealed that AF64A induced the appearance of NGF-receptor-IR axonal varicosities in the rat medial septum. These varicose fibers were attenuated by 14 days' administration of C3. The possible explanation of our data may be that C3 increases NGF synthesis in the lateral septum. The increased level of NGF could suppress the increased, AF64A-induced NGF receptor expression in the medial septal nucleus. These results further accentuate our earlier observations that C3 may have potential as a therapeutic agent in AD and other neurodegenerative disorders.

  7. Evolution of AF6-RAS association and its implications in mixed-lineage leukemia

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Smith, Matthew J.; Ottoni, Elizabeth; Ishiyama, Noboru

    Elucidation of activation mechanisms governing protein fusions is essential for therapeutic development. MLL undergoes rearrangement with numerous partners, including a recurrent translocation fusing the epigenetic regulator to a cytoplasmic RAS effector, AF6/afadin. We show here that AF6 employs a non-canonical, evolutionarily conserved α-helix to bind RAS, unique to AF6 and the classical RASSF effectors. Further, all patients with MLL-AF6 translocations express fusion proteins missing only this helix from AF6, resulting in exposure of hydrophobic residues that induce dimerization. We provide evidence that oligomerization is the dominant mechanism driving oncogenesis from rare MLL translocation partners and employ our mechanistic understanding ofmore » MLL-AF6 to examine how dimers induce leukemia. Proteomic data resolve association of dimerized MLL with gene expression modulators, and inhibiting dimerization disrupts formation of these complexes while completely abrogating leukemogenesis in mice. Oncogenic gene translocations are thus selected under pressure from protein structure/function, underscoring the complex nature of chromosomal rearrangements.« less

  8. Protecting Public-Access Computers in Libraries.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    King, Monica

    1999-01-01

    Describes one public library's development of a computer-security plan, along with helpful products used. Discussion includes Internet policy, physical protection of hardware, basic protection of the operating system and software on the network, browser dilemmas and maintenance, creating clear intuitive interface, and administering fair use and…

  9. The AFS Volunteer Resources Study: Summary of Findings from Australia.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Walsh, Desmond; And Others

    The American Field Service (AFS) has 3,500 volunteers throughout Australia. Local chapters recruit potential host families and participants. Host families are recruited actively and selectively while volunteers are recruited largely through AFS presentations at schools, through friends, and by returning volunteers. Due to a high level of demand…

  10. Autonomous Information Unit for Fine-Grain Data Access Control and Information Protection in a Net-Centric System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chow, Edward T.; Woo, Simon S.; James, Mark; Paloulian, George K.

    2012-01-01

    As communication and networking technologies advance, networks will become highly complex and heterogeneous, interconnecting different network domains. There is a need to provide user authentication and data protection in order to further facilitate critical mission operations, especially in the tactical and mission-critical net-centric networking environment. The Autonomous Information Unit (AIU) technology was designed to provide the fine-grain data access and user control in a net-centric system-testing environment to meet these objectives. The AIU is a fundamental capability designed to enable fine-grain data access and user control in the cross-domain networking environments, where an AIU is composed of the mission data, metadata, and policy. An AIU provides a mechanism to establish trust among deployed AIUs based on recombining shared secrets, authentication and verify users with a username, X.509 certificate, enclave information, and classification level. AIU achieves data protection through (1) splitting data into multiple information pieces using the Shamir's secret sharing algorithm, (2) encrypting each individual information piece using military-grade AES-256 encryption, and (3) randomizing the position of the encrypted data based on the unbiased and memory efficient in-place Fisher-Yates shuffle method. Therefore, it becomes virtually impossible for attackers to compromise data since attackers need to obtain all distributed information as well as the encryption key and the random seeds to properly arrange the data. In addition, since policy can be associated with data in the AIU, different user access and data control strategies can be included. The AIU technology can greatly enhance information assurance and security management in the bandwidth-limited and ad hoc net-centric environments. In addition, AIU technology can be applicable to general complex network domains and applications where distributed user authentication and data protection are

  11. Effect of aldosterone on cochlear Af9 expression and hearing in guinea pig.

    PubMed

    Qin, Li; Zhang, Biyun; Wang, Qianying; Li, Duanchao; Luo, Xiaoli; Zhong, Shixun

    2017-09-01

    Af9 protein in cochlea may be closely related to endolymph regulation by aldosterone and thus may be involved in pathogenesis of endolymphatic hydrops (EH). EH is the pathological characteristic of Ménière's disease (MD). Aldosterone could induce EH, but its relationship with MD is still controversial. The aim of the present study is to investigate the Af9 protein expression in guinea pig cochlea and regulation of Af9 expression and cochlear function by aldosterone. The role of Af9 in pathogenesis of EH is discussed. Thirty guinea pigs were randomly divided into two groups. The treatment group was intraperitoneally injected with aldosterone 0.1 mg/kg/d for 5 days, while the control group was done with saline. Hearing and histomorphology of cochlea were examined. In addition, expression of Af9 protein was studied. The hearing threshold of the treatment group was increased. EH was induced in 73% of guinea pigs in the treatment group, and no EH was found in the control group. Af9 protein was found in spiral limbus, stria vascularis, Reissner's membrane, organ of Corti and spiral ganglion in both groups. Af9 expression in cochlea decreased significantly at protein level after treatment by aldosterone.

  12. Rivaroxaban in patients with atrial fibrillation: from ROCKET AF to everyday practice.

    PubMed

    Barón-Esquivias, Gonzalo; Marín, Francisco; Sanmartín Fernandez, Marcelo

    2017-05-01

    Registries and non-interventional studies offer relevant and complementary information to clinical trials, since they have a high external validity. Areas covered: The information regarding the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban compared with warfarin, or rivaroxaban alone in clinical practice was reviewed in this manuscript. For this purpose, a search on MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed. The MEDLINE and EMBASE search included both medical subject headings (MeSH) and keywords including: atrial fibrillation (AF) OR warfarin OR clinical practice OR ROCKET AF AND rivaroxaban. Case reports were not considered. Expert commentary: In ROCKET AF, rivaroxaban was at least as effective as warfarin for the prevention of stroke in patients with nonvalvular AF at high risk of stroke, but, importantly, with a lesser risk of intracranial, critical and fatal bleedings. A number of observational comparative and non-comparative studies, with more than 60,000 patients included treated with rivaroxaban, have analyzed the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban in real-life patients with AF in different clinical settings. These studies have shown that in clinical practice, rates of stroke and major bleeding were consistently lower than those reported in ROCKET AF, likely due to the lower thromboembolic and bleeding risk observed in these patients.

  13. GPIM AF-M315E Propulsion System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Spores, Ronald A.; Masse, Robert; Kimbrel, Scott; McLean, Chris

    2014-01-01

    The NASA Space Technology mission Directorate's (STMD) Green Propellant Infusion Mission (GPIM) Technology Demonstration Mission (TDM) will demonstrate an operational AF-M315E green propellant propulsion system. Aerojet-Rocketdyne is responsible for the development of the propulsion system payload. This paper statuses the propulsion system module development, including thruster design and system design; Initial test results for the 1N engineering model thruster are presented. The culmination of this program will be high-performance, green AF-M315E propulsion system technology at TRL 7+, with components demonstrated to TRL 9, ready for direct infusion to a wide range of applications for the space user community.

  14. Thromboembolic event rate in paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation: Data from the GISSI-AF trial

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Few data on the thromboembolic (TE) risk of paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) are available. This study aimed to assess the incidence of TE events in paroxysmal and persistent AF. Methods We performed a subset post hoc analysis of 771 patients with paroxysmal and 463 with persistent AF enrolled in the multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled GISSI-AF trial - comparing the efficacy of valsartan versus placebo in preventing AF recurrences – where the choice of antithrombotic treatment was left to the judgment of the referring physician. TE and major outcome events were centrally validated. AF recurrences were detected by frequent clinic visits and a transtelephonic monitoring device with weekly and symptomatic transmissions. Results Eighty-five percent of patients had a history of hypertension, and the 7.7% had heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction, or both. The mean CHADS2 score was 1.41±0.84. TE and major bleeding events were observed at a low incidence among the overall population at 1-year follow-up (0.97% and 0.81%, respectively). The univariate and multivariable analyses revealed no statistically significant differences in the incidence of TE, major bleeding events or mortality in paroxysmal and persistent AF patients. TE events were more common among women than men (p=0.02). The follow-up examination showed under- or overtreatment with warfarin in many patients, according to guideline suggestions. Warfarin was more frequently prescribed to patients with persistent AF (p<0.0001) and patients with AF recurrences (p<0.0001). AF recurrences were noninvasively detected in 632 (51.2%) patients. In patients without AF recurrences, the TE event rate was 0.5% versus 1.74%, 1.28%, and 1.18% for those with only symptomatic, only asymptomatic or both symptomatic and asymptomatic AF recurrences, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant, even after adjusting for warfarin treatment

  15. Protection - Principles and practice.

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Graham, G. S.; Denning, P. J.

    1972-01-01

    The protection mechanisms of computer systems control the access to objects, especially information objects. The principles of protection system design are formalized as a model (theory) of protection. Each process has a unique identification number which is attached by the system to each access attempted by the process. Details of system implementation are discussed, taking into account the storing of the access matrix, aspects of efficiency, and the selection of subjects and objects. Two systems which have protection features incorporating all the elements of the model are described.

  16. Action of AF64A on rat brain muscarinic receptors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Eva, C.; Costa, E.

    ICV administration of compound AF64A (ethylcholine mustard aziridium ion) induces a long-term selective cholinergic hypofunction; however, it does not modify the characteristics of muscarinic receptors. In brain muscarinic receptor activation can either stimulate phosphoinositide turnover or inhibit adenylate cyclase. ICV infusion of AF64A (5 nmol/side/2.5 ..mu..l) reduced the hippocampal ACh content 10 or 30 days after the treatment to 75% of the control values. Under these conditions neither in the striatum nor in the frontal cortex ACh levels were decreased. The carbachol dose-dependent stimulation in hippocampal slices differed from that observed in control rats. The carbachol efficacy was increased butmore » its potency was unchanged by AF64A. In contrast, ICV administration of AF64A failed to alter the oxotremorine efficacy or potency in inhibiting the forskolin stimulated adenylate cyclase in rat hippocampal membranes. These results suggest the two transducer systems coupled to muscarinic receptors may be differentially regulatable by cholinergic input.« less

  17. Clinical presentation, management, and outcomes in the Indian Heart Rhythm Society-Atrial Fibrillation (IHRS-AF) registry.

    PubMed

    Vora, A; Kapoor, A; Nair, M; Lokhandwala, Y; Narsimhan, C; Ravikishore, A G; Dwivedi, S K; Namboodiri, N; Hygriv, R; Saxena, A; Nabar, A; Garg, S; Bardoloi, N; Yadav, R; Nambiar, A; Pandurangi, U; Jhala, D; Naik, A; Nagmallesh; Rajagopal, S; Selvaraj, R; Arora, V; Thachil, A; Thomas, J; Panicker, G

    A national atrial fibrillation (AF) registry was conducted under the aegis of the Indian Heart Rhythm Society (IHRS), to capture epidemiological data-type of AF, clinical presentation and comorbidities, current treatment practices, and 1-year follow-up outcomes. A total of 1537 patients were enrolled from 24 sites in India in the IHRS-AF registry from July 2011 to August 2012. Their baseline characteristics and follow-up data were recorded in case report forms and subsequently analyzed. The average age of Indian AF patients was 54.7 years. There was a marginal female preponderance - 51.5% females and 48.5% males. At baseline, 20.4% had paroxysmal AF; 33% had persistent AF; 35.1% had permanent AF and 11% had first AF episode. At one-year follow-up, 45.6% patients had permanent AF. Rheumatic valvular heart disease (RHD) was present in 47.6% of patients. Hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes were seen in 31.4%, 18.7%, 16.2%, and 16.1%, respectively. Rate control was the strategy used in 75.2% patients, digoxin and beta-blockers being the most frequently prescribed rate-control drugs. Oral anticoagulation (OAC) drugs were used in 70% of patients. The annual mortality was 6.5%, hospitalization 8%, and incidence of stroke 1%. In India, AF patients are younger and RHD is still the most frequent etiology. Almost two-third of the patients have persistent/permanent AF. At one-year follow-up, there is a significant mortality and morbidity in AF patients in India. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  18. The Bcr Kinase Downregulates Ras Signaling by Phosphorylating AF-6 and Binding to Its PDZ Domain

    PubMed Central

    Radziwill, G.; Erdmann, R. A.; Margelisch, U.; Moelling, K.

    2003-01-01

    The protein kinase Bcr is a negative regulator of cell proliferation and oncogenic transformation. We identified Bcr as a ligand for the PDZ domain of the cell junction and Ras-interacting protein AF-6. The Bcr kinase phosphorylates AF-6, which subsequently allows efficient binding of Bcr to AF-6, showing that the Bcr kinase is a regulator of the PDZ domain-ligand interaction. Bcr and AF-6 colocalize in epithelial cells at the plasma membrane. In addition, Bcr, AF-6, and Ras form a trimeric complex. Bcr increases the affinity of AF-6 to Ras, and a mutant of AF-6 that lacks a specific phosphorylation site for Bcr shows a reduced binding to Ras. Wild-type Bcr, but not Bcr mutants defective in binding to AF-6, interferes with the Ras-dependent stimulation of the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway. Since AF-6 binds to Bcr via its PDZ domain and to Ras via its Ras-binding domain, we propose that AF-6 functions as a scaffold-like protein that links Bcr and Ras to cellular junctions. We suggest that this trimeric complex is involved in downregulation of Ras-mediated signaling at sites of cell-cell contact to maintain cells in a nonproliferating state. PMID:12808105

  19. Atrial Fibrillation Management Strategies in Routine Clinical Practice: Insights from the International RealiseAF Survey

    PubMed Central

    Chiang, Chern-En; Naditch-Brûlé, Lisa; Brette, Sandrine; Silva-Cardoso, José; Gamra, Habib; Murin, Jan; Zharinov, Oleg J.; Steg, Philippe Gabriel

    2016-01-01

    Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) can be managed with rhythm- or rate-control strategies. There are few data from routine clinical practice on the frequency with which each strategy is used and their correlates in terms of patients’ clinical characteristics, AF control, and symptom burden. Methods RealiseAF was an international, cross-sectional, observational survey of 11,198 patients with AF. The aim of this analysis was to describe patient profiles and symptoms according to the AF management strategy used. A multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with AF management strategy at the end of the visit. Results Among 10,497 eligible patients, 53.7% used a rate-control strategy, compared with 34.5% who used a rhythm-control strategy. In 11.8% of patients, no clear strategy was stated. The proportion of patients with AF-related symptoms (EHRA Class > = II) was 78.1% (n = 4396/5630) for those using a rate-control strategy vs. 67.8% for those using a rhythm-control strategy (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age <75 years or the paroxysmal or persistent form of AF favored the choice of a rhythm-control strategy. A change in strategy was infrequent, even in patients with European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) Class > = II. Conclusions In the RealiseAF routine clinical practice survey, rate control was more commonly used than rhythm control, and a change in strategy was uncommon, even in symptomatic patients. In almost 12% of patients, no clear strategy was stated. Physician awareness regarding optimal management strategies for AF may be improved. PMID:26800084

  20. Approved but non-funded vaccines: accessing individual protection.

    PubMed

    Scheifele, David W; Ward, Brian J; Halperin, Scott A; McNeil, Shelly A; Crowcroft, Natasha S; Bjornson, Gordean

    2014-02-07

    Funded immunization programs are best able to achieve high participation rates, optimal protection of the target population, and indirect protection of others. However, in many countries public funding of approved vaccines can be substantially delayed, limited to a portion of the at-risk population or denied altogether. In these situations, unfunded vaccines are often inaccessible to individuals at risk, allowing potentially avoidable morbidity and mortality to continue to occur. We contend that private access to approved but unfunded vaccines should be reconsidered and encouraged, with recognition that individuals have a prerogative to take advantage of a vaccine of potential benefit to them whether it is publicly funded or not. Moreover, numbers of "approved but unfunded" vaccines are likely to grow because governments will not be able to fund all future vaccines of potential benefit to some citizens. New strategies are needed to better use unfunded vaccines even though the net benefits will fall short of those of funded programs. Canada, after recent delays funding several new vaccine programs, has developed means to encourage private vaccine use. Physicians are required to inform relevant patients about risks and benefits of all recommended vaccines, publicly funded or not. Likewise, some provincial public health departments now recommend and promote both funded and unfunded vaccines. Pharmacists are key players in making unfunded vaccines locally available. Professional organizations are contributing to public and provider education about unfunded vaccines (e.g. herpes zoster, not funded in any province). Vaccine companies are gaining expertise with direct-to-consumer advertising. However, major challenges remain, such as making unfunded vaccines more available to low-income families and overcoming public expectations that all vaccines will be provided cost-free, when many other recommended personal preventive measures are user-pay. The greatest need is to

  1. Amentoflavone protects dopaminergic neurons in MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease model mice through PI3K/Akt and ERK signaling pathways

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cao, Qin; Qin, Liyue; Huang, Fei, E-mail: Fei_H@ho

    Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Mitochondrial dysfunction and cell apoptosis are suggested to be actively involved in the pathogenesis of PD. In the present study, the neuroprotective effect of amentoflavone (AF), a naturally occurring biflavonoid from Selaginella tamariscina, was examined in PD models both in vitro and in vivo. On SH-SY5Y cells, AF treatment dose-dependently reduced 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP{sup +})-induced nuclear condensation and loss of cell viability without obvious cytotoxicity. It inhibited the activation of caspase-3 and p21 but increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Further study disclosed that AFmore » enhanced the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt and ERK1/2 down-regulated by MPP{sup +} in SH-SY5Y cells, the effect of which could be blocked by LY294002, the inhibitor of PI3K. Consistently, AF alleviated the behavioral deterioration in pole and traction tests and rescued the loss of dopaminergic neurons in SNpc and fibers in striatum in methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induced mice. It also could enhance the activation of PI3K and Akt as well as Bcl-2/Bax ratio in SN. Moreover, AF alleviated gliosis as well as the gene expression levels of IL-1β and iNOS in SN. Collectively, these results suggested that AF protected dopaminergic neurons against MPTP/MPP{sup +}-induced neurotoxicity, which might be mediated through activation of PI3K/Akt and ERK signaling pathways in dopaminergic neurons and attenuation of neuroinflammation. - Highlights: • AF protected dopaminergic neurons against MPTP/MPP{sup +}-induced neurotoxicity. • AF modulated PI3K/Akt and ERK signaling pathways. • AF could alleviate neuroinflammation in SN.« less

  2. Improvements In AF Ablation Outcome Will Be Based More On Technological Advancement Versus Mechanistic Understanding.

    PubMed

    Jiang Md, Chen-Yang; Jiang Ms, Ru-Hong

    2014-01-01

    Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias. Catheter ablation has proven more effective than antiarrhythmic drugs in preventing clinical recurrence of AF, however long-term outcome remains unsatisfactory. Ablation strategies have evolved based on progress in mechanistic understanding, and technologies have advanced continuously. This article reviews current mechanistic concepts and technological advancements in AF treatment, and summarizes their impact on improvement of AF ablation outcome.

  3. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion and gains in health insurance coverage and access among cancer survivors.

    PubMed

    Nikpay, Sayeh S; Tebbs, Margaret G; Castellanos, Emily H

    2018-04-17

    The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act extends Medicaid coverage to millions of low-income adults, including many survivors of cancer who were unable to purchase affordable health insurance coverage in the individual health insurance market. Using data from the 2011 to 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the authors compared changes in coverage and health care access measures for low-income cancer survivors in states that did and did not expand Medicaid. The study population of 17,381 individuals included adults aged 18 to 64 years, and was predominantly female, white, and unmarried. The authors found a relative reduction in the uninsured rate of 11.7 percentage points and a relative increase in the probability of having a personal physician of 5.8 percentage points. Stratifying by whether states expanded Medicaid by 2015, the authors found that relative gains in coverage and access were larger among those individuals residing in states with expanded Medicaid compared with those residing in nonexpansion states. The results of the current study suggest that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion has improved coverage and access for cancer survivors. Cancer 2018. © 2018 American Cancer Society. © 2018 American Cancer Society.

  4. Exchange bias mechanism in FM/FM/AF spin valve systems in the presence of random unidirectional anisotropy field at the AF interface: The role played by the interface roughness due to randomness

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yüksel, Yusuf

    2018-05-01

    We propose an atomistic model and present Monte Carlo simulation results regarding the influence of FM/AF interface structure on the hysteresis mechanism and exchange bias behavior for a spin valve type FM/FM/AF magnetic junction. We simulate perfectly flat and roughened interface structures both with uncompensated interfacial AF moments. In order to simulate rough interface effect, we introduce the concept of random exchange anisotropy field induced at the interface, and acting on the interface AF spins. Our results yield that different types of the random field distributions of anisotropy field may lead to different behavior of exchange bias.

  5. A Critical Role for CRM1 in Regulating HOXA Gene Transcription in CALM-AF10 Leukemias

    PubMed Central

    Conway, Amanda E.; Haldeman, Jonathan M.; Wechsler, Daniel S.; Lavau, Catherine P.

    2014-01-01

    The leukemogenic CALM-AF10 fusion protein is found in patients with immature acute myeloid and T-lymphoid malignancies. CALM-AF10 leukemias display abnormal H3K79 methylation and increased HOXA cluster gene transcription. Elevated expression of HOXA genes is critical for leukemia maintenance and progression; however, the precise mechanism by which CALM-AF10 alters HOXA gene expression is unclear. We previously determined that CALM contains a CRM1-dependent nuclear export signal (NES), which is both necessary and sufficient for CALM-AF10-mediated leukemogenesis. Here, we find that interaction of CALM-AF10 with the nuclear export receptor CRM1 is necessary for activating HOXA gene expression. We show that CRM1 localizes to HOXA loci where it recruits CALM-AF10, leading to transcriptional and epigenetic activation of HOXA genes. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of the CALM-CRM1 interaction prevents CALM-AF10 enrichment at HOXA chromatin, resulting in immediate loss of transcription. These results provide a comprehensive mechanism by which the CALM-AF10 translocation activates the critical HOXA cluster genes. Furthermore, this report identifies a novel function of CRM1: the ability to bind chromatin and recruit the NES-containing CALM-AF10 transcription factor. PMID:25027513

  6. Pre-clinical laboratory evaluation of the new 'AF' arterial line filter range.

    PubMed

    Yarham, Gemma; Mulholland, John

    2010-07-01

    The presence of emboli was recognised relatively early in the history of open heart surgery. The emboli produced during cardiopulmonary bypass have the predisposition to distribute into, and ultimately obstruct, microvessels of all tissues. The Sorin Group has recently developed a new range of arterial line filters. Before the Sorin AF range of filters was released for pre-launch clinical trials, our group performed in vitro laboratory testing of the AF range against a selection of commercially available filters on the global market. The Sorin AF620 and AF640 demonstrate both the smallest prime volume and smallest surface contact area (92ml and 290 cm(2), respectively).The results of the GME Handling Efficiency experiments ranged by 39.6%, from 95.9% to 56.3%. In terms of an air bolus handling, the results of the Limit Bolus experiment ranged by 97 ml, from 147.5 ml down to 50 ml. The pressure drop across all the filters was measured under steady state experimental conditions. All of the above investigations were considered against surface area and prime volume. It is clear from the results that some commercially available arterial line filters perform better than others, not only in overall performance, but also with regard to individual characteristics. Evaluating arterial line filters for hospital-specific use has to balance pressure drop, surface area, micro air handling, prime volume and gross air handling; all points need to be considered. In the AF620 and AF640, Sorin boast that they are the two smallest prime and smallest surface area filters commercially available on the global market. The Sorin AF filter range performs well in all of the areas we investigated and will be a competitive option for centres, irrespective of which characteristics they use to evaluate and select their arterial line filter.

  7. Detection of atrial fibrillation and flutter by a dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. For the Worldwide Jewel AF Investigators.

    PubMed

    Swerdlow, C D; Schsls, W; Dijkman, B; Jung, W; Sheth, N V; Olson, W H; Gunderson, B D

    2000-02-29

    To distinguish prolonged episodes of atrial fibrillation (AF) that require cardioversion from self-terminating episodes that do not, an atrial implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) must be able to detect AF continuously for extended periods. The ICD should discriminate between atrial tachycardia/flutter (AT), which may be terminated by antitachycardia pacing, and AF, which requires cardioversion. We studied 80 patients with AT/AF and ventricular arrhythmias who were treated with a new atrial/dual-chamber ICD. During a follow-up period lasting 6+/-2 months, we validated spontaneous, device-defined AT/AF episodes by stored electrograms in all patients. In 58 patients, we performed 80 Holter recordings with telemetered atrial electrograms, both to validate the continuous detection of AT/AF and to determine the sensitivity of the detection of AT/AF. Detection was appropriate in 98% of 132 AF episodes and 88% of 190 AT episodes (98% of 128 AT episodes with an atrial cycle length <300 ms). Intermittent sensing of far-field R waves during sinus tachycardia caused 27 inappropriate AT/AF detections; these detections lasted 2.6+/-2.0 minutes. AT/AF was detected continuously in 27 of 28 patients who had spontaneous episodes of AT/AF (96%). The device memory recorded 90 appropriate AT/AF episodes lasting >1 hour, for a total of 2697 hours of continuous detection of AT/AF. During Holter monitoring, the sensitivity of the detection of AT/AF (116 hours) was 100%; the specificity of the detection of non-AT/AF rhythms (1290 hours) was 99.99%. Of 166 appropriate episodes detected as AT, 45% were terminated by antitachycardia pacing. A new ICD detects AT/AF accurately and continuously. Therapy may be programmed for long-duration AT/AF, with a low risk of underdetection. Discrimination of AT from AF permits successful pacing therapy for a significant fraction of AT.

  8. AFS Estuaries Section - A Successful Partnership

    EPA Science Inventory

    The Estuaries Section of the American Fisheries Society offers travel awards to students in support of their attendance and presentations at the AFS meeting. Since 2007, the Southern Association of Marine Laboratories has partnered with the Estuaries Section to sponsor two stude...

  9. Rationale and design of the Atrial Fibrillation health Literacy Information Technology Trial: (AF-LITT).

    PubMed

    Guhl, Emily N; Schlusser, Courtney L; Henault, Lori E; Bickmore, Timothy W; Kimani, Everlyne; Paasche-Orlow, Michael K; Magnani, Jared W

    2017-11-01

    Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that is challenging for patients and adversely impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Long-term management of AF requires that patients adhere to complex therapies, understand difficult terminology, navigate subspecialty care, and have continued symptom monitoring with the goal of preventing adverse outcomes. Continued interventions to ameliorate the patient experience of AF are essential. The Atrial Fibrillation health Literacy Information Technology Trial (AF-LITT; NCT03093558) is an investigator-initiated, 2-arm randomized clinical trial (RCT). This RCT is a pilot in order to implement a novel, smartphone-based intervention to address the patient experience of AF. This pilot RCT will compare a combination of the Embodied Conversational Agent (ECA) and the Alive Cor Kardia Mobile heart rhythm monitor to the current standard of care. The study will enroll 180 adults with non-valvular AF who are receiving anticoagulation for stroke prevention and randomize them to receive a 30-day intervention (smartphone-based ECA/Kardia) or standard of care, which will include a symptom and adherence journal. The primary end-points are improvement in HRQoL and self-reported adherence to anticoagulation. The secondary end-points are the acceptability of the intervention to participants, its use by participants, and acceptability to referring physicians. The AF-LITT pilot aims to evaluate the efficacy of the ECA/Kardia to improve HRQoL and anticoagulant adherence, and to guide its implementation in a larger, multicenter clinical trial. The intervention has potential to improve HRQoL, adherence, and health care utilization in individuals with chronic AF. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Rationale and design of the Atrial Fibrillation health Literacy Information Technology Trial: (AF-LITT)

    PubMed Central

    Guhl, Emily N.; Schlusser, Courtney L.; Henault, Lori E.; Bickmore, Timothy W.; Kimani, Everlyne; Paasche-Orlow, Michael K.; Magnani, Jared W.

    2017-01-01

    Background Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that is challenging for patients and adversely impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Long-term management of AF requires that patients adhere to complex therapies, understand difficult terminology, navigate subspecialty care, and have continued symptom monitoring with the goal of preventing adverse outcomes. Continued interventions to ameliorate the patient experience of AF are essential. Design The Atrial Fibrillation health Literacy Information Technology Trial (AF-LITT; NCT03093558) is an investigator-initiated, 2-arm randomized clinical trial (RCT). This RCT is a pilot in order to implement a novel, smartphone-based intervention to address the patient experience of AF. This pilot RCT will compare a combination of the embodied conversational agent (ECA) and the Alive Cor Kardia Mobile heart rhythm monitor to the current standard of care. The study will enroll 180 adults with non-valvular AF who are receiving anticoagulation for stroke prevention and randomize them to receive a 30-day intervention (smartphone-based ECA/Kardia) or standard of care, which will include a symptom and adherence journal. The primary end-points are improvement in HRQoL and self-reported adherence to anticoagulation. The secondary end-points are the acceptability of the intervention to participants, its use by participants, and acceptability to referring physicians. Conclusions The AF-LITT pilot aims to evaluate the efficacy of the ECA/Kardia to improve HRQoL and anticoagulant adherence, and to guide its implementation in a larger, multicenter clinical trial. The intervention has potential to improve HRQoL, adherence, and health care utilization in individuals with chronic AF. PMID:28923492

  11. Preventing Gut Leakiness and Endotoxemia Contributes to the Protective Effect of Zinc on Alcohol-Induced Steatohepatitis in Rats123

    PubMed Central

    Zhong, Wei; Li, Qiong; Sun, Qian; Zhang, Wenliang; Zhang, Jiayang; Sun, Xinguo; Yin, Xinmin; Zhang, Xiang; Zhou, Zhanxiang

    2015-01-01

    Background: Zinc deficiency has been well documented in alcoholic liver disease. Objective: This study was undertaken to determine whether dietary zinc supplementation provides beneficial effects in treating alcohol-induced gut leakiness and endotoxemia. Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups and pair-fed (PF) Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet for 8 wk: 1) control (PF); 2) alcohol-fed (AF; 5.00–5.42% wt:vol ethanol); and 3) AF with zinc supplementation (AF/Zn) at 220 ppm zinc sulfate heptahydrate. The PF and AF/Zn groups were pair-fed with the AF group. Hepatic inflammation and endotoxin signaling were determined by immunofluorescence and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Alterations in intestinal tight junctions and aldehyde dehydrogenases were assessed by qPCR and Western blot analysis. Results: The AF rats had greater macrophage activation and cytokine production (P < 0.05) in the liver compared with the PF rats, whereas the AF/Zn rats showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). Plasma endotoxin concentrations of the AF rats were 136% greater than those of the PF rats, whereas the AF/Zn rats did not differ from the PF rats. Ileal permeability was 255% greater in the AF rats and 19% greater in the AF/Zn rats than in the PF rats. The AF group had reduced intestinal claudin-1, occludin, and zona occludens-1 (ZO-1) expression, and the AF/Zn group had upregulated claudin-1 and ZO-1 expression (P < 0.05) compared with the PF group. The intestinal epithelial expression and activity of aldehyde dehydrogenases were elevated (P < 0.05) in the AF/Zn rats compared with those of the AF rats. Furthermore, the ileal expression and function of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α, which was impaired in the AF group, was significantly elevated in the AF/Zn group compared with the PF group. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that attenuating hepatic endotoxin signaling by preserving the intestinal barrier contributes to the protective effect of zinc on

  12. Incidence and economic burden of suspected adverse events and adverse event monitoring during AF therapy.

    PubMed

    Kim, M H; Lin, J; Hussein, M; Battleman, D

    2009-12-01

    Rhythm- and rate-control therapies are an essential part of atrial fibrillation (AF) management; however, the use of existing agents is often limited by the occurrence of adverse events. The aim of this study was to evaluate suspected adverse events and adverse event monitoring, and associated medical costs, in patients receiving AF rhythm-control and/or rate-control therapy. This retrospective cohort study used claims data from the Integrated Healthcare Information Systems National Managed Care Benchmark Database from 2002-2006. Patients hospitalized for AF (primary diagnosis), and who had at least 365 days' enrollment before and after the initial (index) AF hospitalization, were included in the analysis. Suspected AF therapy-related adverse events and function tests for adverse event monitoring were identified according to pre-specified diagnosis codes/procedures, and examined over the 12 months following discharge from the index hospitalization. Events/function tests had to have occurred within 90 days of a claim for AF therapy to be considered a suspected adverse event/adverse event monitoring. Of 4174 AF patients meeting the study criteria, 3323 received AF drugs; 428 received rhythm-control only (12.9%), 2130 rate-control only (64.1%), and 765 combined rhythm/rate-control therapy (23.0%). Overall, 50.1% of treated patients had a suspected adverse event and/or function test for adverse event monitoring (45.5% with rate-control, 53.5% with rhythm-control, and 61.2% with combined rhythm/rate-control). Suspected cardiovascular adverse events were the most common events (occurring in 36.1% of patients), followed by pulmonary (6.1%), and endocrine events (5.9%). Overall, suspected adverse events/function tests were associated with mean annual per-patient costs of $3089 ($1750 with rhythm-control, $2041 with rate control, and $6755 with combined rhythm/rate-control). As a retrospective analysis, the study is subject to potential selection bias, while its reliance on

  13. Functional characterization of the copper transcription factor AfMac1 from Aspergillus fumigatus.

    PubMed

    Park, Yong-Sung; Kim, Tae-Hyoung; Yun, Cheol-Won

    2017-07-03

    Although copper functions as a cofactor in many physiological processes, copper overload leads to harmful effects in living cells. Thus, copper homeostasis is tightly regulated. However, detailed copper metabolic pathways have not yet been identified in filamentous fungi. In this report, we investigated the copper transcription factor AfMac1 ( A spergillus f umigatus Mac1 homolog) and identified its regulatory mechanism in A. fumigatus AfMac1 has domains homologous to the DNA-binding and copper-binding domains of Mac1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae , and AfMac1 efficiently complemented Mac1 in S. cerevisiae Expression of Afmac1 resulted in CTR1 up-regulation, and mutation of the DNA-binding domain of Afmac1 failed to activate CTR1 expression in S. cerevisiae The Afmac1 deletion strain of A. fumigatus failed to grow in copper-limited media, and its growth was restored by introducing ctrC We found that AfMac1 specifically bound to the promoter region of ctrC based on EMSA. The AfMac1-binding motif 5'-TGTGCTCA-3' was identified from the promoter region of ctrC , and the addition of mutant ctrC lacking the AfMac1-binding motif failed to up-regulate ctrC in A. fumigatus Furthermore, deletion of Afmac1 significantly reduced strain virulence and activated conidial killing activity by neutrophils and macrophages. Taken together, these results suggest that AfMac1 is a copper transcription factor that regulates cellular copper homeostasis in A. fumigatus . © 2017 The Author(s); published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society.

  14. Simultaneous adsorption of Cu2+ and Acid fuchsin (AF) from aqueous solutions by CMC/bentonite composite.

    PubMed

    Gong, Ning; Liu, Yanping; Huang, Ruihua

    2018-04-21

    Carboxymethyl-chitosan (CMC)/bentonite composite was prepared by the method of membrane-forming, and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The simultaneous adsorption of Cu 2+ and Acid fuchsin (AF) applying CMC/bentonite composite as an adsorbent in single or binary systems was investigated. The adsorption study was conducted systematically by varying the ratio of CMC to bentonite, adsorbent dosage, initial pH value, initial Cu 2+ (or AF) concentration, contact time and the interaction of two components in binary solutions. The results showed that the presence of Cu 2+ hindered the adsorption of AF, while the presence of AF almost had no influence on the adsorption of Cu 2+ in binary systems. The adsorption data of Cu 2+ and AF were both suitable for Langmuir isotherm model, and the maximum adsorption capacities of CMC/bentonite composite, according to the Langmuir isotherm model were 81.4 mg/g for Cu 2+ and 253.2 mg/g for AF at 298 K. The pseudo-second-order model could better describe the adsorption process of Cu 2+ and AF. Thermodynamic constant values illustrated that the adsorption of Cu 2+ was endothermic, while the adsorption process of AF was exothermic. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  15. Defense Science Board Force Protection Panel Report to DSB

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1997-12-01

    John Cowan, Jr., USMC USMC-MCCDC COL Dan Hahn, USA J-34 COL Hal Johnson, USA J-34 OPS Mr. Paul Kozemchak DARPA/ISO Mr. Roberto Mata ATSD(NCB)/CP CAPT...Ame Nelson, USN OPNAV N312 COL Robert Neubert , USA Army DCSOPS LtCol Roby, USAF AF/XOIIA Mr. John J. Sloan Defense Intelligence Agency Mr. Dan Spohn...Ame Nelson, USN 33. US Army Force Protection Budget: COL Robert Neubert , USA 34. US Marine Corps Force Protection Budget: LtCol Street, USMC 35. CBT

  16. AF-6 is a positive modulator of the PINK1/parkin pathway and is deficient in Parkinson's disease

    PubMed Central

    Haskin, Joseph; Szargel, Raymonde; Shani, Vered; Mekies, Lucy N.; Rott, Ruth; Lim, Grace G. Y.; Lim, Kah-Leong; Bandopadhyay, Rina; Wolosker, Herman; Engelender, Simone

    2013-01-01

    Parkin E3 ubiquitin-ligase activity and its role in mitochondria homeostasis are thought to play a role in Parkinson's disease (PD). We now report that AF-6 is a novel parkin interacting protein that modulates parkin ubiquitin-ligase activity and mitochondrial roles. Parkin interacts with the AF-6 PDZ region through its C-terminus. This leads to ubiquitination of cytosolic AF-6 and its degradation by the proteasome. On the other hand, endogenous AF-6 robustly increases parkin translocation and ubiquitin-ligase activity at the mitochondria. Mitochondrial AF-6 is not a parkin substrate, but rather co-localizes with parkin and enhances mitochondria degradation through PINK1/parkin-mediated mitophagy. On the other hand, several parkin and PINK1 juvenile disease-mutants are insensitive to AF-6 effects. AF-6 is present in Lewy bodies and its soluble levels are strikingly decreased in the caudate/putamen and substantia nigra of sporadic PD patients, suggesting that decreased AF-6 levels may contribute to the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria in the disease. The identification of AF-6 as a positive modulator of parkin translocation to the mitochondria sheds light on the mechanisms involved in PD and underscores AF-6 as a novel target for future therapeutics. PMID:23393160

  17. Evaluation of the atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus strain AF36 in pistachio orchards

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The atoxigenic strain Aspergillus flavus AF36, which has been extensively used as a biocontrol agent in commercial corn and cotton fields to reduce aflatoxin contamination, was applied in research pistachio orchards from 2002 to 2005 and in commercial pistachio orchards from 2008 to 2011. AF36 was a...

  18. Influence of protein formulation and carrier solution on asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation: a case study of the plant-produced recombinant anthrax protective antigen pp-PA83.

    PubMed

    Palais, Caroline; Chichester, Jessica A; Manceva, Slobodanka; Yusibov, Vidadi; Arvinte, Tudor

    2015-02-01

    Asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (afFFF) was used to investigate the properties of a plant-produced anthrax toxin protective antigen, pp-PA83. The afFFF fractogram consisted of two main peaks with molar masses similar to the molecular mass of pp-PA83 monomer. afFFF carrier solutions strongly influenced the ratio and the intensity of the two main peaks. These differences indicate that conformation changes in the pp-PA83 molecule occurred during the afFFF analysis. Similar fractograms were obtained for different pp-PA83 formulations when the afFFF carrier solution and the protein formulation were the same (or very similar). The data show that in specific cases, afFFF could be used to study protein conformation and document the importance of studying the influence of the carrier solution on afFFF. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

  19. Stroke of Known Cause and Underlying Atrial Fibrillation (STROKE-AF) randomized trial: Design and rationale.

    PubMed

    Bernstein, Richard A; Kamel, Hooman; Granger, Christopher B; Kowal, Robert C; Ziegler, Paul D; Schwamm, Lee H

    2017-08-01

    Approximately 20% of ischemic strokes are associated with clinically apparent atrial fibrillation (AF). Regardless of stroke etiology, detection of AF in patients with ischemic strokes often changes antithrombotic treatment from anti-platelet to oral anticoagulation therapy. The role and the optimum duration of cardiac monitoring to detect AF in patients with strokes presumed due to large vessel atherosclerosis or small vessel disease is unknown. This manuscript describes the design and rationale of the STROKE-AF trial. STROKE-AF is a randomized, controlled, open-label, post-market clinical trial. Detection of AF will be evaluated using continuous arrhythmia monitoring with an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) compared with standard of care follow-up in patients with stroke (within the prior 10 days) that is presumed due to large vessel cervical or intracranial atherosclerosis, or to small vessel disease. Approximately 500 patients will be enrolled at approximately 40 centers in the United States. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to arrhythmia monitoring with an ICM (continuous monitoring arm) or standard of care follow-up (control arm). Subjects will be followed for ≥12 months and up to 3 years. The primary objective is to compare the incidence rate of detected AF through 12 months of follow-up between the two arms. This trial will provide information on the value of ICMs to detect subclinical AF in patients with stroke presumed due to large vessel atherosclerosis or small vessel disease, which will have implications for guiding treatment with oral anticoagulation for secondary stroke prevention. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Damage to cochlear efferents following AF64A intoxication.

    PubMed

    Smith, D W; Mount, R J

    1993-07-01

    Damage to cochlear efferents in chinchillas was assessed using transmission electron microscopy following unilateral treatment with the cholinotoxin ethylcholine mustard aziridinium ion (AF64A). AF64A was diluted in artificial perilymph to concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 100 microM. Survival times ranged from 1 to 12 weeks. At concentrations above 10 microM, widespread damage was noted to efferent fibers within the inner spiral bundle (ISB), tunnel spiral bundle (TSB), tunnel radial fibers (TRF) and efferent terminals at the base of OHCs. This damage included degeneration of fibers and terminals, delamination of mitochondria, vacuolization, and loss of cell membrane. However, at high concentrations, non-specific damage was also noted as thinnings or discontinuities of the membrane of OHCs and afferent fibers. At concentrations between 3 and 10 microM, selective damage was observed to efferent fibers within the ISB, TSB, TRF, and to terminals at the base of the OHCs, with all other structures appearing normal. At concentrations of 0.5 and 1 microM, damage was limited to efferent fibers within the TSB and ISB below the inner hair cells. In general, insult was greatest to middle- and basal-turn efferents, and longer survival times did not produce greater damage to, or loss of, efferents. These data suggest that at low concentrations, AF64A produces a partial yet selective degeneration of cochlear efferents within both the medial and lateral tracts, and that at the lowest concentrations used in these studies, AF64A produces a preferential insult on lateral olivocochlear efferents.

  1. Transition of patients from blinded study drug to open-label anticoagulation: the ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 trial.

    PubMed

    Ruff, Christian T; Giugliano, Robert P; Braunwald, Eugene; Mercuri, Michele; Curt, Valentin; Betcher, Joshua; Grip, Laura; Cange, Abby L; Crompton, Andrea E; Murphy, Sabina A; Deenadayalu, Naveen; Antman, Elliott M

    2014-08-12

    At the end of 2 previous trials, an excess of stroke and bleeding was observed in patients with AF randomized to a new oral anticoagulant (NOAC) who transitioned to a vitamin K antagonist (VKA). The ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 (Effective Anticoagulation with Factor Xa Next Generation in Atrial Fibrillation-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 48) trial compared once-daily edoxaban to warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with AF. An end-of-trial transition plan was developed to minimize the risks of stroke due to inadequate anticoagulation and bleeding from excessive anticoagulation during this critical period. All patients on the blinded study drug at the trial's conclusion were included in this analysis. In pre-specified analyses, stroke, bleeding, and death that occurred through 30 days after the end-of-trial visit were stratified by randomized treatment allocation and open-label anticoagulant selected post-trial. Of the 13,642 patients taking the blinded study drug at the end of the trial, 9,304 (68.2%) were transitioned to open-label VKA and 4,258 patients (31.2%) to an NOAC. There were 21 strokes evenly distributed across the 3 randomized treatment arms: warfarin 7 (1.90%/year), edoxaban high dose 7 (1.89%/year), edoxaban low dose 7 (1.85%/year). Major bleeding was also similar across the 3 treatment arms: warfarin 11 (2.98%/year), edoxaban high dose 10 (2.69%/year), edoxaban low dose 18 (4.76%/year). In patients transitioned to VKA, 85% of patients had at least 1 INR ≥ 2 by day 14 after the transition and 99% by day 30. The ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 transition plan protected patients from an excess of thrombotic and bleeding events and should be helpful in clinical practice when patients are transitioned between oral anticoagulants. (Global Study to Assess the Safety and Effectiveness of Edoxaban [DU-176b] vs Standard Practice of Dosing With Warfarin in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation [EngageAFTIMI48]; NCT00781391). Copyright © 2014 American College of Cardiology

  2. Neglecting Democracy in Education Policy: A-F School Report Card Accountability Systems

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Murray, Kevin; Howe, Kenneth R.

    2017-01-01

    Sixteen states have adopted school report card accountability systems that assign A-F letter grades to schools. Other states are now engaged in deliberation about whether they, too, should adopt such systems. This paper examines A-F accountability systems with respect to three kinds of validity. First, it examines whether or not these…

  3. A Post-September 11th Balancing Act: Public Access to U.S. Government Information versus Protection of Sensitive Data

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Herman, E.

    2004-01-01

    The purpose of this paper is to suggest realistic guidelines that balance public access to government information and the need to protect sensitive data. Emphasis is on lessons learned from a 1979 case where the government attempted to prohibit the Progressive Magazine from publishing an article about making a hydrogen bomb and government…

  4. [Establishment of the retrovirus-mediated murine model with MLL-AF9 leukemia].

    PubMed

    Xu, Si-Miao; Yang, Yang; Zhou, Mi; Zhao, Xue-Jiao; Qin, Yu; Zhang, Pei-Ling; Yuan, Rui-Feng; Zhou, Jian-Feng; Fang, Yong

    2013-10-01

    This study was purposed to establish a retrovirus-mediated murine model with MLL-AF9 leukemia, so as to provide a basis for further investigation of the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategy of MLL associated leukemia. Murine (CD45.2) primary hematopoietic precursor positively selected for expression of the progenitor marker c-Kit by means of MACS were transduced with a retrovirus carrying MLL-AF9 fusion gene. After cultured in vitro, the transduced cells were injected intravenously through the tail vein into the lethally irradiated mice (CD45.1). PCR, flow cytometry and morphological observation were employed to evaluate the murine leukemia model system. The results showed that MLL-AF9 fusion gene was expressed in the infected cells, and the cells had a dramatically enhanced potential to generate myeloid colonies with primitive and immature morphology. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the immortalized cells highly expressed myeloid lineage surface markers Gr-1 and Mac-1. Moreover, the expression levels of Hoxa9 and Meis1 mRNA were significantly higher in the MLL-AF9 cells than that in control. The mice transplanted with MLL-AF9 cells displayed typical signs of leukemia within 6-12 weeks. Extensive infiltration leukemic cells was observed in the Wright-Giemsa stained peripheral blood smear and bone marrow, and also in the histology of liver and spleen. Flow cytometric analysis of the bone marrow and spleen cells demonstrated that the CD45.2 populations expressed highly myeloid markers Gr-1 and Mac-1. The leukemic mice died within 12 weeks. It is concluded that the retrovirus-mediated murine model with MLL-AF9 leukemia is successfully established, which can be applied in the subsequent researches.

  5. Pathway and rate-limiting step of glyphosate degradation by Aspergillus oryzae A-F02.

    PubMed

    Fu, Gui-Ming; Chen, Yan; Li, Ru-Yi; Yuan, Xiao-Qiang; Liu, Cheng-Mei; Li, Bin; Wan, Yin

    2017-09-14

    Aspergillus oryzae A-F02, a glyphosate-degrading fungus, was isolated from an aeration tank in a pesticide factory. The pathway and rate-limiting step of glyphosate (GP) degradation were investigated through metabolite analysis. GP, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), and methylamine were detected in the fermentation liquid of A. oryzae A-F02, whereas sarcosine and glycine were not. The pathway of GP degradation in A. oryzae A-F02 was revealed: GP was first degraded into AMPA, which was then degraded into methylamine. Finally, methylamine was further degraded into other products. Investigating the effects of the exogenous addition of substrates and metabolites showed that the degradation of GP to AMPA is the rate-limiting step of GP degradation by A. oryzae A-F02. In addition, the accumulation of AMPA and methylamine did not cause feedback inhibition in GP degradation. Results showed that degrading GP to AMPA was a crucial step in the degradation of GP, which determines the degradation rate of GP by A. oryzae A-F02.

  6. Low strain, long life creep fatigue of AF2-1DA and INCO 718

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Thakker, A. B.; Cowles, B. A.

    1983-01-01

    Two aircraft turbine disk alloys, GATORIZED AF2-DA and INCO 718 were evaluated for their low strain long life creep-fatigue behavior. Static (tensile and creep rupture) and cyclic properties of both alloys were characterized. The cntrolled strain LCF tests were conducted at 760 C (1400 F) and 649 C (1200 F) for AF2-1DA and INCO 718, respectively. Hold times were varied for tensile, compressive and tensile/compressive strain dwell (relaxation) tests. Stress (creep) hold behavior of AF2-1DA was also evaluated. Generally, INCO 718 exhibited more pronounced reduction in cyclic life due to hold than AF2-1DA. The percent reduction in life for both alloys for strain dwell tests was greater at low strain ranges (longer life regime). Changing hold time from 0 to 0.5, 2.0 and 15.0 min. resulted in corresponding reductions in life. The continuous cycle and cyclic/dwell initiation failure mechanism was predominantly transgranular for AF2-1DA and intergranular for INCO 718.

  7. Cardiovascular risk profile and management of atrial fibrillation in India: Real world data from RealiseAF survey.

    PubMed

    Narasimhan, C; Verma, Jagmohan Singh; Ravi Kishore, A G; Singh, Balbir; Dani, Sameer; Chawala, Kamaldeep; Haque, Azizul; Khan, Aftab; Nair, Mohan; Vora, Amit; Rajasekhar, V; Thomas, Joy M; Gupta, Anoop; Naik, Ajay; Prakash, V S; Naditch, Lisa; Gabriel Steg, P

    Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia with high risk for many cardiovascular (CV) complications. Adherence to recommended management guidelines is important to avoid complications. In India, there is little knowledge on how AF is managed in real world. This is a cross-sectional study of patients in India enrolled in RealiseAF survey between February 2010 and March 2010 with a diagnosis of AF within the last 12 months. From 15 centers, 301 patients {mean age 59.9 years (14.4); 52.5% males} were recruited. AF was controlled in 50% of patients with 77 (26.7%) in sinus rhythm and 67 (23.3%) with heart rate <80beats/min. Hypertension (50.8%), valvular heart disease (40.7%), heart failure (25.9%), and diabetes (20.4%) were the most common underlying CV diseases. Increased risk for stroke (CHADS 2 score≥2) was present in 36.6%. Most of the patients (85%) were symptomatic. AF was paroxysmal, persistent, and permanent in 28.7%, 22.7%, and 34.3% respectively. In 14%, AF was diagnosed as first episode. Forty-six percent of patients had rate control, 35.2% rhythm control, 0.3% both strategies, and 18.4% received no therapy for AF before the visit. At the end of the visit, adoption to rate control strategy increased to 52.3% and patients with no therapy decreased to 7%. AF in India is not adequately controlled. Concomitant CV risk factors and risk of stroke are high. The study underscores the need for improved adoption of guideline-directed management for optimal control of AF and reducing the risk of stroke. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  8. Rivaroxaban vs. warfarin in Japanese patients with atrial fibrillation – the J-ROCKET AF study –.

    PubMed

    Hori, Masatsugu; Matsumoto, Masayasu; Tanahashi, Norio; Momomura, Shin-ichi; Uchiyama, Shinichiro; Goto, Shinya; Izumi, Tohru; Koretsune, Yukihiro; Kajikawa, Mariko; Kato, Masaharu; Ueda, Hitoshi; Iwamoto, Kazuya; Tajiri, Masahiro

    2012-01-01

    The global ROCKET AF study evaluated once-daily rivaroxaban vs. warfarin for stroke and systemic embolism prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). A separate trial, J-ROCKET AF, compared the safety of a Japan-specific rivaroxaban dose with warfarin administered according to Japanese guidelines in Japanese patients with AF. J-ROCKET AF was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, phase III trial. Patients (n=1,280) with non-valvular AF at increased risk for stroke were randomized to receive 15 mg once-daily rivaroxaban or warfarin dose-adjusted according to Japanese guidelines. The primary objective was to determine non-inferiority of rivaroxaban against warfarin for the principal safety outcome of major and non-major clinically relevant bleeding, in the on-treatment safety population. The primary efficacy endpoint was the composite of stroke and systemic embolism. Non-inferiority of rivaroxaban to warfarin was confirmed; the rate of the principal safety outcome was 18.04% per year in rivaroxaban-treated patients and 16.42% per year in warfarin-treated patients (hazard ratio [HR] 1.11; 95% confidence interval 0.87-1.42; P<0.001 [non-inferiority]). Intracranial hemorrhage rates were 0.8% with rivaroxaban and 1.6% with warfarin. There was a strong trend for a reduction in the rate of stroke/systemic embolism with rivaroxaban vs. warfarin (HR, 0.49; P=0.050). J-ROCKET AF demonstrated the safety of a Japan-specific rivaroxaban dose and supports bridging the global ROCKET AF results into Japanese clinical practice.

  9. Treatment Guidelines of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib or AF)

    MedlinePlus

    ... Artery Disease Venous Thromboembolism Aortic Aneurysm More Treatment Guidelines of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib or AF) Updated:Jun 28,2017 What are the treatment guidelines for atrial fibrillation? Medical guidelines are written by ...

  10. AfAP2-1, An Age-Dependent Gene of Aechmea fasciata, Responds to Exogenous Ethylene Treatment

    PubMed Central

    Lei, Ming; Li, Zhi-Ying; Wang, Jia-Bin; Fu, Yun-Liu; Ao, Meng-Fei; Xu, Li

    2016-01-01

    The Bromeliaceae family is one of the most morphologically diverse families with a pantropical distribution. To schedule an appropriate flowering time for bromeliads, ethylene is commonly used to initiate flower development in adult plants. However, the mechanism by which ethylene induces flowering in adult bromeliads remains unknown. Here, we identified an APETALA2 (AP2)-like gene, AfAP2-1, in Aechmea fasciata. AfAP2-1 contains two AP2 domains and is a nuclear-localized protein. It functions as a transcriptional activator, and the activation domain is located in the C-terminal region. The expression level of AfAP2-1 is higher in juvenile plants than in adult plants, and the AfAP2-1 transcript level was rapidly and transiently reduced in plants treated with exogenous ethylene. Overexpression of AfAP2-1 in Arabidopsis thaliana results in an extremely delayed flowering phenotype. These results suggested that AfAP2-1 responds to ethylene and is a putative age-dependent flowering regulator in A. fasciata. PMID:26927090

  11. TD-LTE Wireless Private Network QoS Transmission Protection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Jianming; Cheng, Chao; Wu, Zanhong

    With the commencement of construction of the smart grid, the demand power business for reliability and security continues to improve, the reliability transmission of power TD-LTE Wireless Private Network are more and more attention. For TD-LTE power private network, it can provide different QoS services according to the user's business type, to protect the reliable transmission of business. This article describes in detail the AF module of PCC in the EPC network, specifically introduces set up AF module station and QoS mechanisms in the EPS load, fully considers the business characteristics of the special power network, establishing a suitable architecture for mapping QoS parameters, ensuring the implementation of each QoS business. Through using radio bearer management, we can achieve the reliable transmission of each business on physical channel.

  12. Patient privacy protection using anonymous access control techniques.

    PubMed

    Weerasinghe, D; Rajarajan, M; Elmufti, K; Rakocevic, V

    2008-01-01

    The objective of this study is to develop a solution to preserve security and privacy in a healthcare environment where health-sensitive information will be accessed by many parties and stored in various distributed databases. The solution should maintain anonymous medical records and it should be able to link anonymous medical information in distributed databases into a single patient medical record with the patient identity. In this paper we present a protocol that can be used to authenticate and authorize patients to healthcare services without providing the patient identification. Healthcare service can identify the patient using separate temporary identities in each identification session and medical records are linked to these temporary identities. Temporary identities can be used to enable record linkage and reverse track real patient identity in critical medical situations. The proposed protocol provides main security and privacy services such as user anonymity, message privacy, message confidentiality, user authentication, user authorization and message replay attacks. The medical environment validates the patient at the healthcare service as a real and registered patient for the medical services. Using the proposed protocol, the patient anonymous medical records at different healthcare services can be linked into one single report and it is possible to securely reverse track anonymous patient into the real identity. The protocol protects the patient privacy with a secure anonymous authentication to healthcare services and medical record registries according to the European and the UK legislations, where the patient real identity is not disclosed with the distributed patient medical records.

  13. A Specific Antibody to Neuropeptide AF1 (KNEFIRFamide) Recognizes a Small Subset of Neurons in Ascaris suum: Differences from Caenorhabditis elegans

    PubMed Central

    Sithigorngul, Paisarn; Jarecki, Jessica L.; Stretton, Antony O.W.

    2016-01-01

    A monoclonal antibody, AF1-003, highly specific to the Ascaris suum neuropeptide AF1 (KNEFIRFamide), was generated. This antibody binds strongly to AF1 and extremely weakly to other peptides with C-terminal FIR-Famide: AF5 (SGKPTFIRFamide), AF6 (FIRFamide), and AF7 (AGPRFIRFamide). It does not recognize 35 other AF (A. suum FMRFamide-like) peptides at the highest concentration tested, nor does it recognize FMRFamide. When crude peptide extracts of A. suum are fractionated by two-step HPLC, the only fractions recognized by AF1-003 are those comigrating with synthetic AF1. By immunocytochemistry, antibody AF1-003 recognizes a small subset of the 298 neurons of A. suum: these include the paired URX and RIP neurons, two pairs of lateral ganglion neurons in the head, and the unpaired PQR and PDA or -B tail neurons that send processes to the head along the dorsal and ventral nerve cords, respectively. AF1 immunoreactivity is also seen in three pairs of pharyngeal neurons. Mass spectroscopy (MS) shows the presence of AF1 in the head, pharynx, and dorsal and ventral nerve cords. In A. suum, the neurons that contain AF1 show little overlap with neurons that express green fluorescent protein constructs targeting the flp-8 gene, which encodes AF1 in Caenorhabditis elegans (Kim and Li [2004] J. Comp. Neurol. 475:540– 550); the URX neurons express AF1 in both species, but, in C. elegans, flp-8 expression was not detected in RIP, PQR, and PDA or -B or in the pharynx. Other, less specific monoclonal antibodies recognize AF1, as well as other peptides to differing degrees; these antibodies are useful reagents for determination of neuronal morphology. PMID:21452223

  14. An Evaluation of the Impacts of AF-M315E Propulsion Systems for Varied Mission Applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Deans, Matthew C.; Oleson, Steven R.; Fittje, James; Colozza, Anthony; Packard, Tom; Gyekenyesi, John; McLean, Christopher H.; Spores, Ronald A.

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of the AF-M315E COMPASS study is to identify near-term (3-5 years) and long term (5 years +) opportunities for infusion, specifically the thruster and associated component technologies being developed as part of the GPIM project. Develop design reference missions which show the advantages of the AF-M315E green propulsion system. Utilize a combination of past COMPASS designs and selected new designs to demonstrate AF-M315E advantages. Use the COMPASS process to show the puts and takes of using AF-M315E at the integrated system level.

  15. Effects of repeated administration of (-)-nicotine on AF64A-induced learning and memory impairment in rats.

    PubMed

    Hiramatsu, M; Yamatsu, T; Kameyama, T; Nabeshima, T

    2002-03-01

    It has been reported that pretreatment with (-)-nicotine prevents glutamate- and amyloid beta protein (Abeta)-induced cytotoxicity in vitro. However, few studies on the neuroprotective effects of (-)-nicotine in vivo have been reported. We examined whether repeated administration of (-)-nicotine exhibits neuroprotective effects in AF64A-treated rats. (-)-Nicotine (0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg, s.c.) was administered once a day for 28 days. On day 14, AF64A (2.5 nmol/side) was injected bilaterally into the hippocampus. Intrahippocampal injection of AF64A showed severe impairment of learning and memory in rats in the water maze and passive avoidance tests. Repeated administration of (-)-nicotine (0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg, s.c.) did not reverse the impairment of memory induced by AF64A in the water maze test. Interestingly, the (-)-nicotine (0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg, s.c.)-treated group showed weak impairment of learning and memory after AF64A treatment compared to the (AF64A + saline)-treated group in the passive avoidance test. These results suggested that (-)-nicotine may have neuroprotective effects against the neurotoxicity induced by AF64A.

  16. Open versus Controlled-Access Data | Office of Cancer Genomics

    Cancer.gov

    OCG employs stringent human subjects’ protection and data access policies to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the research participants. Depending on the risk of patient identification, OCG programs data are available to the scientific community in two tiers: open or controlled access. Both types of data can be accessed through its corresponding OCG program-specific data matrix or portal. Open-access Data

  17. Microfluidic Pumps Containing Teflon [Trademark] AF Diaphragms

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Willis, Peter; White, Victor; Grunthaner, Frank; Ikeda, Mike; Mathies, Richard A.

    2009-01-01

    Microfluidic pumps and valves based on pneumatically actuated diaphragms made of Teflon AF polymers are being developed for incorporation into laboratory-on-a-chip devices that must perform well over temperature ranges wider than those of prior diaphragm-based microfluidic pumps and valves. Other potential applications include implanted biomedical microfluidic devices, wherein the biocompatability of Teflon AF polymers would be highly advantageous. These pumps and valves have been demonstrated to function stably after cycling through temperatures from -125 to 120 C. These pumps and valves are intended to be successors to similar prior pumps and valves containing diaphragms made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) [commonly known as silicone rubber]. The PDMS-containing valves ae designed to function stably only within the temperature range from 5 to 80 C. Undesirably, PDMS membranes are somwehat porous and retain water. PDMS is especially unsuitable for use at temperatures below 0 C because the formation of ice crystals increases porosity and introduces microshear.

  18. Recognition of the 3′ splice site RNA by the U2AF heterodimer involves a dynamic population shift

    PubMed Central

    Voith von Voithenberg, Lena; Sánchez-Rico, Carolina; Kang, Hyun-Seo; Madl, Tobias; Zanier, Katia; Barth, Anders; Warner, Lisa R.; Sattler, Michael; Lamb, Don C.

    2016-01-01

    An essential early step in the assembly of human spliceosomes onto pre-mRNA involves the recognition of regulatory RNA cis elements in the 3′ splice site by the U2 auxiliary factor (U2AF). The large (U2AF65) and small (U2AF35) subunits of the U2AF heterodimer contact the polypyrimidine tract (Py-tract) and the AG-dinucleotide, respectively. The tandem RNA recognition motif domains (RRM1,2) of U2AF65 adopt closed/inactive and open/active conformations in the free form and when bound to bona fide Py-tract RNA ligands. To investigate the molecular mechanism and dynamics of 3′ splice site recognition by U2AF65 and the role of U2AF35 in the U2AF heterodimer, we have combined single-pair FRET and NMR experiments. In the absence of RNA, the RRM1,2 domain arrangement is highly dynamic on a submillisecond time scale, switching between closed and open conformations. The addition of Py-tract RNA ligands with increasing binding affinity (strength) gradually shifts the equilibrium toward an open conformation. Notably, the protein–RNA complex is rigid in the presence of a strong Py-tract but exhibits internal motion with weak Py-tracts. Surprisingly, the presence of U2AF35, whose UHM domain interacts with U2AF65 RRM1, increases the population of the open arrangement of U2AF65 RRM1,2 in the absence and presence of a weak Py-tract. These data indicate that the U2AF heterodimer promotes spliceosome assembly by a dynamic population shift toward the open conformation of U2AF65 to facilitate the recognition of weak Py-tracts at the 3′ splice site. The structure and RNA binding of the heterodimer was unaffected by cancer-linked myelodysplastic syndrome mutants. PMID:27799531

  19. Access Control in Location-Based Services

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ardagna, Claudio A.; Cremonini, Marco; de Capitani di Vimercati, Sabrina; Samarati, Pierangela

    Recent enhancements in location technologies reliability and precision are fostering the development of a new wave of applications that make use of the location information of users. Such applications introduces new aspects of access control which should be addressed. On the one side, precise location information may play an important role and can be used to develop Location-based Access Control (LBAC) systems that integrate traditional access control mechanisms with conditions based on the physical position of users. On the other side, location information of users can be considered sensitive and access control solutions should be developed to protect it against unauthorized accesses and disclosures. In this chapter, we address these two aspects related to the use and protection of location information, discussing existing solutions, open issues, and some research directions.

  20. Identification and Characterization of an Antifungal Protein, AfAFPR9, Produced by Marine-Derived Aspergillus fumigatus R9.

    PubMed

    Rao, Qi; Guo, Wenbin; Chen, Xinhua

    2015-05-01

    A fungal strain, R9, was isolated from the South Atlantic sediment sample and identified as Aspergillus fumigatus. An antifungal protein, AfAFPR9, was purified from the culture supernatant of Aspergillus fumigatus R9. AfAFPR9 was identified to be restrictocin, which is a member of the ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs), by MALDI-TOF-TOF-MS. AfAFPR9 displayed antifungal activity against plant pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria longipes, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Paecilomyces variotii, and Trichoderma viride at minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.6, 0.6, 1.2, 1.2, and 2.4 μg/disc, respectively. Moreover, AfAFPR9 exhibited a certain extent of thermostability, and metal ion and denaturant tolerance. The iodoacetamide assay showed that the disulfide bridge in AfAFPR9 was indispensable for its antifungal action. The cDNA encoding for AfAFPR9 was cloned from A. fumigatus R9 by RTPCR and heterologously expressed in E. coli. The recombinant AfAFPR9 protein exhibited obvious antifungal activity against C. gloeosporioides, T. viride, and A. longipes. These results reveal the antifungal properties of a RIP member (AfAFPR9) from marine-derived Aspergillus fumigatus and indicated its potential application in controlling plant pathogenic fungi.

  1. 36 CFR 1275.26 - Access procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... PRESIDENTIAL MATERIALS PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION OF AND ACCESS TO THE PRESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL MATERIALS OF...) The Archivist will determine that each individual having access to the Presidental historical....32 and 1275.34. (f) Prior to releasing Presidential historical materials in accordance with an access...

  2. Higher risk of death and stroke in patients with persistent vs. paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: results from the ROCKET-AF Trial.

    PubMed

    Steinberg, Benjamin A; Hellkamp, Anne S; Lokhnygina, Yuliya; Patel, Manesh R; Breithardt, Günter; Hankey, Graeme J; Becker, Richard C; Singer, Daniel E; Halperin, Jonathan L; Hacke, Werner; Nessel, Christopher C; Berkowitz, Scott D; Mahaffey, Kenneth W; Fox, Keith A A; Califf, Robert M; Piccini, Jonathan P

    2015-02-01

    Anticoagulation prophylaxis for stroke is recommended for at-risk patients with either persistent or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). We compared outcomes in patients with persistent vs. paroxysmal AF receiving oral anticoagulation. Patients randomized in the Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibition Compared With Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation (ROCKET-AF) trial (n = 14 264) were grouped by baseline AF category: paroxysmal or persistent. Multivariable adjustment was performed to compare thrombo-embolic events, bleeding, and death between groups, in high-risk subgroups, and across treatment assignment (rivaroxaban or warfarin). Of 14 062 patients, 11 548 (82%) had persistent AF and 2514 (18%) had paroxysmal AF. Patients with persistent AF were marginally older (73 vs. 72, P = 0.03), less likely female (39 vs. 45%, P < 0.0001), and more likely to have previously used vitamin K antagonists (64 vs. 56%, P < 0.0001) compared with patients with paroxysmal AF. In patients randomized to warfarin, time in therapeutic range was similar (58 vs. 57%, P = 0.94). Patients with persistent AF had higher adjusted rates of stroke or systemic embolism (2.18 vs. 1.73 events per 100-patient-years, P = 0.048) and all-cause mortality (4.78 vs. 3.52, P = 0.006). Rates of major bleeding were similar (3.55 vs. 3.31, P = 0.77). Rates of stroke or systemic embolism in both types of AF did not differ by treatment assignment (rivaroxaban vs. warfarin, Pinteraction = 0.6). In patients with AF at moderate-to-high risk of stroke receiving anticoagulation, those with persistent AF have a higher risk of thrombo-embolic events and worse survival compared with paroxysmal AF. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.

  3. Higher risk of death and stroke in patients with persistent vs. paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: results from the ROCKET-AF Trial

    PubMed Central

    Steinberg, Benjamin A.; Hellkamp, Anne S.; Lokhnygina, Yuliya; Patel, Manesh R.; Breithardt, Günter; Hankey, Graeme J.; Becker, Richard C.; Singer, Daniel E.; Halperin, Jonathan L.; Hacke, Werner; Nessel, Christopher C.; Berkowitz, Scott D.; Mahaffey, Kenneth W.; Fox, Keith A.A.; Califf, Robert M.; Piccini, Jonathan P.

    2015-01-01

    Aim Anticoagulation prophylaxis for stroke is recommended for at-risk patients with either persistent or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). We compared outcomes in patients with persistent vs. paroxysmal AF receiving oral anticoagulation. Methods and results Patients randomized in the Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibition Compared With Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation (ROCKET-AF) trial (n = 14 264) were grouped by baseline AF category: paroxysmal or persistent. Multivariable adjustment was performed to compare thrombo-embolic events, bleeding, and death between groups, in high-risk subgroups, and across treatment assignment (rivaroxaban or warfarin). Of 14 062 patients, 11 548 (82%) had persistent AF and 2514 (18%) had paroxysmal AF. Patients with persistent AF were marginally older (73 vs. 72, P = 0.03), less likely female (39 vs. 45%, P < 0.0001), and more likely to have previously used vitamin K antagonists (64 vs. 56%, P < 0.0001) compared with patients with paroxysmal AF. In patients randomized to warfarin, time in therapeutic range was similar (58 vs. 57%, P = 0.94). Patients with persistent AF had higher adjusted rates of stroke or systemic embolism (2.18 vs. 1.73 events per 100-patient-years, P = 0.048) and all-cause mortality (4.78 vs. 3.52, P = 0.006). Rates of major bleeding were similar (3.55 vs. 3.31, P = 0.77). Rates of stroke or systemic embolism in both types of AF did not differ by treatment assignment (rivaroxaban vs. warfarin, Pinteraction = 0.6). Conclusion In patients with AF at moderate-to-high risk of stroke receiving anticoagulation, those with persistent AF have a higher risk of thrombo-embolic events and worse survival compared with paroxysmal AF. PMID:25209598

  4. Critical amino acids for the insecticidal activity of Vip3Af from Bacillus thuringiensis: Inference on structural aspects.

    PubMed

    Banyuls, N; Hernández-Rodríguez, C S; Van Rie, J; Ferré, J

    2018-05-15

    Vip3 vegetative insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis are an important tool for crop protection against caterpillar pests in IPM strategies. While there is wide consensus on their general mode of action, the details of their mode of action are not completely elucidated and their structure remains unknown. In this work the alanine scanning technique was performed on 558 out of the total of 788 amino acids of the Vip3Af1 protein. From the 558 residue substitutions, 19 impaired protein expression and other 19 substitutions severely compromised the insecticidal activity against Spodoptera frugiperda. The latter 19 substitutions mainly clustered in two regions of the protein sequence (amino acids 167-272 and amino acids 689-741). Most of these substitutions also decreased the activity to Agrotis segetum. The characterisation of the sensitivity to proteases of the mutant proteins displaying decreased insecticidal activity revealed 6 different band patterns as evaluated by SDS-PAGE. The study of the intrinsic fluorescence of most selected mutants revealed only slight shifts in the emission peak, likely indicating only minor changes in the tertiary structure. An in silico modelled 3D structure of Vip3Af1 is proposed for the first time.

  5. Activation function 2 (AF2) of estrogen receptor-α is required for the atheroprotective action of estradiol but not to accelerate endothelial healing

    PubMed Central

    Billon-Galés, Audrey; Krust, Andrée; Fontaine, Coralie; Abot, Anne; Flouriot, Gilles; Toutain, Céline; Berges, Hortense; Gadeau, Alain-Pierre; Lenfant, Françoise; Gourdy, Pierre; Chambon, Pierre; Arnal, Jean-François

    2011-01-01

    17β-Estradiol (E2) regulates estrogen receptor-α (ERα) target gene transcription through the two independent activation functions (AFs), AF1 and AF2, located in the N-terminal and ligand binding domain of ERα, respectively. We previously reported that ERα is required for the E2 atheroprotective action as well as for its accelerative action on endothelial healing, but its AF1 function is dispensable. Here, we investigated the role of ERαAF2 in these two major beneficial actions of E2 by electively targeting ERαAF2 (named ERαAF20). Our results prove four points. (i) Compared with WT ERα, the ability of ERαAF20 to stimulate the C3 complement or the estrogen response element-thymidine kinase promoter in two cell lines was dramatically decreased, confirming the importance of AF2 in the E2-induced transcriptional activity of ERα. (ii) The uterotrophic action of E2 was totally absent in ERαAF20 mice, showing the crucial role of ERαAF2 in E2-induced uterus hyperplasia. (iii) ERαAF2 was dispensable for the accelerative action of E2 on endothelial healing, underlining the functionality of ERαAF20 in vivo. (iv) Finally, the atheroprotective effect of E2 was abrogated in ERαAF20 LDL-r−/− mice. Thus, whereas ERαAF1 and ERαAF2 are both required for the uterotrophic action of E2, we show that only ERαAF2 is necessary for its atheroprotective effect. PMID:21788522

  6. Measuring Teachers' Assessment for Learning (AfL) Classroom Practices in Elementary Schools

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lysaght, Zita; O'Leary, Michael; Ludlow, Larry

    2017-01-01

    Assessment for Learning (AfL) may be conceptualized as minute-to-minute, day-by-day interactions between learners and teachers with the improvement of learning as the principal focus. This paper traces the development of an AfL measurement instrument (scale) that can be used for research purposes prior to, during and following professional…

  7. Predictors of arrhythmia recurrence after balloon cryoablation of atrial fibrillation: the value of CAAP-AF risk scoring system.

    PubMed

    Sanhoury, Mohamed; Moltrasio, Massimo; Tundo, Fabrizio; Riva, Stefania; Dello Russo, Antonio; Casella, Michela; Tondo, Claudio; Fassini, Gaetano

    2017-08-01

    In the present study, we aimed to test the value of CAAP-AF score for prediction of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence at follow-up in a group of our patients treated by balloon cryoablation. A total of 283 symptomatic drug-refractory AF patients [261 (92%) with paroxysmal AF] who underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with second-generation cryoballoon between April 2012 and October 2016 were included. The CAAP-AF score was calculated for every patient. A total of 283 patients [68 female (20%), mean age 59.8 ± 11.4 years] were included in the present analysis. Eighty-nine patients (31%) had hypertension and 13 (4%) had coronary artery disease. The mean left atrial diameter and left ventricular ejection fraction were 40.6 ± 7.0 mm and 60.0 ± 9.1%, respectively. The mean CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score was 1.2 ± 1.1, and mean number of prior failed antiarrhythmic drugs was 1.4 ± 0.8. At 18 ± 6 months follow-up, 25 patients (8.87%) developed AF recurrence. The recurrence rate was as follows: 3.17% (score 0-3), 8.47% (score 4), 16.28% (score 5), 6.67% (score 6), 23.08% (score 7), and 36.36% (score ≥8). The recurrence rate was 4.86% at a score <5 and 16.49% at a value ≥5; a score cutoff ≥5 predicted AF recurrence with a sensitivity 64% and specificity 68%. The present analysis suggests the usefulness of CAAP-AF scoring system, with its simple and easily obtained six clinical variables, to predict AF recurrence after PVI by means of second-generation cryoballoon. A score value ≥5 predicted AF recurrence with a sensitivity 64% and specificity 68%.

  8. Baseline Demographics, Safety, and Patient Acceptance of an Insertable Cardiac Monitor for Atrial Fibrillation Screening: The REVEAL-AF Study.

    PubMed

    Conti, Sergio; Reiffel, James A; Gersh, Bernard J; Kowey, Peter R; Wachter, Rolf; Halperin, Jonathan L; Kaplon, Rachelle E; Pouliot, Erika; Verma, Atul

    2017-01-01

    Given the high prevalence and risk of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation (AF), detection strategies have important public health implications. The ongoing prospective, single-arm, open-label, multicenter REVEAL AF trial is evaluating the incidence of previously undetected AF using an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) in patients without prior AF or device implantation, but who could be at risk for AF due to their demographic characteristics, +/- non-specific but compatible symptoms. Enrollment required an elevated AF risk profile defined as CHADS2≥3 or CHADS 2 =2 plus one or more of the following: coronary artery disease, renal impairment, sleep apnea or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Exclusions included stroke or transient ischemic attack occurring in the previous year. Of 450 subjects screened, 399 underwent a device insertion attempt, and 395 were included in the final analysis (Reveal XT: n=122; Reveal LINQ: n=273; excluded: n=4). Participants were primarily identified by demographic characteristics and the presence of nonspecific symptoms, but without prior documentation of "overt" AF. The most common symptoms were palpitations (51%), dizziness/lightheadedness/pre-syncope (36%), and shortness of breath (36%). Over 100 subjects were enrolled in each pre-defined CHADS2 subgroup (2, 3 and ≥4). AF risk factors not included in the CHADS2 score were well represented (prevalence≥15%). Procedure and/or device related serious adverse events were low, with the miniaturized Reveal LINQ ICM having a more favorable safety profile than the predicate Reveal XT (all: n=13 [3.3%]; LINQ: n=6 [2.2%]; XT: n=7 [5.7%]). These data demonstrate that REVEAL AF was successful in enrolling its target population, high risk patients were willing to undergo ICM monitoring for AF screening, and ICM use in this group is becoming increasingly safe with advancements in technology. A clinically meaningful incidence of device detected AF in this study will inform clinical

  9. 40 CFR 258.25 - Access requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... wastes by using artificial barriers, natural barriers, or both, as appropriate to protect human health....25 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES CRITERIA FOR MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE LANDFILLS Operating Criteria § 258.25 Access requirements. Owners or operators of all...

  10. Ibutilide protects against cardiomyocytes injury via inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial stress pathways.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yu; Wang, Yi-Li; Huang, Xia; Yang, Yang; Zhao, Ya-Jun; Wei, Cheng-Xi; Zhao, Ming

    2017-02-01

    Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a complex disease with multiple inter-relating causes culminating in rapid atrial activation and atrial structural remodeling. The contribution of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria stress to AF has been highlighted. As the class III antiarrhythmic agent, ibutilide are widely used to AF. This study was designed to explore whether ibutilide could treat AF by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways and mitochondria stress. The neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were isolated and exposed to H 2 O 2 , ibutilide was add to the culture medium 12 h. Then the cell viability, oxidative stress levels and apoptotic rate were analyzed. In addition, endoplasmic reticulum stress related protein (GRP78, GRP94, CHOP), mitochondria-dependent protein (Bax, Bcl-2) and caspase-3/9/12 were identified by real-time PCR and western blot analysis. In our results, remarkable decreased cell viability and oxidative stress levels were detected in cardiomyocytes after treating with H 2 O 2 . The apoptotic rate and the expression of proteins involved in mitochondrial stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways increased. While ibutilide significantly inhibited these changes. These data suggested that ibutilide serves a protective role against H 2 O 2 -induced apoptosis of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, and the mechanism is related to suppression of mitochondrial stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

  11. AF1q is a novel TCF7 co-factor which activates CD44 and promotes breast cancer metastasis.

    PubMed

    Park, Jino; Schlederer, Michaela; Schreiber, Martin; Ice, Ryan; Merkel, Olaf; Bilban, Martin; Hofbauer, Sebastian; Kim, Soojin; Addison, Joseph; Zou, Jie; Ji, Chunyan; Bunting, Silvia T; Wang, Zhengqi; Shoham, Menachem; Huang, Gang; Bago-Horvath, Zsuzsanna; Gibson, Laura F; Rojanasakul, Yon; Remick, Scot; Ivanov, Alexey; Pugacheva, Elena; Bunting, Kevin D; Moriggl, Richard; Kenner, Lukas; Tse, William

    2015-08-21

    AF1q is an MLL fusion partner that was identified from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with t (1; 11) (q21; q23) chromosomal abnormality. The function of AF1q is not yet fully known, however, elevated AF1q expression is associated with poor clinical outcomes in various malignancies. Here, we show that AF1q specifically binds to T-cell-factor-7 (TCF7) in the Wnt signaling pathway and results in transcriptional activation of CD44 as well as multiple downstream targets of the TCF7/LEF1. In addition, enhanced AF1q expression promotes breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, mammosphere formation, and chemo-resistance. In xenograft models, enforced AF1q expression in breast cancer cells also promotes liver metastasis and lung colonization. In a cohort of 63 breast cancer patients, higher percentages of AF1q-positive cancer cells in primary sites were associated with significantly poorer overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and brain metastasis-free survival (b-MFS). Using paired primary/metastatic samples from the same patients, we demonstrate that AF1q-positive breast cancer cells become dynamically dominant in the metastatic sites compared to the primary sites. Our findings indicate that breast cancer cells with a hyperactive AF1q/TCF7/CD44 regulatory axis in the primary sites may represent "metastatic founder cells" which have invasive properties.

  12. 40 CFR 258.25 - Access requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... wastes by using artificial barriers, natural barriers, or both, as appropriate to protect human health... 258.25 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES CRITERIA FOR MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE LANDFILLS Operating Criteria § 258.25 Access requirements. Owners or operators of all...

  13. 40 CFR 258.25 - Access requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... wastes by using artificial barriers, natural barriers, or both, as appropriate to protect human health... 258.25 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES CRITERIA FOR MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE LANDFILLS Operating Criteria § 258.25 Access requirements. Owners or operators of all...

  14. 40 CFR 258.25 - Access requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 258.25 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES CRITERIA FOR MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE LANDFILLS Operating Criteria § 258.25 Access requirements. Owners or operators of all... wastes by using artificial barriers, natural barriers, or both, as appropriate to protect human health...

  15. 40 CFR 258.25 - Access requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 258.25 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES CRITERIA FOR MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE LANDFILLS Operating Criteria § 258.25 Access requirements. Owners or operators of all... wastes by using artificial barriers, natural barriers, or both, as appropriate to protect human health...

  16. 40 CFR 35.6710 - Records access.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Records access. 35.6710 Section 35.6710 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GRANTS AND OTHER FEDERAL ASSISTANCE STATE AND LOCAL ASSISTANCE Cooperative Agreements and Superfund State Contracts for Superfund Response Actions Records...

  17. 40 CFR 35.6710 - Records access.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Records access. 35.6710 Section 35.6710 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GRANTS AND OTHER FEDERAL ASSISTANCE STATE AND LOCAL ASSISTANCE Cooperative Agreements and Superfund State Contracts for Superfund Response Actions Records...

  18. Novel WRM-based architecture of hybrid PON featuring online access and full-fiber-fault protection for smart grid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Xingfeng; Gan, Chaoqin; Liu, Zongkang; Yan, Yuqi; Qiao, HuBao

    2018-01-01

    In this paper, a novel architecture of hybrid PON for smart grid is proposed by introducing a wavelength-routing module (WRM). By using conventional optical passive components, a WRM with M ports is designed. The symmetry and passivity of the WRM makes it be easily integrated and very cheap in practice. Via the WRM, two types of network based on different ONU-interconnected manner can realize online access. Depending on optical switches and interconnecting fibers, full-fiber-fault protection and dynamic bandwidth allocation are realized in these networks. With the help of amplitude modulation, DPSK modulation and RSOA technology, wavelength triple-reuse is achieved. By means of injecting signals into left and right branches in access ring simultaneously, the transmission delay is decreased. Finally, the performance analysis and simulation of the network verifies the feasibility of the proposed architecture.

  19. Design and position control of AF lens actuator for mobile phone using IPMC-EMIM

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Sung-Joo; Kim, Chul-Jin; Park, No-Cheol; Yang, Hyun-Seok; Park, Young-Pil; Park, Kang-Ho; Lee, Hyung-Kun; Choi, Nak-Jin

    2008-03-01

    IPMC-EMIM (Ionic Polyer Metal Composites + 1-ethyl-3- methyl imidazolium trifluromethane sulfonate, EMIM-Tfo) is fabricated by substituting ionic liquid for water in Nafion film, which improves water sensitiveness of IPMC and guarantees uniform performance regardless of the surrounding environment. In this paper, we will briefly introduce the procedure of fabrication of IPMC-EMIM and proceed to introduce the Hook-type actuator using IPMC-EMIM and application to AF Lens actuator. Parameters of Hook-type actuator are estimated from experimental data. In the simulation, The proposed AF Lens Actuator is assumed to be a linear system and based on estimated parameters, PID controller will be designed and controlled motion of AF Lens actuator will be shown through simulation.

  20. A simple web-based tool to compare freshwater fish data collected using AFS standard methods

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Bonar, Scott A.; Mercado-Silva, Norman; Rahr, Matt; Torrey, Yuta T.; Cate, Averill

    2016-01-01

    The American Fisheries Society (AFS) recently published Standard Methods for Sampling North American Freshwater Fishes. Enlisting the expertise of 284 scientists from 107 organizations throughout Canada, Mexico, and the United States, this text was developed to facilitate comparisons of fish data across regions or time. Here we describe a user-friendly web tool that automates among-sample comparisons in individual fish condition, population length-frequency distributions, and catch per unit effort (CPUE) data collected using AFS standard methods. Currently, the web tool (1) provides instantaneous summaries of almost 4,000 data sets of condition, length frequency, and CPUE of common freshwater fishes collected using standard gears in 43 states and provinces; (2) is easily appended with new standardized field data to update subsequent queries and summaries; (3) compares fish data from a particular water body with continent, ecoregion, and state data summaries; and (4) provides additional information about AFS standard fish sampling including benefits, ongoing validation studies, and opportunities to comment on specific methods. The web tool—programmed in a PHP-based Drupal framework—was supported by several AFS Sections, agencies, and universities and is freely available from the AFS website and fisheriesstandardsampling.org. With widespread use, the online tool could become an important resource for fisheries biologists.

  1. 27. "SITE PLAN." Specifications No. OC15775, Drawing No. AF600915, sheet ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    27. "SITE PLAN." Specifications No. OC1-57-75, Drawing No. AF-60-09-15, sheet 1 of 96, D.O. Series No. AF 1394/20, Rev. B. Stamped: RECORD DRAWING - AS CONSTRUCTED. Below stamp: Contract no. 5296 Rev. B, Date: 11/17/59. Site plan of 20,000-foot track, including construction phasing notes. - Edwards Air Force Base, South Base Sled Track, Edwards Air Force Base, North of Avenue B, between 100th & 140th Streets East, Lancaster, Los Angeles County, CA

  2. Malignancy Associated Iatrogenic Iliopsoas Abscess -Venous Access Complication From Ablation Procedure.

    PubMed

    Iskandar, Sandia; Atoui, Moustapha; Rizwan Afzal, Muhammad; Lavu, Madhav; Reddy, Madhu; Lakkireddy, Dhanunjaya

    2016-01-01

    Iliopsoas abscess is a rare condition with a high rate of mortality and morbidity if left untreated. It can occur from hematogenous or lymphatic spread from distant structures or as a result of contiguous spread from adjacent structures. The disease typically occurs in patients with immunocompromised status and the symptoms can be non-specific.1,2 Generally, infectious complications from venous access during atrial fibrillation (AF) procedure are uncommon, and an iatrogenic iliopsoas abscess from percutaneous cardiac procedures has never been reported. We present the first case of iliopsoas abscess from an ablation procedure.

  3. Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and 'real world' adherence to guidelines in the Balkan Region: The BALKAN-AF Survey.

    PubMed

    Potpara, Tatjana S; Dan, Gheorghe-Andrei; Trendafilova, Elina; Goda, Artan; Kusljugic, Zumreta; Manola, Sime; Music, Ljilja; Musetescu, Rodica; Badila, Elisabeta; Mitic, Gorana; Paparisto, Vilma; Dimitrova, Elena S; Polovina, Marija M; Petranov, Stanislav L; Djergo, Hortensia; Loncar, Daniela; Bijedic, Amira; Brusich, Sandro; Lip, Gregory Y H

    2016-02-12

    Data on the management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the Balkan Region are limited. The Serbian AF Association (SAFA) prospectively investigated contemporary 'real-world' AF management in clinical practice in Albania, Bosnia&Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, Romania and Serbia through a 14-week (December 2014-February 2015) prospective, multicentre survey of consecutive AF patients. We report the results pertinent to stroke prevention strategies. Of 2712 enrolled patients, 2663 (98.2%) with complete data were included in this analysis (mean age 69.1 ± 10.9 years, female 44.6%). Overall, 1960 patients (73.6%) received oral anticoagulants (OAC) and 762 (28.6%) received antiplatelet drugs. Of patients given OAC, 17.2% received non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs). CHA2DS2-VASc score was not significantly associated with OAC use. Of the 'truly low-risk' patients (CHA2DS2-VASc = 0 [males], or 1 [females]) 56.5% received OAC. Time in Therapeutic Range (TTR) was available in only 18.7% of patients (mean TTR: 49.5% ± 22.3%). Age ≥ 80 years, prior myocardial infarction and paroxysmal AF were independent predictors of OAC non-use. Our survey shows a relatively high overall use of OAC in AF patients, but with low quality of vitamin K antagonist therapy and insufficient adherence to AF guidelines. Additional efforts are needed to improve AF-related thromboprophylaxis in clinical practice in the Balkan Region.

  4. A review of rate control in atrial fibrillation, and the rationale and protocol for the RATE-AF trial

    PubMed Central

    Deeks, Jonathan J; Griffith, Michael; Lip, Gregory YH; Mehta, Samir; Slinn, Gemma; Stanbury, Mary; Steeds, Richard P; Townend, Jonathan N

    2017-01-01

    Background and objective Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common and causes impaired quality of life, an increased risk of stroke and death as well as frequent hospital admissions. The majority of patients with AF require control of heart rate. In this article, we summarise the limited evidence from clinical trials that guides prescription, and present the rationale and protocol for a new randomised trial. As rate control has not yet been shown to reduce mortality, there is a clear need to compare the impact of therapy on quality of life, cardiac function and exercise capacity. Such a trial should concentrate on the long-term effects of treatment in the largest proportion of patients with AF, those with symptomatic permanent AF, with the aim of improving patient well-being. Design and intervention The RAte control Therapy Evaluation in permanent Atrial Fibrillation (RATE-AF) trial will enrol 160 participants with a prospective, randomised, open-label, blinded end point design comparing initial rate control with digoxin or bisoprolol. This will be the first head-to-head randomised trial of digoxin and beta-blockers in AF. Participants Recruited patients will be aged ≥60 years with permanent AF and symptoms of breathlessness (equivalent to New York Heart Association class II or above), with few exclusion criteria to maximise generalisability to routine clinical practice. Outcome measures The primary outcome is patient-reported quality of life, with secondary outcomes including echocardiographic ventricular function, exercise capacity and biomarkers of cellular and clinical response. Follow-up will occur at 6 and 12 months, with feasibility components to inform the design of a future trial powered to detect a difference in hospital admission. The RATE-AF trial will underpin an integrated approach to management including biomarkers, functions and symptoms that will guide future research into optimal, personalised rate control in patients with AF. Ethics and dissemination

  5. Mobile Health Technology for Atrial Fibrillation Management Integrating Decision Support, Education, and Patient Involvement: mAF App Trial.

    PubMed

    Guo, Yutao; Chen, Yundai; Lane, Deirdre A; Liu, Lihong; Wang, Yutang; Lip, Gregory Y H

    2017-12-01

    Mobile Health technology for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation is unknown. The simple mobile AF (mAF) App was designed to incorporate clinical decision-support tools (CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc [Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75 years, Diabetes Mellitus, Prior Stroke or TIA, Vascular disease, Age 65-74 years, Sex category], HAS-BLED [Hypertension, Abnormal renal/liver function, Stroke, Bleeding history or predisposition, Labile INR, Elderly, Drugs/alcohol concomitantly], SAMe-TT 2 R 2 [Sex, Age <60 years, Medical history, Treatment, Tobacco use, Race] scores), educational materials, and patient involvement strategies with self-care protocols and structured follow-up. Patients with atrial fibrillation were randomized into 2 groups (mAF App vs usual care) in a cluster randomized design pilot study. Patients' knowledge, quality of life, drug adherence, and anticoagulation satisfaction were evaluated at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Usability, feasibility, and acceptability of the mAF App were assessed at 1 month. A total of 113 patients were randomized to mAF App intervention (mean age, 67.4 years; 57.5% were male; mean follow-up, 69 days), and 96 patients were randomized to usual care (mean age, 70.9 years; 55.2% were male; mean follow-up, 95 days). More than 90% of patients reported that the mAF App was easy, user-friendly, helpful, and associated with significant improvements in knowledge compared with the usual care arm (P values for trend <.05). Drug adherence and anticoagulant satisfaction were significantly better with the mAF App versus usual care (all P < .05). Quality of life scores were significantly increased in the mAF App arm versus usual care, with anxiety and depression reduced (all P < .05). The pilot mAFA Trial is the first prospective randomized trial of Mobile Health technology in patients with atrial fibrillation, demonstrating that the mAF App, integrating clinical decision support, education, and patient

  6. Trends in access to health services and financial protection in China between 2003 and 2011: a cross-sectional study.

    PubMed

    Meng, Qun; Xu, Ling; Zhang, Yaoguang; Qian, Juncheng; Cai, Min; Xin, Ying; Gao, Jun; Xu, Ke; Boerma, J Ties; Barber, Sarah L

    2012-03-03

    In the past decade, the Government of China initiated health-care reforms to achieve universal access to health care by 2020. We assessed trends in health-care access and financial protection between 2003, and 2011, nationwide. We used data from the 2003, 2008, and 2011 National Health Services Survey (NHSS), which used multistage stratified cluster sampling to select 94 of 2859 counties from China's 31 provinces and municipalities. The 2011 survey was done with a subset of the NHSS sampling frame to monitor key indicators after the national health-care reforms were announced in 2009. Three sets of indicators were chosen to measure trends in access to coverage, health-care activities, and financial protection. Data were disaggregated by urban or rural residence and by three geographical regions: east, central, and west, and by household income. We examined change in equity across and within regions. The number of households interviewed was 57,023 in 2003, 56,456 in 2008, and 18,822 in 2011. Response rates were 98·3%, 95·0%, and 95·5%, respectively. The number of individuals interviewed was 193,689 in 2003, 177,501 in 2008, and 59,835 in 2011. Between 2003 and 2011, insurance coverage increased from 29·7% (57,526 of 193,689) to 95·7% (57,262 of 59,835, p<0·0001). The average share of inpatient costs reimbursed from insurance increased from 14·4 (13·7-15·1) in 2003 to 46·9 (44·7-49·1) in 2011 (p<0·0001). Hospital delivery rates averaged 95·8% (1219 of 1272) in 2011. Hospital admissions increased 2·5 times to 8·8% (5288 of 59,835, p<0·0001) in 2011 from 3·6% (6981 of 193,689) in 2003. 12·9% of households (2425 of 18,800) had catastrophic health expenses in 2011. Caesarean section rates increased from 19·2% (736 of 3835) to 36·3% (443 of 1221, p<0·0001) between 2003 and 2011. Remarkable increases in insurance coverage and inpatient reimbursement were accompanied by increased use and coverage of health care. Important advances have been made in

  7. Policy Issues in Computer Networks: Multi-Access Information Systems.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lyons, Patrice A.

    As computer databases become more publicly accessible through public networks, there is a growing need to provide effective protection for proprietary information. Without adequate assurances that their works will be protected, authors and other copyright owners may be reluctant to allow the full text of their works to be accessed through computer…

  8. A case study of the Secure Anonymous Information Linkage (SAIL) Gateway: A privacy-protecting remote access system for health-related research and evaluation☆

    PubMed Central

    Jones, Kerina H.; Ford, David V.; Jones, Chris; Dsilva, Rohan; Thompson, Simon; Brooks, Caroline J.; Heaven, Martin L.; Thayer, Daniel S.; McNerney, Cynthia L.; Lyons, Ronan A.

    2014-01-01

    With the current expansion of data linkage research, the challenge is to find the balance between preserving the privacy of person-level data whilst making these data accessible for use to their full potential. We describe a privacy-protecting safe haven and secure remote access system, referred to as the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Gateway. The Gateway provides data users with a familiar Windows interface and their usual toolsets to access approved anonymously-linked datasets for research and evaluation. We outline the principles and operating model of the Gateway, the features provided to users within the secure environment, and how we are approaching the challenges of making data safely accessible to increasing numbers of research users. The Gateway represents a powerful analytical environment and has been designed to be scalable and adaptable to meet the needs of the rapidly growing data linkage community. PMID:24440148

  9. 40 CFR 1400.6 - Enhanced local access.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Enhanced local access. 1400.6 Section 1400.6 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY AND DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ACCIDENTAL RELEASE PREVENTION REQUIREMENTS; RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS UNDER THE CLEAN AIR ACT SECTION 112(r)(7...

  10. Patent law--balancing profit maximization and public access to technology.

    PubMed

    Beckerman-Rodau, Andrew

    2003-01-01

    This article addresses the contemporary issue of balancing the need for patent protection for intellectual property with the resulting restriction of public access to new technology. The author argues that patent law protects private property rights rather than creating monopolies. Additionally, the author discusses how restricting access to patented technology, such as pharmaceuticals, can affect public health problems, such as the HIV/AIDS epidemic in developing nations. The author then concludes with some proposals for making patented technology available to people in developing nations who need access to such technology but who are unable to afford its high costs due to patent protection.

  11. 40 CFR 11.6 - Access by historical researchers and former Government officials.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Access by historical researchers and former Government officials. 11.6 Section 11.6 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GENERAL SECURITY CLASSIFICATION REGULATIONS PURSUANT TO EXECUTIVE ORDER 11652 § 11.6 Access by historical...

  12. Multinational Experiment 7: Protecting Access to Space

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-07-08

    access to space cost to the design, engineering , production and operation of the spacecraft. They also have an impact on spacecraft mass, thermal...station and provide engineering support to receive data in the agreed format. Step 5 – Implementing interoperability. Once a framework has been...procedures or using alternative means (for example, high-altitude airships ). A7. The results support the view that better mitigation approaches need to

  13. Breakthrough curves for toluene adsorption on different types of activated carbon fibers: application in respiratory protection.

    PubMed

    Balanay, Jo Anne G; Floyd, Evan L; Lungu, Claudiu T

    2015-05-01

    Activated carbon fibers (ACF) are considered viable alternative adsorbent materials in respirators because of their larger surface area, lighter weight, and fabric form. The purpose of this study was to characterize the breakthrough curves of toluene for different types of commercially available ACFs to understand their potential service lives in respirators. Two forms of ACF, cloth (AC) and felt (AF), with three surface areas each were tested. ACFs were challenged with six toluene concentrations (50-500 p.p.m.) at constant air temperature (23°C), relative humidity (50%), and air flow (16 l min-1) at different bed depths. Breakthrough data were obtained using continuous monitoring by gas chromatography using a gas sampling valve. The ACF specific surface areas were measured by an automatic physisorption analyzer. Results showed unique shapes of breakthrough curves for each ACF form: AC demonstrated a gradual increase in breakthrough concentration, whereas AF showed abrupt increase in concentration from the breakpoint, which was attributed to the difference in fiber density between the forms. AF has steeper breakthrough curves compared with AC with similar specific surface area. AC exhibits higher 10% breakthrough times for a given bed depth due to higher mass per bed depth compared with AF, indicating more adsorption per bed depth with AC. ACF in respirators may be appropriate for use as protection in environments with toluene concentration at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Permissible Exposure Limit, or during emergency escape for higher toluene concentrations. ACF has shown great potential for application in respiratory protection against toluene and in the development of thinner, lighter, and more efficient respirators. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society.

  14. Validation of the Framingham Heart Study and CHARGE-AF Risk Scores for Atrial Fibrillation in Hispanics, African-Americans, and Non-Hispanic Whites.

    PubMed

    Shulman, Eric; Kargoli, Faraj; Aagaard, Philip; Hoch, Ethan; Di Biase, Luigi; Fisher, John; Gross, Jay; Kim, Soo; Krumerman, Andrew; Ferrick, Kevin J

    2016-01-01

    A risk score for atrial fibrillation (AF) has been developed by the Framingham Heart Study and Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE)-AF consortium. However, validation of these risk scores in an inner-city population is uncertain. Thus, a validation model was built using the Framingham Risk Score for AF and CHARGE-AF covariates. An in and outpatient electrocardiographic database was interrogated from 2000 to 2013 for the development of AF. Patients were included if their age was >45 and <95 years, had <10-year follow-up, if their initial electrocardiogram was without AF, had ≥ 2 electrocardiograms, and declared a race and/or ethnicity as non-Hispanic white, African-American, or Hispanic. For the Framingham Heart Study, 49,599 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 4,860 developed AF. Discrimination analysis using area under the curve (AUC) for original risk equations: non-Hispanic white AUC = 0.712 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.694 to 0.731), African-American AUC = 0.733 (95% CI 0.716 to 0.751), and Hispanic AUC = 0.740 (95% CI 0.723 to 0.757). For the CHARGE-AF, 45,571 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 4,512 developed AF. Non-Hispanic white AUC = 0.673 (95% CI 0.652 to 0.694), African-American AUC = 0.706 (95% CI 0.685 to 0.727), and Hispanic AUC = 0.711 (95% CI 0.691 to 0.732). Calibration analysis showed qualitative similarities between cohorts. In conclusion, this is the first study to validate both the Framingham Heart Study and CHARGE-AF risk scores in both a Hispanic and African-American cohort. All models predicted AF well across all race and ethnic cohorts. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Stability of rotors and focal sources for human atrial fibrillation: focal impulse and rotor mapping (FIRM) of AF sources and fibrillatory conduction.

    PubMed

    Swarup, Vijay; Baykaner, Tina; Rostamian, Armand; Daubert, James P; Hummel, John; Krummen, David E; Trikha, Rishi; Miller, John M; Tomassoni, Gery F; Narayan, Sanjiv M

    2014-12-01

    Several groups report electrical rotors or focal sources that sustain atrial fibrillation (AF) after it has been triggered. However, it is difficult to separate stable from unstable activity in prior studies that examined only seconds of AF. We applied phase-based focal impulse and rotor mapping (FIRM) to study the dynamics of rotors/sources in human AF over prolonged periods of time. We prospectively mapped AF in 260 patients (169 persistent, 61 ± 12 years) at 6 centers in the FIRM registry, using baskets with 64 contact electrodes per atrium. AF was phase mapped (RhythmView, Topera, Menlo Park, CA, USA). AF propagation movies were interpreted by each operator to assess the source stability/dynamics over tens of minutes before ablation. Sources were identified in 258 of 260 of patients (99%), for 2.8 ± 1.4 sources/patient (1.8 ± 1.1 in left, 1.1 ± 0.8 in right atria). While AF sources precessed in stable regions, emanating activity including spiral waves varied from collision/fusion (fibrillatory conduction). Each source lay in stable atrial regions for 4,196 ± 6,360 cycles, with no differences between paroxysmal versus persistent AF (4,290 ± 5,847 vs. 4,150 ± 6,604; P = 0.78), or right versus left atrial sources (P = 0.26). Rotors and focal sources for human AF mapped by FIRM over prolonged time periods precess ("wobble") but remain within stable regions for thousands of cycles. Conversely, emanating activity such as spiral waves disorganize and collide with the fibrillatory milieu, explaining difficulties in using activation mapping or signal processing analyses at fixed electrodes to detect AF rotors. These results provide a rationale for targeted ablation at AF sources rather than fibrillatory spiral waves. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  16. A review of rate control in atrial fibrillation, and the rationale and protocol for the RATE-AF trial.

    PubMed

    Kotecha, Dipak; Calvert, Melanie; Deeks, Jonathan J; Griffith, Michael; Kirchhof, Paulus; Lip, Gregory Yh; Mehta, Samir; Slinn, Gemma; Stanbury, Mary; Steeds, Richard P; Townend, Jonathan N

    2017-07-20

    Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common and causes impaired quality of life, an increased risk of stroke and death as well as frequent hospital admissions. The majority of patients with AF require control of heart rate. In this article , we summarise the limited evidence from clinical trials that guides prescription, and present the rationale and protocol for a new randomised trial. As rate control has not yet been shown to reduce mortality, there is a clear need to compare the impact of therapy on quality of life, cardiac function and exercise capacity. Such a trial should concentrate on the long-term effects of treatment in the largest proportion of patients with AF, those with symptomatic permanent AF, with the aim of improving patient well-being. The RAte control Therapy Evaluation in permanent Atrial Fibrillation (RATE-AF) trial will enrol 160 participants with a prospective, randomised, open-label, blinded end point design comparing initial rate control with digoxin or bisoprolol. This will be the first head-to-head randomised trial of digoxin and beta-blockers in AF. Recruited patients will be aged ≥60 years with permanent AF and symptoms of breathlessness (equivalent to New York Heart Association class II or above), with few exclusion criteria to maximise generalisability to routine clinical practice. The primary outcome is patient-reported quality of life, with secondary outcomes including echocardiographic ventricular function, exercise capacity and biomarkers of cellular and clinical response. Follow-up will occur at 6 and 12 months, with feasibility components to inform the design of a future trial powered to detect a difference in hospital admission. The RATE-AF trial will underpin an integrated approach to management including biomarkers, functions and symptoms that will guide future research into optimal, personalised rate control in patients with AF. East Midlands-Derby Research Ethics Committee (16/EM/0178); peer-reviewed publications

  17. Mycobactericidal and tuberculocidal activity of Korsolex AF, an amine detergent/disinfectant product.

    PubMed

    Hernández, A; Martró, E; Matas, L; Jiménez, A; Ausina, V

    2005-01-01

    The mycobactericidal and tuberculocidal activities of Korsolex AF against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium-Mycobacterium intracellulare (MAI), Mycobacterium kansasii and Mycobacterium chelonae were determined using quantitative suspension and carrier tests. The effects of organic load and hard water were also considered. A clinical isolate of MAI was the most resistant of the four test organisms. A 2% solution had good mycobactericidal and tuberculocidal activities after 30 min of exposure. Although further evaluation using European standard tests is necessary, we conclude that Korsolex AF appears to be a promising product for the disinfection of hospital instruments contaminated with mycobacteria.

  18. Feasibility and cost-effectiveness of stroke prevention through community screening for atrial fibrillation using iPhone ECG in pharmacies. The SEARCH-AF study.

    PubMed

    Lowres, Nicole; Neubeck, Lis; Salkeld, Glenn; Krass, Ines; McLachlan, Andrew J; Redfern, Julie; Bennett, Alexandra A; Briffa, Tom; Bauman, Adrian; Martinez, Carlos; Wallenhorst, Christopher; Lau, Jerrett K; Brieger, David B; Sy, Raymond W; Freedman, S Ben

    2014-06-01

    Atrial fibrillation (AF) causes a third of all strokes, but often goes undetected before stroke. Identification of unknown AF in the community and subsequent anti-thrombotic treatment could reduce stroke burden. We investigated community screening for unknown AF using an iPhone electrocardiogram (iECG) in pharmacies, and determined the cost-effectiveness of this strategy.Pharmacists performedpulse palpation and iECG recordings, with cardiologist iECG over-reading. General practitioner review/12-lead ECG was facilitated for suspected new AF. An automated AF algorithm was retrospectively applied to collected iECGs. Cost-effectiveness analysis incorporated costs of iECG screening, and treatment/outcome data from a United Kingdom cohort of 5,555 patients with incidentally detected asymptomatic AF. A total of 1,000 pharmacy customers aged ≥65 years (mean 76 ± 7 years; 44% male) were screened. Newly identified AF was found in 1.5% (95% CI, 0.8-2.5%); mean age 79 ± 6 years; all had CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2. AF prevalence was 6.7% (67/1,000). The automated iECG algorithm showed 98.5% (CI, 92-100%) sensitivity for AF detection and 91.4% (CI, 89-93%) specificity. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of extending iECG screening into the community, based on 55% warfarin prescription adherence, would be $AUD5,988 (€3,142; $USD4,066) per Quality Adjusted Life Year gained and $AUD30,481 (€15,993; $USD20,695) for preventing one stroke. Sensitivity analysis indicated cost-effectiveness improved with increased treatment adherence.Screening with iECG in pharmacies with an automated algorithm is both feasible and cost-effective. The high and largely preventable stroke/thromboembolism risk of those with newly identified AF highlights the likely benefits of community AF screening. Guideline recommendation of community iECG AF screening should be considered.

  19. A case study of the Secure Anonymous Information Linkage (SAIL) Gateway: a privacy-protecting remote access system for health-related research and evaluation.

    PubMed

    Jones, Kerina H; Ford, David V; Jones, Chris; Dsilva, Rohan; Thompson, Simon; Brooks, Caroline J; Heaven, Martin L; Thayer, Daniel S; McNerney, Cynthia L; Lyons, Ronan A

    2014-08-01

    With the current expansion of data linkage research, the challenge is to find the balance between preserving the privacy of person-level data whilst making these data accessible for use to their full potential. We describe a privacy-protecting safe haven and secure remote access system, referred to as the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Gateway. The Gateway provides data users with a familiar Windows interface and their usual toolsets to access approved anonymously-linked datasets for research and evaluation. We outline the principles and operating model of the Gateway, the features provided to users within the secure environment, and how we are approaching the challenges of making data safely accessible to increasing numbers of research users. The Gateway represents a powerful analytical environment and has been designed to be scalable and adaptable to meet the needs of the rapidly growing data linkage community. Copyright © 2014 The Aurthors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Retroviral insertional mutagenesis identifies Zeb2 activation as a novel leukemogenic collaborating event in CALM-AF10 transgenic mice.

    PubMed

    Caudell, David; Harper, David P; Novak, Rachel L; Pierce, Rachel M; Slape, Christopher; Wolff, Linda; Aplan, Peter D

    2010-02-11

    The t(10;11) translocation results in a CALM-AF10 fusion gene in a subset of leukemia patients. Expression of a CALM-AF10 transgene results in leukemia, with prolonged latency and incomplete penetrance, suggesting that additional events are necessary for leukemic transformation. CALM-AF10 mice infected with the MOL4070LTR retrovirus developed acute leukemia, and ligation-mediated polymerase chain reaction was used to identify retroviral insertions at 19 common insertion sites, including Zeb2, Nf1, Mn1, Evi1, Ift57, Mpl, Plag1, Kras, Erg, Vav1, and Gata1. A total of 26% (11 of 42) of the mice had retroviral integrations near Zeb2, a transcriptional corepressor leading to overexpression of the Zeb2-transcript. A total of 91% (10 of 11) of mice with Zeb2 insertions developed B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia, suggesting that Zeb2 activation promotes the transformation of CALM-AF10 hematopoietic precursors toward B-lineage leukemias. More than half of the mice with Zeb2 integrations also had Nf1 integrations, suggesting cooperativity among CALM-AF10, Zeb2, and Ras pathway mutations. We searched for Nras, Kras, and Ptpn11 point mutations in the CALM-AF10 leukemic mice. Three mutations were identified, all of which occurred in mice with Zeb2 integrations, consistent with the hypothesis that Zeb2 and Ras pathway activation promotes B-lineage leukemic transformation in concert with CALM-AF10.

  1. Retroviral insertional mutagenesis identifies Zeb2 activation as a novel leukemogenic collaborating event in CALM-AF10 transgenic mice

    PubMed Central

    Caudell, David; Harper, David P.; Novak, Rachel L.; Pierce, Rachel M.; Slape, Christopher; Wolff, Linda

    2010-01-01

    The t(10;11) translocation results in a CALM-AF10 fusion gene in a subset of leukemia patients. Expression of a CALM-AF10 transgene results in leukemia, with prolonged latency and incomplete penetrance, suggesting that additional events are necessary for leukemic transformation. CALM-AF10 mice infected with the MOL4070LTR retrovirus developed acute leukemia, and ligation-mediated polymerase chain reaction was used to identify retroviral insertions at 19 common insertion sites, including Zeb2, Nf1, Mn1, Evi1, Ift57, Mpl, Plag1, Kras, Erg, Vav1, and Gata1. A total of 26% (11 of 42) of the mice had retroviral integrations near Zeb2, a transcriptional corepressor leading to overexpression of the Zeb2-transcript. A total of 91% (10 of 11) of mice with Zeb2 insertions developed B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia, suggesting that Zeb2 activation promotes the transformation of CALM-AF10 hematopoietic precursors toward B-lineage leukemias. More than half of the mice with Zeb2 integrations also had Nf1 integrations, suggesting cooperativity among CALM-AF10, Zeb2, and Ras pathway mutations. We searched for Nras, Kras, and Ptpn11 point mutations in the CALM-AF10 leukemic mice. Three mutations were identified, all of which occurred in mice with Zeb2 integrations, consistent with the hypothesis that Zeb2 and Ras pathway activation promotes B-lineage leukemic transformation in concert with CALM-AF10. PMID:20007546

  2. Logical Access Control Mechanisms in Computer Systems.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hsiao, David K.

    The subject of access control mechanisms in computer systems is concerned with effective means to protect the anonymity of private information on the one hand, and to regulate the access to shareable information on the other hand. Effective means for access control may be considered on three levels: memory, process and logical. This report is a…

  3. The Role of U2AF1 Mutations in the Pathogenesis of Myelodysplastic Syndromes

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-12-01

    U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702-5012 DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT: Approved for public release...ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702-5012 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S...induction, U2AF1(S34F) mice have reduced WBCs, increased hematopoietic stem /progenitor cells, and increased HSC cell cycling compared to U2AF1(WT) mice

  4. Draft Genome Sequence of Komagataeibacter intermedius Strain AF2, a Producer of Cellulose, Isolated from Kombucha Tea

    PubMed Central

    dos Santos, Renato Augusto Corrêa; Berretta, Andresa Aparecida; Barud, Hernane da Silva; Ribeiro, Sidney José Lima; González-García, Laura Natalia; Zucchi, Tiago Domingues

    2015-01-01

    Here, we present the draft genome sequence of Komagataeibacter intermedius strain AF2, which was isolated from Kombucha tea and is capable of producing cellulose, although at lower levels compared to another bacterium from the same environment, K. rhaeticus strain AF1. PMID:26634755

  5. Histone acetyltransferase activity of MOF is required for MLL-AF9 leukemogenesis

    PubMed Central

    Valerio, Daria G.; Xu, Haiming; Chen, Chun-Wei; Hoshii, Takayuki; Eisold, Meghan E.; Delaney, Christopher; Cusan, Monica; Deshpande, Aniruddha J.; Huang, Chun-Hao; Lujambio, Amaia; Zheng, George; Zuber, Johannes; Pandita, Tej K.; Lowe, Scott W.; Armstrong, Scott A.

    2017-01-01

    Chromatin-based mechanisms offer therapeutic targets in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that are of great current interest. In this study, we conducted an RNAi-based screen to identify druggable chromatin regulator-based targets in leukemias marked by oncogenic rearrangements of the MLL gene. In this manner, we discovered the H4K16 histone acetyltransferase (HAT) MOF to be important for leukemia cell growth. Conditional deletion of Mof in a mouse model of MLL-AF9-driven leukemogenesis reduced tumor burden and prolonged host survival. RNA sequencing showed an expected downregulation of genes within DNA damage repair pathways that are controlled by MOF, as correlated with a significant increase in yH2AX nuclear foci in Mof-deficient MLL-AF9 tumor cells. In parallel, Mof loss also impaired global H4K16 acetylation in the tumor cell genome. Rescue experiments with catalytically inactive mutants of MOF showed that its enzymatic activity was required to maintain cancer pathogenicity. In support of the role of MOF in sustaining H4K16 acetylation, a small molecule inhibitor of the HAT component MYST blocked the growth of both murine and human MLL-AF9 leukemia cell lines. Furthermore Mof inactivation suppressed leukemia development in a NUP98-HOXA9 driven AML model. Taken together, our results establish that the HAT activity of MOF is required to sustain MLL-AF9 leukemia and may be important for multiple AML subtypes. Blocking this activity is sufficient to stimulate DNA damage, offering a rationale to pursue MOF inhibitors as a targeted approach to treat MLL-rearranged leukemias. PMID:28202522

  6. Characterization of extractable soil organic matter pools from African Dark Earths (AfDE): A case study in historical biochar and organic waste amendments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fujiu, Manna; Plante, Alain; Ohno, Tsutomu; Solomon, Dawit; Lehmann, Johannes; Fraser, James; Leach, Melissa; Fairhead, James

    2014-05-01

    Anthropogenic Dark Earths are soils generated through long-term human inputs of organic and pyrogenic materials. These soils were originally discovered in the Amazon, and have since been found in Australia and in this case in Africa. African Dark Earths (AfDE) are black, highly fertile and carbon-rich soils that were formed from the original highly-weathered infertile yellowish to red Oxisols and Ultisols through an extant but hitherto overlooked climate-smart sustainable soil management system that has long been an important feature of the indigenous West African agricultural repertoire. Studies have demonstrated that ADE soils in general have significantly different organic matter properties compared to adjacent non-DE soils, largely attributable to the presence of high concentrations of ash-derived carbon. Quantification and characterization of bulk soil organic matter of several (n=11) AfDE and non-AfDE pairs of surface (0-15 cm) soils using thermal analysis techniques (TG-DSC-EGA) confirmed substantial differences in SOM composition and the presence of pyrogenic C. Such pyrogenic organic matter is generally considered recalcitrant or relatively stable, but the goal of the current study was to characterize the presumably labile, more rapidly cycling, pools of C in AfDEs through the characterization of hot water- and pyrophosphate-extractable fractions, referred to as HWEOC and PyroC respectively. Extracts were analyzed for carbon content, as well as composition using fluorescence (EEM/PARAFAC) and high resolution mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS). The amount of extractable C as a proportion of total soil C was relatively low: less than ~0.8% for HWEOC and 2.8% for PyroC. The proportion of HWEOC did not differ (P = 0.18, paired t-test) between the AfDE and the non-AfDE soils, while the proportions of PyroC were significantly larger (P = 0.001) in the AfDE soils compared to the non-AfDE soils. Preliminary analysis of the EEM/PARAFAC data suggests that AfDE samples had

  7. AF03-adjuvanted and non-adjuvanted pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 vaccines induce strong antibody responses in seasonal influenza vaccine-primed and unprimed mice.

    PubMed

    Caillet, Catherine; Piras, Fabienne; Bernard, Marie-Clotilde; de Montfort, Aymeric; Boudet, Florence; Vogel, Frederick R; Hoffenbach, Agnès; Moste, Catherine; Kusters, Inca

    2010-04-19

    Pandemic influenza vaccines have been manufactured using the A/California/07/2009 (H1N1) strain as recommended by the World Health Organization. We evaluated in mice the immunogenicity of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccine and the impact of prior vaccination against seasonal trivalent influenza vaccines (TIV) on antibody responses against pandemic (H1N1) 2009. In naïve mice, a single dose of unadjuvanted H1N1 vaccine (3 microg of HA) was shown to elicit hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titers >40, a titer associated with protection in humans against seasonal influenza. A second vaccine dose of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccine strongly increased these titers, which were consistently higher in mice previously primed with TIV than in naïve mice. At a low immunization dose (0.3 microg of HA), the AF03-adjuvanted vaccine elicited higher HI antibody titers than the corresponding unadjuvanted vaccines in both naïve and TIV-primed animals, suggesting a potential for antigen dose-sparing. These results are in accordance with the use in humans of a split-virion inactivated pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccine formulated with or without AF03 adjuvant to protect children and young adults against influenza A (H1N1) 2009 infection. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Fracture Mechanics Testing of Titanium 6AL-4V in AF-M315E

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sampson, J. W.; Martinez, J.; McLean, C.

    2016-01-01

    The Green Propellant Infusion Mission (GPIM) will demonstrate the performance of AF-M315E monopropellant on orbit. Flight certification requires a safe-life analysis of the titanium alloy fuel tank to ensure inherent processing flaws will not cause failure during the design life of the tank. Material property inputs for this analysis require testing to determine the stress intensity factor for environment-assisted cracking (KEAC) of Ti 6Al-4V in combination with the AF-M315E monopropellant. Testing of single-edge notched, or SE(B), specimens representing the bulk tank membrane and weld material were performed in accordance with ASTM E1681. Specimens with fatigue pre-cracks were loaded into test fixtures so that the crack tips were exposed to AF-M315E at 50 C for a duration of 1,000 hours. Specimens that did not fail during exposure were opened to inspect the crack surfaces for evidence of crack growth. The threshold stress intensity value, KEAC, is the highest applied stress intensity that produced neither a failure of the specimen during the exposure nor showed evidence of crack growth. The threshold stress intensity factor for environment-assisted cracking of the Ti 6Al-4V forged tank material was found to be at least 22 ksivin and at least 31 ksivin for the weld material when exposed to AF-M315E monopropellant.

  9. CD82 suppresses CD44 alternative splicing-dependent melanoma metastasis by mediating U2AF2 ubiquitination and degradation

    PubMed Central

    Fu, Ailing; Zhu, Huifeng; Ren, Qiao; Wang, Bochu; Xu, Xingran; Bai, Huiyuan; Dong, Cheng

    2016-01-01

    Melanoma is one of the most lethal forms of skin cancer due to its early metastatic spread. The variant form of CD44 (CD44v), a cell surface glycoprotein, is highly expressed on metastatic melanoma. The mechanisms of regulation of CD44 alternative splicing in melanoma and its pathogenic contributions are so far poorly understood. Here, we investigated the expression level of CD44 in a large set of melanocytic lesions at different stages. We found that the expression of CD44v8-10 and a splicing factor, U2AF2, is significantly increased during melanoma progression, while CD82/KAI1, a tetraspanin family of tumor suppressor, is reduced in metastatic melanoma. CD44v8-10 and U2AF2 expressions which are negatively correlated with CD82 levels are dramatically elevated in primary melanoma compared with dysplastic nevi and further increased in metastatic melanoma. We also showed that patients with higher CD44v8-10 and U2AF2 expression levels tended to have shorter survival. By using both in vivo and in vitro assays, we demonstrated that CD82 inhibits the production of CD44v8-10 on melanoma. Mechanistically, U2AF2 is a downstream target of CD82 and in malignant melanoma facilitates CD44v8-10 alternative splicing. U2AF2-mediated CD44 isoform switch is required for melanoma migration in vitro and lung and liver metastasis in vivo. Notably, overexpression of CD82 suppresses U2AF2 activity by inducing U2AF2 ubiquitination. In addition, our data suggested that enhancement of melanoma migration by U2AF2-dependent CD44v8-10 splicing is mediated by Src/FAK/RhoA activation and formation of stress fibers as well as CD44-E-selectin binding reinforcement. These findings uncovered a hitherto unappreciated function of CD82 in severing the linkage between U2AF2-mediated CD44 alternative splicing and cancer aggressiveness, with potential prognostic and therapeutic implications in melanoma. PMID:27041584

  10. 20 CFR 401.55 - Access to medical records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... of or access to medical records to an individual on a minor's behalf. (i) To protect the privacy of a....55 Employees' Benefits SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION PRIVACY AND DISCLOSURE OF OFFICIAL RECORDS AND INFORMATION The Privacy Act § 401.55 Access to medical records. (a) General. You have a right to access your...

  11. 20 CFR 401.55 - Access to medical records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... of or access to medical records to an individual on a minor's behalf. (i) To protect the privacy of a....55 Employees' Benefits SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION PRIVACY AND DISCLOSURE OF OFFICIAL RECORDS AND INFORMATION The Privacy Act § 401.55 Access to medical records. (a) General. You have a right to access your...

  12. Improving Access to Data While Protecting Confidentiality: Prospects for the Future.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Duncan, George T.; Pearson, Robert W.

    Providing researchers, especially those in the social sciences, with access to publicly collected microdata furthers research while advancing public policy goals in a democratic society. However, while technological improvements have eased remote access to these databases and enabled computer using researchers to perform sophisticated statistical…

  13. Draft Genome Sequence of Komagataeibacter intermedius Strain AF2, a Producer of Cellulose, Isolated from Kombucha Tea.

    PubMed

    Dos Santos, Renato Augusto Corrêa; Berretta, Andresa Aparecida; Barud, Hernane da Silva; Ribeiro, Sidney José Lima; González-García, Laura Natalia; Zucchi, Tiago Domingues; Goldman, Gustavo H; Riaño-Pachón, Diego M

    2015-12-03

    Here, we present the draft genome sequence of Komagataeibacter intermedius strain AF2, which was isolated from Kombucha tea and is capable of producing cellulose, although at lower levels compared to another bacterium from the same environment, K. rhaeticus strain AF1. Copyright © 2015 dos Santos et al.

  14. Histone Acetyltransferase Activity of MOF Is Required for MLL-AF9 Leukemogenesis.

    PubMed

    Valerio, Daria G; Xu, Haiming; Chen, Chun-Wei; Hoshii, Takayuki; Eisold, Meghan E; Delaney, Christopher; Cusan, Monica; Deshpande, Aniruddha J; Huang, Chun-Hao; Lujambio, Amaia; Zheng, YuJun George; Zuber, Johannes; Pandita, Tej K; Lowe, Scott W; Armstrong, Scott A

    2017-04-01

    Chromatin-based mechanisms offer therapeutic targets in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that are of great current interest. In this study, we conducted an RNAi-based screen to identify druggable chromatin regulator-based targets in leukemias marked by oncogenic rearrangements of the MLL gene. In this manner, we discovered the H4K16 histone acetyltransferase (HAT) MOF to be important for leukemia cell growth. Conditional deletion of Mof in a mouse model of MLL-AF9 -driven leukemogenesis reduced tumor burden and prolonged host survival. RNA sequencing showed an expected downregulation of genes within DNA damage repair pathways that are controlled by MOF, as correlated with a significant increase in yH2AX nuclear foci in Mof -deficient MLL-AF9 tumor cells. In parallel, Mof loss also impaired global H4K16 acetylation in the tumor cell genome. Rescue experiments with catalytically inactive mutants of MOF showed that its enzymatic activity was required to maintain cancer pathogenicity. In support of the role of MOF in sustaining H4K16 acetylation, a small-molecule inhibitor of the HAT component MYST blocked the growth of both murine and human MLL-AF9 leukemia cell lines. Furthermore, Mof inactivation suppressed leukemia development in an NUP98-HOXA9 -driven AML model. Taken together, our results establish that the HAT activity of MOF is required to sustain MLL-AF9 leukemia and may be important for multiple AML subtypes. Blocking this activity is sufficient to stimulate DNA damage, offering a rationale to pursue MOF inhibitors as a targeted approach to treat MLL -rearranged leukemias. Cancer Res; 77(7); 1753-62. ©2017 AACR . ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

  15. 42 CFR 51.43 - Denial or delay of access.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... APPLICABLE TO THE PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS PROGRAM Access to Records..., or other legal representative of an individual with mental illness. Access to facilities, records or...

  16. The estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 can act both as an agonist and an inverse agonist when estrogen receptor α AF-2 is modified

    PubMed Central

    Movérare-Skrtic, Sofia; Börjesson, Anna E.; Farman, Helen H.; Sjögren, Klara; Windahl, Sara H.; Lagerquist, Marie K.; Andersson, Annica; Stubelius, Alexandra; Carlsten, Hans; Gustafsson, Jan-Åke; Ohlsson, Claes

    2014-01-01

    The bone-sparing effect of estrogen is primarily mediated via estrogen receptor (ER) α, which stimulates target gene transcription through two activation functions (AFs), AF-1 in the N-terminal and AF-2 in the ligand-binding domain. It was recently demonstrated that the ER antagonist ICI 182,780 (ICI) acts as an ER agonist in uterus of mice with mutations in the ERα AF-2. To evaluate the estrogen-like effects of ICI in different tissues, ovariectomized wild-type mice and mice with mutations in the ERα AF-2 (ERαAF-20) were treated with ICI, estradiol, or vehicle for 3 wk. Estradiol increased the trabecular and cortical bone mass as well as the uterine weight, whereas it reduced fat mass, thymus weight, and the growth plate height in wild-type but not in ERαAF-20 mice. Although ICI had no effect in wild-type mice, it exerted tissue-specific effects in ERαAF-20 mice. It acted as an ERα agonist on trabecular bone mass and uterine weight, whereas no effect was seen on cortical bone mass, fat mass, or thymus weight. Surprisingly, a pronounced inverse agonistic activity was seen on the growth plate height, resulting in enhanced longitudinal bone growth. In conclusion, ICI uses ERα AF-1 in a tissue-dependent manner in mice lacking ERαAF-2, resulting in no effect, agonistic activity, or inverse agonistic activity. We propose that ERα lacking AF-2 is constitutively active in the absence of ligand in the growth plate, enabling ICI to act as an inverse agonist. PMID:24395795

  17. The estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 can act both as an agonist and an inverse agonist when estrogen receptor α AF-2 is modified.

    PubMed

    Movérare-Skrtic, Sofia; Börjesson, Anna E; Farman, Helen H; Sjögren, Klara; Windahl, Sara H; Lagerquist, Marie K; Andersson, Annica; Stubelius, Alexandra; Carlsten, Hans; Gustafsson, Jan-Åke; Ohlsson, Claes

    2014-01-21

    The bone-sparing effect of estrogen is primarily mediated via estrogen receptor (ER) α, which stimulates target gene transcription through two activation functions (AFs), AF-1 in the N-terminal and AF-2 in the ligand-binding domain. It was recently demonstrated that the ER antagonist ICI 182,780 (ICI) acts as an ER agonist in uterus of mice with mutations in the ERα AF-2. To evaluate the estrogen-like effects of ICI in different tissues, ovariectomized wild-type mice and mice with mutations in the ERα AF-2 (ERαAF-2(0)) were treated with ICI, estradiol, or vehicle for 3 wk. Estradiol increased the trabecular and cortical bone mass as well as the uterine weight, whereas it reduced fat mass, thymus weight, and the growth plate height in wild-type but not in ERαAF-2(0) mice. Although ICI had no effect in wild-type mice, it exerted tissue-specific effects in ERαAF-2(0) mice. It acted as an ERα agonist on trabecular bone mass and uterine weight, whereas no effect was seen on cortical bone mass, fat mass, or thymus weight. Surprisingly, a pronounced inverse agonistic activity was seen on the growth plate height, resulting in enhanced longitudinal bone growth. In conclusion, ICI uses ERα AF-1 in a tissue-dependent manner in mice lacking ERαAF-2, resulting in no effect, agonistic activity, or inverse agonistic activity. We propose that ERα lacking AF-2 is constitutively active in the absence of ligand in the growth plate, enabling ICI to act as an inverse agonist.

  18. Association between Embolic Stroke Patterns, ESUS Etiology, and New Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation: A Secondary Data Analysis of the Find-AF Trial

    PubMed Central

    Schregel, Katharina; Karch, André; Weber-Krueger, Mark; Stahrenberg, Raoul; Gröschel, Klaus; Knauth, Michael; Psychogios, Marios-Nikos; Wachter, Rolf; Liman, Jan

    2017-01-01

    Background. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important cause of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Imaging-patterns like multiple infarcts, simultaneous involvement of different circulations, infarcts of different ages, and isolated cortical infarcts are likely to indicate cardioembolic stroke. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between embolic stroke patterns, ESUS, and the new diagnosis of AF. Methods. Stroke etiology and imaging characteristics from patients included in the Find-AF study were obtained. Embolic stroke patterns in CT- or MR-imaging were correlated with the diagnosis of ESUS as well as the short- (on baseline ECG and during 7-day Holter) and long-term (12-month follow-up) diagnosis of AF. Results. From 281 patients included in the Find-AF study, 127 (45.2%) patients with ischemic lesions detected in CT or MRI were included. 26 (20.5%) of these patients had ESUS. At least one embolic stroke pattern was detected in 67 (52.7%) patients. Embolic stroke patterns were not associated with ESUS (OR 1.57, 0.65–3.79, p = 0.317), the short-term (OR 0.64, 0.26–1.58, p = 0.327) or long-term diagnosis of AF (OR 0.72, 0.31–1.68, p = 0.448). Conclusions. This secondary data analysis of the Find-AF study could not provide evidence for an association between embolic stroke patterns, ESUS, and the new diagnosis of AF. PMID:28536667

  19. Association between Embolic Stroke Patterns, ESUS Etiology, and New Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation: A Secondary Data Analysis of the Find-AF Trial.

    PubMed

    Maier, Ilko L; Schregel, Katharina; Karch, André; Weber-Krueger, Mark; Mikolajczyk, Rafael T; Stahrenberg, Raoul; Gröschel, Klaus; Bähr, Mathias; Knauth, Michael; Psychogios, Marios-Nikos; Wachter, Rolf; Liman, Jan

    2017-01-01

    Background . Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important cause of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Imaging-patterns like multiple infarcts, simultaneous involvement of different circulations, infarcts of different ages, and isolated cortical infarcts are likely to indicate cardioembolic stroke. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between embolic stroke patterns, ESUS, and the new diagnosis of AF. Methods . Stroke etiology and imaging characteristics from patients included in the Find-AF study were obtained. Embolic stroke patterns in CT- or MR-imaging were correlated with the diagnosis of ESUS as well as the short- (on baseline ECG and during 7-day Holter) and long-term (12-month follow-up) diagnosis of AF. Results . From 281 patients included in the Find-AF study, 127 (45.2%) patients with ischemic lesions detected in CT or MRI were included. 26 (20.5%) of these patients had ESUS. At least one embolic stroke pattern was detected in 67 (52.7%) patients. Embolic stroke patterns were not associated with ESUS (OR 1.57, 0.65-3.79, p = 0.317), the short-term (OR 0.64, 0.26-1.58, p = 0.327) or long-term diagnosis of AF (OR 0.72, 0.31-1.68, p = 0.448). Conclusions . This secondary data analysis of the Find-AF study could not provide evidence for an association between embolic stroke patterns, ESUS, and the new diagnosis of AF.

  20. Wired for Protection.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kennedy, Mike

    2002-01-01

    Describes how growing acceptance of security measures such as access-control cards, video surveillance, and biometric devices is allowing colleges to protect students and their belongings more effectively. (EV)

  1. Selective modulation of the androgen receptor AF2 domain rescues degeneration in spinal bulbar muscular atrophy.

    PubMed

    Badders, Nisha M; Korff, Ane; Miranda, Helen C; Vuppala, Pradeep K; Smith, Rebecca B; Winborn, Brett J; Quemin, Emmanuelle R; Sopher, Bryce L; Dearman, Jennifer; Messing, James; Kim, Nam Chul; Moore, Jennifer; Freibaum, Brian D; Kanagaraj, Anderson P; Fan, Baochang; Tillman, Heather; Chen, Ping-Chung; Wang, Yingzhe; Freeman, Burgess B; Li, Yimei; Kim, Hong Joo; La Spada, Albert R; Taylor, J Paul

    2018-05-01

    Spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is a motor neuron disease caused by toxic gain of function of the androgen receptor (AR). Previously, we found that co-regulator binding through the activation function-2 (AF2) domain of AR is essential for pathogenesis, suggesting that AF2 may be a potential drug target for selective modulation of toxic AR activity. We screened previously identified AF2 modulators for their ability to rescue toxicity in a Drosophila model of SBMA. We identified two compounds, tolfenamic acid (TA) and 1-[2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethyl]-2-[(2-phenoxyethyl)sulfanyl]-1H-benzimidazole (MEPB), as top candidates for rescuing lethality, locomotor function and neuromuscular junction defects in SBMA flies. Pharmacokinetic analyses in mice revealed a more favorable bioavailability and tissue retention of MEPB compared with TA in muscle, brain and spinal cord. In a preclinical trial in a new mouse model of SBMA, MEPB treatment yielded a dose-dependent rescue from loss of body weight, rotarod activity and grip strength. In addition, MEPB ameliorated neuronal loss, neurogenic atrophy and testicular atrophy, validating AF2 modulation as a potent androgen-sparing strategy for SBMA therapy.

  2. The Changing Landscape for Stroke Prevention in AF: Findings From the GLORIA-AF Registry Phase 2.

    PubMed

    Huisman, Menno V; Rothman, Kenneth J; Paquette, Miney; Teutsch, Christine; Diener, Hans-Christoph; Dubner, Sergio J; Halperin, Jonathan L; Ma, Chang Sheng; Zint, Kristina; Elsaesser, Amelie; Bartels, Dorothee B; Lip, Gregory Y H

    2017-02-21

    GLORIA-AF (Global Registry on Long-Term Oral Antithrombotic Treatment in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation) is a prospective, global registry program describing antithrombotic treatment patterns in patients with newly diagnosed nonvalvular atrial fibrillation at risk of stroke. Phase 2 began when dabigatran, the first non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC), became available. This study sought to describe phase 2 baseline data and compare these with the pre-NOAC era collected during phase 1. During phase 2, 15,641 consenting patients were enrolled (November 2011 to December 2014); 15,092 were eligible. This pre-specified cross-sectional analysis describes eligible patients' baseline characteristics. Atrial fibrillation disease characteristics, medical outcomes, and concomitant diseases and medications were collected. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Of the total patients, 45.5% were female; median age was 71 (interquartile range: 64, 78) years. Patients were from Europe (47.1%), North America (22.5%), Asia (20.3%), Latin America (6.0%), and the Middle East/Africa (4.0%). Most had high stroke risk (CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc [Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75 years, Diabetes mellitus, previous Stroke, Vascular disease, Age 65 to 74 years, Sex category] score ≥2; 86.1%); 13.9% had moderate risk (CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc = 1). Overall, 79.9% received oral anticoagulants, of whom 47.6% received NOAC and 32.3% vitamin K antagonists (VKA); 12.1% received antiplatelet agents; 7.8% received no antithrombotic treatment. For comparison, the proportion of phase 1 patients (of N = 1,063 all eligible) prescribed VKA was 32.8%, acetylsalicylic acid 41.7%, and no therapy 20.2%. In Europe in phase 2, treatment with NOAC was more common than VKA (52.3% and 37.8%, respectively); 6.0% of patients received antiplatelet treatment; and 3.8% received no antithrombotic treatment. In North America, 52.1%, 26.2%, and 14.0% of patients received NOAC, VKA, and

  3. Histopathological and biochemical investigations of protective role of honey in rats with experimental aflatoxicosis.

    PubMed

    Yaman, Turan; Yener, Zabit; Celik, Ismail

    2016-07-21

    Natural honey (honey) is considered as a part of traditional medicine all over the world. It has both antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, useful in stimulation of wounds and burns healing and gastric ulcers treatment. The aim of this study, for the first time, was to investigate the antioxidant properties and protective role of honey against carcinogen chemical aflatoxin (AF) exposure in rats, which were evaluated by histopathological changes in liver and kidney, measuring level of serum marker enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanin aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamil transpeptidase (GGT)], antioxidant defense systems [Reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT)], and lipid peroxidation content in liver, erythrocyte, brain, kidney, heart and lungs. Eighteen healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into three experimental groups: A (Control), B (AF-treated) and C (AF + honey-treated). While rats in group A were fed with a diet without AF, B, and C groups received 25 μg of AF/rat/day, where C group additionally received 1 mL/kg of honey by gavage for 90 days. At the end of the 90-day experimental period, we found that the honey supplementation decreased the lipid peroxidation and the levels of enzyme associated with liver damage, increased enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in the AF + honey-treated rats. Hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of honey is further substantiated by showing almost normal histological architecture in AF + honey-treated group, compared to degenerative changes in the liver and kidney of AF-treated rats. Additionally, honey supplementation ameliorated antioxidant defens systems and lipid peroxidation in content in other tissues of AF + honey treated rats. The present study indicates that honey has a hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effect in rats with experimental aflatoxicosis due to

  4. Supplementation of OmniGen-AF alters the metabolic response to a glucose tolerance test in beef heifers

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    This study was designed to determine whether feeding OmniGen-AF to feedlot heifers would alter metabolic profiles in response to a glucose tolerance test. Heifer calves (n=184; 216±1 kg) were allocated into 2 treatment diets: 1) Control, fed a standard receiving ration, and 2) OmniGen-AF (OG), fed t...

  5. 45 CFR 164.524 - Access of individuals to protected health information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... DATA STANDARDS AND RELATED REQUIREMENTS SECURITY AND PRIVACY Privacy of Individually Identifiable... records that are subject to the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a, may be denied, if the denial of access under the Privacy Act would meet the requirements of that law. (v) An individual's access may be denied if...

  6. Outcomes after cardioversion and atrial fibrillation ablation in patients treated with rivaroxaban and warfarin in the ROCKET AF trial.

    PubMed

    Piccini, Jonathan P; Stevens, Susanna R; Lokhnygina, Yuliya; Patel, Manesh R; Halperin, Jonathan L; Singer, Daniel E; Hankey, Graeme J; Hacke, Werner; Becker, Richard C; Nessel, Christopher C; Mahaffey, Kenneth W; Fox, Keith A A; Califf, Robert M; Breithardt, Günter

    2013-05-14

    This study sought to investigate the outcomes following cardioversion or catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with warfarin or rivaroxaban. There are limited data on outcomes following cardioversion or catheter ablation in AF patients treated with factor Xa inhibitors. We compared the incidence of electrical cardioversion (ECV), pharmacologic cardioversion (PCV), or AF ablation and subsequent outcomes in patients in a post hoc analysis of the ROCKET AF (Efficacy and Safety Study of Rivaroxaban With Warfarin for the Prevention of Stroke and Non-Central Nervous System Systemic Embolism in Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation) trial. Over a median follow-up of 2.1 years, 143 patients underwent ECV, 142 underwent PCV, and 79 underwent catheter ablation. The overall incidence of ECV, PCV, or AF ablation was 1.45 per 100 patient-years (n = 321; 1.44 [n = 161] in the warfarin arm, 1.46 [n = 160] in the rivaroxaban arm). The crude rates of stroke and death increased in the first 30 days after cardioversion or ablation. After adjustment for baseline differences, the long-term incidence of stroke or systemic embolism (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61 to 3.11), cardiovascular death (HR: 1.57; 95% CI: 0.69 to 3.55), and death from all causes (HR: 1.75; 95% CI: 0.90 to 3.42) were not different before and after cardioversion or AF ablation. Hospitalization increased after cardioversion or AF ablation (HR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.51 to 2.68), but there was no evidence of a differential effect by randomized treatment (p value for interaction = 0.58). The incidence of stroke or systemic embolism (1.88% vs. 1.86%) and death (1.88% vs. 3.73%) were similar in the rivaroxaban-treated and warfarin-treated groups. Despite an increase in hospitalization, there were no differences in long-term stroke rates or survival following cardioversion or AF ablation. Outcomes were similar in patients treated with rivaroxaban or warfarin

  7. Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Flavonoid-Enriched Fraction AF4 in a Mouse Model of Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury

    PubMed Central

    Keddy, Paul G. W.; Dunlop, Kate; Warford, Jordan; Samson, Michel L.; Jones, Quinton R. D.; Rupasinghe, H. P. Vasantha; Robertson, George S.

    2012-01-01

    We report here neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of a flavonoid-enriched fraction isolated from the peel of Northern Spy apples (AF4) in a mouse of model of hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain damage. Oral administration of AF4 (50 mg/kg, once daily for 3 days) prior to 50 min of HI completely prevented motor performance deficits assessed 14 days later that were associated with marked reductions in neuronal cell loss in the dorsal hippocampus and striatum. Pre-treatment with AF4 (5, 10, 25 or 50 mg/kg, p.o.; once daily for 3 days) produced a dose-dependent reduction in HI-induced hippocampal and striatal neuron cell loss, with 25 mg/kg being the lowest dose that achieved maximal neuroprotection. Comparison of the effects of 1, 3 or 7 doses of AF4 (25 mg/kg; p.o.) prior to HI revealed that at least 3 doses of AF4 were required before HI to reduce neuronal cell loss in both the dorsal hippocampus and striatum. Quantitative RT-PCR measurements revealed that the neuroprotective effects of AF4 (25 mg/kg; p.o.; once daily for 3 days) in the dorsal hippocampus were associated with a suppression of HI-induced increases in the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6. AF4 pre-treatment enhanced mRNA levels for pro-survival proteins such as X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis and erythropoietin following HI in the dorsal hippocampus and striatum, respectively. Primary cultures of mouse cortical neurons incubated with AF4 (1 µg/ml), but not the same concentrations of either quercetin or quercetin-3-O-glucose or its metabolites, were resistant to cell death induced by oxygen glucose deprivation. These findings suggest that the inhibition of HI-induced brain injury produced by AF4 likely involves a transcriptional mechanism resulting from the co-operative actions of various phenolics in this fraction which not only reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators but also enhance pro-survival gene signalling. PMID:23251498

  8. Sachon AFS K-4, Sacheon, Korea. Revised Uniform Summary of Surface Weather Observations (RUSSWO)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1968-04-11

    FREQUENCY OF WIND DIRECTION AND SPEED (FROM HOURLY OESERVATIONS) 41240 -- SACHON KflREALROK AFS K-4 55-67_________ APR UT"If STATION MANZ TSARS SON ?") ALL...KOREA/ROI( AFS K-4 55-67 ____APR SAINSTATION NAME YEARS MOSN ALL WEATHER 1500-1700 ~ LA $S NOUN$ (LST I ONITIOW (KNTSI 1 .3 4.6 7.10 11.-16 17.21 22...4S 1209 c~ ~iC4 1V/ . $ I - - ’~-4 V ~’ *-** La DATA PROCESSING DIVISION ElAc, UJSAF SURFACE WINDS ASHEVILLE, N. C. 28801 PERCENTAGE FREQUENCY OF

  9. 48 CFR 1509.505-4 - Obtaining access to proprietary information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... PROTECTION AGENCY ACQUISITION PLANNING CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS Organizational Conflicts of Interests 1509.505-4 Obtaining access to proprietary information. Contractors gaining access to confidential business... business information. ...

  10. Biomarkers in Persistent AF and Heart Failure: Impact of Catheter Ablation Compared with Rate Control.

    PubMed

    Jones, David G; Haldar, Shouvik K; Donovan, Jacqueline; McDonagh, Theresa A; Sharma, Rakesh; Hussain, Wajid; Markides, Vias; Wong, Tom

    2016-09-01

    To investigate the effects of catheter ablation and rate control strategies on cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with heart failure and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients were recruited from the ARC-HF trial (catheter Ablation vs Rate Control for management of persistent AF in Heart Failure, NCT00878384), which compared ablation with rate control for persistent AF in heart failure. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), midregional proatrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP), apelin, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were assayed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. The primary end point, analyzed per-protocol, was changed from baseline at 12 months. Of 52 recruited patients, 24 ablation and 25 rate control subjects were followed to 12 months. After 1.2 ± 0.5 procedures, sinus rhythm was present in 22 (92%) ablation patients; under rate control, rate criteria were achieved in 23 (96%) of 24 patients remaining in AF. At 12 months, MR-proANP fell significantly in the ablation arm (-106.0 pmol/L, interquartile range [IQR] -228.2 to -60.6) compared with rate control (-28.7 pmol/L, IQR -69 to +9.5, P = 0.028). BNP showed a similar trend toward reduction (P = 0.051), with no significant difference in apelin (P = 0.13) or IL-6 (P = 0.68). Changes in MR-proANP and BNP correlated with peak VO2 and ejection fraction, and MR-proANP additionally with quality-of-life score. Catheter ablation, compared with rate control, in patients with heart failure and persistent AF was associated with significant reduction in MR-proANP, which correlated with physiological and symptomatic improvement. Ablation-based rhythm control may induce beneficial cardiac remodeling, unrelated to changes in inflammatory state. This may have prognostic implications, which require confirmation by event end point studies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  11. Cape Newenham AFS, Alaska. Revised Uniform Summary of Surface Weather Observations (RUSSWO). Parts A-F.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-04-01

    OBSERVATIONS) L P- 14 H~N A A-F S .~ 73-F2 ____ JA&,. ALL WI- LAt E -- .. - - 6 7 0 11 16 17 21 22 27 28- 33 34 *0 41 A7 48 5 .7 * . .3 .4 .4 . 1 . i E...PERCENTAGE FREQUENCY OF WIND DIRECTION AND SPEED (FROM HOURLY OBSERVATIONS) 4LL . LAT -E- - 10 1 1 i 7 23 22 ’ 2 3 3 A 40 A 3 5 A7 A • ’ .. 5 .t",5...SCOTT A. APR 03 UNCLASSIFIED USAFETAC/DS-83/019 SBI-AD-EB50 397 F/6 4/2 NL SU 2. lii .0 EM *,*,- Ica L- 11111 1.25 s~w ,r- 1 . 11.6 I MiCRQ OPY

  12. ROCKET AF adds more concerns about Digoxin safety in patients with atrial fibrillation

    PubMed Central

    ElMaghawry, Mohamed

    2015-01-01

    In a recent article in the Journal, we have reviewed the adverse cardiovascular outcomes observed with digoxin use in the PALLAS study.1 The PALLAS study was designed to determine if dronedarone would reduce major vascular events in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF).2 However the study was stopped early because of safety reasons, as a significant number of patients on the dronedarone arm reached the co-primary end point composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, systemic embolism, or cardiovascular death. Data sub-analyses suggested that digoxin-dronedarone interaction was responsible for the higher arrhythmic death rate observed in the trial. These observations are consistent with several other studies that demonstrate the potential hazard of the use of digoxin in heart failure and/or atrial fibrillation. A more recent article published in the Lancet studied the use and outcomes of digoxin in the Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibition Compared with Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism in Atrial Fibrillation (ROCKET AF) trial.3 The investigators concluded that digoxin treatment was associated with a significant increase in all-cause mortality, vascular death, and sudden death in patients with AF. PMID:26779514

  13. Recalibration of the earthworm tier 1 risk assessment of plant protection products.

    PubMed

    Christl, Heino; Bendall, Julie; Bergtold, Matthias; Coulson, Mike; Dinter, Axel; Garlej, Barbara; Hammel, Klaus; Kabouw, Patrick; Sharples, Amanda; von Mérey, Georg; Vrbka, Silvie; Ernst, Gregor

    2016-10-01

    In the first step of earthworm risk assessment for plant protection products (PPPs), the risk is assessed by comparing the no-observed effect levels (NOELs) from laboratory reproduction tests with the predicted exposure of the PPP in soil, while applying a trigger value (assessment factor [AF]) to cover uncertainties. If this step indicates a potential risk, field studies are conducted. However, the predicted environmental concentration in soil, which can be calculated, for example, for different soil layers (ranging from 0-1 cm to 0-20 cm), and the AF determine the conservatism that is applied in this first step. In this review paper, the tier 1 earthworm risk assessment for PPPs is calibrated by comparing the NOEL in earthworm reproduction tests with effect levels on earthworm populations under realistic field conditions. A data set of 54 pairs of studies conducted in the laboratory and in the field with the same PPP was compiled, allowing a direct comparison of relevant endpoints. The results indicate that a tier 1 AF of 5 combined with a regulatory relevant soil layer of 0 to 5 cm provides a conservative tier 1 risk assessment. A risk was identified by the tier 1 risk assessment in the majority of the cases at application rates that were of low risk for natural earthworm populations under field conditions. Increasing the conservatism in the tier 1 risk assessment by reducing the depth of the regulatory relevant soil layer or by increasing the tier 1 AF would increase the number of false positives and trigger a large number of additional field studies. This increased conservatism, however, would not increase the margin of safety for earthworm populations. The analysis revealed that the risk assessment is conservative if an AF of 5 and a regulatory relevant soil layer of 0 to 5 cm is used. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:643-650. © 2015 SETAC. © 2015 SETAC.

  14. 77 FR 61014 - Federal Property Suitable as Facilities to Assist the Homeless

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-10-05

    ...; asbestos & lead present; restricted area; contact AF for info. on accessibility/removal reqs. 38 Buildings.../renovations needed; asbestos & lead present; restricted area; contact AF for info. on accessibility/removal...; military housing; minor repairs/renovations needed; asbestos & lead present; restricted area; contact AF...

  15. Promoting Responsible Fatherhood Programming: Factors Affecting Low-Income Fathers' Involvement in Child Protection Services and Court-Restricted Access to Their Children

    PubMed Central

    Gordon, Derrick M.; Iwamoto, Derek; Watkins, Natasha D.; Kershaw, Trace; Mason, Diana; Judkins, Anthony

    2013-01-01

    This study investigates how unemployment, traumatic sexual experiences, substance use, intimate partner violence, and parental involvement collectively contribute to involvement with child protective system (CPS) and court-restricted access to children among low-income, ethnically diverse fathers. Participants were 164 fathers involved in a statewide fatherhood program. The majority of the fathers in the program were unemployed (76%) and ethnic minorities (66%). Logistic regression revealed that traumatic sexual experiences and number of children were significant predictors of CPS involvement, whereas employment and traumatic sexual experience were associated with court-restricted access to their children. The results elucidate that clinicians and father-hood programs may need to attend to the history of traumatic experiences, as well as other contextual factors, of fathers and identify how, through trauma-focused interventions, to positively affect them and their children. PMID:24273406

  16. Overexpression of afsR and Optimization of Metal Chloride to Improve Lomofungin Production in Streptomyces lomondensis S015.

    PubMed

    Wang, Wei; Wang, Huasheng; Hu, Hongbo; Peng, Huasong; Zhang, Xuehong

    2015-05-01

    As a global regulatory gene in Streptomyces, afsR can activate the biosynthesis of many secondary metabolites. The effect of afsR on the biosynthesis of a phenazine metabolite, lomofungin, was studied in Streptomyces lomondensis S015. There was a 2.5-fold increase of lomofungin production in the afsR-overexpressing strain of S. lomondensis S015 N1 compared with the wild-type strain. Meanwhile, the transcription levels of afsR and two important genes involved in the biosynthesis of lomofungin (i.e., phzC and phzE) were significantly upregulated in S. lomondensis S015 N1. The optimization of metal chlorides was investigated to further increase the production of lomofungin in the afsR-overexpressing strain. The addition of different metal chlorides to S. lomondensis S015 N1 cultivations showed that CaCl2, FeCl2, and MnCl2 led to an increase in lomofungin biosynthesis. The optimum concentrations of these metal chlorides were obtained using response surface methodology. CaCl2 (0.04 mM), FeCl2 (0.33 mM), and MnCl2 (0.38 mM) gave a maximum lomofungin production titer of 318.0 ± 10.7 mg/l, which was a 4.1-fold increase compared with that of S. lomondensis S015 N1 without the addition of a metal chloride. This work demonstrates that the biosynthesis of phenazine metabolites can be induced by afsR. The results also indicate that metal chlorides addition might be a simple and useful strategy for improving the production of other phenazine metabolites in Streptomyces.

  17. Fiber Access Networks: Reliability Analysis and Swedish Broadband Market

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wosinska, Lena; Chen, Jiajia; Larsen, Claus Popp

    Fiber access network architectures such as active optical networks (AONs) and passive optical networks (PONs) have been developed to support the growing bandwidth demand. Whereas particularly Swedish operators prefer AON, this may not be the case for operators in other countries. The choice depends on a combination of technical requirements, practical constraints, business models, and cost. Due to the increasing importance of reliable access to the network services, connection availability is becoming one of the most crucial issues for access networks, which should be reflected in the network owner's architecture decision. In many cases protection against failures is realized by adding backup resources. However, there is a trade off between the cost of protection and the level of service reliability since improving reliability performance by duplication of network resources (and capital expenditures CAPEX) may be too expensive. In this paper we present the evolution of fiber access networks and compare reliability performance in relation to investment and management cost for some representative cases. We consider both standard and novel architectures for deployment in both sparsely and densely populated areas. While some recent works focused on PON protection schemes with reduced CAPEX the current and future effort should be put on minimizing the operational expenditures (OPEX) during the access network lifetime.

  18. Study on oligomerization of glutamate decarboxylase from Lactobacillus brevis using asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) with light scattering techniques.

    PubMed

    Choi, Jaeyeong; Lee, Seungho; Linares-Pastén, Javier A; Nilsson, Lars

    2018-01-01

    In this work, asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled with UV/Vis, multi-angle light scattering (MALS), and differential refractive index (dRI) detectors (AF4-UV-MALS-dRI) was employed for analysis of glutamate decarboxylase (LbGadB) from Lactobacillus brevis (L. brevis). AF4 provided molecular weight (MW) (or size)-based separation of dimer, hexamer, and aggregates of LbGadB. The effect of pH on oligomerization of LbGadB was investigated, and then AF4 results were compared to those from molecular modeling. The MWs measured by AF4-UV-MALS-dRI for dimeric and hexameric forms of LbGadB were 110 and 350 kDa, respectively, which are in good agreements with those theoretically calculated (110 and 330 kDa). The molecular sizes determined by AF4-UV-MALS-dRI were also in good agreement with those obtained from molecular modeling (6 and 10 nm, respectively, for dimeric and hexameric from AF4-UV-MALS-dRI and 6.4 × 7.6 and 7.6 × 13.1 nm from molecular modeling). The effects of temperature, salt type, and salt concentration on oligomerization of LbGadB were also investigated using dynamic light scattering (DLS). It was found that the hexameric form of LbGadB was most stable at pH 6 and in presence of NaCl or KCl. The results indicate that AF4, in combination of various online detectors mentioned above, provides an effective tool for monitoring of oligomerization of LbGadB under different conditions, such as temperature, pH, type of salts, and salt concentrations.

  19. 78 FR 10166 - Access Interpreting; Transfer of Data

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-02-13

    ... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0036; FRL-9376-6] Access Interpreting; Transfer of Data AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice announces that pesticide related information submitted to EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) pursuant to...

  20. 31 CFR 408.3 - Rules governing access.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 408.3 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) SECRET SERVICE... THE SECRET SERVICE AND TEMPORARY OFFICES OF THE PRESIDENT AND STAFF, OR OTHER PERSON PROTECTED BY THE SECRET SERVICE-RULES GOVERNING ACCESS § 408.3 Rules governing access. (a) For the purposes of 18 U.S.C...

  1. 31 CFR 408.3 - Rules governing access.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 408.3 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) SECRET SERVICE... THE SECRET SERVICE AND TEMPORARY OFFICES OF THE PRESIDENT AND STAFF, OR OTHER PERSON PROTECTED BY THE SECRET SERVICE-RULES GOVERNING ACCESS § 408.3 Rules governing access. (a) For the purposes of 18 U.S.C...

  2. 31 CFR 408.3 - Rules governing access.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 408.3 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) SECRET SERVICE... THE SECRET SERVICE AND TEMPORARY OFFICES OF THE PRESIDENT AND STAFF, OR OTHER PERSON PROTECTED BY THE SECRET SERVICE-RULES GOVERNING ACCESS § 408.3 Rules governing access. (a) For the purposes of 18 U.S.C...

  3. 31 CFR 408.3 - Rules governing access.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 408.3 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) SECRET SERVICE... THE SECRET SERVICE AND TEMPORARY OFFICES OF THE PRESIDENT AND STAFF, OR OTHER PERSON PROTECTED BY THE SECRET SERVICE-RULES GOVERNING ACCESS § 408.3 Rules governing access. (a) For the purposes of 18 U.S.C...

  4. 31 CFR 408.3 - Rules governing access.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 408.3 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) SECRET SERVICE... THE SECRET SERVICE AND TEMPORARY OFFICES OF THE PRESIDENT AND STAFF, OR OTHER PERSON PROTECTED BY THE SECRET SERVICE-RULES GOVERNING ACCESS § 408.3 Rules governing access. (a) For the purposes of 18 U.S.C...

  5. Biodegradation of BOD and ammonia-free using bacterial consortium in aerated fixed film bioreactor (AF2B)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prayitno, Rulianah, Sri; Saroso, Hadi; Meilany, Diah

    2017-06-01

    BOD and Ammonia-free (NH3-N) are pollutants of hospital wastewater which often exceed the quality standards. It is because biological processes in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) have not been effective in degrading BOD and NH3-N. Therefore, a study on factors that influence the biodegradation of BOD and NH3-N by choosing the type of bacteria to improve the mechanisms of biodegradation processes is required. Bacterial consortium is a collection of several types of bacteria obtained from isolation process, which is known to be more effective than a single bacterial in degrading pollutants. On the other hand, AF2B is a type of reactor in wastewater treatment system. The AF2B contains a filter media that has a large surface area so that the biodegradation process of pollutants by microorganism can be improved. The objective of this research is to determine the effect of volume of starter and air supplies on decreasing BOD and NH3-N in hospital wastewater using bacterial consortium in the AF2B on batch process. The research was conducted in three stages: the making of the growth curve of the bacterial consortium, bacterial consortium acclimatization, and hospital wastewater treatment in the AF2B with batch process. The variables used are the volume of starter (65%, 75%, and 85% in volume) and air supplies (2.5, 5, and 7.5 L/min). Meanwhile, the materials used are hospital wastewater, bacterial consortium (Pseudomonas diminuta, Pseudomonas capica, Bacillius sp, and Nitrobacter sp), blower, and AF2B. AF2B is a plastic basin containing a filter media with a wasp-nest shape used as a medium for growing the bacterial consortium. In the process of making the growth curve, a solid form of bacterial consortium was dissolved in sterilized water, then grown in a nutrient broth (NB). Then, shaking and sampling were done at any time to determine the path growth of bacterial consortium. In the acclimatization process, bacterial isolates were grown using hospital wastewater as a

  6. An Empirical Test of Oklahoma's A-F School Grades

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Adams, Curt M.; Forsyth, Patrick B.; Ware, Jordan; Mwavita, Mwarumba; Barnes, Laura L.; Khojasteb, Jam

    2016-01-01

    Oklahoma is one of 16 states electing to use an A-F letter grade as an indicator of school quality. On the surface, letter grades are an attractive policy instrument for school improvement; they are seemingly clear, simple, and easy to interpret. Evidence, however, on the use of letter grades as an instrument to rank and improve schools is scant…

  7. Adding left atrial appendage closure to open heart surgery provides protection from ischemic brain injury six years after surgery independently of atrial fibrillation history: the LAACS randomized study.

    PubMed

    Park-Hansen, Jesper; Holme, Susanne J V; Irmukhamedov, Akhmadjon; Carranza, Christian L; Greve, Anders M; Al-Farra, Gina; Riis, Robert G C; Nilsson, Brian; Clausen, Johan S R; Nørskov, Anne S; Kruuse, Christina R; Rostrup, Egill; Dominguez, Helena

    2018-05-23

    Open heart surgery is associated with high occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF), subsequently increasing the risk of post-operative ischemic stroke. Concomitant with open heart surgery, a cardiac ablation procedure is commonly performed in patients with known AF, often followed by left atrial appendage closure with surgery (LAACS). However, the protective effect of LAACS on the risk of cerebral ischemia following cardiac surgery remains controversial. We have studied whether LAACS in addition to open heart surgery protects against post-operative ischemic brain injury regardless of a previous AF diagnosis. One hundred eighty-seven patients scheduled for open heart surgery were enrolled in a prospective, open-label clinical trial and randomized to concomitant LAACS vs. standard care. Randomization was stratified by usage of oral anticoagulation (OAC) planned to last at least 3 months after surgery. The primary endpoint was a composite of post-operative symptomatic ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack or imaging findings of silent cerebral ischemic (SCI) lesions. During a mean follow-up of 3.7 years, 14 (16%) primary events occurred among patients receiving standard surgery vs. 5 (5%) in the group randomized to additional LAACS (hazard ratio 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1-0.8, p = 0.02). In per protocol analysis (n = 141), 14 (18%) primary events occurred in the control group vs. 4 (6%) in the LAACS group (hazard ratio 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1-1.0, p = 0.05). In a real-world setting, LAACS in addition to elective open-heart surgery was associated with lower risk of post-operative ischemic brain injury. The protective effect was not conditional on AF/OAC status at baseline. LAACS study, clinicaltrials.gov NCT02378116 , March 4th 2015, retrospectively registered.

  8. Multinational Experiment 7. Protecting Access to Space: Presentation to Senior Leaders

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-07-08

    Multinational Experiment 7: Outcome 3: Space Access Briefing to SLS 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d...operations Consequence management Ship status during search & rescue Tele-medicine Broadband internet TV signal distribution Satellite radio Rural...military-usage • Significant economic & societal consequences Access to space at risk • Current approach unsustainable • Broad range of threats

  9. Computer Security Systems Enable Access.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Riggen, Gary

    1989-01-01

    A good security system enables access and protects information from damage or tampering, but the most important aspects of a security system aren't technical. A security procedures manual addresses the human element of computer security. (MLW)

  10. 40 CFR 264.34 - Access to communications or alarm system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Access to communications or alarm... FACILITIES Preparedness and Prevention § 264.34 Access to communications or alarm system. (a) Whenever... operation must have immediate access to an internal alarm or emergency communication device, either directly...

  11. Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonism in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Findings From the ORBIT-AF (Outcomes Registry for Better Informed Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation) Registry.

    PubMed

    Fudim, Marat; Liu, Peter R; Shrader, Peter; Blanco, Rosalia G; Allen, Larry A; Fonarow, Gregg C; Gersh, Bernard J; Kowey, Peter R; Mahaffey, Kenneth W; Hylek, Elaine; Go, Alan S; Thomas, Laine; Peterson, Eric D; Piccini, Jonathan P

    2018-04-13

    Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) therapy may be beneficial to patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but little is known about their use in patients with AF and subsequent outcomes. In order to better understand MRA use and subsequent outcomes, we performed a retrospective cohort study of the contemporary ORBIT-AF (Outcomes Registry for Better Informed Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation) registry. AF progression and cardiovascular outcomes were compared using propensity-matched Cox proportional hazards modeling according to MRA use at baseline and new MRA use at follow-up versus patients with no MRA use. Among 7012 patients with nonpermanent AF, 320 patients were taking MRA at enrollment, and 416 patients initiated MRA use during follow-up. The mean patient age was 72.5 years, 56.3% were men, and 70.4% had paroxysmal AF. Among all patients taking MRAs, 434 (59.0%) had heart failure, 655 (89.0%) had hypertension, and 380 (51.6%) had both. After adjustment, new MRA use was not associated with reduced AF progression (hazard ratio, 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-1.58; P =0.27) but showed a trend towards lower risk of stroke, transient ischemic attack, or systemic embolism (hazard ratio, 0.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-1.23; P =0.08). Results were similar for a comparison of new MRA users and baseline MRA users compared with nonusers. In community-based outpatients with AF, the majority of MRA use was for heart failure and hypertension. MRA use also trended towards lower adjusted stroke risk. Future studies should test the hypothesis that MRA use may decrease the risk of stroke in patients with AF. © 2018 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.

  12. An illness-specific version of the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF IPQ-R): Unpacking beliefs about treatment control, personal control and symptom triggers.

    PubMed

    Taylor, Elaina C; O'Neill, Mark; Hughes, Lyndsay D; Moss-Morris, Rona

    2018-04-01

    This study modified the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Qualitative interviews and think-aloud techniques informed modification of the IPQ-R to be specific to AF patients. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) (n = 198) examined the validity of the modified IPQ-R (AF-IPQ-R). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) examined the new AF-triggers scale. Construct validity examined associations between the AF-IPQ-R, quality of life (QoL) and beliefs about medicines. Test-retest and internal reliability were examined. Interviews indicated that patients viewed triggers of AF rather than initial causes of illness as more applicable. Patients believed specific behaviours such as rest could control AF. Treatment control beliefs related to pharmacological and procedural treatments. These data were used to modify the IPQ-R subscales and to develop a triggers of AF scale. CFA indicated good model fit. EFA of the triggers scale indicated three factors: emotional; health behaviours; and over-exertion triggers. Expected correlations were found between the AF-IPQ-R, QoL and treatment beliefs, evidencing good construct validity. The AF-IPQ-R showed sound psychometric properties. It provides more detailed specification than the IPQ-R of beliefs that may help to understand poor QoL in AF patients, and guidance for future interventions in this area.

  13. Impact of acute atrial fibrillation termination and prolongation of atrial fibrillation cycle length on the outcome of ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation: A substudy of the STAR AF II trial.

    PubMed

    Kochhäuser, Simon; Jiang, Chen-Yang; Betts, Timothy R; Chen, Jian; Deisenhofer, Isabel; Mantovan, Roberto; Macle, Laurent; Morillo, Carlos A; Haverkamp, Wilhelm; Weerasooriya, Rukshen; Albenque, Jean-Paul; Nardi, Stefano; Menardi, Endrj; Novak, Paul; Sanders, Prashanthan; Verma, Atul

    2017-04-01

    Controversy exists about the impact of acute atrial fibrillation (AF) termination and prolongation of atrial fibrillation cycle length (AFCL) during ablation on long-term procedural outcome. The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of AF termination and AFCL prolongation on freedom from AF in patients from the STAR AF II (Substrate and Trigger Ablation for Reduction of Atrial Fibrillation Trial-Part II) trial. Acute changes in AFCL and AF termination were collected during the index procedure of the STAR AF II trial and compared to recurrence of AF at 18 months. Recurrence was assessed by ECG, Holter (3, 6, 9, 12, 18 months), and weekly transtelephonic ECG monitoring for 18 months. AF terminated in 8% of the pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) arm, 45% in the PVI+complex electrogram arm, and 22% of the PVI+linear ablation arm (P <.001), but freedom from AF did not differ among the 3 groups (P = .15). Freedom from AF was significantly higher in patients who presented to the laboratory in sinus rhythm (SR) compared to those without AF termination (63% vs 44%, P = .007). Patients with AF termination had an intermediate outcome (53%) that was not significantly different from those in SR (P = .84) or those who did not terminate (P = .08). AF termination was a univariable predictor of success (P = .007), but by multivariable analysis, presence of early SR was the strongest predictor of success (hazard ratio 0.67, P = .004). Prolongation of AFCL was not predictive of 18-month freedom from AF. Acute AF termination and prolongation in AFCL did not consistently predict 18-month freedom from AF. Presence of SR before or early during the ablation was the strongest predictor of better outcome. Copyright © 2016 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Absolutism on Access and Confidentiality: Principled or Irresponsible?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sheerin, William E.

    1991-01-01

    Discusses issues involved in public access to library materials and facilities and patron confidentiality. Topics discussed include children's access to adult materials; parents' right to know about their children's materials; First and Fourth Amendment protections; the Library Bill of Rights; and American Library Association (ALA) documents that…

  15. 13 CFR 102.24 - Requests for access to records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... AND PRIVACY Protection of Privacy and Access to Individual Records Under the Privacy Act of 1974 § 102... guardian of a minor or as the guardian of someone determined by a court to be incompetent, for access to...

  16. 13 CFR 102.24 - Requests for access to records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... AND PRIVACY Protection of Privacy and Access to Individual Records Under the Privacy Act of 1974 § 102... guardian of a minor or as the guardian of someone determined by a court to be incompetent, for access to...

  17. Adiabatic Compression Sensitivity of AF-M315E

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-07-01

    the current work is to expand the knowledge base from previous experiments completed at AFRL for AF-M315E in stainless steel U-tubes at room...addressed, to some degree, with the use of clamps and a large stainless steel plate to dissipate any major vibrations. A large preheated bath of 50:50 v/v...autocatalytic chain decomposition in the propellant. This exothermic decomposition decreases the fume -off initiation temperature of the propellant and its

  18. Fine-Grained Access Control for Electronic Health Record Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hue, Pham Thi Bach; Wohlgemuth, Sven; Echizen, Isao; Thuy, Dong Thi Bich; Thuc, Nguyen Dinh

    There needs to be a strategy for securing the privacy of patients when exchanging health records between various entities over the Internet. Despite the fact that health care providers such as Google Health and Microsoft Corp.'s Health Vault comply with the U.S Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the privacy of patients is still at risk. Several encryption schemes and access control mechanisms have been suggested to protect the disclosure of a patient's health record especially from unauthorized entities. However, by implementing these approaches, data owners are not capable of controlling and protecting the disclosure of the individual sensitive attributes of their health records. This raises the need to adopt a secure mechanism to protect personal information against unauthorized disclosure. Therefore, we propose a new Fine-grained Access Control (FGAC) mechanism that is based on subkeys, which would allow a data owner to further control the access to his data at the column-level. We also propose a new mechanism to efficiently reduce the number of keys maintained by a data owner in cases when the users have different access privileges to different columns of the data being shared.

  19. Induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells by the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase glycoprotein of Newcastle disease virus Malaysian strain AF2240

    PubMed Central

    GHRICI, MOHAMED; EL ZOWALATY, MOHAMED; OMAR, ABDUL RAHMAN; IDERIS, AINI

    2013-01-01

    Newcastle disease virus (NDV) exerts its naturally occurring oncolysis possibly through the induction of apoptosis. We hypothesized that the binding of the virus to the cell via the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) glycoprotein may be sufficient to not only induce apoptosis but to induce a higher apoptosis level than the parental NDV AF2240 virus. NDV AF2240 induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells was analyzed and quantified. In addition, the complete HN gene of NDV strain AF2240 was amplified, sequenced and cloned into the pDisplay eukaryotic expression vector. HN gene expression was first detected at the cell surface membrane of the transfected MCF-7 cells. HN induction of apoptosis in transfected MCF-7 cells was analyzed and quantified. The expression of the HN gene alone was able to induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells but it was a less potent apoptosis inducer compared to the parental NDV AF2240 strain. In conclusion, the NDV AF2240 strain is a more suitable antitumor candidate agent than its recombinant HN gene unless the latter is further improved by additional modifications. PMID:23807159

  20. Induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells by the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase glycoprotein of Newcastle disease virus Malaysian strain AF2240.

    PubMed

    Ghrici, Mohamed; El Zowalaty, Mohamed; Omar, Abdul Rahman; Ideris, Aini

    2013-09-01

    Newcastle disease virus (NDV) exerts its naturally occurring oncolysis possibly through the induction of apoptosis. We hypothesized that the binding of the virus to the cell via the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) glycoprotein may be sufficient to not only induce apoptosis but to induce a higher apoptosis level than the parental NDV AF2240 virus. NDV AF2240 induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells was analyzed and quantified. In addition, the complete HN gene of NDV strain AF2240 was amplified, sequenced and cloned into the pDisplay eukaryotic expression vector. HN gene expression was first detected at the cell surface membrane of the transfected MCF-7 cells. HN induction of apoptosis in transfected MCF-7 cells was analyzed and quantified. The expression of the HN gene alone was able to induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells but it was a less potent apoptosis inducer compared to the parental NDV AF2240 strain. In conclusion, the NDV AF2240 strain is a more suitable antitumor candidate agent than its recombinant HN gene unless the latter is further improved by additional modifications.

  1. 40 CFR 265.34 - Access to communications or alarm system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Access to communications or alarm..., STORAGE, AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES Preparedness and Prevention § 265.34 Access to communications or alarm... involved in the operation must have immediate access to an internal alarm or emergency communication device...

  2. The orbital period of the dwarf nova AF Camelopardalis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Szkody, Paula; Howell, Steve B.

    1989-04-01

    Time-resolved optical spectroscopy of the dwarf nova AF Cam for 4.5 hr during a decline from outburst reveals that the orbital period is relatively long (5-6 hr). CCD photometry at quiescence also supports this finding. This rules out the previously observed 67-76 min modulations (evident in IR photometric measurements at quiescence and optical photometry at outburst) as orbital in nature.

  3. The toxic effects of combined aflatoxins and zearalenone in naturally contaminated diets on laying performance, egg quality and mycotoxins residues in eggs of layers and the protective effect of Bacillus subtilis biodegradation product.

    PubMed

    Jia, Ru; Ma, Qiugang; Fan, Yu; Ji, Cheng; Zhang, Jianyun; Liu, Tao; Zhao, Lihong

    2016-04-01

    The toxic effect of aflatoxins (AF) and zearalenone (ZEA) and their combination on laying performance, egg quality and toxins residues in eggs, as well as the efficacy of Bacillus subtilis biodegradation product (BDP) for ameliorating these effects in layers were evaluated. Layers were submitted to a two phase experiment. The first phase was an intoxication period (18-23 wk) with birds fed 7 (3 × 2 + 1) diets (3 treatments with mycotoxins: AF (123.0 μg/kg), ZEA (260.2 μg/kg), or AF + ZEA (123.0 + 260.2 μg/kg); 2 treatments with or without BDP (1000 g/t); and a control group contained no toxins nor BDP). The next phase was a recovery period (24-29 wk) in which birds were fed a toxin-free diet. In the intoxication period, AF and AF + ZEA groups exhibited lower egg production, feed intake and shell thickness, and higher AFB1, AFB2 and AFM1 residues as compared with the control group. In addition, AF and ZEA exerted synergistic effects on egg production and feed intake. Moreover, AF alone or combined with ZEA had a continuous toxic effect on laying performance in the recovery phase. Addition of BDP offset these negative effects, showing that BDP has a protective effect on layers fed contaminated diets. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. 5 CFR 1207.150 - Program accessibility: Existing facilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... facilities. 1207.150 Section 1207.150 Administrative Personnel MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD ORGANIZATION... CONDUCTED BY THE MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD § 1207.150 Program accessibility: Existing facilities. (a) General. The agency shall operate each program or activity so that the program or activity, when viewed in...

  5. Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation patients in Poland and other European countries: insights from the GARFIELD-AF registry.

    PubMed

    Stępińska, Janina; Kremis, Elżbieta; Konopka, Anna; Wożakowska-Kapłon, Beata; Ruszkowski, Piotr; Kukla, Piotr; Kayani, Gloria

    2016-01-01

    Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common clinically-significant arrhythmia in the adult population, and it is a strong independent risk factor for cerebrovascular accidents. Patients with non-valvular AF are five times more likely to suffer a stroke. Despite the clear recommendations for anticoagulant therapy, many clinicians are still reluctant to provide routine oral anticoagulation to patients with AF, despite the potential clinical benefits. To compare Polish and European populations of patients with AF and the every-day practice of stroke prevention in Poland and in the rest of Europe. We analysed the baseline data from the two first cohorts of patients enrolled in the GARFIELD-AF registry (an ongoing prospective, multicentre, international registry of patients newly diagnosed with AF) in Poland and in the rest of Europe. Polish AF patients are generally younger (median age 67 years in both cohorts vs. 73 in cohort 1 in the rest of Europe and 72 in cohort 2), but they carry a burden of more concomitant diseases. There are some noticeable differences in stroke prevention between Poland and the rest of Europe. The use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) is generally higher in other European countries in both cohorts (in Poland 41.7% in cohort 1 and 36.9% in cohort 2 vs. 55.5% in cohort 1 and 41.9% in cohort 2 in the rest of Europe). Meanwhile, it is generally more common in Poland to treat patients with both VKAs and antiplatelets (in cohort 1 20.4% of patients in Poland received vs. 12.0% in the rest of Europe). A total of 5.6% of patients in cohort 1 in Poland receive no antithrombotic treatment (it means: no VKA, oral factor Xa or thrombin inhibitors, antiplatelets), meanwhile in other countries it amounts to 8.5%. The usage of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants is growing in Poland similarly to the other European countries. The GARFIELD-AF registry data shows how distant everyday clinical practice is from the guidelines. It shows that still in Poland, as well

  6. A Detailed Study of Advection Sea Fog Formation to Reduce the Operational Impacts Along the Northern Gulf of Mexico

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-03-01

    From Mid-Air Collision Avoidance Pilot Education Program, Tyndall Air Force Base. http://www.tyndall.af.mil/ MACA /moamap.pdf Accessed 10 September...Collision Avoidance Pilot Education Program, Tyndall Air Force Base. http://www.tyndall.af.mil/ MACA /moamap.pdf Accessed 10 September 2006). 5...cited 2006: Tyndall Air Force Base. [Available online at http://www.tyndall.af.mil/ MACA /moamap.pdf]. Accessed 25 September 2006. Mid-Air Collision

  7. Assessment of Remote Heart Rhythm Sampling Using the AliveCor Heart Monitor to Screen for Atrial Fibrillation: The REHEARSE-AF Study.

    PubMed

    Halcox, Julian P J; Wareham, Kathie; Cardew, Antonia; Gilmore, Mark; Barry, James P; Phillips, Ceri; Gravenor, Michael B

    2017-11-07

    Asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasingly common in the aging population and implicated in many ischemic strokes. Earlier identification of AF with appropriate anticoagulation may decrease stroke morbidity and mortality. We conducted a randomized controlled trial of AF screening using an AliveCor Kardia monitor attached to a WiFi-enabled iPod to obtain ECGs (iECGs) in ambulatory patients. Patients ≥65 years of age with a CHADS-VASc score ≥2 free from AF were randomized to the iECG arm or routine care (RC). iECG participants acquired iECGs twice weekly over 12 months (plus additional iECGs if symptomatic) onto a secure study server with overread by an automated AF detection algorithm and by a cardiac physiologist and/or consultant cardiologist. Time to diagnosis of AF was the primary outcome measure. The overall cost of the devices, ECG interpretation, and patient management were captured and used to generate the cost per AF diagnosis in iECG patients. Clinical events and patient attitudes/experience were also evaluated. We studied 1001 patients (500 iECG, 501 RC) who were 72.6±5.4 years of age; 534 were female. Mean CHADS-VASc score was 3.0 (heart failure, 1.4%; hypertension, 54%; diabetes mellitus, 30%; prior stroke/transient ischemic attack, 6.5%; arterial disease, 15.9%; all CHADS-VASc risk factors were evenly distributed between groups). Nineteen patients in the iECG group were diagnosed with AF over the 12-month study period versus 5 in the RC arm (hazard ratio, 3.9; 95% confidence interval=1.4-10.4; P =0.007) at a cost per AF diagnosis of $10 780 (£8255). There was a similar number of stroke/transient ischemic attack/systemic embolic events (6 versus 10, iECG versus RC; hazard ratio=0.61; 95% confidence interval=0.22-1.69; P =0.34). The majority of iECG patients were satisfied with the device, finding it easy to use without restricting activities or causing anxiety. Screening with twice-weekly single-lead iECG with remote interpretation in

  8. Aft Skirt Move from Hangar AF to BFF

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2016-09-08

    The left hand aft skirt for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket arrives at the Booster Fabrication Facility at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, from the Hangar AF facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The space shuttle-era aft skirt, was inspected, resurfaced, primed and painted for use on the left hand booster of the SLS rocket for Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1). NASA is preparing for EM-1, deep-space missions, and the journey to Mars.

  9. "If he could speak, he would be able to point out who does those things to him": Experiences of violence and access to child protection among children with disabilities in Uganda and Malawi.

    PubMed

    Banks, Lena Morgon; Kelly, Susan A; Kyegombe, Nambusi; Kuper, Hannah; Devries, Karen

    2017-01-01

    There is growing evidence that children with disabilities face an increased risk of violence globally. While child protection mechanisms to prevent and respond to violence-including formal government systems and more informal programmes and activities run by local communities or NGOs-are slowly becoming operationalised in low- and- middle-income countries, little is known about whether existing mechanisms are disability-inclusive. The aim of this study is to provide a better understanding of children with disabilities' experiences of violence and their access to available child protection mechanisms in low resource settings. This study was conducted in Kasungu and Mulanje districts in Malawi and Kamuli district in Uganda between October-December 2015. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with approximately 20 purposively selected child/caregiver pairs in each country (43 pairs total). Interviews with key informants involved in the provision of child protection and disability support were also conducted. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and coded in NVivo. Thematic Analysis, complemented by constant comparison as described in Grounded Theory, was used to analyse the data. Almost all children with disabilities reported experiencing violence, with verbal abuse and bullying the most common forms. Very few of these children sought recourse through available child protection mechanisms. Some of the key factors impeding access to child protection for children with disabilities included: lack of local government disability-inclusive planning and budgeting; centralization of limited disability and social protection services; financial barriers to seeking and receiving care; and stigma and negative attitudes toward disabilities. Children with disabilities face both high levels of violence and high barriers to accessing available child protection mechanisms. There is an urgent need to ensure that all efforts to prevent and respond to violence against

  10. AF presents fiscal year 2017 budget > U.S. Air Force > Article Display

    Science.gov Websites

    Speeches Archive Former AF Top 3 Viewpoints and Speeches Air Force Warrior Games 2017 Events 2018 Air Force Strategic Documents Desert Storm 25th Anniversary Observances DoD Warrior Games Portraits in Courage

  11. 28. Site Plan: AF Station P67, Fort Custer, Michigan, Plot ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    28. Site Plan: AF Station P-67, Fort Custer, Michigan, Plot Plan (to accompany FY 1956 project planning report), USACOE, 22 July 1954. - Fort Custer Military Reservation, P-67 Radar Station, .25 mile north of Dickman Road, east of Clark Road, Battle Creek, Calhoun County, MI

  12. Response of Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like ammonia oxidizers to changes in temperature, soil moisture content, and fertilizer concentration.

    PubMed

    Avrahami, Sharon; Bohannan, Brendan J M

    2007-02-01

    Very little is known regarding the ecology of Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like bacteria, a unique group of ammonia oxidizers within the Betaproteobacteria. We studied the response of Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like ammonia oxidizers to changing environmental conditions by applying molecular methods and physiological measurements to Californian grassland soil manipulated in the laboratory. This soil is naturally high in Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like bacteria relative to the much-better-studied Nitrosospira multiformis-like ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. Increases in temperature, soil moisture, and fertilizer interacted to reduce the relative abundance of Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like bacteria, although they remained numerically dominant. The overall abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria increased with increasing soil moisture and decreased with increasing temperature. Potential nitrification activity was altered by interactions among temperature, soil moisture, and fertilizer, with activity tending to be higher when soil moisture and temperature were increased. The increase in potential nitrification activity with increased temperature was surprising, given that the overall abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria decreased significantly under these conditions. This observation suggests that (i) Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like bacteria may respond to increased temperature with an increase in activity, despite a decrease in abundance, or (ii) that potential nitrification activity in these soils may be due to organisms other than bacteria (e.g., archaeal ammonia oxidizers), at least under conditions of increased temperature.

  13. Response of Nitrosospira sp. Strain AF-Like Ammonia Oxidizers to Changes in Temperature, Soil Moisture Content, and Fertilizer Concentration▿

    PubMed Central

    Avrahami, Sharon; Bohannan, Brendan J. M.

    2007-01-01

    Very little is known regarding the ecology of Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like bacteria, a unique group of ammonia oxidizers within the Betaproteobacteria. We studied the response of Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like ammonia oxidizers to changing environmental conditions by applying molecular methods and physiological measurements to Californian grassland soil manipulated in the laboratory. This soil is naturally high in Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like bacteria relative to the much-better-studied Nitrosospira multiformis-like ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. Increases in temperature, soil moisture, and fertilizer interacted to reduce the relative abundance of Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like bacteria, although they remained numerically dominant. The overall abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria increased with increasing soil moisture and decreased with increasing temperature. Potential nitrification activity was altered by interactions among temperature, soil moisture, and fertilizer, with activity tending to be higher when soil moisture and temperature were increased. The increase in potential nitrification activity with increased temperature was surprising, given that the overall abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria decreased significantly under these conditions. This observation suggests that (i) Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like bacteria may respond to increased temperature with an increase in activity, despite a decrease in abundance, or (ii) that potential nitrification activity in these soils may be due to organisms other than bacteria (e.g., archaeal ammonia oxidizers), at least under conditions of increased temperature. PMID:17158615

  14. Common data model for natural language processing based on two existing standard information models: CDA+GrAF.

    PubMed

    Meystre, Stéphane M; Lee, Sanghoon; Jung, Chai Young; Chevrier, Raphaël D

    2012-08-01

    An increasing need for collaboration and resources sharing in the Natural Language Processing (NLP) research and development community motivates efforts to create and share a common data model and a common terminology for all information annotated and extracted from clinical text. We have combined two existing standards: the HL7 Clinical Document Architecture (CDA), and the ISO Graph Annotation Format (GrAF; in development), to develop such a data model entitled "CDA+GrAF". We experimented with several methods to combine these existing standards, and eventually selected a method wrapping separate CDA and GrAF parts in a common standoff annotation (i.e., separate from the annotated text) XML document. Two use cases, clinical document sections, and the 2010 i2b2/VA NLP Challenge (i.e., problems, tests, and treatments, with their assertions and relations), were used to create examples of such standoff annotation documents, and were successfully validated with the XML schemata provided with both standards. We developed a tool to automatically translate annotation documents from the 2010 i2b2/VA NLP Challenge format to GrAF, and automatically generated 50 annotation documents using this tool, all successfully validated. Finally, we adapted the XSL stylesheet provided with HL7 CDA to allow viewing annotation XML documents in a web browser, and plan to adapt existing tools for translating annotation documents between CDA+GrAF and the UIMA and GATE frameworks. This common data model may ease directly comparing NLP tools and applications, combining their output, transforming and "translating" annotations between different NLP applications, and eventually "plug-and-play" of different modules in NLP applications. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Individuals with Access and Functional Needs

    MedlinePlus

    ... online tool helps people locate and access their electronic health records from a variety of sources. Plan ... Social Security or other regular benefits, switching to electronic payments is a simple, significant way to protect ...

  16. endAFS, a novel family E endoglucanase gene from Fibrobacter succinogenes AR1.

    PubMed Central

    Cavicchioli, R; East, P D; Watson, K

    1991-01-01

    The complete nucleotide sequence of endAFS, an endoglucanase gene isolated from the ruminal anaerobe Fibrobacter succinogenes AR1, was determined. endAFS encodes two overlapping open reading frames (ORF1 and ORF2), and it was proposed that a -1 ribosomal frameshift was required to allow contiguous synthesis of a 453-amino-acid endoglucanase. A proline- and threonine-rich region at the C terminus of ORF1 and rare codons for arginine and threonine were coincident with the proposed frameshift site. ENDAFS is proposed to be a member of subgroup 1 of family E endoglucanases, of which endoglucanases from Thermomonospora fusca and Persea americana (avocado) are also members. Endoglucanases from Clostridium thermocellum and Pseudomonas fluorescens form subgroup 2. Images PMID:1708767

  17. Microenvironment Determines Lineage Fate in a Human Model of MLL-AF9 Leukemia

    PubMed Central

    Wei, Junping; Wunderlich, Mark; Fox, Catherine; Alvarez, Sara; Cigudosa, Juan C.; Wilhelm, Jamie S.; Zheng, Yi; Cancelas, Jose A.; Gu, Yi; Jansen, Michael; DiMartino, Jorge F.; Mulloy, James C.

    2008-01-01

    Summary Faithful modeling of mixed lineage leukemia in murine cells has been difficult to achieve. We show that expression of MLL-AF9 in human CD34+ cells induces acute myeloid, lymphoid or mixed lineage leukemia in immunodeficient mice. Some leukemia stem cells (LSC) were multipotent and could be lineage directed by altering either the growth factors or the recipient strain of mouse, highlighting the importance of microenviromental cues. Other LSC were strictly lineage committed, demonstrating the heterogeneity of the stem cell compartment in MLL disease. Targeting the Rac signaling pathway by pharmacologic or genetic means resulted in rapid and specific apoptosis of MLL-AF9 cells, suggesting that the Rac signaling pathway may be a valid therapeutic target in MLL-rearranged AML. PMID:18538732

  18. Mineral access status of the federal lands

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sowell, E.

    1983-01-01

    Tables summarize the legal status of federal lands with respect to access for oil and gas exploration and production and a state-by-state description of the acreage formally withdrawn from the operation of the mineral leasing laws. There is likely some overlap between land currently under lease and that which is formally withdrawn because of pre-existing rights, a situation which also exists with land pending wilderness designation. The report examines various types of withdrawal authority: general; for the conservation of minerals; for scenic, historic, or recreational values; to protect fish and wildlife; to protect wild and natural areas; for military uses;more » for multiple use; and lands under lease. The paper concludes that closure of land to mineral leasing has made access to a large portion of federal land impossible. Until information is available on the extent of oil and gas resources, the true significance of the access status will remain unknown. 22 tables.« less

  19. Yield of atrial fibrillation detection with Textile Wearable Holter from the acute phase of stroke: Pilot study of Crypto-AF registry.

    PubMed

    Pagola, Jorge; Juega, Jesus; Francisco-Pascual, Jaume; Moya, Angel; Sanchis, Mireia; Bustamante, Alejandro; Penalba, Anna; Usero, Maria; Cortijo, Elisa; Arenillas, Juan F; Calleja, Ana I; Sandin-Fuentes, Maria; Rubio, Jeronimo; Mancha, Fernando; Escudero-Martinez, Irene; Moniche, Francisco; de Torres, Reyes; Pérez-Sánchez, Soledad; González-Matos, Carlos E; Vega, Ángela; Pedrote, Alonso A; Arana-Rueda, Eduardo; Montaner, Joan; Molina, Carlos A

    2018-01-15

    We describe the feasibility of monitoring with a Textile Wearable Holter (TWH) in patients included in Crypto AF registry. We monitored cryptogenic stroke patients from stroke onset (<3days) continuously during 28days. We employed a TWH composed by a garment and a recorder. We compared two garments (Lead and Vest) to assess rate of undiagnosed Atrial Fibrillation (AF) detection, monitoring compliance, comfortability (1 to 5 points), skin lesions, and time analyzed. We describe the timing of AF detection in three periods (0-3, 4-15 and 16-28days). The rate of undiagnosed AF detection with TWH was 21.9% (32 out of 146 patients who completed the monitoring). Global time compliance was 90% of the time expected (583/644h). The level of comfortability was 4 points (IQR 3-5). We detected reversible skin lesions in 5.47% (8/146). The comfortability was similar but time compliance (in hours) was longer in Vest group 591 (IQR [521-639]) vs. Lead 566 (IQR [397-620]) (p=0.025). Also, time analyzed was more prolonged in Vest group 497 (IQR [419-557]) vs. Lead (336h (IQR [140-520]) (p=0.001)). The incidence of AF increases from 5.6% (at 3days) to 17.5% (at 15th day) and up to 20.9% (at 28th day). The percentage of AF episodes detected only in each period was 12.5% (0-3days); 21.7% (4-15days) and 19% (16-28days). 28days Holter monitoring from the acute phase of the stroke was feasible with TWH. Following our protocol, only five patients were needed to screen to detected one case of AF. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. AF-2364 [1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carbohydrazide] is a potential male contraceptive: a review of recent data.

    PubMed

    Cheng, C Yan; Mruk, Dolores; Silvestrini, Bruno; Bonanomi, Michele; Wong, Ching-Hang; Siu, Michelle K Y; Lee, Nikki P Y; Lui, Wing-Yee; Mo, Meng-Yun

    2005-10-01

    Earlier studies have shown that 1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carbohydrazide (AF-2364) is a potential male contraceptive when administered orally to adult Sprague-Dawley rats. This compound induces reversible germ cell loss from the seminiferous epithelium by disrupting cell adhesion function between Sertoli and germ cells, in particular, elongating/elongate/round spermatids and spermatocytes but not spermatogonia. Thus, this event is accompanied by a transient loss of fertility in treated rats. Once the drug is metabolically cleared, the remaining spermatogonia can begin repopulating the epithelium, and fertility bounces back. In this review, we summarize recent findings regarding the possible use of this drug for male contraception and its mechanism of action in the rat testis. We also provide an update on the efficacy results of using different treatment regimens in adult rats where AF-2364 was administered by gavage vs. intraperitoneal and intramuscular administration. These results have clearly indicated that AF-2364 is indeed a reversible male contraceptive. Furthermore, the tissue distribution in multiple organs and biological fluids using [3H]-AF-2364 is also reviewed. These data have clearly illustrated the low bioavailability of AF-2364 in rats and that this compound is not specifically taken up by any organs including the testis or the epididymis. These summaries are helpful to investigators in the field who seek to understand the molecular mechanism of action of AF-2364 in the rat testis and to explore its possible use for male contraception.

  1. Deciphering KRAS and NRAS mutated clone dynamics in MLL-AF4 paediatric leukaemia by ultra deep sequencing analysis.

    PubMed

    Trentin, Luca; Bresolin, Silvia; Giarin, Emanuela; Bardini, Michela; Serafin, Valentina; Accordi, Benedetta; Fais, Franco; Tenca, Claudya; De Lorenzo, Paola; Valsecchi, Maria Grazia; Cazzaniga, Giovanni; Kronnie, Geertruy Te; Basso, Giuseppe

    2016-10-04

    To induce and sustain the leukaemogenic process, MLL-AF4+ leukaemia seems to require very few genetic alterations in addition to the fusion gene itself. Studies of infant and paediatric patients with MLL-AF4+ B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (BCP-ALL) have reported mutations in KRAS and NRAS with incidences ranging from 25 to 50%. Whereas previous studies employed Sanger sequencing, here we used next generation amplicon deep sequencing for in depth evaluation of RAS mutations in 36 paediatric patients at diagnosis of MLL-AF4+ leukaemia. RAS mutations including those in small sub-clones were detected in 63.9% of patients. Furthermore, the mutational analysis of 17 paired samples at diagnosis and relapse revealed complex RAS clone dynamics and showed that the mutated clones present at relapse were almost all originated from clones that were already detectable at diagnosis and survived to the initial therapy. Finally, we showed that mutated patients were indeed characterized by a RAS related signature at both transcriptional and protein levels and that the targeting of the RAS pathway could be of beneficial for treatment of MLL-AF4+ BCP-ALL clones carrying somatic RAS mutations.

  2. 40 CFR 1400.5 - Internet access to certain off-site consequence analysis data elements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... UNDER THE CLEAN AIR ACT SECTION 112(r)(7); DISTRIBUTION OF OFF-SITE CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION OF OFF-SITE CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS INFORMATION Public Access § 1400.5 Internet access to certain off... consequence analysis data elements. 1400.5 Section 1400.5 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION...

  3. 40 CFR 1400.5 - Internet access to certain off-site consequence analysis data elements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... UNDER THE CLEAN AIR ACT SECTION 112(r)(7); DISTRIBUTION OF OFF-SITE CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION OF OFF-SITE CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS INFORMATION Public Access § 1400.5 Internet access to certain off... consequence analysis data elements. 1400.5 Section 1400.5 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION...

  4. 40 CFR 1400.5 - Internet access to certain off-site consequence analysis data elements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... UNDER THE CLEAN AIR ACT SECTION 112(r)(7); DISTRIBUTION OF OFF-SITE CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION OF OFF-SITE CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS INFORMATION Public Access § 1400.5 Internet access to certain off... consequence analysis data elements. 1400.5 Section 1400.5 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION...

  5. 40 CFR 7.65 - Accessibility.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... RECEIVING FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Discrimination Prohibited on the Basis of Handicap § 7.65 Accessibility. (a) General. A recipient shall operate each program or activity... usable by handicapped persons. This paragraph does not: (1) Necessarily require a recipient to make each...

  6. 40 CFR 7.65 - Accessibility.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... RECEIVING FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Discrimination Prohibited on the Basis of Handicap § 7.65 Accessibility. (a) General. A recipient shall operate each program or activity... usable by handicapped persons. This paragraph does not: (1) Necessarily require a recipient to make each...

  7. 40 CFR 7.65 - Accessibility.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... RECEIVING FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Discrimination Prohibited on the Basis of Handicap § 7.65 Accessibility. (a) General. A recipient shall operate each program or activity... usable by handicapped persons. This paragraph does not: (1) Necessarily require a recipient to make each...

  8. 40 CFR 7.65 - Accessibility.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... RECEIVING FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Discrimination Prohibited on the Basis of Handicap § 7.65 Accessibility. (a) General. A recipient shall operate each program or activity... usable by handicapped persons. This paragraph does not: (1) Necessarily require a recipient to make each...

  9. 40 CFR 7.65 - Accessibility.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... RECEIVING FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Discrimination Prohibited on the Basis of Handicap § 7.65 Accessibility. (a) General. A recipient shall operate each program or activity... usable by handicapped persons. This paragraph does not: (1) Necessarily require a recipient to make each...

  10. The modified stepwise ablation guided by low-dose ibutilide in chronic atrial fibrillation trial (The MAGIC-AF Study).

    PubMed

    Singh, Sheldon M; d'Avila, Andre; Kim, Young-Hoon; Aryana, Arash; Mangrum, J Michael; Michaud, Gregory F; Dukkipati, Srinivas R; Barrett, Conor D; Heist, E Kevin; Parides, Michael K; Thorpe, Kevin E; Reddy, Vivek Y

    2016-05-21

    Complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) are targeted during persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. However, many CFAE sites are non-specific resulting in extensive ablation. Ibutilide has been shown to reduce left atrial surface area exhibiting CFAE. We hypothesized that ibutilide administration prior to CFAE ablation would identify sites critical for persistent AF maintenance allowing for improved procedural efficacy and long-term freedom from atrial arrhythmias. Two hundred patients undergoing a first-ever persistent AF catheter ablation procedure were randomly assigned to receive either 0.25 mg of intravenous ibutilide or saline placebo upon completion of pulmonary vein isolation. Complex fractionated atrial electrogram sites were then targeted with ablation. The primary efficacy endpoint was the 1-year single procedure freedom from atrial arrhythmia off anti-arrhythmic drugs. Similar procedural characteristics (procedure, fluoroscopy, and ablation times) were observed with both strategies despite a greater reduction in left atrial surface area with CFAE sites (8 vs. 1%, P < 0.0001) and AF termination during CFAE ablation with ibutilide compared with placebo (75 vs. 57%, P = 0.007). The primary efficacy endpoint was achieved in 56% of patients receiving ibutilide and 49% receiving placebo (P = 0.35). No significant differences in peri-procedural complications were observed in both groups. Despite a reduction in CFAE area and greater AF termination during CFAE ablation, procedural characteristics and clinical outcomes were unchanged when CFAE ablation was guided by ibutilide administration. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01014741. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2016. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  11. VizieR Online Data Catalog: Algol-type binaries. VIII. DI Peg & AF Gem (Yang+, 2014)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Y.-G.; Yang, Y.; Li, S.-Z.

    2014-10-01

    In the 2012-2013 observing season, DI Peg and AF Gem were observed using the 60cm telescope and the 85cm telescope at Xinglong station (XLs) of National Astronomical Observatories of Chinese (NAOC). The standard Johnson-Cousins UBVRcIc photometric systems were mounted upon two small telescopes. On five consecutive nights from 2012 October 9 to 13, the multi-color photometry of DI Peg was made with the 60cm telescope. The other variable star, AF Gem, was observed using the 85cm telescope on 7 nights from 2013 January 1 to 7. (5 data files).

  12. Protection method for an optical information carrier

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pitsyuga, Vitaly V.; Kolesnikov, Michael Y.; Kosyak, Igor V.

    1997-02-01

    Now information protection on personal carriers (for example, cards) from an unauthorized access (UA) is a very important problem in connection with wide introduction of proper automatic systems for information processing in different spheres of human activity. These are financial, medical and information services, an access to restricted units and so on. There is proposed to use physical parameters of the special coating part (so-called restricted zone) to information protection on optical carriers (laser cards). There is formed restricted zone on the surface of the recording coating of a laser card. The unique information about every laser card to creating a protective passport from UA is obtained by readout of defects parameters.

  13. Feasibility of asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation as a method for detecting protective antigen by direct recognition of size-increased target-captured nanoprobes.

    PubMed

    Shin, Kayeong; Choi, Jaeyeong; Cho, Jun-Haeng; Yoon, Moon-Young; Lee, Seungho; Chung, Hoeil

    2015-11-27

    Asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) was evaluated as a potential analytical method for detection of a protective antigen (PA), an Anthrax biomarker. The scheme was based on the recognition of altered AF4 retention through the generation of the size-increased Au nanoparticle probes as a result of PA binding, in which a PA-selective peptide was conjugated on the probe surface. In the visible absorption-based AF4 fractograms, the band position shifted to a longer retention time as the PA concentration increased due to the presence of probe bound with PAs. The shift was insignificant when the concentration was relatively low at 84.3pM. To improve sensitivity, two separate probes conjugated with two different peptides able to bind on different PA epitopes were used together. The band shift then became distinguishable even at 84.3pM of PA sample. The formation of larger PA-probe inter-connected species using the dual-probe system was responsible for the enhanced band shift. In parallel, the feasibility of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) as a potential AF4 detection method was also evaluated. In the off-line SERS fractogram constructed using fractions collected during AF4 separation, a band shift was also observed for the 84.3pM PA sample, and the band intensity was higher when using the dual-probe system. The combination of AF4 and SERS is promising for the detection of PA and will become a potential tool if the reproducibility of SERS measurement is improved. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. “If he could speak, he would be able to point out who does those things to him”: Experiences of violence and access to child protection among children with disabilities in Uganda and Malawi

    PubMed Central

    Kyegombe, Nambusi; Kuper, Hannah; Devries, Karen

    2017-01-01

    Introduction There is growing evidence that children with disabilities face an increased risk of violence globally. While child protection mechanisms to prevent and respond to violence–including formal government systems and more informal programmes and activities run by local communities or NGOs–are slowly becoming operationalised in low- and- middle-income countries, little is known about whether existing mechanisms are disability-inclusive. The aim of this study is to provide a better understanding of children with disabilities’ experiences of violence and their access to available child protection mechanisms in low resource settings. Methods This study was conducted in Kasungu and Mulanje districts in Malawi and Kamuli district in Uganda between October-December 2015. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with approximately 20 purposively selected child/caregiver pairs in each country (43 pairs total). Interviews with key informants involved in the provision of child protection and disability support were also conducted. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and coded in NVivo. Thematic Analysis, complemented by constant comparison as described in Grounded Theory, was used to analyse the data. Results Almost all children with disabilities reported experiencing violence, with verbal abuse and bullying the most common forms. Very few of these children sought recourse through available child protection mechanisms. Some of the key factors impeding access to child protection for children with disabilities included: lack of local government disability-inclusive planning and budgeting; centralization of limited disability and social protection services; financial barriers to seeking and receiving care; and stigma and negative attitudes toward disabilities. Conclusion Children with disabilities face both high levels of violence and high barriers to accessing available child protection mechanisms. There is an urgent need to ensure that all

  15. Decreased Mortality With Beta-Blockers in Patients With Heart Failure and Coexisting Atrial Fibrillation: An AF-CHF Substudy.

    PubMed

    Cadrin-Tourigny, Julia; Shohoudi, Azadeh; Roy, Denis; Talajic, Mario; Tadros, Rafik; Mondésert, Blandine; Dyrda, Katia; Rivard, Léna; Andrade, Jason G; Macle, Laurent; Guerra, Peter G; Thibault, Bernard; Dubuc, Marc; Khairy, Paul

    2017-02-01

    The impact of beta-blockers on mortality and hospitalizations was assessed in the largest randomized trial of patients with both atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF): the Atrial Fibrillation-Congestive Heart Failure trial. Although beta-blockers are the cornerstone of therapy for HFrEF, a recent patient-level meta-analysis cast doubt on their efficacy in patients with coexisting AF. From a total of 1,376 subjects randomized in the AF-CHF trial, those without beta-blockers at baseline were propensity matched to a maximum of 2 exposed patients. All absolute standardized differences after matching were ≤10%. Primary analyses respected the intention-to-treat principle. In on-treatment sensitivity analyses, beta-blocker status was modeled as a time-dependent covariate. Baseline characteristics were comparable among the matched cohorts (mean age 70 ± 11 years, 81% male, and mean left ventricular ejection fraction 27 ± 6%). During a median follow-up of 37 months, beta-blockers were associated with significantly lower all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.721, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.549 to 0.945; p = 0.0180) but not hospitalizations (HR: 0.886; 95% CI: 0.715 to 1.100; p = 0.2232). Similar results were obtained in sensitivity analyses that modeled beta-blockers as a time-dependent variable (HR: 0.668 for all-cause mortality; 95% CI: 0.511 to 0.874; p = 0.0032; HR: 0.814 for hospitalizations; 95% CI: 0.653 to 1.014; p = 0.0658). There were no significant interactions between beta-blockers and patterns (i.e., persistent vs. paroxysmal) or burden of AF with respect to mortality or hospitalizations. In propensity-matched analyses, beta-blockers were associated with significantly lower mortality but not hospitalizations in patients with HFrEF and AF, irrespective of the pattern or burden of AF. These results support current evidence-based recommendations for beta-blockers in patients with HFrEF, whether or not

  16. Characteristics and outcomes of atrial fibrillation patients with or without specific symptoms: results from the PREFER in AF registry.

    PubMed

    Bakhai, Ameet; Darius, Harald; De Caterina, Raffaele; Smart, Angela; Le Heuzey, Jean-Yves; Schilling, Richard John; Zamorano, José Luis; Shah, Mit; Bramlage, Peter; Kirchhof, Paulus

    2016-10-01

    Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common condition that is a major cause of stroke. A significant proportion of patients with AF are not classically symptomatic at diagnosis or soon after diagnosis. There is little information comparing their characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of patients with symptoms, which predominate in clinical trials to those without. We analysed data from the Prevention of Thromboembolic Events-European Registry in Atrial Fibrillation. This was a prospective, real-world registry with a 12-month follow-up that included AF patients aged 18 years and over. Patients were divided into those with and without AF symptoms using the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) score (Category I vs. Categories II-IV). Of the 6196 patients (mean age 72 years) with EHRA scores available, 501 (8.1%) were asymptomatic. A lower proportion of asymptomatic patients was female (22.8 vs. 41.2%), with less noted to have heart failure and coronary artery disease (P < 0.01 for all). There were no differences in terms of the prevalence of diabetes, obesity, or prior stroke. Asymptomatic patients had a lower CHA2DS2-VASc score (2.9 ± 1.7 vs. 3.4 ± 1.8; P < 0.01) and HAS-BLED score (1.8 ± 1.1 vs. 2.1 ± 1.2; P < 0.01). During the 1-year follow-up, adverse events occurred at similar frequencies in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients (1.6 vs. 0.8% for ischaemic stroke; P = 0.061; 1.4 vs. 1.3% for transient ischaemic attack; P = 0.840). Patients with higher CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores experienced more events, independent of symptoms. Antithrombotic therapy was comparable for both groups at baseline and at follow-up. The similar clinical characteristics and frequency of adverse events between asymptomatic and symptomatic AF patients revives the question of whether screening programmes to detect people with asymptomatic AF are worthwhile, particularly in those aged 65 and over potentially likely to have clinical and economic benefits from anticoagulants. This

  17. Finding atrial fibrillation in stroke patients: Randomized evaluation of enhanced and prolonged Holter monitoring--Find-AF(RANDOMISED) --rationale and design.

    PubMed

    Weber-Krüger, Mark; Gelbrich, Götz; Stahrenberg, Raoul; Liman, Jan; Kermer, Pawel; Hamann, Gerhard F; Seegers, Joachim; Gröschel, Klaus; Wachter, Rolf

    2014-10-01

    Detecting paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with ischemic strokes presenting in sinus rhythm is challenging because episodes are often short, occur randomly, and are frequently asymptomatic. If AF is detected, recurrent thromboembolism can be prevented efficiently by oral anticoagulation. Numerous uncontrolled studies using various electrocardiogram (ECG) devices have established that prolonged ECG monitoring increases the yield of AF detection, but most established procedures are time-consuming and costly. The few randomized trials are mostly limited to cryptogenic strokes. The optimal method, duration, and patient selection remain unclear. Repeated prolonged continuous Holter ECG monitoring to detect paroxysmal AF within an unspecific stroke population may prove to be a widely applicable, effective secondary prevention strategy. Find-AFRANDOMISED is a randomized and controlled prospective multicenter trial. Four hundred patients 60 years or older with manifest (symptoms ≥24 hours or acute computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging lesion) and acute (symptoms ≤7 days) ischemic strokes will be included at 4 certified stroke centers in Germany. Those with previously diagnosed AF/flutter, indications/contraindications for oral anticoagulation, or obvious causative blood vessel pathologies will be excluded. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to either enhanced and prolonged Holter ECG monitoring (10 days at baseline and after 3 and 6 months) or standard of care (≥24-hour continuous ECG monitoring, according to current stroke guidelines). All patients will be followed up for at least 12 months. The primary end point is newly detected AF (≥30 seconds) after 6 months, confirmed by an independent adjudication committee. We plan to complete recruitment in autumn 2014. First results can be expected by spring 2016. Copyright © 2014 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Use of Oral Steroid and its Effects on Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence and Inflammatory Cytokines Post Ablation - The Steroid AF Study.

    PubMed

    Iskandar, Sandia; Reddy, Madhu; Afzal, Muhammad R; Rajasingh, Johnson; Atoui, Moustapha; Lavu, Madhav; Atkins, Donita; Bommana, Sudha; Umbarger, Linda; Jaeger, Misty; Pimentel, Rhea; Dendi, Raghuveer; Emert, Martin; Turagam, Mohit; Di Biase, Luigi; Natale, Andrea; Lakkireddy, Dhanunjaya

    2017-01-01

    Use of corticosteroids before and after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation can decrease acute inflammation and reduce AF recurrence. To assess the efficacy of oral prednisone in improving the outcomes of pulmonary vein isolation with radiofrequency ablation and its effect on inflammatory cytokine. A total of 60 patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing radiofrequency ablation were randomized (1:1) to receive either 3 doses of 60 mg daily of oral prednisone or a placebo. Inflammatory cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-1, IL6, IL-8) were measured at baseline, prior to ablation, immediately after ablation, and 24 hours post ablation. Patients underwent 30 day event monitoring at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months post procedure. Immediate post ablation levels of inflammatory cytokines were lower in the steroid group when compared to the placebo group; IL-6: 9.0 ±7 vs 15.8 ±13 p=0.031; IL-8: 10.5 ±9 vs 15.3 ±8; p=0.047 respectively. Acute PV reconnection rates during the procedure (7/23% vs 10/36%; p = 0.39), and RF ablation time (51±13 vs 56±11 min, p = 0.11) trended to be lower in the placebo group than the steroid group. There was no difference in the incidence of early recurrence of AF during the blanking period and freedom from AF off AAD at 12 months between both groups (5/17% vs 8/27%; p = 0.347 and 21/70% vs 18/60%; p=0.417 in placebo and steroid groups respectively). Although oral corticosteroids have significant effect in lowering certain cytokines, it did not impact the clinical outcomes of AF ablation.

  19. Unusual hydrogen bonding patterns in AF (aminofluorene) and AAF (acetylaminofluorene) modified DNA

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Broyde, S.; Hingerty, B.E.; Shapiro, R.

    1989-01-01

    New structures are presented for AF and AAF modified DNAs that place the carcinogen in the minor groove of a B-DNA helix. These structures employ non-Watson-Crick base pairing schemes with syn guanine at the modification site. 32 refs., 9 figs.

  20. Aft Skirt Move from Hangar AF to BFF

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2016-09-08

    The left hand aft skirt for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket arrives at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, from the Hangar AF facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The aft skirt will be transported to the Booster Fabrication Facility. The space shuttle-era aft skirt, was inspected, resurfaced, primed and painted for use on the left hand booster of the SLS rocket for Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1). NASA is preparing for EM-1, deep-space missions, and the journey to Mars.

  1. Aft Skirt Move from Hangar AF to BFF

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2016-09-08

    The left hand aft skirt for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket is transported across the Roy D. Bridges Bridge from the Hangar AF facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, on its way to the Booster Fabrication Facility at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center. The space shuttle-era aft skirt, was inspected, resurfaced, primed and painted for use on the left hand booster of the SLS rocket for Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1). NASA is preparing for EM-1, deep-space missions, and the journey to Mars.

  2. AFS men and women differ most in their lifestyle choices

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Connelly, N.A.; Brown, T.L.; Hardiman, J.M.

    2006-01-01

    The American Fisheries Society sponsored a survey to examine the career development choices of men and women and how they might differ by gender. A random sample of 700 men and 700 women was selected from the AFS membership database. The survey was mailed out in October 2004 and 991 questionnaires were returned for an adjusted response rate of 71%. Some differences exist between men and women in the areas of interest development, education, and employment, but the substantive differences occur in lifestyle choices. Women with a fisheries career are less likely to be married than men, even when age is controlled for, and women who are married are more likely to have dual-career considerations than their male counterparts. Among respondents without dependents in their home during their professional career, twice as many women as men think having children will adversely affect their career. For those with dependents, more than twice as many women as men said they had to put their career "on hold" because of their dependents. While AFS members do not represent all members of the fisheries profession, their experiences shed substantial light on the lifestyle choices likely faced by most members of the profession.

  3. Population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of rivaroxaban in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: results from ROCKET AF.

    PubMed

    Girgis, I G; Patel, M R; Peters, G R; Moore, K T; Mahaffey, K W; Nessel, C C; Halperin, J L; Califf, R M; Fox, K A A; Becker, R C

    2014-08-01

    Two once-daily rivaroxaban dosing regimens were compared with warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation in ROCKET AF: 20 mg for patients with normal/mildly impaired renal function and 15 mg for patients with moderate renal impairment. Rivaroxaban population pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) modeling data from ROCKET AF patients (n = 161) are reported and are used to confirm established rivaroxaban PK and PK/PD models and to re-estimate values of the models' parameters for the current AF population. An oral one-compartment model with first-order absorption adequately described rivaroxaban PK. Age, renal function, and lean body mass influenced the PK model. Prothrombin time and prothrombinase-induced clotting time exhibited a near-linear relationship with rivaroxaban plasma concentration; inhibitory effects were observed through to 24 hours post-dose. Rivaroxaban plasma concentration and factor Xa activity had an inhibitory maximum-effect (Emax ) relationship. Renal function (on prothrombin time; prothrombinase-induced clotting time) and age (on factor Xa activity) had moderate effects on PK/PD models. PK and PK/PD models were shown to be adequate for describing the current dataset. These findings confirm the modeling and empirical results that led to the selection of doses tested against warfarin in ROCKET AF. © 2014, The American College of Clinical Pharmacology.

  4. Trajectory data privacy protection based on differential privacy mechanism

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gu, Ke; Yang, Lihao; Liu, Yongzhi; Liao, Niandong

    2018-05-01

    In this paper, we propose a trajectory data privacy protection scheme based on differential privacy mechanism. In the proposed scheme, the algorithm first selects the protected points from the user’s trajectory data; secondly, the algorithm forms the polygon according to the protected points and the adjacent and high frequent accessed points that are selected from the accessing point database, then the algorithm calculates the polygon centroids; finally, the noises are added to the polygon centroids by the differential privacy method, and the polygon centroids replace the protected points, and then the algorithm constructs and issues the new trajectory data. The experiments show that the running time of the proposed algorithms is fast, the privacy protection of the scheme is effective and the data usability of the scheme is higher.

  5. 19 CFR 122.187 - Revocation or suspension of access.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 19 Customs Duties 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Revocation or suspension of access. 122.187 Section 122.187 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY AIR COMMERCE REGULATIONS Access to Customs Security Areas § 122.187 Revocation or...

  6. 19 CFR 122.187 - Revocation or suspension of access.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 19 Customs Duties 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Revocation or suspension of access. 122.187 Section 122.187 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY AIR COMMERCE REGULATIONS Access to Customs Security Areas § 122.187 Revocation or...

  7. 19 CFR 122.187 - Revocation or suspension of access.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 19 Customs Duties 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Revocation or suspension of access. 122.187 Section 122.187 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY AIR COMMERCE REGULATIONS Access to Customs Security Areas § 122.187 Revocation or...

  8. 19 CFR 122.187 - Revocation or suspension of access.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 19 Customs Duties 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Revocation or suspension of access. 122.187 Section 122.187 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY AIR COMMERCE REGULATIONS Access to Customs Security Areas § 122.187 Revocation or...

  9. 9 CFR 11.5 - Access to premises and records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 9 Animals and Animal Products 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Access to premises and records. 11.5 Section 11.5 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ANIMAL WELFARE HORSE PROTECTION REGULATIONS § 11.5 Access to premises and records. Requirements...

  10. 9 CFR 11.5 - Access to premises and records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 9 Animals and Animal Products 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Access to premises and records. 11.5 Section 11.5 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ANIMAL WELFARE HORSE PROTECTION REGULATIONS § 11.5 Access to premises and records. Requirements...

  11. 9 CFR 11.5 - Access to premises and records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 9 Animals and Animal Products 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Access to premises and records. 11.5 Section 11.5 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ANIMAL WELFARE HORSE PROTECTION REGULATIONS § 11.5 Access to premises and records. Requirements...

  12. 9 CFR 11.5 - Access to premises and records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 9 Animals and Animal Products 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Access to premises and records. 11.5 Section 11.5 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ANIMAL WELFARE HORSE PROTECTION REGULATIONS § 11.5 Access to premises and records. Requirements...

  13. 42 CFR 51.42 - Access to facilities and residents.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO THE PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS PROGRAM Access to... or treatment for individuals with mental illness, and to all areas of the facility which are used by... of an individual with mental illness. (c) In addition to access as prescribed in paragraph (b) of...

  14. 42 CFR 51.42 - Access to facilities and residents.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO THE PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS PROGRAM Access to... or treatment for individuals with mental illness, and to all areas of the facility which are used by... of an individual with mental illness. (c) In addition to access as prescribed in paragraph (b) of...

  15. 42 CFR 51.42 - Access to facilities and residents.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO THE PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS PROGRAM Access to... or treatment for individuals with mental illness, and to all areas of the facility which are used by... of an individual with mental illness. (c) In addition to access as prescribed in paragraph (b) of...

  16. 42 CFR 51.42 - Access to facilities and residents.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO THE PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS PROGRAM Access to... or treatment for individuals with mental illness, and to all areas of the facility which are used by... of an individual with mental illness. (c) In addition to access as prescribed in paragraph (b) of...

  17. The Role of Automatic Indexing in Access Control: A Modular View

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hartson, H. Rex

    1974-01-01

    A model which relates the access control and indexing functions. The model is based on concept protection which allows a practically unbounded number of levels (subsets) of protection without requiring a fixed hierarchy among the levels. This protection is offered independently for each of the user operations allowed. (Author)

  18. Memory protection

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Denning, Peter J.

    1988-01-01

    Accidental overwriting of files or of memory regions belonging to other programs, browsing of personal files by superusers, Trojan horses, and viruses are examples of breakdowns in workstations and personal computers that would be significantly reduced by memory protection. Memory protection is the capability of an operating system and supporting hardware to delimit segments of memory, to control whether segments can be read from or written into, and to confine accesses of a program to its segments alone. The absence of memory protection in many operating systems today is the result of a bias toward a narrow definition of performance as maximum instruction-execution rate. A broader definition, including the time to get the job done, makes clear that cost of recovery from memory interference errors reduces expected performance. The mechanisms of memory protection are well understood, powerful, efficient, and elegant. They add to performance in the broad sense without reducing instruction execution rate.

  19. Access control and privacy in large distributed systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Leiner, B. M.; Bishop, M.

    1986-01-01

    Large scale distributed systems consists of workstations, mainframe computers, supercomputers and other types of servers, all connected by a computer network. These systems are being used in a variety of applications including the support of collaborative scientific research. In such an environment, issues of access control and privacy arise. Access control is required for several reasons, including the protection of sensitive resources and cost control. Privacy is also required for similar reasons, including the protection of a researcher's proprietary results. A possible architecture for integrating available computer and communications security technologies into a system that meet these requirements is described. This architecture is meant as a starting point for discussion, rather that the final answer.

  20. 28 CFR 700.11 - Request for access to records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... OR INFORMATION OF THE OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT COUNSEL Protection of Privacy and Access to Individual Records Under the Privacy Act of 1974 § 700.11 Request for access to records. (a) Procedure for making..., DC 20004. Both the envelope and the request itself should be marked: “Privacy Act Request.” (b...

  1. 28 CFR 700.11 - Request for access to records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... OR INFORMATION OF THE OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT COUNSEL Protection of Privacy and Access to Individual Records Under the Privacy Act of 1974 § 700.11 Request for access to records. (a) Procedure for making..., DC 20004. Both the envelope and the request itself should be marked: “Privacy Act Request.” (b...

  2. Spotlight on unmet needs in stroke prevention: The PIONEER AF-PCI, NAVIGATE ESUS and GALILEO trials.

    PubMed

    Hemmrich, Melanie; Peterson, Eric D; Thomitzek, Karen; Weitz, Jeffrey I

    2016-09-28

    Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major healthcare concern, being associated with an estimated five-fold risk of ischaemic stroke. In patients with AF, anticoagulants reduce stroke risk to a greater extent than acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with ASA plus clopidogrel. Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are now a widely-accepted therapeutic option for stroke prevention in non-valvular AF (NVAF). There are particular patient types with NVAF for whom treatment challenges remain, owing to sparse clinical data, their high-risk nature or a need to harmonise anticoagulant and antiplatelet regimens if co-administered. This article focuses on three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that are investigating the utility of rivaroxaban, a direct, oral, factor Xa inhibitor, in additional areas of stroke prevention where data for anticoagulants are lacking: oPen-label, randomized, controlled, multicentre study explorIng twO treatmeNt stratEgiEs of Rivaroxaban and a dose-adjusted oral vitamin K antagonist treatment (PIONEER AF-PCI); New Approach riVaroxoban Inhibition of factor Xa in a Global trial vs Aspirin to prevenT Embolism in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (NAVIGATE ESUS); and Global study comparing a rivAroxaban-based antithrombotic strategy to an antipLatelet-based strategy after transcatheter aortIc vaLve rEplacement to Optimize clinical outcomes (GALILEO). Data from these studies present collaborative efforts to build upon existing registrational Phase III data for rivaroxaban, driving the need for effective and safe treatment of a wider range of patients for stroke prevention.

  3. Proteins and antibodies in serum, plasma, and whole blood-size characterization using asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4).

    PubMed

    Leeman, Mats; Choi, Jaeyeong; Hansson, Sebastian; Storm, Matilda Ulmius; Nilsson, Lars

    2018-05-29

    The analysis of aggregates of therapeutic proteins is crucial in order to ensure efficacy and patient safety. Typically, the analysis is performed in the finished formulation to ensure that aggregates are not present. An important question is, however, what happens to therapeutic proteins, with regard to oligomerization and aggregation, after they have been administrated (i.e., in the blood). In this paper, the separation of whole blood, plasma, and serum is shown using asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) with a minimum of sample pre-treatment. Furthermore, the analysis and size characterization of a fluorescent antibody in blood plasma using AF4 are demonstrated. The results show the suitability and strength of AF4 for blood analysis and open new important routes for the analysis and characterization of therapeutic proteins in the blood.

  4. The vegetative compatibility group to which the US biocontrol agent Aspergillus flavus AF36 belongs is also endemic to Mexico.

    PubMed

    Ortega-Beltran, A; Grubisha, L C; Callicott, K A; Cotty, P J

    2016-04-01

    To assess frequencies of the Aspergillus flavus atoxigenic vegetative compatibility group (VCG) YV36, to which the biocontrol agent AF36 belongs, in maize-growing regions of Mexico. Over 3500 A. flavus isolates recovered from maize agroecosystems in four states of Mexico during 2005 through 2008 were subjected to vegetative compatibility analyses based on nitrate nonutilizing mutants. Results revealed that 59 (1·6%) isolates belong to VCG YV36. All 59 isolates had the MAT1-2 idiomorph at the mating-type locus and the single nucleotide polymorphism in the polyketide synthase gene that confers atoxigenicity. Additional degradation of the aflatoxin gene cluster was detected in three isolates. Microsatellite loci analyses revealed low levels of genetic diversity and no linkage disequilibrium within VCG YV36. The VCG to which the biocontrol agent AF36 belongs, YV36, is also native to Mexico. The North American Free Trade Agreement should facilitate adoption of AF36 for use by Mexico in aflatoxin prevention programs. An USEPA registered biocontrol agent effective at preventing aflatoxin contamination of crops in the US, is also native to Mexico. This should facilitate the path to registration of AF36 as the first biopesticide for aflatoxin mitigation of maize in Mexico. Economic and health benefits to the population of Mexico should result once aflatoxin mitigation programs based on AF36 applications are implemented. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

  5. Access to health care and social protection.

    PubMed

    Martin, Philippe

    2012-06-01

    In France, the access to healthcare has been conceived as a social right and is mainly managed through the coverage of the population by the National Health Insurance, which is a part of the whole French social security scheme. This system was based on the so-called Bismarckian model, which implies that it requires full employment and solid family links, as the insured persons are the workers and their dependents. This paper examines the typical problems that this system has to face as far as the right to healthcare is concerned. First, it addresses the need to introduce some universal coverage programs, in order to integrate the excluded population. Then, it addresses the issue of financial sustainability as the structural weakness of the French system--in which healthcare is still mainly provided by private practice physicians and governed by the principle of freedom--leads to conceive and implement complex forms of regulations between the State, the Social security institutions and the healthcare providers.

  6. Structure of the Archaeoglobus fulgidus orphan ORF AF1382 determined by sulfur SAD from a moderately diffracting crystal

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhu, Jin-Yi; Fu, Zheng-Qing; Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois

    2012-09-01

    The crystal structure of the 11.14 kDa orphan ORF 1382 from Archaeoglobus fulgidus (AF1382) has been determined by sulfur SAD phasing using data collected from a moderately diffracting crystal and 1.9 Å synchrotron X-rays. The crystal structure of the 11.14 kDa orphan ORF 1382 from Archaeoglobus fulgidus (AF1382) has been determined by sulfur SAD phasing using a moderately diffracting crystal and 1.9 Å wavelength synchrotron X-rays. AF1382 was selected as a structural genomics target by the Southeast Collaboratory for Structural Genomics (SECSG) since sequence analyses showed that it did not belong to the Pfam-A database and thus could represent amore » novel fold. The structure was determined by exploiting longer wavelength X-rays and data redundancy to increase the anomalous signal in the data. AF1382 is a 95-residue protein containing five S atoms associated with four methionine residues and a single cysteine residue that yields a calculated Bijvoet ratio (ΔF{sub anom}/F) of 1.39% for 1.9 Å wavelength X-rays. Coupled with an average Bijvoet redundancy of 25 (two 360° data sets), this produced an excellent electron-density map that allowed 69 of the 95 residues to be automatically fitted. The S-SAD model was then manually completed and refined (R = 23.2%, R{sub free} = 26.8%) to 2.3 Å resolution. High-resolution data were subsequently collected from a better diffracting crystal using 0.97 Å wavelength synchrotron X-rays and the S-SAD model was refined (R = 17.9%, R{sub free} = 21.4%) to 1.85 Å resolution. AF1382 has a winged-helix–turn–helix structure common to many DNA-binding proteins and most closely resembles the N-terminal domain (residues 1–82) of the Rio2 kinase from A. fulgidus, which has been shown to bind DNA, and a number of MarR-family transcriptional regulators, suggesting a similar DNA-binding function for AF1382. The analysis also points out the advantage gained from carrying out data reduction and structure determination on

  7. JMJD6 and U2AF65 co-regulate alternative splicing in both JMJD6 enzymatic activity dependent and independent manner

    PubMed Central

    Yi, Jia; Shen, Hai-Feng; Qiu, Jin-Song; Huang, Ming-Feng; Zhang, Wen-Juan; Ding, Jian-Cheng; Zhu, Xiao-Yan; Zhou, Yu

    2017-01-01

    Abstract JMJD6, a jumonji C (Jmj C) domain-containing protein demethylase and hydroxylase, has been implicated in an array of biological processes. It has been shown that JMJD6 interacts with and hydroxylates multiple serine/arginine-rich (SR) proteins and SR related proteins, including U2AF65, all of which are known to function in alternative splicing regulation. However, whether JMJD6 is widely involved in alternative splicing and the molecular mechanism underlying JMJD6-regulated alternative splicing have remained incompletely understood. Here, by using RASL-Seq, we investigated the functional impact of RNA-dependent interaction between JMJD6 and U2AF65, revealing that JMJD6 and U2AF65 co-regulated a large number of alternative splicing events. We further demonstrated the JMJD6 function in alternative splicing in jmjd6 knockout mice. Mechanistically, we showed that the enzymatic activity of JMJD6 was required for a subset of JMJD6-regulated splicing, and JMJD6-mediated lysine hydroxylation of U2AF65 could account for, at least partially, their co-regulated alternative splicing events, suggesting both JMJD6 enzymatic activity-dependent and independent control of alternative splicing. These findings reveal an intimate link between JMJD6 and U2AF65 in alternative splicing regulation, which has important implications in development and disease processes. PMID:27899633

  8. Use of concomitant aspirin in patients with atrial fibrillation: Findings from the ROCKET AF trial.

    PubMed

    Shah, Rohan; Hellkamp, Anne; Lokhnygina, Yuliya; Becker, Richard C; Berkowitz, Scott D; Breithardt, Günter; Hacke, Werner; Halperin, Jonathan L; Hankey, Graeme J; Fox, Keith A A; Nessel, Christopher C; Mahaffey, Kenneth W; Piccini, Jonathan P; Singer, Daniel E; Patel, Manesh R

    2016-09-01

    We aimed to investigate the relationship between aspirin use and clinical outcomes in patients enrolled in Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibition Compared with Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation (ROCKET AF), in particular, those with known coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients in ROCKET AF, comparing rivaroxaban and warfarin, were analyzed. Aspirin use was assessed at baseline. Stroke and systemic embolism, myocardial infarction, death, and major or nonmajor clinically relevant (NMCR) bleeding were compared between groups. Multivariable modeling was done adjusting for baseline risk factors. A total of 5,205 (36.5%) patients were receiving aspirin at baseline (mean dose 99.2mg); 30.6% of those had known CAD. Patients receiving aspirin were more likely to have prior myocardial infarction (22% vs 14%; P<.001) and heart failure (68% vs 59%; P<.001). Relative efficacy of rivaroxaban versus warfarin was similar with and without aspirin use for both stroke/systemic embolism (P=.95 for interaction), and major or NMCR bleeding (P=.76 for interaction). After adjustment, aspirin use was associated with similar rates of stroke/systemic embolism (hazard ratio [HR] 1.16, 95% CI 0.98-1.37; P=.094) but higher rates of all-cause death (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.13-1.42; P<.0001) and major or NMCR bleeding (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.21-1.43; P<.0001). There was a significant interaction between no CAD at baseline and aspirin for all-cause death (P=.009). Aspirin use at baseline was associated with an increased risk for bleeding and all-cause death in ROCKET AF, a risk most pronounced in patients without known CAD. Although these findings may reflect unmeasured clinical factors, further investigation is warranted to determine optimal aspirin use in patients with AF. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Influence of Environmental Factors on the Production of Penitrems A-F by Penicillium crustosum.

    PubMed

    Kalinina, Svetlana A; Jagels, Annika; Cramer, Benedikt; Geisen, Rolf; Humpf, Hans-Ulrich

    2017-07-01

    Filamentous fungi produce a multitude of secondary metabolites, some of them known as mycotoxins, which are toxic to vertebrates and other animal groups in low concentrations. Among them, penitrems, which belong to the group of indole-diterpene mycotoxins, are synthesized by Penicillium and Aspergillus genera and exhibit potent tremorgenic effects. This is the first complex study of the penitrems A-F production under the influence of different abiotic factors, e.g., media, incubation time, temperature, pH, light, water activity, and carbon and nitrogen source as well as oxidative and salt stress. For this purpose, penitrems A-F were isolated from Penicillium crustosum cultures and used as analytical standards. Among the carbon sources, glucose supplemented to the media at the concentration of 50 g/L, showed the strongest inducing effect on the biosynthesis of penitrems. Among nitrogen sources, glutamate was found to be the most favorable supplement, significantly increasing production of these secondary metabolites. CuSO4-promoted oxidative stress was also shown to remarkably stimulate biosynthesis of all penitrems. In contrast, the salt stress, caused by the elevated concentrations of NaCl, showed an inhibitory effect on the penitrem biosynthesis. Finally, cheese model medium elicited exceptionally high production of all members of the penitrems family. Obtained results give insides into the biosynthesis of toxicologically relevant penitrems A-F under different environmental factors and can be utilized to prevent food contamination.

  10. The utility of outpatient commitment: acute medical care access and protecting health.

    PubMed

    Segal, Steven P; Hayes, Stephania L; Rimes, Lachlan

    2018-06-01

    This study considers whether, in an easy access single-payer health care system, patients placed on outpatient commitment-community treatment orders (CTOs) in Victoria Australia-are more likely to access acute medical care addressing physical illness than voluntary patients with and without severe mental illness. For years 2000 to 2010, the study compared acute medical care access of 27,585  severely mentally ill psychiatrically hospitalized patients (11,424 with and 16,161 without CTO exposure) and 12,229 never psychiatrically hospitalized outpatients (individuals with less morbidity risk as they were not considered to have severe mental illness). Logistic regression was used to determine the influence of the CTO on the likelihood of receiving a diagnosis of physical illness requiring acute care. Validating their shared and elevated morbidity risk, 53% of each hospitalized cohort accessed acute care compared to 32% of outpatients during the decade. While not under mental health system supervision, however, the likelihood that a CTO patient would receive a physical illness diagnosis was 31% lower than for non-CTO patients, and no different from lower morbidity-risk outpatients without severe mental illness. While, under mental health system supervision, the likelihood that CTO patients would receive a physical illness diagnosis was 40% greater than non-CTO patients and 5.02 times more likely than outpatients were. Each CTO episode was associated with a 4.6% increase in the likelihood of a member of the CTO group receiving a diagnosis. Mental health system involvement and CTO supervision appeared to facilitate access to physical health care in acute care settings for patients with severe mental illness, a group that has, in the past, been subject to excess morbidity and mortality.

  11. An Attribute Based Access Control Framework for Healthcare System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Afshar, Majid; Samet, Saeed; Hu, Ting

    2018-01-01

    Nowadays, access control is an indispensable part of the Personal Health Record and supplies for its confidentiality by enforcing policies and rules to ensure that only authorized users gain access to requested resources in the system. In other words, the access control means protecting patient privacy in healthcare systems. Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) is a new access control model that can be used instead of other traditional types of access control such as Discretionary Access Control, Mandatory Access Control, and Role-Based Access Control. During last five years ABAC has shown some applications in both recent academic fields and industry purposes. ABAC by using user’s attributes and resources, makes a decision according to an access request. In this paper, we propose an ABAC framework for healthcare system. We use the engine of ABAC for rendering and enforcing healthcare policies. Moreover, we handle emergency situations in this framework.

  12. Balancing access to participation in research and protection from risks: applying the principle of justice.

    PubMed

    Kiskaddon, Sarah H

    2005-04-01

    The problem for Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) of balancing access to participation in research with protection of research subjects has always been a difficult one. IRBs, charged with applying the "Common Rule," as well as the Belmont Principles, in their review of clinical research, are given little guidance on approaching this problem. This article argues that the third Belmont Principle, the Justice Principle, may provide a useful framework for considering this balance. The changing research environment is discussed in an historical context, and the Justice Principle is considered both in the context of individual rights, as well as the potential benefit to classes of people. The author further suggests that application of the Justice Principle be driven by findings derived from an analysis of the first 2 principles. This feedback model will enable a more formal application of the Justice Principle and less ambiguous, more transparent, decisions regarding the equitable selection of subjects. The author calls for more systematic attention to the Justice Principle by IRBs, and proposes a model that includes incorporating the deliberation of the other Belmont Principles into the Justice Principle.

  13. Structure of the MLL CXXC domain – DNA complex and its functional role in MLL-AF9 leukemia

    PubMed Central

    Cierpicki, Tomasz; Risner, Laurie E.; Grembecka, Jolanta; Lukasik, Stephen M.; Popovic, Relja; Omonkowska, Monika; Shultis, David S.; Zeleznik-Le, Nancy J.; Bushweller, John H.

    2010-01-01

    MLL (Mixed Lineage Leukemia) is the target of chromosomal translocations which cause leukemias with poor prognosis. All leukemogenic MLL fusion proteins retain the CXXC domain which binds to nonmethylated CpG DNA. We present the solution structure of the MLL CXXC domain in complex with DNA, showing for the first time how the CXXC domain distinguishes nonmethylated from methylated CpG DNA. Based on the structure, we designed point mutations which disrupt DNA binding. Introduction of these mutations into MLL-AF9 results in increased DNA methylation of specific CpG nucleotides in Hoxa9, increased H3K9 methylation, decreased expression of Hoxa9 locus transcripts, loss of immortalization potential, and inability to induce leukemia in mice. These results establish that DNA binding by the CXXC domain and protection against DNA methylation is essential for MLL fusion leukemia. They also provide support for this interaction as a potential target for therapeutic intervention. PMID:20010842

  14. The Implementation of Collaborative Learning Using AfL through Giving Feedback Strategy for Improving Students’ Attention to Mathematics Lesson

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kurniasih, R.; Sujadi, I.; Pramesti, G.

    2016-02-01

    This research aims to describe the process of implementation collaborative learning with AfL through giving feedback strategy for improving students’ attention to mathematics lesson. Data which is collected in this research are students’ attention towards learning and students’ achievement. The result of this research showed that the learning steps by using collaborative learning with AfL through giving feedback strategy which can improve students’ attention are: 1) pre activity: the teacher delivers the purpose of the learning, successful criteria, apperception, and motivation. 2) main activity: the teacher gives the background of learning activity, explains learning materials at a glance, divides students discuss, the teacher observes and guides students to the problem solving, present their discussion result, gives feedback, the students do AfL problem and the answer is collected and result will be given before next meeting. 3) post activity: the teacher with students concludes the material. Test result, the percentage of students who complete the examination in the second cycle is 77.27%. Based on those results can be concluded that the implementation of collaborative learning using AfL through giving feedback can improve students’ attention towards learning and students’ achievement of XI IPA Students MA Al-Islam Jamsaren Surakarta academic year 2013/2014.

  15. Effect of morphine-induced antinociception is altered by AF64A-induced lesions on cholinergic neurons in rat nucleus raphe magnus.

    PubMed

    Abe, Kenji; Ishida, Kota; Kato, Masatoshi; Shigenaga, Toshiro; Taguchi, Kyoji; Miyatake, Tadashi

    2002-11-01

    To examine the role of cholinergic neurons in the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) in noxious heat stimulation and in the effects of morphine-induced antinociception by rats. After the cholinergic neuron selective toxin, AF64A, was microinjected into the NRM, we examined changes in the antinociceptive threshold and effects of morphine (5 mg/kg, ip) using the hot-plate (HP) and tail-flick (TF) tests. Systemic administration of morphine inhibited HP and TF responses in control rats. Microinjection of AF64A (2 nmol/site) into the NRM significantly decreased the threshold of HP response after 14 d, whereas the TF response was not affected. Morphine-induced antinociception was significantly attenuated in rats administered AF64A. Extracellular acetylcholine was attenuated after 14 d to below detectable levels in rats given AF64A. Naloxone (1 microg/site) microinjected into control rat NRM also antagonized the antinociceptive effect of systemic morphine. These findings suggest that cholinergic neuron activation in the NRM modulates the antinociceptive effect of morphine simultaneously with the opiate system.

  16. Data protection, privacy.

    PubMed

    La Monaca, G; Schiralli, I

    2010-01-01

    The topic of data protection is referred closely to the concept of privacy--characterized by the American political philosophy in order to indicate a sphere recognized as personal, and therefore private or intimate, of the person, which exclude other individuals or society--whose protection has deep roots in the international right. The technological progress in the field of telecommunication has increased the facility of acquisition and spreading of information, the exchange of data, and the possibility of access to confidential information by other people. This made it made necessary the regulation of the management and the transfer of these information in order to protect individual rights and, on the other hand, an easy circulation of data for legitimate and useful goals.

  17. HPLC-HG-AFS determination of arsenic species in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) plasma and blood cells.

    PubMed

    Guo, Meihua; Wang, Wenjing; Hai, Xin; Zhou, Jin

    2017-10-25

    Arsenic trioxide (ATO) has been successfully used in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). To clarify the arsenic species in APL patients, high performance liquid chromatography-hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HPLC-HG-AFS) and HG-AFS methods were developed and validated to quantify the plasma concentrations of inorganic arsenic (As(III) and As(V)) and methylated metabolites (MMA and DMA), and the total amounts of arsenic in blood cells and plasma. Blood cells and plasma were digested with mixtures of HNO 3 H 2 O 2 and analyzed by HG-AFS. For arsenic speciation, plasma samples were prepared with perchloric acid to precipitate protein. The supernatant was separated on an anion-exchange column within 6min with isocratic elution using 13mM CH 3 COONa, 3mM NaH 2 PO 4 , 4mM KNO 3 and 0.2mM EDTA-2Na. The methods provided linearity range of 0.2-20ng/mL for total arsenic and 2.0-50ng/mL for four arsenic species. The developed methods for total arsenic and arsenic species determination were precise and accurate. The spiked recoveries ranged from 81.2%-108.6% and the coefficients of variation for intra- and inter-batch precision were less than 9.3% and 12.5%, respectively. The developed methods were applied successfully for the assay of total arsenic and arsenic species in 5 APL patients. The HPLC-HG-AFS may be a good alternative for arsenic species determination in APL patients with its simplicity and low-cost in comparison with HPLC-ICP-MS. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Protecting Pharmaceutical Patents and Test Data: How the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement Could Affect Access to Medicines in the US and Abroad.

    PubMed

    Luo, Jing; Kesselheim, Aaron S

    2016-07-01

    The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement is a proposed free trade agreement between the US and 11 other countries in Asia and South America covering many consumer goods, including prescription medicines. This review describes how the TPP could affect international laws governing intellectual property rights for prescription drugs, focusing on patents and exclusivity protections for test data, including their effect on reimbursement decisions by national health care authorities responsible for health priority setting. We conclude that the TPP could affect low-income patients' access to medicines in signatory countries. © 2016 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. ISSN 2376-6980.

  19. 19 CFR 122.188 - Issuance of temporary Customs access seal.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 19 Customs Duties 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Issuance of temporary Customs access seal. 122.188 Section 122.188 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY AIR COMMERCE REGULATIONS Access to Customs Security Areas § 122.188 Issuance of...

  20. 19 CFR 122.188 - Issuance of temporary Customs access seal.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 19 Customs Duties 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Issuance of temporary Customs access seal. 122.188 Section 122.188 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY AIR COMMERCE REGULATIONS Access to Customs Security Areas § 122.188 Issuance of...

  1. 19 CFR 122.188 - Issuance of temporary Customs access seal.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 19 Customs Duties 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Issuance of temporary Customs access seal. 122.188 Section 122.188 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY AIR COMMERCE REGULATIONS Access to Customs Security Areas § 122.188 Issuance of...

  2. Protective and risk behaviors of rural minority adolescent women.

    PubMed

    Champion, Jane Dimmitt; Kelly, Pat

    2002-01-01

    Studies of adolescent risk and protective behaviors have focused on identifying modifiable psychosocial variables that predict differential outcomes for subsequent intervention efforts. Research has been scarce in studies of rural minority adolescent women. This study examined the protective and risk behaviors of these women and their relationship to physical or sexual abuse. Rural minority adolescent women endured high levels of psychological distress and many high risk behaviors, yet experienced many protective behaviors. Barriers to health care included access and confidentiality. Physically or sexually abused adolescents endured relatively greater risk and fewer protective behaviors than nonabused adolescents. The prevalence of risk behaviors and abuse among rural minority adolescent women presents a need for development of psychotherapeutic interventions as part of behavioral interventions for risk reduction. These women may benefit from confidential identification and assessment of abuse history and risk and protective behaviors so that appropriate psychological treatment can accompany accessible medical treatment.

  3. Long-lived polarization protected by symmetry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Feng, Yesu; Theis, Thomas; Wu, Tung-Lin; Claytor, Kevin; Warren, Warren S.

    2014-10-01

    In this paper we elucidate, theoretically and experimentally, molecular motifs which permit Long-Lived Polarization Protected by Symmetry (LOLIPOPS). The basic assembly principle starts from a pair of chemically equivalent nuclei supporting a long-lived singlet state and is completed by coupling to additional pairs of spins. LOLIPOPS can be created in various sizes; here we review four-spin systems, introduce a group theory analysis of six-spin systems, and explore eight-spin systems by simulation. The focus is on AA'XnX'n spin systems, where typically the A spins are 15N or 13C and X spins are protons. We describe the symmetry of the accessed states, we detail the pulse sequences used to access these states, we quantify the fraction of polarization that can be stored as LOLIPOPS, we elucidate how to access the protected states from A or from X polarization and we examine the behavior of these spin systems upon introduction of a small chemical shift difference.

  4. Contemporary stroke prevention strategies in 11 096 European patients with atrial fibrillation: a report from the EURObservational Research Programme on Atrial Fibrillation (EORP-AF) Long-Term General Registry.

    PubMed

    Boriani, Giuseppe; Proietti, Marco; Laroche, Cécile; Fauchier, Laurent; Marin, Francisco; Nabauer, Michael; Potpara, Tatjana; Dan, Gheorghe-Andrei; Kalarus, Zbigniew; Diemberger, Igor; Tavazzi, Luigi; Maggioni, Aldo P; Lip, Gregory Y H

    2018-05-01

    Contemporary data regarding atrial fibrillation (AF) management and current use of oral anticoagulants (OACs) for stroke prevention are needed. The EURObservational Research Programme on AF (EORP-AF) Long-Term General Registry analysed consecutive AF patients presenting to cardiologists in 250 centres from 27 European countries. From 2013 to 2016, 11 096 patients were enrolled (40.7% female; mean age 69 ± 11 years). At discharge, OACs were used in 9379 patients (84.9%), with non-vitamin K antagonists (NOACs) accounting for 40.9% of OACs. Antiplatelet therapy alone was used by 20% of patients, while no antithrombotic treatment was prescribed in 6.4%. On multivariable analysis, age, hypertension, previous ischaemic stroke, symptomatic AF and planned cardioversion or ablation were independent predictors of OAC use, whereas lone AF, previous haemorrhagic events, chronic kidney disease and admission for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or non-cardiovascular causes independently predicted OAC non-use. Regarding the OAC type, coronary artery disease, history of heart failure, or valvular heart disease, planned cardioversion and non-AF reasons for admission independently predicted the use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Wide variability among the European regions was observed in the use of NOACs, independently from other clinical factors. The EORP-AF Long-Term General Registry provides a full picture of contemporary use of OAC in European AF patients. The overall rate of OACs use was generally high (84.9%), and a series of factors were associated with the prescription of OAC. A significant geographical heterogeneity in prescription of NOACs vs. VKAs was evident.

  5. Development of FDR-AF (Frictional Drag Reduction Anti-Fouling) Marine Coating

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Inwon; Park, Hyun; Chun, Ho Hwan; GCRC-SOP Team

    2013-11-01

    In this study, a novel skin-friction reducing marine paint has been developed by mixing fine powder of PEO(PolyEthyleneOxide) with SPC (Self-Polishing Copolymer) AF (Anti-Fouling) paint. The PEO is well known as one of drag reducing agent to exhibit Toms effect, the attenuation of turbulent flows by long chain polymer molecules in the near wall region. The frictional drag reduction has been implemented by injecting such polymer solutions to liquid flows. However, the injection holes have been a significant obstacle to marine application. The present PEO-containing marine paint is proposed as an alternative to realize Toms effect without any hole on the ship surface. The erosion mechanism of SPC paint resin and the subsequent dissolution of PEO enable the controlled release of PEO solution from the coating. Various tests such as towing tank drag measurement of flat plate and turbulence measurement in circulating water tunnel demonstrated over 10% frictional drag reduction compared with conventional AF paint. This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIP) through GCRC-SOP(No. 2011-0030013).

  6. 77 FR 46257 - Access Authorization Fees; Correction

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-03

    [email protected] . List of Subjects 10 CFR Part 11 Hazardous materials--transportation, Investigations, Nuclear materials, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Special nuclear... authorization fees charged to licensees for work performed under the Material Access Authorization Program (MAAP...

  7. JMJD6 and U2AF65 co-regulate alternative splicing in both JMJD6 enzymatic activity dependent and independent manner.

    PubMed

    Yi, Jia; Shen, Hai-Feng; Qiu, Jin-Song; Huang, Ming-Feng; Zhang, Wen-Juan; Ding, Jian-Cheng; Zhu, Xiao-Yan; Zhou, Yu; Fu, Xiang-Dong; Liu, Wen

    2017-04-07

    JMJD6, a jumonji C (Jmj C) domain-containing protein demethylase and hydroxylase, has been implicated in an array of biological processes. It has been shown that JMJD6 interacts with and hydroxylates multiple serine/arginine-rich (SR) proteins and SR related proteins, including U2AF65, all of which are known to function in alternative splicing regulation. However, whether JMJD6 is widely involved in alternative splicing and the molecular mechanism underlying JMJD6-regulated alternative splicing have remained incompletely understood. Here, by using RASL-Seq, we investigated the functional impact of RNA-dependent interaction between JMJD6 and U2AF65, revealing that JMJD6 and U2AF65 co-regulated a large number of alternative splicing events. We further demonstrated the JMJD6 function in alternative splicing in jmjd6 knockout mice. Mechanistically, we showed that the enzymatic activity of JMJD6 was required for a subset of JMJD6-regulated splicing, and JMJD6-mediated lysine hydroxylation of U2AF65 could account for, at least partially, their co-regulated alternative splicing events, suggesting both JMJD6 enzymatic activity-dependent and independent control of alternative splicing. These findings reveal an intimate link between JMJD6 and U2AF65 in alternative splicing regulation, which has important implications in development and disease processes. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

  8. A comparative study of financial data sources for critical access hospitals: audited financial statements, the Medicare cost report, and the Internal Revenue Service form 990.

    PubMed

    Ozmeral, Alisha Bhadelia; Reiter, Kristin L; Holmes, George M; Pink, George H

    2012-01-01

    Medicare cost reports (MCR), Internal Revenue Service form 990s (IRS 990), and audited financial statements (AFS) vary in their content, detail, purpose, timeliness, and certification. The purpose of this study was to compare selected financial data elements and characterize the extent of differences in financial data and ratios across the MCR, IRS 990, and AFS for a sample of nonprofit critical access hospitals (CAHs). Line items from AFS of 47 CAHs were compared to data reported in the hospitals' MCR and IRS 990s. Line items were based on 9 financial indicators commonly used to assess hospital financial performance. Of the indicators examined, the equity financing ratio most frequently matched between the 3 reports, while salaries and benefits to total expenses and debt service coverage were often different. Variances were driven by differences in individual account balances used to construct the ratios. Relative to AFS, cash was frequently lower on the IRS 990 while marketable securities and unrestricted investments were often higher. Other revenue and net income were consistently lower on the MCR and IRS 990, and depreciation was often higher on the MCR. The majority of total assets and fund balance (equity) values matched across the 3 reports, suggesting differences in classification among detailed accounts were more common than variances between the component totals (total assets, total liabilities, and fund balance). Health policy researchers should consider the impact of these variances on study results and consider ways to improve the availability and quality of financial accounting information. © 2012 National Rural Health Association.

  9. The Viability of Hearing Protection Device Fit-Testing at Navy and Marine Corps Accession Points

    PubMed Central

    Federman, Jeremy; Duhon, Christon

    2016-01-01

    Introduction: The viability of hearing protection device (HPD) verification (i.e., fit-testing) on a large scale was investigated to address this gap in a military accession environment. Materials and Methods: Personal Attenuation Ratings (PARs) following self-fitted (SELF-Fit) HPDs were acquired from 320 US Marine Corps training recruits (87.5% male, 12.5% female) across four test protocols (1-, 3-, 5-, and 7- frequency). SELF-Fit failures received follow-up to assess potential causes. Follow-up PARs were acquired (Experimenter fit [EXP-Fit], followed by Subject re-fit [SUB Re-Fit]). EXP-Fit was intended to provide a perception (dubbed “ear canal muscle memory”) of what a correctly fitted HPD should feel like. SUB Re-Fit was completed following EXP-Fit to determine whether a training recruit could duplicate EXP-Fit on her/his own without assistance. Results: A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (N=320) showed that SELF-Fit means differed significantly between protocols (P < 0.001). Post-hoc analyses showed that the 1-freq SELF-Fit mean was significantly lower than all other protocols (P < 0.03) by 5.6 dB or more. No difference was found between the multi-frequency protocols. For recruits who were followed up with EXP-Fit (n=79), across all protocols, a significant (P < 0.001) mean improvement of 25.68 dB (10.99) was found, but PARs did not differ (P = 0.99) between EXP-Fit protocols. For recruits in the 3-freq and 5-freq protocol groups who experienced all three PAR test methods (n=33), PAR methods differed (P < 0.001) but no method by protocol interaction was found (P = 0.46). Post hoc tests showed that both EXP-Fit and SUB Re-Fit had significantly better attenuation than SELF-Fit (P < 0.001), but no difference was found between EXPFit and SUB Re-Fit (P = 0.59). For SELF-Fit, the 1-freq protocol resulted in a 35% pass rate, whereas the 3-, 5-, and 7-freq protocols resulted in >60% pass rates. Results showed that once recruits experienced how HPDs should

  10. 40 CFR 5.420 - Access to schools operated by LEAs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Access to schools operated by LEAs. 5... Discrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Prohibited § 5.420 Access to schools...; or (b) Any other school or educational unit operated by such recipient, unless such recipient...

  11. Effects of AF64A on gene expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the septo-hippocampal pathway and striatum in vivo.

    PubMed

    Fan, Q I; Hanin, I

    1999-01-01

    AF64A (ethylcholine mustard aziridinium ion) was stereotaxically administered bilaterally (1 nmol/side) into rat lateral cerebral ventricles. Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity and ChAT mRNA levels were measured at predetermined time points in the septo-hippocampal pathway and striatum, both well identified as rich in cholinergic neurons. AF64A caused a rapid but transient increase in ChAT mRNA (167%, P < 0.05) and ChAT activity (164%, P < 0.01) in the septum. By day 7 post treatment, there was a significant decrease in ChAT mRNA (42.5% of control, P < 0.05) in the septum although the ChAT activity still stayed high. This decreased ChAT mRNA level in the septum lasted for at least four weeks, and was paralleled by a long-lasting decrease in ChAT activity in the hippocampus. In the striatum, on the other hand, there were no observed changes in either ChAT activity or ChAT mRNA. These data suggest that the long term effect of AF64A on the septo-hippocampal cholinergic pathway may, at least in part, be due to an action of AF64A on gene expression in the cholinergic neuron. The difference in the response to AF64A between the septo-hippocampal and striatal cholinergic systems might be due to their difference in neuron types.

  12. MEDICAL OPERATIONS IN DENIED ENVIRONMENTS (MODE): ARE OUR AF MEDICS READY

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-02-28

    modernization spending, more than the sum of the previous three administrations combined.16 Regional actors believe China’s increased A2/AD capabilities...requirements makes achieving the right personnel with sufficient medical readiness especially challenging.37 20 AF planners use unit type codes ... Codes (AFSCs) as a manpower-classification system to group together personnel that have similar duties, skills, and required training. The Air Force

  13. Fracture Growth Testing of Titanium 6AL-4V in AF-M315E

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sampson, Jeffrey W.; Martinez, Jonathan; McLean, Christopher

    2015-01-01

    The Green Propellant Infusion Mission (GPIM) will demonstrate the performance of AF-M315E monopropellant in orbit. Flight certification requires a safe-life analysis of the titanium alloy fuel tank to ensure inherent flaws will not cause failure during the design life. Material property inputs for this analysis require testing to determine the stress intensity factor for environmentally-assisted cracking (K (sub EAC)) of Ti 6Al-4V in combination with the AF-M315E monopropellant. Testing of single-edge notched specimens SE(B) representing the bulk tank membrane and weld material were performed in accordance with ASTM E1681. Specimens with fatigue pre-cracks were loaded into test fixtures so that the crack tips were exposed to the monopropellant at 50 degrees Centigrade for a duration of 1,000 hours. Specimens that did not fail during exposure were opened to inspect the crack surfaces for evidence of crack growth. The threshold stress intensity value, KEAC, is the highest applied stress intensity that produced neither a failure of the specimen during the exposure nor showed evidence of crack growth. The threshold stress intensity factor of the Ti 6Al-4V forged tank material when exposed to AF-M315E monopropellant was found to be at least 22.0 kilopounds per square inch. The stress intensity factor of the weld material was at least 31.3 kilopounds per square inch.

  14. Acceleration of Regeneration of Large-Gap Peripheral Nerve Injuries Using Acellular Nerve Allografts plus amniotic Fluid Derived Stem Cells (AFS)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-09-01

    that the AFS seeded ANA used for nerve repair resulted in an improved functional outcome for the rats compared to ANA alone and were equivalent to...junction morphology were equivalent between the AFS seeded ANA. Additional studies investigated the use of post-partum acellular materials to...techniques for repairing large-gap (6 cm) nerve injuries in non -human primates. This pre-clinical model represents a more translational model of

  15. Acceleration of Regeneration of Large-Gap Peripheral Nerve Injuries Using Acellular Nerve Allografts Plus Amniotic Fluid Derived Stem Cells (AFS)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-09-01

    AFS seeded ANA used for nerve repair resulted in an improved functional outcome for the rats compared to ANA alone and were equivalent to those...junction morphology were equivalent between the AFS seeded ANA. Additional studies investigated the use of post-partum acellular materials to promote...techniques for repairing large-gap (6 cm) nerve injuries in non -human primates. This pre-clinical model represents a more translational model of peripheral

  16. Species protection, the changing informal economy, and the politics of access to the bushmeat trade in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    PubMed

    De Merode, Emmanuel; Cowlishaw, Guy

    2006-08-01

    Our understanding of the linkages between the bushmeat trade and the wider informal economy is limited. This lack of knowledge is particularly problematic for conservation under conditions of political instability, when the informal economy can be highly dynamic and impacts on wildlife populations can be severe. To explore these interlinked processes, we conducted a study of the bushmeat trade in Garamba National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo, through a combination of market surveys, semistructured interviews, and direct observation. We focused on the sale of protected and unprotected species in urban and rural markets, and the bushmeat commodity chains that supplied these markets, under conditions of political stability and armed conflict. During peacetime, protected species from the park (predominantly elephant and buffalo) rarely appeared in the rural markets, but they comprised more than half of all bushmeat sales in the urban markets. This pattern reflected differences in the rural and urban commodity chains. Automatic weapons were urban trade. The use of such weapons was discouraged by the traditional chiefs, who administered the village markets. During wartime, the sales of protected species in the urban markets increased fivefold because the military officers fled, leaving behind an open-access system that led to a massive increase in the exploitation of protected species. In contrast, the rural markets remained relatively stable because of the continued authority of the village chiefs. Our results indicate that sociopolitical factors can be an important determinant of species offtake and, therefore, that knowledge of the bushmeat commodity chain can be vital to controlling theprocesses that drive species extraction. In addition, our findings suggest that traditional authorities can be potentially valuable partners for bushmeat management.

  17. Efficacy of Antiarrhythmic Drugs Short-Term Use After Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation (EAST-AF) trial.

    PubMed

    Kaitani, Kazuaki; Inoue, Koichi; Kobori, Atsushi; Nakazawa, Yuko; Ozawa, Tomoya; Kurotobi, Toshiya; Morishima, Itsuro; Miura, Fumiharu; Watanabe, Tetsuya; Masuda, Masaharu; Naito, Masaki; Fujimoto, Hajime; Nishida, Taku; Furukawa, Yoshio; Shirayama, Takeshi; Tanaka, Mariko; Okajima, Katsunori; Yao, Takenori; Egami, Yasuyuki; Satomi, Kazuhiro; Noda, Takashi; Miyamoto, Koji; Haruna, Tetsuya; Kawaji, Tetsuma; Yoshizawa, Takashi; Toyota, Toshiaki; Yahata, Mitsuhiko; Nakai, Kentaro; Sugiyama, Hiroaki; Higashi, Yukei; Ito, Makoto; Horie, Minoru; Kusano, Kengo F; Shimizu, Wataru; Kamakura, Shiro; Morimoto, Takeshi; Kimura, Takeshi; Shizuta, Satoshi

    2016-02-14

    Substantial portion of early arrhythmia recurrence after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is considered to be due to irritability in left atrium (LA) from the ablation procedure. We sought to evaluate whether 90-day use of antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) following AF ablation could reduce the incidence of early arrhythmia recurrence and thereby promote reverse remodelling of LA, leading to improved long-term clinical outcomes. A total of 2038 patients who had undergone radiofrequency catheter ablation for paroxysmal, persistent, or long-lasting AF were randomly assigned to either 90-day use of Vaughan Williams class I or III AAD (1016 patients) or control (1022 patients) group. The primary endpoint was recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias lasting for >30 s or those requiring repeat ablation, hospital admission, or usage of class I or III AAD at 1 year, following the treatment period of 90 days post ablation. Patients assigned to AAD were associated with significantly higher event-free rate from recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias when compared with the control group during the treatment period of 90 days [59.0 and 52.1%, respectively; adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73-0.96; P = 0.01]. However, there was no significant difference in the 1-year event-free rates from the primary endpoint between the groups (69.5 and 67.8%, respectively; adjusted HR 0.93; 95% CI 0.79-1.09; P = 0.38). Short-term use of AAD for 90 days following AF ablation reduced the incidence of recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias during the treatment period, but it did not lead to improved clinical outcomes at the later phase. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2015. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  18. Primary and key secondary results from the ROCKET AF trial, and their implications on clinical practice

    PubMed Central

    Shah, Rohan; Patel, Manesh R.

    2016-01-01

    Background: The safety and efficacy of the oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban were studied in the Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibition Compared with Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation (ROCKET AF trial). A number of subanalyses of the ROCKET AF trial have subsequently analyzed the use of rivaroxaban in special patient populations. Methods: The outcomes of the ROCKET AF trial were reviewed. The use of rivaroxaban in higher risk populations, as determined by the presence of co-morbidities included in the CHADS2 criteria, was analyzed. Requirements for dose adjustment in patients with renal impairment and in East Asian patients were described. Finally, clinical management challenges, including interruptions in therapy, drug discontinuation, management of bleeding events, drug interactions, and management of patients requiring cardioversion/ablation were reviewed. Results: Rivaroxaban is efficacious in high-risk populations, including elderly patients, patients with diabetes, heart failure, history of stroke, prior myocardial infarction, or peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Patients with PAD have a higher risk of bleeding with rivaroxaban compared with warfarin. East Asian populations do not require a dose adjustment for rivaroxaban, while a reduced dose of 15 mg daily is required for patients with moderate renal impairment. Rivaroxaban remains effective with temporary interruptions in therapy and in patients requiring cardioversion/ablation. Rates of major bleeding and subsequent outcomes were similar in patients on warfarin and rivaroxaban, although rates of gastrointestinal bleeding were higher with rivaroxaban. Concurrent use of antiarrhythmic therapy was not associated with adverse outcomes. Conclusions: Rivaroxaban represents an efficacious alternative to warfarin in high-risk patients with AF. Dose adjustment is required for patients with moderate renal impairment. Rivaroxaban can be used safely

  19. Primary and key secondary results from the ROCKET AF trial, and their implications on clinical practice.

    PubMed

    Shah, Rohan; Patel, Manesh R

    2017-03-01

    The safety and efficacy of the oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban were studied in the Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibition Compared with Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation (ROCKET AF trial). A number of subanalyses of the ROCKET AF trial have subsequently analyzed the use of rivaroxaban in special patient populations. The outcomes of the ROCKET AF trial were reviewed. The use of rivaroxaban in higher risk populations, as determined by the presence of co-morbidities included in the CHADS2 criteria, was analyzed. Requirements for dose adjustment in patients with renal impairment and in East Asian patients were described. Finally, clinical management challenges, including interruptions in therapy, drug discontinuation, management of bleeding events, drug interactions, and management of patients requiring cardioversion/ablation were reviewed. Rivaroxaban is efficacious in high-risk populations, including elderly patients, patients with diabetes, heart failure, history of stroke, prior myocardial infarction, or peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Patients with PAD have a higher risk of bleeding with rivaroxaban compared with warfarin. East Asian populations do not require a dose adjustment for rivaroxaban, while a reduced dose of 15 mg daily is required for patients with moderate renal impairment. Rivaroxaban remains effective with temporary interruptions in therapy and in patients requiring cardioversion/ablation. Rates of major bleeding and subsequent outcomes were similar in patients on warfarin and rivaroxaban, although rates of gastrointestinal bleeding were higher with rivaroxaban. Concurrent use of antiarrhythmic therapy was not associated with adverse outcomes. Rivaroxaban represents an efficacious alternative to warfarin in high-risk patients with AF. Dose adjustment is required for patients with moderate renal impairment. Rivaroxaban can be used safely in a number of challenging clinical

  20. 78 FR 72071 - Notice of Availability: Application Requirements for the American Assured Fuel Supply

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-12-02

    ... the material in the AFS beyond ensuring that Westinghouse, the private company storing the AFS LEU for.... Policy and Process for Accessing AFS Material The DOE requests that persons or companies that seek to... or make any warranty, express or implied beyond assuring that Westinghouse, the company storing AFS...

  1. The prognostic significance of cardiac structure and function in atrial fibrillation: the ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 Echocardiographic Substudy

    PubMed Central

    Gupta, Deepak K; Giugliano, Robert P; Ruff, Christian T; Claggett, Brian; Murphy, Sabina; Antman, Elliott; Mercuri, Michele F.; Braunwald, Eugene; Solomon, Scott D

    2016-01-01

    Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased risk for thromboembolism and death; however, the relationships between cardiac structure and function and adverse outcomes among individuals with AF are incompletely understood. Methods The ENGAGE AF –TIMI 48 study tested the once-daily oral factor Xa inhibitor edoxaban in comparison to warfarin for the prevention of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) or systemic embolism in 21,105 subjects with nonvalvular AF and increased risk for thromboembolic events (CHADS2 ≥ 2). In a prospective substudy of 971 subjects who underwent transthoracic echocardiography at baseline, we used Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the associations between cardiac structure and function and the risks for death and thromboembolism (ischemic stroke, TIA, or systemic embolism). Results Over a median follow up of 2.5 years, 89 (9.2%) deaths and 48 (4.9%) incident thromboembolic events occurred in 971 subjects. In models adjusted for CHADS2 score, aspirin use, and randomized treatment, larger LV end diastolic volume index (HR: 1.49 [95%CI: 1.16,1.91] per 1 SD [12.9 ml/m2]) and higher LV filling pressures measured by E/′e (HR: 1.32 [95%CI: 1.08,1.61] per 1 SD [4.6]) were independently associated with increased risks for death. E/e′ > 13 significantly improved prediction of death beyond clinical factors alone. No features of cardiac structure and function were independently associated with thromboembolism in this population. Findings were similar when adjusted for CHA2DS2-VASc in place of CHADS2. Conclusions In a contemporary population of patients with atrial fibrillation at increased risk for thromboembolic events, larger LV size and higher filling pressures were significantly associated with increased risk for death, but neither left atrial nor left ventricular measures were associated with thromboembolic risk. LV size and filling pressures may help identify AF patients at increased risk of death. PMID:27106009

  2. 28 CFR 16.43 - Responses to requests for access to records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Responses to requests for access to records. 16.43 Section 16.43 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PRODUCTION OR DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL OR INFORMATION Protection of Privacy and Access to Individual Records Under the Privacy Act of...

  3. Atrial cellular electrophysiological changes in patients with ventricular dysfunction may predispose to AF

    PubMed Central

    Workman, Antony J; Pau, Davide; Redpath, Calum J; Marshall, Gillian E; Russell, Julie A; Norrie, John; Kane, Kathleen A; Rankin, Andrew C

    2009-01-01

    Background Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), but the atrial cellular electrophysiological mechanisms in humans are unclear. Objective To investigate whether LVSD in patients who are in sinus rhythm (SR) is associated with atrial cellular electrophysiological changes which could predispose to AF. Methods Right atrial myocytes were obtained from 214 consenting patients in SR who were undergoing cardiac surgery. Action potentials or ion currents were measured using the whole-cell-patch clamp technique. Results The presence of moderate or severe LVSD was associated with a shortened atrial cellular effective refractory period, ERP (209±8 ms; 52 cells, 18 patients vs 233±7 ms; 134 cells, 49 patients; P<0.05); confirmed by multiple linear regression analysis. The LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was markedly lower in patients with moderate or severe LVSD (36±4%, n=15) than in those without LVSD (62±2%, n=31; P<0.05). In cells from patients with LVEF≤45%, the ERP and action potential duration at 90% repolarisation were shorter than in those from patients with LVEF>45%, by 24 and 18%, respectively. The LVEF and ERP were positively correlated (r=0.65, P<0.05). The L-type calcium ion current, inward rectifier potassium ion current, and sustained outward ion current was unaffected by LVSD. The transient outward potassium ion current was decreased by 34%, with a positive shift in its activation voltage, and no change in its decay kinetics. Conclusion LVSD in patients in SR is independently associated with a shortening of the atrial cellular ERP, which may be expected to contribute to a predisposition to AF. PMID:19324301

  4. 32 CFR 228.3 - Restrictions on admission to protected property.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Restrictions on admission to protected property... property. Access to protected property shall be restricted to ensure the orderly and secure conduct of Agency business. Admission to protected property will be restricted to employees and other persons with...

  5. 32 CFR 228.3 - Restrictions on admission to protected property.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Restrictions on admission to protected property... property. Access to protected property shall be restricted to ensure the orderly and secure conduct of Agency business. Admission to protected property will be restricted to employees and other persons with...

  6. 32 CFR 228.3 - Restrictions on admission to protected property.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 2 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Restrictions on admission to protected property... property. Access to protected property shall be restricted to ensure the orderly and secure conduct of Agency business. Admission to protected property will be restricted to employees and other persons with...

  7. 32 CFR 228.3 - Restrictions on admission to protected property.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Restrictions on admission to protected property... property. Access to protected property shall be restricted to ensure the orderly and secure conduct of Agency business. Admission to protected property will be restricted to employees and other persons with...

  8. 77 FR 60962 - Clean Water Act; Contractor Access to Confidential Business Information

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-10-05

    ... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 2 [FRL-9733-8] Clean Water Act; Contractor Access to... transfer of confidential business information to contractor, subcontractors, and consultants. SUMMARY: The... certain industries. We have determined that the contractors listed below require access [[Page 60963

  9. 75 FR 55577 - Clean Water Act; Contractor Access to Confidential Business Information

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-13

    ... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-9200-8] Clean Water Act; Contractor Access to Confidential... Recovery Act (RCRA). Transfer of the information will allow the contractor and subcontractors to access... contractors and subcontractors over the history of the effluent guidelines program. EPA determined that this...

  10. 75 FR 60452 - Clean Water Act; Contractor Access to Confidential Business Information

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-30

    ... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-9208-9] Clean Water Act; Contractor Access to Confidential... electric industry to a new subcontractor of a contractor, Eastern Research Group (ERG). EPA previously... contractors and subcontractors to access information necessary to support EPA in the planning, development...

  11. Purification and characterization of a novel endo-β-1,4-glucanases , AfEG22, from the giant snail, Achatina fulica frussac.

    PubMed

    Teng, Yigang; Yin, Qiuyu; ding, Ming; Zhao, Fukun

    2010-10-01

    In this study, we confirmed that at least three endo-β-1,4-glucanases existed in the digestive juice of the giant snail, Achatina fulica ferussac, by Congo red staining assay. One of these enzymes, a novel endo-β-1,4-glucanase (AfEG22), was purified 29.5-fold by gel filtration, anion exchange, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrolytic activity of the purified enzyme was 12.3 U/mg protein. The molecular mass of AfEG22 was 22081 Da determined by MALDI-TOF. N-terminal amino acid sequencing revealed a sequence of EQRCTNQGGILKYYNT, which did not have significant homology with any proteins in BLAST database. The optimal pH and temperature for hydrolytic activity toward CMC were pH 4.0 and 50°C, respectively. AfEG22 was stable between pH 3.0 and pH 12.0 when incubated at 4°C for 3 h or at 37°C for 1 h. The enzyme remained more than 80% activity between pH 4.5 and pH 7.0 after incubation at 50°C for 1 h. AfEG22 possessed excellent thermostability as more than 70% activity was remained after incubation at 60°C for 3 h. Substrate specific analysis revealed that AfEG22 was a typical endo-β-1,4-glucanase. This is the first time to report a novel endo-β-1,4-glucanase with high stability from the digestive juice of A. fulica.

  12. An Examination of Organizational Information Protection in the Era of Social Media: A Study of Social Network Security and Privacy Protection

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Maar, Michael C.

    2013-01-01

    This study investigates information protection for professional users of online social networks. It addresses management's desire to motivate their employees to adopt protective measures while accessing online social networks and to help their employees improve their proficiency in information security and ability to detect deceptive…

  13. Evolution of area access safety training required for gaining access to Space Shuttle launch and landing facilities

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Willams, M. C.

    1985-01-01

    Assuring personnel and equipment are fully protected during the Space Shuttle launch and landing operations has been a primary concern of NASA and its associated contractors since the inception of the program. A key factor in support of this policy has been the area access safety training requirements for badging of employees assigned to work on Space Shuttle Launch and Facilities. This requirement was targeted for possible cost savings and the transition of physical on-site walkdowns to the use of television tapes has realized program cost savings while continuing to fully satisfy the area access safety training requirements.

  14. Toward Proper Authentication Methods in Electronic Medical Record Access Compliant to HIPAA and C.I.A. Triangle.

    PubMed

    Tipton, Stephen J; Forkey, Sara; Choi, Young B

    2016-04-01

    This paper examines various methods encompassing the authentication of users in accessing Electronic Medical Records (EMRs). From a methodological perspective, multiple authentication methods have been researched from both a desktop and mobile accessibility perspective. Each method is investigated at a high level, along with comparative analyses, as well as real world examples. The projected outcome of this examination is a better understanding of the sophistication required in protecting the vital privacy constraints of an individual's Protected Health Information (PHI). In understanding the implications of protecting healthcare data in today's technological world, the scope of this paper is to grasp an overview of confidentiality as it pertains to information security. In addressing this topic, a high level overview of the three goals of information security are examined; in particular, the goal of confidentiality is the primary focus. Expanding upon the goal of confidentiality, healthcare accessibility legal aspects are considered, with a focus upon the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). With the primary focus of this examination being access to EMRs, the paper will consider two types of accessibility of concern: access from a physician, or group of physicians; and access from an individual patient.

  15. 10 CFR 20.1601 - Control of access to high radiation areas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 10 Energy 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Control of access to high radiation areas. 20.1601 Section 20.1601 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION STANDARDS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST RADIATION Control of Exposure From External Sources in Restricted Areas § 20.1601 Control of access to high radiation areas. (a...

  16. 10 CFR 20.1601 - Control of access to high radiation areas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 10 Energy 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Control of access to high radiation areas. 20.1601 Section 20.1601 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION STANDARDS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST RADIATION Control of Exposure From External Sources in Restricted Areas § 20.1601 Control of access to high radiation areas. (a...

  17. 10 CFR 20.1601 - Control of access to high radiation areas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 10 Energy 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Control of access to high radiation areas. 20.1601 Section 20.1601 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION STANDARDS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST RADIATION Control of Exposure From External Sources in Restricted Areas § 20.1601 Control of access to high radiation areas. (a...

  18. 10 CFR 20.1601 - Control of access to high radiation areas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 10 Energy 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Control of access to high radiation areas. 20.1601 Section 20.1601 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION STANDARDS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST RADIATION Control of Exposure From External Sources in Restricted Areas § 20.1601 Control of access to high radiation areas. (a...

  19. 10 CFR 20.1601 - Control of access to high radiation areas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 10 Energy 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Control of access to high radiation areas. 20.1601 Section 20.1601 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION STANDARDS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST RADIATION Control of Exposure From External Sources in Restricted Areas § 20.1601 Control of access to high radiation areas. (a...

  20. 78 FR 79692 - Clean Water Act; Contractor Access to Confidential Business Information

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-12-31

    ... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-9904-94-OW] Clean Water Act; Contractor Access to... Transfer of Confidential Business Information to Contractor, Subcontractors, and Consultants. SUMMARY: The... contractors listed below require access to CBI submitted to EPA under Section 308 of the Clean Water Act (CWA...

  1. Social franchising of TB care through private GPs in Myanmar: an assessment of treatment results, access, equity and financial protection.

    PubMed

    Lönnroth, Knut; Aung, Tin; Maung, Win; Kluge, Hans; Uplekar, Mukund

    2007-05-01

    This article assesses whether social franchising of tuberculosis (TB) services in Myanmar has succeeded in providing quality treatment while ensuring equity in access and financial protection for poor patients. Newly diagnosed TB patients receiving treatment from private general practitioners (GPs) belonging to the franchise were identified. They were interviewed about social conditions, health seeking and health care costs at the time of starting treatment and again after 6 months follow-up. Routine data were used to ascertain clinical outcomes as well as to monitor trends in case notification. The franchisees contributed 2097 (21%) of the total 9951 total new sputum smear-positive pulmonary cases notified to the national TB programme in the study townships. The treatment success rate for new smear-positive cases was 84%, close to the World Health Organization target of 85% and similar to the treatment success of 81% in the national TB programme in Myanmar. People from the lower socio-economic groups represented 68% of the TB patients who access care in the franchise. Financial burden related to direct and indirect health care costs for tuberculosis was high, especially among the poor. Patients belonging to lower socio-economic groups incurred on average costs equivalent to 68% of annual per capita household income, with a median of 28%. However, 83% of all costs were incurred before starting treatment in the franchise, while 'shopping' for care. During treatment in the franchise, the cost of care was relatively low, corresponding to a median proportion of annual per capita income of 3% for people from lower socio-economic groups. This study shows that highly subsidized TB care delivered through a social franchise scheme in the private sector in Myanmar helped reach the poor with quality services, while partly protecting them from high health care expenditure. Extended outreach to others parts of the private sector may reduce diagnostic delay and patient costs

  2. Rivaroxaban in the Prevention of Stroke and Systemic Embolism in Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation: Clinical Implications of the ROCKET AF Trial and Its Subanalyses.

    PubMed

    Spencer, Ryan J; Amerena, John V

    2015-12-01

    Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an increasingly common cause of stroke and systemic embolism. While warfarin has been the mainstay of stroke prevention in patients with AF, newer novel oral anticoagulant medications are now available. Rivaroxaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor with a rapid onset and offset after oral administration, offers potential advantages over warfarin, predominantly due to its predictable pharmacokinetics across wide patient populations. It requires no coagulation monitoring, and only two different doses are needed (20 mg daily for patients with normal renal function and 15 mg daily in those with reduced renal function). A large randomized trial (ROCKET AF) has shown non-inferiority to warfarin for preventing stroke or systemic embolism in the per-protocol population and superiority to warfarin in the on-treatment safety population. Several subanalyses confirm that the treatment effect of rivaroxaban is consistent across different patient subgroups, including those with reduced renal function. The tolerability of rivaroxaban appears similar to that of warfarin, with comparable overall bleeding rates in clinical trials. In ROCKET AF, significantly lower rates of fatal and intracranial bleeding were seen with rivaroxaban, while lower rates of gastrointestinal bleeding were seen with warfarin. Important contraindications to rivaroxaban include valvular AF, the presence of a prosthetic valve (mechanical or bioprosthetic) or valve repair, the need for concurrent dual antiplatelet therapy, and creatinine clearance <30 ml/min. Once-daily dosing and the lack of coagulation monitoring may increase utilization and adherence compared with warfarin, potentially decreasing the large burden of care associated with stroke secondary to AF. Overall, rivaroxaban offers a useful alternative to warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with AF.

  3. Implications of bilateral free trade agreements on access to medicines.

    PubMed Central

    Correa, Carlos María

    2006-01-01

    The TRIPS Agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO) mandated the introduction of protection of intellectual property rights, notably patents, for pharmaceutical products. While the implications for the access to medicines contained in the terms of this Agreement raised significant concerns, a recent new wave of free trade agreements, negotiated outside the WTO, requires even higher levels of intellectual property protection for medicines than those mandated by that Agreement. The measures involved include the extension of the patent term beyond 20 years; prohibition of use of test data on drug efficacy and safety for certain periods for the approval of generic products; the linkage between drug registration and patent protection; in some cases, limitations to the grounds for granting compulsory licences. This article reviews some of these measures that further limit the competition of generic products and discusses their possible implication for access to medicines. PMID:16710551

  4. The Advancing State of AF-M315E Technology

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Masse, Robert; Spores, Ronald A.; McLean, Chris

    2014-01-01

    The culmination of twenty years of applied research in hydroxyl ammonium nitrate (HAN)-based monopropellants, the NASA Space Technology mission Directorate's (STMD) Green Propellant Infusion Mission (GPIM) will achieve the first on-orbit demonstration of an operational AF-M315E green propellant propulsion system by the end of 2015. Following an contextual overview of the completed flight design of the GPIM propellant storage and feed system, results of first operation of a flight-representative heavyweight 20-N engineering model thruster (to be conducted in mid-2014) are presented with performance comparisons to prior lab model (heavyweight) test articles.

  5. Long-lived polarization protected by symmetry

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Feng, Yesu; Theis, Thomas; Wu, Tung-Lin

    2014-10-07

    In this paper we elucidate, theoretically and experimentally, molecular motifs which permit Long-Lived Polarization Protected by Symmetry (LOLIPOPS). The basic assembly principle starts from a pair of chemically equivalent nuclei supporting a long-lived singlet state and is completed by coupling to additional pairs of spins. LOLIPOPS can be created in various sizes; here we review four-spin systems, introduce a group theory analysis of six-spin systems, and explore eight-spin systems by simulation. The focus is on AA′X{sub n}X′{sub n} spin systems, where typically the A spins are {sup 15}N or {sup 13}C and X spins are protons. We describe the symmetrymore » of the accessed states, we detail the pulse sequences used to access these states, we quantify the fraction of polarization that can be stored as LOLIPOPS, we elucidate how to access the protected states from A or from X polarization and we examine the behavior of these spin systems upon introduction of a small chemical shift difference.« less

  6. Low-dose green tea intake reduces incidence of atrial fibrillation in a Chinese population.

    PubMed

    Liu, Dong-Chen; Yan, Jian-Jun; Wang, You-Nan; Wang, Ze-Mu; Xie, Zhi-Yong; Ma, Yao; Yang, Yang; Yang, Li; Wang, Lian-Sheng

    2016-12-20

    The aim of the present study was to assessthe association between green tea intake and incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in a Chinese population. A total of 801 (mean age: 62 years; 56% male) subjects were enrolled: 401 AF patients and 400 controls. All subjects completed a questionnaire and the associations between their green tea drinking habits and incidence of AF were assessed using the odds ratio (OR) and binary logistic regression. After multivariate adjustment, green tea intake presented as a protective factor against the incidence of AF (OR: 0.349, 95% CI: 0.253-0.483, P < 0.001). The green tea protection showed downward trend with increasing green tea intake (P for the trend= 0.001). Low frequency, low concentration, short-term tea consumption was classified as low-dose green tea intake. Green tea intake decreased the incidence of both paroxysmal AF (OR: 0.307, 95% CI: 0.216-0.436, P < 0.001) and persistent AF (OR: 0.355, 95% CI: 0.261-0.482, P < 0.001) and may be associated with a decreased incidence of AF. This study suggests that low-dose green tea intake strongly protects against AF.

  7. Low-dose green tea intake reduces incidence of atrial fibrillation in a Chinese population

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Ze-Mu; Xie, Zhi-Yong; Ma, Yao; Yang, Yang; Yang, Li; Wang, Lian-Sheng

    2016-01-01

    The aim of the present study was to assessthe association between green tea intake and incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in a Chinese population. A total of 801 (mean age: 62 years; 56% male) subjects were enrolled: 401 AF patients and 400 controls. All subjects completed a questionnaire and the associations between their green tea drinking habits and incidence of AF were assessed using the odds ratio (OR) and binary logistic regression. After multivariate adjustment, green tea intake presented as a protective factor against the incidence of AF (OR: 0.349, 95% CI: 0.253-0.483, P < 0.001). The green tea protection showed downward trend with increasing green tea intake (P for the trend= 0.001). Low frequency, low concentration, short-term tea consumption was classified as low-dose green tea intake. Green tea intake decreased the incidence of both paroxysmal AF (OR: 0.307, 95% CI: 0.216-0.436, P < 0.001) and persistent AF (OR: 0.355, 95% CI: 0.261-0.482, P < 0.001) and may be associated with a decreased incidence of AF. This study suggests that low-dose green tea intake strongly protects against AF. PMID:27683043

  8. [Data protection and data access (I): federal data protection law and the social welfare code with reference to carrying out occupational medicine epidemiologic studies in Germany].

    PubMed

    Weigelt, E; Scherb, H

    1992-11-01

    The regulations applicable to research in occupational epidemiology are the federal data protection (confidentiality) law (BDSG), the social welfare code (SGB), medical professional secrecy regulations and the federal statistics law (BStatG). The SGB, medical professional secrecy, and BStatG codes take precedence over BDSG rulings. This paper discusses BDSG and SGB. Medical professional secrecy and BStatG will be the topic of another publication (Datenschutz and Datenzugang II). The BDSG permits processing and utilization of personal data only if 1. this is permitted by BDSG or a law with higher priority, or 2. if the individual concerned has given her or his informed consent. According to the BDSG private research institutes can have access to personal data collected within non-public institutions only via section 28 (2) without consent of the individual. The "research paragraph" section 40 governs the processing and utilisation of personal data by research institutions. As a rule, the SGB permits access to epidemiological data sources only with the informed consent of the individuals concerned. The exception is section 75 SGBX. This paragraph permits disclosure of personal data without the individual's consent by the relevant public institution only if public interest considerably outweighs the private concerns. To our knowledge, however, this clause has had no practical significance. The concept of "informed consent" is discussed in detail, including the requirements for a legal form for informed consent. The legal codes of the BDSG, professional secrecy, and BStatG permit the transfer of personal data if the individuals concerned remain anonymous. This paper deals in detail with the concept of "anonymity".(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  9. Access to Investigational Drugs: FDA Expanded Access Programs or "Right-to-Try" Legislation?

    PubMed

    Holbein, M E Blair; Berglund, Jelena P; Weatherwax, Kevin; Gerber, David E; Adamo, Joan E

    2015-10-01

    The Food and Drug Administration Expanded Access (EA) program and "Right-to-Try" legislation aim to provide seriously ill patients who have no other comparable treatment options to gain access to investigational drugs and biological agents. Physicians and institutions need to understand these programs to respond to questions and requests for access. FDA EA programs and state and federal legislative efforts to provide investigational products to patients by circumventing FDA regulations were summarized and compared. The FDA EA program includes Single Patient-Investigational New Drug (SP-IND), Emergency SP-IND, Intermediate Sized Population IND, and Treatment IND. Approval rates for all categories exceed 99%. Approval requires FDA and Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, and cooperation of the pharmaceutical partner is essential. "Right-to-Try" legislation bypasses some of these steps, but provides no regulatory or safety oversight. The FDA EA program is a reasonable option for patients for whom all other therapeutic interventions have failed. The SP-IND not only provides patient access to new drugs, but also maintains a balance between immediacy and necessary patient protection. Rather than circumventing existing FDA regulations through proposed legislation, it seems more judicious to provide the knowledge and means to meet the EA requirements. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  10. Use and Outcomes of Antiarrhythmic Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Receiving Oral Anticoagulation: Results from the ROCKET AF Trial

    PubMed Central

    Steinberg, Benjamin A.; Hellkamp, Anne S.; Lokhnygina, Yuliya; Halperin, Jonathan L.; Breithardt, Günter; Passman, Rod; Hankey, Graeme J.; Patel, Manesh R.; Becker, Richard C.; Singer, Daniel E.; Hacke, Werner; Berkowitz, Scott D.; Nessel, Christopher C.; Mahaffey, Kenneth W.; Fox, Keith A.A.; Califf, Robert M.; Piccini, Jonathan P.

    2014-01-01

    Background Antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) and anticoagulation are mainstays of atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment. Objective We aimed to study the use and outcomes of AAD therapy in anticoagulated AF patients. Methods Patients in the ROCKET AF trial (n=14,264) were grouped by AAD use at baseline: amiodarone, other AAD, or no AAD. Multivariable adjustment was performed to compare stroke, bleeding, and death across groups, as well as across treatment assignment (rivaroxaban or warfarin). Results Of 14,264 patients randomized, 1681 (11.8%) were treated with an AAD (1144 [8%] with amiodarone, 537 [3.8%] with other AADs). Amiodarone-treated patients were less-often female (38% vs. 48%), had more persistent AF (64% vs. 40%), and more concomitant heart failure (71% vs. 41%) than patients receiving other AADs. Patients receiving no AAD more closely-resembled amiodarone-treated patients. Time in therapeutic range was significantly lower in warfarin-treated patients receiving amiodarone versus no AAD (50% vs. 58%, p<0.0001). Compared with no AAD, neither amiodarone (adjusted HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.74–1.31, p=0.9) nor other AADs (adjusted HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.37–1.17, p=0.15) were associated with increased mortality. Similar results were observed for embolic and bleeding outcomes. Rivaroxaban treatment effects in patients not on an AAD were consistent with the overall trial (primary endpoint adjusted HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.68–0.98, pinteraction=0.06; safety endpoint adjusted HR 1.12, 95% CI 0.90–1.24, pinteraction=0.33). Conclusion Treatment with AADs was not associated with increased morbidity or mortality in anticoagulated patients with AF. The influence of amiodarone on outcomes in patients receiving rivaroxaban requires further study. PMID:24833235

  11. Two spin-canting textures in the antiferromagnetic phase AF1 of MnWO4 based on the new polar atomistic model in P2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Park, S.-H.; Liu, B.-Q.; Behal, D.; Pedersen, B.; Schneidewind, A.

    2018-04-01

    The low temperature antiferromagnetic (AF) phase of MnWO4 (the so-called AF1 phase) exhibits different spin-canting configurations at two Mn2+ sublattices of the (3  +  1)-dimensional magnetic structure. The suggested superspace group {{\\boldsymbol P}}2.1^\\prime(α, 1/2, γ)0s is a significant consequence of the polar space group {{\\boldsymbol P}} 2 true for the nuclear structure of MnWO4. Density functional theory calculations showed that its ground state prefers this two spin-canting system. The structural difference between two independent atomic sites for Mn (Mn a , Mn b ) is too small to allow microscopically detectable electric polarisation. However, this hidden intrinsic polar character allows AF1 two commensurately modulated spin-canting textures. This is considered as the prerequisite onset of the improper ferroelectricity enhanced by the helical spin order in the multiferroic phase AF2 of MnWO4.

  12. First Report of an Infant Botulism Case Due to Clostridium botulinum Type Af

    PubMed Central

    de Jong, Laura I. T.; Fernández, Rafael A.; Pareja, Virtudes; Giaroli, Gabriel; Guidarelli, Sergio R.; Dykes, Janet K.

    2014-01-01

    Most infant botulism cases worldwide are due to botulinum toxin types A and B. Rarely, Clostridium botulinum strains that produce two serotypes (Ab, Ba, and Bf) have also been isolated from infant botulism cases. This is the first reported case of infant botulism due to C. botulinum type Af worldwide. PMID:25502535

  13. 40 CFR 1400.5 - Internet access to certain off-site consequence analysis data elements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 33 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Internet access to certain off-site... DISTRIBUTION OF OFF-SITE CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS INFORMATION Public Access § 1400.5 Internet access to certain off... elements in the risk management plan database available on the Internet: (a) The concentration of the...

  14. B-type natriuretic peptide and C-reactive protein in the prediction of atrial fibrillation risk: the CHARGE-AF Consortium of community-based cohort studies

    PubMed Central

    Sinner, Moritz F.; Stepas, Katherine A.; Moser, Carlee B.; Krijthe, Bouwe P.; Aspelund, Thor; Sotoodehnia, Nona; Fontes, João D.; Janssens, A. Cecile J.W.; Kronmal, Richard A.; Magnani, Jared W.; Witteman, Jacqueline C.; Chamberlain, Alanna M.; Lubitz, Steven A.; Schnabel, Renate B.; Vasan, Ramachandran S.; Wang, Thomas J.; Agarwal, Sunil K.; McManus, David D.; Franco, Oscar H.; Yin, Xiaoyan; Larson, Martin G.; Burke, Gregory L.; Launer, Lenore J.; Hofman, Albert; Levy, Daniel; Gottdiener, John S.; Kääb, Stefan; Couper, David; Harris, Tamara B.; Astor, Brad C.; Ballantyne, Christie M.; Hoogeveen, Ron C.; Arai, Andrew E.; Soliman, Elsayed Z.; Ellinor, Patrick T.; Stricker, Bruno H.C.; Gudnason, Vilmundur; Heckbert, Susan R.; Pencina, Michael J.; Benjamin, Emelia J.; Alonso, Alvaro

    2014-01-01

    Aims B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) predict atrial fibrillation (AF) risk. However, their risk stratification abilities in the broad community remain uncertain. We sought to improve risk stratification for AF using biomarker information. Methods and results We ascertained AF incidence in 18 556 Whites and African Americans from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC, n=10 675), Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS, n = 5043), and Framingham Heart Study (FHS, n = 2838), followed for 5 years (prediction horizon). We added BNP (ARIC/CHS: N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide; FHS: BNP), CRP, or both to a previously reported AF risk score, and assessed model calibration and predictive ability [C-statistic, integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), and net reclassification improvement (NRI)]. We replicated models in two independent European cohorts: Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility Reykjavik Study (AGES), n = 4467; Rotterdam Study (RS), n = 3203. B-type natriuretic peptide and CRP were significantly associated with AF incidence (n = 1186): hazard ratio per 1-SD ln-transformed biomarker 1.66 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.56–1.76], P < 0.0001 and 1.18 (95% CI, 1.11–1.25), P < 0.0001, respectively. Model calibration was sufficient (BNP, χ2 = 17.0; CRP, χ2 = 10.5; BNP and CRP, χ2 = 13.1). B-type natriuretic peptide improved the C-statistic from 0.765 to 0.790, yielded an IDI of 0.027 (95% CI, 0.022–0.032), a relative IDI of 41.5%, and a continuous NRI of 0.389 (95% CI, 0.322–0.455). The predictive ability of CRP was limited (C-statistic increment 0.003). B-type natriuretic peptide consistently improved prediction in AGES and RS. Conclusion B-type natriuretic peptide, not CRP, substantially improved AF risk prediction beyond clinical factors in an independently replicated, heterogeneous population. B-type natriuretic peptide may serve as a benchmark to evaluate novel putative AF risk biomarkers. PMID:25037055

  15. Ficusnotins A-F: Rare diarylbutanoids from the leaves of Ficus nota.

    PubMed

    Latayada, Felmer S; Uy, Mylene M; Akihara, Yui; Ohta, Emi; Nehira, Tatsuo; Ômura, Hisashi; Ohta, Shinji

    2017-09-01

    Six diarylbutanoids, designated as ficusnotins A-F, with a rare carbon skeleton consisting of two aromatic rings separated by an unbranched C4-chain have been isolated from the leaves of Ficus nota (Blanco) Merr. (Moraceae). The structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data, as well as X-ray crystallographic analysis. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Exploring the mechanism how AF9 recognizes and binds H3K9ac by molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations.

    PubMed

    Wang, Quan; Zheng, Qing-Chuan; Zhang, Hong-Xing

    2016-11-01

    Histone acetylation is a very important regulatory mechanism in gene expression in the chromatin context. A new protein family-YEATS domains have been found as a novel histone acetylation reader, which could specific recognize the histone lysine acetylation. AF9 is an important one in the YEATS family. Focused on the AF9-H3K9ac (K9 acetylation) complex (ALY) (PDB code: 4TMP) and a serials of mutants, MUT (the acetyllsine of H3K9ac was mutated to lysine), F59A, G77A, and D103A, we applied molecular dynamics simulation and molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann (MM-PBSA) free energy calculations to examine the role of AF9 protein in recognition interaction. The simulation results and analysis indicate that some residues of the protein have significant influence on recognition and binding to H3K9ac peptides and hydrophobic surface show the hydrophobic interactions play an important role in the binding. Our work can give important information to understand how the protein AF9 recognizes the peptides H3K9ac. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 779-786, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  17. Efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban compared with warfarin in patients with carotid artery disease and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: Insights from the ROCKET AF trial.

    PubMed

    Kochar, Ajar; Hellkamp, Anne S; Lokhnygina, Yuliya; Jones, W Schuyler; Becker, Richard C; Berkowitz, Scott D; Breithardt, Günter; Fox, Keith A A; Halperin, Jonathan L; Hankey, Graeme J; Mahaffey, Kenneth W; Nessel, Christopher C; Singer, Daniel E; Piccini, Jonathan P; Patel, Manesh R

    2018-01-01

    Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases risk of stroke 5-fold. Carotid artery disease (CD) also augments the risk of stroke, yet there are limited data about the interplay of these 2 diseases and clinical outcomes in patients with comorbid AF and CD. Among patients with both AF and CD, use of rivaroxaban when compared with warfarin is associated with a lower risk of stroke. This post hoc analysis from ROCKET AF aimed to determine absolute rates of stroke/systemic embolism (SE) and bleeding, and the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban compared with warfarin in patients with AF and CD (defined as history of carotid occlusive disease or carotid revascularization [endarterectomy and/or stenting]). A total of 593 (4.2%) patients had CD at enrollment. Patients with and without CD had similar rates of stroke or SE (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66-1.48, P = 0.96), and there was no difference in major or nonmajor clinically relevant bleeding (adjusted HR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.88-1.24, P = 0.62). The efficacy of rivaroxaban compared with warfarin for the prevention of stroke/SE was not statistically significant in patients with vs those without CD (interaction P = 0.25). The safety of rivaroxaban vs warfarin for major or nonmajor clinically relevant bleeding was similar in patients with and without CD (interaction P = 0.64). Patients with CD in ROCKET AF had similar risk of stroke/SE compared with patients without CD. Additionally, there was no interaction between CD and the treatment effect of rivaroxaban or warfarin for stroke prevention or safety endpoints. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  18. Brain microbleeds, anticoagulation, and hemorrhage risk: Meta-analysis in stroke patients with AF.

    PubMed

    Charidimou, Andreas; Karayiannis, Christopher; Song, Tae-Jin; Orken, Dilek Necioglu; Thijs, Vincent; Lemmens, Robin; Kim, Jinkwon; Goh, Su Mei; Phan, Thanh G; Soufan, Cathy; Chandra, Ronil V; Slater, Lee-Anne; Haji, Shamir; Mok, Vincent; Horstmann, Solveig; Leung, Kam Tat; Kawamura, Yuichiro; Sato, Nobuyuki; Hasebe, Naoyuki; Saito, Tsukasa; Wong, Lawrence K S; Soo, Yannie; Veltkamp, Roland; Flemming, Kelly D; Imaizumi, Toshio; Srikanth, Velandai; Heo, Ji Hoe

    2017-12-05

    To assess the association between cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and future spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) risk in ischemic stroke patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) taking oral anticoagulants. This was a meta-analysis of cohort studies with >50 patients with recent ischemic stroke and documented AF, brain MRI at baseline, long-term oral anticoagulation treatment, and ≥6 months of follow-up. Authors provided summary-level data on stroke outcomes stratified by CMB status. We estimated pooled annualized ICH and ischemic stroke rates from Poisson regression. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) of ICH by CMB presence/absence, ≥5 CMBs, and CMB topography (strictly lobar, mixed, and strictly deep) using random-effects models. We established an international collaboration and pooled data from 8 centers including 1,552 patients. The crude CMB prevalence was 30% and 7% for ≥5 CMBs. Baseline CMB presence (vs no CMB) was associated with ICH during follow-up (OR 2.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-6.01, p = 0.017). Presence of ≥5 CMB was related to higher future ICH risk (OR 5.50, 95% CI 2.07-14.66, p = 0.001). The pooled annual ICH incidence increased from 0.30% (95% CI 0.04-0.55) among CMB-negative patients to 0.81% (95% CI 0.17-1.45) in CMB-positive patients ( p = 0.01) and 2.48% (95% CI 1.2-6.2) in patients with ≥5 CMBs ( p = 0.001). There was no association between CMBs and recurrent ischemic stroke. The presence of CMB on MRI and the dichotomized cutoff of ≥5 CMBs might identify subgroups of ischemic stroke patients with AF with high ICH risk and after further validation could help in risk stratification, in anticoagulation decisions, and in guiding randomized trials and ongoing large observational studies. © 2017 American Academy of Neurology.

  19. Rivaroxaban for stroke prevention in East Asian patients from the ROCKET AF trial.

    PubMed

    Wong, Ka Sing Lawrence; Hu, Dai Yi; Oomman, Abraham; Tan, Ru-San; Patel, Manesh R; Singer, Daniel E; Breithardt, Günter; Mahaffey, Kenneth W; Becker, Richard C; Califf, Robert; Fox, Keith A A; Berkowitz, Scott D; Hacke, Werner; Hankey, Graeme J

    2014-06-01

    In Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibitor Compared With Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation (ROCKET AF) trial, rivaroxaban was noninferior to dose-adjusted warfarin in preventing stroke or systemic embolism among patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation at moderate to high stroke risk. Because of differences in patient demographics, epidemiology, and stroke risk management in East Asia, outcomes and relative effects of rivaroxaban versus warfarin were assessed to determine consistency among East Asians versus other ROCKET AF participants. Baseline demographics and interaction of treatment effects of rivaroxaban and warfarin among patients within East Asia and outside were assessed. A total of 932 (6.5%) ROCKET AF participants resided in East Asia. At baseline, East Asians had lower weight, creatinine clearance, and prior vitamin K antagonist use; higher prevalence of prior stroke; and less congestive heart failure and prior myocardial infarction than other participants. Despite higher absolute event rates for efficacy and safety outcomes in East Asians, the relative efficacy of rivaroxaban (20 mg once daily; 15 mg once daily for creatinine clearance of 30-49 mL/min) versus warfarin with respect to the primary efficacy end point (stroke/systemic embolism) was consistent among East Asians and non-East Asians (interaction P=0.666). Relative event rates for the major or nonmajor clinically relevant bleeding in patients treated with rivaroxaban and warfarin were consistent among East Asians and non-East Asians (interaction P=0.867). Observed relative efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban versus warfarin were similar among patients within and outside East Asia. Rivaroxaban, 20 mg once daily, is an alternative to warfarin for stroke prevention in East Asians with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.

  20. An Ounce of Prevention: Technologists Use Network-Access Control to Protect System Resources, Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bolch, Matt

    2009-01-01

    Whether for an entire district, a single campus, or one classroom, allowing authorized access to a computer network can be fraught with challenges. The login process should be fairly seamless to approved users, giving them speedy access to approved Web sites, databases, and other sources of information. It also should be tough on unauthorized…

  1. 45 CFR 164.524 - Access of individuals to protected health information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... DATA STANDARDS AND RELATED REQUIREMENTS SECURITY AND PRIVACY Privacy of Individually Identifiable... is contained in records that are subject to the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a, may be denied, if the denial of access under the Privacy Act would meet the requirements of that law. (v) An individual's...

  2. 21 CFR 21.40 - Procedures for submitting requests for notification and access.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL PROTECTION OF PRIVACY Procedures for Notification of and Access to Records in Privacy Act Record Systems § 21.40 Procedures for submitting requests for notification and access. (a) An individual may request that the Food and Drug Administration notify him whether a Privacy Act...

  3. U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP) auxiliary factor of 65 kDa, U2AF65, can promote U1 snRNP recruitment to 5' splice sites.

    PubMed Central

    Förch, Patrik; Merendino, Livia; Martínez, Concepción; Valcárcel, Juan

    2003-01-01

    The splicing factor U2AF(65), U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP) auxillary factor of 65 kDa, binds to pyrimidine-rich sequences at 3' splice sites to recruit U2 snRNP to pre-mRNAs. We report that U2AF(65) can also promote the recruitment of U1 snRNP to weak 5' splice sites that are followed by uridine-rich sequences. The arginine- and serine-rich domain of U2AF(65) is critical for U1 recruitment, and we discuss the role of its RNA-RNA annealing activity in this novel function of U2AF(65). PMID:12558503

  4. 36 CFR 902.56 - Protection of personal privacy.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Protection of personal privacy. 902.56 Section 902.56 Parks, Forests, and Public Property PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT Exemptions From Public Access to Corporation Records § 902.56 Protection of personal privacy. (a) Any of the followin...

  5. 36 CFR 902.56 - Protection of personal privacy.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Protection of personal privacy. 902.56 Section 902.56 Parks, Forests, and Public Property PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT Exemptions From Public Access to Corporation Records § 902.56 Protection of personal privacy. (a) Any of the followin...

  6. 36 CFR 902.56 - Protection of personal privacy.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Protection of personal privacy. 902.56 Section 902.56 Parks, Forests, and Public Property PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT Exemptions From Public Access to Corporation Records § 902.56 Protection of personal privacy. (a) Any of the followin...

  7. 36 CFR 902.56 - Protection of personal privacy.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Protection of personal privacy. 902.56 Section 902.56 Parks, Forests, and Public Property PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT Exemptions From Public Access to Corporation Records § 902.56 Protection of personal privacy. (a) Any of the followin...

  8. The Activation-Induced Assembly of an RNA/Protein Interactome Centered on the Splicing Factor U2AF2 Regulates Gene Expression in Human CD4 T Cells.

    PubMed

    Whisenant, Thomas C; Peralta, Eigen R; Aarreberg, Lauren D; Gao, Nina J; Head, Steven R; Ordoukhanian, Phillip; Williamson, Jamie R; Salomon, Daniel R

    2015-01-01

    Activation of CD4 T cells is a reaction to challenges such as microbial pathogens, cancer and toxins that defines adaptive immune responses. The roles of T cell receptor crosslinking, intracellular signaling, and transcription factor activation are well described, but the importance of post-transcriptional regulation by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) has not been considered in depth. We describe a new model expanding and activating primary human CD4 T cells and applied this to characterizing activation-induced assembly of splicing factors centered on U2AF2. We immunoprecipitated U2AF2 to identify what mRNA transcripts were bound as a function of activation by TCR crosslinking and costimulation. In parallel, mass spectrometry revealed the proteins incorporated into the U2AF2-centered RNA/protein interactome. Molecules that retained interaction with the U2AF2 complex after RNAse treatment were designated as "central" interactome members (CIMs). Mass spectrometry also identified a second class of activation-induced proteins, "peripheral" interactome members (PIMs), that bound to the same transcripts but were not in physical association with U2AF2 or its partners. siRNA knockdown of two CIMs and two PIMs caused changes in activation marker expression, cytokine secretion, and gene expression that were unique to each protein and mapped to pathways associated with key aspects of T cell activation. While knocking down the PIM, SYNCRIP, impacts a limited but immunologically important set of U2AF2-bound transcripts, knockdown of U2AF1 significantly impairs assembly of the majority of protein and mRNA components in the activation-induced interactome. These results demonstrated that CIMs and PIMs, either directly or indirectly through RNA, assembled into activation-induced U2AF2 complexes and play roles in post-transcriptional regulation of genes related to cytokine secretion. These data suggest an additional layer of regulation mediated by the activation-induced assembly of RNA

  9. The Activation-Induced Assembly of an RNA/Protein Interactome Centered on the Splicing Factor U2AF2 Regulates Gene Expression in Human CD4 T Cells

    PubMed Central

    Aarreberg, Lauren D.; Gao, Nina J.; Head, Steven R.; Ordoukhanian, Phillip; Williamson, Jamie R.; Salomon, Daniel R.

    2015-01-01

    Activation of CD4 T cells is a reaction to challenges such as microbial pathogens, cancer and toxins that defines adaptive immune responses. The roles of T cell receptor crosslinking, intracellular signaling, and transcription factor activation are well described, but the importance of post-transcriptional regulation by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) has not been considered in depth. We describe a new model expanding and activating primary human CD4 T cells and applied this to characterizing activation-induced assembly of splicing factors centered on U2AF2. We immunoprecipitated U2AF2 to identify what mRNA transcripts were bound as a function of activation by TCR crosslinking and costimulation. In parallel, mass spectrometry revealed the proteins incorporated into the U2AF2-centered RNA/protein interactome. Molecules that retained interaction with the U2AF2 complex after RNAse treatment were designated as “central” interactome members (CIMs). Mass spectrometry also identified a second class of activation-induced proteins, “peripheral” interactome members (PIMs), that bound to the same transcripts but were not in physical association with U2AF2 or its partners. siRNA knockdown of two CIMs and two PIMs caused changes in activation marker expression, cytokine secretion, and gene expression that were unique to each protein and mapped to pathways associated with key aspects of T cell activation. While knocking down the PIM, SYNCRIP, impacts a limited but immunologically important set of U2AF2-bound transcripts, knockdown of U2AF1 significantly impairs assembly of the majority of protein and mRNA components in the activation-induced interactome. These results demonstrated that CIMs and PIMs, either directly or indirectly through RNA, assembled into activation-induced U2AF2 complexes and play roles in post-transcriptional regulation of genes related to cytokine secretion. These data suggest an additional layer of regulation mediated by the activation-induced assembly

  10. 40 CFR 1400.3 - Public access to paper copies of off-site consequence analysis information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Public access to paper copies of off-site consequence analysis information. 1400.3 Section 1400.3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY AND DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ACCIDENTAL RELEASE PREVENTION REQUIREMENTS; RISK MANAGEMENT...

  11. Commission on Child Online Protection (COPA) Report to Congress [and] Personal Statements of COPA Commissioners.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    2000

    In October, 1998, Congress enacted the Child Online Protection Act and established the Commission on Online Child Protection (COPA) to study methods to help reduce access by minors to certain sexually explicit material, defined in the statute as harmful to minors. Congress directed the Commission to evaluate the accessibility, cost, and…

  12. Access Control of Web and Java Based Applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tso, Kam S.; Pajevski, Michael J.; Johnson, Bryan

    2011-01-01

    Cyber security has gained national and international attention as a result of near continuous headlines from financial institutions, retail stores, government offices and universities reporting compromised systems and stolen data. Concerns continue to rise as threats of service interruption, and spreading of viruses become ever more prevalent and serious. Controlling access to application layer resources is a critical component in a layered security solution that includes encryption, firewalls, virtual private networks, antivirus, and intrusion detection. In this paper we discuss the development of an application-level access control solution, based on an open-source access manager augmented with custom software components, to provide protection to both Web-based and Java-based client and server applications.

  13. Access to Investigational Drugs: FDA Expanded Access Programs or “Right‐to‐Try” Legislation?

    PubMed Central

    Berglund, Jelena P.; Weatherwax, Kevin; Gerber, David E.; Adamo, Joan E.

    2015-01-01

    Abstract Purpose The Food and Drug Administration Expanded Access (EA) program and “Right‐to‐Try” legislation aim to provide seriously ill patients who have no other comparable treatment options to gain access to investigational drugs and biological agents. Physicians and institutions need to understand these programs to respond to questions and requests for access. Methods FDA EA programs and state and federal legislative efforts to provide investigational products to patients by circumventing FDA regulations were summarized and compared. Results The FDA EA program includes Single Patient‐Investigational New Drug (SP‐IND), Emergency SP‐IND, Intermediate Sized Population IND, and Treatment IND. Approval rates for all categories exceed 99%. Approval requires FDA and Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, and cooperation of the pharmaceutical partner is essential. “Right‐to‐Try” legislation bypasses some of these steps, but provides no regulatory or safety oversight. Conclusion The FDA EA program is a reasonable option for patients for whom all other therapeutic interventions have failed. The SP‐IND not only provides patient access to new drugs, but also maintains a balance between immediacy and necessary patient protection. Rather than circumventing existing FDA regulations through proposed legislation, it seems more judicious to provide the knowledge and means to meet the EA requirements. PMID:25588691

  14. Coordination and redox state-dependent structural changes of the heme-based oxygen sensor AfGcHK associated with intraprotein signal transduction.

    PubMed

    Stranava, Martin; Man, Petr; Skálová, Tereza; Kolenko, Petr; Blaha, Jan; Fojtikova, Veronika; Martínek, Václav; Dohnálek, Jan; Lengalova, Alzbeta; Rosůlek, Michal; Shimizu, Toru; Martínková, Markéta

    2017-12-22

    The heme-based oxygen sensor histidine kinase Af GcHK is part of a two-component signal transduction system in bacteria. O 2 binding to the Fe(II) heme complex of its N-terminal globin domain strongly stimulates autophosphorylation at His 183 in its C-terminal kinase domain. The 6-coordinate heme Fe(III)-OH - and -CN - complexes of Af GcHK are also active, but the 5-coordinate heme Fe(II) complex and the heme-free apo-form are inactive. Here, we determined the crystal structures of the isolated dimeric globin domains of the active Fe(III)-CN - and inactive 5-coordinate Fe(II) forms, revealing striking structural differences on the heme-proximal side of the globin domain. Using hydrogen/deuterium exchange coupled with mass spectrometry to characterize the conformations of the active and inactive forms of full-length Af GcHK in solution, we investigated the intramolecular signal transduction mechanisms. Major differences between the active and inactive forms were observed on the heme-proximal side (helix H5), at the dimerization interface (helices H6 and H7 and loop L7) of the globin domain and in the ATP-binding site (helices H9 and H11) of the kinase domain. Moreover, separation of the sensor and kinase domains, which deactivates catalysis, increased the solvent exposure of the globin domain-dimerization interface (helix H6) as well as the flexibility and solvent exposure of helix H11. Together, these results suggest that structural changes at the heme-proximal side, the globin domain-dimerization interface, and the ATP-binding site are important in the signal transduction mechanism of Af GcHK. We conclude that Af GcHK functions as an ensemble of molecules sampling at least two conformational states. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  15. Globalization, global health, and access to healthcare.

    PubMed

    Collins, Téa

    2003-01-01

    It is now commonly realized that the globalization of the world economy is shaping the patterns of global health, and that associated morbidity and mortality is affecting countries' ability to achieve economic growth. The globalization of public health has important implications for access to essential healthcare. The rise of inequalities among and within countries negatively affects access to healthcare. Poor people use healthcare services less frequently when sick than do the rich. The negative impact of globalization on access to healthcare is particularly well demonstrated in countries of transitional economies. No longer protected by a centralized health sector that provided free universal access to services for everyone, large segments of the populations in the transition period found themselves denied even the most basic medical services. Only countries where regulatory institutions are strong, domestic markets are competitive and social safety nets are in place, have a good chance to enjoy the health benefits of globalization.

  16. Verbesinosides A-F, Novel 15,27-Cyclooleanane Saponins from the American Native Plant Verbesina virginica

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Verbesinosides A-F (1-6), six novel 15,27-cyclooleanane-type triterpenoid saponins carrying different aromatic acyl moieties on the aglycone, were isolated from the leaf and flower of Verbesina virginica. Their structures were established by interpretation of spectroscopic data and chemical methods....

  17. Access and Use of FIA Data Through FIA Spatial Data Services

    Treesearch

    Elizabeth LaPoint

    2005-01-01

    Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Spatial Data Services (SDS) was established in May 2002 to facilitate outside access to FIA data and allow use of georeferenced plot data while protecting the confidentiality of plot locations. Modification of the Food Security Act of 1985 legislated the protection of information on plot location and ownership. Penalties were put in...

  18. 10 CFR 20.1602 - Control of access to very high radiation areas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 10 Energy 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Control of access to very high radiation areas. 20.1602 Section 20.1602 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION STANDARDS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST RADIATION Control of Exposure From External Sources in Restricted Areas § 20.1602 Control of access to very high radiation areas...

  19. 10 CFR 20.1602 - Control of access to very high radiation areas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 10 Energy 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Control of access to very high radiation areas. 20.1602 Section 20.1602 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION STANDARDS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST RADIATION Control of Exposure From External Sources in Restricted Areas § 20.1602 Control of access to very high radiation areas...

  20. 10 CFR 20.1602 - Control of access to very high radiation areas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 10 Energy 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Control of access to very high radiation areas. 20.1602 Section 20.1602 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION STANDARDS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST RADIATION Control of Exposure From External Sources in Restricted Areas § 20.1602 Control of access to very high radiation areas...

  1. 10 CFR 20.1602 - Control of access to very high radiation areas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 10 Energy 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Control of access to very high radiation areas. 20.1602 Section 20.1602 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION STANDARDS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST RADIATION Control of Exposure From External Sources in Restricted Areas § 20.1602 Control of access to very high radiation areas...

  2. 10 CFR 20.1602 - Control of access to very high radiation areas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 10 Energy 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Control of access to very high radiation areas. 20.1602 Section 20.1602 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION STANDARDS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST RADIATION Control of Exposure From External Sources in Restricted Areas § 20.1602 Control of access to very high radiation areas...

  3. Authenticated IGMP for Controlling Access to Multicast Distribution Tree

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Park, Chang-Seop; Kang, Hyun-Sun

    A receiver access control scheme is proposed to protect the multicast distribution tree from DoS attack induced by unauthorized use of IGMP, by extending the security-related functionality of IGMP. Based on a specific network and business model adopted for commercial deployment of IP multicast applications, a key management scheme is also presented for bootstrapping the proposed access control as well as accounting and billing for CP (Content Provider), NSP (Network Service Provider), and group members.

  4. Beyond Line-of-Sight Information Dissemination for Force Protection

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-11-01

    utilize ad hoc, mesh networks to support data-in-motion and remote data storage and access. These types of sensors are common among Force Protection...Operations and Forward Operating Base security . Current Force Protection Kits include a rich set of sensors that can be monitored from a core operator...and tactical war fighters in tactical network environments . Marti has the potential to improve situation awareness and Force Protection for

  5. 42 CFR 51.41 - Access to records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... THE PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS PROGRAM Access to Records, Facilities... individuals with mental illness: (1) An individual who is a client of the P&A system if authorized by that...) The individual, due to his or her mental or physical condition, is unable to authorize the P&A system...

  6. 42 CFR 480.111 - QIO access to records and information of institutions and practitioners.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ORGANIZATIONS ACQUISITION, PROTECTION, AND DISCLOSURE OF QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ORGANIZATION REVIEW INFORMATION Utilization and Quality Control Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) Qio Access to Information § 480.111 QIO access to records and...

  7. 28 CFR 16.45 - Appeals from denials of requests for access to records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Appeals from denials of requests for access to records. 16.45 Section 16.45 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PRODUCTION OR DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL OR INFORMATION Protection of Privacy and Access to Individual Records Under the...

  8. 28 CFR 16.42 - Responsibility for responding to requests for access to records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Responsibility for responding to requests for access to records. 16.42 Section 16.42 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PRODUCTION OR DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL OR INFORMATION Protection of Privacy and Access to Individual Records Under the...

  9. 77 FR 65377 - Access by EPA Contractors To Confidential Business Information Related to the Greenhouse Gas...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-10-26

    ... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0621; FRL-9746-5] Access by EPA Contractors To... contractors named in this notice to access information submitted to EPA under the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program that may be designated or claimed as confidential business information. Contractor access to this...

  10. An Implicit LU/AF FDTD Method

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Beggs, John H.; Briley, W. Roger

    2001-01-01

    There has been some recent work to develop two and three-dimensional alternating direction implicit (ADI) FDTD schemes. These ADI schemes are based upon the original ADI concept developed by Peaceman and Rachford and Douglas and Gunn, which is a popular solution method in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). These ADI schemes work well and they require solution of a tridiagonal system of equations. A new approach proposed in this paper applies a LU/AF approximate factorization technique from CFD to Maxwell s equations in flux conservative form for one space dimension. The result is a scheme that will retain its unconditional stability in three space dimensions, but does not require the solution of tridiagonal systems. The theory for this new algorithm is outlined in a one-dimensional context for clarity. An extension to two and threedimensional cases is discussed. Results of Fourier analysis are discussed for both stability and dispersion/damping properties of the algorithm. Results are presented for a one-dimensional model problem, and the explicit FDTD algorithm is chosen as a convenient reference for comparison.

  11. First report of an infant botulism case due to Clostridium botulinum type Af.

    PubMed

    de Jong, Laura I T; Fernández, Rafael A; Pareja, Virtudes; Giaroli, Gabriel; Guidarelli, Sergio R; Dykes, Janet K; Lúquez, Carolina

    2015-02-01

    Most infant botulism cases worldwide are due to botulinum toxin types A and B. Rarely, Clostridium botulinum strains that produce two serotypes (Ab, Ba, and Bf) have also been isolated from infant botulism cases. This is the first reported case of infant botulism due to C. botulinum type Af worldwide. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

  12. Structural studies on lipopolysaccharides of serologically non-typable strains of Helicobacter pylori, AF1 and 007, expressing Lewis antigenic determinants.

    PubMed

    Knirel, Y A; Kocharova, N A; Hynes, S O; Widmalm, G; Andersen, L P; Jansson, P E; Moran, A P

    1999-11-01

    In contrast to other Helicobacter pylori strains, which have serologically detectable Lewis(x)+ (Le(x)) and Lewis(y)++ (++Le(y)) antigenic determinants in the O-specific polysaccharide chains of the lipopolysaccharides, H. pylori AF1 and 007 were non-typable with anti-Le(x) and anti-Le(y) antibodies. The carbohydrate portions of the lipopolysaccharides were liberated by mild acid hydrolysis and subsequently studied by sugar and methylation analyses, 1H-NMR spectroscopy and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. Compared with each other, and with lipopolysaccharides of strains studied previously, the lipopolysaccharides of both AF1 and 007 showed similarities, but also differences, in the structures of the core region and O-specific polysaccharide chains. The O-specific polysaccharide chains of both strains consisted of a short or long polyfucosylated poly-N-acetyl-beta-lactosamine chains, which were distinguished from those of other strains by a high degree of fucosylation producing a polymeric Le(x)chain terminating with Le(x) or Le(y) units:[sequence: see text] where n = 0 or 1 in strain AF1 and 0 in strain 007, m = 0-2, 6-7 in strain AF1 and m = 0-2, 6-7 or approximately 40 in strain 007, the medium-size species being predominant. Therefore, compared with other strains, the lack of reactivity of lipopolysaccharide of H. pylori AF1 and 007 with anti-Le(x) and anti-Le(y) may reflect the presence of a polymeric Le(x) chain and has important implications for serological and pathogenesis studies. As the substitution pattern of a D-glycero-D-manno-heptose residue in the outer core varied in the two strains, and an extended DD-heptan chain was present in some lipopolysaccharide species but not in others, this region was less conservative than the inner core region. The inner core L-glycero-D-manno-heptose region of both strains carried a 2-aminoethyl phosphate group, rather than a phosphate group, as reported previously for other H. pylori strains.

  13. Genome Sequence of the Native Apiculate Wine Yeast Hanseniaspora vineae T02/19AF

    PubMed Central

    Giorello, Facundo M.; Berná, Luisa; Greif, Gonzalo; Camesasca, Laura; Salzman, Valentina; Medina, Karina; Robello, Carlos; Gaggero, Carina; Aguilar, Pablo S.

    2014-01-01

    The use of novel yeast strains for winemaking improves quality and provides variety including subtle characteristic differences in fine wines. Here we report the first genome of a yeast strain native to Uruguay, Hanseniaspora vineae T02/19AF, which has been shown to positively contribute to aroma and wine quality. PMID:24874663

  14. Utilizing an Experiential Approach to Teacher Learning about AfL: A Consciousness Raising Opportunity

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dixon, Helen; Hawe, Eleanor

    2016-01-01

    In this article we focus on how an experiential based approach to teacher learning about assessment for learning (AfL) provided opportunities for teachers to examine: their deep-seated beliefs about effective learning (and teaching); how these beliefs permeated their day-to-day actions and interactions with students, and the consequence of these…

  15. Short Interspersed Nuclear Element (SINE) Sequences in the Genome of the Human Pathogenic Fungus Aspergillus fumigatus Af293.

    PubMed

    Kanhayuwa, Lakkhana; Coutts, Robert H A

    2016-01-01

    Novel families of short interspersed nuclear element (SINE) sequences in the human pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, clinical isolate Af293, were identified and categorised into tRNA-related and 5S rRNA-related SINEs. Eight predicted tRNA-related SINE families originating from different tRNAs, and nominated as AfuSINE2 sequences, contained target site duplications of short direct repeat sequences (4-14 bp) flanking the elements, an extended tRNA-unrelated region and typical features of RNA polymerase III promoter sequences. The elements ranged in size from 140-493 bp and were present in low copy number in the genome and five out of eight were actively transcribed. One putative tRNAArg-derived sequence, AfuSINE2-1a possessed a unique feature of repeated trinucleotide ACT residues at its 3'-terminus. This element was similar in sequence to the I-4_AO element found in A. oryzae and an I-1_AF long nuclear interspersed element-like sequence identified in A. fumigatus Af293. Families of 5S rRNA-related SINE sequences, nominated as AfuSINE3, were also identified and their 5'-5S rRNA-related regions show 50-65% and 60-75% similarity to respectively A. fumigatus 5S rRNAs and SINE3-1_AO found in A. oryzae. A. fumigatus Af293 contains five copies of AfuSINE3 sequences ranging in size from 259-343 bp and two out of five AfuSINE3 sequences were actively transcribed. Investigations on AfuSINE distribution in the fungal genome revealed that the elements are enriched in pericentromeric and subtelomeric regions and inserted within gene-rich regions. We also demonstrated that some, but not all, AfuSINE sequences are targeted by host RNA silencing mechanisms. Finally, we demonstrated that infection of the fungus with mycoviruses had no apparent effects on SINE activity.

  16. Alternative calculations of individual patient time in therapeutic range while taking warfarin: results from the ROCKET AF trial.

    PubMed

    Singer, Daniel E; Hellkamp, Anne S; Yuan, Zhong; Lokhnygina, Yuliya; Patel, Manesh R; Piccini, Jonathan P; Hankey, Graeme J; Breithardt, Günter; Halperin, Jonathan L; Becker, Richard C; Hacke, Werner; Nessel, Christopher C; Mahaffey, Kenneth W; Fox, Keith A A; Califf, Robert M

    2015-03-03

    In the ROCKET AF (Rivaroxaban-Once-daily, oral, direct Factor Xa inhibition Compared with vitamin K antagonism for prevention of stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation) trial, marked regional differences in control of warfarin anticoagulation, measured as the average individual patient time in the therapeutic range (iTTR) of the international normalized ratio (INR), were associated with longer inter-INR test intervals. The standard Rosendaal approach can produce biased low estimates of TTR after an appropriate dose change if the follow-up INR test interval is prolonged. We explored the effect of alternative calculations of TTR that more immediately account for dose changes on regional differences in mean iTTR in the ROCKET AF trial. We used an INR imputation method that accounts for dose change. We compared group mean iTTR values between our dose change-based method with the standard Rosendaal method and determined that the differences between approaches depended on the balance of dose changes that produced in-range INRs ("corrections") versus INRs that were out of range in the opposite direction ("overshoots"). In ROCKET AF, the overall mean iTTR of 55.2% (Rosendaal) increased up to 3.1% by using the dose change-based approach, depending on assumptions. However, large inter-regional differences in anticoagulation control persisted. TTR, the standard measure of control of warfarin anticoagulation, depends on imputing daily INR values for the vast majority of follow-up days. Our TTR calculation method may better reflect the impact of warfarin dose changes than the Rosendaal approach. In the ROCKET AF trial, this dose change-based approach led to a modest increase in overall mean iTTR but did not materially affect the large inter-regional differences previously reported. URL: ClinicalTrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00403767. © 2015 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley Blackwell.

  17. Alternative Calculations of Individual Patient Time in Therapeutic Range While Taking Warfarin: Results From the ROCKET AF Trial

    PubMed Central

    Singer, Daniel E.; Hellkamp, Anne S.; Yuan, Zhong; Lokhnygina, Yuliya; Patel, Manesh R.; Piccini, Jonathan P.; Hankey, Graeme J.; Breithardt, Günter; Halperin, Jonathan L.; Becker, Richard C.; Hacke, Werner; Nessel, Christopher C.; Mahaffey, Kenneth W.; Fox, Keith A. A.; Califf, Robert M.

    2015-01-01

    Background In the ROCKET AF (Rivaroxaban–Once‐daily, oral, direct Factor Xa inhibition Compared with vitamin K antagonism for prevention of stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation) trial, marked regional differences in control of warfarin anticoagulation, measured as the average individual patient time in the therapeutic range (iTTR) of the international normalized ratio (INR), were associated with longer inter‐INR test intervals. The standard Rosendaal approach can produce biased low estimates of TTR after an appropriate dose change if the follow‐up INR test interval is prolonged. We explored the effect of alternative calculations of TTR that more immediately account for dose changes on regional differences in mean iTTR in the ROCKET AF trial. Methods and Results We used an INR imputation method that accounts for dose change. We compared group mean iTTR values between our dose change–based method with the standard Rosendaal method and determined that the differences between approaches depended on the balance of dose changes that produced in‐range INRs (“corrections”) versus INRs that were out of range in the opposite direction (“overshoots”). In ROCKET AF, the overall mean iTTR of 55.2% (Rosendaal) increased up to 3.1% by using the dose change–based approach, depending on assumptions. However, large inter‐regional differences in anticoagulation control persisted. Conclusions TTR, the standard measure of control of warfarin anticoagulation, depends on imputing daily INR values for the vast majority of follow‐up days. Our TTR calculation method may better reflect the impact of warfarin dose changes than the Rosendaal approach. In the ROCKET AF trial, this dose change–based approach led to a modest increase in overall mean iTTR but did not materially affect the large inter‐regional differences previously reported. Clinical Trial Registration URL: ClinicalTrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00403767. PMID:25736441

  18. 42 CFR 422.114 - Access to services under an MA private fee-for-service plan.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Access to services under an MA private fee-for... Benefits and Beneficiary Protections § 422.114 Access to services under an MA private fee-for-service plan. (a) Sufficient access. (1) An MA organization that offers an MA private fee-for-service plan must...

  19. 42 CFR 422.114 - Access to services under an MA private fee-for-service plan.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Access to services under an MA private fee-for... Benefits and Beneficiary Protections § 422.114 Access to services under an MA private fee-for-service plan. (a) Sufficient access. (1) An MA organization that offers an MA private fee-for-service plan must...

  20. 42 CFR 422.114 - Access to services under an MA private fee-for-service plan.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Access to services under an MA private fee-for... Benefits and Beneficiary Protections § 422.114 Access to services under an MA private fee-for-service plan. (a) Sufficient access. (1) An MA organization that offers an MA private fee-for-service plan must...

  1. 76 FR 52659 - Access by EPA Contractors to Confidential Business Information (CBI) Related to the Greenhouse...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-23

    ... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0621; FRL-9455-5] Access by EPA Contractors to... contractors named in this notice to access information that will be submitted to EPA under the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program that may be designated or claimed as confidential business information. Contractor access...

  2. Degradation of polyisoprene rubber by newly isolated Bacillus sp. AF-666 from soil.

    PubMed

    Shah, A A; Hasan, F; Shah, Z; Mutiullah; Hameed, A

    2012-01-01

    Various microorganisms were screened for their ability to degrade polyisoprene rubber (natural rubber latex gloves). Strain AF-666, newly isolated from a soil sample, was selected as the best strain having the ability to grow on polyisoprene containing plates. The strain identified as Bacillus sp. AF-666, was found to degrade polyisoprene rubber, both on basal agar plates (latex overlay) as well as in liquid medium. Qualitative analysis of degradation was done through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy SEM showed changes in surface morphology, like appearance of pits and cracks, and marked difference in transmittance spectra of test and control due to changes in the functional groups, was detected through FTIR. CO2 evolution as a result of rubber degradation, was calculated gravimetrically by Sturm Test. About 4.43 g/1 of CO2 was produced in case of test, whereas, 1.57 g/1 in case of control. The viable number of cells (CFU/ml) was also higher in test than in control. Present study may provide an opportunity for further studies on the applications of biotechnological processes as a tool for rubber waste management.

  3. Determination of total selenium in food samples by d-CPE and HG-AFS.

    PubMed

    Wang, Mei; Zhong, Yizhou; Qin, Jinpeng; Zhang, Zehua; Li, Shan; Yang, Bingyi

    2017-07-15

    A dual-cloud point extraction (d-CPE) procedure was developed for the simultaneous preconcentration and determination of trace level Se in food samples by hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS). The Se(IV) was complexed with ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDC) in a Triton X-114 surfactant-rich phase, which was then treated with a mixture of 16% (v/v) HCl and 20% (v/v) H 2 O 2 . This converted the Se(IV)-APDC into free Se(IV), which was back extracted into an aqueous phase at the second cloud point extraction stage. This aqueous phase was analyzed directly by HG-AFS. Optimization of the experimental conditions gave a limit of detection of 0.023μgL -1 with an enhancement factor of 11.8 when 50mL of sample solution was preconcentrated to 3mL. The relative standard deviation was 4.04% (c=6.0μgL -1 , n=10). The proposed method was applied to determine the Se contents in twelve food samples with satisfactory recoveries of 95.6-105.2%. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Osan AB, Korea. Revised Uniform Summary of Surface Weather Observations (RUSSWO). Parts A-F.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-06-14

    USAFETAC SURFACE WINDS2 AIR WATHER SERVICE/MAC PERCENTAGE FREQUENCY OF WIND DIRECTION AND SPEED (FROM HOURLY OBSERVATIONS) 1471220 OSAN AS KO 73-S1 FED...BRANCHusAF’TAC SURFACE WINDS AIR WATHER SERVICE/MAC PERCENTAGE FREQUENCY OF WIND DIRECTION AND SPEED (FROM HOURLY OBSERVATIONS) 47122’ OSAN AS KO 73-81 NOV _RLL

  5. Genetic privacy and confidentiality: why they are so hard to protect.

    PubMed

    Rothstein, M A

    1998-01-01

    Author notes that widespread concerns have been raised about protecting genetic privacy and confidentiality in insurance and employment. He argues that effective protections are difficult because complicated issues, such as the right of access to health care, are invariably implicated.

  6. 42 CFR 422.114 - Access to services under an MA private fee-for-service plan.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Access to services under an MA private fee-for... Beneficiary Protections § 422.114 Access to services under an MA private fee-for-service plan. (a) Sufficient access. (1) An MA organization that offers an MA private fee-for-service plan must demonstrate to CMS...

  7. 42 CFR 422.114 - Access to services under an MA private fee-for-service plan.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Access to services under an MA private fee-for... Beneficiary Protections § 422.114 Access to services under an MA private fee-for-service plan. (a) Sufficient access. (1) An MA organization that offers an MA private fee-for-service plan must demonstrate to CMS...

  8. 40 CFR 12.150 - Program accessibility: Existing facilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF HANDICAP IN PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION... program or activity so that the program or activity, when viewed in its entirety, is readily accessible to... the nature of a program or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens. In those...

  9. 41 CFR 60-250.81 - Access to records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 1 2012-07-01 2009-07-01 true Access to records. 60-250.81 Section 60-250.81 Public Contracts and Property Management Other Provisions Relating to Public... SPECIAL DISABLED VETERANS, VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM ERA, RECENTLY SEPARATED VETERANS, AND OTHER PROTECTED...

  10. 41 CFR 60-250.81 - Access to records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Access to records. 60-250.81 Section 60-250.81 Public Contracts and Property Management Other Provisions Relating to Public... SPECIAL DISABLED VETERANS, VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM ERA, RECENTLY SEPARATED VETERANS, AND OTHER PROTECTED...

  11. Protection of Marine Fish Stocks at Risk of Extinction

    Treesearch

    J.A. Musick; S.A. Berkeley; G.M. Cailliet; M. Camhi; G. Huntsman; M. Nammack; Melvin L. Warren

    2000-01-01

    The American Fisheries Society (AFS) recommends that registory agencies closely scrutinize both marine fish and invertebrate stocks that may be at risk of extinction and take remedial action before populations are threatened or endungered. Initial AFS analyses of marine stocks at risk in North America show at least four primary geographic "hot spots" with...

  12. How accessible are coral reefs to people? A global assessment based on travel time.

    PubMed

    Maire, Eva; Cinner, Joshua; Velez, Laure; Huchery, Cindy; Mora, Camilo; Dagata, Stephanie; Vigliola, Laurent; Wantiez, Laurent; Kulbicki, Michel; Mouillot, David

    2016-04-01

    The depletion of natural resources has become a major issue in many parts of the world, with the most accessible resources being most at risk. In the terrestrial realm, resource depletion has classically been related to accessibility through road networks. In contrast, in the marine realm, the impact on living resources is often framed into the Malthusian theory of human density around ecosystems. Here, we develop a new framework to estimate the accessibility of global coral reefs using potential travel time from the nearest human settlement or market. We show that 58% of coral reefs are located < 30 min from the nearest human settlement. We use a case study from New Caledonia to demonstrate that travel time from the market is a strong predictor of fish biomass on coral reefs. We also highlight a relative deficit of protection on coral reef areas near people, with disproportional protection on reefs far from people. This suggests that conservation efforts are targeting low-conflict reefs or places that may already be receiving de facto protection due to their isolation. Our global assessment of accessibility in the marine realm is a critical step to better understand the interplay between humans and resources. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd/CNRS.

  13. Plattsburgh, AFB, New York. Revised Uniform Summary of Surface Weather Observations (RUSSWO). Parts A-F.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-01-24

    GLOCAL CLIMATOLOGY 3RANCH LSAFETAC SURFACE WINDS 410 wrATHER SERVICE/MAC PERCENTAGE FREQUENCY OF WIND...oeux1I, . .p 4. A i € * GLOcAL CLIMATCLOGY RANCH L’AFETAC CEILING VERSUS VISIBILITY AIP ’-EATHFR SRVlCE/MAC 72(7Z_ PLATTSBURSH AFS NV 74-97 *A

  14. 40 CFR 180.1206 - Aspergillus flavus AF36; exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... tolerance is established for residues of Aspergillus flavus AF36 in or on corn, field, forage; corn, field, grain; corn, field, stover; corn, field, aspirated grain fractions; corn, sweet, kernel plus cob with husk removed; corn, sweet, forage; corn, sweet, stover; corn, pop, grain; and corn, pop, stover, when...

  15. 40 CFR 180.1206 - Aspergillus flavus AF36; exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... tolerance is established for residues of Aspergillus flavus AF36 in or on corn, field, forage; corn, field, grain; corn, field, stover; corn, field, aspirated grain fractions; corn, sweet, kernel plus cob with husk removed; corn, sweet, forage; corn, sweet, stover; corn, pop, grain; and corn, pop, stover, when...

  16. 40 CFR 180.1206 - Aspergillus flavus AF36; exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... tolerance is established for residues of Aspergillus flavus AF36 in or on corn, field, forage; corn, field, grain; corn, field, stover; corn, field, aspirated grain fractions; corn, sweet, kernel plus cob with husk removed; corn, sweet, forage; corn, sweet, stover; corn, pop, grain; and corn, pop, stover, when...

  17. Legal protections to promote response willingness among the local public health workforce.

    PubMed

    Rutkow, Lainie; Vernick, Jon S; Thompson, Carol B; Piltch-Loeb, Rachael; Barnett, Daniel J

    2015-04-01

    The legal environment may improve response willingness among local health department (LHD) workers. We examined whether 3 hypothetical legal protections influence LHD workers' self-reported response willingness for 4 emergency scenarios and whether specific demographic factors are associated with LHD workers' response willingness given these legal protections. Our 2011-2012 survey included questions on demographics and about attitudes and beliefs regarding LHD workers' willingness to respond to 4 emergency scenarios given specific legal protections (i.e., ensuring priority health care for workers' families, granting workers access to mental health services, and guaranteeing access to personal protective equipment). Data were collected from 1238 LHD workers in 3 states. Across scenarios, between 60% and 83% of LHD workers agreed that they would be more willing to respond given the presence of 1 of the 3 hypothetical legal protections. Among the 3 legal protections, a guarantee of personal protective equipment elicited the greatest agreement with improved response willingness. Specific legal protections augment a majority of LHD workers' response willingness. Policymakers must, however, balance improved response willingness with other considerations, such as the ethical implications of prioritizing responders over the general public. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:98-102).

  18. Genome Sequence of the Native Apiculate Wine Yeast Hanseniaspora vineae T02/19AF.

    PubMed

    Giorello, Facundo M; Berná, Luisa; Greif, Gonzalo; Camesasca, Laura; Salzman, Valentina; Medina, Karina; Robello, Carlos; Gaggero, Carina; Aguilar, Pablo S; Carrau, Francisco

    2014-05-29

    The use of novel yeast strains for winemaking improves quality and provides variety including subtle characteristic differences in fine wines. Here we report the first genome of a yeast strain native to Uruguay, Hanseniaspora vineae T02/19AF, which has been shown to positively contribute to aroma and wine quality. Copyright © 2014 Giorello et al.

  19. 75 FR 6790 - Interagency Guidance on Response Programs for Unauthorized Access to Customer Information and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-02-10

    ... for Unauthorized Access to Customer Information and Customer Notice AGENCY: Office of Thrift... for Unauthorized Access to Customer Information and Customer Notice. OMB Number: 1550-0110. Form...) Ensure the security and confidentiality of customer records and information; (2) protect against any...

  20. Freedom of Information in a Parliamentary Government: Canada's New Access to Information Legislation.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Einsiedel, Edna F.

    Despite a tradition of government secrecy, Canada recently adopted freedom of information legislation. Reflecting greater public and media interest in the issue of public access to information and government secrecy, Bill C-34, the Access to Information Act, received royal assent in 1982, as did a privacy act, enacted to protect the complementary…

  1. 36 CFR § 902.56 - Protection of personal privacy.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 3 2013-07-01 2012-07-01 true Protection of personal privacy. § 902.56 Section § 902.56 Parks, Forests, and Public Property PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT Exemptions From Public Access to Corporation Records § 902.56 Protection of personal privacy. (a) Any of the...

  2. New method for evaluating high-quality fog protective coatings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Czeremuszkin, Grzegorz; Latreche, Mohamed; Mendoza-Suarez, Guillermo

    2011-05-01

    Fogging is commonly observed when humid-warm air contacts the cold surface of a transparent substrate, i.e. eyewear lenses, making the observed image blurred and hazy. To protect from fogging, the lens inner surfaces are protected with Anti-Fog coatings, which render them hydrophilic and induce water vapor condensation as a smooth, thin and invisible film, which uniformly flows down on the lens as the condensation progresses. Coatings differ in protection level, aging kinetics, and susceptibility to contamination. Some perform acceptably in limited conditions, beyond which the condensing water film becomes unstable, nonuniform, and scatters light or shows refractory distortions, both affecting the observed image. Quantifying the performance of Anti-Fog coated lenses is difficult: they may not show classical fogging and the existing testing methods, based on fog detection, are therefore inapplicable. The presented method for evaluating and quantifying AF properties is based on characterizing light scattering on lenses exposed to controlled humidity and temperature. Changes in intensity of laser light scattered at low angles (1, 2 4 and 8 degrees), observed during condensation of water on lenses, provide information on the swelling of Anti-Fog coatings, formation of uniform water film, going from an unstable to a steady state, and on the coalescence of discontinuous films. Real time observations/measurements allow for better understanding of factors controlling fogging and fog preventing phenomena. The method is especially useful in the development of new coatings for military-, sport-, and industrial protective eyewear as well as for medical and automotive applications. It allows for differentiating between coatings showing acceptable, good, and excellent performance.

  3. "TPSX: Thermal Protection System Expert and Material Property Database"

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Squire, Thomas H.; Milos, Frank S.; Rasky, Daniel J. (Technical Monitor)

    1997-01-01

    The Thermal Protection Branch at NASA Ames Research Center has developed a computer program for storing, organizing, and accessing information about thermal protection materials. The program, called Thermal Protection Systems Expert and Material Property Database, or TPSX, is available for the Microsoft Windows operating system. An "on-line" version is also accessible on the World Wide Web. TPSX is designed to be a high-quality source for TPS material properties presented in a convenient, easily accessible form for use by engineers and researchers in the field of high-speed vehicle design. Data can be displayed and printed in several formats. An information window displays a brief description of the material with properties at standard pressure and temperature. A spread sheet window displays complete, detailed property information. Properties which are a function of temperature and/or pressure can be displayed as graphs. In any display the data can be converted from English to SI units with the click of a button. Two material databases included with TPSX are: 1) materials used and/or developed by the Thermal Protection Branch at NASA Ames Research Center, and 2) a database compiled by NASA Johnson Space Center 9JSC). The Ames database contains over 60 advanced TPS materials including flexible blankets, rigid ceramic tiles, and ultra-high temperature ceramics. The JSC database contains over 130 insulative and structural materials. The Ames database is periodically updated and expanded as required to include newly developed materials and material property refinements.

  4. Mining Roles and Access Control for Relational Data under Privacy and Accuracy Constraints

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pervaiz, Zahid

    2013-01-01

    Access control mechanisms protect sensitive information from unauthorized users. However, when sensitive information is shared and a Privacy Protection Mechanism (PPM) is not in place, an authorized insider can still compromise the privacy of a person leading to identity disclosure. A PPM can use suppression and generalization to anonymize and…

  5. 40 CFR 180.1206 - Aspergillus flavus AF36; exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... flavis AF 36 is temporarily exempt from the requirement of a tolerance on corn, field, forage; corn, field, grain; corn, field, stover; corn, pop, grain; corn, pop, stover; corn, sweet, forage; corn, sweet, kernel plus cob with husks removed; corn, sweet, stover when used in accordance with the Experimental Use...

  6. 40 CFR 1400.3 - Public access to paper copies of off-site consequence analysis information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ...-site consequence analysis information. 1400.3 Section 1400.3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION OF OFF-SITE CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS INFORMATION Public Access § 1400.3 Public access to paper copies of off-site consequence analysis information. (a) General. The Administrator and the...

  7. 40 CFR 1400.3 - Public access to paper copies of off-site consequence analysis information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ...-site consequence analysis information. 1400.3 Section 1400.3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION OF OFF-SITE CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS INFORMATION Public Access § 1400.3 Public access to paper copies of off-site consequence analysis information. (a) General. The Administrator and the...

  8. 40 CFR 1400.3 - Public access to paper copies of off-site consequence analysis information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ...-site consequence analysis information. 1400.3 Section 1400.3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION OF OFF-SITE CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS INFORMATION Public Access § 1400.3 Public access to paper copies of off-site consequence analysis information. (a) General. The Administrator and the...

  9. 40 CFR 1400.3 - Public access to paper copies of off-site consequence analysis information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ...-site consequence analysis information. 1400.3 Section 1400.3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION OF OFF-SITE CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS INFORMATION Public Access § 1400.3 Public access to paper copies of off-site consequence analysis information. (a) General. The Administrator and the...

  10. Single-unit activity during natural vision: diversity, consistency, and spatial sensitivity among AF face patch neurons.

    PubMed

    McMahon, David B T; Russ, Brian E; Elnaiem, Heba D; Kurnikova, Anastasia I; Leopold, David A

    2015-04-08

    Several visual areas within the STS of the macaque brain respond strongly to faces and other biological stimuli. Determining the principles that govern neural responses in this region has proven challenging, due in part to the inherently complex stimulus domain of dynamic biological stimuli that are not captured by an easily parameterized stimulus set. Here we investigated neural responses in one fMRI-defined face patch in the anterior fundus (AF) of the STS while macaques freely view complex videos rich with natural social content. Longitudinal single-unit recordings allowed for the accumulation of each neuron's responses to repeated video presentations across sessions. We found that individual neurons, while diverse in their response patterns, were consistently and deterministically driven by the video content. We used principal component analysis to compute a family of eigenneurons, which summarized 24% of the shared population activity in the first two components. We found that the most prominent component of AF activity reflected an interaction between visible body region and scene layout. Close-up shots of faces elicited the strongest neural responses, whereas far away shots of faces or close-up shots of hindquarters elicited weak or inhibitory responses. Sensitivity to the apparent proximity of faces was also observed in gamma band local field potential. This category-selective sensitivity to spatial scale, together with the known exchange of anatomical projections of this area with regions involved in visuospatial analysis, suggests that the AF face patch may be specialized in aspects of face perception that pertain to the layout of a social scene.

  11. Cooperation of MLL/AF10(OM-LZ) with PTPN11 activating mutation induced monocytic leukemia with a shorter latency in a mouse bone marrow transplantation model.

    PubMed

    Fu, Jen-Fen; Liang, Sung-Tzu; Huang, Ying-Jung; Liang, Kung-Hao; Yen, Tzung-Hai; Liang, Der-Cherng; Shih, Lee-Yung

    2017-03-01

    PTPN11 mutation, a RAS signaling pathway mutation, is associated with MLL translocations in acute leukemia. A girl with MLL/AF10 AML was found to carry PTPN11 G503A . To study the impact of PTPN11 G503A cooperating with MLL/AF10 on leukemogenesis, we established a retroviral transduction/transplantation mouse model. Compared to the MLL/AF10(OM-LZ) leukemia cells harboring PTPN11 wt , the cells harboring PTPN11 G503A were hypersensitive to GM-CSF and IL3, and more resistant to death upon treatment with daunorubicin but sensitive to cytarabine. The cells harboring PTPN11 G503A autonomously differentiated into macrophages (1.8%) in the medium containing IL3. Further studies showed that the cells had an elevated (∼2.9-fold) Csf1 transcription level and secreted more (∼4.5-fold) M-CSF to the medium which can stimulate monocyte/macrophage differentiation of BM cells. Mice transplanted with the cells harboring PTPN11 G503A had a higher concentration of M-CSF in plasma. When mixed with the MLL/AF10(OM-LZ) leukemia cells harboring PTPN11 wt , the cells harboring PTPN11 G503A had an increased competitive engraftment and clonal expansion in the BM and spleen of recipient mice, although no competitive growth advantage was observed in the in vitro co-culturing assays. The mice transplanted with the MLL/AF10(OM-LZ) cells harboring PTPN11 wt developed myelomonocytic leukemia, while those transplanted with the cells harboring PTPN11 G503A -induced monocytic leukemia in a shorter latency. Our results demonstrated that addition of PTPN11 G503A to MLL/AF10 affected cell proliferation, chemo-resistance, differentiation, in vivo BM recruitment/clonal expansion and accelerated disease progression. © 2016 UICC.

  12. The effector and scaffolding proteins AF6 and MUPP1 interact with connexin36 and localize at gap junctions that form electrical synapses in rodent brain.

    PubMed

    Li, X; Lynn, B D; Nagy, J I

    2012-01-01

    Electrical synapses formed by neuronal gap junctions composed of connexin36 (Cx36) occur in most major structures in the mammalian central nervous system. These synapses link ensembles of neurons and influence their network properties. Little is known about the macromolecular constituents of neuronal gap junctions or how transmission through electrical synapses is regulated at the level of channel conductance or gap junction assembly/disassembly. Such knowledge is a prerequisite to understanding the roles of gap junctions in neuronal circuitry. Gap junctions share similarities with tight and adhesion junctions in that all three reside at close plasma membrane appositions, and therefore may associate with similar structural and regulatory proteins. Previously, we reported that the tight junction-associated protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) interacts with Cx36 and is localized at gap junctions. Here, we demonstrate that two proteins known to be associated with tight and adherens junctions, namely AF6 and MUPP1, are components of neuronal gap junctions in rodent brain. By immunofluorescence, AF6 and MUPP1 were co-localized with Cx36 in many brain areas. Co-immunoprecipitation and pull-down approaches revealed an association of Cx36 with AF6 and MUPP1, which required the C-terminus PDZ domain interaction motif of Cx36 for interaction with the single PDZ domain of AF6 and with the 10th PDZ domain of MUPP1. As AF6 is a target of the cAMP/Epac/Rap1 signalling pathway and MUPP1 is a scaffolding protein that interacts with CaMKII, the present results suggest that AF6 may be a target for cAMP/Epac/Rap1 signalling at electrical synapses, and that MUPP1 may contribute to anchoring CaMKII at these synapses. © 2011 The Authors. European Journal of Neuroscience © 2011 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  13. 36 CFR 1275.30 - Access by former President Nixon.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... with the provisions of subpart B of this part, former President Richard M. Nixon or his designated... Nixon. 1275.30 Section 1275.30 Parks, Forests, and Public Property NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION NIXON PRESIDENTIAL MATERIALS PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION OF AND ACCESS TO THE PRESIDENTIAL...

  14. 36 CFR 1275.30 - Access by former President Nixon.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... with the provisions of subpart B of this part, former President Richard M. Nixon or his designated... Nixon. 1275.30 Section 1275.30 Parks, Forests, and Public Property NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION NIXON PRESIDENTIAL MATERIALS PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION OF AND ACCESS TO THE PRESIDENTIAL...

  15. 36 CFR 1275.30 - Access by former President Nixon.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... with the provisions of subpart B of this part, former President Richard M. Nixon or his designated... Nixon. 1275.30 Section 1275.30 Parks, Forests, and Public Property NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION NIXON PRESIDENTIAL MATERIALS PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION OF AND ACCESS TO THE PRESIDENTIAL...

  16. 36 CFR 1275.30 - Access by former President Nixon.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... with the provisions of subpart B of this part, former President Richard M. Nixon or his designated... Nixon. 1275.30 Section 1275.30 Parks, Forests, and Public Property NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION NIXON PRESIDENTIAL MATERIALS PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION OF AND ACCESS TO THE PRESIDENTIAL...

  17. AF-GEOSpace Version 2.0: Space Environment Software Products for 2002

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hilmer, R. V.; Ginet, G. P.; Hall, T.; Holeman, E.; Tautz, M.

    2002-05-01

    AF-GEOSpace Version 2.0 (release 2002 on WindowsNT/2000/XP) is a graphics-intensive software program developed by AFRL with space environment models and applications. It has grown steadily to become a development tool for automated space weather visualization products and helps with a variety of tasks: orbit specification for radiation hazard avoidance; satellite design assessment and post-event analysis; solar disturbance effects forecasting; frequency and antenna management for radar and HF communications; determination of link outage regions for active ionospheric conditions; and physics research and education. The object-oriented C++ code is divided into five module classes. Science Modules control science models to give output data on user-specified grids. Application Modules manipulate these data and provide orbit generation and magnetic field line tracing capabilities. Data Modules read and assist with the analysis of user-generated data sets. Graphics Modules enable the display of features such as plane slices, magnetic field lines, line plots, axes, the Earth, stars, and satellites. Worksheet Modules provide commonly requested coordinate transformations and calendar conversion tools. Common input data archive sets, application modules, and 1-, 2-, and 3-D visualization tools are provided to all models. The code documentation includes detailed examples with click-by-click instructions for investigating phenomena that have well known effects on communications and spacecraft systems. AF-GEOSpace Version 2.0 builds on the success of its predecessors. The first release (Version 1.21, 1996/IRIX on SGI) contained radiation belt particle flux and dose models derived from CRRES satellite data, an aurora model, an ionosphere model, and ionospheric HF ray tracing capabilities. Next (Version 1.4, 1999/IRIX on SGI) science modules were added related to cosmic rays and solar protons, low-Earth orbit radiation dosages, single event effects probability maps, ionospheric

  18. The Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD-Atrial Fibrillation (GARFIELD-AF) : Exploring the changes in anticoagulant practice in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation in the Netherlands.

    PubMed

    Ten Cate, V; Ten Cate, H; Verheugt, F W A

    2016-10-01

    There are over 385,000 cases of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the Netherlands, with over 45,000 new cases each year. Among other things, AF patients are at high risk of stroke. Patients are often prescribed oral anticoagulation, such as vitamin K antagonists (VKA), to mitigate these risks. A recently introduced class of oral anticoagulants, non-vitamin K antagonists (NOAC), is quickly gaining currency in global clinical practice. This study provides insight into the changes these new drugs will bring about in Dutch clinical practice.GARFIELD-AF is a large-scale observational AF patient registry initiated in 2009 to track the evolution of global anticoagulation practice, and to study the impact of NOAC therapy in AF in particular. The registry includes a wide array of baseline characteristics and has a particular focus on: (1) bleeding and thromboembolic events; (2) international normalised ratio fluctuations; and (3) therapy compliance and persistence patterns. The results in this paper provide the baseline characteristics of the first cohorts of Dutch participants in this registry and discuss some of the consequences of the changes in anticoagulation practice.Although VKA therapy remains overwhelmingly favoured by Dutch practitioners, NOACs are clearly gaining in popularity. Between 2011 and 2014, NOACs constituted an increasingly large proportion of prescriptions for oral anticoagulants.The insights provided by the GARFIELD-AF registry can be used by healthcare systems to inform better budgetary strategies, by practitioners to better tailor treatment pathways to patients, and finally to promote awareness of the various available treatment options and their associated risks and benefits for patients.

  19. Efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban compared with warfarin in patients with peripheral artery disease and non-valvular atrial fibrillation: insights from ROCKET AF.

    PubMed

    Jones, William Schuyler; Hellkamp, Anne S; Halperin, Jonathan; Piccini, Jonathan P; Breithardt, Gunter; Singer, Daniel E; Fox, Keith A A; Hankey, Graeme J; Mahaffey, Kenneth W; Califf, Robert M; Patel, Manesh R

    2014-01-01

    Vascular disease is included in a risk scoring system to predict stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). This post hoc analysis of ROCKET AF aimed to determine the absolute rates of stroke and bleeding, and the relative effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban vs. warfarin in patients with and without peripheral artery disease (PAD). Peripheral artery disease was defined on the case-report form as the presences of intermittent claudication, amputation for arterial insufficiency, vascular reconstruction, bypass surgery, or percutaneous intervention to the extremities, or previously documented abdominal aortic aneurysm. ROCKET AF was a double-blind, double-dummy, randomized-controlled trial comparing rivaroxaban and warfarin for the prevention of stroke or systemic embolism. A total of 839 (5.9%) patients in ROCKET AF had PAD. Patients with and without PAD had similar rates of stroke or systemic embolism [HR: 1.04, 95% CI (0.72, 1.50), P = 0.84] and major or non-major clinically relevant (NMCR) bleeding [HR: 1.11, 95% CI (0.96, 1.28), P = 0.17], respectively. The efficacy of rivaroxaban when compared with warfarin for the prevention of stroke or systemic embolism was similar in patients with PAD (HR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.63-2.22) and without PAD (HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.73-1.02; interaction P = 0.34). There was a significant interaction for major or NMCR bleeding in patients with PAD treated with rivaroxaban compared with warfarin (HR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.06-1.86) compared with those without PAD (HR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.95-1.11; interaction P = 0.037). Patients with PAD in ROCKET AF did not have a statistically significant higher risk of stroke or systemic embolism than patients without PAD, and there were similar efficacy outcomes in patients treated with rivaroxaban and warfarin. In PAD patients, there was a higher risk of major bleeding or NMCR bleeding with rivaroxaban when compared with warfarin (interaction P = 0.037). Further investigation is warranted to

  20. Determining Aqueous Fullerene Particle Size Distributions by Asymmetric Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4) without Surfactants

    EPA Science Inventory

    To determine the behavior of nanoparticles in environmental systems, methods must be developed to measure nanoparticle size. Asymmetric Flow Field Flow Fractionation (AF4) is an aqueous compatible size separation technique which is able to separate particles from 1 nm to 10 µm in...

  1. Communication access to businesses and organizations for people with complex communication needs.

    PubMed

    Collier, Barbara; Blackstone, Sarah W; Taylor, Andrew

    2012-12-01

    Human rights legislation and anti-discrimination and accessibility laws exist in many countries and through international conventions and treaties. To varying degrees, these laws protect the rights of people with disabilities to full and equal access to goods and services. Yet, the accessibility requirements of people with complex communication needs (CCN) are not well represented in the existing accessibility literature. This article describes the results of surveys completed by disability service providers and individuals with CCN due to cerebral palsy, developmental delay, and acquired disabilities. It identifies accessibility requirements for people with CCN for face-to-face communication; comprehension of spoken language; telephone communication; text and print-based communication; Internet, email, and social media interactions; and written communication. Recommendations are made for communication accessibility accommodations in regulations, guidelines, and practices.

  2. The Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Duffy, Patrick J.

    1989-01-01

    Aspects of the new Employee Polygraph Protection Act are discussed, including exemptions, prohibited devices, limitations, exceptions, injury and access requirements, reasonable suspicion, drug industry investigations, procedural requirements, disclosure, basis for discharge, enforcement and remedies, and preemption and existing state laws. (MSE)

  3. Report on the 6th African Society of Human Genetics (AfSHG) Meeting, March 12-15, 2009, Yaounde, Cameroon.

    PubMed

    Sirugo, Giorgio; Williams, Scott M; Royal, Charmaine D M; Newport, Melanie J; Hennig, Branwen J; Mariani-Costantini, Renato; Buonaguro, Franco M; Velez Edwards, Digna R; Ibrahim, Muntaser; Soodyall, Himla; Wonkam, Ambroise; Ramesar, Raj; Rotimi, Charles N

    2010-08-01

    The African Society of Human Genetics (AfSHG), founded in 2003 with its inaugural meeting in Accra, Ghana,1 has the stated missions of (1) disseminating information about human genetics research in Africa, (2) establishing a mentorship network providing educational resources, including the development of appropriate technology transfer, (3) providing advocacy for human genetic research in Africa, and (4) encouraging collaborative research. Despite its young age, the AfSHG has developed a strong cadre of active researchers, both within and outside of Africa, with more than 400 members (from 16 countries across Africa as well as 8 other countries), and has held six successful meetings, five in Africa and one in the United States.

  4. Factors associated with a poor prognosis for the IVF-ICSI live birth rate in women with rAFS stage III and IV endometriosis.

    PubMed

    Roux, Pauline; Perrin, Jeanne; Mancini, Julien; Agostini, Aubert; Boubli, Léon; Courbiere, Blandine

    2017-07-01

    To assess the factors associated with a poor prognosis for a cumulative IVF live birth rate (LBR) in women with stage III and IV endometriosis according to the revised classification of the American Fertility Society (rAFS). A retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2014, in our Reproductive Medicine Center. We analyzed different factors associated with a poor prognosis for a cumulative IVF LBR in women with rAFS stage III and IV endometriosis. A total of 101 patients were included, representing 232 IVF-ICSI cycles and 212 embryo transfers. The primary endpoint was the cumulative LBR per cycle and per patient. The cumulative LBR per cycle was 14.7% (n = 34) and that per patient was 31.7% (n = 32). The cumulative LBR was significantly decreased by active smoking [ adj OR = 3.4, 95% CI (1.12-10.60), p = 0.031], poor ovarian response (POR) according to the Bologna criteria [ adj OR = 11.5, 95% CI (1.37-96.83), p = 0.024], and rAFS stage IV [ adj OR = 3.2, 95% CI (1.13-8.95), p = 0.024]. The cumulative LBR per women was 59.4% without factors associated with a poor prognosis and 25.6% in the case of one factor, and it decreased to 7.7% in the case of two or three factors (p < 0.001). Active smoking, POR according to the Bologna criteria, and rAFS stage IV endometriosis had a negative impact on the IVF-ICSI cumulative LBR for women with rAFS stage III and IV endometriosis. Because smoking dramatically decreases the LBR with endometriosis, stopping smoking before IVF-ICSI should be strongly advised.

  5. The Quik Fix study: a randomised controlled trial of brief interventions for young people with alcohol-related injuries and illnesses accessing emergency department and crisis support care

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background Alcohol is a major preventable cause of injury, disability and death in young people. Large numbers of young people with alcohol-related injuries and medical conditions present to hospital emergency departments (EDs). Access to brief, efficacious, accessible and cost effective treatment is an international health priority within this age group. While there is growing evidence for the efficacy of brief motivational interviewing (MI) for reducing alcohol use in young people, there is significant scope to increase its impact, and determine if it is the most efficacious and cost effective type of brief intervention available. The efficacy of personality-targeted interventions (PIs) for alcohol misuse delivered individually to young people is yet to be determined or compared to MI, despite growing evidence for school-based PIs. This study protocol describes a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of telephone-delivered MI, PI and an Assessment Feedback/Information (AF/I) only control for reducing alcohol use and related harm in young people. Methods/design Participants will be 390 young people aged 16 to 25 years presenting to a crisis support service or ED with alcohol-related injuries and illnesses (including severe alcohol intoxication). This single blinded superiority trial randomized young people to (i) 2 sessions of MI; (ii) 2 sessions of a new PI or (iii) a 1 session AF/I only control. Participants are reassessed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months on the primary outcomes of alcohol use and related problems and secondary outcomes of mental health symptoms, functioning, severity of problematic alcohol use, alcohol injuries, alcohol-related knowledge, coping self-efficacy to resist using alcohol, and cost effectiveness. Discussion This study will identify the most efficacious and cost-effective telephone-delivered brief intervention for reducing alcohol misuse and related problems in young people presenting to crisis support

  6. The Quik Fix study: a randomised controlled trial of brief interventions for young people with alcohol-related injuries and illnesses accessing emergency department and crisis support care.

    PubMed

    Hides, Leanne; Kavanagh, David J; Daglish, Mark; Cotton, Susan; Connor, Jason P; Barendregt, Jan J; Young, Ross McD; Sanders, Davina; White, Angela; Mergard, Lance

    2014-08-08

    Alcohol is a major preventable cause of injury, disability and death in young people. Large numbers of young people with alcohol-related injuries and medical conditions present to hospital emergency departments (EDs). Access to brief, efficacious, accessible and cost effective treatment is an international health priority within this age group. While there is growing evidence for the efficacy of brief motivational interviewing (MI) for reducing alcohol use in young people, there is significant scope to increase its impact, and determine if it is the most efficacious and cost effective type of brief intervention available. The efficacy of personality-targeted interventions (PIs) for alcohol misuse delivered individually to young people is yet to be determined or compared to MI, despite growing evidence for school-based PIs. This study protocol describes a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of telephone-delivered MI, PI and an Assessment Feedback/Information (AF/I) only control for reducing alcohol use and related harm in young people. Participants will be 390 young people aged 16 to 25 years presenting to a crisis support service or ED with alcohol-related injuries and illnesses (including severe alcohol intoxication). This single blinded superiority trial randomized young people to (i) 2 sessions of MI; (ii) 2 sessions of a new PI or (iii) a 1 session AF/I only control. Participants are reassessed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months on the primary outcomes of alcohol use and related problems and secondary outcomes of mental health symptoms, functioning, severity of problematic alcohol use, alcohol injuries, alcohol-related knowledge, coping self-efficacy to resist using alcohol, and cost effectiveness. This study will identify the most efficacious and cost-effective telephone-delivered brief intervention for reducing alcohol misuse and related problems in young people presenting to crisis support services or EDs. We expect efficacy will

  7. 40 CFR 1400.8 - Access to off-site consequence analysis information by Federal government officials.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... analysis information by Federal government officials. 1400.8 Section 1400.8 Protection of Environment... INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION OF OFF-SITE CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS INFORMATION Access to Off-Site Consequence Analysis Information by Government Officials. § 1400.8 Access to off-site consequence analysis information by Federal...

  8. 40 CFR 1400.8 - Access to off-site consequence analysis information by Federal government officials.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... analysis information by Federal government officials. 1400.8 Section 1400.8 Protection of Environment... INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION OF OFF-SITE CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS INFORMATION Access to Off-Site Consequence Analysis Information by Government Officials. § 1400.8 Access to off-site consequence analysis information by Federal...

  9. 40 CFR 1400.8 - Access to off-site consequence analysis information by Federal government officials.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... analysis information by Federal government officials. 1400.8 Section 1400.8 Protection of Environment... INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION OF OFF-SITE CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS INFORMATION Access to Off-Site Consequence Analysis Information by Government Officials. § 1400.8 Access to off-site consequence analysis information by Federal...

  10. 40 CFR 1400.8 - Access to off-site consequence analysis information by Federal government officials.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... analysis information by Federal government officials. 1400.8 Section 1400.8 Protection of Environment... INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION OF OFF-SITE CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS INFORMATION Access to Off-Site Consequence Analysis Information by Government Officials. § 1400.8 Access to off-site consequence analysis information by Federal...

  11. A genotype-directed comparative effectiveness trial of Bucindolol and metoprolol succinate for prevention of symptomatic atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter in patients with heart failure: Rationale and design of the GENETIC-AF trial.

    PubMed

    Piccini, Jonathan P; Connolly, Stuart J; Abraham, William T; Healey, Jeff S; Steinberg, Benjamin A; Al-Khalidi, Hussein R; Dignacco, Patricia; van Veldhuisen, Dirk J; Sauer, William H; White, Michel; Wilton, Stephen B; Anand, Inder S; Dufton, Christopher; Marshall, Debra A; Aleong, Ryan G; Davis, Gordon W; Clark, Richard L; Emery, Laura L; Bristow, Michael R

    2018-05-01

    Few therapies are available for the safe and effective treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure. Bucindolol is a non-selective beta-blocker with mild vasodilator activity previously found to have accentuated antiarrhythmic effects and increased efficacy for preventing heart failure events in patients homozygous for the major allele of the ADRB1 Arg389Gly polymorphism (ADRB1 Arg389Arg genotype). The safety and efficacy of bucindolol for the prevention of AF or atrial flutter (AFL) in these patients has not been proven in randomized trials. The Genotype-Directed Comparative Effectiveness Trial of Bucindolol and Metoprolol Succinate for Prevention of Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation/Atrial Flutter in Patients with Heart Failure (GENETIC-AF) trial is a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded "seamless" phase 2B/3 trial of bucindolol hydrochloride versus metoprolol succinate, for the prevention of symptomatic AF/AFL in patients with reduced ejection fraction heart failure (HFrEF). Patients with pre-existing HFrEF and recent history of symptomatic AF are eligible for enrollment and genotype screening, and if they are ADRB1 Arg389Arg, eligible for randomization. A total of approximately 200 patients will comprise the phase 2B component and if pre-trial assumptions are met, 620 patients will be randomized at approximately 135 sites to form the Phase 3 population. The primary endpoint is the time to recurrence of symptomatic AF/AFL or mortality over a 24-week follow-up period, and the trial will continue until 330 primary endpoints have occurred. GENETIC-AF is the first randomized trial of pharmacogenetic guided rhythm control, and will test the safety and efficacy of bucindolol compared with metoprolol succinate for the prevention of recurrent symptomatic AF/AFL in patients with HFrEF and an ADRB1 Arg389Arg genotype. (ClinicalTrials.govNCT01970501). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Factors impacting hunter access to private lands in southeast Minnesota

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Walberg, Eric; Cornicelli, Louis; Fulton, David C.

    2018-01-01

    White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) have important socioeconomic and ecological impacts in the United States. Hunting is considered to be important for the effective management of deer and relies on access to privately owned lands. In 2013, we surveyed nonindustrial private landowners in southeast Minnesota and created two logit models to examine factors that impact landowners’ decision to (a) allow public hunting access and (b) post private property. Parcel characteristics were found to impact landowner decisions to allow hunting access, particularly the size of the property and whether it was posted. Hunting access to small properties was more likely to be restricted to family, friends, and neighbors (83%) compared to medium (74%) or large properties (60%). Hunter concerns (e.g., liability) and knowledge about deer management was significant in both models, suggesting there are opportunities to educate landowners about the importance of allowing public hunting access and available liability protections.

  13. Effects of Newcastle Disease Virus Strains AF2240 and V4-UPM on Cytolysis and Apoptosis of Leukemia Cell Lines

    PubMed Central

    Alabsi, Aied M.; Bakar, Siti Aishah Abu; Ali, Rola; Omar, Abdul Rahman; Bejo, Mohd Hair; Ideris, Aini; Ali, Abdul Manaf

    2011-01-01

    Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is used as an antineoplastic agent in clinical tumor therapy. It has prompted much interest as an anticancer agent because it can replicate up to 10,000 times better in human cancer cells than in most normal cells. This study was carried out to determine the oncolytic potential of NDV strain AF2240 and V4-UPM on WEHI-3B leukemia cell line. Results from MTT cytotoxicity assay showed that the CD50 values for both strains were 2 and 8 HAU for AF2240 and V4-UPM, respectively. In addition, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and trypan blue dye exclusion assays showed inhibition in cell proliferation after different periods. Increase in the cellular level of caspase-3 and detection of DNA laddering using agarose gel electrophoresis on treated cells with NDV confirmed that the mode of cell death was apoptosis. In addition, flow-cytometry analysis of cellular DNA content showed that the virus caused an increase in the sub-G1 region (apoptosis peaks). In conclusion, NDV strains AF2240 and V4-UPM caused cytolytic effects against WEHI-3B leukemic cell line. PMID:22272097

  14. Access Control Mechanism for IoT Environments Based on Modelling Communication Procedures as Resources.

    PubMed

    Cruz-Piris, Luis; Rivera, Diego; Marsa-Maestre, Ivan; de la Hoz, Enrique; Velasco, Juan R

    2018-03-20

    Internet growth has generated new types of services where the use of sensors and actuators is especially remarkable. These services compose what is known as the Internet of Things (IoT). One of the biggest current challenges is obtaining a safe and easy access control scheme for the data managed in these services. We propose integrating IoT devices in an access control system designed for Web-based services by modelling certain IoT communication elements as resources. This would allow us to obtain a unified access control scheme between heterogeneous devices (IoT devices, Internet-based services, etc.). To achieve this, we have analysed the most relevant communication protocols for these kinds of environments and then we have proposed a methodology which allows the modelling of communication actions as resources. Then, we can protect these resources using access control mechanisms. The validation of our proposal has been carried out by selecting a communication protocol based on message exchange, specifically Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT). As an access control scheme, we have selected User-Managed Access (UMA), an existing Open Authorization (OAuth) 2.0 profile originally developed for the protection of Internet services. We have performed tests focused on validating the proposed solution in terms of the correctness of the access control system. Finally, we have evaluated the energy consumption overhead when using our proposal.

  15. Access Control Mechanism for IoT Environments Based on Modelling Communication Procedures as Resources

    PubMed Central

    2018-01-01

    Internet growth has generated new types of services where the use of sensors and actuators is especially remarkable. These services compose what is known as the Internet of Things (IoT). One of the biggest current challenges is obtaining a safe and easy access control scheme for the data managed in these services. We propose integrating IoT devices in an access control system designed for Web-based services by modelling certain IoT communication elements as resources. This would allow us to obtain a unified access control scheme between heterogeneous devices (IoT devices, Internet-based services, etc.). To achieve this, we have analysed the most relevant communication protocols for these kinds of environments and then we have proposed a methodology which allows the modelling of communication actions as resources. Then, we can protect these resources using access control mechanisms. The validation of our proposal has been carried out by selecting a communication protocol based on message exchange, specifically Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT). As an access control scheme, we have selected User-Managed Access (UMA), an existing Open Authorization (OAuth) 2.0 profile originally developed for the protection of Internet services. We have performed tests focused on validating the proposed solution in terms of the correctness of the access control system. Finally, we have evaluated the energy consumption overhead when using our proposal. PMID:29558406

  16. Access Control of Web- and Java-Based Applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tso, Kam S.; Pajevski, Michael J.

    2013-01-01

    Cybersecurity has become a great concern as threats of service interruption, unauthorized access, stealing and altering of information, and spreading of viruses have become more prevalent and serious. Application layer access control of applications is a critical component in the overall security solution that also includes encryption, firewalls, virtual private networks, antivirus, and intrusion detection. An access control solution, based on an open-source access manager augmented with custom software components, was developed to provide protection to both Web-based and Javabased client and server applications. The DISA Security Service (DISA-SS) provides common access control capabilities for AMMOS software applications through a set of application programming interfaces (APIs) and network- accessible security services for authentication, single sign-on, authorization checking, and authorization policy management. The OpenAM access management technology designed for Web applications can be extended to meet the needs of Java thick clients and stand alone servers that are commonly used in the JPL AMMOS environment. The DISA-SS reusable components have greatly reduced the effort for each AMMOS subsystem to develop its own access control strategy. The novelty of this work is that it leverages an open-source access management product that was designed for Webbased applications to provide access control for Java thick clients and Java standalone servers. Thick clients and standalone servers are still commonly used in businesses and government, especially for applications that require rich graphical user interfaces and high-performance visualization that cannot be met by thin clients running on Web browsers

  17. [An alternative to the usual operating microscope and loupe magnification for free microvascular tissue transfer. Varioscope AF3-A].

    PubMed

    Chiummariello, S; Alfano, C; Fioramonti, P; Scuderi, N

    2005-12-01

    Free microvascular tissue transfers have become today a key instrument for the surgical treatment of wide loss of tissue, but their employment implies mandatory use of the right visual magnification means. Until now these instruments were mainly loupes and operating microscopes. Our study is focusing on the use of a new visual system--Varioscope AF3-A--in the reconstructive microsurgery field. Varioscope AF3-A (Life Optics, Vienna, Austria) has been employed in our Institute in 10 microvascular reconstructions, where different free flaps were used in head and neck reconstruction. All the flaps took and only one developed a partial necrosis. We have also noticed, by using this new instrument, a learning curve with a progressive contraction of the operating time. In all cases we have operated on 2 mm caliber vessels or more and on tissues that didn't previously undergo radiation therapy. The employment of a visual magnification mean, as Varioscope AF3-A, allows autofocus (from 3.6X to 7.2X) and a wide vision. It can be easily used with substantial advantages for the surgeon in performing microvascular anastomosis. Partial drawbacks are the equipment high cost and weight, compared to the loupes and a stronger ocular stress due to the continuous autofocus compared to the static operating microscopes.

  18. EPA's Public Access Website Children’s Privacy and Copyright Issues

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    This document establishes the policy for protecting the privacy of children on EPA’s Public Access Web site. It concerns the collection, both online and off, of information from ages 13 and under, and the display of Personally Identifying Information (PII)

  19. Performance Analysis of Direct-Sequence Code-Division Multiple-Access Communications with Asymmetric Quadrature Phase-Shift-Keying Modulation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wang, C.-W.; Stark, W.

    2005-01-01

    This article considers a quaternary direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (DS-CDMA) communication system with asymmetric quadrature phase-shift-keying (AQPSK) modulation for unequal error protection (UEP) capability. Both time synchronous and asynchronous cases are investigated. An expression for the probability distribution of the multiple-access interference is derived. The exact bit-error performance and the approximate performance using a Gaussian approximation and random signature sequences are evaluated by extending the techniques used for uniform quadrature phase-shift-keying (QPSK) and binary phase-shift-keying (BPSK) DS-CDMA systems. Finally, a general system model with unequal user power and the near-far problem is considered and analyzed. The results show that, for a system with UEP capability, the less protected data bits are more sensitive to the near-far effect that occurs in a multiple-access environment than are the more protected bits.

  20. Are Data Sharing and Privacy Protection Mutually Exclusive?

    PubMed

    Joly, Yann; Dyke, Stephanie O M; Knoppers, Bartha M; Pastinen, Tomi

    2016-11-17

    We review emerging strategies to protect the privacy of research participants in international epigenome research: open consent, genome donation, registered access, automated procedures, and privacy-enhancing technologies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Polish and European management strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation. Data from the EURObservational Research Programme-Atrial Fibrillation General Registry Pilot Phase (EORP-AF Pilot).

    PubMed

    Lenarczyk, Radosław; Mitręga, Katarzyna; Mazurek, Michał; Janion, Marianna; Opolski, Grzegorz; Drożdż, Jarosław; Streb, Witold; Fuglewicz, Artur; Sokal, Adam; Laroche, Cécile; Lip, Gregory Y H; Kalarus, Zbigniew

    2016-01-01

    Despite continued efforts of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) to unify management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) across Europe, interregional differences in guideline adherence are likely. The aim of the study was to compare treatment strategies depending on baseline characteristics of AF patients between Poland and other members of the European Union (EU). We analyzed the baseline data and treatment strategies in participants of the ESC registry: the EURObservational Research Programme-Atrial Fibrillation General Registry Pilot Phase. A total of 3119 consecutive patients with AF diagnosed within the last year were included in 67 centers from 9 countries, including 419 patients enrolled in 15 Polish centers. A rhythm control strategy was more frequent in Poland than in other EU countries (20.8% vs 11.9%; P <0.0001). Catheter ablation for AF was also used more frequently in Polish cardiology wards (13.9% vs 8.3%; P = 0.0017), while amiodarone at discharge was used less frequently (12.0% vs 22.7%; P <0.0001). In-hospital use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and non-VKA anticoagulants was less frequent in Polish patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2 or higher than in patients from other EU countries (61.1% vs 79.0%; P <0.0001), but overall anticoagulation rates at discharge were similar to those in other countries (83.3% vs 82.6%). A rhythm control-oriented strategy in patients with AF with the use of ablation in cardiology wards is more frequent in Poland than in other EU countries. Similar to other EU countries, compliance with the ESC guidelines regarding anticoagulation in AF patients is suboptimal in Poland. Undertreatment was observed in a significant proportion of patients at high risk of stroke, while a large group of low-risk patients are overtreated. Differences between the types of recruiting centers in Poland and other EU countries might have influenced the results.

  2. Short Interspersed Nuclear Element (SINE) Sequences in the Genome of the Human Pathogenic Fungus Aspergillus fumigatus Af293

    PubMed Central

    Kanhayuwa, Lakkhana; Coutts, Robert H. A.

    2016-01-01

    Novel families of short interspersed nuclear element (SINE) sequences in the human pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, clinical isolate Af293, were identified and categorised into tRNA-related and 5S rRNA-related SINEs. Eight predicted tRNA-related SINE families originating from different tRNAs, and nominated as AfuSINE2 sequences, contained target site duplications of short direct repeat sequences (4–14 bp) flanking the elements, an extended tRNA-unrelated region and typical features of RNA polymerase III promoter sequences. The elements ranged in size from 140–493 bp and were present in low copy number in the genome and five out of eight were actively transcribed. One putative tRNAArg-derived sequence, AfuSINE2-1a possessed a unique feature of repeated trinucleotide ACT residues at its 3’-terminus. This element was similar in sequence to the I-4_AO element found in A. oryzae and an I-1_AF long nuclear interspersed element-like sequence identified in A. fumigatus Af293. Families of 5S rRNA-related SINE sequences, nominated as AfuSINE3, were also identified and their 5'-5S rRNA-related regions show 50–65% and 60–75% similarity to respectively A. fumigatus 5S rRNAs and SINE3-1_AO found in A. oryzae. A. fumigatus Af293 contains five copies of AfuSINE3 sequences ranging in size from 259–343 bp and two out of five AfuSINE3 sequences were actively transcribed. Investigations on AfuSINE distribution in the fungal genome revealed that the elements are enriched in pericentromeric and subtelomeric regions and inserted within gene-rich regions. We also demonstrated that some, but not all, AfuSINE sequences are targeted by host RNA silencing mechanisms. Finally, we demonstrated that infection of the fungus with mycoviruses had no apparent effects on SINE activity. PMID:27736869

  3. Use of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy and Patient Outcomes in Those Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: The ROCKET AF Trial.

    PubMed

    Sherwood, Matthew W; Cyr, Derek D; Jones, W Schuyler; Becker, Richard C; Berkowitz, Scott D; Washam, Jeffrey B; Breithardt, Günter; Fox, Keith A A; Halperin, Jonathan L; Hankey, Graeme J; Singer, Daniel E; Piccini, Jonathan P; Nessel, Christopher C; Mahaffey, Kenneth W; Patel, Manesh R

    2016-08-22

    The authors assessed the use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during the ROCKET AF (Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibition Compared with Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation). The frequency, patterns, and outcomes when adding DAPT to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in the setting of PCI in patients with AF are largely unknown. The study population included all patients in the treatment group of the ROCKET AF trial divided by the receipt of PCI during follow-up. Clinical characteristics, PCI frequency, and rates of DAPT were reported. Clinical outcomes were adjudicated independently as part of the trial. Among 14,171 patients, 153 (1.1%) underwent PCI during a median 806 days of follow-up. Patients treated with rivaroxaban were significantly less likely to undergo PCI compared with warfarin-treated patients (61 vs. 92; p = 0.01). Study drug was continued during PCI in 81% of patients. Long-term DAPT (≥30 days) was used in 37% and single antiplatelet therapy in 34%. A small number switched from DAPT to monotherapy within 30 days of PCI (n = 19 [12.3%]) and 15% of patients received no antiplatelet therapy after PCI. Rates of stroke/systemic embolism and major bleeding events were high in post-PCI patients (4.5/100 patient-years and 10.2/100 patient-years) in both treatment groups. In patients with AF at moderate to high risk for stroke, PCI occurred in <1% per year. DAPT was used in a variable manner, with the majority of patients remaining on study drug after PCI. Rates of both thrombotic and bleeding events were high after PCI, highlighting the need for studies to determine the optimal antithrombotic therapy. Copyright © 2016 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Warfarin for prevention of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation: comparison of patient characteristics and outcomes of the "Real-World" Michigan Anticoagulation Quality Improvement Initiative (MAQI2) registry to the RE-LY, ROCKET-AF, and ARISTOTLE trials.

    PubMed

    Hughey, Andrew B; Gu, Xiaokui; Haymart, Brian; Kline-Rogers, Eva; Almany, Steve; Kozlowski, Jay; Besley, Dennis; Krol, Gregory D; Ahsan, Syed; Kaatz, Scott; Froehlich, James B; Barnes, Geoffrey D

    2018-06-14

    Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining warfarin use for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) may not accurately reflect real-world populations. We aimed to determine the representativeness of the RCT populations to real-world patients and to describe differences in the characteristics of trial populations from trial eligible patients in a real-world setting. We hypothesized that a significant fraction of real-world patients would not qualify for the RE-LY, ROCKET-AF, and ARISTOTLE trials and that real-world patients qualifying for the studies may have more strokes and bleeding events. We compared the inclusion and exclusion criteria, patient characteristics, and clinical outcomes from RE-LY, ROCKET-AF, and ARISTOTLE against data from the Michigan Anticoagulation Quality Improvement Initiative (MAQI 2 ), a regional network of six community- and academic-based anticoagulation clinics. Of the 1446 non-valvular AF patients in the MAQI 2 registry taking warfarin, approximately 40-60% would meet the selection criteria used in RE-LY (788, 54.5%), ROCKET-AF (566, 39.1%), and ARISTOTLE (866, 59.9%). The most common reasons for exclusion from one or more trial were anemia (15.1%), other concurrent medications (11.2%), and chronic kidney disease (9.4%). Trial-eligible MAQI 2 patients were older, more frequently female, with a higher rate of paroxysmal AF, and lower rates of congestive heart failure, previous stroke, and previous myocardial infarction than the trial populations. MAQI 2 patients eligible for each trial had a lower rate of stroke and similar rate of major bleeding than was observed in the trials. A sizable proportion of real-world AF patients managed in anticoagulation clinics would not have been eligible for the RE-LY, ROCKET-AF, and ARISOTLE trials. The expected stroke risk reduction and bleeding risk among real-world AF patients on warfarin may not be congruent with published clinical trial data.

  5. 14 CFR 17.9 - Protective orders.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... a competitive advantage to one or more firms. (b) The terms of the Office of Dispute Resolution for... application shall establish that the applicant is not involved in competitive decisionmaking for any firm that could gain a competitive advantage from access to the protected information and that the applicant will...

  6. 4 CFR 21.4 - Protective orders.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... material, as well as other information the release of which could result in a competitive advantage to one... the applicant is not involved in competitive decision-making for any firm that could gain a competitive advantage from access to the protected information and that there will be no significant risk of...

  7. 14 CFR 17.9 - Protective orders.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... a competitive advantage to one or more firms. (b) The terms of the Office of Dispute Resolution for... application shall establish that the applicant is not involved in competitive decisionmaking for any firm that could gain a competitive advantage from access to the protected information and that the applicant will...

  8. [Monitoring of inequality in financial protection and healthcare in Mexico: an analysis of health surveys 2000, 2006 and 2012].

    PubMed

    Gutiérrez, Juan Pablo; García-Saisó, Sebastián; Espinosa-de la Peña, Rodrigo; Balandrán, Dulce Alejandra

    2016-01-01

    To analyze trends in inequality in financial protection and healthcare in Mexico between 2000 and 2012, using simple and complex measures. Analysis of national health surveys 2000, 2006 and 2012, generating estimates of absolute and relative gaps and the slope index of inequality using imputated income as socioeconomic measure, and differences by sex, rural/urban residence, and ethnic background. Between 2000 and 2012, socioeconomic inequality in financial protection vanished, while it remains in healthcare access, with larger barriers to access healthcare among those in the lowest socioeconomic condition. These results are consistent with the differences by urban/rural residence and ethnic background. The health reform in 2003, aiming to increase health insurance, resulted in the virtual elimination of socioeconomic inequality in financial protection, but there is still inequality in access to healthcare. Actions to eliminate access barriers related to quality of health services are urgent to promote effective access to healthcare.

  9. Draft Genome Sequence of Komagataeibacter rhaeticus Strain AF1, a High Producer of Cellulose, Isolated from Kombucha Tea.

    PubMed

    Dos Santos, Renato Augusto Corrêa; Berretta, Andresa A; Barud, Hernane da Silva; Ribeiro, Sidney José Lima; González-García, Laura Natalia; Zucchi, Tiago Domingues; Goldman, Gustavo H; Riaño-Pachón, Diego M

    2014-07-24

    Here, we present the draft genome sequence of Komagatabaeicter rhaeticus strain AF1, which was isolated from Kombucha tea and is capable of producing high levels of cellulose. Copyright © 2014 dos Santos et al.

  10. Protecting intellectual property associated with Canadian academic clinical trials--approaches and impact.

    PubMed

    Ross, Sue; Magee, Laura; Walker, Mark; Wood, Stephen

    2012-12-27

    Intellectual property is associated with the creative work needed to design clinical trials. Two approaches have developed to protect the intellectual property associated with multicentre trial protocols prior to site initiation. The 'open access' approach involves publishing the protocol, permitting easy access to the complete protocol. The main advantages of the open access approach are that the protocol is freely available to all stakeholders, permitting them to discuss the protocol widely with colleagues, assess the quality and rigour of the protocol, determine the feasibility of conducting the trial at their centre, and after trial completion, to evaluate the reported findings based on a full understanding of the protocol. The main potential disadvantage of this approach is the potential for plagiarism; however if that occurred, it should be easy to identify because of the open access to the original trial protocol, as well as ensure that appropriate sanctions are used to deal with plagiarism. The 'restricted access' approach involves the use of non-disclosure agreements, legal documents that must be signed between the trial lead centre and collaborative sites. Potential sites must guarantee they will not disclose any details of the study before they are permitted to access the protocol. The main advantages of the restricted access approach are for the lead institution and nominated principal investigator, who protect their intellectual property associated with the trial. The main disadvantages are that ownership of the protocol and intellectual property is assigned to the lead institution; defining who 'needs to know' about the study protocol is difficult; and the use of non-disclosure agreements involves review by lawyers and institutional representatives at each site before access is permitted to the protocol, significantly delaying study implementation and adding substantial indirect costs to research institutes. This extra step may discourage sites from

  11. 42 CFR 480.144 - Access to QIO data and information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... SERVICES (CONTINUED) QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ORGANIZATIONS ACQUISITION, PROTECTION, AND DISCLOSURE OF QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ORGANIZATION INFORMATION Utilization and Quality Control Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs... 42 Public Health 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Access to QIO data and information. 480.144 Section...

  12. 42 CFR 480.144 - Access to QIO data and information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... SERVICES (CONTINUED) QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ORGANIZATIONS ACQUISITION, PROTECTION, AND DISCLOSURE OF QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ORGANIZATION REVIEW INFORMATION Utilization and Quality Control Quality Improvement Organizations... 42 Public Health 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Access to QIO data and information. 480.144 Section...

  13. 42 CFR 480.144 - Access to QIO data and information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... SERVICES (CONTINUED) QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ORGANIZATIONS ACQUISITION, PROTECTION, AND DISCLOSURE OF QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ORGANIZATION INFORMATION Utilization and Quality Control Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs... 42 Public Health 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Access to QIO data and information. 480.144 Section...

  14. 42 CFR 480.144 - Access to QIO data and information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... SERVICES (CONTINUED) QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ORGANIZATIONS ACQUISITION, PROTECTION, AND DISCLOSURE OF QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ORGANIZATION INFORMATION Utilization and Quality Control Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs... 42 Public Health 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Access to QIO data and information. 480.144 Section...

  15. Balancing access to health data and privacy: a review of the issues and approaches for the future.

    PubMed

    Lane, Julia; Schur, Claudia

    2010-10-01

    There has been a dramatic increase in the types of microdata, and this holds great promise for health services research. However, legislative efforts to protect individual privacy have reduced the flow of health care data for research purposes and increased costs and delays, affecting the quality of analysis. This paper provides an overview of the challenges raised by concerns about data confidentiality in the context of health services research, the current methodologies used to ensure data security, and a description of one successful approach to balancing access and privacy. Materials and Methods. We analyze the issues of access and privacy using a conceptual framework based on balancing the risk of reidentification with the utility associated with data analysis. The guiding principle should be to generate released data that are as close to the maximum acceptable risk as possible. HIPAA and other privacy measures can perhaps be seen as having had the effect of lowering the "maximum acceptable risk" level and rendering some data unreleasable. We discuss the levels of risk and utility associated with different types of data used in health services research and the ability to link data from multiple sources as well as current models of data sharing and their limitations. One particularly compelling approach is to establish a remote access "data enclave," where statistical protections are applied to the data, technical protections ensure compliance with data-sharing requirements, and operational controls limit researchers' access to the data they need for their specific research questions. We recommend reducing delays in access to data for research, increasing the use of remote access data enclaves, and disseminating knowledge and promulgating standards for best practices related to data protection. © Health Research and Educational Trust.

  16. Analyse de l'interface cuivre/Teflon AF1600 par spectroscopie des photoelectrons rayons x

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Popovici, Dan

    The speed of electrical signals through the microelectronic multilevel interconnects depends of the delay time R x C. In order to improve the transmission speed of future microdevices, the microelectronics industry requires the use of metals having lower resistivities and insulators having lower permittivities. Copper and fluoropolymers are interesting candidates for the replacement of the presently used Al/polyimide technology. This thesis presents an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the Cu/Teflon AF1600 interface, in order to have a better understanding of those interfacial interactions leading to improved adhesion. Several deposition methods, such as evaporation, sputtering and laser-induced chemical deposition were analyzed and compared. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used as the primary characterization technique of the different surfaces and interfaces. In the case of evaporation and sputtering, the loss of fluorine and oxygen atoms leads to graphitization and the crosslinking of carbon chains. The extent of damage caused by copper deposition is higher for sputter deposition because of the higher energies of the incidents atoms. This energy (two orders of magnitude higher than the energy involved in the evaporation) is also responsible for the total reaction of Cu with F and C. For the physical depositions (sputtering and evaporation), an angle-resolved XPS diffusion study showed the copper distribution as a function of depth. (i) For sputter deposition, this distribution is uniform. (ii) In the case of evaporation, we computed the concentration profile using the inverse Laplace transform. Several samples, annealed at different temperatures, were used to calculate the diffusion coefficients for the Cu/Teflon AF1600 interface. The study of interactions at the interface between Teflon AF1600 and copper deposited by different metallization techniques permitted us to elucidate some aspects related to the chemistry and structure of

  17. Unit 5, STA. 19+00+RB, access rampcontext Johnstown Local Flood ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    Unit 5, STA. 19+00+RB, access ramp-context - Johnstown Local Flood Protection Project, Beginning on Conemaugh River approx 3.8 miles downstream from confluence of Little Conemaugh & Stony Creek Rivers at Johnstown, Johnstown, Cambria County, PA

  18. Unit 5, STA. 19+00+RB, access rampdetail Johnstown Local Flood ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    Unit 5, STA. 19+00+RB, access ramp-detail - Johnstown Local Flood Protection Project, Beginning on Conemaugh River approx 3.8 miles downstream from confluence of Little Conemaugh & Stony Creek Rivers at Johnstown, Johnstown, Cambria County, PA

  19. A Framework for Context Sensitive Risk-Based Access Control in Medical Information Systems

    PubMed Central

    Choi, Donghee; Kim, Dohoon; Park, Seog

    2015-01-01

    Since the access control environment has changed and the threat of insider information leakage has come to the fore, studies on risk-based access control models that decide access permissions dynamically have been conducted vigorously. Medical information systems should protect sensitive data such as medical information from insider threat and enable dynamic access control depending on the context such as life-threatening emergencies. In this paper, we suggest an approach and framework for context sensitive risk-based access control suitable for medical information systems. This approach categorizes context information, estimating and applying risk through context- and treatment-based permission profiling and specifications by expanding the eXtensible Access Control Markup Language (XACML) to apply risk. The proposed framework supports quick responses to medical situations and prevents unnecessary insider data access through dynamic access authorization decisions in accordance with the severity of the context and treatment. PMID:26075013

  20. Hyperuricemia and the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation--could it refine clinical risk stratification in AF?

    PubMed

    Chao, Tze-Fan; Liu, Chia-Jen; Chen, Su-Jung; Wang, Kang-Ling; Lin, Yenn-Jiang; Chang, Shih-Lin; Lo, Li-Wei; Hu, Yu-Feng; Tuan, Ta-Chuan; Chen, Tzeng-Ji; Tsao, Hsuan-Ming; Chen, Shih-Ann

    2014-01-01

    Although hyperuricemia has been reported to be a risk factor of stroke, the relationship between hyperuricemia and stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains uncertain. The goal of the present study was to investigate whether hyperuricemia could potentially refine clinical risk stratification in AF. This study used the "National Health Insurance Research Database" in Taiwan. A total of 7601 AF patients who did not receive antiplatelet agents or oral anticoagulants were identified as the study population. Hyperuricemia was defined as having at least one episode of gout attack necessitating long-term treatment with uric acid-lowering agents. The association between hyperuricemia and ischemic stroke was analyzed. During the follow up of 3.0±2.7 years, 1116 patients (14.7%) experienced ischemic stroke with an annual rate of around 4.9%. Hyperuricemia significantly predicts stroke, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.280 after adjusting for CHA2DS2-VASc score and other comorbidities. Among the 376 patients with a CHA2DS2VASc score of 0, hyperuricemia can further stratify them into 2 groups with different stroke rates (7.1% versus 1.3%, p=0.020). The adjusted HR of hyperuricemia in predicting ischemic stroke diminished from 7.491 for patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0 to 1.659 for those with a score of 3, and became insignificant for patients with a score ≥4. Hyperuricemia was a significant risk factor of stroke which could potentially refine the clinical risk stratification in AF. It deserves a prospective trial to investigate whether it would change the current strategy for stroke preventions using oral anticoagulants. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.