Application of glass particles doped by Zn(+2) as an antimicrobial and atoxic compound in LLDPE and HDPE.

PubMed

Santos, M F; Machado, C; Tachinski, C G; Júnior, J F; Piletti, R; Peterson, M; Fiori, M A

2014-06-01

This study demonstrates the potential application of glass particles doped with Zn(+2) (GZn) as an atoxic, antimicrobial additive when used in conjunction with high density polyethylene (HDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) polymers. Toxicity tests demonstrated that these modified glass particles were nontoxic to human cells, and atomic absorption analyses demonstrated the migration of ionic species in quantities less than 2.0ppm for both the HDPE/GZn and LLDPE/GZn compounds. Microbiological tests demonstrated the antimicrobial effect of the pure GZn compound as well as the polymeric HDPE/GZn and LLDPE/GZn compounds. In addition, at percentages of GZn higher than 2.00wt.% and at a time of 4h, the bactericidal performance is excellent and equal for both polymeric compounds. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Additive Effects of Choice and Control.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karbowski, Joseph; And Others

In separate research studies, students who were given a choice of learning materials or who had control over aversive noise, demonstrated higher motivation and better task performance. To investigate the additive effects of choice and control on perception of control, 80 male and female college students participated in a 2 (choice vs. no-choice) X…

The development of coal-based technologies for Department of Defense facilities. Volume 1, Technical report. Semiannual technical progress report, September 28, 1994--March 27, 1995

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

Miller, B.G.; Bartley, D.A.; Hatcher, P.

1996-10-15

This program is being conducted as a cooperative agreement between the Consortium for Coal Water Mixture Technology and the U.S. Department of Energy. Activities this reporting period are summarized by phase. Phase I is nearly completed. During this reporting period, coal beneficiation/preparation studies, engineering designs and economics for retrofitting the Crane, Indiana boiler to fire coal-based fuels, and a 1,000-hour demonstration of dry, micronized coal were completed. In addition, a demonstration-scale micronized-coal water mixture (MCWM) preparation circuit was constructed and a 1,000-hour demonstration firing MCWM began. Work in Phase II focused on emissions reductions, coal beneficiation/preparation studies, and economic analysesmore » of coal use. Emissions reductions investigations involved literature surveys of NO{sub x}, SO{sub 2}, trace metals, volatile organic compounds, and fine particulate matter capture. In addition, vendors and engineering firms were contacted to identify the appropriate emissions technologies for the installation of commercial NO{sub x} and SO{sub 2} removal systems on the demonstration boiler. Information from the literature surveys and engineering firms will be used to identify, design, and install a control system(s). Work continued on the refinement and optimization of coal grinding and MCWM preparation procedures, and on the development of advanced processes for beneficiating high ash, high sulfur coals. Work also continued on determining the basic cost estimation of boiler retrofits, and evaluating environmental, regulatory, and regional economic impacts. In addition, the feasibility of technology adoption, and the public`s perception of the benefits and costs of coal usage was studied. A coal market analysis was completed. Work in Phase III focused on coal preparation studies, emissions reductions and economic analyses of coal use.« less

Overview of the NASA Entry, Descent and Landing Systems Analysis Exploration Feed-Forward Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DwyerCianciolo, Alicia M.; Zang, Thomas A.; Sostaric, Ronald R.; McGuire, M. Kathy

2011-01-01

Technology required to land large payloads (20 to 50 mt) on Mars remains elusive. In an effort to identify the most viable investment path, NASA and others have been studying various concepts. One such study, the Entry, Descent and Landing Systems Analysis (EDLSA) Study [1] identified three potential options: the rigid aeroshell, the inflatable aeroshell and supersonic retropropulsion (SRP). In an effort to drive out additional levels of design detail, a smaller demonstrator, or exploration feed-forward (EFF), robotic mission was devised that utilized two of the three (inflatable aeroshell and SRP) high potential technologies in a configuration to demonstrate landing a two to four metric ton payload on Mars. This paper presents and overview of the maximum landed mass, inflatable aeroshell controllability and sensor suite capability assessments of the selected technologies and recommends specific technology areas for additional work.

The Relevance of the Nature of Learned Associations for the Differentiation of Human Memory Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rose, Michael; Haider, Hilde; Weiller, Cornelius; Buchel, Christian

2004-01-01

In a previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study we demonstrated an involvement of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) during an implicit learning task. We concluded that the MTL was engaged because of the complex contingencies that were implicitly learned. In addition, the basal ganglia demonstrated effects of a paralleled…

Cumulative toxicity of neonicotinoid insecticide mixtures to Chironomus dilutus under acute exposure scenarios.

PubMed

Maloney, Erin M; Morrissey, Christy A; Headley, John V; Peru, Kerry M; Liber, Karsten

2017-11-01

Extensive agricultural use of neonicotinoid insecticide products has resulted in the presence of neonicotinoid mixtures in surface waters worldwide. Although many aquatic insect species are known to be sensitive to neonicotinoids, the impact of neonicotinoid mixtures is poorly understood. In the present study, the cumulative toxicities of binary and ternary mixtures of select neonicotinoids (imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam) were characterized under acute (96-h) exposure scenarios using the larval midge Chironomus dilutus as a representative aquatic insect species. Using the MIXTOX approach, predictive parametric models were fitted and statistically compared with observed toxicity in subsequent mixture tests. Single-compound toxicity tests yielded median lethal concentration (LC50) values of 4.63, 5.93, and 55.34 μg/L for imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam, respectively. Because of the similar modes of action of neonicotinoids, concentration-additive cumulative mixture toxicity was the predicted model. However, we found that imidacloprid-clothianidin mixtures demonstrated response-additive dose-level-dependent synergism, clothianidin-thiamethoxam mixtures demonstrated concentration-additive synergism, and imidacloprid-thiamethoxam mixtures demonstrated response-additive dose-ratio-dependent synergism, with toxicity shifting from antagonism to synergism as the relative concentration of thiamethoxam increased. Imidacloprid-clothianidin-thiamethoxam ternary mixtures demonstrated response-additive synergism. These results indicate that, under acute exposure scenarios, the toxicity of neonicotinoid mixtures to C. dilutus cannot be predicted using the common assumption of additive joint activity. Indeed, the overarching trend of synergistic deviation emphasizes the need for further research into the ecotoxicological effects of neonicotinoid insecticide mixtures in field settings, the development of better toxicity models for neonicotinoid mixture exposures, and the consideration of mixture effects when setting water quality guidelines for this class of pesticides. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3091-3101. © 2017 SETAC. © 2017 SETAC.

Effects of ethanol addition on micellar solubilization and plume migration during surfactant enhanced recovery of tetrachloroethene.

PubMed

Taylor, Tammy P; Rathfelder, Klaus M; Pennell, Kurt D; Abriola, Linda M

2004-03-01

Alcohol addition has been suggested for use in combination with surfactant flushing to enhance solubilization kinetics and permit density control of dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL)-laden surfactant plumes. This study examined the effects of adding ethanol (EtOH) to a 4% Tween 80 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate) solution used to flush tetrachloroethene (PCE)-contaminated porous media. The influence of EtOH concentration, subsurface layering and scale on flushing solution delivery and PCE recovery was investigated through a combination of experimental and mathematical modeling studies. Results of batch experiments demonstrated that the addition of 2.5%, 5% and 10% (wt.) EtOH incrementally increased the PCE solubilization capacity and viscosity of the surfactant solution, while reducing solution density from 1.002 to 0.986 g/cm3. Effluent concentration data obtained from one-dimensional (1-D) column experiments were used to characterize rate-limited micellar solubilization of residual PCE, which was strongly dependent upon flow velocity and weakly dependent upon EtOH concentration. Two-dimensional (2-D) box studies illustrated that minor differences (0.008 g/cm3) between flushing and resident solution density can strongly influence surfactant front propagation. A two-dimensional multiphase simulator, MISER, was used to model the influence of EtOH composition on the aqueous flow field and PCE mass recovery. The ability of the numerical simulator to predict effluent concentrations and front propagation was demonstrated for both 1-D columns and 2-D boxes flushed with EtOH-amended Tween 80 solutions. Results of this study quantify the potential influence of alcohol addition on surfactant solution properties and solubilization capacity, and demonstrate the importance of considering small density variations in remedial design.

Reversible oxygen addition on a triplet sensitizer molecule: protection from excited state depopulation.

PubMed

Filatov, Mikhail A; Heinrich, Ernesta; Busko, Dmitry; Ilieva, Iliyana Z; Landfester, Katharina; Baluschev, Stanislav

2015-03-07

We demonstrate that photoactivated oxygen addition to diphenylanthracene moities can be used as a tool for protection of porphyrin's phosphorescence against oxygen quenching. Phosphorescent palladium(II) tetrabenzoporphyrin, covalently linked to four diphenylanthracene moieties, was synthesized and studied. Upon irradiation with ambient light or red laser in solution in air, addition of oxygen and formation of the corresponding endoperoxides were observed. Heating of the irradiated samples afforded the parent porphyrin material.

Growth morphologies of wax in the presence of kinetic inhibitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tetervak, Alexander A.

Driven by the need to prevent crystallization of normal alkanes from diesel fuels in cold climates, the petroleum industry has developed additives to slow the growth of these crystals and alter their morphologies. Although the utility of these kinetic inhibitors has been well demonstrated in the field, few studies have directly monitored their effect at microscopic morphology, and the mechanisms by which they act remain poorly understood. Here we present a study of the effects of such additives on the crystallization of long-chain n-alkanes from solution. The additives change the growth morphology from plate-like crystals to a microcrystalline mesh. When we impose a front velocity by moving the sample through a temperature gradient, the mesh growth may form a macroscopic banded pattern and also exhibit a burst-crystallization behavior. In this study, we characterize these crystallization phenomena and also two growth models: a continuum model that demonstrates the essential behavior of the banded crystallization, and a simple qualitative cellular automata model that captures basics of the burst-crystallization process. Keywords: solidification; mesh crystallization; kinetic inhibitor; burst growth.

Does affective information influence domestic dogs' (Canis lupus familiaris) point-following behavior?

PubMed

Flom, Ross; Gartman, Peggy

2016-03-01

Several studies have examined dogs' (Canis lupus familiaris) comprehension and use of human communicative cues. Relatively few studies have, however, examined the effects of human affective behavior (i.e., facial and vocal expressions) on dogs' exploratory and point-following behavior. In two experiments, we examined dogs' frequency of following an adult's pointing gesture in locating a hidden reward or treat when it occurred silently, or when it was paired with a positive or negative facial and vocal affective expression. Like prior studies, the current results demonstrate that dogs reliably follow human pointing cues. Unlike prior studies, the current results also demonstrate that the addition of a positive affective facial and vocal expression, when paired with a pointing gesture, did not reliably increase dogs' frequency of locating a hidden piece of food compared to pointing alone. In addition, and within the negative facial and vocal affect conditions of Experiment 1 and 2, dogs were delayed in their exploration, or approach, toward a baited or sham-baited bowl. However, in Experiment 2, dogs continued to follow an adult's pointing gesture, even when paired with a negative expression, as long as the attention-directing gesture referenced a baited bowl. Together these results suggest that the addition of affective information does not significantly increase or decrease dogs' point-following behavior. Rather these results demonstrate that the presence or absence of affective expressions influences a dogs' exploratory behavior and the presence or absence of reward affects whether they will follow an unfamiliar adult's attention-directing gesture.

Anionic Four Electron Donor-Based Palladacycles as Catalysts for Addition Reactions of Arylboronic Acids with α,β-Unsaturated Ketones, Aldehydes and α-Ketoesters

PubMed Central

He, Ping; Lu, Yong; Dong, Cheng-Guo; Hu, Qiao-Sheng

2008-01-01

Anionic four electron donor-based palladacycle-catalyzed 1,4-additions of arylboronic acids with α,β-unsaturated ketones and 1,2-additions of arylboronic acids with aldehydes and α-ketoesters are described. Our study demonstrated that palladacycles were highly efficient, practical catalysts for these addition reactions. The work described here not only opened a new paradigm for the application of palladacycles, but may also pave the road for other metalacycles as practically useful catalysts for such addition reactions including asymmetric ones. PMID:17217300

Numerical and Experimental Study of Ti6Al4V Components Manufactured Using Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zielinski, Jonas; Mindt, Hans-Wilfried; Düchting, Jan; Schleifenbaum, Johannes Henrich; Megahed, Mustafa

2017-12-01

Powder bed fusion additive manufacturing of titanium alloys is an interesting manufacturing route for many applications requiring high material strength combined with geometric complexity. Managing powder bed fusion challenges, including porosity, surface finish, distortions and residual stresses of as-built material, is the key to bringing the advantages of this process to production main stream. This paper discusses the application of experimental and numerical analysis towards optimizing the manufacturing process of a demonstration component. Powder characterization including assessment of the reusability, assessment of material consolidation and process window optimization is pursued prior to applying the identified optima to study the distortion and residual stresses of the demonstrator. Comparisons of numerical predictions with measurements show good correlations along the complete numerical chain.

George W. Wingate High School, Bilingual Demonstration College Preparatory Program. O.E.E. Evaluation Report, 1982-1983.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sjostrom, Barbara R.; Sica, Michael

The Bilingual Demonstration College Preparatory Program, in its second year of funding, provided English as a second language (ESL) and native language instruction, in addition to bilingual instruction in mathematics, social studies, and science, to 120 Spanish-speaking students in grades 9-12 at George W. Wingate High School (Brooklyn, New York).…

Nutlin-3 Treatment Spares Cisplatin-Induced Inhibition of Bone Healing While Maintaining Osteosarcoma Toxicity

PubMed Central

Stine, Kimo C.; Wahl, Elizabeth C.; Liu, Lichu; Skinner, Robert A.; VanderSchilden, Jaclyn; Bunn, Robert C.; Montgomery, Corey O.; Aronson, James; Becton, David L.; Nicholas, Richard W.; Swearingen, Christopher J.; Suva, Larry J.; Lumpkin, Charles K.

2017-01-01

The majority of Osteosarcoma (OS) patients are treated with a combination of chemotherapy, resection, and limb salvage protocols. These protocols include distraction osteogenesis (DO), which is characterized by direct new bone formation. Cisplatin (CDP) is extensively used for OS chemotherapy and recent studies, using a mouse DO model, have demonstrated that CDP has profound negative effects on bone repair. Recent oncological therapeutic strategies are based on the use of standard cytotoxic drugs plus an assortment of biologic agents. Here we demonstrate that the previously reported CDP-associated inhibition of bone repair can be modulated by the administration of a small molecule p53 inducer (nutlin-3). The effects of nutlin-3 on CDP osteotoxicity were studied using both pre- and post-operative treatment models. In both cases the addition of nutlin-3, bracketing CDP exposure, demonstrated robust and significant bone sparing activity (p < 0.01–0.001). In addition the combination of nutlin-3 and CDP induced equivalent OS tumor killing in a xenograft model. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the induction of p53 peri-operatively protects bone healing from the toxic effects of CDP, while maintaining OS toxicity. PMID:26867804

Involvement of Right STS in Audio-Visual Integration for Affective Speech Demonstrated Using MEG

PubMed Central

Hagan, Cindy C.; Woods, Will; Johnson, Sam; Green, Gary G. R.; Young, Andrew W.

2013-01-01

Speech and emotion perception are dynamic processes in which it may be optimal to integrate synchronous signals emitted from different sources. Studies of audio-visual (AV) perception of neutrally expressed speech demonstrate supra-additive (i.e., where AV>[unimodal auditory+unimodal visual]) responses in left STS to crossmodal speech stimuli. However, emotions are often conveyed simultaneously with speech; through the voice in the form of speech prosody and through the face in the form of facial expression. Previous studies of AV nonverbal emotion integration showed a role for right (rather than left) STS. The current study therefore examined whether the integration of facial and prosodic signals of emotional speech is associated with supra-additive responses in left (cf. results for speech integration) or right (due to emotional content) STS. As emotional displays are sometimes difficult to interpret, we also examined whether supra-additive responses were affected by emotional incongruence (i.e., ambiguity). Using magnetoencephalography, we continuously recorded eighteen participants as they viewed and heard AV congruent emotional and AV incongruent emotional speech stimuli. Significant supra-additive responses were observed in right STS within the first 250 ms for emotionally incongruent and emotionally congruent AV speech stimuli, which further underscores the role of right STS in processing crossmodal emotive signals. PMID:23950977

Involvement of right STS in audio-visual integration for affective speech demonstrated using MEG.

PubMed

Hagan, Cindy C; Woods, Will; Johnson, Sam; Green, Gary G R; Young, Andrew W

2013-01-01

Speech and emotion perception are dynamic processes in which it may be optimal to integrate synchronous signals emitted from different sources. Studies of audio-visual (AV) perception of neutrally expressed speech demonstrate supra-additive (i.e., where AV>[unimodal auditory+unimodal visual]) responses in left STS to crossmodal speech stimuli. However, emotions are often conveyed simultaneously with speech; through the voice in the form of speech prosody and through the face in the form of facial expression. Previous studies of AV nonverbal emotion integration showed a role for right (rather than left) STS. The current study therefore examined whether the integration of facial and prosodic signals of emotional speech is associated with supra-additive responses in left (cf. results for speech integration) or right (due to emotional content) STS. As emotional displays are sometimes difficult to interpret, we also examined whether supra-additive responses were affected by emotional incongruence (i.e., ambiguity). Using magnetoencephalography, we continuously recorded eighteen participants as they viewed and heard AV congruent emotional and AV incongruent emotional speech stimuli. Significant supra-additive responses were observed in right STS within the first 250 ms for emotionally incongruent and emotionally congruent AV speech stimuli, which further underscores the role of right STS in processing crossmodal emotive signals.

Application of seaweeds to develop new food products with enhanced shelf-life, quality and health-related beneficial properties.

PubMed

Roohinejad, Shahin; Koubaa, Mohamed; Barba, Francisco J; Saljoughian, Sania; Amid, Mehrnoush; Greiner, Ralf

2017-09-01

Edible seaweeds are a good source of antioxidants, dietary fibers, essential amino acids, vitamins, phytochemicals, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and minerals. Many studies have evaluated the gelling, thickening and therapeutic properties of seaweeds when they are used individually. This review gives an overview on the nutritional, textural, sensorial, and health-related properties of food products enriched with seaweeds and seaweed extracts. The effect of seaweed incorporation on properties of meat, fish, bakery, and other food products were highlighted in depth. Moreover, the positive effects of foods enriched with seaweeds and seaweed extracts on different lifestyle diseases such as obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes were also discussed. The results of the studies demonstrated that the addition of seaweeds, in powder or extract form, can improve the nutritional and textural properties of food products. Additionally, low-fat products with less calories and less saturated fatty acids can be prepared using seaweeds. Moreover, the addition of seaweeds also affected the health properties of food products. The results of these studies demonstrated that the health value, shelf-life and overall quality of foods can be improved through the addition of either seaweeds or seaweed extracts. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Permeable pavement monitoring at the Edison Environmental Center demonstration site

EPA Science Inventory

There are few detailed studies of full-scale, replicated, actively-used pervious pavement systems. Practitioners need additional studies of pervious pavement systems in its intended application (parking lot, roadway, etc.) during a range of climatic events, daily usage conditions...

Permeable Pavement Monitoring at the Edison Environmental Center Demonstration Site

EPA Science Inventory

There are few detailed studies of full-scale, replicated, actively-used pervious pavement systems. Practitioners need additional studies of pervious pavement systems in its intended application (parking lot, roadway, etc.) during a range of climatic events, daily usage conditions...

Live Cell Characterization of DNA Aggregation Delivered through Lipofection

PubMed Central

Mieruszynski, Stephen; Briggs, Candida; Digman, Michelle A.; Gratton, Enrico; Jones, Mark R

2015-01-01

DNA trafficking phenomena, such as information on where and to what extent DNA aggregation occurs, have yet to be fully characterised in the live cell. Here we characterise the aggregation of DNA when delivered through lipofection by applying the Number and Brightness (N&B) approach. The N&B analysis demonstrates extensive aggregation throughout the live cell with DNA clusters in the extremity of the cell and peri-nuclear areas. Once within the nucleus aggregation had decreased 3-fold. In addition, we show that increasing serum concentration of cell media results in greater cytoplasmic aggregation. Further, the effects of the DNA fragment size on aggregation was explored, where larger DNA constructs exhibited less aggregation. This study demonstrates the first quantification of DNA aggregation when delivered through lipofection in live cells. In addition, this study has presents a model for alternative uses of this imaging approach, which was originally developed to study protein oligomerization and aggregation. PMID:26013547

Structured functional additive regression in reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces.

PubMed

Zhu, Hongxiao; Yao, Fang; Zhang, Hao Helen

2014-06-01

Functional additive models (FAMs) provide a flexible yet simple framework for regressions involving functional predictors. The utilization of data-driven basis in an additive rather than linear structure naturally extends the classical functional linear model. However, the critical issue of selecting nonlinear additive components has been less studied. In this work, we propose a new regularization framework for the structure estimation in the context of Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces. The proposed approach takes advantage of the functional principal components which greatly facilitates the implementation and the theoretical analysis. The selection and estimation are achieved by penalized least squares using a penalty which encourages the sparse structure of the additive components. Theoretical properties such as the rate of convergence are investigated. The empirical performance is demonstrated through simulation studies and a real data application.

Permeable pavement monitoring at the EPA's Edison Environmental Center demonstration site

EPA Science Inventory

There are few detailed studies of full-scale, replicated, actively-used pervious pavement systems. Practitioners need additional studies of pervious pavement systems in its intended application (parking lot, roadway, etc.) during a range of climatic events, daily usage conditions...

Media additives to promote spheroid circularity and compactness in hanging drop platform.

PubMed

Leung, Brendan M; Lesher-Perez, Sasha Cai; Matsuoka, Toshiki; Moraes, Christopher; Takayama, Shuichi

2015-02-01

Three-dimensional spheroid cultures have become increasingly popular as drug screening platforms, especially with the advent of different high throughput spheroid forming technologies. However, comparing drug efficacy across different cell types in spheroid culture can be difficult due to variations in spheroid morphologies and transport characteristics. Improving the reproducibility of compact, circular spheroids contributes to standardizing and increasing the fidelity of the desired gradient profiles in these drug screening three-dimensional tissue cultures. In this study we discuss the role that circularity and compaction has on spheroids, and demonstrate the impact methylcellulose (MethoCel) and collagen additives in the culture media can contribute to more compact and circular spheroid morphology. We demonstrate that improved spheroid formation is not a simple function of increased viscosity of the different macromolecule additives, suggesting that other macromolecular characteristics contribute to improved spheroid formation. Of the various macromolecular additives tested for hanging drop culture, MethoCel provided the most desirable spheroid formation. Additionally, the higher viscosity of MethoCel-containing media improved the ease of imaging of cellular spheroids within hanging drop cultures by reducing motion-induced image blur.

Evaluation of Advanced Polymers for Additive Manufacturing

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

Rios, Orlando; Carter, William G.; Kutchko, Cindy

The goal of this Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) technical collaboration project between Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and PPG Industries, Inc. (PPG) was to evaluate the feasibility of using conventional coatings chemistry and technology to build up material layer-by-layer. The PPG-ORNL study successfully demonstrated that polymeric coatings formulations may overcome many limitations of common thermoplastics used in additive manufacturing (AM), allow lightweight nozzle design for material deposition, and increase build rate. The materials effort focused on layer-by-layer deposition of coatings with each layer fusing together. The combination of materials and deposition results in an additively manufactured build that has sufficientmore » mechanical properties to bear the load of additional layers, yet is capable of bonding across the z-layers to improve build direction strength. The formulation properties were tuned to enable a novel, high-throughput deposition method that is highly scalable, compatible with high loading of reinforcing fillers, and inherently low-cost.« less

Nucleation and growth of chimney pores during electron-beam additive manufacturing

DOE PAGES

Cordero, Zachary C.; Dinwiddie, Ralph B.; Immel, David; ...

2016-12-05

The nucleation and growth of chimney pores during powder-bed, electron-beam additive manufacturing is investigated using in-situ infrared thermography as well as microcomputed tomography of as-printed parts. The pores are found to nucleate at dimples on the part s surface, clearly demonstrating how process parameters can affect surface roughness, which can in turn affect the internal defect structure in an additive manufactured part. Based on the results of this study, several strategies for suppressing the formation of chimney pores are discussed.

Flows of the Tycho Crater type, comparative analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bratkov, Yury

Some embeddings of the Tycho Crater type flow or, more generally, of the Tycho Butterfly type flow, are demonstrated, and comparative analysis is given. Additionally, identity of the Earthen World Ocean and the Moon Global Ocean is demonstrated. Supersonic flows (jets, shock waves, Mach stems) are comparatively studied [1]. References: [1] Bratkov Yu.N., Caspian Seas, http://viXra.org/abs/1211.0067, 12 Nov 2012

Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment and Wildlife Habitat: 17 Case Studies

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This document provides brief descriptions of 17 wetland treatment systems from across the country that are providing significant water quality benefits while demonstrating additional benefits such as wildlife habitat.

Magnetic x-ray scattering studies of holmium using synchro- tron radiation

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

Gibbs, D.; Moncton, D.E.; D'Amico, K.L.

1985-07-08

We present the results of magnetic x-ray scattering experiments on the rare-earth metal holmium using synchrotron radiation. Direct high-resolution measurements of the nominally incommensurate magnetic satellite reflections reveal new lock-in behavior which we explain within a simple spin-discommensuration model. As a result of magnetoelastic coupling, the spin-discommensuration array produces additional x-ray diffraction satellites. Their observation further substantiates the model and demonstrates additional advantages of synchrotron radiation for magnetic-structure studies.

Modeling and experimental studies on intermittent starch feeding and citrate addition in simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of starch to flavor compounds.

PubMed

Chavan, Abhijit R; Raghunathan, Anuradha; Venkatesh, K V

2009-04-01

Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) is a combined process of saccharification of a renewable bioresource and fermentation process to produce products, such as lactic acid and ethanol. Recently, SSF has been extensively used to convert various sources of cellulose and starch into fermentative products. Here, we present a study on production of buttery flavors, namely diacetyl and acetoin, by growing Lactobacillus rhamnosus on a starch medium containing the enzyme glucoamylase. We further develop a structured kinetics for the SSF process, which includes enzyme and growth kinetics. The model was used to simulate the effect of pH and temperature on the SSF process so as to obtain optimum operating conditions. The model was experimentally verified by conducting SSF using an initial starch concentration of 100 g/L. The study demonstrated that the developed kinetic was able to suggest strategies for improved productivities. The developed model was able to accurately predict the enhanced productivity of flavors in a three stage process with intermittent addition of starch. Experimental and simulations demonstrated that citrate addition can also lead to enhanced productivity of flavors. The developed optimal model for SSF was able to capture the dynamics of SSF in batch mode as well as in a three stage process. The structured kinetics was also able to quantify the effect of multiple substrates present in the medium. The study demonstrated that structured kinetic models can be used in the future for design and optimization of SSF as a batch or a fed-batch process.

Demonstration of an optoelectronic interconnect architecture for a parallel modified signed-digit adder and subtracter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Degui; Wang, Na-Xin; He, Li-Ming; Weng, Zhao-Heng; Wang, Daheng; Chen, Ray T.

1996-06-01

A space-position-logic-encoding scheme is proposed and demonstrated. This encoding scheme not only makes the best use of the convenience of binary logic operation, but is also suitable for the trinary property of modified signed- digit (MSD) numbers. Based on the space-position-logic-encoding scheme, a fully parallel modified signed-digit adder and subtractor is built using optoelectronic switch technologies in conjunction with fiber-multistage 3D optoelectronic interconnects. Thus an effective combination of a parallel algorithm and a parallel architecture is implemented. In addition, the performance of the optoelectronic switches used in this system is experimentally studied and verified. Both the 3-bit experimental model and the experimental results of a parallel addition and a parallel subtraction are provided and discussed. Finally, the speed ratio between the MSD adder and binary adders is discussed and the advantage of the MSD in operating speed is demonstrated.

Scaffold architecture and fibrin gels promote meniscal cell proliferation

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

Pawelec, K. M., E-mail: pawelec.km@gmail.com, E-mail: jw626@cam.ac.uk; Best, S. M.; Cameron, R. E.

2015-01-01

Stability of the knee relies on the meniscus, a complex connective tissue with poor healing ability. Current meniscal tissue engineering is inadequate, as the signals for increasing meniscal cell proliferation have not been established. In this study, collagen scaffold structure, isotropic or aligned, and fibrin gel addition were tested. Metabolic activity was promoted by fibrin addition. Cellular proliferation, however, was significantly increased by both aligned architectures and fibrin addition. None of the constructs impaired collagen type I production or triggered adverse inflammatory responses. It was demonstrated that both fibrin gel addition and optimized scaffold architecture effectively promote meniscal cell proliferation.

Enhanced thermal stability of biomedical thermoplastic polyurethane with the addition of cellulose nanocrystals

Treesearch

Jen-Chieh Liu; Darren J. Martin; Robert J. Moon; Jeffrey P. Youngblood

2015-01-01

Freeze-dried cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were dispersed in the thermoplastic polyurethane [Pellethane 2363-55D (P55D)] by a solvent casting method to fabricate CNC-reinforced nanocomposites. This study demonstrated that the addition of small amounts (1–5 wt %) of CNCs to P55D increased the thermal degradation temperature while maintaining a similar stiffness,...

Annexin A2 is an independent prognostic biomarker for evaluating the malignant progression of laryngeal cancer

PubMed Central

Luo, Shi; Xie, Chubo; Wu, Ping; He, Jian; Tang, Yaoyun; Xu, Jing; Zhao, Suping

2017-01-01

Due to the lack of a definite diagnosis, a frequent recurrence rate and resistance to chemotherapy or radiotherapy, the clinical outcome for patients with advanced laryngeal cancer has not improved over the last decade. Annexin A2 is associated with the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. In the present study, it was demonstrated using differential proteomics analysis that Annexin A2 is highly expressed in laryngeal carcinoma tissues and this was confirmed using immunohistochemistry, which demonstrated that the expression of Annexin A2 in laryngeal carcinoma tissues was significantly higher than in healthy adjacent tissue. In addition, its potential predictive value in the prognosis of patients with laryngeal carcinoma was evaluated. The results demonstrated that Annexin A2 expression was significantly associated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and clinical stage. In addition, higher Annexin A2 expression was associated with a poor prognosis of patients with laryngeal cancer. Thus, the results of the present study indicate that Annexin A2 expression is an independent prognostic biomarker for evaluating the malignant progression of laryngeal cancer. PMID:29285166

Glow Sticks: Spectra and Color Mixing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Birriel, Jennifer; Birriel, Ignacio

2014-10-01

Glow sticks are a popular Halloween staple familiar to most of our students. The production of light via a chemical reaction is called "chemiluminescence," and glow sticks are often used as demonstrations and experiments in the chemistry classroom to study reaction rates as a function of temperature.1-3 A black light can be used to illuminate glow sticks that have not been cracked or those that are "dead" in order to demonstrate fluorescence in liquid chemicals.4 In this article, we present the use of glow sticks as an inexpensive demonstration of spectra and color addition.

Admittance Spectroscopy in CZTSSe: Metastability Behavior and Voltage Dependent Defect Study

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

Koeper, Mark J.; Hages, Charles J.; Li, Jian V.

2016-11-21

Admittance spectroscopy has been performed on a CZTSSe device with a carrier injection pretreatment and under electronically relaxed conditions to demonstrate metastability behavior. We show that the measurements with the carrier injection pretreatment demonstrate two admittance signatures while the relaxed measurement demonstrates only one admittance signature with a different activation energy. Additionally, voltage dependent admittance spectroscopy was performed using the carrier injection pretreatment method at each of the applied voltage bias. The activation energies of the two admittance signatures were calculated and are shown to be independent of the voltage bias.

Organic foods contain higher levels of certain nutrients, lower levels of pesticides, and may provide health benefits for the consumer.

PubMed

Crinnion, Walter J

2010-04-01

The multi-billion dollar organic food industry is fueled by consumer perception that organic food is healthier (greater nutritional value and fewer toxic chemicals). Studies of the nutrient content in organic foods vary in results due to differences in the ground cover and maturity of the organic farming operation. Nutrient content also varies from farmer to farmer and year to year. However, reviews of multiple studies show that organic varieties do provide significantly greater levels of vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus than non-organic varieties of the same foods. While being higher in these nutrients, they are also significantly lower in nitrates and pesticide residues. In addition, with the exception of wheat, oats, and wine, organic foods typically provide greater levels of a number of important antioxidant phytochemicals (anthocyanins, flavonoids, and carotenoids). Although in vitro studies of organic fruits and vegetables consistently demonstrate that organic foods have greater antioxidant activity, are more potent suppressors of the mutagenic action of toxic compounds, and inhibit the proliferation of certain cancer cell lines, in vivo studies of antioxidant activity in humans have failed to demonstrate additional benefit. Clear health benefits from consuming organic dairy products have been demonstrated in regard to allergic dermatitis.

Structured functional additive regression in reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces

PubMed Central

Zhu, Hongxiao; Yao, Fang; Zhang, Hao Helen

2013-01-01

Summary Functional additive models (FAMs) provide a flexible yet simple framework for regressions involving functional predictors. The utilization of data-driven basis in an additive rather than linear structure naturally extends the classical functional linear model. However, the critical issue of selecting nonlinear additive components has been less studied. In this work, we propose a new regularization framework for the structure estimation in the context of Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces. The proposed approach takes advantage of the functional principal components which greatly facilitates the implementation and the theoretical analysis. The selection and estimation are achieved by penalized least squares using a penalty which encourages the sparse structure of the additive components. Theoretical properties such as the rate of convergence are investigated. The empirical performance is demonstrated through simulation studies and a real data application. PMID:25013362

Recent developments in the long-term preservation of red blood cells.

PubMed

Greenwalt, T J

1997-11-01

The first study to suggest the successful prolongation of the useful shelf life of red blood cells (RBCs) used a hypotonic additive solution containing glycerol. It was necessary to use twice the volume of this solution than the commercial additive solution per unit of packed RBCs. The final concentration of glycerol in the units was approximately 0.69% (75 mmol/L). A subsequent study demonstrated that the membranes of the exocytic microvesicles shed during storage had less of bands 3 and 4.1 than those in Adsol (Fenwal Laboratories, Deerfield, IL). Band 4.1 is important for strengthening the bonds between spectrin and actin in the cytoskeleton. In another study, glutamine or glutamine plus phosphate was used in a hypotonic additive solution, otherwise similar to the glycerol-containing additive. In the latter medium, phosphatidylethanolamine was less accessible to phospholipase action than in Adsol or when glutamine alone was added. Another group reported encouraging data regarding the action of L-carnitine when added to AS-3. Acylation of phosphatidylethanolamine mediated by the action of carnitine fatty acid transferase with acyl coenzyme A (acyl-CoA) occurred. Adenosine-5'-triphosphate levels and red cell recovery were better in the test units. In the last paper reviewed, the authors demonstrated that oxidant damage of erythrocytes was less if the donors were given a mixture of antioxidants for 10 days prior to donating.

The Effect of Glycolytic Modulation in Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-11-01

glycolysis to induce cytotox- icity, despite diagnostic studies developing positron emission tomography (PET), which uses a trapped glucose analogue, 2...controlled by androgen ablation therapy or chemotherapy, warranting the study ofnovel approaches. In this regard, recent studies have demonstrated...dependence on glycolysis, supporting arationale for selectivity of abrogating glycolysis in tumor cells compared to normal cells. Additional recent studies

Controlling neutron orbital angular momentum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, Charles W.; Barankov, Roman; Huber, Michael G.; Arif, Muhammad; Cory, David G.; Pushin, Dmitry A.

2015-09-01

The quantized orbital angular momentum (OAM) of photons offers an additional degree of freedom and topological protection from noise. Photonic OAM states have therefore been exploited in various applications ranging from studies of quantum entanglement and quantum information science to imaging. The OAM states of electron beams have been shown to be similarly useful, for example in rotating nanoparticles and determining the chirality of crystals. However, although neutrons--as massive, penetrating and neutral particles--are important in materials characterization, quantum information and studies of the foundations of quantum mechanics, OAM control of neutrons has yet to be achieved. Here, we demonstrate OAM control of neutrons using macroscopic spiral phase plates that apply a `twist' to an input neutron beam. The twisted neutron beams are analysed with neutron interferometry. Our techniques, applied to spatially incoherent beams, demonstrate both the addition of quantum angular momenta along the direction of propagation, effected by multiple spiral phase plates, and the conservation of topological charge with respect to uniform phase fluctuations. Neutron-based studies of quantum information science, the foundations of quantum mechanics, and scattering and imaging of magnetic, superconducting and chiral materials have until now been limited to three degrees of freedom: spin, path and energy. The optimization of OAM control, leading to well defined values of OAM, would provide an additional quantized degree of freedom for such studies.

Didactic satellite based on Android platform for space operation demonstration and development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ben Bahri, Omar; Besbes, Kamel

2018-03-01

Space technology plays a pivotal role in society development. It offers new methods for telemetry, monitoring and control. However, this sector requires training, research and skills development but the lack of instruments, materials and budgets affects the ambiguity to understand satellite technology. The objective of this paper is to describe a demonstration prototype of a smart phone device for space operations study. Therefore, the first task was carried out to give a demonstration for spatial imagery and attitude determination missions through a wireless communication. The smart phone's Bluetooth was used to achieve this goal inclusive of a new method to enable real time transmission. In addition, an algorithm around a quaternion based Kalman filter was included in order to detect the reliability of the prototype's orientation. The second task was carried out to provide a demonstration for the attitude control mission using the smart phone's orientation sensor, including a new method for an autonomous guided mode. As a result, the acquisition platform showed real time measurement with good accuracy for orientation detection and image transmission. In addition, the prototype kept the balance during the demonstration based on the attitude control method.

The Effects of Reviews in Video Tutorials

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van der Meij, H.; van der Meij, J.

2016-01-01

This study investigates how well a video tutorial for software training that is based on Demonstration-Based Teaching supports user motivation and performance. In addition, it is studied whether reviews significantly contribute to these measures. The Control condition employs a tutorial with instructional features added to a dynamic task…

Schools Where Parents Make A Difference.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davies, Don, Ed.

This book presents 11 case studies that demonstrate successful efforts to improve education through building new relationships between schools and communities. In addition to presenting the case studies, the book also contains an introductory chapter that discusses the potentials and pitfalls of local efforts at participatory democracy, as well as…

Measuring and Enhancing Creativity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mahboub, Kamyar C.; Portillo, Margaret B.; Liu, Yinhui; Chandraratna, Susantha

2004-01-01

The purpose of this study was to assess ways by which creativity may be enhanced in a design-oriented course. In order to demonstrate the validity of the approach, a statistically based study was employed. Additionally, the experiment was replicated in two design-oriented fields at the University of Kentucky. These fields were civil engineering…

Feasibility of a multi-component additive for efficient control of activated sludge filamentous bulking.

PubMed

Seka, A M; Van De Wiele, T; Verstraete, W

2001-08-01

Instantaneous improvement of the settling of bulking filamentous activated sludge can be achieved by the addition of a polymer or a large amount (up to 100% of the MLSS concentration) of talc powder to the sludge. Long-term improvement relies on repeated additions, as these additives have no adverse effects on the causative filaments. A multi-component additive was compared to the traditional additives in lab-scale activated sludge units using three highly filamentous sludges from different industrial treatment plants. The study demonstrated that the multi-component additive was superior to the traditional remedies. It was shown that, in the case of severe filamentous bulking, a single addition of the new additive immediately improved sludge settling and exerted a destructive effect on the causative filamentous bacteria. Thus, the latter additive also ensured a long-term sludge sedimentation improvement. The traditional additives exhibited an immediate and short-term effect. The novel additive also retarded sludge rising due to denitrification and it improved sludge dewaterability. The study revealed Nostocoido limicola II, with slightly hydrophobic cell wall, to be somewhat resistant to the quaternary ammonium salt present as biocide in the additive.

Theory of mind reasoning in schizophrenia patients and non-psychotic relatives.

PubMed

Cassetta, Briana; Goghari, Vina

2014-08-15

Research consistently demonstrates that schizophrenia patients have theory of mind (ToM) impairments. Additionally, there is some evidence that family members of schizophrenia patients also demonstrate impairments in ToM, suggesting a genetic vulnerability for the disorder. This study assessed ToM abilities (i.e., sarcasm comprehension) in schizophrenia patients and their first-degree biological relatives during video-taped social interactions, to be representative of real-world interactions and to assess for disease-specific and/or genetic liability effects. Additionally, we assessed whether ToM abilities predicted social and global functioning in schizophrenia patients, and whether symptoms were associated with ToM deficits. Schizophrenia patients demonstrated impairments in sarcasm comprehension compared to controls and relatives, whereas relatives showed intact comprehension. Symptoms of schizophrenia significantly predicted worse ToM abilities. Furthermore, in schizophrenia patients, impaired ToM reasoning predicted worse social and global functioning. Given schizophrenia patients demonstrated impairments in ToM reasoning in a task that resembles real-life interactions, this might be a key area for remediation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hypnotherapy of a pain disorder: a clinical case study.

PubMed

Artimon, Henrieta Mihaela

2015-01-01

Hypnotherapy's effectiveness in improving and controlling chronic pain of various etiologies has been demonstrated by studies; the mechanism by which hypnosis does this is more complex than a simple induction of muscle relaxation. This study reveals, in addition to this mechanism, a deeper dimension of hypnotherapy from the vantage of a patient with a medical-surgical background, diagnosed with a pain disorder and major severe depressive disorder in addition to incurable painful symptoms, through treatment associated with hypnoanalysis. Following psychotherapy, which included some elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy, a complete remission of the anxious-depressive mood and the painful symptoms was achieved.

Pyroelectric conversion in space: A conceptual design study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olsen, R. B.

1983-01-01

Pyroelectric conversion is potentially a very lightweight means of providing electrical power generation in space. Two conceptualized systems approaches for the direct conversion of heat (from sunlight) into electrical energy using the pyroelectric effect of a new class of polar polymers were evaluated. Both of the approaches involved large area thin sheets of plastic which are thermally cycled by radiative input and output of thermal energy. The systems studied are expected to eventually achieve efficiencies of the order of 8% and may deliver as much as one half kilowatt per kilogram. In addition to potentially very high specific power, the pyroelectric conversion approaches outlined appear to offer low cost per watt in the form of an easily deployed, flexible, strong, electrically ""self-healing'', and high voltage sheet. This study assessed several potential problems such as plasma interactions and radiation degradation and suggests approaches to overcome them. The fundamental technological issues for space pyroelectric conversion are: (1) demonstration of the conversion cycle with the proposed class of polymers, (2) achievement of improved dielectric strength of the material, (3) demonstration of acceptable plasma power losses for low altitude, and (4) establishment of reasonable lifetime for the pyroelectric material in the space environment. Recommendations include an experimental demonstration of the pyroelectric conversion cycle followed by studies to improve the dielectric strength of the polymer and basic studies to discover additional pyroelectric materials.

THE STUDY OF MENSTRUAL AND OTHER BLOOD LOSS, AND CONSEQUENT IRON DEFICIENCY BY Fe$sup 59$ WHOLE BODY COUNTING

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

Price, D.C.; Forsyth, E.M.; Cohn, S.H.

An established method for determining radioiron absorption by whole body counting was used to study six parous women with hypochromic anemia and menorrhagia, and a seventh nulliparous woman with normal blood values and normal menses. In addition to demonstrating iron deficiency by increased radioiron absorption, the method was found useful in estimating the quantity of blood lost with each menstrual period. As much as 550 ml of menstrual loss was noted in two of the patients studied. Estimates in the patient with normal menses were 59 and 33 ml. Two additional patients demonstrated patierns of blood loss found in continuousmore » gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, and in severe epistaxis, as further applications of the technique. Where available, the method is to be recommended for routine investigation of hypochromic anemia when episodic or continuous blood loss such as that of menorrhagia is suspected. (auth)« less

Influence of disodium EDTA on the nucleation and growth of struvite and carbonate apatite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prywer, Jolanta; Olszynski, Marcin

2013-07-01

The effect of disodium EDTA, as an additive, on the crystallization of struvite and carbonate apatite was studied. The growth of struvite crystals and carbonate apatite occurred in the solution of artificial urine at 37 °C and at the condition emulating real urinary tract infection. The results demonstrate that the addition of disodium EDTA increases the induction time and decreases the growth efficiency compared to the baseline (without disodium EDTA). The struvite crystal mean and median diameters were found to decrease in the presence of disodium EDTA but the crystal morphology and habit remain almost unchanged. Disodium EDTA has demonstrated its potential to be further investigated in the presence of bacteria and in vivo conditions.

How Understanding the Role of an Additive Can Lead to an Improved Synthetic Protocol without an Additive: Organocatalytic Synthesis of Chiral Diarylmethyl Alkynes.

PubMed

Chen, Min; Sun, Jianwei

2017-09-18

The use of additives for organic synthesis has become a common tactic to improve the outcome of organic reactions. Herein, by using an organocatalytic process for the synthesis of chiral diarylmethyl alkynes as a platform, we describe how an additive is involved in the improvement of the process. The evolution of an excellent synthetic protocol has been achieved in three stages, from 1) initially no catalyst turnover, to 2) good conversion and enantioselectivity with a superior additive, and eventually 3) even better efficiency and selectivity without an additive. This study is an important and rare demonstration that understanding the role of additive can be so beneficial as to obviate the need for the additive. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

[A study of infant mortality rate in Korean rural areas].

PubMed

Cho, Y H

1981-10-31

This study was undertaken in an attempt to identify the level of birth and infant death in the KHDI demonstration areas. The objectives of this study were to collect available information on birth and infant death in the KHDI demonstration areas, and estimate actual levels of birth and infant mortality in these areas. Within these areas, events of birth and death are continuously recorded by the field health workers, such as the Family Folder, maternal health service card, and the infant-child health service card. Study areas included all the KHDI demonstration areas (Hongchon, Okgu, Gunee). However, 2 myons in the Okgu area were excluded from the study areas since there was no community health practitioner assigned there. The data were collected by 24 community health practitioners and 80 community health aides in the 3 demonstration areas, according to the survey format. These health workers examined and searched existing records. After filling out the survey questionnaires, these health workers made contact with village health workers, "Li" chiefs, mother's club chiefs, or Saemaul leaders at the village level in order that they might gather additional information on possible items which were omitted. Afterwards, health workers made home visits to selected households which were known to have had births or deaths during the 1 year period between January-December 1979. A review of the activities of the health workers during this study indicated that professional survey workers were needed. In addition, 8 surveyors were employed and trained by KHDI to strengthen field survey efforts; they were dispatched to Hongchon and Okgu for 17 days. A total number of 3302 live births and 120 infant deaths were recorded during 1979. All data collected were tabulated by manual counting in the KHDI office. Infant mortality was estimated to be 36.34/1000 births in the demonstration areas during 1979 (rate in Hongchon Gun was 34.5, 31.0 in Okgu Gun, and 46.2 in Gunee Gun). (author's)

Development of an arthroscopically compatible polymer additive layer manufacture technique.

PubMed

Partridge, Simon W; Benning, Matthew J; German, Matthew J; Dalgarno, Kenneth W

2017-06-01

This article describes a proof of concept study designed to evaluate the potential of an in vivo three-dimensional printing route to support minimally invasive repair of the musculoskeletal system. The study uses a photocurable material to additively manufacture in situ a model implant and demonstrates that this can be achieved effectively within a clinically relevant timescale. The approach has the potential to be applied with a wide range of light-curable materials and with development could be applied to create functionally gradient structures in vivo.

Using Discrete Event Simulation to Model the Economic Value of Shorter Procedure Times on EP Lab Efficiency in the VALUE PVI Study.

PubMed

Kowalski, Marcin; DeVille, J Brian; Svinarich, J Thomas; Dan, Dan; Wickliffe, Andrew; Kantipudi, Charan; Foell, Jason D; Filardo, Giovanni; Holbrook, Reece; Baker, James; Baydoun, Hassan; Jenkins, Mark; Chang-Sing, Peter

2016-05-01

The VALUE PVI study demonstrated that atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures and electrophysiology laboratory (EP lab) occupancy times were reduced for the cryoballoon compared with focal radiofrequency (RF) ablation. However, the economic impact associated with the cryoballoon procedure for hospitals has not been determined. Assess the economic value associated with shorter AF ablation procedure times based on VALUE PVI data. A model was formulated from data from the VALUE PVI study. This model used a discrete event simulation to translate procedural efficiencies into metrics utilized by hospital administrators. A 1000-day period was simulated to determine the accrued impact of procedure time on an institution's EP lab when considering staff and hospital resources. The simulation demonstrated that procedures performed with the cryoballoon catheter resulted in several efficiencies, including: (1) a reduction of 36.2% in days with overtime (422 days RF vs 60 days cryoballoon); (2) 92.7% less cumulative overtime hours (370 hours RF vs 27 hours cryoballoon); and (3) an increase of 46.7% in days with time for an additional EP lab usage (186 days RF vs 653 days cryoballoon). Importantly, the added EP lab utilization could not support the time required for an additional AF ablation procedure. The discrete event simulation of the VALUE PVI data demonstrates the potential positive economic value of AF ablation procedures using the cryoballoon. These benefits include more days where overtime is avoided, fewer cumulative overtime hours, and more days with time left for additional usage of EP lab resources.

Prediction of Postpartum Social Support and Symptoms of Depression in Pregnant Adolescents: A Pilot Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Logsdon, M. Cynthia; Cross, Rene; Williams, Beverly; Simpson, Theresa

2004-01-01

Many pregnant adolescents remain in school, creating unique challenges for professionals to meet their educational and health needs. In this descriptive pilot study of pregnant adolescents (n = 26), 68% demonstrated symptoms of depression as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). In addition, there was an…

Utility of Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) For The Rapid Manufacture of Customized Electric Vehicles

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

Love, Lonnie J.

This Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Manufacturing Development Facility (MDF) technical collaboration project was conducted in two phases as a CRADA with Local Motors Inc. Phase 1 was previously reported as Advanced Manufacturing of Complex Cyber Mechanical Devices through Community Engagement and Micro-manufacturing and demonstrated the integration of components onto a prototype body part for a vehicle. Phase 2 was reported as Utility of Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) for the Rapid Manufacture of Customized Electric Vehicles and demonstrated the high profile live printing of an all-electric vehicle using ONRL s Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) technology. This demonstration generatedmore » considerable national attention and successfully demonstrated the capabilities of the BAAM system as developed by ORNL and Cincinnati, Inc. and the feasibility of additive manufacturing of a full scale electric vehicle as envisioned by the CRADA partner Local Motors, Inc.« less

Mechanical, Optical, and Barrier Properties of Soy Protein Film As Affected by Phenolic Acid Addition.

PubMed

Insaward, Anchana; Duangmal, Kiattisak; Mahawanich, Thanachan

2015-11-04

This study aimed to explore the effect of phenolic acid addition on properties of soy protein film. Ferulic (FE), caffeic (CA), and gallic (GA) acids as well as their oxidized products were used in this study. Phenolic acid addition was found to have a significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) on the mechanical properties of the film. GA-containing films exhibited the highest tensile strength and elongation at break, followed by those with added CA and FE, respectively. Oxidized phenolic acids were shown to produce a film with higher tensile strength and elongation at break than their unoxidized counterparts. Phenolic acid addition also affected film color and transparency. As compared to the control, phenolic-containing film samples demonstrated reduced water vapor permeability and water solubility and increased contact angle, especially at high concentrations of oxidized phenolic acid addition.

Effect of molecular weight of polyethylene glycol on the rheological properties of fumed silica-polyethylene glycol shear thickening fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Mansi; Verma, Sanjeev K.; Biswas, Ipsita; Mehta, Rajeev

2018-05-01

The steady-shear viscosity and dynamic visco-elastic behavior of suspensions of 20 wt% fumed silica-polyethylene glycol (PEG200) shear thickening fluid (STF) with different concentrations of various molecular weight PEG (4600, 6000 and 10000) has been studied. The results demonstrate that with an increase in the molecular weight of dispersing medium, the shear thickening parameters are significantly enhanced. In steady-state rheology, addition of PEG6000 as an additive results in high shear thickening at both low and high temperatures whereas in dynamic state, PEG4600 gives high values of all dynamic parameters. Additionally, long polymer can interconnect several particles, acting as cross-links which explain the mechanism of the enhancement in viscosity. Interestingly, compositions having PEG10000 as additive exhibits shear thinning rheology. Long polymer chains increases hydrodynamic forces thus aggregation of particles increases. Also, the results demonstrate the effect of high molecular weight PEGs on the elasticity and stability of the STF, which is important with regard to high impact resisting applications.

TOXICOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS OF CHLORPYRIFOS AND METHYL MERCURY IN THE AMPHIPOD, HYALELLA AZTECA

EPA Science Inventory

The mechanism of interaction between chlorpyrifos, an organo-phosphate insecticide, and methyl mercury, an organometal, was assessed utilizing the amphipod, Hyalella azteca. Previous studies have demonstrated that chlorpyrifos and methyl mercury interact additively, with survival...

Cincinnati Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM)

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

Duty, Chad E.; Love, Lonnie J.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) worked with Cincinnati Incorporated (CI) to demonstrate Big Area Additive Manufacturing which increases the speed of the additive manufacturing (AM) process by over 1000X, increases the size of parts by over 10X and shows a cost reduction of over 100X. ORNL worked with CI to transition the Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) technology from a proof-of-principle (TRL 2-3) demonstration to a prototype product stage (TRL 7-8).

MYC protein expression is detected in plasma cell myeloma but not in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).

PubMed

Xiao, Ruobing; Cerny, Jan; Devitt, Katherine; Dresser, Karen; Nath, Rajneesh; Ramanathan, Muthalagu; Rodig, Scott J; Chen, Benjamin J; Woda, Bruce A; Yu, Hongbo

2014-06-01

It has been recognized that monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) precedes a diagnosis of plasma cell myeloma in most patients. Recent gene expression array analysis has revealed that an MYC activation signature is detected in plasma cell myeloma but not in MGUS. In this study, we performed immunohistochemical studies using membrane CD138 and nuclear MYC double staining on bone marrow biopsies from patients who met the diagnostic criteria of plasma cell myeloma or MGUS. Our study demonstrated nuclear MYC expression in CD138-positive plasma cells in 22 of 26 (84%) plasma cell myeloma samples and in none of the 29 bone marrow samples from patients with MGUS. In addition, our data on the follow-up biopsies from plasma cell myeloma patients with high MYC expression demonstrated that evaluation of MYC expression in plasma cells can be useful in detecting residual disease. We also demonstrated that plasma cells gained MYC expression in 5 of 8 patients (62.5%) when progressing from MGUS to plasma cell myeloma. Analysis of additional lymphomas with plasmacytic differentiation, including lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, and plasmablastic lymphoma, reveals that MYC detection can be a useful tool in the diagnosis of plasma cell myeloma.

SEMIPARAMETRIC ADDITIVE RISKS REGRESSION FOR TWO-STAGE DESIGN SURVIVAL STUDIES

PubMed Central

Li, Gang; Wu, Tong Tong

2011-01-01

In this article we study a semiparametric additive risks model (McKeague and Sasieni (1994)) for two-stage design survival data where accurate information is available only on second stage subjects, a subset of the first stage study. We derive two-stage estimators by combining data from both stages. Large sample inferences are developed. As a by-product, we also obtain asymptotic properties of the single stage estimators of McKeague and Sasieni (1994) when the semiparametric additive risks model is misspecified. The proposed two-stage estimators are shown to be asymptotically more efficient than the second stage estimators. They also demonstrate smaller bias and variance for finite samples. The developed methods are illustrated using small intestine cancer data from the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) Program. PMID:21931467

Anxiety Sensitivity and Panic Attacks: A 1-Year Longitudinal Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Wen; Zinbarg, Richard E.

2007-01-01

The hypothesis that anxiety sensitivity (AS) is a risk factor for panic genesis has obtained compelling support, but the clinical/practical importance of AS in panic genesis has been questioned. In addition, the association between panic experience and AS increase has not been clearly demonstrated. Through this 1-year longitudinal study among…

A comparative analysis of multiple-choice and student performance-task assessment in the high school biology classroom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cushing, Patrick Ryan

This study compared the performance of high school students on laboratory assessments. Thirty-four high school students who were enrolled in the second semester of a regular biology class or had completed the biology course the previous semester participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to examinations of two formats, performance-task and traditional multiple-choice, from two content areas, using a compound light microscope and diffusion. Students were directed to think-aloud as they performed the assessments. Additional verbal data were obtained during interviews following the assessment. The tape-recorded narrative data were analyzed for type and diversity of knowledge and skill categories, and percentage of in-depth processing demonstrated. While overall mean scores on the assessments were low, elicited statements provided additional insight into student cognition. Results indicated that a greater diversity of knowledge and skill categories was elicited by the two microscope assessments and by the two performance-task assessments. In addition, statements demonstrating in-depth processing were coded most frequently in narratives elicited during clinical interviews following the diffusion performance-task assessment. This study calls for individual teachers to design authentic assessment practices and apply them to daily classroom routines. Authentic assessment should be an integral part of the learning process and not merely an end result. In addition, teachers are encouraged to explicitly identify and model, through think-aloud methods, desired cognitive behaviors in the classroom.

Long term stability of nanowire nanoelectronics in physiological environments.

PubMed

Zhou, Wei; Dai, Xiaochuan; Fu, Tian-Ming; Xie, Chong; Liu, Jia; Lieber, Charles M

2014-03-12

Nanowire nanoelectronic devices have been exploited as highly sensitive subcellular resolution detectors for recording extracellular and intracellular signals from cells, as well as from natural and engineered/cyborg tissues, and in this capacity open many opportunities for fundamental biological research and biomedical applications. Here we demonstrate the capability to take full advantage of the attractive capabilities of nanowire nanoelectronic devices for long term physiological studies by passivating the nanowire elements with ultrathin metal oxide shells. Studies of Si and Si/aluminum oxide (Al2O3) core/shell nanowires in physiological solutions at 37 °C demonstrate long-term stability extending for at least 100 days in samples coated with 10 nm thick Al2O3 shells. In addition, investigations of nanowires configured as field-effect transistors (FETs) demonstrate that the Si/Al2O3 core/shell nanowire FETs exhibit good device performance for at least 4 months in physiological model solutions at 37 °C. The generality of this approach was also tested with in studies of Ge/Si and InAs nanowires, where Ge/Si/Al2O3 and InAs/Al2O3 core/shell materials exhibited stability for at least 100 days in physiological model solutions at 37 °C. In addition, investigations of hafnium oxide-Al2O3 nanolaminated shells indicate the potential to extend nanowire stability well beyond 1 year time scale in vivo. These studies demonstrate that straightforward core/shell nanowire nanoelectronic devices can exhibit the long term stability needed for a range of chronic in vivo studies in animals as well as powerful biomedical implants that could improve monitoring and treatment of disease.

Long Term Stability of Nanowire Nanoelectronics in Physiological Environments

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Nanowire nanoelectronic devices have been exploited as highly sensitive subcellular resolution detectors for recording extracellular and intracellular signals from cells, as well as from natural and engineered/cyborg tissues, and in this capacity open many opportunities for fundamental biological research and biomedical applications. Here we demonstrate the capability to take full advantage of the attractive capabilities of nanowire nanoelectronic devices for long term physiological studies by passivating the nanowire elements with ultrathin metal oxide shells. Studies of Si and Si/aluminum oxide (Al2O3) core/shell nanowires in physiological solutions at 37 °C demonstrate long-term stability extending for at least 100 days in samples coated with 10 nm thick Al2O3 shells. In addition, investigations of nanowires configured as field-effect transistors (FETs) demonstrate that the Si/Al2O3 core/shell nanowire FETs exhibit good device performance for at least 4 months in physiological model solutions at 37 °C. The generality of this approach was also tested with in studies of Ge/Si and InAs nanowires, where Ge/Si/Al2O3 and InAs/Al2O3 core/shell materials exhibited stability for at least 100 days in physiological model solutions at 37 °C. In addition, investigations of hafnium oxide-Al2O3 nanolaminated shells indicate the potential to extend nanowire stability well beyond 1 year time scale in vivo. These studies demonstrate that straightforward core/shell nanowire nanoelectronic devices can exhibit the long term stability needed for a range of chronic in vivo studies in animals as well as powerful biomedical implants that could improve monitoring and treatment of disease. PMID:24479700

Evaluation of synergistic antioxidant potential of complex mixtures using oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR).

PubMed

Parker, Tory L; Miller, Samantha A; Myers, Lauren E; Miguez, Fernando E; Engeseth, Nicki J

2010-01-13

Previous research has demonstrated that certain combinations of compounds result in a decrease in toxic or pro-oxidative effects, previously noted when compounds were administered singly. Thus, there is a need to study many complex interactions further. Two in vitro techniques [electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays] were used in this study to assess pro- and antioxidant capacity and synergistic potential of various compounds. Rutin, p-coumaric acid, abscisic acid, ascorbic acid, and a sugar solution were evaluated individually at various concentrations and in all 26 possible combinations at concentrations found in certain foods (honey or papaya), both before and after simulated digestion. EPR results indicated sugar-containing combinations provided significantly higher antioxidant capacity; those combinations containing sugars and ascorbic acid demonstrated synergistic potential. The ORAC assay suggested additive effects, with some combinations having synergistic potential, although fewer combinations were significantly synergistic after digestion. Finally, ascorbic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, and urate were evaluated at serum-achievable levels. EPR analysis did not demonstrate additive or synergistic potential, although ORAC analysis did, principally in combinations containing ascorbic acid.

INTERACTIONS OF CHLORPYRIFOS AND METHYL MERCURY: A MECHANISTIC APPROACH TO ASSESS CHEMICAL MIXTURES

EPA Science Inventory

The mechanism of interaction between chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate insecticide, and methyl mercury was assessed utilizing the amphipod, Hyalella azteca. Previous studies have demonstrated that chlorpyrifos and methl mercury interact additively with survival as the endpoint. I...

Study of a Martian Aeolian Sand Analog with MECA Microscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marshall, J.; Kuhlman, K.; Stevens, R.; Meyyappan, M.

2001-01-01

MECA microscopy (built for Mars '01) is simulated to show the potential of in situ microscopic analyses of surface materials on Mars. In particular, the value of nanotechnology is demonstrated. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

40 CFR 80.141 - Interim detergent gasoline program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... considered acceptable for demonstration of IVD control performance. Examples of acceptable test procedures... carburetor deposits. Examples of acceptable test procedures for demonstration of carburetor deposit control... ultimate consumer; (ii) All additized post-refinery component (PRC); and (iii) All detergent additives sold...

40 CFR 80.141 - Interim detergent gasoline program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... considered acceptable for demonstration of IVD control performance. Examples of acceptable test procedures... carburetor deposits. Examples of acceptable test procedures for demonstration of carburetor deposit control... ultimate consumer; (ii) All additized post-refinery component (PRC); and (iii) All detergent additives sold...

40 CFR 80.141 - Interim detergent gasoline program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... considered acceptable for demonstration of IVD control performance. Examples of acceptable test procedures... carburetor deposits. Examples of acceptable test procedures for demonstration of carburetor deposit control... ultimate consumer; (ii) All additized post-refinery component (PRC); and (iii) All detergent additives sold...

40 CFR 80.141 - Interim detergent gasoline program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... considered acceptable for demonstration of IVD control performance. Examples of acceptable test procedures... carburetor deposits. Examples of acceptable test procedures for demonstration of carburetor deposit control... ultimate consumer; (ii) All additized post-refinery component (PRC); and (iii) All detergent additives sold...

A Highly Responsive Silicon Nanowire/Amplifier MOSFET Hybrid Biosensor.

PubMed

Lee, Jieun; Jang, Jaeman; Choi, Bongsik; Yoon, Jinsu; Kim, Jee-Yeon; Choi, Yang-Kyu; Kim, Dong Myong; Kim, Dae Hwan; Choi, Sung-Jin

2015-07-21

This study demonstrates a hybrid biosensor comprised of a silicon nanowire (SiNW) integrated with an amplifier MOSFET to improve the current response of field-effect-transistor (FET)-based biosensors. The hybrid biosensor is fabricated using conventional CMOS technology, which has the potential advantage of high density and low noise performance. The biosensor shows a current response of 5.74 decades per pH for pH detection, which is 2.5 × 10(5) times larger than that of a single SiNW sensor. In addition, we demonstrate charged polymer detection using the biosensor, with a high current change of 4.5 × 10(5) with a 500 nM concentration of poly(allylamine hydrochloride). In addition, we demonstrate a wide dynamic range can be obtained by adjusting the liquid gate voltage. We expect that this biosensor will be advantageous and practical for biosensor applications which requires lower noise, high speed, and high density.

A Highly Responsive Silicon Nanowire/Amplifier MOSFET Hybrid Biosensor

PubMed Central

Lee, Jieun; Jang, Jaeman; Choi, Bongsik; Yoon, Jinsu; Kim, Jee-Yeon; Choi, Yang-Kyu; Myong Kim, Dong; Hwan Kim, Dae; Choi, Sung-Jin

2015-01-01

This study demonstrates a hybrid biosensor comprised of a silicon nanowire (SiNW) integrated with an amplifier MOSFET to improve the current response of field-effect-transistor (FET)-based biosensors. The hybrid biosensor is fabricated using conventional CMOS technology, which has the potential advantage of high density and low noise performance. The biosensor shows a current response of 5.74 decades per pH for pH detection, which is 2.5 × 105 times larger than that of a single SiNW sensor. In addition, we demonstrate charged polymer detection using the biosensor, with a high current change of 4.5 × 105 with a 500 nM concentration of poly(allylamine hydrochloride). In addition, we demonstrate a wide dynamic range can be obtained by adjusting the liquid gate voltage. We expect that this biosensor will be advantageous and practical for biosensor applications which requires lower noise, high speed, and high density. PMID:26197105

Effect of gallium nitrate on the expression of osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor‑κB ligand in osteoblasts in vivo and in vitro.

PubMed

Li, Jingwu; Wang, Guang-Bin; Feng, Xue; Zhang, Jing; Fu, Qin

2016-01-01

Osteoporosis is characterized by the progressive loss of bone mass and the micro‑architectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased risk of fracture. Gallium has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of several diverse disorders that are characterized by accelerated bone loss. Osteoblasts orchestrate bone degradation by expressing the receptor activator of NF‑κB ligand (RANKL), however they additionally protect the skeleton by secreting osteoprotegerin (OPG). Therefore, the relative concentration of RANKL and OPG in bone is a key determinant of bone mass and strength. The current study demonstrated that gallium nitrate (GaN) is able to counteract bone loss in an experimental model of established osteoporosis. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats exhibited significantly increased bone mineral density following GaN treatment for 4 and 8 weeks by 19.3 and 37.3%, respectively (P<0.05). The bone volume of the OVX + GaN group was increased by 40.9% (P<0.05) compared with the OVX group. In addition, the current study demonstrated that GaN stimulates the synthesis of OPG however has no effect on the expression of RANKL in osteoblasts, as demonstrated by RT‑qPCR, western blotting and ELISA, resulting in an increase in the OPG/RANKL ratio and a reduction in osteoclast differentiation in vivo and in vitro.

Effect of gallium nitrate on the expression of osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in osteoblasts in vivo and in vitro

PubMed Central

LI, JINGWU; WANG, GUANG-BIN; FENG, XUE; ZHANG, JING; FU, QIN

2016-01-01

Osteoporosis is characterized by the progressive loss of bone mass and the micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased risk of fracture. Gallium has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of several diverse disorders that are characterized by accelerated bone loss. Osteoblasts orchestrate bone degradation by expressing the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), however they additionally protect the skeleton by secreting osteoprotegerin (OPG). Therefore, the relative concentration of RANKL and OPG in bone is a key determinant of bone mass and strength. The current study demonstrated that gallium nitrate (GaN) is able to counteract bone loss in an experimental model of established osteoporosis. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats exhibited significantly increased bone mineral density following GaN treatment for 4 and 8 weeks by 19.3 and 37.3%, respectively (P<0.05). The bone volume of the OVX + GaN group was increased by 40.9% (P<0.05) compared with the OVX group. In addition, the current study demonstrated that GaN stimulates the synthesis of OPG however has no effect on the expression of RANKL in osteoblasts, as demonstrated by RT-qPCR, western blotting and ELISA, resulting in an increase in the OPG/RANKL ratio and a reduction in osteoclast differentiation in vivo and in vitro. PMID:26647856

Using survival analysis to determine association between maternal pelvis height and antenatal fetal head descent in Ugandan mothers.

PubMed

Munabi, Ian Guyton; Luboga, Samuel Abilemech; Mirembe, Florence

2015-01-01

Fetal head descent is used to demonstrate the maternal pelvis capacity to accommodate the fetal head. This is especially important in low resource settings that have high rates of childbirth related maternal deaths and morbidity. This study looked at maternal height and an additional measure, maternal pelvis height, from automotive engineering. The objective of the study was to determine the associations between maternal: height and pelvis height with the rate of fetal head descent in expectant Ugandan mothers. This was a cross sectional study on 1265 singleton mothers attending antenatal clinics at five hospitals in various parts of Uganda. In addition to the routine antenatal examination, each mother had their pelvis height recorded following informed consent. Survival analysis was done using STATA 12. It was found that 27% of mothers had fetal head descent with an incident rate of 0.028 per week after the 25th week of pregnancy. Significant associations were observed between the rate of fetal head descent with: maternal height (Adj Haz ratio 0.93 P < 0.01) and maternal pelvis height (Adj Haz ratio 1.15 P < 0.01). The significant associations observed between maternal: height and pelvis height with rate of fetal head descent, demonstrate a need for further study of maternal pelvis height as an additional decision support tool for screening mothers in low resource settings.

Using survival analysis to determine association between maternal pelvis height and antenatal fetal head descent in Ugandan mothers

PubMed Central

Munabi, Ian Guyton; Luboga, Samuel Abilemech; Mirembe, Florence

2015-01-01

Introduction Fetal head descent is used to demonstrate the maternal pelvis capacity to accommodate the fetal head. This is especially important in low resource settings that have high rates of childbirth related maternal deaths and morbidity. This study looked at maternal height and an additional measure, maternal pelvis height, from automotive engineering. The objective of the study was to determine the associations between maternal: height and pelvis height with the rate of fetal head descent in expectant Ugandan mothers. Methods This was a cross sectional study on 1265 singleton mothers attending antenatal clinics at five hospitals in various parts of Uganda. In addition to the routine antenatal examination, each mother had their pelvis height recorded following informed consent. Survival analysis was done using STATA 12. Results It was found that 27% of mothers had fetal head descent with an incident rate of 0.028 per week after the 25th week of pregnancy. Significant associations were observed between the rate of fetal head descent with: maternal height (Adj Haz ratio 0.93 P < 0.01) and maternal pelvis height (Adj Haz ratio 1.15 P < 0.01). Conclusion The significant associations observed between maternal: height and pelvis height with rate of fetal head descent, demonstrate a need for further study of maternal pelvis height as an additional decision support tool for screening mothers in low resource settings. PMID:26918071

An integrated approach to demonstrating the ANR pathway of proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in plants.

PubMed

Peng, Qing-Zhong; Zhu, Yue; Liu, Zhong; Du, Ci; Li, Ke-Gang; Xie, De-Yu

2012-09-01

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are oligomers or polymers of plant flavan-3-ols and are important to plant adaptation in extreme environmental conditions. The characterization of anthocyanidin reductase (ANR) and leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LAR) has demonstrated the different biogenesis of four stereo-configurations of flavan-3-ols. It is important to understand whether ANR and the ANR pathway widely occur in the plant kingdom. Here, we report an integrated approach to demonstrate the ANR pathway in plants. This includes different methods to extract native ANR from different tissues of eight angiosperm plants (Lotus corniculatus, Desmodium uncinatum, Medicago sativa, Hordeum vulgare, Vitis vinifera, Vitis bellula, Parthenocissus heterophylla, and Cerasus serrulata) and one fern plant (Dryopteris pycnopteroides), a general enzymatic analysis approach to demonstrate the ANR activity, high-performance liquid chromatography-based fingerprinting to demonstrate (-)-epicatechin and other flavan-3-ol molecules, and phytochemical analysis of PAs. Results demonstrate that in addition to leaves of M. sativa, tissues of other eight plants contain an active ANR pathway. Particularly, the leaves, flowers and pods of D. uncinatum, which is a model plant to study LAR and the LAR pathways, are demonstrated to express an active ANR pathway. This finding suggests that the ANR pathway involves PA biosynthesis in D. uncinatum. In addition, a sequence BLAST analysis reveals that ANR homologs have been sequenced in plants from both gymnosperms and angiosperms. These data show that the ANR pathway to PA biosynthesis occurs in both seed and seedless vascular plants.

Conductive polymer sensor arrays for smart orthopaedic implants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Micolini, Carolina; Holness, F. B.; Johnson, James A.; Price, Aaron D.

2017-04-01

This study proposes and demonstrates the design, implementation, and characterization of a 3D-printed smartpolymer sensor array using conductive polyaniline (PANI) structures embedded in a polymeric substrate. The piezoresistive characteristics of PANI were studied to evaluate the efficacy of the manufacturing of an embedded pressure sensor. PANI's stability throughout loading and unloading cycles together with the response to incremental loading cycles was investigated. It is demonstrated that this specially developed multi-material additive manufacturing process for polyaniline is a good candidate for the manufacture of implant components with smart-polymer sensors embedded for the analysis of joint loads in orthopaedic implants.

The cognitive consequences of envy: attention, memory, and self-regulatory depletion.

PubMed

Hill, Sarah E; DelPriore, Danielle J; Vaughan, Phillip W

2011-10-01

In a series of 4 experiments, we provide evidence that--in addition to having an affective component--envy may also have important consequences for cognitive processing. Our first experiment (N = 69) demonstrated that individuals primed with envy better attended to and more accurately recalled information about fictitious peers than did a control group. Studies 2 (N = 187) and 3 (N = 65) conceptually replicated these results, demonstrating that envy elicited by targets predicts attention and later memory for information about them. We demonstrate that these effects cannot be accounted for by admiration or changes in negative affect or arousal elicited by the targets. Study 4 (N = 152) provides evidence that greater memory for envied--but not neutral--targets leads to diminished perseverance on a difficult anagram task. Findings demonstrate that envy may play an important role in attention and memory systems and deplete limited self-regulatory resources available for acts of volition. 2011 APA, all rights reserved

High Aspect Ratio Semiconductor Heterojunction Solar Cells

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

Redwing, Joan; Mallouk, Tom; Mayer, Theresa

2013-05-17

The project focused on the development of high aspect ratio silicon heterojunction (HARSH) solar cells. The solar cells developed in this study consisted of high density vertical arrays of radial junction silicon microwires/pillars formed on Si substrates. Prior studies have demonstrated that vertical Si wire/pillar arrays enable reduced reflectivity and improved light trapping characteristics compared to planar solar cells. In addition, the radial junction structure offers the possibility of increased carrier collection in solar cells fabricated using material with short carrier diffusion lengths. However, the high junction and surface area of radial junction Si wire/pillar array devices can be problematicmore » and lead to increased diode leakage and enhanced surface recombination. This study investigated the use of amorphous hydrogenated Si in the form of a heterojunction-intrinsic-thin layer (HIT) structure as a junction formation method for these devices. The HIT layer structure has widely been employed to reduce surface recombination in planar crystalline Si solar cells. Consequently, it was anticipated that it would also provide significant benefits to the performance of radial junction Si wire/pillar array devices. The overall goals of the project were to demonstrate a HARSH cell with a HIT-type structure in the radial junction Si wire/pillar array configuration and to develop potentially low cost pathways to fabricate these devices. Our studies demonstrated that the HIT structure lead to significant improvements in the open circuit voltage (V oc>0.5) of radial junction Si pillar array devices compared to devices fabricated using junctions formed by thermal diffusion or low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD). In addition, our work experimentally demonstrated that the radial junction structure lead to improvements in efficiency compared to comparable planar devices for devices fabricated using heavily doped Si that had reduced carrier diffusion lengths. Furthermore, we made significant advances in employing the bottom-up vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth technique for the fabrication of the Si wire arrays. Our work elucidated the effects of growth conditions and substrate pattern geometry on the growth of large area Si microwire arrays grown with SiCl4. In addition, we also developed a process to grow p-type Si nanowire arrays using aluminum as the catalyst metal instead of gold. Finally, our work demonstrated the feasibility of growing vertical arrays of Si wires on non-crystalline glass substrates using polycrystalline Si template layers. The accomplishments demonstrated in this project will pave the way for future advances in radial junction wire array solar cells.« less

Potential uncertainty reduction in model-averaged benchmark dose estimates informed by an additional dose study.

PubMed

Shao, Kan; Small, Mitchell J

2011-10-01

A methodology is presented for assessing the information value of an additional dosage experiment in existing bioassay studies. The analysis demonstrates the potential reduction in the uncertainty of toxicity metrics derived from expanded studies, providing insights for future studies. Bayesian methods are used to fit alternative dose-response models using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation for parameter estimation and Bayesian model averaging (BMA) is used to compare and combine the alternative models. BMA predictions for benchmark dose (BMD) are developed, with uncertainty in these predictions used to derive the lower bound BMDL. The MCMC and BMA results provide a basis for a subsequent Monte Carlo analysis that backcasts the dosage where an additional test group would have been most beneficial in reducing the uncertainty in the BMD prediction, along with the magnitude of the expected uncertainty reduction. Uncertainty reductions are measured in terms of reduced interval widths of predicted BMD values and increases in BMDL values that occur as a result of this reduced uncertainty. The methodology is illustrated using two existing data sets for TCDD carcinogenicity, fitted with two alternative dose-response models (logistic and quantal-linear). The example shows that an additional dose at a relatively high value would have been most effective for reducing the uncertainty in BMA BMD estimates, with predicted reductions in the widths of uncertainty intervals of approximately 30%, and expected increases in BMDL values of 5-10%. The results demonstrate that dose selection for studies that subsequently inform dose-response models can benefit from consideration of how these models will be fit, combined, and interpreted. © 2011 Society for Risk Analysis.

Functional dissociations between four basic arithmetic operations in the human posterior parietal cortex: A cytoarchitectonic mapping study

PubMed Central

Rosenberg-Lee, Miriam; Chang, Ting Ting; Young, Christina B; Wu, Sarah; Menon, Vinod

2011-01-01

Although lesion studies over the past several decades have focused on functional dissociations in posterior parietal cortex (PPC) during arithmetic, no consistent view has emerged of its differential involvement in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. To circumvent problems with poor anatomical localization, we examined functional overlap and dissociations in cytoarchitectonically-defined subdivisions of the intraparietal sulcus (IPS), superior parietal lobule (SPL) and angular gyrus (AG), across these four operations. Compared to a number identification control task, all operations except addition, showed a consistent profile of left posterior IPS activation and deactivation in the right posterior AG. Multiplication and subtraction differed significantly in right, but not left, IPS and AG activity, challenging the view that the left AG differentially subserves retrieval during multiplication. Although addition and multiplication both rely on retrieval, multiplication evoked significantly greater activation in right posterior IPS, as well as the prefrontal cortex, lingual and fusiform gyri, demonstrating that addition and multiplication engage different brain processes. Comparison of PPC responses to the two pairs of inverse operations: division vs. multiplication and subtraction vs. addition revealed greater activation of left lateral SPL during division, suggesting that processing inverse relations is operation specific. Our findings demonstrate that individual IPS, SPL and AG subdivisions are differentially modulated by the four arithmetic operations and they point to significant functional heterogeneity and individual differences in activation and deactivation within the PPC. Critically, these effects are related to retrieval, calculation and inversion, the three key cognitive processes that are differentially engaged by arithmetic operations. Our findings point to distributed representation of these processes in the human PPC and also help explain why lesion and previous imaging studies have yielded inconsistent findings. PMID:21616086

Functional dissociations between four basic arithmetic operations in the human posterior parietal cortex: a cytoarchitectonic mapping study.

PubMed

Rosenberg-Lee, Miriam; Chang, Ting Ting; Young, Christina B; Wu, Sarah; Menon, Vinod

2011-07-01

Although lesion studies over the past several decades have focused on functional dissociations in posterior parietal cortex (PPC) during arithmetic, no consistent view has emerged of its differential involvement in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. To circumvent problems with poor anatomical localization, we examined functional overlap and dissociations in cytoarchitectonically defined subdivisions of the intraparietal sulcus (IPS), superior parietal lobule (SPL) and angular gyrus (AG), across these four operations. Compared to a number identification control task, all operations except addition, showed a consistent profile of left posterior IPS activation and deactivation in the right posterior AG. Multiplication and subtraction differed significantly in right, but not left, IPS and AG activity, challenging the view that the left AG differentially subserves retrieval during multiplication. Although addition and multiplication both rely on retrieval, multiplication evoked significantly greater activation in right posterior IPS, as well as the prefrontal cortex, lingual and fusiform gyri, demonstrating that addition and multiplication engage different brain processes. Comparison of PPC responses to the two pairs of inverse operations: division versus multiplication and subtraction versus addition revealed greater activation of left lateral SPL during division, suggesting that processing inverse relations is operation specific. Our findings demonstrate that individual IPS, SPL and AG subdivisions are differentially modulated by the four arithmetic operations and they point to significant functional heterogeneity and individual differences in activation and deactivation within the PPC. Critically, these effects are related to retrieval, calculation and inversion, the three key cognitive processes that are differentially engaged by arithmetic operations. Our findings point to distribute representation of these processes in the human PPC and also help explain why lesion and previous imaging studies have yielded inconsistent findings. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Addressing Cultural Responsiveness in Consultation: An Empirical Demonstration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McKenney, Elizabeth L. W.; Mann, Kacee A.; Brown, Danice L.; Jewell, Jeremy D.

2017-01-01

This study explored whether and to what extent consultation practices specifically focused on culturally responsive instruction provided additive benefit, after establishing strong classroom management. Three teachers leading culturally diverse classrooms participated in two phases of consultation. The first was a traditional, classroom-management…

COLUMN STUDIES ON BTEX BIODEGRADATION UNDER MICROAEROPHILIC AND DENITRIFYING CONDITIONS

EPA Science Inventory

Two column tests were conducted using aquifer material to simulate the nitrate field demonstration project carried out earlier at Traverse City, Michigan. The objectives were to better define the effect nitrate addition had on biodegradation of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xyl...

Analysis of immune-related genes during Nora virus infection of Drosophila melanogaster using next generation sequencing.

PubMed

Lopez, Wilfredo; Page, Alexis M; Carlson, Darby J; Ericson, Brad L; Cserhati, Matyas F; Guda, Chittibabu; Carlson, Kimberly A

2018-01-01

Drosophila melanogaster depends upon the innate immune system to regulate and combat viral infection. This is a complex, yet widely conserved process that involves a number of immune pathways and gene interactions. In addition, expression of genes involved in immunity are differentially regulated as the organism ages. This is particularly true for viruses that demonstrate chronic infection, as is seen with Nora virus. Nora virus is a persistent non-pathogenic virus that replicates in a horizontal manner in D. melanogaster . The genes involved in the regulation of the immune response to Nora virus infection are largely unknown. In addition, the temporal response of immune response genes as a result of infection has not been examined. In this study, D. melanogaster either infected with Nora virus or left uninfected were aged for 2, 10, 20 and 30 days. The RNA from these samples was analyzed by next generation sequencing (NGS) and the resulting immune-related genes evaluated by utilizing both the PANTHER and DAVID databases, as well as comparison to lists of immune related genes and FlyBase. The data demonstrate that Nora virus infected D. melanogaster exhibit an increase in immune related gene expression over time. In addition, at day 30, the data demonstrate that a persistent immune response may occur leading to an upregulation of specific immune response genes. These results demonstrate the utility of NGS in determining the potential immune system genes involved in Nora virus replication, chronic infection and involvement of antiviral pathways.

High throughput imaging cytometer with acoustic focussing† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: High throughput imaging cytometer with acoustic focussing. See DOI: 10.1039/c5ra19497k Click here for additional data file. Click here for additional data file. Click here for additional data file. Click here for additional data file. Click here for additional data file. Click here for additional data file. Click here for additional data file. Click here for additional data file.

PubMed Central

Zmijan, Robert; Jonnalagadda, Umesh S.; Carugo, Dario; Kochi, Yu; Lemm, Elizabeth; Packham, Graham; Hill, Martyn

2015-01-01

We demonstrate an imaging flow cytometer that uses acoustic levitation to assemble cells and other particles into a sheet structure. This technique enables a high resolution, low noise CMOS camera to capture images of thousands of cells with each frame. While ultrasonic focussing has previously been demonstrated for 1D cytometry systems, extending the technology to a planar, much higher throughput format and integrating imaging is non-trivial, and represents a significant jump forward in capability, leading to diagnostic possibilities not achievable with current systems. A galvo mirror is used to track the images of the moving cells permitting exposure times of 10 ms at frame rates of 50 fps with motion blur of only a few pixels. At 80 fps, we demonstrate a throughput of 208 000 beads per second. We investigate the factors affecting motion blur and throughput, and demonstrate the system with fluorescent beads, leukaemia cells and a chondrocyte cell line. Cells require more time to reach the acoustic focus than beads, resulting in lower throughputs; however a longer device would remove this constraint. PMID:29456838

Impairment of autophagy by TTR V30M aggregates: in vivo reversal by TUDCA and curcumin.

PubMed

Teixeira, Cristina A; Almeida, Maria do Rosário; Saraiva, Maria João

2016-09-01

Transthyretin (TTR)-related amyloidoses are diseases characterized by extracellular deposition of amyloid fibrils and aggregates in tissues composed of insoluble misfolded TTR that becomes toxic. Previous studies have demonstrated the ability of small compounds in preventing and reversing TTR V30M deposition in transgenic mice gastrointestinal (GI) tract as well as lowering biomarkers associated with cellular stress and apoptotic mechanisms. In the present study we aimed to study TTR V30M aggregates effect in autophagy, a cellular mechanism crucial for cell survival that has been implicated in the development of several neurodegenerative diseases. We were able to demonstrate in cell culture that TTR V30M aggregates cause a partial impairment of the autophagic machinery as shown by p62 accumulation, whereas early steps of the autophagic flux remain unaffected as shown by autophagosome number evaluation and LC3 turnover assay. Our studies performed in TTR V30M transgenic animals demonstrated that tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) and curcumin effectively reverse p62 accumulation in the GI tract pointing to the ability of both compounds to modulate autophagy additionally to mitigate apoptosis. Overall, our in vitro and in vivo studies establish an association between TTR V30M aggregates and autophagy impairment and suggest the use of autophagy modulators as an additional and alternative therapeutic approach for the treatment of TTR V30M-related amyloidosis. © 2016 The Author(s). published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society.

Colon Stem Cell and Crypt Dynamics Exposed by Cell Lineage Reconstruction

PubMed Central

Itzkovitz, Shalev; Elbaz, Judith; Maruvka, Yosef E.; Segev, Elad; Shlush, Liran I.; Dekel, Nava; Shapiro, Ehud

2011-01-01

Stem cell dynamics in vivo are often being studied by lineage tracing methods. Our laboratory has previously developed a retrospective method for reconstructing cell lineage trees from somatic mutations accumulated in microsatellites. This method was applied here to explore different aspects of stem cell dynamics in the mouse colon without the use of stem cell markers. We first demonstrated the reliability of our method for the study of stem cells by confirming previously established facts, and then we addressed open questions. Our findings confirmed that colon crypts are monoclonal and that, throughout adulthood, the process of monoclonal conversion plays a major role in the maintenance of crypts. The absence of immortal strand mechanism in crypts stem cells was validated by the age-dependent accumulation of microsatellite mutations. In addition, we confirmed the positive correlation between physical and lineage proximity of crypts, by showing that the colon is separated into small domains that share a common ancestor. We gained new data demonstrating that colon epithelium is clustered separately from hematopoietic and other cell types, indicating that the colon is constituted of few progenitors and ruling out significant renewal of colonic epithelium from hematopoietic cells during adulthood. Overall, our study demonstrates the reliability of cell lineage reconstruction for the study of stem cell dynamics, and it further addresses open questions in colon stem cells. In addition, this method can be applied to study stem cell dynamics in other systems. PMID:21829376

Research on hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy.

PubMed

Schoenberger, N E

2000-04-01

There is a growing body of research evaluating the use of hypnosis with cognitive-behavioral techniques in the treatment of psychological disorders. The central question for research is whether the addition of hypnosis enhances the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral treatments. Overall, studies demonstrate a substantial benefit from the addition of hypnosis; however, the number of published studies is relatively small, and many of them have methodological limitations. For cognitive-behavioral hypnotherapies to be recognized as empirically supported treatments, a number of well-designed, randomized clinical trials are necessary. Currently, the efficacy of hypnosis as an adjunctive treatment remains unresolved.

ALON GRIN optics for visible-MWIR applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nag, Nagendra; Jha, Santosh; Sastri, Suri; Goldman, Lee M.; McCarthy, Peter; Schmidt, Greg R.; Bentley, Julie L.; Moore, Duncan T.

2016-05-01

Surmet continuously strives to develop novel, advanced optical ceramics products for current and future defense and commercial systems. Using conventional powder processing techniques, Surmet has made substantial progress in its ability to manufacture large ALON® sensor windows, lenses, domes and transparent armor. In addition to transparency, Surmet has demonstrated the ability to incorporate other capabilities into its optical ceramic components, including: EMI shielding, heating, internal antennas and cooling channels. Working closely with the University of Rochester, Surmet has developed gradient index (GRIN) optics in ALON for use in the visible through the MWIR applications. Surmet has demonstrated the ability to tailor the refractive index of ALON® Optical Ceramic by either varying its composition or through the addition of dopants. Smooth axial and radial gradient profiles with ~0.055 change in refractive index, over depths of 1-8 mm (axial) and over 20 mm radius (radial) have been demonstrated. Initial design studies have shown that such elements provide unique capabilities. Radial gradients in particular, with their optical power contribution, provide additional degrees of freedom for color correction in broadband imaging systems. Surmet continues to mature ALON® GRIN technology along with the associated metrology. Surmet is committed to the development of its ALON® GRIN capability as well as finding insertion opportunities in novel imaging solutions for military and other commercial systems.

Effect of several variables in the polymer toys additive migration to saliva.

PubMed

Noguerol-Cal, R; López-Vilariño, J M; González-Rodríguez, M V; Barral-Losada, L

2011-09-30

Capacity to migrate of a representative group of polymeric additives, dyes, antioxidants, hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) or antistatics, from plastic toys to saliva was analyzed to protect children in their habits of sucking and biting. Most of target additives appear no-regulated in toys normative but adverse effects on human health of some of them have been demonstrated and their presence in others commercial articles normative has been included. In order to offer an effective and easy tool to perform these controls, migration tests by dynamic and static contact, followed by a preconcentration step by liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and ultra performance liquid chromatographic analysis with ultraviolet-visible and evaporative light scattering detections (UPLC-UV/Vis-ELSD) have been optimized to evaluate the migrated amounts of the additives in saliva simulant. The detection limits of the migration methodologies were ranged from 8.68 × 10(-2) to 1.30 × 10(-3)mg migrated (L simulant)(-1). Influence of several variables on this mass transport, as time, temperature and friction, was also analyzed to achieve the most aggressive methodology to protect consumers. Migration of several studied additives, whose presence has been demonstrated in several purchased commercial toys, has been observed. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Addition of Cryoprotectant Significantly Alters the Epididymal Sperm Proteome

PubMed Central

Yoon, Sung-Jae; Rahman, Md Saidur; Kwon, Woo-Sung; Park, Yoo-Jin; Pang, Myung-Geol

2016-01-01

Although cryopreservation has been developed and optimized over the past decades, it causes various stresses, including cold shock, osmotic stress, and ice crystal formation, thereby reducing fertility. During cryopreservation, addition of cryoprotective agent (CPA) is crucial for protecting spermatozoa from freezing damage. However, the intrinsic toxicity and osmotic stress induced by CPA cause damage to spermatozoa. To identify the effects of CPA addition during cryopreservation, we assessed the motility (%), motion kinematics, capacitation status, and viability of epididymal spermatozoa using computer-assisted sperm analysis and Hoechst 33258/chlortetracycline fluorescence staining. Moreover, the effects of CPA addition were also demonstrated at the proteome level using two-dimensional electrophoresis. Our results demonstrated that CPA addition significantly reduced sperm motility (%), curvilinear velocity, viability (%), and non-capacitated spermatozoa, whereas straightness and acrosome-reacted spermatozoa increased significantly (p < 0.05). Ten proteins were differentially expressed (two decreased and eight increased) (>3 fold, p < 0.05) after CPA, whereas NADH dehydrogenase flavoprotein 2, f-actin-capping protein subunit beta, superoxide dismutase 2, and outer dense fiber protein 2 were associated with several important signaling pathways (p < 0.05). The present study provides a mechanistic basis for specific cryostresses and potential markers of CPA-induced stress. Therefore, these might provide information about the development of safe biomaterials for cryopreservation and basic ground for sperm cryopreservation. PMID:27031703

Advancing Theory in Developing the Practice of Becoming a Citizen Leader

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCoy, Craig; Schubert, Carol

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study is to examine the literature from key contemporary authors in the study of leadership who offer insights on the phenomenon of citizen leadership. Additionally, this paper examines two real world examples in which citizen leadership is being demonstrated with regard to strengths and weaknesses, as well as personality…

Study and program plan for improved heavy duty gas turbine engine ceramic component development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Helms, H. E.

1977-01-01

Fuel economy in a commercially viable gas turbine engine was demonstrated through use of ceramic materials. Study results show that increased turbine inlet and generator inlet temperatures, through the use of ceramic materials, contribute the greatest amount to achieving fuel economy goals. Improved component efficiencies show significant additional gains in fuel economy.

Whiskey springs long-term coast redwood density management; final growth, sprout, and yield results

Treesearch

Lynn A. Webb; James L. Lindquist; Erik Wahl; Andrew Hubb

2012-01-01

Multi-decadal studies of commercial and precommercial thinning in redwood stands are rare and consequently of value. The Whiskey Springs study at Jackson Demonstration State Forest has a data set spanning 35 years. In addition to growth and yield response to commercial thinning, the results provide important information for evaluating regeneration and...

Characterization of Lignocellulosic-Poly(lactic acid) reinforced composites

Treesearch

Q.X. Hou; X.S. Chai; R. Yang; T. Elder; A.J. Ragauskas

2005-01-01

The effects of adding poly(lactic acid) (PLA) to the physical strength of paper test sheets prepared from three unbleached loblolly pine kraft pulps with different amounts of lignin and an aspen bleached chemothermomechanical pulp were studied. The physical strength studies demonstrated that relatively low levels of PLA addition (0.5-4.0%) could dramatically improve...

Student Financial Aid and Choice of Undergraduate Major. ASHE Annual Meeting Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zito, Eileen H.

This study evaluated whether the use of educational loans has an impact upon student choice of majors. In addition, the study demonstrated that the statistical technique of two-stage least squares can be appropriately used with educational data when reciprocal causation exists in the theoretical model. It was hypothesized that, since a majority of…

Mechanistic Study of Electrolyte Additives to Stabilize High-Voltage Cathode-Electrolyte Interface in Lithium-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Gao, Han; Maglia, Filippo; Lamp, Peter; Amine, Khalil; Chen, Zonghai

2017-12-27

Current developments of electrolyte additives to stabilize electrode-electrolyte interface in lithium-ion batteries highly rely on a trial-and-error search, which involves repetitive testing and intensive amount of resources. The lack of understandings on the fundamental protection mechanisms of the additives significantly increases the difficulty for the transformational development of new additives. In this study, we investigated two types of individual protection routes to build a robust cathode-electrolyte interphase at high potentials: (i) a direct reduction in the catalytic decomposition of the electrolyte solvent; and (ii) formation of a "corrosion inhibitor film" that prevents severely attack and passivation from protons that generated from the solvent oxidation, even the decomposition of solvent cannot be mitigated. Effect of two exemplary electrolyte additives, lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB) and 3-hexylthiophene (3HT), on LiNi 0.6 Mn 0.2 Co 0.2 O 2 (NMC 622) cathode were investigated to validate our hypothesis. It is demonstrated that understandings of both electrolyte additives and solvent are essential and careful balance between the cathode protection mechanism of additives and their side effects is critical to obtain optimum results. More importantly, this study opens up new directions of rational design of functional electrolyte additives for the next-generation high-energy-density lithium-ion chemistries.

Gadolinium-Conjugated Gold Nanoshells for Multimodal Diagnostic Imaging and Photothermal Cancer Therapy

PubMed Central

Coughlin, Andrew J.; Ananta, Jeyarama S.; Deng, Nanfu; Larina, Irina V.; Decuzzi, Paolo

2014-01-01

Multimodal imaging offers the potential to improve diagnosis and enhance the specificity of photothermal cancer therapy. Toward this goal, we have engineered gadolinium-conjugated gold nanoshells and demonstrated that they enhance contrast for magnetic resonance imaging, X-Ray, optical coherence tomography, reflectance confocal microscopy, and two-photon luminescence. Additionally, these particles effectively convert near-infrared light to heat, which can be used to ablate cancer cells. Ultimately, these studies demonstrate the potential of gadolinium-nanoshells for image-guided photothermal ablation. PMID:24115690

Structural assembly demonstration experiment, phase 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akin, David L.; Bowden, Mary L.; Miller, Rene H.

1983-03-01

The goal of this phase of the structural assembly and demonstration experiment (SADE) program was to begin to define a shuttle flight experiment that would yield data to compare on-orbit assembly operations of large space structures with neutral buoyancy simulations. In addition, the experiment would be an early demonstration of structural hardware and human capabilities in extravehicular activity (EVA). The objectives of the MIT study, as listed in the statement of work, were: to provide support in establishing a baseline neutral buoyancy testing data base, to develop a correlation technique between neutral buoyancy test results and on-orbit operations, and to prepare the SADE experiment plan (MSFC-PLAN-913).

Monitoring Physiological Variables with Membrane Probes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Janle, Elsa M.

1997-01-01

This project has demonstrated the possibility of using membrane probes in rodents to monitor physiological variables for extended periods of time. The utility of these probes in physiological studies of microgravity has been demonstrated. The feasibility of developing on-line sensors has also been demonstrated and allows for the possibility of developing real-time automated monitoring systems which can be used in ground-base physiological research as well as in research and medical monitoring in space. In addition to space applications these techniques can be extended to medical monitoring in critical care situations on earth as well as facilitating research in many human and animal diseases.

Making Peace Pay: Post-Conflict Economic and Infrastructure Development in Kosovo and Iraq

DTIC Science & Technology

probability that a post-conflict state will return to war. Additionally, consecutive presidential administrations and joint doctrine have declared...and Iraqi Freedom as historical case studies to demonstrate that the armed forces possess unique advantages, to include physical presence and

Echinacea purpurea: A Proprietary Extract of Echinacea purpurea Is Shown to be Safe and Effective in the Prevention of the Common Cold.

PubMed

Ross, Stephanie Maxine

2016-01-01

The research study in this review represents the largest clinical trial to date that evaluated the safety and efficacy of Echinacea purpurea for prophylactic treatment of the common cold, in addition to investigating its risk-benefit in a long-term treatment period. The clinical application of the proprietary standardized Echinacea purpurea extract(Echinaforce) demonstrated efficacy as a preventive cold treatment option over a 4-month duration. This study showed that Echinacea’s long-term prevention was associated with a reduction in the total number of cold episodes, a reduction in the number of days with colds, and a reduction in cold episodes requiring additional medication. Furthermore, the Echinacea test agent inhibited virally confirmed colds, exhibited maximal effects on recurrent infections, and demonstrated that its preventive effects increased relative to therapy compliance and adherence to the protocol. In summary, Echinacea purpurea when taken as recommended for the prevention of the common cold appears to provide a positive risk to benefit ratio.

X-ray absorption spectroscopy using a self-seeded soft X-ray free-electron laser

DOE PAGES

Kroll, Thomas; Kern, Jan; Kubin, Markus; ...

2016-09-19

X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) enable unprecedented new ways to study the electronic structure and dynamics of transition metal systems. L-edge absorption spectroscopy is a powerful technique for such studies and the feasibility of this method at XFELs for solutions and solids has been demonstrated. But, the required x-ray bandwidth is an order of magnitude narrower than that of self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE), and additional monochromatization is needed. We compare L-edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) of a prototypical transition metal system based on monochromatizing the SASE radiation of the linac coherent light source (LCLS) with a new technique based onmore » self-seeding of LCLS. We demonstrate how L-edge XAS can be performed using the self-seeding scheme without the need of an additional beam line monochromator. Lastly, we show how the spectral shape and pulse energy depend on the undulator setup and how this affects the x-ray spectroscopy measurements.« less

X-ray absorption spectroscopy using a self-seeded soft X-ray free-electron laser

PubMed Central

Kroll, Thomas; Kern, Jan; Kubin, Markus; Ratner, Daniel; Gul, Sheraz; Fuller, Franklin D.; Löchel, Heike; Krzywinski, Jacek; Lutman, Alberto; Ding, Yuantao; Dakovski, Georgi L.; Moeller, Stefan; Turner, Joshua J.; Alonso-Mori, Roberto; Nordlund, Dennis L.; Rehanek, Jens; Weniger, Christian; Firsov, Alexander; Brzhezinskaya, Maria; Chatterjee, Ruchira; Lassalle-Kaiser, Benedikt; Sierra, Raymond G.; Laksmono, Hartawan; Hill, Ethan; Borovik, Andrew; Erko, Alexei; Föhlisch, Alexander; Mitzner, Rolf; Yachandra, Vittal K.; Yano, Junko; Wernet, Philippe; Bergmann, Uwe

2016-01-01

X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) enable unprecedented new ways to study the electronic structure and dynamics of transition metal systems. L-edge absorption spectroscopy is a powerful technique for such studies and the feasibility of this method at XFELs for solutions and solids has been demonstrated. However, the required x-ray bandwidth is an order of magnitude narrower than that of self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE), and additional monochromatization is needed. Here we compare L-edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) of a prototypical transition metal system based on monochromatizing the SASE radiation of the linac coherent light source (LCLS) with a new technique based on self-seeding of LCLS. We demonstrate how L-edge XAS can be performed using the self-seeding scheme without the need of an additional beam line monochromator. We show how the spectral shape and pulse energy depend on the undulator setup and how this affects the x-ray spectroscopy measurements. PMID:27828320

Teaching for Scientific Literacy? An Examination of Instructional Practices in Secondary Schools in Barbados

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Archer-Bradshaw, Ramona E.

2017-02-01

This study examined the extent to which the instructional practices of science teachers in Barbados are congruent with best practices for teaching for scientific literacy. Additionally, through observation of practice, it sought to determine the teachers' demonstrated role in the classroom, their demonstration of learning through discourse, learning goals and the nature of classroom activities. Five hundred nineteen students from 12 of the 23 secondary schools on the island and 15 teachers across 8 schools participated in the study. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire, an observational schedule and field notes. It was found that while problem-solving and questioning were mainly used in the classroom, the use of experiments was among the least popular teaching strategies. Additionally, results showed that teachers' display of the knowledge of the characteristics of scientific literacy was unsatisfactory. Generally, the findings indicate a gap between teaching for scientific literacy as expressed in the literature and current instructional practices in secondary science classrooms in Barbados.

Is There a Drop in Normative Clearsightedness in Sixth Grade? Study of Internality and Normative Clearsightedness in Fourth to Seventh Graders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bigot, Johann; Pichot, Nathalie; Teste, Benoit

2004-01-01

Numerous studies have demonstrated a decrease in the expression of internality in French sixth graders as compared to fifth graders. The present study examines normative clearsightedness in addition to internality across four French school grades (fourth to seventh). The results confirmed the sixth-grade drop in internality and showed that the…

RASSP final technical report

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1992-10-01

The overall objective of the DARPA/Tri-Service RASSP program is to demonstrate a capability to rapidly specify, produce, and yield domain-specific, affordable signal processors for use in Department of Defense systems such as automatic target acquisition, tracking, and recognition, electronic countermeasures, communications, and SIGINT. The objective of the study phase is to specify a recommended program plan for the government to use as a template for procurement of the RASSP design system and demonstration program. To accomplish that objective, the study phase program tasks are to specify a development methodology for signal processors (adaptable to various organizational design styles, and application areas), analyze the requirements in CAD/CAE tools to support the development methodology, identify the state and development plans of the industry relative to this area, and to recommend the additional developments not currently being addressed by the industry, which are recommended as RASSP developments. In addition, the RASSP study phase will define a linking approach for electronically linking design centers to manufacturing centers so a complete cycle for prototyping can be accomplished with significantly reduced cycle time.

Summary Report of Laboratory Testing to Establish the Effectiveness of Proposed Treatment Methods for Unremediated and Remediated Nitrate Salt Waste Streams

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

Anast, Kurt Roy; Funk, David John

The inadvertent creation of transuranic waste carrying hazardous waste codes D001 and D002 requires the treatment of the material to eliminate the hazardous characteristics and allow its eventual shipment and disposal at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). This report documents the effectiveness of two treatment methods proposed to stabilize both the unremediated and remediated nitrate salt waste streams (UNS and RNS, respectively). The two technologies include the addition of zeolite (with and without the addition of water as a processing aid) and cementation. Surrogates were developed to evaluate both the solid and liquid fractions expected from parent waste containers,more » and both the solid and liquid fractions were tested. Both technologies are shown to be effective at eliminating the characteristic of ignitability (D001), and the addition of zeolite was determined to be effective at eliminating corrosivity (D002), with the preferred option1 of zeolite addition currently planned for implementation at the Waste Characterization, Reduction, and Repackaging Facility. During the course of this work, we established the need to evaluate and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed remedy for debris material, if required. The evaluation determined that Wypalls absorbed with saturated nitrate salt solutions exhibit the ignitability characteristic (all other expected debris is not classified as ignitable). Follow-on studies will be developed to demonstrate the effectiveness of stabilization for ignitable Wypall debris. Finally, liquid surrogates containing saturated nitrate salts did not exhibit the characteristic of ignitability in their pure form (those neutralized with Kolorsafe and mixed with sWheat did exhibit D001). As a result, additional nitrate salt solutions (those exhibiting the oxidizer characteristic) will be tested to demonstrate the effectiveness of the remedy.« less

A regularized variable selection procedure in additive hazards model with stratified case-cohort design.

PubMed

Ni, Ai; Cai, Jianwen

2018-07-01

Case-cohort designs are commonly used in large epidemiological studies to reduce the cost associated with covariate measurement. In many such studies the number of covariates is very large. An efficient variable selection method is needed for case-cohort studies where the covariates are only observed in a subset of the sample. Current literature on this topic has been focused on the proportional hazards model. However, in many studies the additive hazards model is preferred over the proportional hazards model either because the proportional hazards assumption is violated or the additive hazards model provides more relevent information to the research question. Motivated by one such study, the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, we investigate the properties of a regularized variable selection procedure in stratified case-cohort design under an additive hazards model with a diverging number of parameters. We establish the consistency and asymptotic normality of the penalized estimator and prove its oracle property. Simulation studies are conducted to assess the finite sample performance of the proposed method with a modified cross-validation tuning parameter selection methods. We apply the variable selection procedure to the ARIC study to demonstrate its practical use.

Pulse splitter-based nonlinear microscopy for live-cardiomyocyte imaging

PubMed Central

Wang, Zhonghai; Qin, Wan; Shao, Yonghong; Ma, Siyu; Borg, Thomas K.; Gao, Bruce Z.

2015-01-01

Second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy is a new imaging technique used in sarcomeric-addition studies. However, during the early stage of cell culture in which sarcomeric additions occur, the neonatal cardiomyocytes that we have been working with are very sensitive to photodamage, the resulting high rate of cell death prevents systematic study of sarcomeric addition using a conventional SHG system. To address this challenge, we introduced use of the pulse-splitter system developed by Na Ji et al. in our two photon excitation fluorescence (TPEF) and SHG hybrid microscope. The system dramatically reduced photodamage to neonatal cardiomyocytes in early stages of culture, greatly increasing cell viability. Thus continuous imaging of live cardiomyocytes was achieved with a stronger laser and for a longer period than has been reported in the literature. The pulse splitter-based TPEF-SHG microscope constructed in this study was demonstrated to be an ideal imaging system for sarcomeric addition-related investigations of neonatal cardiomyocytes in early stages of culture. PMID:25767692

Long non-coding RNA HOXD-AS1 promotes tumor progression and predicts poor prognosis in colorectal cancer.

PubMed

Li, Xiang; Zhao, Xinhan; Yang, Binhui; Li, Yuqing; Liu, Tao; Pang, Linyuan; Fan, Zhigang; Ma, Wu; Liu, Zhongqiu; Li, Zeng

2018-07-01

Mounting evidence has indicated that long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNA) serve important roles in tumor development. Previous studies have demonstrated that the lncRNA HOXD cluster antisense RNA 1 (HOXD‑AS1) promotes tumor progression in numerous types of cancer; however, the role of HOXD‑AS1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. In the present study, the expression levels of HOXD‑AS1 were detected in CRC tissues and cell lines using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the biological effects of HOXD‑AS1 on CRC were evaluated in vitro by cell counting kit‑8, colony formation and Transwell assays, and in vivo by tumorigenesis and metastasis assays. The results demonstrated that HOXD‑AS1 was upregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines, and that overexpression of HOXD‑AS1 was associated with poor prognosis in patients with CRC. Furthermore, knockdown of HOXD‑AS1 inhibited cell proliferation, cell invasion, epithelial‑mesenchymal transition and stem cell formation in vitro, as well as tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, HOXD‑AS1 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA for miR‑217. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that HOXD‑AS1 may promote CRC progression and metastasis by competing for miR‑217. In addition, HOXD‑AS1 may be considered an indicator of prognosis in patients with CRC.

Therapeutic potential of a dual mTORC1/2 inhibitor for the prevention of posterior capsule opacification: An in vitro study.

PubMed

Feng, Hao; Yang, Zhibo; Bai, Xue; Yang, Meirong; Fang, Yuan; Zhang, Xiaonan; Guo, Qiqiang; Ning, Hong

2018-04-01

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) serves a central role in regulating cell growth and survival, and has been demonstrated to be involved in the pathological progression of posterior capsule opacification (PCO). In the present study, the potency of PP242, a novel dual inhibitor of mTOR complex 1/2 (mTORC1/2), in the suppression of the growth of human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) was investigated. Using a Cell Counting Kit‑8 and a wound healing assay, it was demonstrated that PP242 inhibited the proliferation and migration of HLECs. In addition, western blot analysis indicated that PP242 completely inhibited mTORC1 and mTORC2 downstream signaling activities, whereas rapamycin only partially inhibited mTORC1 activity within LECs. Furthermore, PP242 treatment led to an upregulation of the expression levels of p53 and B cell lymphoma‑2 (Bcl‑2)‑associated X and downregulation of Bcl‑2. In addition, flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that PP242 induced the cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, which may have caused apoptosis and induced autophagy within the LECs. The results of the present study suggested that administration of PP242 may potentially offer a novel therapeutic approach for the prevention of PCO.

Safety, efficacy, actions, and patient acceptability of drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol contraceptive pills in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

PubMed

Breech, Lesley L; Braverman, Paula K

2010-08-09

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is estimated to affect 3%-8% of reproductive age women. Multiple therapeutic modalities have been evaluated with varying efficacy for the associated somatic and mood symptoms. The majority of older studies had shown that oral contraceptive pills (OCs) were most effective for the physical symptoms. However, newer OCs containing a novel progestin, drospirenone, have shown promise in alleviating both the somatic and affective/behavioral symptoms. This progestin, which is a derivative of spironolactone, has both antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic activity. A 24/4 formulation containing 20 μg of ethinyl estradiol has been found effective in randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials utilizing established scales documenting symptoms associated with PMDD. Multiple studies have shown that drospirenone-containing OCs are safe without evidence of clinically adverse effects on carbohydrate metabolism, lipids, blood pressure, weight, serum potassium or increased thrombotic events compared to other low dose OCs. In addition, significant improvements have been demonstrated in acne, hirsutism, and fluid retention symptoms. Several open label studies demonstrated good patient compliance and reported satisfaction with the method. Because of the significant placebo effect demonstrated in the blinded placebo-controlled trials, additional large randomized placebo-controlled trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of the drospirenone OCs in the treatment of PMDD. However, this OC formulation appears to be a promising therapeutic modality.

Safety, efficacy, actions, and patient acceptability of drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol contraceptive pills in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder

PubMed Central

Breech, Lesley L; Braverman, Paula K

2010-01-01

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is estimated to affect 3%–8% of reproductive age women. Multiple therapeutic modalities have been evaluated with varying efficacy for the associated somatic and mood symptoms. The majority of older studies had shown that oral contraceptive pills (OCs) were most effective for the physical symptoms. However, newer OCs containing a novel progestin, drospirenone, have shown promise in alleviating both the somatic and affective/behavioral symptoms. This progestin, which is a derivative of spironolactone, has both antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic activity. A 24/4 formulation containing 20 μg of ethinyl estradiol has been found effective in randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials utilizing established scales documenting symptoms associated with PMDD. Multiple studies have shown that drospirenone-containing OCs are safe without evidence of clinically adverse effects on carbohydrate metabolism, lipids, blood pressure, weight, serum potassium or increased thrombotic events compared to other low dose OCs. In addition, significant improvements have been demonstrated in acne, hirsutism, and fluid retention symptoms. Several open label studies demonstrated good patient compliance and reported satisfaction with the method. Because of the significant placebo effect demonstrated in the blinded placebo-controlled trials, additional large randomized placebo-controlled trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of the drospirenone OCs in the treatment of PMDD. However, this OC formulation appears to be a promising therapeutic modality. PMID:21072278

Different Resuscitation Strategies and Novel Pharmacologic Treatment with Valproic Acid in Traumatic Brain Injury

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-07-25

which would thereby preserve long - term platelet function. Dekker et al. (2014a) demonstrated that the addition of VPA to FFP resuscita- tion results in...pharmacologic resuscitation: Results of a long - term survival study in a swine polytrauma model. Journal of Trauma, 70, 636–645. Anglin, C. O., Spence...Alam, H. B. (2015b). Addition of low-dose valproic acid to saline resuscita- tion provides neuroprotection and improves long - term outcomes in a large

Training auscultatory skills: computer simulated heart sounds or additional bedside training? A randomized trial on third-year medical students

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background The present study compares the value of additional use of computer simulated heart sounds, to conventional bedside auscultation training, on the cardiac auscultation skills of 3rd year medical students at Oslo University Medical School. Methods In addition to their usual curriculum courses, groups of seven students each were randomized to receive four hours of additional auscultation training either employing a computer simulator system or adding on more conventional bedside training. Cardiac auscultation skills were afterwards tested using live patients. Each student gave a written description of the auscultation findings in four selected patients, and was rewarded from 0-10 points for each patient. Differences between the two study groups were evaluated using student's t-test. Results At the auscultation test no significant difference in mean score was found between the students who had used additional computer based sound simulation compared to additional bedside training. Conclusions Students at an early stage of their cardiology training demonstrated equal performance of cardiac auscultation whether they had received an additional short auscultation course based on computer simulated training, or had had additional bedside training. PMID:20082701

Effect of Trichoderma-enriched organic charcoal in the integrated wood protection strategy

PubMed Central

Gandía, Mónica; Marcos, Jose F.; Bas, Maria del Carmen; Fink, Siegfried

2017-01-01

The gradual elimination of chromium from wood preservative formulations results in higher Cu leaching and increased susceptibility to wood decay fungi. Finding a sustainable strategy in wood protection has become of great interest among researchers. The objective of these in vitro studies was to demonstrate the effect of T-720-enriched organic charcoal (biochar) against five wood decay basidiomycetes isolated from strongly damaged poles. For this purpose, the antagonistic potential of Trichoderma harzianum (strain T-720) was confirmed among other four Trichoderma spp. against five brown-rot basidiomycetes in dual culture tests. T-720 was genetically transformed and tagged with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) in order to study its antagonistic mechanism against wood decay basidiomycetes. It was also demonstrated that T-720 inhibits the oxalic acid production by basidiomycetes, a well-known mechanism used by brown-rot fungi to detoxify Cu from impregnated wood. Additionally, this study evaluated the effect of biochar, alone or in combination with T-720, on Cu leaching by different preservatives, pH stabilization and prevention of wood decay caused by five basidiomycetes. Addition of biochar resulted in a significant Cu binding released from impregnated wood specimens. T-720-enriched biochar showed a significant reduction of wood decay caused by four basidiomycetes. The addition of T-720-enriched biochar to the soil into which utility poles are placed may improve the efficiency of Cr-free wood preservatives. PMID:28797118

Effect of Trichoderma-enriched organic charcoal in the integrated wood protection strategy.

PubMed

Ribera, Javier; Gandía, Mónica; Marcos, Jose F; Bas, Maria Del Carmen; Fink, Siegfried; Schwarze, Francis W M R

2017-01-01

The gradual elimination of chromium from wood preservative formulations results in higher Cu leaching and increased susceptibility to wood decay fungi. Finding a sustainable strategy in wood protection has become of great interest among researchers. The objective of these in vitro studies was to demonstrate the effect of T-720-enriched organic charcoal (biochar) against five wood decay basidiomycetes isolated from strongly damaged poles. For this purpose, the antagonistic potential of Trichoderma harzianum (strain T-720) was confirmed among other four Trichoderma spp. against five brown-rot basidiomycetes in dual culture tests. T-720 was genetically transformed and tagged with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) in order to study its antagonistic mechanism against wood decay basidiomycetes. It was also demonstrated that T-720 inhibits the oxalic acid production by basidiomycetes, a well-known mechanism used by brown-rot fungi to detoxify Cu from impregnated wood. Additionally, this study evaluated the effect of biochar, alone or in combination with T-720, on Cu leaching by different preservatives, pH stabilization and prevention of wood decay caused by five basidiomycetes. Addition of biochar resulted in a significant Cu binding released from impregnated wood specimens. T-720-enriched biochar showed a significant reduction of wood decay caused by four basidiomycetes. The addition of T-720-enriched biochar to the soil into which utility poles are placed may improve the efficiency of Cr-free wood preservatives.

Precision spherical nucleic acids for delivery of anticancer drugs† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: DNA nanoparticle design and assembly, evaluation of BKM120 encapsulation, structural characterization, stability and shelf-life of drug-loaded structures, cellular uptake in cancer cells, in vitro cell studies, HSA binding experiments and in vivo studies. See DOI: 10.1039/c7sc01619k Click here for additional data file. Click here for additional data file. Click here for additional data file.

PubMed Central

Bousmail, Danny; Amrein, Lilian; Fakhoury, Johans J.; Fakih, Hassan H.; Hsu, John C. C.

2017-01-01

We report a spherical nucleic acid (SNA) system for the delivery of BKM120, an anticancer drug for treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). While promising for cancer treatment, this drug crosses the blood–brain barrier causing significant side-effects in patients. The DNA nanoparticle encapsulates BKM120 in high efficiency, and is unparalleled in its monodispersity, ease of synthesis and stability in different biological media and in serum. These DNA nanostructures demonstrate efficient uptake in human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells, and increased internalization of cargo. In vitro studies show that BKM120-loaded nanoparticles promote apoptosis in primary patient CLL lymphocytes, and act as sensitizers of other antitumor drugs, without causing non-specific inflammation. Evaluation of this drug delivery system in vivo shows long circulation times up to 24 hours, full body distribution, accumulation at tumor sites and minimal leakage through the blood–brain barrier. Our results demonstrate the great potential of these delivery vehicles as a general platform for chemotherapeutic drug delivery. PMID:28989655

Environmental Impact of Asbestos Cement Pipe Renewal Technologies (WaterRF Report 4465)

EPA Science Inventory

This report summarizes asbestos regulations within the United States and presents current utility practices for a select number of utilities in North America and Australia. In addition, two real-world renewal demonstrations are presented as case studies examining the impact of pi...

Curbing Cheating

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCabe, Don; Katz, Daniel

2009-01-01

Cheating has become a major issue for schools and leaders across the country. While plagiarism and cheating are not new, the proliferation of technologies available to students enables new forms of cheating. In addition, recent studies demonstrate an interesting level of moral flexibility among students as they often are motivated to cheat simply…

VOC REMOVAL FROM WATER AND SURFACTANT SOLUTIONS BY PERVAPORATION: A PILOT STUDY

EPA Science Inventory

The removal of VOCs from aqueous solutions via pervaporation is an established technology that has been successfully demonstrated at the full scale. The purpose of this research was to measure the effect of DOWFAX 8390 surfactant addition on pervaporation system performance and ...

Differential cardiac effects in rats exposed to atmospheric smog generated from isoprene versus toluene

EPA Science Inventory

The results of this study demonstrate that atmospheric smog generated from both isoprene and toluene cause cardiac effects in rats. In addition, it appears that smog from toluene is more toxic in terms of cardiac arrhythmogenicity. Smog, which is a comple...

MEETING AT PORTLAND, OR: CORAL RESPONSES TO CLIMATE AND LAND USE CHANGES

EPA Science Inventory

Coral reefs in the Florida Keys have been surveyed for occurrence of bleaching and disease, and additional indicators are being applied across the Keys to characterize the status of coral condition. Studies on cultured symbiotic algae have demonstrated combined effects of tempera...

Contact Forces between Single Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Gas-Phase Applications and Processes.

PubMed

Salameh, Samir; van der Veen, Monique A; Kappl, Michael; van Ommen, J Ruud

2017-03-14

In this work we present a comprehensive experimental study to determine the contact forces between individual metal oxide nanoparticles in the gas-phase using atomic force microscopy. In addition, we determined the amount of physisorbed water for each type of particle surface. By comparing our results with mathematical models of the interaction forces, we could demonstrate that classical continuum models of van der Waals and capillary forces alone cannot sufficiently describe the experimental findings. Rather, the discrete nature of the molecules has to be considered, which leads to ordering at the interface and the occurrence of solvation forces. We demonstrate that inclusion of solvation forces in the model leads to quantitative agreement with experimental data and that tuning of the molecular order by addition of isopropanol vapor allows us to control the interaction forces between the nanoparticles.

Improved recovery demonstration for Williston Basin carbonates. Annual report, June 10, 1995--June 9, 1996

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

Carrell, L.A.; Sippel, M.A.

1996-09-01

The purpose of this project is to demonstrate targeted infill and extension drilling opportunities, better determinations of oil-in-place, methods for improved completion efficiency and the suitability of waterflooding in Red River and Ratcliffe shallow-shelf carbonate reservoirs in the Williston Basin, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. Improved reservoir characterization utilizing three-dimensional and multi-component seismic are being investigated for identification of structural and stratigraphic reservoir compartments. These seismic characterization tools are integrated with geological and engineering studies. Improved completion efficiency is being tested with extended-reach jetting lance and other ultra-short-radius lateral technologies. Improved completion efficiency, additional wells at closer spacing andmore » better estimates of oil in place will result in additional oil recovery by primary and enhanced recovery processes.« less

Diamond field emitter array cathodes and possibilities for employing additive manufacturing for dielectric laser accelerating structures

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

Simakov, Evgenya Ivanovna; Andrews, Heather Lynn; Herman, Matthew Joseph

2016-09-20

These are slides for a presentation at Stanford University. The outline is as follows: Motivation: customers for compact accelerators, LANL's technologies for laser acceleration, DFEA cathodes, and additive manufacturing of micron-size structures. Among the stated conclusions are the following: preliminary study identified DFEA cathodes as promising sources for DLAs--high beam current and small emittance; additive manufacturing with Nanoscribe Professional GT can produce structures with the right scale features for a DLA operating at micron wavelengths (fabrication tolerances need to be studied, DLAs require new materials). Future plans include DLA experiment with a beam produced by the DFEA cathode with fieldmore » emission, demonstration of photoemission from DFEAs, and new structures to print and test.« less

Medial vestibular connections with the hypocretin (orexin) system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horowitz, Seth S.; Blanchard, Jane; Morin, Lawrence P.

2005-01-01

The mammalian medial vestibular nucleus (MVe) receives input from all vestibular endorgans and provides extensive projections to the central nervous system. Recent studies have demonstrated projections from the MVe to the circadian rhythm system. In addition, there are known projections from the MVe to regions considered to be involved in sleep and arousal. In this study, afferent and efferent subcortical connectivity of the medial vestibular nucleus of the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) was evaluated using cholera toxin subunit-B (retrograde), Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (anterograde), and pseudorabies virus (transneuronal retrograde) tract-tracing techniques. The results demonstrate MVe connections with regions mediating visuomotor and postural control, as previously observed in other mammals. The data also identify extensive projections from the MVe to regions mediating arousal and sleep-related functions, most of which receive immunohistochemically identified projections from the lateral hypothalamic hypocretin (orexin) neurons. These include the locus coeruleus, dorsal and pedunculopontine tegmental nuclei, dorsal raphe, and lateral preoptic area. The MVe itself receives a projection from hypocretin cells. CTB tracing demonstrated reciprocal connections between the MVe and most brain areas receiving MVe efferents. Virus tracing confirmed and extended the MVe afferent connections identified with CTB and additionally demonstrated transneuronal connectivity with the suprachiasmatic nucleus and the medial habenular nucleus. These anatomical data indicate that the vestibular system has access to a broad array of neural functions not typically associated with visuomotor, balance, or equilibrium, and that the MVe is likely to receive information from many of the same regions to which it projects.

Surface molecular imprinting onto fluorescein-coated magnetic nanoparticlesvia reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization: A facile three-in-one system for recognition and separation of endocrine disrupting chemicals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ying; Dong, Cunku; Chu, Jia; Qi, Jingyao; Li, Xin

2011-01-01

In this study, we present a general protocol for the making of surface-imprinted magnetic fluorescence beads viareversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The resulting composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The as-synthesized beads exhibited homogeneous polymer films (thickness of about 5.7 nm), spherical shape, high fluorescence intensity and magnetic property (Magnetization (Ms) = 3.67 emu g-1). The hybrids bind the original template 17β-estradiol with an appreciable selectivity over structurally related compounds. In addition, the resulting hybrids performed without obvious deterioration after five repeated cycles. This study therefore demonstrates the potential of molecularly imprinted polymers for the recognition and separation of endocrine disrupting chemicals.In this study, we present a general protocol for the making of surface-imprinted magnetic fluorescence beads viareversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The resulting composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The as-synthesized beads exhibited homogeneous polymer films (thickness of about 5.7 nm), spherical shape, high fluorescence intensity and magnetic property (Magnetization (Ms) = 3.67 emu g-1). The hybrids bind the original template 17β-estradiol with an appreciable selectivity over structurally related compounds. In addition, the resulting hybrids performed without obvious deterioration after five repeated cycles. This study therefore demonstrates the potential of molecularly imprinted polymers for the recognition and separation of endocrine disrupting chemicals. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Supplementary figure S1. The hysteresis loop of Fe3O4 (a), Fe3O4@SiO2 (b), and Fe3O4@SiO2-Dye-SiO2 (c). See DOI: 10.1039/c0nr00614a

[The use of Timalin in the treatment of the acute lung abscess].

PubMed

Tsybikov, M N; Likhanov, I D; Borshchevskiĭ, V S; Kuznik, B I; Tsepelev, V L; Maslo, E Iu; Tsybikov, N N

2012-01-01

The study was aimed to research levels of main acute inflammation phase peptides, coagulative and fibrinolitic plasma activity on the background of traditional treatment and with addition of Timalin in patients with acute lung abscess. The study demonstrated that induction of bioregulative therapy leads to faster normalization of main indicators of SIRS and plasma fibrinolitic activity and eliminates hypercoagulation.

Quercetin protects rat cortical neurons against traumatic brain injury.

PubMed

Du, Guoliang; Zhao, Zongmao; Chen, Yonghan; Li, Zonghao; Tian, Yaohui; Liu, Zhifeng; Liu, Bin; Song, Jianqiang

2018-06-01

Previous studies have demonstrated that traumatic brain injury (TBI) may cause neurological deficits and neuronal cell apoptosis. Quercetin, one of the most widely distributed flavonoids, possesses anti‑inflammatory, anti‑blood coagulation, anti‑ischemic and anti‑cancer activities, and neuroprotective effects in the context of brain injury. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of quercetin in TBI. A total of 75 rats were randomly arranged into 3 groups as follows: Sham group (Sham); TBI group (TBI); and TBI + quercetin group (Que). Brain edema was evaluated by analysis of brain water content. The neurobehavioral status of the rats was evaluated by Neurological Severity Scoring. Immunohistochemical and western blot analyses were used to measure the expression of certain proteins. The results of the present study demonstrated that post‑TBI administration of quercetin may attenuate brain edema, in addition to improving motor function in rats. Additionally, quercetin caused a marked inhibition of extracellular signal‑regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation and activated Akt serine/threonine protein kinase phosphorylation, which may result in attenuation of neuronal apoptosis. The present study provided novel insights into the mechanism through which quercetin may exert its neuroprotective activity in a rat model of TBI.

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

Shkrob, Ilya A.; Pupek, Krzysztof Z.; Gilbert, James A.

Lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF 6) is ubiquitous in commercial lithium-ion batteries, but it is hydrolytically unstable and corrosive on electrode surfaces. Using a more stable salt would confer multiple benefits for high-voltage operation, but many such electrolyte systems facilitate anodic dissolution and pitting corrosion of aluminum current collectors that negate their advantages. Lithium 2-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dicyanoimidazolide (LiTDI) is a new salt that was designed specifically for high-voltage cells. In this study we demonstrate that in carbonate electrolytes, LiTDI prevents anodic dissolution of Al current collectors, which places it into a select group of corrosion inhibitors. However, we also demonstrate that LiTDI becomes reducedmore » on lithiated graphite, undergoing sequential defluorination and yielding a thick and resistive solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI), which increases impedance and lowers electrode capacity. The mechanistic causes for this behavior are examined using computational chemistry methods in the light of recent spectroscopic studies. Here, we demonstrate that LiTDI reduction can be prevented by certain electrolyte additives, which include fluoroethylene carbonate, vinylene carbonate and lithium bis(oxalato)borate. This beneficial action is due to preferential reduction of these additives over LiTDI at a higher potential vs. Li/Li +, so the resulting SEI can prevent the direct reduction of LiTDI at lower potentials on the graphite electrode.« less

An exploratory study examining the influence of translation on the validity and reliability of qualitative data in nursing research.

PubMed

Twinn, S

1997-08-01

Although the complexity of undertaking qualitative research with non-English speaking informants has become increasingly recognized, few empirical studies exist which explore the influence of translation on the findings of the study. The aim of this exploratory study was therefore to examine the influence of translation on the reliability and validity of the findings of a qualitative research study. In-depth interviews were undertaken in Cantonese with a convenience sample of six women to explore their perceptions of factors influencing their uptake of Pap smears. Data analysis involved three stages. The first stage involved the translation and transcription of all the interviews into English independently by two translators as well as transcription into Chinese by a third researcher. The second stage involved content analysis of the three data sets to develop categories and themes and the third stage involved a comparison of the categories and themes generated from the Chinese and English data sets. Despite no significant differences in the major categories generated from the Chinese and English data, some minor differences were identified in the themes generated from the data. More significantly the results of the study demonstrated some important issues to consider when using translation in qualitative research, in particular the complexity of managing data when no equivalent word exists in the target language and the influence of the grammatical style on the analysis. In addition the findings raise questions about the significance of the conceptual framework of the research design and sampling to the validity of the study. The importance of using only one translator to maximize the reliability of the study was also demonstrated. In addition the author suggests the findings demonstrate particular problems in using translation in phenomenological research designs.

Impact of CCL2 and CCR2 Chemokine / Receptor Deficiencies on Macrophage Recruitment and Continuous Glucose Monitoring in vivo

PubMed Central

Klueh, Ulrike; Czajkowski, Caroline; Ludzinska, Izabela; Qiao, Yi; Frailey, Jackman; Kreutzer, Donald L.

2016-01-01

The accumulation of macrophages (MΦ) at the sensor-tissue interface is thought to be a major player in controlling tissue reactions and sensor performance in vivo. Nevertheless until recently no direct demonstration of the causal relationship between MΦ aggregation and loss of sensor function existed. Using a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) murine model we previously demonstrated that genetic deficiencies of MΦ or depletion of MΦ decreased MΦ accumulation at sensor implantation sites, which led to significantly enhanced CGM performance, when compared to normal mice. Additional studies in our laboratories have also demonstrated that MΦ can act as “metabolic sinks” by depleting glucose levels at the implanted sensors in vitro and in vivo. In the present study we extended these observations by demonstrating that MΦ chemokine (CCL2) and receptor (CCR2) knockout mice displayed a decrease in inflammation and MΦ recruitment at sensor implantation sites, when compared to normal mice. This decreased MΦ recruitment significantly enhanced CGM performance when compared to control mice. These studies demonstrated the importance of the CCL2 family of chemokines and related receptors in MΦ recruitment and sensor performance and suggest chemokine targets for enhancing CGM in vivo. PMID:27376197

Deep neural networks for direct, featureless learning through observation: The case of two-dimensional spin models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mills, Kyle; Tamblyn, Isaac

2018-03-01

We demonstrate the capability of a convolutional deep neural network in predicting the nearest-neighbor energy of the 4 ×4 Ising model. Using its success at this task, we motivate the study of the larger 8 ×8 Ising model, showing that the deep neural network can learn the nearest-neighbor Ising Hamiltonian after only seeing a vanishingly small fraction of configuration space. Additionally, we show that the neural network has learned both the energy and magnetization operators with sufficient accuracy to replicate the low-temperature Ising phase transition. We then demonstrate the ability of the neural network to learn other spin models, teaching the convolutional deep neural network to accurately predict the long-range interaction of a screened Coulomb Hamiltonian, a sinusoidally attenuated screened Coulomb Hamiltonian, and a modified Potts model Hamiltonian. In the case of the long-range interaction, we demonstrate the ability of the neural network to recover the phase transition with equivalent accuracy to the numerically exact method. Furthermore, in the case of the long-range interaction, the benefits of the neural network become apparent; it is able to make predictions with a high degree of accuracy, and do so 1600 times faster than a CUDA-optimized exact calculation. Additionally, we demonstrate how the neural network succeeds at these tasks by looking at the weights learned in a simplified demonstration.

Middle School Science Notes.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

School Science Review, 1983

1983-01-01

Demonstrations, experiments, and classroom activities/materials for middle school science are presented. These include: additive color mixing demonstration; electricity activity and worksheet; atmospheric pressure "magic" demonstration; homemade microbalance; energy from soap bubbles; and a model used to demonstrate muscle pairs and how…

Additive manufacturing of magnetic shielding and ultra-high vacuum flange for cold atom sensors.

PubMed

Vovrosh, Jamie; Voulazeris, Georgios; Petrov, Plamen G; Zou, Ji; Gaber, Youssef; Benn, Laura; Woolger, David; Attallah, Moataz M; Boyer, Vincent; Bongs, Kai; Holynski, Michael

2018-01-31

Recent advances in the understanding and control of quantum technologies, such as those based on cold atoms, have resulted in devices with extraordinary metrological performance. To realise this potential outside of a lab environment the size, weight and power consumption need to be reduced. Here we demonstrate the use of laser powder bed fusion, an additive manufacturing technique, as a production technique relevant to the manufacture of quantum sensors. As a demonstration we have constructed two key components using additive manufacturing, namely magnetic shielding and vacuum chambers. The initial prototypes for magnetic shields show shielding factors within a factor of 3 of conventional approaches. The vacuum demonstrator device shows that 3D-printed titanium structures are suitable for use as vacuum chambers, with the test system reaching base pressures of 5 ± 0.5 × 10 -10 mbar. These demonstrations show considerable promise for the use of additive manufacturing for cold atom based quantum technologies, in future enabling improved integrated structures, allowing for the reduction in size, weight and assembly complexity.

Effect of food additives on egg yolk gelation induced by freezing.

PubMed

Primacella, Monica; Fei, Tao; Acevedo, Nuria; Wang, Tong

2018-10-15

This study demonstrates technological advances in preventing yolk gelation during freezing and thawing. Gelation negatively affects yolk functionality in food formulation. Preventing gelation using 10% salt or sugar limits the application of the yolk. Novel food additives were tested to prevent gelation induced by freezing. Significant reduction (p < 0.05) in gel hardness of frozen-thawed yolk (45 h freezing at -20 °C) indicates that hydrolyzed carboxymethyl cellulose (HCMC), proline, and hydrolyzed egg white and yolk (HEW and HEY) are effective gelation inhibitors. The mechanisms in which these additives prevented gelation were further studied through measuring the changes in the amount of freezable water, lipoprotein particle size, and protein surface hydrophobicity. Overall, this study provides several alternatives of gelation inhibitor that have great potentials in replacing the use of salt or sugar in commercial operation of freezing egg yolk for shelf-life extension. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis of immune-related genes during Nora virus infection of Drosophila melanogaster using next generation sequencing

PubMed Central

Lopez, Wilfredo; Page, Alexis M.; Carlson, Darby J.; Ericson, Brad L.; Cserhati, Matyas F.; Guda, Chittibabu; Carlson, Kimberly A.

2018-01-01

Drosophila melanogaster depends upon the innate immune system to regulate and combat viral infection. This is a complex, yet widely conserved process that involves a number of immune pathways and gene interactions. In addition, expression of genes involved in immunity are differentially regulated as the organism ages. This is particularly true for viruses that demonstrate chronic infection, as is seen with Nora virus. Nora virus is a persistent non-pathogenic virus that replicates in a horizontal manner in D. melanogaster. The genes involved in the regulation of the immune response to Nora virus infection are largely unknown. In addition, the temporal response of immune response genes as a result of infection has not been examined. In this study, D. melanogaster either infected with Nora virus or left uninfected were aged for 2, 10, 20 and 30 days. The RNA from these samples was analyzed by next generation sequencing (NGS) and the resulting immune-related genes evaluated by utilizing both the PANTHER and DAVID databases, as well as comparison to lists of immune related genes and FlyBase. The data demonstrate that Nora virus infected D. melanogaster exhibit an increase in immune related gene expression over time. In addition, at day 30, the data demonstrate that a persistent immune response may occur leading to an upregulation of specific immune response genes. These results demonstrate the utility of NGS in determining the potential immune system genes involved in Nora virus replication, chronic infection and involvement of antiviral pathways. PMID:29707694

Classroom Use of Martial Arts Exhibitions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Landry, Shane Garrett; Denn, Grant R.

2006-10-01

Martial arts are becoming increasingly popular, and many of the techniques used by martial artists can provide effective demonstrations to showcase basic physics concepts. Many students have martial arts experience by the time they reach the senior level of high school or college. In one conceptual physics course, seven students out of 40 had studied some form of martial arts. Teachers can use experienced students as a resource and exploit the popularity of martial arts to demonstrate some basic points in Newtonian mechanics via martial arts demonstrations. This interactive mode of learning, we have found, is very popular and highly motivational for the students. In this paper we provide some of the possible examples of effective classroom demonstrations; there are many additional examples that your students may want to introduce.

Temporal development of near-native functional properties and correlations with qMRI in self-assembling fibrocartilage treated with exogenous lysyl oxidase homolog 2.

PubMed

Hadidi, Pasha; Cissell, Derek D; Hu, Jerry C; Athanasiou, Kyriacos A

2017-12-01

Advances in cartilage tissue engineering have led to constructs with mechanical integrity and biochemical composition increasingly resembling that of native tissues. In particular, collagen cross-linking with lysyl oxidase has been used to significantly enhance the mechanical properties of engineered neotissues. In this study, development of collagen cross-links over time, and correlations with tensile properties, were examined in self-assembling neotissues. Additionally, quantitative MRI metrics were examined in relation to construct mechanical properties as well as pyridinoline cross-link content and other engineered tissue components. Scaffold-free meniscus fibrocartilage was cultured in the presence of exogenous lysyl oxidase, and assessed at multiple time points over 8weeks starting from the first week of culture. Engineered constructs demonstrated a 9.9-fold increase in pyridinoline content, reaching 77% of native tissue values, after 8weeks of culture. Additionally, engineered tissues reached 66% of the Young's modulus in the radial direction of native tissues. Further, collagen cross-links were found to correlate with tensile properties, contributing 67% of the tensile strength of engineered neocartilages. Finally, examination of quantitative MRI metrics revealed several correlations with mechanical and biochemical properties of engineered constructs. This study displays the importance of culture duration for collagen cross-link formation, and demonstrates the potential of quantitative MRI in investigating properties of engineered cartilages. This is the first study to demonstrate near-native cross-link content in an engineered tissue, and the first study to quantify pyridinoline cross-link development over time in a self-assembling tissue. Additionally, this work shows the relative contributions of collagen and pyridinoline to the tensile properties of collagenous tissue for the first time. Furthermore, this is the first investigation to identify a relationship between qMRI metrics and the pyridinoline cross-link content of an engineered collagenous tissue. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells increase interleukin-9 production of CD4+ T cells

PubMed Central

Yang, Zhou Xin; Chi, Ying; Ji, Yue Ru; Wang, You Wei; Zhang, Jing; Luo, Wei Feng; Li, Li Na; Hu, Cai Dong; Zhuo, Guang Sheng; Wang, Li Fang; Han, Zhi-Bo; Han, Zhong Chao

2017-01-01

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are able to differentiate into cells of multiple lineage, and additionally act to modulate the immune response. Interleukin (IL)-9 is primarily produced by cluster of differentiation (CD)4+ T cells to regulate the immune response. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of human umbilical cord derived-MSC (UC-MSC) on IL-9 production of human CD4+ T cells. It was demonstrated that the addition of UC-MSC to the culture of CD4+ T cells significantly enhanced IL-9 production by CD4+ T cells. Transwell experiments suggested that UC-MSC promotion of IL-9 production by CD4+ T cells was dependent on cell-cell contact. Upregulated expression of CD106 was observed in UC-MSC co-cultured with CD4+ T cells, and the addition of a blocking antibody of CD106 significantly impaired the ability of UC-MSC to promote IL-9 production by CD4+ T cells. Therefore, the results of the present study demonstrated that UC-MSC promoted the generation of IL-9 producing cells, which may be mediated, in part by CD106. The findings may act to expand understanding and knowledge of the immune modulatory role of UC-MSC. PMID:29042945

Chemometric assessment of enhanced bioremediation of oil contaminated soils.

PubMed

Soleimani, Mohsen; Farhoudi, Majid; Christensen, Jan H

2013-06-15

Bioremediation is a promising technique for reclamation of oil polluted soils. In this study, six methods for enhancing bioremediation were tested on oil contaminated soils from three refinery areas in Iran (Isfahan, Arak, and Tehran). The methods included bacterial enrichment, planting, and addition of nitrogen and phosphorous, molasses, hydrogen peroxide, and a surfactant (Tween 80). Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations and CHEMometric analysis of Selected Ion Chromatograms (SIC) termed CHEMSIC method of petroleum biomarkers including terpanes, regular, diaromatic and triaromatic steranes were used for determining the level and type of hydrocarbon contamination. The same methods were used to study oil weathering of 2 to 6 ring polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs). Results demonstrated that bacterial enrichment and addition of nutrients were most efficient with 50% to 62% removal of TPH. Furthermore, the CHEMSIC results demonstrated that the bacterial enrichment was more efficient in degradation of n-alkanes and low molecular weight PACs as well as alkylated PACs (e.g. C₃-C₄ naphthalenes, C₂ phenanthrenes and C₂-C₃ dibenzothiophenes), while nutrient addition led to a larger relative removal of isoprenoids (e.g. norpristane, pristane and phytane). It is concluded that the CHEMSIC method is a valuable tool for assessing bioremediation efficiency. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Complication Reducing Effect of the Information Technology-Based Diabetes Management System on Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes

PubMed Central

Cho, Jae-Hyoung; Lee, Jin-Hee; Oh, Jeong-Ah; Kang, Mi-Ja; Choi, Yoon-Hee; Kwon, Hyuk-Sang; Chang, Sang-Ah; Cha, Bong-Yun; Son, Ho-Young; Yoon, Kun-Ho

2008-01-01

Objective We introduced a new information technology-based diabetes management system, called the Internet-based glucose monitoring system (IBGMS), and demonstrated its short-term and long-term favorable effects. However, there has been no report on clinical effects of such a new diabetes management system on the development of diabetic complications so far. This study was used to simulate the complication reducing effect of the IBGMS, given in addition to existing treatments in patients with type 2 diabetes. Research Design and Methods The CORE Diabetes Model, a peer-reviewed, published, validated computer simulation model, was used to project long-term clinical outcomes in type 2 diabetes patients receiving the IBGMS in addition to their existing treatment. The model combined standard Markov submodels to simulate the incidence and progression of diabetes-related complications. Results The addition of IBGMS was associated with improvements in reducing diabetic complications, mainly microangiopathic complications, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, and diabetic foot ulcer. The IBGMS also delayed the development of all diabetic complications for more than 1 year. Conclusions This study demonstrated that the simulated IBGMS, compared to existing treatment, was associated with a reduction of diabetic complications. As a result, it provides valuable evidence for practical application to the public in the world. PMID:19885180

Characteristics of phase-change materials containing oxide nano-additives for thermal storage.

PubMed

Teng, Tun-Ping; Yu, Chao-Chieh

2012-11-06

In this study, the authors report the production of nanocomposite-enhanced phase-change materials (NEPCMs) using the direct-synthesis method by mixing paraffin with alumina (Al2O3), titania (TiO2), silica (SiO2), and zinc oxide (ZnO) as the experimental samples. Al2O3, TiO2, SiO2, and ZnO were dispersed into three concentrations of 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 wt.%. Through heat conduction and differential scanning calorimeter experiments to evaluate the effects of varying concentrations of the nano-additives on the heat conduction performance and thermal storage characteristics of NEPCMs, their feasibility for use in thermal storage was determined. The experimental results demonstrate that TiO2 is more effective than the other additives in enhancing both the heat conduction and thermal storage performance of paraffin for most of the experimental parameters. Furthermore, TiO2 reduces the melting onset temperature and increases the solidification onset temperature of paraffin. This allows the phase-change heat to be applicable to a wider temperature range, and the highest decreased ratio of phase-change heat is only 0.46%, compared to that of paraffin. Therefore, this study demonstrates that TiO2, added to paraffin to form NEPCMs, has significant potential for enhancing the thermal storage characteristics of paraffin.

Lithium-Ion Battery Demonstrated for NASA Desert Research and Technology Studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bennett, William R.; Baldwin, Richard S.

2008-01-01

Lithium-ion batteries have attractive performance characteristics that are well suited to a number of NASA applications. These rechargeable batteries produce compact, lightweight energy-storage systems with excellent cycle life, high charge/discharge efficiency, and low self-discharge rate. NASA Glenn Research Center's Electrochemistry Branch designed and produced five lithium-ion battery packs configured to power the liquid-air backpack (LAB) on spacesuit simulators. The demonstration batteries incorporated advanced, NASA-developed electrolytes with enhanced low-temperature performance characteristics. The objectives of this effort were to (1) demonstrate practical battery performance under field-test conditions and (2) supply laboratory performance data under controlled laboratory conditions. Advanced electrolyte development is being conducted under the Exploration Technology Development Program by the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Three field trials were successfully completed at Cinder Lake from September 10 to 12, 2007. Extravehicular activities of up to 1 hr and 50 min were supported, with residual battery capacity sufficient for 30 min of additional run time. Additional laboratory testing of batteries and cells is underway at Glenn s Electrochemical Branch.

Psychiatric Symptom Improvement in Women Following Group Substance Abuse Treatment: Results from the Women’s Recovery Group Study

PubMed Central

McHugh, R. Kathryn; Greenfield, Shelly F.

2010-01-01

The Women’s Recovery Group study was a Stage I randomized clinical trial comparing a new manual-based group treatment for women with substance use disorders with Group Drug Counseling. Data from this study were examined to determine whether co-occurring symptoms of depression and anxiety would improve with treatment and whether these improvements would demonstrate durability over the follow-up period. The sample consisted of 36 women (29 WRG, 7 GDC) who were administered self-report and clinician-rated measures of anxiety, depression, and general psychiatric symptoms. Although there were no group differences in psychiatric symptom improvement, analyses demonstrated significant within-subject improvement in depression, anxiety, and general psychiatric symptoms. Symptom reduction was not mediated by changes in substance use. This study demonstrated significant psychiatric symptom reduction that remained durable through 6 month follow-up for women receiving group therapy focused on substance abuse relapse prevention. Reduction in psychiatric symptoms may be an additional benefit of substance abuse group therapy for women. PMID:20625473

THE USE OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS OF IN-HOME DRINKING WATER TREATMENT TO STUDY ENDEMIC WATERBORNE DISEASE

EPA Science Inventory

Randomized trials of water treatment have demonstrated the ability of simple water treatments to significantly reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal illnesses in developing countries where drinking water is of poor quality. Whether or not additional treatment at the tap reduc...

Antimicrobial Exposure Assessment Task Force II (AEATF II) Volume 5: Governing Document for a Multi-Year Antimicrobial Chemical Exposure Monitoring Program (interim draft document)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Describes the overall scope of the AEATF II program, demonstrates the need for additional human exposure monitoring data and explains the proposed methodology for the exposure monitoring studies proposed for conduct by the AEATF II.

Business Sustainability and Undergraduate Management Education: An Australian Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fisher, Josie; Bonn, Ingrid

2011-01-01

The academic literature arguing that there is an urgent requirement for businesses to become more sustainable is rapidly expanding. There is also a demonstrated need for managers to develop a better understanding of sustainability and the appropriate strategies required to improve business sustainability. In addition, there have been international…

HWSTD High Water Speed Technology Demonstrator - Power Pack - Conceptual Design Study

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-04-22

splitter box with mounting equipment to be developed and built in collaboration with the German firm, "Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen " (ZF). This...collaboration with the German firm,"Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen " (ZF). This is a proposed option with regard to saving interface problems and additional

The Role of Music in Classroom Management.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jackson, Mary F.; Joyce, Donna M.

Several studies have demonstrated that music has many uses in today's classroom. In addition to a positive classroom environment, stronger curriculum content, and effective teaching strategies, research indicates that music is also an effective management strategy. A musical program was designed for third and fourth grade teachers to achieve…

Operation Compatibility: A Neglected Contribution to Dual-Task Costs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pannebakker, Merel M.; Band, Guido P. H.; Ridderinkhof, K. Richard

2009-01-01

Traditionally, dual-task interference has been attributed to the consequences of task load exceeding capacity limitations. However, the current study demonstrates that in addition to task load, the mutual compatibility of the concurrent processes modulates whether 2 tasks can be performed in parallel. In 2 psychological refractory period…

Transportation-markings database : railway signals, signs, marks and markers. Part I 3, Volume 3, additional studies

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-01-01

The Database demonstrates the unity and commonality of T-M but presents each one in its separate state. Yet in that process the full panopoly of T-M is unfolded including their shared and connected state. There are thousands of Trasportation-Markings...

Children's Literature and the Science Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ediger, Marlow

2010-01-01

A quality children's literature program needs to be correlated with ongoing science lessons and units of study. It can enhance and enrich the science curriculum. Pupils tend to enjoy reading library books and the the literature may assist pupils to explore topics in greater depth. In addition to science experiments, demonstrations, and…

Working Memory Costs of Task Switching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liefooghe, Baptist; Barrouillet, Pierre; Vandierendonck, Andre; Camos, Valerie

2008-01-01

Although many accounts of task switching emphasize the importance of working memory as a substantial source of the switch cost, there is a lack of evidence demonstrating that task switching actually places additional demands on working memory. The present study addressed this issue by implementing task switching in continuous complex span tasks…

Placental transmission of human parvovirus 4 in newborns with hydrops, Taiwan.

PubMed

Chen, Mao-Yuan; Yang, Shiu-Ju; Hung, Chien-Ching

2011-10-01

In studying the epidemiology of parvovirus 4 (PARV4) in Taiwan, we detected DNA in plasma of 3 mothers and their newborns with hydrops. In 1 additional case, only the mother had PARV4 DNA. Our findings demonstrate that PARV4 can be transmitted through the placenta.

Facial fractures caused by less-lethal rubber bullet weapons: case series report and literature review.

PubMed

Amaral, Marcio Bruno Figueiredo; Bueno, Sebastião Cristian; Abdala, Icaro Buchholz; da Silveira, Roger Lanes

2017-09-01

The present study aims to describe three cases of patients inflicted by rubber bullets with severe facial fractures. In addition, a review of English-language literature involving facial fractures by rubber bullets from 1975 to 2016 was performed. This current study demonstrated that the use of the LLRBW is unsafety even when applied by police enforcements exclusively. Management of facial fractures caused by LLRBW is done in a usual manner with closed or open reduction associated with bone mini-plates or reconstruction plates when indicated. Special initial wound care should be done to avoid secondary infection and additional procedures.

Toxicodynamic and toxicokinetic descriptors of combined chromium (VI) and nickel toxicity.

PubMed

Minigaliyeva, Ilzira A; Katsnelson, Boris A; Privalova, Larisa I; Gurvich, Vladimir B; Panov, Vladimir G; Varaksin, Anatoly N; Makeyev, Oleg H; Sutunkova, Marina P; Loginova, Nadezhda V; Kireyeva, Ekaterina P; Grigoryeva, Ekaterina V; Slyshkina, Tatyana V; Ganebnykh, Eugenia V; Grebenkina, Svetlana V

2014-01-01

After repeated intraperitoneal injections of nickel and chromium (VI) salts to rats, we found, and confirmed by mathematical modeling, that their combined subchronic toxicity can either be of additive type or depart from it (predominantly toward subadditivity) depending on the effect assessed. Against the background of moderate systemic toxicity, the combination under study proved to possess a marked additive genotoxicity assessed by means of the random amplification of polymorphic DNA test. We also demonstrated that chromium and nickel reciprocally influenced the retention of these metals in some organs (especially in the spleen) but not their urinary excretion in this study. © The Author(s) 2014.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors Reduce Prandial Insulin Doses in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Treated With the Intensive Insulin Therapy.

PubMed

Hakoshima, Mariko; Yanai, Hidekatsu; Kakuta, Kouki; Adachi, Hiroki

2018-06-01

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are anti-diabetic drugs which improve blood glucose control by blocking reabsorption of glucose from the proximal tubule of kidney. Anti-atherosclerotic properties and cardiovascular protective effects of SGLT2i have been demonstrated by recent studies; however, the efficacy and safety of addition of SGLT2i to the intensive insulin therapy remain largely unknown. We retrospectively picked up patients hospitalized for treatment of type 2 diabetes, who had been treated by the intensive insulin therapy and whose treatment using by SGLT2i started during their hospitalization. Such patients were picked up between June 2014 and May 2017 based on medical charts. We found 12 eligible patients. Observation period was 10.2 ± 4.7 days, and SGLT2i was started at 12.2 ± 12.9 days after the admission. During observation period, nobody developed hypoglycemia. In spite of showing decrease of blood glucose (non-significant) before each meal, the addition of SGLT2i significantly reduced daily prandial insulin doses by approximately 4.6 units/day (-66%). The SGLT2i addition also decreased body weight by approximately 1.3 kg. Present study demonstrated that the addition of SGLT2i to intensive insulin therapy reduced prandial insulin doses and body weight, without the development of hypoglycemia. This result may be due to SGLT2i-mediated improvement of postprandial hyperglycemia by increasing urinary glucose excretion not via insulin secretion.

[Comparative Study on Bowel Preparation Efficacy of Ascorbic Acid Containing Polyethylene Glycol by Adding Either Simethicone or 1 L of Water in Health Medical Examination Patients: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study].

PubMed

Yeo, Se Hwan; Kwak, Jae Hoon; Kim, Yeo Un; Kwon, Tae Ho; Park, Jeong Bae; Park, Jun Hyung; Lee, Yong Kook; Lim, Yun Jeong; Yang, Chang Heon

2016-04-25

There are no studies that looked into the bubble eliminating efficacy of polyethylene glycol with ascorbic acid (PEGA), which has been one of the shortcomings of polyethylene glycol (PEG). In this study, we compared newly introduced PEGA regimen by adding either simethicone or 1 L of water. A prospective randomized controlled study was carried out at Dongguk Universtiy Gyeongju Hospital from July 2014 to September 2014. A total of 90 patients were randomly assigned to 3 groups; PEGA group (n=30) which served as control, simethicone addition group (n=30) to which simethicone 400 mg was additionally prescribed, and water addition group (n=30) to whom additional 1 L of water was given. Cleansing effectiveness, gas elimination efficacy, side effects, and patient satisfaction were compared between the groups. PEGA group demonstrated the highest cleansing effectiveness, but there was no statistically significant difference among the groups. Simethicone addition group showed significantly lesser amount of bubbles than the other groups (2.57±2.05 vs. 1.10±1.83 vs. 2.60±2.84, p=0.017). The rates of side effects in each group were 20.00% vs. 16.77% vs. 53.33%. Water addition group had significantly more side effects than the PEGA group and the simethicone addition group (p=0.003). The patient satisfaction score of each group was 3.37±0.85 vs. 3.73±0.74 vs. 3.20±0.66 with simethicone addition group showing significantly higher satisfaction than water addition group (p=0.020). PEGA bowel preparation agent showed satisfactory bowel cleansing despite the decrease in dosage, and addition of simethicone resulted in better bubble elimination.

In vivo modification of a maize engineered minichromosome.

PubMed

Gaeta, Robert T; Masonbrink, Rick E; Zhao, Changzeng; Sanyal, Abhijit; Krishnaswamy, Lakshminarasimhan; Birchler, James A

2013-06-01

Engineered minichromosomes provide efficient platforms for stacking transgenes in crop plants. Methods for modifying these chromosomes in vivo are essential for the development of customizable systems for the removal of selection genes or other sequences and for the addition of new genes. Previous studies have demonstrated that Cre, a site-specific recombinase, could be used to modify lox sites on transgenes on maize minichromosomes; however, these studies demonstrated somatic recombination only, and modified minichromosomes could not be recovered. We describe the recovery of an engineered chromosome composed of little more than a centromere plus transgene that was derived by telomere-mediated truncation. We used the fiber fluorescence in situ hybridization technique and detected a transgene on the minichromosome inserted among stretches of CentC centromere repeats, and this insertion was large enough to suggest a tandem insertion. By crossing the minichromosome to a plant expressing Cre-recombinase, the Bar selection gene was removed, leaving behind a single loxP site. This study demonstrates that engineered chromosomes can be modified in vivo using site-specific recombinases, a demonstration essential to the development of amendable chromosome platforms in plants.

Contour plot assessment of existing meta-analyses confirms robust association of statin use and acute kidney injury risk.

PubMed

Chevance, Aurélie; Schuster, Tibor; Steele, Russell; Ternès, Nils; Platt, Robert W

2015-10-01

Robustness of an existing meta-analysis can justify decisions on whether to conduct an additional study addressing the same research question. We illustrate the graphical assessment of the potential impact of an additional study on an existing meta-analysis using published data on statin use and the risk of acute kidney injury. A previously proposed graphical augmentation approach is used to assess the sensitivity of the current test and heterogeneity statistics extracted from existing meta-analysis data. In addition, we extended the graphical augmentation approach to assess potential changes in the pooled effect estimate after updating a current meta-analysis and applied the three graphical contour definitions to data from meta-analyses on statin use and acute kidney injury risk. In the considered example data, the pooled effect estimates and heterogeneity indices demonstrated to be considerably robust to the addition of a future study. Supportingly, for some previously inconclusive meta-analyses, a study update might yield statistically significant kidney injury risk increase associated with higher statin exposure. The illustrated contour approach should become a standard tool for the assessment of the robustness of meta-analyses. It can guide decisions on whether to conduct additional studies addressing a relevant research question. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mechanistic Study of Electrolyte Additives to Stabilize High-Voltage Cathode–Electrolyte Interface in Lithium-Ion Batteries

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

Gao, Han; Maglia, Filippo; Lamp, Peter

Current developments of electrolyte additives to stabilize electrode-electrolyte interface in Li-ion batteries highly rely on a trial-and-error search, which involves repetitive testing and intensive amount of resources. The lack of understandings on the fundamental protection mechanisms of the additives significantly increases the difficulty for the transformational development of new additives. In this study, we investigated two types of individual protection routes to build a robust cathode-electrolyte interphase at high potentials: (i) a direct reduction in the catalytic decomposition of the electrolyte solvent; and (ii) formation of a “corrosion inhibitor film” that prevents severely attack and passivation from protons that generatedmore » from the solvent oxidation, even the decomposition of solvent cannot not mitigated. Effect of three exemplary electrolyte additives: (i) lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB); (ii) 3-hexylthiophene (3HT); and (iii) tris(hexafluoro-iso-propyl)phosphate (HFiP), on LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NMC 622) cathode were investigated to validate our hypothesis. It is demonstrated that understandings of both electrolyte additives and solvent are essential and careful balance between the cathode protection mechanism of additives and their side effects is critical to obtain optimum results. More importantly, this study opens up new directions of rational design of functional electrolyte additives for the next generation high-energy density lithium-ion chemistries.« less

Levothyroxine Dosing Following Bariatric Surgery.

PubMed

Gadiraju, Silpa; Lee, Clare J; Cooper, David S

2016-10-01

Based on the mechanisms of drug absorption, increased levothyroxine requirements are expected after bariatric surgery. However, there are conflicting data on this topic. This review evaluates the effects of bariatric surgery on levothyroxine dosing. Data were obtained from PubMed, Scopus, and review of published bibliographies. Six of 10 studies demonstrated decreased postoperative requirements. Most demonstrated correlations between weight loss and dose. Only 3 case reports and 1 case series demonstrated increased levothyroxine requirements, attributed to malabsorption. The loss of both fat and lean body mass may counteract malabsorptive effects from surgery, resulting in decreased postoperative levothyroxine requirements. In addition, the reversal of impaired levothyroxine pharmacokinetics and an altered set point of thyroid hormone homeostasis may also contribute to postoperative levothyroxine reductions.

Formation of macromolecules in wheat gluten/starch mixtures during twin-screw extrusion: effect of different additives.

PubMed

Wang, Kaiqiang; Li, Cheng; Wang, Bingzhi; Yang, Wen; Luo, Shuizhong; Zhao, Yanyan; Jiang, Shaotong; Mu, Dongdong; Zheng, Zhi

2017-12-01

Wheat gluten comprises a good quality and inexpensive vegetable protein with an ideal amino acid composition. To expand the potential application of wheat gluten in the food industry, the effect of different additives on the physicochemical and structural properties of wheat gluten/starch mixtures during twin-screw extrusion was investigated. Macromolecules were observed to form in wheat gluten/starch mixtures during twin-screw extrusion, which may be attributed to the formation of new disulfide bonds and non-covalent interactions, as well as Maillard reaction products. Additionally, the water retention capacity and in vitro protein digestibility of all extruded wheat gluten/starch products significantly increased, whereas the nitrogen solubility index and free sulfhydryl group (SH) content decreased, during twin-screw extrusion. Secondary structural analysis showed that α-helices disappeared with the concomitant increase of antiparallel β-sheets, demonstrating the occurrence of protein aggregation. Microstructures suggested that the irregular wheat gluten granular structure was disrupted, with additive addition favoring transformation into a more layered or fibrous structure during twin-screw extrusion. The findings of the present study demonstrate that extrusion might affect the texture and quality of extruded wheat gluten-based foods and suggest that this process might serve as a basis for the high-value application of wheat gluten products. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

To pace or not to pace: a pilot study of four- and five-gaited Icelandic horses homozygous for the DMRT3 'Gait Keeper' mutation.

PubMed

Jäderkvist Fegraeus, K; Hirschberg, I; Árnason, T; Andersson, L; Velie, B D; Andersson, L S; Lindgren, G

2017-12-01

The Icelandic horse is a breed known mainly for its ability to perform the ambling four-beat gait 'tölt' and the lateral two-beat gait pace. The natural ability of the breed to perform these alternative gaits is highly desired by breeders. Therefore, the discovery that a nonsense mutation (C>A) in the DMRT3 gene was the main genetic factor for horses' ability to perform gaits in addition to walk, trot and canter was of great interest. Although several studies have demonstrated that homozygosity for the DMRT3 mutation is important for the ability to pace, only about 70% of the homozygous mutant (AA) Icelandic horses are reported to pace. The aim of the study was to genetically compare four- and five-gaited (i.e. horses with and without the ability to pace) AA Icelandic horses by performing a genome-wide association (GWA) analysis. All horses (n = 55) were genotyped on the 670K Axiom Equine Genotyping Array, and a GWA analysis was performed using the genabel package in r. No SNP demonstrated genome-wide significance, implying that the ability to pace goes beyond the presence of a single gene variant. Despite its limitations, the current study provides additional information regarding the genetic complexity of pacing ability in horses. However, to fully understand the genetic differences between four- and five-gaited AA horses, additional studies with larger sample materials and consistent phenotyping are needed. © 2017 Stichting International Foundation for Animal Genetics.

The Antinociceptive Effects of Tramadol and/or Gabapentin on Rat Neuropathic Pain Induced by a Chronic Constriction Injury.

PubMed

Corona-Ramos, Janette Nallely; De la O-Arciniega, Minarda; Déciga-Campos, Myrna; Medina-López, José Raúl; Domínguez-Ramírez, Adriana Miriam; Jaramillo-Morales, Osmar Antonio; Espinosa-Juárez, Josué Vidal; López-Muñoz, Francisco Javier

2016-08-01

Preclinical Research The current work evaluates the interaction between two commonly used drugs, tramadol (Tra) and gabapentin (Gbp). Dose-response curves (DRC) and isobolographic analysis were used to confirm their synergistic antihyperalgesic and anti-allodynic responses in a rat neuropathic pain model involving chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve and in von Frey and acetone tests. Tra and Gbp produced dose-dependent antihyperalgesic and anti-allodynic effects. Dose-response studies of combinations of Tra and Gbp in combination showed the DRC was leftward-shifted compared to the DRCs for each compound alone. One combination demonstrated both antihyperalgesic and anti-allodynic effects greater than those observed after individual administration. The remaining combinations demonstrated an additive effect. The Tra+Gbp combination demonstrated a potentiative effect with smaller doses of Tra. Additionally, it was determined lethal dose 50 (LD50 ) of Tra alone and tramadol + Gbp 10 using mice to 48 h post administration. The DRC (death) were similar for Tra alone and in Tra in combination, despite the improved effectiveness of Tra in the presence of GBP, 10 mg/kg. A combination of these drugs could be effective in neuropathic pain therapy because they can produce potentiative (at a low dose) or additive effects. Drug Dev Res 77 : 217-226, 2016.   © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Low‑level mechanical vibration enhances osteoblastogenesis via a canonical Wnt signaling‑associated mechanism.

PubMed

Gao, Heqi; Zhai, Mingming; Wang, Pan; Zhang, Xuhui; Cai, Jing; Chen, Xiaofei; Shen, Guanghao; Luo, Erping; Jing, Da

2017-07-01

Osteoporosis is a skeletal metabolic disease characterized by reduced bone mass and a high susceptibility to fractures, in which osteoblasts and osteoclasts are highly involved in the abnormal bone remodeling processes. Recently, low‑magnitude, high‑frequency whole‑body vibration has been demonstrated to significantly reduce osteopenia experimentally and clinically. However, the underlying mechanism regarding how osteoblastic activity is altered when bone tissues adapt to mechanical vibration remains elusive. The current study systematically investigated the effect and potential molecular signaling mechanisms in mediating the effects of mechanical vibration (0.5 gn, 45 Hz) on primary osteoblasts in vitro. The results of the present study demonstrated that low‑level mechanical stimulation promoted osteoblastic proliferation and extracellular matrix mineralization. In addition, it was also revealed that mechanical vibration induced improved cytoskeleton arrangement in primary osteoblasts. Furthermore, mechanical vibration resulted in significantly increased gene expression of alkaline phosphatase, bone morphogenetic protein 2 and osteoprotegerin, and suppressed sclerostin gene expression, as determined by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR) analyses. Mechanical vibration was observed to upregulate gene and protein expression levels of osteogenesis‑associated biomarkers, including osteocalcin and Runt‑related transcription factor 2. In addition, RT‑qPCR and western blotting analysis demonstrated that mechanical vibration promoted gene and protein expression of canonical Wnt signaling genes, including Wnt3a, low‑density lipoprotein receptor‑related protein 6 and β‑catenin. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that mechanical vibration stimulates osteoblastic activities and may function through a potential canonical Wnt signaling‑associated mechanism. These findings provided novel information that improves the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in osteoblastic activities in response to mechanical vibration, which may facilitate the scientific application of mechanical vibration for the treatment of osteoporosis in the clinic.

MEF2‑activated long non‑coding RNA PCGEM1 promotes cell proliferation in hormone‑refractory prostate cancer through downregulation of miR‑148a.

PubMed

Zhang, Shibao; Li, Zongwu; Zhang, Longyang; Xu, Zhonghua

2018-05-04

Prostate cancer gene expression marker 1 (PCGEM1) is a prostate‑specific gene overexpressed in prostate cancer cells that promotes cell proliferation. To study the molecular mechanism of PCGEM1 function in hormone‑refractory prostate cancer, the interaction between myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) and PCGEM1 was assessed by a luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. In addition, the underlying mechanism of PCGEM1 regulating expression of microRNA (miR)‑148a in PC3 prostate cancer cells was evaluated. Relative expression levels were measured by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and early apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. PCGEM1 was demonstrated to be overexpressed in prostate cancer tissues compared with noncancerous tissues. Expression levels of PCGEM1 in PC3 cancer cells were demonstrated to be regulated by MEF2, as PCGME1 mRNA was increased by MEF2 overexpression but decreased by MEF2 silencing. MEF2 was also demonstrated to enhance the activity of PCGEM1 promoter and thus promote PCGEM1 transcription. In addition, downregulation of PCGEM1 expression in PC3 cells increased expression of miR‑148a. By contrast, overexpression of PCGEM1 decreased miR‑148a expression. Finally, PCGME1 silencing by small interfering RNA significantly induced early cell apoptosis but this effect was reduced by a miR‑148a inhibitor. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated a positive regulatory association between MEF2 and PCGEM1, and a reciprocal negative regulatory association between PCGEM1 and miR‑148a that controls cell apoptosis. The present study, therefore, provides new insights into the mechanism of PCGEM1 function in prostate cancer development.

Inverted organic photovoltaic device with a new electron transport layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hyeong Pil; Yusoff, Abd Rashid bin Mohd; Kim, Hyo Min; Lee, Hee Jae; Seo, Gi Jun; Jang, Jin

2014-03-01

We demonstrate that there is a new solution-processed electron transport layer, lithium-doped zinc oxide (LZO), with high-performance inverted organic photovoltaic device. The device exhibits a fill factor of 68.58%, an open circuit voltage of 0.86 V, a short-circuit current density of -9.35 cm/mA2 along with 5.49% power conversion efficiency. In addition, we studied the performance of blend ratio dependence on inverted organic photovoltaics. Our device also demonstrates a long stability shelf life over 4 weeks in air.

Toddler learning from video: Effect of matched pedagogical cues.

PubMed

Lauricella, Alexis R; Barr, Rachel; Calvert, Sandra L

2016-11-01

Toddlers learn about their social world by following visual and verbal cues from adults, but they have difficulty transferring what they see in one context to another (e.g., from a screen to real life). Therefore, it is important to understand how the use of matched pedagogical cues, specifically adult eye gaze and language, influence toddlers' imitation from live and digital presentations. Fifteen- and 18-month-old toddlers (N=123) were randomly assigned to one of four experimental conditions or a baseline control condition. The four experimental conditions differed as a function of the interactive cues (audience gaze with interactive language or object gaze with non-interactive language) and presentation type (live or video). Results indicate that toddlers' successfully imitate a task when eye gaze was directed at the object or at the audience and equally well when the task was demonstrated live or via video. All four experimental conditions performed significantly better than the baseline control, indicating learned behavior. Additionally, results demonstrate that girls attended more to the demonstrations and outperformed the boys on the imitation task. In sum, this study demonstrates that young toddlers can learn from video when the models use matched eye gaze and verbal cues, providing additional evidence for ways in which the transfer deficit effect can be ameliorated. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Non-Saccharomyces yeasts protect against epithelial cell barrier disruption induced by Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium.

PubMed

Smith, I M; Baker, A; Arneborg, N; Jespersen, L

2015-11-01

The human gastrointestinal epithelium makes up the largest barrier separating the body from the external environment. Whereas invasive pathogens cause epithelial barrier disruption, probiotic micro-organisms modulate tight junction regulation and improve epithelial barrier function. In addition, probiotic strains may be able to reduce epithelial barrier disruption caused by pathogenic species. The aim of this study was to explore non-Saccharomyces yeast modulation of epithelial cell barrier function in vitro. Benchmarking against established probiotic strains, we evaluated the ability of four nonpathogenic yeast species to modulate transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) across a monolayer of differentiated human colonocytes (Caco-2 cells). Further, we assessed yeast modulation of a Salmonella Typhimurium-induced epithelial cell barrier function insult. Our findings demonstrate distinct patterns of non-Saccharomyces yeast modulation of epithelial cell barrier function. While the established probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii increased TER across a Caco-2 monolayer by 30%, Kluyveromyces marxianus exhibited significantly stronger properties of TER enhancement (50% TER increase). In addition, our data demonstrate significant yeast-mediated modulation of Salmonella-induced epithelial cell barrier disruption and identify K. marxianus and Metschnikowia gruessii as two non-Saccharomyces yeasts capable of protecting human epithelial cells from pathogen invasion. This study demonstrates distinct patterns of non-Saccharomyces yeast modulation of epithelial cell barrier function in vitro. Further, our data demonstrate significant yeast-mediated modulation of Salmonella Typhimurium-induced epithelial cell barrier disruption and identify Kluyveromyces marxianus and Metschnikowia gruessii as two non-Saccharomyces yeasts capable of protecting human epithelial cells from pathogen invasion. This study is the first to demonstrate significant non-Saccharomyces yeast-mediated epithelial cell barrier protection from Salmonella invasion, thus encouraging future efforts aimed at confirming the observed effects in vivo and driving further strain development towards novel yeast probiotics. © 2015 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

The Ras suppressor Rsu-1 binds to the LIM 5 domain of the adaptor protein PINCH1 and participates in adhesion-related functions

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

Dougherty, Gerard W.; Section on Structural Cell Biology, National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders; Chopp, Treasa

2005-05-15

Rsu-1 is a highly conserved leucine rich repeat (LRR) protein that is expressed ubiquitously in mammalian cells. Rsu-1 was identified based on its ability to inhibit transformation by Ras, and previous studies demonstrated that ectopic expression of Rsu-1 inhibited anchorage-independent growth of Ras-transformed cells and human tumor cell lines. Using GAL4-based yeast two-hybrid screening, the LIM domain protein, PINCH1, was identified as the binding partner of Rsu-1. PINCH1 is an adaptor protein that localizes to focal adhesions and it has been implicated in the regulation of adhesion functions. Subdomain mapping in yeast revealed that Rsu-1 binds to the LIM 5more » domain of PINCH1, a region not previously identified as a specific binding domain for any other protein. Additional testing demonstrated that PINCH2, which is highly homologous to PINCH1, except in the LIM 5 domain, does not interact with Rsu-1. Glutathione transferase fusion protein binding studies determined that the LRR region of Rsu-1 interacts with PINCH1. Transient expression studies using epitope-tagged Rsu-1 and PINCH1 revealed that Rsu-1 co-immunoprecipitated with PINCH1 and colocalized with vinculin at sites of focal adhesions in mammalian cells. In addition, endogenous P33 Rsu-1 from 293T cells co-immunoprecipitated with transiently expressed myc-tagged PINCH1. Furthermore, RNAi-induced reduction in Rsu-1 RNA and protein inhibited cell attachment, and while previous studies demonstrated that ectopic expression of Rsu-1 inhibited Jun kinase activation, the depletion of Rsu-1 resulted in activation of Jun and p38 stress kinases. These studies demonstrate that Rsu-1 interacts with PINCH1 in mammalian cells and functions, in part, by altering cell adhesion.« less

High Thermal Conductivity Carbon Nanomaterials for Improved Thermal Management in Armament Composites

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-01

polymer matrices. In addition to improving mechanical and electrical properties, these forms of carbon typically demonstrate high intrinsic thermal...conductivities, a property that could be useful in improving the thermal dissipation performance of polymer matrix composites. In this study, carbon...nanotubes, carbon nanofibers and graphene have been added to polymers and polymer matrix composites in order to study the effect on the thermal

The ribosomes of Drosophila. II. Studies on intraspecific variation.

PubMed

Berger, E M; Weber, L

1974-12-01

Electrophoretic comparisons of 40S and 55S ribosomal subunit proteins from 18 strains of Drosophila melanogaster revealed the virtual absence of allelic variation. More detailed two-dimensional studies on the large subunit proteins in 6 of the strains demonstrated additional complexity but still no interstrain variation. The significance of these results is discussed with respect to present estimates of genic heterozygosity in natural populations.

Inhibitory effects of methamphetamine on mast cell activation and cytokine/chemokine production stimulated by lipopolysaccharide in C57BL/6J mice.

PubMed

Xue, Li; Geng, Yan; Li, Ming; Jin, Yao-Feng; Ren, Hui-Xun; Li, Xia; Wu, Feng; Wang, Biao; Cheng, Wei-Ying; Chen, Teng; Chen, Yan-Jiong

2018-04-01

Previous studies have demonstrated that methamphetamine (MA) influences host immunity; however, the effect of MA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immune responses remains unknown. Mast cells (MCs) are considered to serve an important role in the innate and acquired immune response, but it remains unknown whether MA modulates MC activation and LPS-stimulated cytokine production. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of MA on LPS-induced MC activation and the production of MC-derived cytokines in mice. Markers for MC activation, including cluster of differentiation 117 and the type I high affinity immunoglobulin E receptor, were assessed in mouse intestines. Levels of MC-derived cytokines in the lungs and thymus were also examined. The results demonstrated that cytokines were produced in the bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) of mice. The present study demonstrated that MA suppressed the LPS-mediated MC activation in mouse intestines. MA also altered the release of MC cytokines in the lung and thymus following LPS stimulation. In addition, LPS-stimulated cytokines were decreased in the BMMCs of mice following treatment with MA. The present study demonstrated that MA may regulate LPS-stimulated MC activation and cytokine production.

Biofabrication of customized bone grafts by combination of additive manufacturing and bioreactor knowhow.

PubMed

Costa, Pedro F; Vaquette, Cédryck; Baldwin, Jeremy; Chhaya, Mohit; Gomes, Manuela E; Reis, Rui L; Theodoropoulos, Christina; Hutmacher, Dietmar W

2014-09-01

This study reports on an original concept of additive manufacturing for the fabrication of tissue engineered constructs (TEC), offering the possibility of concomitantly manufacturing a customized scaffold and a bioreactor chamber to any size and shape. As a proof of concept towards the development of anatomically relevant TECs, this concept was utilized for the design and fabrication of a highly porous sheep tibia scaffold around which a bioreactor chamber of similar shape was simultaneously built. The morphology of the bioreactor/scaffold device was investigated by micro-computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy confirming the porous architecture of the sheep tibiae as opposed to the non-porous nature of the bioreactor chamber. Additionally, this study demonstrates that both the shape, as well as the inner architecture of the device can significantly impact the perfusion of fluid within the scaffold architecture. Indeed, fluid flow modelling revealed that this was of significant importance for controlling the nutrition flow pattern within the scaffold and the bioreactor chamber, avoiding the formation of stagnant flow regions detrimental for in vitro tissue development. The bioreactor/scaffold device was dynamically seeded with human primary osteoblasts and cultured under bi-directional perfusion for two and six weeks. Primary human osteoblasts were observed homogenously distributed throughout the scaffold, and were viable for the six week culture period. This work demonstrates a novel application for additive manufacturing in the development of scaffolds and bioreactors. Given the intrinsic flexibility of the additive manufacturing technology platform developed, more complex culture systems can be fabricated which would contribute to the advances in customized and patient-specific tissue engineering strategies for a wide range of applications.

Predicting Persuasion-Induced Behavior Change from the Brain

PubMed Central

Falk, Emily B.; Berkman, Elliot T.; Mann, Traci; Harrison, Brittany; Lieberman, Matthew D.

2011-01-01

Although persuasive messages often alter people’s self-reported attitudes and intentions to perform behaviors, these self-reports do not necessarily predict behavior change. We demonstrate that neural responses to persuasive messages can predict variability in behavior change in the subsequent week. Specifically, an a priori region of interest (ROI) in medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) was reliably associated with behavior change (r = 0.49, p < 0.05). Additionally, an iterative cross-validation approach using activity in this MPFC ROI predicted an average 23% of the variance in behavior change beyond the variance predicted by self-reported attitudes and intentions. Thus, neural signals can predict behavioral changes that are not predicted from self-reported attitudes and intentions alone. Additionally, this is the first functional magnetic resonance imaging study to demonstrate that a neural signal can predict complex real world behavior days in advance. PMID:20573889

Allele quantification using molecular inversion probes (MIP)

PubMed Central

Wang, Yuker; Moorhead, Martin; Karlin-Neumann, George; Falkowski, Matthew; Chen, Chunnuan; Siddiqui, Farooq; Davis, Ronald W.; Willis, Thomas D.; Faham, Malek

2005-01-01

Detection of genomic copy number changes has been an important research area, especially in cancer. Several high-throughput technologies have been developed to detect these changes. Features that are important for the utility of technologies assessing copy number changes include the ability to interrogate regions of interest at the desired density as well as the ability to differentiate the two homologs. In addition, assessing formaldehyde fixed and paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples allows the utilization of the vast majority of cancer samples. To address these points we demonstrate the use of molecular inversion probe (MIP) technology to the study of copy number. MIP is a high-throughput genotyping technology capable of interrogating >20 000 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the same tube. We have shown the ability of MIP at this multiplex level to provide copy number measurements while obtaining the allele information. In addition we have demonstrated a proof of principle for copy number analysis in FFPE samples. PMID:16314297

Separation of extra- and intracellular metabolites using hyperpolarized 13C diffusion weighted MR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koelsch, Bertram L.; Sriram, Renuka; Keshari, Kayvan R.; Leon Swisher, Christine; Van Criekinge, Mark; Sukumar, Subramaniam; Vigneron, Daniel B.; Wang, Zhen J.; Larson, Peder E. Z.; Kurhanewicz, John

2016-09-01

This work demonstrates the separation of extra- and intracellular components of glycolytic metabolites with diffusion weighted hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Using b-values of up to 15,000 s mm-2, a multi-exponential signal response was measured for hyperpolarized [1-13C] pyruvate and lactate. By fitting the fast and slow asymptotes of these curves, their extra- and intracellular weighted diffusion coefficients were determined in cells perfused in a MR compatible bioreactor. In addition to measuring intracellular weighted diffusion, extra- and intracellular weighted hyperpolarized 13C metabolites pools are assessed in real-time, including their modulation with inhibition of monocarboxylate transporters. These studies demonstrate the ability to simultaneously assess membrane transport in addition to enzymatic activity with the use of diffusion weighted hyperpolarized 13C MR. This technique could be an indispensible tool to evaluate the impact of microenvironment on the presence, aggressiveness and metastatic potential of a variety of cancers.

Acetone facilitated DNA sampling from electrical tapes improves DNA recovery and enables latent fingerprints development.

PubMed

Feine, Ilan; Shpitzen, Moshe; Geller, Boris; Salmon, Eran; Peleg, Tsach; Roth, Jonathan; Gafny, Ron

2017-07-01

Electrical tapes (ETs) are a common component of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used by terrorists or criminal organizations and represent a valuable forensic resource for DNA and latent fingerprints recovery. However, DNA recovery rates are typically low and usually below the minimal amount required for amplification. In addition, most DNA extraction methods are destructive and do not allow further latent fingerprints development. In the present study a cell culture based touch DNA model was used to demonstrate a two-step acetone-water DNA recovery protocol from ETs. This protocol involves only the adhesive side of the ET and increases DNA recovery rates by up to 70%. In addition, we demonstrated partially successful latent fingerprints development from the non-sticky side of the ETs. Taken together, this protocol maximizes the forensic examination of ETs and is recommended for routine casework processing. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An Intravaginal Ring That Releases the NNRTI MIV-150 Reduces SHIV Transmission in Macaques

PubMed Central

Rodriguez, Aixa; Kizima, Larisa; Menon, Radhika; Goldman, Daniel; Kenney, Jessica; Aravantinou, Meropi; Seidor, Samantha; Gettie, Agegnehu; Blanchard, James; Piatak, Michael; Lifson, Jeffrey D.; Fernández-Romero, José A.; Robbiani, Melissa; Zydowsky, Thomas M.

2015-01-01

Microbicides may prevent HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in women; however, determining the optimal means of delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients remains a major challenge. We previously demonstrated that a vaginal gel containing the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor MIV-150 partially protected macaques from SHIV-RT (simian/HIV reverse transcriptase) infection, and the addition of zinc acetate rendered the gel significantly protective. We test the activity of MIV-150 without the addition of zinc acetate when delivered from either ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or silicone intravaginal rings (IVRs). MIV-150 was successfully delivered, because it was detected in vaginal fluids and tissues by radioimmunoassay in pharmacokinetic studies. Moreover, EVA IVRs significantly protected macaques from SHIV-RT infection. Our results demonstrate that MIV-150–containing IVRs have the potential to prevent HIV infection and highlight the possible use of IVRs for delivering drugs that block HIV and other STIs. PMID:22956201

An intravaginal ring that releases the NNRTI MIV-150 reduces SHIV transmission in macaques.

PubMed

Singer, Rachel; Mawson, Paul; Derby, Nina; Rodriguez, Aixa; Kizima, Larisa; Menon, Radhika; Goldman, Daniel; Kenney, Jessica; Aravantinou, Meropi; Seidor, Samantha; Gettie, Agegnehu; Blanchard, James; Piatak, Michael; Lifson, Jeffrey D; Fernández-Romero, José A; Robbiani, Melissa; Zydowsky, Thomas M

2012-09-05

Microbicides may prevent HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in women; however, determining the optimal means of delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients remains a major challenge. We previously demonstrated that a vaginal gel containing the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor MIV-150 partially protected macaques from SHIV-RT (simian/HIV reverse transcriptase) infection, and the addition of zinc acetate rendered the gel significantly protective. We test the activity of MIV-150 without the addition of zinc acetate when delivered from either ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or silicone intravaginal rings (IVRs). MIV-150 was successfully delivered, because it was detected in vaginal fluids and tissues by radioimmunoassay in pharmacokinetic studies. Moreover, EVA IVRs significantly protected macaques from SHIV-RT infection. Our results demonstrate that MIV-150-containing IVRs have the potential to prevent HIV infection and highlight the possible use of IVRs for delivering drugs that block HIV and other STIs.

MEG demonstrates a supra-additive response to facial and vocal emotion in the right superior temporal sulcus.

PubMed

Hagan, Cindy C; Woods, Will; Johnson, Sam; Calder, Andrew J; Green, Gary G R; Young, Andrew W

2009-11-24

An influential neural model of face perception suggests that the posterior superior temporal sulcus (STS) is sensitive to those aspects of faces that produce transient visual changes, including facial expression. Other researchers note that recognition of expression involves multiple sensory modalities and suggest that the STS also may respond to crossmodal facial signals that change transiently. Indeed, many studies of audiovisual (AV) speech perception show STS involvement in AV speech integration. Here we examine whether these findings extend to AV emotion. We used magnetoencephalography to measure the neural responses of participants as they viewed and heard emotionally congruent fear and minimally congruent neutral face and voice stimuli. We demonstrate significant supra-additive responses (i.e., where AV > [unimodal auditory + unimodal visual]) in the posterior STS within the first 250 ms for emotionally congruent AV stimuli. These findings show a role for the STS in processing crossmodal emotive signals.

Contact Forces between Single Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Gas-Phase Applications and Processes

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

In this work we present a comprehensive experimental study to determine the contact forces between individual metal oxide nanoparticles in the gas-phase using atomic force microscopy. In addition, we determined the amount of physisorbed water for each type of particle surface. By comparing our results with mathematical models of the interaction forces, we could demonstrate that classical continuum models of van der Waals and capillary forces alone cannot sufficiently describe the experimental findings. Rather, the discrete nature of the molecules has to be considered, which leads to ordering at the interface and the occurrence of solvation forces. We demonstrate that inclusion of solvation forces in the model leads to quantitative agreement with experimental data and that tuning of the molecular order by addition of isopropanol vapor allows us to control the interaction forces between the nanoparticles. PMID:28186771

Estimating the Error of an Analog Quantum Simulator by Additional Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwenk, Iris; Zanker, Sebastian; Reiner, Jan-Michael; Leppäkangas, Juha; Marthaler, Michael

2017-12-01

We study an analog quantum simulator coupled to a reservoir with a known spectral density. The reservoir perturbs the quantum simulation by causing decoherence. The simulator is used to measure an operator average, which cannot be calculated using any classical means. Since we cannot predict the result, it is difficult to estimate the effect of the environment. Especially, it is difficult to resolve whether the perturbation is small or if the actual result of the simulation is in fact very different from the ideal system we intend to study. Here, we show that in specific systems a measurement of additional correlators can be used to verify the reliability of the quantum simulation. The procedure only requires additional measurements on the quantum simulator itself. We demonstrate the method theoretically in the case of a single spin connected to a bosonic environment.

3-D CSEM data inversion algorithm based on simultaneously active multiple transmitters concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dehiya, Rahul; Singh, Arun; Gupta, Pravin Kumar; Israil, Mohammad

2017-05-01

We present an algorithm for efficient 3-D inversion of marine controlled-source electromagnetic data. The efficiency is achieved by exploiting the redundancy in data. The data redundancy is reduced by compressing the data through stacking of the response of transmitters which are in close proximity. This stacking is equivalent to synthesizing the data as if the multiple transmitters are simultaneously active. The redundancy in data, arising due to close transmitter spacing, has been studied through singular value analysis of the Jacobian formed in 1-D inversion. This study reveals that the transmitter spacing of 100 m, typically used in marine data acquisition, does result in redundancy in the data. In the proposed algorithm, the data are compressed through stacking which leads to both computational advantage and reduction in noise. The performance of the algorithm for noisy data is demonstrated through the studies on two types of noise, viz., uncorrelated additive noise and correlated non-additive noise. It is observed that in case of uncorrelated additive noise, up to a moderately high (10 percent) noise level the algorithm addresses the noise as effectively as the traditional full data inversion. However, when the noise level in the data is high (20 percent), the algorithm outperforms the traditional full data inversion in terms of data misfit. Similar results are obtained in case of correlated non-additive noise and the algorithm performs better if the level of noise is high. The inversion results of a real field data set are also presented to demonstrate the robustness of the algorithm. The significant computational advantage in all cases presented makes this algorithm a better choice.

Nerve-independent and ectopically additional induction of taste buds in organ culture of fetal tongues.

PubMed

Honda, Kotaro; Tomooka, Yasuhiro

2016-10-01

An improved organ culture system allowed to observe morphogenesis of mouse lingual papillae and taste buds relatively for longer period, in which fetal tongues were analyzed for 6 d. Taste cells were defined as eosinophobic epithelial cells expressing CK8 and Sox2 within lingual epithelium. Addition of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta inhibitor CHIR99021 induced many taste cells and buds in non-gustatory and gustatory stratified lingual epithelium. The present study clearly demonstrated induction of taste cells and buds ectopically and without innervation.

A new method of producing local enhancement of buoyancy in liquid flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhat, G. S.; Narasimha, R.; Arakeri, V. H.

1989-11-01

We describe here a novel method of generating large volumetric heating in a liquid. The method uses the principle of ohmic heating of the liquid, rendered electrically conducting by suitable additives if necessary. Electrolysis is prevented by the use of high frequency alternating voltage and chemically treated electrodes. The technique is demonstrated by producing substantial heating in an initially neutral jet of water. Simple flow visualisation studies, made by adding dye to the jet, show marked changes in the growth and development of the jet with heat addition.

Episodic memory in former professional football players with a history of concussion: an event-related functional neuroimaging study.

PubMed

Ford, Jaclyn H; Giovanello, Kelly S; Guskiewicz, Kevin M

2013-10-15

Previous research has demonstrated that sport-related concussions can have short-term effects on cognitive processes, but the long-term consequences are less understood and warrant more research. This study was the first to use event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine long-term differences in neural activity during memory tasks in former athletes who have sustained multiple sport-related concussions. In an event-related fMRI study, former football players reporting multiple sport-related concussions (i.e., three or more) were compared with players who reported fewer than three concussions during a memory paradigm examining item memory (i.e., memory for the particular elements of an event) and relational memory (i.e., memory for the relationships between elements). Behaviorally, we observed that concussion history did not significantly affect behavioral performance, because persons in the low and high concussion groups had equivalent performance on both memory tasks, and in addition, that concussion history was not associated with any behavioral memory measures. Despite demonstrating equivalent behavioral performance, the two groups of former players demonstrated different neural recruitment patterns during relational memory retrieval, suggesting that multiple concussions may be associated with functional inefficiencies in the relational memory network. In addition, the number of previous concussions significantly correlated with functional activity in a number of brain regions, including the medial temporal lobe and inferior parietal lobe. Our results provide important insights in understanding the long-term functional consequences of sustaining multiple sports-related concussions.

Optimization of visual evoked potential (VEP) recording systems.

PubMed

Karanjia, Rustum; Brunet, Donald G; ten Hove, Martin W

2009-01-01

To explore the influence of environmental conditions on pattern visual evoked potential (VEP) recordings. Fourteen subjects with no known ocular pathology were recruited for the study. In an attempt to optimize the recording conditions, VEP recordings were performed in both the seated and recumbent positions. Comparisons were made between recordings using either LCD or CRT displays and recordings obtained in silence or with quiet background music. Paired recordings (in which only one variable was changed) were analyzed for changes in P100 latency, RMS noise, and variability. Baseline RMS noise demonstrated a significant decrease in the variability during the first 50msec accompanied by a 73% decrease in recording time for recumbent position when compared to the seated position (p<0.05). Visual evoked potentials recorded using LCD monitors demonstrated a significant increase in the P100 latency when compared to CRT recordings in the same subjects. The addition of background music did not affect the amount of RMS noise during the first 50msec of the recordings. This study demonstrates that the use of the recumbent position increases patient comfort and improves the signal to noise ratio. In contrast, the addition of background music to relax the patient did not improve the recording signal. Furthermore, the study illustrates the importance of avoiding low-contrast visual stimulation patterns obtained with LCD as they lead to higher latencies resulting in false positive recordings. These findings are important when establishing or modifying a pattern VEP recording protocol.

Occurrence and effects of plastic additives on marine environments and organisms: A review.

PubMed

Hermabessiere, Ludovic; Dehaut, Alexandre; Paul-Pont, Ika; Lacroix, Camille; Jezequel, Ronan; Soudant, Philippe; Duflos, Guillaume

2017-09-01

Plastics debris, especially microplastics, have been found worldwide in all marine compartments. Much research has been carried out on adsorbed pollutants on plastic pieces and hydrophobic organic compounds (HOC) associated with microplastics. However, only a few studies have focused on plastic additives. These chemicals are incorporated into plastics from which they can leach out as most of them are not chemically bound. As a consequence of plastic accumulation and fragmentation in oceans, plastic additives could represent an increasing ecotoxicological risk for marine organisms. The present work reviewed the main class of plastic additives identified in the literature, their occurrence in the marine environment, as well as their effects on and transfers to marine organisms. This work identified polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), phthalates, nonylphenols (NP), bisphenol A (BPA) and antioxidants as the most common plastic additives found in marine environments. Moreover, transfer of these plastic additives to marine organisms has been demonstrated both in laboratory and field studies. Upcoming research focusing on the toxicity of microplastics should include these plastic additives as potential hazards for marine organisms, and a greater focus on the transport and fate of plastic additives is now required considering that these chemicals may easily leach out from plastics. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Radiation-induced hydroxyl addition to purine molecules: EPR and ENDOR study of hypoxanthine hydrochloride monohydrate single crystals.

PubMed

Tokdemir, Sibel; Nelson, William H

2005-06-01

Three radical species were detected in an EPR/ENDOR study of X-irradiated hypoxanthine.HCl.H2O single crystals at room temperature: RI was identified as the product of net H addition to C8, RII was identified as the product of net H addition to C2, and RIII was identified as the product of OH addition to C8. The observed set of radicals was the same for room-temperature irradiation as for irradiation at 10 K followed by warming the crystals to room temperature; however, the C2 H-addition and C8 OH-addition radicals were not detectable after storage of the crystals for about 2 months at room temperature. Use of selectively deuterated crystals permitted unique assignment of the observed hyperfine couplings, and results of density functional theory calculations on each of the radical structures were consistent with the experimental results. Comparison of these experimental results with others from previous crystal-based systems and model system computations provides insight into the mechanisms by which the biologically important purine C8 hydroxyl addition products are formed. The evidence from solid systems supports the mechanism of net water addition to one-electron oxidized purine bases and demonstrates the importance of a facial approach between the reactants.

Multifunctional wall coating combining photocatalysis, self-cleaning and latent heat storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucas, S. S.; Barroso de Aguiar, J. L.

2018-02-01

Mortars, one of the most common construction materials, have not received any substantial modification for many decades. This has changed in recent years; new compositions are now being developed, with new properties, using nano-additives, fibres and capsules. In this work, surfaces with new and innovative functionalities that promote energy savings and improve air quality have been developed and studied. Incorporation of phase change materials (PCM) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in construction products is currently under study by different research groups. However, these studies only address their incorporation separately. Adding new additives into the mortar’s matrix can be complex—due to microstructural modifications that will influence both fresh and hardened state properties. Moving from a single additive to multiple additions, as in this study, increases the system’s complexity. Only with a good understanding of the microstructural properties, it is possible to add multiple additives (including nano and microparticles) to mortars, without damaging its final quality. This work demonstrates that a higher additive content is not always a guarantee of better results; lower additions can often provide a better compromise between performance and final mechanical properties. The results presented in this paper confirmed this and show that combining PCM microcapsules and TiO2 nanoparticles open a new path in the development of mortars with multiple functionalities. In this study, a new material with depolluting, self-cleaning and heat storage was created. For the development of new and innovative mortars, a proper balance of multiple additives, supported by the study of microstructural changes, can lead to an optimization of the compositions, ensuring that the mortar’s final properties are not affected.

Interleukin‑6 induces an epithelial‑mesenchymal transition phenotype in human adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma cells and promotes tumor cell migration.

PubMed

Zhou, Jie; Zhang, Chao; Pan, Jun; Chen, Ligang; Qi, Song-Tao

2017-06-01

Total resection of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is complex and often leads to postoperative recurrence. This is due to the tendency of the tumor to invade the surrounding brain tissue and the generation of a local inflammatory state between the tumor cells and parenchyma. While there is evidence to suggest that interleukin‑6 (IL‑6) induces craniopharyngioma (CP)‑associated inflammation, particularly in ACP, the role of IL‑6 in the progression of ACP remains unclear. The results of the present study demonstrated that CP inflammation was associated with pathological classification, extent of surgery, degree of calcification and postoperative hypothalamic status scale. Cytokine antibody arrays were conducted to measure the expression of IL‑6 and other inflammatory factors in tumor tissues in response to various levels of inflammatory exposure. IL‑6, IL‑6 receptor (IL‑6R) and glycoprotein 130 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry. In addition, an ELISA was performed to quantify the levels of soluble IL‑6R (sIL‑6R) in the cystic fluid and supernatants of ACP cells and tumor‑associated fibroblasts. These measurements demonstrated that ACP cells produce IL‑6 and its associated proteins. In addition, the results revealed that while the viability of ACP cells was not affected, the migration of ACP cells was promoted by IL‑6 treatment in a concentration‑dependent manner. Conversely, treatment with an IL‑6‑blocking monoclonal antibody significantly decreased the migration of ACP cells. In addition, IL‑6 treatment increased the expression of vimentin and decreased the expression of E‑cadherin in a dose‑dependent manner. The findings of the present study demonstrate that IL‑6 may promote migration in vitro via the classic‑ and trans‑signaling pathways by inducing epithelial‑mesenchymal transition in ACP cell cultures.

Interleukin-6 induces an epithelial-mesenchymal transition phenotype in human adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma cells and promotes tumor cell migration

PubMed Central

Zhou, Jie; Zhang, Chao; Pan, Jun; Chen, Ligang; Qi, Song-Tao

2017-01-01

Total resection of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is complex and often leads to postoperative recurrence. This is due to the tendency of the tumor to invade the surrounding brain tissue and the generation of a local inflammatory state between the tumor cells and parenchyma. While there is evidence to suggest that interleukin-6 (IL-6) induces craniopharyngioma (CP)-associated inflammation, particularly in ACP, the role of IL-6 in the progression of ACP remains unclear. The results of the present study demonstrated that CP inflammation was associated with pathological classification, extent of surgery, degree of calcification and postoperative hypothalamic status scale. Cytokine antibody arrays were conducted to measure the expression of IL-6 and other inflammatory factors in tumor tissues in response to various levels of inflammatory exposure. IL-6, IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) and glycoprotein 130 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry. In addition, an ELISA was performed to quantify the levels of soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R) in the cystic fluid and supernatants of ACP cells and tumor-associated fibroblasts. These measurements demonstrated that ACP cells produce IL-6 and its associated proteins. In addition, the results revealed that while the viability of ACP cells was not affected, the migration of ACP cells was promoted by IL-6 treatment in a concentration-dependent manner. Conversely, treatment with an IL-6-blocking monoclonal antibody significantly decreased the migration of ACP cells. In addition, IL-6 treatment increased the expression of vimentin and decreased the expression of E-cadherin in a dose-dependent manner. The findings of the present study demonstrate that IL-6 may promote migration in vitro via the classic- and trans-signaling pathways by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition in ACP cell cultures. PMID:28487953

Adding functionality with additive manufacturing: Fabrication of titanium-based antibiotic eluting implants.

PubMed

Cox, Sophie C; Jamshidi, Parastoo; Eisenstein, Neil M; Webber, Mark A; Hassanin, Hany; Attallah, Moataz M; Shepherd, Duncan E T; Addison, Owen; Grover, Liam M

2016-07-01

Additive manufacturing technologies have been utilised in healthcare to create patient-specific implants. This study demonstrates the potential to add new implant functionality by further exploiting the design flexibility of these technologies. Selective laser melting was used to manufacture titanium-based (Ti-6Al-4V) implants containing a reservoir. Pore channels, connecting the implant surface to the reservoir, were incorporated to facilitate antibiotic delivery. An injectable brushite, calcium phosphate cement, was formulated as a carrier vehicle for gentamicin. Incorporation of the antibiotic significantly (p=0.01) improved the compressive strength (5.8±0.7MPa) of the cement compared to non-antibiotic samples. The controlled release of gentamicin sulphate from the calcium phosphate cement injected into the implant reservoir was demonstrated in short term elution studies using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Orientation of the implant pore channels were shown, using micro-computed tomography, to impact design reproducibility and the back-pressure generated during cement injection which ultimately altered porosity. The amount of antibiotic released from all implant designs over a 6hour period (<28% of the total amount) were found to exceed the minimum inhibitory concentrations of Staphylococcus aureus (16μg/mL) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (1μg/mL); two bacterial species commonly associated with periprosthetic infections. Antibacterial efficacy was confirmed against both bacterial cultures using an agar diffusion assay. Interestingly, pore channel orientation was shown to influence the directionality of inhibition zones. Promisingly, this work demonstrates the potential to additively manufacture a titanium-based antibiotic eluting implant, which is an attractive alternative to current treatment strategies of periprosthetic infections. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Novel Filtration Markers for GFR Estimation

PubMed Central

Inker, Lesley A.; Coresh, Josef; Levey, Andrew S.; Eckfeldt, John H.

2017-01-01

Creatinine-based glomerular filtration rate estimation (eGFRcr) has been improved and refined since the 1970s through both the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study equation in 1999 and the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation in 2009, with current clinical practice dependent primarily on eGFR for accurate assessment of GFR. However, researchers and clinicians have recognized limitations of relying on creatinine as the only filtration marker, which can lead to inaccurate GFR estimates in certain populations due to the influence of non-GFR determinants of serum or plasma creatinine. Therefore, recent literature has proposed incorporation of multiple serum or plasma filtration markers into GFR estimation to improve precision and accuracy and decrease the impact of non-GFR determinants for any individual biomarker. To this end, the CKD-EPI combined creatinine-cystatin C equation (eGFRcr-cys) was developed in 2012 and demonstrated superior accuracy to equations relying on creatinine or cystatin C alone (eGFRcr or eGFRcys). Now, the focus has broadened to include additional novel filtration markers to further refine and improve GFR estimation. Beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) and beta-trace-protein (BTP) are two filtration markers with established assays that have been proposed as candidates for improving both GFR estimation and risk prediction. GFR estimating equations based on B2M and BTP have been developed and validated, with the CKD-EPI combined BTP-B2M equation (eGFRBTP-B2M) demonstrating similar performance to eGFR and eGFR. Additionally, several studies have demonstrated that both B2M and BTP are associated with outcomes in CKD patients, including cardiovascular events, ESRD and mortality. This review will primarily focus on these two biomarkers, and will highlight efforts to identify additional candidate biomarkers through metabolomics-based approaches. PMID:29333147

Periodontal regeneration around natural teeth.

PubMed

Garrett, S

1996-11-01

1. Evidence is conclusive (Table 2) that periodontal regeneration in humans is possible following the use of bone grafts, guided tissue regeneration procedures, both without and in combination with bone grafts, and root demineralization procedures. 2. Clinically guided tissue regeneration procedures have demonstrated significant positive clinical change beyond that achieved with debridement alone in treating mandibular and maxillary (buccal only) Class II furcations. Similar data exist for intraosseous defects. Evidence suggests that the use of bone grafts or GTR procedures produce equal clinical benefit in treating intraosseous defects. Further research is necessary to evaluate GTR procedures compared to, or combined with, bone grafts in treating intraosseous defects. 3. Although there are some data suggesting hopeful results in Class II furcations, the clinical advantage of procedures combining present regenerative techniques remains to be demonstrated. Additional randomized controlled trials with sufficient power are needed to demonstrate the potential usefulness of these techniques. 4. Outcomes following regenerative attempts remain somewhat variable with differences in results between studies and individual subjects. Some of this variability is likely patient related in terms of compliance with plaque control and maintenance procedures, as well as personal habits; e.g., smoking. Variations in the defects selected for study may also affect predictability of outcomes along with other factors. 5. There is evidence to suggest that present regenerative techniques lead to significant amounts of regeneration at localized sites on specific teeth. However, if complete regeneration is to become a reality, additional stimuli to enhance the regenerative process are likely needed. Perhaps this will be accomplished in the future, with combined procedures that include appropriate polypeptide growth factors or tissue factors to provide additional stimulus.

BOULDER-PIONEER WILDERNESS STUDY AREA, IDAHO.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Simons, Frank S.; Tuchek, Ernest T.

1984-01-01

A mineral-resource survey of the Boulder-Pioneer Wilderness study area in the Pioneer and Boulder Mountains of south-central Idaho, was made. The area has demonstrated resources of about 1. 7 million tons of lead-zinc-silver ore, mostly in the Phi Kappa mine, and an additional 2. 5 million tons of demonstrated resources in areas of substantiated potential for these metals and for tungsten, molybdenum, and fluorite. The survey indicates substantiated resource potential in eight areas and probable mineral-resource potential in seven. Mineral commodities of greatest intertest include tungsten, copper, lead, zinc, silver, gold, molybdenum, vanadium, and barite. There is little likelihood for the occurrence of oil, gas, coal, or geothermal resources.

The effects of scaffold architecture and fibrin gel addition on tendon cell phenotype.

PubMed

Pawelec, K M; Wardale, R J; Best, S M; Cameron, R E

2015-01-01

Development of tissue engineering scaffolds relies on careful selection of pore architecture and chemistry of the cellular environment. Repair of skeletal soft tissue, such as tendon, is particularly challenging, since these tissues have a relatively poor healing response. When removed from their native environment, tendon cells (tenocytes) lose their characteristic morphology and the expression of phenotypic markers. To stimulate tendon cells to recreate a healthy extracellular matrix, both architectural cues and fibrin gels have been used in the past, however, their relative effects have not been studied systematically. Within this study, a combination of collagen scaffold architecture, axial and isotropic, and fibrin gel addition was assessed, using ovine tendon-derived cells to determine the optimal strategy for controlling the proliferation and protein expression. Scaffold architecture and fibrin gel addition influenced tendon cell behavior independently in vitro. Addition of fibrin gel within a scaffold doubled cell number and increased matrix production for all architectures studied. However, scaffold architecture dictated the type of matrix produced by cells, regardless of fibrin addition. Axial scaffolds, mimicking native tendon, promoted a mature matrix, with increased tenomodulin, a marker for mature tendon cells, and decreased scleraxis, an early transcription factor for connective tissue. This study demonstrated that both architectural cues and fibrin gel addition alter cell behavior and that the combination of these signals could improve clinical performance of current tissue engineering constructs.

Integrally regulated solar array demonstration using an Intel 8080 microprocessor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Petrik, E. J.

1977-01-01

A concept for regulating the voltage of a solar array by using a microprocessor to effect discrete voltage changes was demonstrated. Eight shorting switches were employed to regulate a simulated array at set-point voltages between 10,000 and 15,000 volts. The demonstration showed that the microprocessor easily regulated the solar array output voltage independently of whether or not the switched cell groups were binary sized in voltage. In addition, the microprocessor provided logic memory capability to perform additional tasks such as locating and insolating a faulty switch.

Production and Isomeric Distribution of Xanthylium Cation Pigments and Their Precursors in Wine-like Conditions: Impact of Cu(II), Fe(II), Fe(III), Mn(II), Zn(II), and Al(III).

PubMed

Guo, Anque; Kontoudakis, Nikolaos; Scollary, Geoffrey R; Clark, Andrew C

2017-03-22

This study establishes the influence of Cu(II), Fe(II), Fe(III), Zn(II), Al(III), and Mn(II) on the oxidative production of xanthylium cations from (+)-catechin and either tartaric acid or glyoxylic acid in model wine systems. The reaction was studied at 25 °C using UHPLC and LC-HRMS for the analysis of phenolic products and their isomeric distribution. In addition to the expected products, a colorless product, tentatively assigned as a lactone, was detected for the first time. The results show the importance of Fe ions and a synergistic influence of Mn(II) in degrading tartaric acid to glyoxylic acid, whereas the other metal ions had minimal activity in this mechanistic step. Fe(II) and Fe(III) were shown to mediate the (+)-catechin-glyoxylic acid addition reaction, a role previously attributed to only Cu(II). Importantly, the study demonstrates that C-8 addition products of (+)-catechin are promoted by Cu(II), whereas C-6 addition products are promoted by Fe ions.

The Effect of LAB as Probiotic Starter Culture and Green Tea Extract Addition on Dry Fermented Pork Loins Quality.

PubMed

Neffe-Skocińska, Katarzyna; Jaworska, Danuta; Kołożyn-Krajewska, Danuta; Dolatowski, Zbigniew; Jachacz-Jówko, Luiza

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory quality of dry fermented pork loin produced with the addition of Lb. rhamnosus LOCK900 probiotic strain, 0.2% glucose, and 1.5% green tea extract. Three loins were prepared: control sample (P0: no additives), sample supplemented with glucose and probiotic strain (P1), and sample with glucose, green tea extract, and probiotic (P2). The samples were analyzed after 21 days of ripening and 180 days of storage. The results indicated that the highest count of LAB was observed both in the samples: with probiotic and with probiotic and green tea extract (7.00 log cfu/g after ripening; 6.00 log cfu/g after storage). The oxidation-reduction potential values were lower in the probiotic loin samples. Probiotic and green tea extract have not caused color changes of study loins during storage. The study demonstrated that an addition of probiotic and green tea extract to dry fermented loins is possible and had no impact on sensory quality after product storage.

Enhanced performance of starter lighting ignition type lead-acid batteries with carbon nanotubes as an additive to the active mass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marom, Rotem; Ziv, Baruch; Banerjee, Anjan; Cahana, Beni; Luski, Shalom; Aurbach, Doron

2015-11-01

Addition of various carbon materials into lead-acid battery electrodes was studied and examined in order to enhance the power density, improve cycle life and stability of both negative and positive electrodes in lead acid batteries. High electrical-conductivity, high-aspect ratio, good mechanical properties and chemical stability of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT, unmodified and mofified with carboxylic groups) position them as viable additives to enhance the electrodes' electrical conductivity, to mitigate the well-known sulfation failure mechanism and improve the physical integration of the electrodes. In this study, we investigated the incorporation-effect of carbon nanotubes (CNT) to the positive and the negative active materials in lead-acid battery prototypes in a configuration of flooded cells, as well as gelled cells. The cells were tested at 25% and 30% depth-of-discharge (DOD). The positive effect of the carbon nanotubes (CNT) utilization as additives to both positive and negative electrodes of lead-acid batteries was clearly demonstrated and is explained herein based on microscopic studies.

The Effect of LAB as Probiotic Starter Culture and Green Tea Extract Addition on Dry Fermented Pork Loins Quality

PubMed Central

Jaworska, Danuta; Kołożyn-Krajewska, Danuta; Dolatowski, Zbigniew; Jachacz-Jówko, Luiza

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory quality of dry fermented pork loin produced with the addition of Lb. rhamnosus LOCK900 probiotic strain, 0.2% glucose, and 1.5% green tea extract. Three loins were prepared: control sample (P0: no additives), sample supplemented with glucose and probiotic strain (P1), and sample with glucose, green tea extract, and probiotic (P2). The samples were analyzed after 21 days of ripening and 180 days of storage. The results indicated that the highest count of LAB was observed both in the samples: with probiotic and with probiotic and green tea extract (7.00 log cfu/g after ripening; 6.00 log cfu/g after storage). The oxidation-reduction potential values were lower in the probiotic loin samples. Probiotic and green tea extract have not caused color changes of study loins during storage. The study demonstrated that an addition of probiotic and green tea extract to dry fermented loins is possible and had no impact on sensory quality after product storage. PMID:25961018

Antimicrobial Exposure Assessment Task Force II (AEATF II) Volume 5: Governing Document for a Multi-Year Antimicrobial Chemical Exposure Monitoring Program (interim draft document with changes)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This document describes the overall scope of the AEATF II program, demonstrates the need for additional human exposure monitoring data and explains the proposed methodology for the exposure monitoring studies proposed for conduct by the AEATF II.

MicroRNA superfamilies descended from miR390 and their roles in secondary small interfering RNA biogenesis in eudicots

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

MiRNAs have been demonstrated to regulate diverse biological processes through cleavage of gene transcripts. Some of miRNAs acquire additional function and their cleavage can incite production of secondary small RNAs which possibly provoke a novel regulatory cascade. In this study, we investigated...

From Theory to Application: A Study of Knowledge Transfer in Dental Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peltz, Ivy D.

2014-01-01

Traditionally, dental education is divided into two phases: pre-clinical and clinical education. The pre-clinical phase of dental education includes the assimilation of theoretical topical knowledge in addition to the completion of simulated exercises. Upon completion of and demonstration of competency in their pre-clinical courses, students begin…

The Star Schools Distance-Learning Program: Results from the Mandated Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tushnet, Naida C.; And Others

The Star Schools Assistance Program has been funding activities since 1988. It provides projects with seed money to develop distance learning programming and equip sites. In addition, Star Schools has served as a focal point for demonstrating innovative uses of technology to advance educational opportunity and improvement. This paper represents…

Economic Evaluation of Observatory Solar-Energy System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

Long-term economic performance of a commercial solar-energy system was analyzed and used to predict economic performance at four additional sites. Analysis described in report was done to demonstrate viability of design over a broad range of environmental/economic conditions. Topics covered are system description, study approach, economic analysis and system optimization.

Relative Age Effects Are a Developmental Problem in Tennis: But Not Necessarily when You're Left-Handed!

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Loffing, Florian; Schorer, Jorg; Cobley, Steve P.

2010-01-01

Relative Age Effects (RAEs), describing attainment inequalities as a result of interactions between biological age and age-grouping procedures, have been demonstrated across many sports contexts. This study examined whether an additional individual characteristic (i.e., handedness) mediated RAEs in tennis. Relative age and handedness distributions…

Metalinguistic Knowledge of Salient vs. Unsalient Features: Evidence from the Arabic Construct State

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Azaz, Mahmoud

2017-01-01

This study examined to what extent English-speaking learners of Arabic demonstrated varied metalinguistic knowledge of a salient feature (head-direction) vs. an unsalient feature (definiteness) in the Arabic construct state. In addition, it examined whether this knowledge was utilized in form-focused task performance. In the target construction,…

Characteristics of West Virginia loggers during economically difficult times

Treesearch

Ben Spong; Jinxing Wang; David Summerfield

2011-01-01

West Virginia licensed loggers have been surveyed over the years regarding their business, operational, and personal characteristics. An update of this study was completed in 2009 to illustrate the impacts of the current economic conditions on the forestry and forest products industries. Additionally, this survey will help demonstrate the preparedness of the logging...

Exposure to Television Portrayals of Latinos: The Implications of Aversive Racism and Social Identity Theory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mastro, Dana E.; Behm-Morawitz, Elizabeth; Kopacz, Maria A.

2008-01-01

Although research suggests that manifestations of blatant racism are on the decline, findings additionally demonstrate that subtle racism remains prevalent when contexts provide sufficient ambiguity for the expressions to go unnoticed. Notably, studies examining these outcomes have typically been confined to intergroup contexts, despite the fact…

Placental Transmission of Human Parvovirus 4 in Newborns with Hydrops, Taiwan

PubMed Central

Yang, Shiu-Ju; Hung, Chien-Ching

2011-01-01

In studying the epidemiology of parvovirus 4 (PARV4) in Taiwan, we detected DNA in plasma of 3 mothers and their newborns with hydrops. In 1 additional case, only the mother had PARV4 DNA. Our findings demonstrate that PARV4 can be transmitted through the placenta. PMID:22000381

Understanding the Development of Chinese EFL Learners' Email Literacy through Exploratory Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Yuan-shan

2016-01-01

While many empirical studies demonstrate the effects of instruction on enhancing second language (L2) learners' pragmatic competence (Rose, 2005), few have attempted to gain an understanding of the quality of classroom life in addition to instructional efficacy. Drawing on the framework of Exploratory Practice (Allwright, 2005), the present study…

Evaluation of ceftiofur–PHBV microparticles in rats

PubMed Central

Vilos, Cristian; Constandil, Luis; Rodas, Paula I; Cantin, Mario; Zepeda, Katherine; Herrera, Natalia; Velasquez, Luis A

2014-01-01

Despite the high number of antibiotics used for the treatment of infectious disease in animals, the development of slow release formulations presents a significant challenge, particularly in using novel biomaterials with low cost. In this report, we studied the pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and therapeutic activity of ceftiofur–PHBV (ceftiofur–poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)) in rats. The pharmacokinetic study demonstrated a sustained release of ceftiofur into the bloodstream, with detectable levels over the minimum inhibitory concentration for at least 17 days after a single intramuscular injection of ceftiofur–PHBV (10 mg/kg weight). In addition, the toxicological evaluation of biochemical, hematological, and coagulation blood parameters at the therapeutic dose demonstrated the safety of ceftiofur–PHBV, with no adverse effects. In addition, ceftiofur–PHBV exhibited a therapeutic effect for a longer time period than the nonencapsulated ceftiofur in rats challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium. The slow release of ceftiofur from the ceftiofur–PHBV, its low toxicity in the blood parameters evaluated, and the efficacy in the rats infected with Salmonella Typhimurium make ceftiofur–PHBV a strong candidate for biotechnological applications in the veterinary industry. PMID:24936127

Improving Conceptual Understanding and Representation Skills Through Excel-Based Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malone, Kathy L.; Schunn, Christian D.; Schuchardt, Anita M.

2018-02-01

The National Research Council framework for science education and the Next Generation Science Standards have developed a need for additional research and development of curricula that is both technologically model-based and includes engineering practices. This is especially the case for biology education. This paper describes a quasi-experimental design study to test the effectiveness of a model-based curriculum focused on the concepts of natural selection and population ecology that makes use of Excel modeling tools (Modeling Instruction in Biology with Excel, MBI-E). The curriculum revolves around the bio-engineering practice of controlling an invasive species. The study takes place in the Midwest within ten high schools teaching a regular-level introductory biology class. A post-test was designed that targeted a number of common misconceptions in both concept areas as well as representational usage. The results of a post-test demonstrate that the MBI-E students significantly outperformed the traditional classes in both natural selection and population ecology concepts, thus overcoming a number of misconceptions. In addition, implementing students made use of more multiple representations as well as demonstrating greater fascination for science.

Predicting microRNA-disease associations using label propagation based on linear neighborhood similarity.

PubMed

Li, Guanghui; Luo, Jiawei; Xiao, Qiu; Liang, Cheng; Ding, Pingjian

2018-05-12

Interactions between microRNAs (miRNAs) and diseases can yield important information for uncovering novel prognostic markers. Since experimental determination of disease-miRNA associations is time-consuming and costly, attention has been given to designing efficient and robust computational techniques for identifying undiscovered interactions. In this study, we present a label propagation model with linear neighborhood similarity, called LPLNS, to predict unobserved miRNA-disease associations. Additionally, a preprocessing step is performed to derive new interaction likelihood profiles that will contribute to the prediction since new miRNAs and diseases lack known associations. Our results demonstrate that the LPLNS model based on the known disease-miRNA associations could achieve impressive performance with an AUC of 0.9034. Furthermore, we observed that the LPLNS model based on new interaction likelihood profiles could improve the performance to an AUC of 0.9127. This was better than other comparable methods. In addition, case studies also demonstrated our method's outstanding performance for inferring undiscovered interactions between miRNAs and diseases, especially for novel diseases. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

When the bell tolls on Bell's palsy: finding occult malignancy in acute-onset facial paralysis.

PubMed

Quesnel, Alicia M; Lindsay, Robin W; Hadlock, Tessa A

2010-01-01

This study reports 4 cases of occult parotid malignancy presenting with sudden-onset facial paralysis to demonstrate that failure to regain tone 6 months after onset distinguishes these patients from Bell's palsy patients with delayed recovery and to propose a diagnostic algorithm for this subset of patients. A case series of 4 patients with occult parotid malignancies presenting with acute-onset unilateral facial paralysis is reported. Initial imaging on all 4 patients did not demonstrate a parotid mass. Diagnostic delays ranged from 7 to 36 months from time of onset of facial paralysis to time of diagnosis of parotid malignancy. Additional physical examination findings, especially failure to regain tone, as well as properly protocolled radiologic studies reviewed with dedicated head and neck radiologists, were helpful in arriving at the diagnosis. An algorithm to minimize diagnostic delays in this subset of acute facial paralysis patients is presented. Careful attention to facial tone, in addition to movement, is important in the diagnostic evaluation of acute-onset facial paralysis. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of carbonation on leachability, strength and microstructural characteristics of KMP binder stabilized Zn and Pb contaminated soils.

PubMed

Du, Yan-Jun; Wei, Ming-Li; Reddy, Krishna R; Wu, Hao-liang

2016-02-01

This study presents a systematic investigation of effects of carbonation on the contaminant leachability and unconfined compressive strength of KMP stabilized contaminated soils. A field soil spiked with Zn and Pb individually and together is stabilized using a new KMP additive under standard curing conditions and also with carbonation. The KMP additive is composed of oxalic acid-activated phosphate rock, monopotassium phosphate and reactive magnesia. The stabilized soils are tested for acid neutralization capacity, toxic characteristics leaching characteristics, contaminant speciation and unconfined compression strength. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses are performed to assess reaction products. The results demonstrate that carbonation increases both acid buffer capacity index and unconfined compressive strength, but decreases leachability of KMP stabilized soils. These results are interpreted based on the changes in chemical speciation of Zn and Pb and also stability and solubility of the reaction products (metal phosphates and carbonates) formed in the soils. Overall, this study demonstrates that carbonation has positive effects on leachability and strength of the KMP stabilized soils. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Individual personality differences in Port Jackson sharks Heterodontus portusjacksoni.

PubMed

Byrnes, E E; Brown, C

2016-08-01

This study examined interindividual personality differences between Port Jackson sharks Heterodontus portusjacksoni utilizing a standard boldness assay. Additionally, the correlation between differences in individual boldness and stress reactivity was examined, exploring indications of individual coping styles. Heterodontus portusjacksoni demonstrated highly repeatable individual differences in boldness and stress reactivity. Individual boldness scores were highly repeatable across four trials such that individuals that were the fastest to emerge in the first trial were also the fastest to emerge in subsequent trials. Additionally, individuals that were the most reactive to a handling stressor in the first trial were also the most reactive in a second trial. The strong link between boldness and stress response commonly found in teleosts was also evident in this study, providing evidence of proactive-reactive coping styles in H. portusjacksoni. These results demonstrate the presence of individual personality differences in sharks for the first time. Understanding how personality influences variation in elasmobranch behaviour such as prey choice, habitat use and activity levels is critical to better managing these top predators which play important ecological roles in marine ecosystems. © 2016 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Human dental pulp stem cells: from biology to clinical applications.

PubMed

d'Aquino, Riccardo; De Rosa, Alfredo; Laino, Gregorio; Caruso, Filippo; Guida, Luigi; Rullo, Rosario; Checchi, Vittorio; Laino, Luigi; Tirino, Virginia; Papaccio, Gianpaolo

2009-07-15

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) can be found within the "cell rich zone" of dental pulp. Their embryonic origin, from neural crests, explains their multipotency. Up to now, two groups have studied these cells extensively, albeit with different results. One group claims that these cells produce a "dentin-like tissue", whereas the other research group has demonstrated that these cells are capable of producing bone, both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, it has been reported that these cells can be easily cryopreserved and stored for long periods of time and still retain their multipotency and bone-producing capacity. Moreover, recent attention has been focused on tissue engineering and on the properties of these cells: several scaffolds have been used to promote 3-D tissue formation and studies have demonstrated that DPSCs show good adherence and bone tissue formation on microconcavity surface textures. In addition, adult bone tissue with good vascularization has been obtained in grafts. These results enforce the notion that DPSCs can be used successfully for tissue engineering. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Uric acid, an important antioxidant contributing to survival in termites

PubMed Central

Tasaki, Eisuke; Sakurai, Hiroki; Nitao, Masaru; Matsuura, Kenji; Iuchi, Yoshihito

2017-01-01

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated spontaneously in all organisms and cause oxidative damage to biomolecules when present in excess. Accumulated oxidative damage accelerates aging; enhanced antioxidant capacity may be a positive factor for longevity. Recently, numerous studies of aging and longevity have been performed using short-lived animals, however, longevity mechanisms remain unknown. Here we show that a termite Reticulitermes speratus that is thought to be long-lived eusocial insect than other solitary insects uses large quantities of uric acid as an antioxidant against ROS. We demonstrated that the accumulation of uric acid considerably increases the free radical-scavenging activity and resistance against ultraviolet-induced oxidative stress in laboratory-maintained termites. In addition, we found that externally administered uric acid aided termite survival under highly oxidative conditions. The present data demonstrates that in addition to nutritional and metabolic roles, uric acid is an essential antioxidant for survival and contributes significantly to longevity. Uric acid also plays important roles in primates but causes gout when present in excess in humans. Further longevity studies of long-lived organisms may provide important breakthroughs with human health applications. PMID:28609463

8-Chloroadenine: a novel product formed from hypochlorous acid-induced damage to calf thymus DNA.

PubMed

Matthew Whiteman Andrew Jenner Barry Halliwell

1999-01-01

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is formed by the action of the enzyme myeloperoxidase on hydrogen peroxide and chloride ions. It has been shown to be highly bactericidal and cytotoxic by a variety of mechanisms, one of which, may be the modification of DNA. Previously we have demonstrated by GC-MS analysis that exposure of calf thymus DNA to HOCl causes extensive pyrimidine modification, including 5-chlorocytosine formation. Using GC-MS analysis, we now demonstrate the formation of an additional chlorinated base product, 8-Cl adenine. The addition of 50 μM HOCl was sufficient to produce a significant increase in this product. The reaction of HOCl with adenine in calf thymus DNA was shown to be rapid with the reaction complete after 1 min. pH-dependence studies suggest HOCl rather than its conjugate base (OCl-) to be responsible for 8-Cl adenine formation. Other commercially available chlorinated base products, 6-Cl guanine or 2-Cl adenine were not detected. Therefore, 8-Cl adenine might prove a useful biomarker for studying the role of reactive chlorine species (RCS) during inflammatory processes.

Identification of Reference Genes in Human Myelomonocytic Cells for Gene Expression Studies in Altered Gravity

PubMed Central

Thiel, Cora S.; Hauschild, Swantje; Tauber, Svantje; Paulsen, Katrin; Raig, Christiane; Raem, Arnold; Biskup, Josefine; Gutewort, Annett; Hürlimann, Eva; Philpot, Claudia; Lier, Hartwin; Engelmann, Frank; Layer, Liliana E.

2015-01-01

Gene expression studies are indispensable for investigation and elucidation of molecular mechanisms. For the process of normalization, reference genes (“housekeeping genes”) are essential to verify gene expression analysis. Thus, it is assumed that these reference genes demonstrate similar expression levels over all experimental conditions. However, common recommendations about reference genes were established during 1 g conditions and therefore their applicability in studies with altered gravity has not been demonstrated yet. The microarray technology is frequently used to generate expression profiles under defined conditions and to determine the relative difference in expression levels between two or more different states. In our study, we searched for potential reference genes with stable expression during different gravitational conditions (microgravity, normogravity, and hypergravity) which are additionally not altered in different hardware systems. We were able to identify eight genes (ALB, B4GALT6, GAPDH, HMBS, YWHAZ, ABCA5, ABCA9, and ABCC1) which demonstrated no altered gene expression levels in all tested conditions and therefore represent good candidates for the standardization of gene expression studies in altered gravity. PMID:25654098

Identification of reference genes in human myelomonocytic cells for gene expression studies in altered gravity.

PubMed

Thiel, Cora S; Hauschild, Swantje; Tauber, Svantje; Paulsen, Katrin; Raig, Christiane; Raem, Arnold; Biskup, Josefine; Gutewort, Annett; Hürlimann, Eva; Unverdorben, Felix; Buttron, Isabell; Lauber, Beatrice; Philpot, Claudia; Lier, Hartwin; Engelmann, Frank; Layer, Liliana E; Ullrich, Oliver

2015-01-01

Gene expression studies are indispensable for investigation and elucidation of molecular mechanisms. For the process of normalization, reference genes ("housekeeping genes") are essential to verify gene expression analysis. Thus, it is assumed that these reference genes demonstrate similar expression levels over all experimental conditions. However, common recommendations about reference genes were established during 1 g conditions and therefore their applicability in studies with altered gravity has not been demonstrated yet. The microarray technology is frequently used to generate expression profiles under defined conditions and to determine the relative difference in expression levels between two or more different states. In our study, we searched for potential reference genes with stable expression during different gravitational conditions (microgravity, normogravity, and hypergravity) which are additionally not altered in different hardware systems. We were able to identify eight genes (ALB, B4GALT6, GAPDH, HMBS, YWHAZ, ABCA5, ABCA9, and ABCC1) which demonstrated no altered gene expression levels in all tested conditions and therefore represent good candidates for the standardization of gene expression studies in altered gravity.

Correlation of the summary method with learning styles.

PubMed

Sarikcioglu, Levent; Senol, Yesim; Yildirim, Fatos B; Hizay, Arzu

2011-09-01

The summary is the last part of the lesson but one of the most important. We aimed to study the relationship between the preference of the summary method (video demonstration, question-answer, or brief review of slides) and learning styles. A total of 131 students were included in the present study. An inventory was prepared to understand the students' learning styles, and a satisfaction questionnaire was provided to determine the summary method selection. The questionnaire and inventory were collected and analyzed. A comparison of the data revealed that the summary method with video demonstration received the highest score among all the methods tested. Additionally, there were no significant differences between learning styles and summary method with video demonstration. We suggest that such a summary method should be incorporated into neuroanatomy lessons. Since anatomy has a large amount of visual material, we think that it is ideally suited for this summary method.

Myonuclear domains in muscle adaptation and disease

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, D. L.; Roy, R. R.; Edgerton, V. R.

1999-01-01

Adult skeletal muscle fibers are among the few cell types that are truly multinucleated. Recently, evidence has accumulated supporting a role for the modulation of myonuclear number during muscle remodeling in response to injury, adaptation, and disease. These studies have demonstrated that muscle hypertrophy is associated with, and is dependent on, the addition of newly formed myonuclei via the fusion of myogenic cells to the adult myofiber, whereas muscle atrophy and disease appear to be associated with the loss of myonuclei, possibly through apoptotic-like mechanisms. Moreover, these studies also have demonstrated that myonuclear domain size, i. e., the amount of cytoplasm per myonucleus, is unchanged following the acute phase of hypertrophy but is reduced following atrophy. Together these data demonstrate that modulation of myonuclear number or myonuclear domain size (or both) is a mechanism contributing to the remodeling of adult skeletal muscle in response to alterations in the level of normal neuromuscular activity. Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Contamination control and assay results for the Majorana Demonstrator ultra clean components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christofferson, C. D.; Abgrall, N.; Alvis, S. I.; Arnquist, I. J.; Avignone, F. T.; Barabash, A. S.; Barton, C. J.; Bertrand, F. E.; Bode, T.; Bradley, A. W.; Brudanin, V.; Busch, M.; Buuck, M.; Caldwell, T. S.; Chan, Y.-D.; Chu, P.-H.; Cuesta, C.; Detwiler, J. A.; Dunagan, C.; Efremenko, Yu.; Ejiri, H.; Elliott, S. R.; Gilliss, T.; Giovanetti, G. K.; Green, M. P.; Gruszko, J.; Guinn, I. S.; Guiseppe, V. E.; Haufe, C. R.; Hehn, L.; Henning, R.; Hoppe, E. W.; Howe, M. A.; Keeter, K. J.; Kidd, M. F.; Konovalov, S. I.; Kouzes, R. T.; Lopez, A. M.; Martin, R. D.; Massarczyk, R.; Meijer, S. J.; Mertens, S.; Myslik, J.; O'Shaughnessy, C.; Othman, G.; Poon, A. W. P.; Radford, D. C.; Rager, J.; Reine, A. L.; Rielage, K.; Robertson, R. G. H.; Rouf, N. W.; Shanks, B.; Shirchenko, M.; Suriano, A. M.; Tedeschi, D.; Trimble, J. E.; Varner, R. L.; Vasilyev, S.; Vetter, K.; Vorren, K.; White, B. R.; Wilkerson, J. F.; Wiseman, C.; Xu, W.; Yakushev, E.; Yu, C.-H.; Yumatov, V.; Zhitnikov, I.; Zhu, B. X.

2018-01-01

The Majorana Demonstrator is a neutrinoless double beta decay experiment utilizing enriched Ge-76 detectors in 2 separate modules inside of a common solid shield at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. The Demonstrator has utilized world leading assay sensitivities to develop clean materials and processes for producing ultra-pure copper and plastic components. This experiment is now operating, and initial data provide new insights into the success of cleaning and processing. Post production copper assays after the completion of Module 1 showed an increase in U and Th contamination in finished parts compared to starting bulk material. A revised cleaning method and additional round of surface contamination studies prior to Module 2 construction have provided evidence that more rigorous process control can reduce surface contamination. This article describes the assay results and discuss further studies to take advantage of assay capabilities for the purpose of maintaining ultra clean fabrication and process design.

Additive Manufacturing Integrated Energy Demonstration

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

Jackson, Roderick; Lee, Brian; Love, Lonnie

2016-02-05

Meet AMIE - the Additive Manufacturing Integrated Energy demonstration project. Led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and many industry partners, the AMIE project changes the way we think about generating, storing, and using electrical power. AMIE uses an integrated energy system that shares energy between a building and a vehicle. And, utilizing advanced manufacturing and rapid innovation, it only took one year from concept to launch.

Additive Manufacturing Integrated Energy Demonstration

ScienceCinema

Jackson, Roderick; Lee, Brian; Love, Lonnie; Mabe, Gavin; Keller, Martin; Curran, Scott; Chinthavali, Madhu; Green, Johney; Sawyer, Karma; Enquist, Phil

2018-01-16

Meet AMIE - the Additive Manufacturing Integrated Energy demonstration project. Led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and many industry partners, the AMIE project changes the way we think about generating, storing, and using electrical power. AMIE uses an integrated energy system that shares energy between a building and a vehicle. And, utilizing advanced manufacturing and rapid innovation, it only took one year from concept to launch.

The effects of long-term dopaminergic treatment on locomotor behavior in rats.

PubMed

Oliveira de Almeida, Welinton Alessandro; Maculano Esteves, Andrea; Leite de Almeida-Júnior, Canuto; Lee, Kil Sun; Kannebley Frank, Miriam; Oliveira Mariano, Melise; Frussa-Filho, Roberto; Tufik, Sergio; Tulio de Mello, Marco

2014-12-01

Long-term treatments with dopaminergic agents are associated with adverse effects, including augmentation. Augmentation consists of an exacerbation of restless legs syndrome (a sleep-related movement disorder) symptoms during treatment compared to those experienced during the period before therapy was initiated. The objective of this study was to examine locomotor activity in rats after long-term dopaminergic treatment and its relationship with expression of the D2 receptor, in addition to demonstrating possible evidence of augmentation. The rats were divided into control (CTRL) and drug (Pramipexole-PPX) groups that received daily saline vehicle and PPX treatments, respectively, for 71 days. The locomotor behavior of the animals was evaluated weekly in the Open Field test for 71 days. The expression of the dopamine D2 receptor was evaluated by Western Blot analysis. The animals that received the PPX demonstrated a significant reduction in locomotor activity from day 1 to day 57 and a significant increase in immobility time from day 1 to day 64 relative to baseline values, but these values had returned to baseline levels at 71 days. No changes in the expression of the D2 receptor were demonstrated after treatment with a dopaminergic agonist. This study suggests changes in locomotor activity in rats after long-term PPX treatment that include an immediate reduction of locomotion and an increase in immobilization, and after 64 days, these values returned to baseline levels without evidence of augmentation. In addition, it was not possible to demonstrate a relationship between locomotor activity and the expression of D2 receptors under these conditions.

Hyperexpression of α-hemolysin explains enhanced virulence of sequence type 93 community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) ST93 clone is becoming dominant in Australia and is clinically highly virulent. In addition, sepsis and skin infection models demonstrate that ST93 CA-MRSA is the most virulent global clone of S. aureus tested to date. While the determinants of virulence have been studied in other clones of CA-MRSA, the basis for hypervirulence in ST93 CA-MRSA has not been defined. Results Here, using a geographically and temporally dispersed collection of ST93 isolates we demonstrate that the ST93 population hyperexpresses key CA-MRSA exotoxins, in particular α-hemolysin, in comparison to other global clones. Gene deletion and complementation studies, and virulence comparisons in a murine skin infection model, showed unequivocally that increased expression of α-hemolysin is the key staphylococcal virulence determinant for this clone. Genome sequencing and comparative genomics of strains with divergent exotoxin profiles demonstrated that, like other S. aureus clones, the quorum sensing agr system is the master regulator of toxin expression and virulence in ST93 CA-MRSA. However, we also identified a previously uncharacterized AraC/XylS family regulator (AryK) that potentiates toxin expression and virulence in S. aureus. Conclusions These data demonstrate that hyperexpression of α-hemolysin mediates enhanced virulence in ST93 CA-MRSA, and additional control of exotoxin production, in particular α-hemolysin, mediated by regulatory systems other than agr have the potential to fine-tune virulence in CA-MRSA. PMID:24512075

The effects of long-term dopaminergic treatment on locomotor behavior in rats

PubMed Central

Oliveira de Almeida, Welinton Alessandro; Maculano Esteves, Andrea; Leite de Almeida-Júnior, Canuto; Lee, Kil Sun; Kannebley Frank, Miriam; Oliveira Mariano, Melise; Frussa-Filho, Roberto; Tufik, Sergio; Tulio de Mello, Marco

2014-01-01

Long-term treatments with dopaminergic agents are associated with adverse effects, including augmentation. Augmentation consists of an exacerbation of restless legs syndrome (a sleep-related movement disorder) symptoms during treatment compared to those experienced during the period before therapy was initiated. The objective of this study was to examine locomotor activity in rats after long-term dopaminergic treatment and its relationship with expression of the D2 receptor, in addition to demonstrating possible evidence of augmentation. The rats were divided into control (CTRL) and drug (Pramipexole—PPX) groups that received daily saline vehicle and PPX treatments, respectively, for 71 days. The locomotor behavior of the animals was evaluated weekly in the Open Field test for 71 days. The expression of the dopamine D2 receptor was evaluated by Western Blot analysis. The animals that received the PPX demonstrated a significant reduction in locomotor activity from day 1 to day 57 and a significant increase in immobility time from day 1 to day 64 relative to baseline values, but these values had returned to baseline levels at 71 days. No changes in the expression of the D2 receptor were demonstrated after treatment with a dopaminergic agonist. This study suggests changes in locomotor activity in rats after long-term PPX treatment that include an immediate reduction of locomotion and an increase in immobilization, and after 64 days, these values returned to baseline levels without evidence of augmentation. In addition, it was not possible to demonstrate a relationship between locomotor activity and the expression of D2 receptors under these conditions. PMID:26483930

Characterization of structure and activity of garlic peroxidase (POX(1B)).

PubMed

El Ichi, Sarra; Miodek, Anna; Sauriat-Dorizon, Hélène; Mahy, Jean-Pierre; Henry, Céline; Marzouki, Mohamed Nejib; Korri-Youssoufi, Hafsa

2011-01-01

Structural characterization and study of the activity of new POX(1B) protein from garlic which has a high peroxidase activity and can be used as a biosensor for the detection of hydrogen peroxide and phenolic compounds were performed and compared with the findings for other heme peroxidases. The structure-function relationship was investigated by analysis of the spectroscopic properties and correlated to the structure determined by a new generation of high-performance hybrid mass spectrometers. The reactivity of the enzyme was analyzed by studies of the redox activity toward various ligands and the reactivity with various substrates. We demonstrated that, in the case of garlic peroxidase, the heme group is pentacoordinated, and has an histidine as a proximal ligand. POX(1B) exhibited a high affinity for hydrogen peroxide as well as various reducing cosubstrates. In addition, high enzyme specificity was demonstrated. The k(cat) and K(M) values were 411 and 400 mM(-1) s(-1) for 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine and 2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), respectively. Furthermore, the reduction of nitro compounds in the presence of POX(1B) was demonstrated by iron(II) nitrosoalkane complex assay. In addition, POX(1B) showed a great potential for application for drug metabolism since its ability to react with 1-nitrohexane in the presence of sodium dithionite was demonstrated by the appearance of a characteristic Soret band at 411 nm. The high catalytic efficiency obtained in the case of the new garlic peroxidase (POX(1B)) is suitable for the monitoring of different analytes and biocatalysis.

Actinidia chinensis planch polysaccharide protects against hypoxia‑induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in vitro.

PubMed

Wang, Qiang; Xu, Yunfa; Gao, Ying; Wang, Qi

2018-05-03

Cardiac hypertrophy is frequently accompanied by ischemic heart disease. Actinidia chinensis planch polysaccharide (ACP) is the main active compound from Actinidia chinensis planch. In the present study, a cardiac hypertrophy model was produced by treating cells with Angiotensin II (Ang II), which was used to investigate whether ACP protected against cardiac hypertrophy in vitro. It was demonstrated that ACP alleviated Ang II‑induced cardiac hypertrophy. In addition, pretreatment with ACP prior to hypoxic culture reduced the disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential as investigated by flow cytometry. Cell Counting kit‑8 analysis demonstrated that ACP maintained the cell viability of cardiomyocytes. The flow cytometric analysis revealed that ACP inhibited hypoxia‑induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes treated with Ang II. Additionally, reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction and western blotting assays demonstrated that ACP decreased the expression of apoptosis‑associated genes including apoptosis‑inducing factor mitochondria associated 1, the cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinases caspases‑3/8/9, and cleaved caspases‑3/8/9. The results of the present study also demonstrated that ACP inhibited the activation of the extracellular signal‑regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and phosphoinositide 3‑kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathways. Furthermore, the specific activation of ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT reversed the apoptotic‑inhibitory effect of ACP. In conclusion, the protective effects of ACP against hypoxia‑induced apoptosis may depend on depressing the ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in cardiomyocytes treated with Ang II.

LONG-TERM DEMONSTRATION OF SORBENT ENHANCEMENT ADDITIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR MERCURY CONTROL

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

Jason D. Laumb; Dennis L. Laudal; Grant E. Dunham

2011-05-27

Long-term demonstration tests of advanced sorbent enhancement additive (SEA) technologies have been completed at five coal-fired power plants. The targeted removal rate was 90% from baseline conditions at all five stations. The plants included Hawthorn Unit 5, Mill Creek Unit 4, San Miguel Unit 1, Centralia Unit 2, and Hoot Lake Unit 2. The materials tested included powdered activated carbon, treated carbon, scrubber additives, and SEAs. In only one case (San Miguel) was >90% removal not attainable. The reemission of mercury from the scrubber at this facility prevented >90% capture.

Passive solar addition to therapeutic pre-school. Final technical report

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

Not Available

1983-10-01

This project consisted of designing and constructing a passive solar system on a new classroom addition to the Peanut Butter and Jelly Therapeutic Pre-School in Albuquerque, NM. The purpose of this project was to demonstrate the applicability of solar space heating systems to large institutional buildings, and to demonstrate the energy and cost savings available through the use of such systems. Preliminary estimates indicated that the passive solar systems will provide about 90 percent of the heating and cooling needs for the new classroom addition to the school.

Estimating Additive and Non-Additive Genetic Variances and Predicting Genetic Merits Using Genome-Wide Dense Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Markers

PubMed Central

Su, Guosheng; Christensen, Ole F.; Ostersen, Tage; Henryon, Mark; Lund, Mogens S.

2012-01-01

Non-additive genetic variation is usually ignored when genome-wide markers are used to study the genetic architecture and genomic prediction of complex traits in human, wild life, model organisms or farm animals. However, non-additive genetic effects may have an important contribution to total genetic variation of complex traits. This study presented a genomic BLUP model including additive and non-additive genetic effects, in which additive and non-additive genetic relation matrices were constructed from information of genome-wide dense single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. In addition, this study for the first time proposed a method to construct dominance relationship matrix using SNP markers and demonstrated it in detail. The proposed model was implemented to investigate the amounts of additive genetic, dominance and epistatic variations, and assessed the accuracy and unbiasedness of genomic predictions for daily gain in pigs. In the analysis of daily gain, four linear models were used: 1) a simple additive genetic model (MA), 2) a model including both additive and additive by additive epistatic genetic effects (MAE), 3) a model including both additive and dominance genetic effects (MAD), and 4) a full model including all three genetic components (MAED). Estimates of narrow-sense heritability were 0.397, 0.373, 0.379 and 0.357 for models MA, MAE, MAD and MAED, respectively. Estimated dominance variance and additive by additive epistatic variance accounted for 5.6% and 9.5% of the total phenotypic variance, respectively. Based on model MAED, the estimate of broad-sense heritability was 0.506. Reliabilities of genomic predicted breeding values for the animals without performance records were 28.5%, 28.8%, 29.2% and 29.5% for models MA, MAE, MAD and MAED, respectively. In addition, models including non-additive genetic effects improved unbiasedness of genomic predictions. PMID:23028912

Antireflux Status Post Roux-en-Y anastomosis: An Experimental Study for Optimal Antireflux Technique.

PubMed

Verma, Ajay Kumar; Purbey, Om Prakash; Kureel, Shiv Narain; Gupta, Archika; Pandey, Anand; Sunil, Kanoujia; Chaubey, Digamber

2018-01-01

Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy has been a gold standard to establish biliary-enteric anastomosis for various surgical indications, but associated with variable incidences of cholangitis. This experimental study was conducted to report a modification in Roux-en-Y anastomosis for possible better alternative to provide antireflux procedure after Roux-en-Y biliary-enteric anastomosis with the aim to minimize the possibility of reflux and its consequences. For experimental study, the required fresh segment of Lamb's small intestine was procured. Three sets of Roux-en-Y anastomosis were created for each experiment. In set 1, there was simple Roux-en-Y anastomosis. In set 2, Roux-en-Y anastomosis along with 4-5 cm long spur between the hepatic and duodenal limbs was created. In set 3, in addition to Roux-en-Y with creation of spur, additional antireflux mechanism was created at the junction of upper two-third and lower one-third of the hepatic limb. Saline mixed contrast was infused by infusion pump to raise the intraluminal pressure to more than 10 cm of H 2 O. X-ray was taken at that time. In set 1, all preparations demonstrated reflux of contrast in the hepatic limb. The set 2 also demonstrated the same findings of 100% reflux in the hepatic limb. In set 3, No reflux was observed in 8 (80%) preparations while remaining 2 (20%) preparations reveal partial reflux. This experimental study suggests that the provision of spur and additional valve may be able to decrease the possibility of reflux in Roux-en-Y biliary-enteric anastomosis.

Phase 1 Development Testing of the Advanced Manufacturing Demonstrator Engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Case, Nicholas L.; Eddleman, David E.; Calvert, Marty R.; Bullard, David B.; Martin, Michael A.; Wall, Thomas R.

2016-01-01

The Additive Manufacturing Development Breadboard Engine (BBE) is a pressure-fed liquid oxygen/pump-fed liquid hydrogen (LOX/LH2) expander cycle engine that was built and operated by NASA at Marshall Space Flight Center's East Test Area. The breadboard engine was conceived as a technology demonstrator for the additive manufacturing technologies for an advanced upper stage prototype engine. The components tested on the breadboard engine included an ablative chamber, injector, main fuel valve, turbine bypass valve, a main oxidizer valve, a mixer and the fuel turbopump. All parts minus the ablative chamber were additively manufactured. The BBE was successfully hot fire tested seven times. Data collected from the test series will be used for follow on demonstration tests with a liquid oxygen turbopump and a regeneratively cooled chamber and nozzle.

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

Goltz, M.N.; Hopkins, G.D.; Kawakami, B.T.

A trichloroethylene (TCE) ground water plume at Edwards AFB in Southern California is being used to demonstrate in situ aerobic cometabolic bioremediation in the field. The bioremediation system that will be demonstrated at Edwards was developed over nine years of research and testing in the laboratory and at a pilot field site located at Moffett Federal Airfield in Mountain View, California. Studies conducted at the Moffett field site have demonstrated that TCE can be effectively biodegraded cometabolically through the introduction into the subsurface of a primary substrate and an oxygen source to support the growth and energy requirements of amore » native population of microorganisms. A system to demonstrate the feasibility of in situ aerobic cometabolic bioremediation is presently being constructed at Edwards, using an area of the plume having TCE concentrations ranging up to 1 mg/L. A major objective of the Edwards study will be to investigate how a primary substrate and an oxygen source can be efficiently mixed and transported to indigenous microorganisms, in order to promote cometabolic degradation of TCE. In this presentation, the earlier studies at Moffett, as well as the preliminary modeling work and site characterization which have been conducted in preparation for the Edwards demonstration, will be presented. In addition, problems encountered and lessons learned bringing an innovative technology from the laboratory to the field will be discussed.« less

The behavior of antibiotic resistance genes and arsenic influenced by biochar during different manure composting.

PubMed

Cui, Erping; Wu, Ying; Jiao, Yanan; Zuo, Yiru; Rensing, Christopher; Chen, Hong

2017-06-01

The effect of two different biochar types, rice straw biochar (RSB) and mushroom biochar (MB), on chicken manure composting was previously examined by monitoring the fate of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and arsenic. The behavior of ARGs and arsenic in other kinds of manure composting with the same biochar types had not been examined. In this study, we added either RSB or MB to pig and duck manure composts to study the behavior of ARGs (tet genes, sul genes, and chloramphenicol resistance genes) and arsenic under the same experimental condition. The results showed that the average removal values of selected ARGs were respectively 2.56 and 2.09 log units in duck and pig manure compost without the addition of biochar. The effect of biochar addition on the average removal value of ARGs depended on the type of biochar and manure. For instance, in pig manure compost, MB addition increased the average removal value of ARGs, while RSB addition decreased. And both biochar additions had a negative influence on the average removal value of ARGs in duck manure compost. Analytical results also demonstrated that MB addition reduced total arsenic and the percentage of bioavailable arsenic more than RSB.

Limitations of an ocular surface inflammatory biomarker in impression cytology specimens.

PubMed

Yafawi, Rolla; Ko, Mira; Sace, Frederick P; John-Baptiste, Annette

2013-03-01

A number of ocular conditions, such as dry eye, are associated with inflammation on the surface of the eye leading to irritation and ocular pain. Many drugs such as chemotherapeutics, beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzymes and so forth also cause dry eye but currently there are no validated ocular surface biomarkers available. We evaluated sample stability, assay sensitivity, reproducibility and overall performance of impression cytology (IC) utilizing the cellular surface biomarker human leukocyte antigen DR-1 (HLA-DR) as an ocular surface inflammatory biomarker by flow cytometry in a fit-for-purpose validation study. Additionally, subjects classified as normal or having various degrees of dry eye were evaluated to determine if HLA-DR could demonstrate a clear separation between normal and dry eye samples. The assay demonstrated high dynamic range detecting a broad range of fluorescent intensities in healthy donors. Additionally, inter, intra and stability assay results demonstrated strong concordance and low variability. Overall CV% for both assays were less than 25% for all measured parameters. However, high variability was observed for donor samples assayed beyond day 10 post IC sample collection (4.2-110.8 CV%). HLA-DR expression demonstrated a progressive increase in patients with mild to severe levels of dry eye disease providing sufficient evidence it is sensitive enough to monitor inflammatory effects of dry eye when coupled with additional biomarkers and/or methodologies such as cytokine analysis or ICAM-1. This biomarker can be used to monitor ocular surface disorders in patients and to evaluate potential treatment options during drug development. Although our results demonstrate this methodology is reproducible for routine evaluation, limitations around sample integrity exist. The ocular cell surface inflammatory biomarker, HLA-DR coupled with impression cytology is a simple non-invasive robust, specific and reproducible assay that can be utilized to measure inflammatory infiltrates on the surface of the eye in IC samples less than 10-days old.

Guilt enhances the sense of control and drives risky judgments.

PubMed

Kouchaki, Maryam; Oveis, Christopher; Gino, Francesca

2014-12-01

In the present studies, we investigate the hypothesis that guilt influences risk taking by enhancing one's sense of control. Across multiple inductions of guilt, we demonstrate that experimentally induced guilt enhances optimism about risks for the self (Study 1), preferences for gambles versus guaranteed payoffs (Studies 2, 4, and 6), and the likelihood that one will engage in risk-taking behaviors (Study 5). In addition, we demonstrate that guilt enhances the sense of control over uncontrollable events, an illusory control (Studies 3, 4, and 5), and found that a model with illusory control as a mediator is consistent with the data (Studies 5 and 6). We also found that a model with feelings of guilt as a mediator but not generalized negative affect fits the data (Study 4). Finally, we examined the relative explanatory power of different appraisals and found that appraisals of illusory control best explain the influence of guilt on risk taking (Study 6). These results provide the first empirical demonstration of the influence of guilt on sense of control and risk taking, extend previous theorizing on guilt, and more generally contribute to the understanding of how specific emotions influence cognition and behavior. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved.

Chemical stability of Lithium 2-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dicyanoimidazolide, an electrolyte salt for Li-ion cells

DOE PAGES

Shkrob, Ilya A.; Pupek, Krzysztof Z.; Gilbert, James A.; ...

2016-12-01

Lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF 6) is ubiquitous in commercial lithium-ion batteries, but it is hydrolytically unstable and corrosive on electrode surfaces. Using a more stable salt would confer multiple benefits for high-voltage operation, but many such electrolyte systems facilitate anodic dissolution and pitting corrosion of aluminum current collectors that negate their advantages. Lithium 2-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dicyanoimidazolide (LiTDI) is a new salt that was designed specifically for high-voltage cells. In this study we demonstrate that in carbonate electrolytes, LiTDI prevents anodic dissolution of Al current collectors, which places it into a select group of corrosion inhibitors. However, we also demonstrate that LiTDI becomes reducedmore » on lithiated graphite, undergoing sequential defluorination and yielding a thick and resistive solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI), which increases impedance and lowers electrode capacity. The mechanistic causes for this behavior are examined using computational chemistry methods in the light of recent spectroscopic studies. Here, we demonstrate that LiTDI reduction can be prevented by certain electrolyte additives, which include fluoroethylene carbonate, vinylene carbonate and lithium bis(oxalato)borate. This beneficial action is due to preferential reduction of these additives over LiTDI at a higher potential vs. Li/Li +, so the resulting SEI can prevent the direct reduction of LiTDI at lower potentials on the graphite electrode.« less

Forecasting waste compositions: A case study on plastic waste of electronic display housings.

PubMed

Peeters, Jef R; Vanegas, Paul; Kellens, Karel; Wang, Feng; Huisman, Jaco; Dewulf, Wim; Duflou, Joost R

2015-12-01

Because of the rapid succession of technological developments, the architecture and material composition of many products used in daily life have drastically changed over the last decades. As a result, well-adjusted recycling technologies need to be developed and installed to cope with these evolutions. This is essential to guarantee continued access to materials and to reduce the ecological impact of our material consumption. However, limited information is currently available on the material composition of arising waste streams and even less on how these waste streams will evolve. Therefore, this paper presents a methodology to forecast trends in the material composition of waste streams. To demonstrate the applicability and value of the proposed methodology, it is applied to forecast the evolution of plastic housing waste from flat panel display (FPD) TVs, FPD monitors, cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs and CRT monitors. The results of the presented forecasts indicate that a wide variety of plastic types and additives, such as flame retardants, are found in housings of similar products. The presented case study demonstrates that the proposed methodology allows the identification of trends in the evolution of the material composition of waste streams. In addition, it is demonstrated that the recycling sector will need to adapt its processes to deal with the increasing complexity of plastics of end-of-life electronic displays while respecting relevant directives. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Replicator dynamics with turnover of players

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juul, Jeppe; Kianercy, Ardeshir; Bernhardsson, Sebastian; Pigolotti, Simone

2013-08-01

We study adaptive dynamics in games where players abandon the population at a given rate and are replaced by naive players characterized by a prior distribution over the admitted strategies. We demonstrate how such a process leads macroscopically to a variant of the replicator equation, with an additional term accounting for player turnover. We study how Nash equilibria and the dynamics of the system are modified by this additional term for prototypical examples such as the rock-paper-scissors game and different classes of two-action games played between two distinct populations. We conclude by showing how player turnover can account for nontrivial departures from Nash equilibria observed in data from lowest unique bid auctions.

HRT and SERMs: the good, the bad...and the lovely?

PubMed

Sandberg, Kathryn

2002-10-01

Recent studies have provided strong evidence that the biological activity of selective estrogen-receptor modulators (SERMs) depends on the conformation of the SERM-receptor complex, the estrogen-receptor-signaling mechanism, and the tissue co-regulator composition. In addition to these new observations, other studies convincingly demonstrate that estrogen has cardioprotective properties, favorably regulating genes that are crucial to vascular physiology. These novel findings could thus be key to generating SERMs that solve the risks currently associated with hormone replacement therapy. In addition, further development could result in SERMs that possess not only anti-estrogenic actions in the breast and uterus, but also estrogenic protective actions in bone and the cardiovascular system.

Adsorption of cadmium on cerium oxide nanoparticles and oyster shells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Yongbo; Liu, Zhuomiao; Dang, Yonghui; Xu, Lina; Ning, Fangyuan; Xue, Yinhao; Wei, Yongpeng; Dai, Yanhui

2018-03-01

This study investigated the adsorption of cadmium (Cd(II)) by cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) and oyster shells in seawater. The results showed that the addition of Cd(II) significantly inhibited the agglomeration of CeO2 NPs both in DI water and seawater, increased the positive charges of CeO2 NPs in DI water and neutralized the negative charges of CeO2 NPs in seawater. Additionally, CeO2 NPs could adsorb Cd and the bioavailability of Cd was reduced in the presence of oyster shells. This study demonstrated that the adsorption of metals on shells should not be neglected for the accumulation of metals by shellfish.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Stimulates the Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species through Interactions with Cell Membranes.

PubMed

Mizutani, Taeko; Mori, Ryota; Hirayama, Misaki; Sagawa, Yuki; Shimizu, Kenji; Okano, Yuri; Masaki, Hitoshi

2016-12-01

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a representative anionic surfactant, is well-known to induce rough skin following single or multiple topical applications. The mechanism by which SLS induces rough skin is thought to result from the disruption of skin moisture function consisting of NMF and epidermal lipids. However, a recent study demonstrated that topically applied SLS easily penetrates into the living cell layers of the epidermis, which suggests that physiological alterations of keratinocytes might cause the SLS-induced rough skin. This study was conducted to clarify the effects of SLS on keratinocytes to demonstrate the contribution of SLS to the induction of rough skin. In addition, the potentials of other widely used anionic surfactants to induce rough skin were evaluated. HaCaT keratinocytes treated with SLS had increased levels of intracellular ROS and IL-1α secretion. Application of SLS on the surface of a reconstructed epidermal equivalent also showed the increased generation of ROS. Further, SLS-treated cells showed an increase of intracellular calpain activity associated with the increase of intracellular Ca 2+ concentration. The increase of intracellular ROS was abolished by the addition of BAPTA-AM, a specific chelator of Ca 2+ . In addition, IL-1α also stimulated ROS generation by HaCaT keratinocytes. An ESR spin-labeling study demonstrated that SLS increased the fluidity of membranes of liposomes and cells. Together, those results indicate that SLS initially interacts with cell membranes, which results in the elevation of intracellular Ca 2+ influx. Ca 2+ stimulates the secretion of IL-1α due to the activation of calpain, and also increases ROS generation. IL-1α also stimulates ROS generation by HaCaT keratinocytes. We conclude from these results that the elevation of intracellular ROS levels is one of the causes of SLS-induced rough skin. Finally, among the other anionic surfactants tested, sodium lauryl phosphate has less potential to induce rough skin because of its lower generation of ROS.

Reduced risk of hypoglycemia with once-daily glargine versus twice-daily NPH and number needed to harm with NPH to demonstrate the risk of one additional hypoglycemic event in type 2 diabetes: Evidence from a long-term controlled trial

PubMed Central

Rosenstock, Julio; Fonseca, Vivian; Schinzel, Stefan; Dain, Marie-Paule; Mullins, Peter; Riddle, Matthew

2016-01-01

Aims This analysis evaluated HbA1c-adjusted hypoglycemia risk with glargine versus neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) over a 5-year study in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Clinical significance was assessed using number needed to harm (NNH) to demonstrate the risk of one additional patient experiencing at least one hypoglycemic event. Methods Individual patient-level data for symptomatic documented hypoglycemia and HbA1c values from a 5-year randomized study comparing once-daily glargine (n = 513) with twice-daily NPH (n = 504) were analyzed. Symptomatic hypoglycemia was categorized according to concurrent self-monitoring blood glucose levels and need for assistance. Hypoglycemic events per patient-year as a function of HbA1c were fitted by negative binomial regression using treatment and HbA1c at endpoint as independent variables. An estimate of NNH was derived from logistic regression models. Results The cumulative number of symptomatic hypoglycemia events was consistently lower with glargine compared with NPH over 5 years. Compared with twice-daily NPH, once-daily glargine treatment resulted in significantly lower adjusted odds ratios (OR) for all daytime hypoglycemia (OR 0.74; p = 0.030) and any severe event (OR 0.64; p = 0.035), representing a 26% and 36% reduction in the odds of daytime and severe hypoglycemia, respectively. Our model predicts that, if 25 patients were treated with NPH instead of glargine, then one additional patient would experience at least one severe hypoglycemic event. Conclusions This analysis of long-term insulin treatment confirms findings from short-term studies and demonstrates that glargine provides sustained, clinically meaningful reductions in risk of hypoglycemia compared with NPH in patients with T2DM. PMID:24856612

THE COMMAND OF THE TREND: SOCIAL MEDIA AS A WEAPON IN THE INFORMATION AGE

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-01

and a bot network) based on the analysis within this case study . Table 3. ISIS Case Study Analysis Propaganda Narratives 1. ISIS is strong...get started with an interview and included me in a cyber think-tank for the study of ISIS activity on social media. Additionally, I am still... study demonstrates how social media is a tool for modern warfare in the information age. The report builds on analysis of three distinct topics

Evaluations of the health benefits of eating more fruit depend on the amount of fruit previously eaten, variety, and timing.

PubMed

Burns, Rachel J; Rothman, Alexander J

2016-10-01

Though research has demonstrated that people generally perceive fruits to be healthy foods, little is known about how people think about the health benefits associated with eating increasing quantities of fruit. The purpose of this paper is to examine how evaluations of healthiness change as participants consider eating increasing quantities of fruit, and to explore how additional contextual features (i.e., variety and timing) can be leveraged to improve evaluations. In two within-subjects experiments, participants rated how good or bad for one's health it would be to eat increasing quantities of either the same fruit or a variety of fruits. In study 1, all participants were instructed to imagine eating the fruit over the course of the day. In study 2, the temporal distribution of the fruit (throughout the day, during a single meal) was manipulated. In general, both studies demonstrated that evaluations of overall healthiness for eating increasing quantities of the same fruit tended to diminish beyond two pieces of fruit, whereas the overall healthiness of eating increasing quantities of a variety of fruit remained stable. Study 2 demonstrated that evaluations of healthiness increased as additional fruit was considered when a variety of fruit was imagined to be eaten throughout the day. Thus, the health benefits that people assign to eating increasing quantities of fruit seem to increase, but only if eating a variety of fruits throughout the day is considered. This study suggests that evaluations of the healthiness of fruit are not made in isolation; evaluations of healthiness are contextualized by what has been eaten previously and when it was eaten. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Iodine Satellite (iSAT) Hall Thruster Demonstration Mission Concept and Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dankanich, John W.; Polzin, Kurt A.; Calvert, Derek; Kamhawi, Hani

2014-01-01

The use of iodine propellant for Hall thrusters has been studied and proposed by multiple organizations due to the potential mission benefits over xenon. In 2013, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center competitively selected a project for the maturation of an iodine flight operational feed system through the Technology Investment Program. Multiple partnerships and collaborations have allowed the team to expand the scope to include additional mission concept development and risk reduction to support a flight system demonstration, the iodine Satellite (iSAT). The iSAT project was initiated and is progressing towards a technology demonstration mission preliminary design review. The current status of the mission concept development and risk reduction efforts in support of this project is presented.

Overview of the MARS Laser Communications Demonstration Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edward, Bernard L.; Townes, Stephen A.; Bondurant, Roy S.; Scozzafava, Joseph J.; Boroson, Don M.; Parvin, Ben A.; Biswas, Abhijit; Pillsbury, Alan D.; Khatri, Farzana I.; Burnside, Jamie W.

2003-01-01

This paper provides an overview of the Mars Laser Communications Demonstration Project, a joint project between NASA s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology (JPL), and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory (MIT/LL). It reviews the strawman designs for the flight and ground segments, the critical technologies required, and the concept of operations. It reports preliminary conclusions from the Mars Lasercom Study conducted at MIT/LL and on additional work done at JPL and GSFC. The lasercom flight terminal will be flown on the Mars Telecom Orbiter (MTO) to be launched by NASA in 2009, and will demonstrate a technology which has the potential of vastly improving NASA s ability to communicate throughout the solar system.

Engineered Three-Dimensional Cardiac Fibrotic Tissue to Study Fibrotic Remodeling

PubMed Central

Sadeghi, Amir Hossein; Shin, Su Ryon; Deddens, Janine C.; Fratta, Giuseppe; Mandla, Serena; Yazdi, Iman K.; Prakash, Gyan; Antona, Silvia; Demarchi, Danilo; Buijsrogge, Marc P.; Sluijter, Joost P.G.; Hjortnaes, Jesper

2017-01-01

Activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CF) into myofibroblasts is considered to play an essential role in cardiac remodeling and fibrosis. A limiting factor in studying this process is the spontaneous activation of CFs when cultured on two-dimensional (2D) culture plates. Here, a simplified 3D hydrogel platform of contractile cardiac tissue, stimulated by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), is presented to recapitulate a fibrogenic micro-environment. It was hypothesized that the quiescent state of CFs can be maintained by mimicking the mechanical stiffness of native heart tissue. To test this hypothesis, a 3D cell culture model consisting of cardiomyocytes and CFs encapsulated within mechanically engineered gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel, was developed. The study shows that CFs maintain their quiescent phenotype in mechanically tuned hydrogels. Additionally, treatment with a beta-adrenergic agonist increased beating frequency, demonstrating physiologic-like behavior of the heart constructs. Subsequently, quiescent CFs within the constructs were activated by the exogenous addition of TGF-β1. The expression of fibrotic protein markers (and the functional changes in mechanical stiffness) in the fibrotic-like tissues were analyzed to validate the model. Overall, this 3D engineered culture model of contractile cardiac tissue enabled controlled activation of CFs, demonstrating the usability of this platform to study fibrotic remodeling. PMID:28498548

Evaluation of an in situ chemically crosslinked hydrogel as a long-term vitreous substitute material.

PubMed

Tao, Yong; Tong, Xinming; Zhang, Yan; Lai, Jingjing; Huang, Yanbin; Jiang, Yan-Rong; Guo, Bao-Hua

2013-02-01

Currently there is no material that can be used as a long-term vitreous substitute, and this remains an unmet clinical need in ophthalmology. In this study, we developed an injectable, in situ chemically crosslinked hydrogel system and evaluated it in a rabbit model. The system consisted of two components, both based on multi-functional poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) but with complementarily reactive end groups of thiol and active vinyl groups, respectively. The two components are mixed and injected as a solution mixture, react in vivo via the Michael addition route and form a chemically crosslinked hydrogel in situ. The linkages between the end groups and the backbone PEG chains are specially designed to ensure that the final network structure is hydrolysis-resistant. In the rabbit study and with an optimized operation protocol, we demonstrated that the hydrogel indeed formed in situ after injection, and remained transparent and stable during the study period of 9 months without significant adverse reactions. In addition, the hydrogel formed in situ showed rheological properties very similar to the natural vitreous. Therefore, our study demonstrated that this in situ chemically crosslinked PEG gel system is suitable as a potential long-term vitreous substitute. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization of a high-energy in-line phase contrast tomosynthesis prototype.

PubMed

Wu, Di; Yan, Aimin; Li, Yuhua; Wong, Molly D; Zheng, Bin; Wu, Xizeng; Liu, Hong

2015-05-01

In this research, a high-energy in-line phase contrast tomosynthesis prototype was developed and characterized through quantitative investigations and phantom studies. The prototype system consists of an x-ray source, a motorized rotation stage, and a CMOS detector with a pixel pitch of 0.05 mm. The x-ray source was operated at 120 kVp for this study, and the objects were mounted on the rotation stage 76.2 cm (R1) from the source and 114.3 cm (R2) from the detector. The large air gap between the object and detector guarantees sufficient phase-shift effects. The quantitative evaluation of this prototype included modulation transfer function and noise power spectrum measurements conducted under both projection mode and tomosynthesis mode. Phantom studies were performed including three custom designed phantoms with complex structures: a five-layer bubble wrap phantom, a fishbone phantom, and a chicken breast phantom with embedded fibrils and mass structures extracted from an ACR phantom. In-plane images of the phantoms were acquired to investigate their image qualities through observation, intensity profile plots, edge enhancement evaluations, and/or contrast-to-noise ratio calculations. In addition, the robust phase-attenuation duality (PAD)-based phase retrieval method was applied to tomosynthesis for the first time in this research. It was utilized as a preprocessing method to fully exhibit phase contrast on the angular projection before reconstruction. The resolution and noise characteristics of this high-energy in-line phase contrast tomosynthesis prototype were successfully investigated and demonstrated. The phantom studies demonstrated that this imaging prototype can successfully remove the structure overlapping in phantom projections, obtain delineate interfaces, and achieve better contrast-to-noise ratio after applying phase retrieval to the angular projections. This research successfully demonstrated a high-energy in-line phase contrast tomosynthesis prototype. In addition, the PAD-based method of phase retrieval was combined with tomosynthesis imaging for the first time, which demonstrated its capability in significantly improving the contrast-to-noise ratios in the images.

Cost minimization analysis and utility of pretreatment and posttreatment total body iodine-131 scans in patients with thyroid carcinoma.

PubMed

Grigsby, P

1998-03-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of posttreatment total body iodine-131 (I-131) scans. The records of 63 consecutive patients with thyroid carcinoma treated with surgery and postoperative I-131 were reviewed. Patients underwent a postoperative diagnostic total body I-131 scan. Subsequently, patients received therapeutic administration of I-131. Posttreatment total body I-131 scans were performed. The postoperative diagnostic total body I-131 scans revealed uptake in the neck in all 63 patients and also demonstrated lung and mediastinal uptake in 7 patients with known sites of metastatic disease. The posttreatment total body I-131 scans also revealed neck uptake in all patients and demonstrated uptake in the lung and mediastinum in those with known metastasis to those sites. Additional foci of neck uptake were revealed on the posttreatment total body I-131 scans in six patients. Stepwise logistic regression was performed to identify prognostic factors predictive of additional foci of uptake on the posttreatment total body I-131 scans compared with the pretreatment diagnostic total body I-131 scans. Variables found to correlate significantly with additional uptake on the posttreatment total body I-131 scans were tumor size > or = 2 cm, follicular histology, and multifocal disease. Posttreatment total body I-131 scans yielded additional information in only 10% (6 of 63) of the study patient population treated with postoperative I-131 for thyroid carcinoma. Therefore, the cost, and the associated inconvenience to the patient, of performing a posttreatment total body I-131 scan can be eliminated for most patients.

PSSC Turbo Ring Flinger

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McAlexander, Aaron

2005-12-01

This is a description of an inexpensive version of the Thompson's jumping ring demonstration apparatus, which provides for a spectacular demonstration of Lenz's law. The device has the additional capability of being used to demonstrate the opposing nature of inductive and capacitive reactance.

Reactivity measurement in estimation of benzoquinone and benzoquinone derivatives’ allergenicity

PubMed Central

Mbiya, Wilbes; Chipinda, Itai; Simoyi, Reuben H.; Siegel, Paul D.

2015-01-01

Benzoquinone (BQ) and benzoquinone derivatives (BQD) are used in the production of dyes and cosmetics. While BQ, an extreme skin sensitizer, is an electrophile known to covalently modify proteins via Michael Addition (MA) reaction whilst halogen substituted BQD undergo nucleophilic vinylic substitution (SNV) mechanism onto amine and thiol moieties on proteins, the allergenic effects of adding substituents on BQ have not been reported. The effects of inserting substituents on the BQ ring has not been studied in animal assays. However, mandated reduction/elimination of animals used in cosmetics testing in Europe has led to an increased need for alternatives for the prediction of skin sensitization potential. Electron withdrawing and electron donating substituents on BQ were assessed for effects on BQ reactivity toward nitrobenzene thiol (NBT). The NBT binding studies demonstrated that addition of EWG to BQ as exemplified by the chlorine substituted BQDs increased reactivity while addition of EDG as in the methyl substituted BQDs reduced reactivity. BQ and BQD skin allerginicity was evaluated in the murine local lymph node assay (LLNA). BQD with electron withdrawing groups had the highest chemical potency followed by unsubstituted BQ and the least potent were the BQD with electron donating groups. The BQD results demonstrate the impact of inductive effects on both BQ reactivity and allergenicity, and suggest the potential utility of chemical reactivity data for electrophilic allergen identification and potency ranking. PMID:26612505

Earth Orientation and Its Excitations by Atmosphere, Oceans, and Geomagnetic Jerks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vondrák, J.; Ron, C.

2015-12-01

In addition to torques exerted by the Moon, Sun, and planets, changes of the Earth orientation parameters (EOP) are known to be caused also by excitations by the atmosphere and oceans. Recently appeared studies, hinting that geomagnetic jerks (GMJ, rapid changes of geomagnetic field) might be associated with sudden changes of phase and amplitude of EOP (Holme and de Viron 2005, 2013, Gibert and Le Mouël 2008, Malkin 2013). We (Ron et al. 2015) used additional excitations applied at the epochs of GMJ to derive its influence on motion of the spin axis of the Earth in space (precession-nutation). We demonstrated that this effect, if combined with the influence of the atmosphere and oceans, improves substantially the agreement with celestial pole offsets observed by Very Long-Baseline Interferometry. Here we concentrate our efforts to study possible influence of GMJ on temporal changes of all five Earth orientation parameters defining the complete Earth orientation in space. Numerical integration of Brzeziński's broad-band Liouville equations (Brzeziński 1994) with atmospheric and oceanic excitations, combined with expected GMJ effects, is used to derive EOP and compare them with their observed values. We demonstrate that the agreement between all five Earth orientation parameters integrated by this method and those observed by space geodesy is improved substantially if the influence of additional excitations at GMJ epochs is added to excitations by the atmosphere and oceans.

The quartile benefit plot: a middle ear surgery benefit assessment scheme.

PubMed

Schmerber, Sébastien; Karkas, Alexandre; Righini, Christian A; Chahine, Karim A

2008-05-01

The purpose of this study is to present a new method for the assessment of hearing improvement following stapes surgery, taking into account additional, previously omitted evaluation criteria. Retrospective. A quartile plot, based on the currently used Glasgow benefit plot, is structured to include two additional criteria of hearing assessment, namely the absence of postoperative sensorineural hearing loss and the closure of the air-bone gap to <10 dB. Pre- and postoperative hearing results of 132 patients diagnosed with bilateral otosclerosis and treated with bilateral stapes surgery were plotted on both the classical Glasgow benefit plot and the new quartile benefit plot. The difference in success assessment due to stricter assessment criteria is demonstrated. Functional success rate following bilateral stapes surgery as plotted on the traditional Glasgow benefit plot was 51.5%. Success rate for bilateral stapes surgery assessed on the new quartile plot with the addition of the two new criteria was 38.64%. The difference in success rates was found to be statistically significant. The basis of benefit assessment in stapes surgery solely on the mean deficit in air conduction results in overestimation of success rate. This study demonstrates that results that appear satisfactory when judged by the Glasgow benefit plot are of modest success when assessed by the new quartile plot. The quartile benefit plot presented in this paper provides a strict measure of presentation and evaluation of stapes surgery results.

Characteristics of phase-change materials containing oxide nano-additives for thermal storage

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

In this study, the authors report the production of nanocomposite-enhanced phase-change materials (NEPCMs) using the direct-synthesis method by mixing paraffin with alumina (Al2O3), titania (TiO2), silica (SiO2), and zinc oxide (ZnO) as the experimental samples. Al2O3, TiO2, SiO2, and ZnO were dispersed into three concentrations of 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 wt.%. Through heat conduction and differential scanning calorimeter experiments to evaluate the effects of varying concentrations of the nano-additives on the heat conduction performance and thermal storage characteristics of NEPCMs, their feasibility for use in thermal storage was determined. The experimental results demonstrate that TiO2 is more effective than the other additives in enhancing both the heat conduction and thermal storage performance of paraffin for most of the experimental parameters. Furthermore, TiO2 reduces the melting onset temperature and increases the solidification onset temperature of paraffin. This allows the phase-change heat to be applicable to a wider temperature range, and the highest decreased ratio of phase-change heat is only 0.46%, compared to that of paraffin. Therefore, this study demonstrates that TiO2, added to paraffin to form NEPCMs, has significant potential for enhancing the thermal storage characteristics of paraffin. PMID:23127224

Exploiting Carvone to Demonstrate Both Stereocontrol and Regiocontrol: 1,2- vs 1,4-Addition of Grignard Reagents and Organocuprates

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Truong, Thai Phat; Bailey, Sophia J.; Golliher, Alexandra E.; Monroy, Erika Y.; Shrestha, Uttar K.; Maio, William A.

2018-01-01

The ability of certain organometallic reagents to react via 1,2- or 1,4-addition to an a,ß-unsaturated ketone is a fundamental example of regioselectivity at the second-year undergraduate organic level. The following two experiments were designed to demonstrate this preference by exploiting carvone as an inexpensive chiral, nonracemic substrate.…

A Rotary Microactuator Supported on Encapsulated Microball Bearings using an Electro-Pneumatic Thrust Balance

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

Additionally, high-speed air bearings have been demonstrated in micromotors (55 000 rpm) and micro-turbomachinery (2 million rpm) [7, 8]. While...without thrust balances [11]. For applications requiring continuous rotation ( micromotors and micropumps) this hydrostatic balancing force can be...conditions for stable actuation of the micromotor leading to maximum speeds. In addition to increased speed, this device demonstrates a substantial

Low-Cost Nanocellulose-Reinforced High-Temperature Polymer Composites for Additive Manufacturing

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

Ozcan, Soydan; Tekinalp, Halil L.; Love, Lonnie J.

2016-07-13

ORNL worked with American Process Inc. to demonstrate the potential use of bio-based BioPlus ® lignin-coated cellulose nanofibrils (L-CNF) as a reinforcing agent in the development of polymer feedstock suitable for additive manufacturing. L-CNF-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) testing coupons were prepared and up to 69% increase in tensile strength and 133% increase in elastic modulus were demonstrated.

Upregulation of miR-598 promotes cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in human colorectal carcinoma by suppressing INPP5E expression

PubMed Central

Li, Kun-Ping; Fang, Yong-Ping; Liao, Jin-Qi; Duan, Jin-Dong; Feng, Li-Guang; Luo, Xiao-Zai; Liang, Zhi-Jian

2018-01-01

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Recently, microRNAs (miRs) have been considered as novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancer. miR-598 is a poorly investigated miR. The underlying mechanism of miR-598 in CRC cells remains to be elucidated. In the present study, miR-598 was demonstrated to be significantly upregulated in CRC tissue by analyzing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus. The results of a polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that miR-598 expression was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and cells. Gain of function and loss of function assays demonstrated that miR-598 significantly promoted cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. miR-598 was demonstrated to modulate cell functions by regulating 72 kDa inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase (INPP5E). In addition, knockdown of INPP5E counteracted the growth arrest caused by an miR-598-inhibitor. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that miR-598 contributed to cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in CRC by targeting INPP5E. PMID:29257251

Progress in the Modeling of NiAl-Based Alloys Using the BFS Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bozzolo, Guillermo; Noebe, Ronald D.; Ferrante, John; Garg, Anita

1997-01-01

The BFS method has been applied to the study of NiAl-based materials to assess the effect of alloying additions on structure. Ternary, quaternary and even pent-alloys based on Ni-rich NiAl with additions of Ti, Cr and Cu were studied. Two approaches were used, Monte Carlo simulations to determine ground state structures and analytical calculations of high symmetry configurations which give physical insight into preferred bonding. Site occupancy energetics for ternary and the more complicated case of quaternary additions were determined, and solubility limits and precipitate formation with corresponding information concerning structure and lattice parameter were also 'observed' computationally. The method was also applied to determine the composition of alloy surfaces and interfaces. Overall, the results demonstrate that the BFS method for alloys is a powerful tool for alloy design and with its simplicity and obvious advantages can be used to complement any experimental alloy design program.

Additive Manufacturing of Dense Hexagonal Boron Nitride Objects

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

Marquez Rossy, Andres E.; Armstrong, Beth L.; Elliott, Amy M.

The feasibility of manufacturing hexagonal boron nitride objects via additive manufacturing techniques was investigated. It was demonstrated that it is possible to hot-extrude thermoplastic filaments containing uniformly distributed boron nitride particles with a volume concentration as high as 60% and that these thermoplastic filaments can be used as feedstock for 3D-printing objects using a fused deposition system. Objects 3D-printed by fused deposition were subsequently sintered at high temperature to obtain dense ceramic products. In a parallel study the behavior of hexagonal boron nitride in aqueous solutions was investigated. It was shown that the addition of a cationic dispersant to anmore » azeotrope enabled the formulation of slurries with a volume concentration of boron nitride as high as 33%. Although these slurries exhibited complex rheological behavior, the results from this study are encouraging and provide a pathway for manufacturing hexagonal boron nitride objects via robocasting.« less

Theoretical study of the mechanism of CH2CO + CN reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Hao; He, Hong-Qing; Hong, Bo; Chang, Ying-Fei; An, Zhe; Wang, Rong-Shun

The potential energy surface information of the CH2CO + CN reaction is obtained at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level. To gain further mechanistic knowledge, higher-level single-point calculations for the stationary points are performed at the QCISD(T)/6-311++G(d,p) level. The CH2CO + CN reaction proceeds through four possible mechanisms: direct hydrogen abstraction, olefinic carbon addition-elimination, carbonyl carbon addition-elimination, and side oxygen addition-elimination. Our calculations demonstrate that R?IM1?TS3?P3: CH2CN + CO is the energetically favorable channel; however, channel R?IM2?TS4?P4: CH2NC + CO is considerably competitive, especially as the temperature increases (R, IM, TS, and P represent reactant, intermediate, transition state, and product, respectively). The present study may be helpful in probing the mechanism of the CH2CO + CN reaction.

Demonstration of an SOA-assisted open metro-access infrastructure for heterogeneous services.

PubMed

Schmuck, H; Bonk, R; Poehlmann, W; Haslach, C; Kuebart, W; Karnick, D; Meyer, J; Fritzsche, D; Weis, E; Becker, J; Freude, W; Pfeiffer, T

2014-01-13

An open converged metro-access network approach allows for sharing optical layer resources like fibers and optical spectrum among different services and operators. We demonstrated experimentally the feasibility of such a concept by the simultaneous operation of multiple services showing different modulation formats and multiplexing techniques. Flexible access nodes are implemented including semiconductor optical amplifiers to create a transparent and reconfigurable optical ring network. The impact of cascaded optical amplifiers on the signal quality is studied along the ring. In addition, the influence of high power rival signals in the same waveband and in the same fiber is analyzed.

CD22 expression on blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasms and reactivity of anti-CD22 antibodies to peripheral blood dendritic cells.

PubMed

Reineks, Edmunds Z; Osei, Ebenezer S; Rosenberg, Arlene; Auletta, Jeffrey; Meyerson, Howard J

2009-07-01

We identified CD22 expression on a blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) neoplasm presenting as a leukemia in a child. CD22 expression, as determined by the antibody s-HCL-1, was also noted on the neoplastic cells from three additional patients with blastic pDC tumors identified at our institution. Subsequently we determined that peripheral blood pDCs react with the s-HCL-1 antibody demonstrating that normal pDCs express CD22. Evaluation of five additional anti-CD22 antibodies indicated that staining of pDCs with these reagents was poor except for s-HCL-1. Therefore, the detection of CD22 on pDCs is best demonstrated with the use of this specific antibody clone. All anti-CD22 antibodies stained conventional DCs. We also evaluated the reactivity of the anti-CD22 antibodies with basophils and noted that the pattern of staining was similar to that seen with pDCs. The studies demonstrate that normal DCs and pDC neoplasms express CD22, and highlight clone specific differences in anti-CD22 antibody reactivity patterns on pDCs and basophils. (c) 2009 Clinical Cytometry Society.

Hydrogen sulfide production by sulfate-reducing bacteria utilizing additives eluted from plastic resins.

PubMed

Tsuchida, Daisuke; Kajihara, Yusuke; Shimidzu, Nobuhiro; Hamamura, Kengo; Nagase, Makoto

2011-06-01

In the present study it was demonstrated that organic additives eluted from plastic resins could be utilized as substrates by sulfate-reducing bacteria. Two laboratory-scale experiments, a microcosm experiment and a leaching experiment, were conducted using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as a model plastic resin. In the former experiment, the conversion of sulfate to sulfide was evident in microcosms that received plasticized PVC as the sole carbon source, but not in those that received PVC homopolymer. Additionally, dissolved organic carbon accumulated only in microcosms that received plasticized PVC, indicating that the dissolved organic carbon originated from additives. In the leaching experiment, phenol and bisphenol A were found in the leached solutions. These results suggest that the disposal of waste plastics in inert waste landfills may result in the production of H(2)S.

Cathode Wetting Studies in Magnesium Electrolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McLean, Kevin; Pettingill, James; Davis, Boyd

The effects of cathode materials and electrolyte additives on magnesium wetting were studied with the goal of improving current efficiency in a magnesium electrolysis cell. The study consisted of static wetting and electrolysis tests, both conducted in a visual cell with a molten salt electrolyte of MgCl2-CaCl2-NaCl-KCl-CaF2. The wetting conditions were tested using high resolution photography and contact angle software. The electrolysis tests were completed to qualitatively assess the effect of additives to the melt and were recorded with a digital video camcorder. Results from the static wetting tests showed a significant variation in wetting depending on the material used for the cathode. Mo and a Mo-W alloy, with contact angles of 60° and 52° respectively, demonstrated excellent wetting. The contact angle for steel was 132° and it ranged from 142°-154° for graphite depending on the type. Improvements to the cathode wetting were observed with tungsten and molybdenum oxide additives.

Gratitude and prosocial behavior: helping when it costs you.

PubMed

Bartlett, Monica Y; DeSteno, David

2006-04-01

The ability of the emotion gratitude to shape costly prosocial behavior was examined in three studies employing interpersonal emotion inductions and requests for assistance. Study 1 demonstrated that gratitude increases efforts to assist a benefactor even when such efforts are costly (i.e., hedonically negative), and that this increase differs from the effects of a general positive affective state. Additionally, mediational analyses revealed that gratitude, as opposed to simple awareness of reciprocity norms, drove helping behavior. Furthering the theory that gratitude mediates prosocial behavior, Study 2 replicated the findings of Study 1 and demonstrated gratitude's ability to function as an incidental emotion by showing it can increase assistance provided to strangers. Study 3 revealed that this incidental effect dissipates if one is made aware of the true cause of the emotional state. Implications of these findings for the role of gratitude in building relationships are discussed.

Demonstration-scale evaluation of a novel high-solids anaerobic digestion process for converting organic wastes to fuel gas and compost.

PubMed

Rivard, C J; Duff, B W; Dickow, J H; Wiles, C C; Nagle, N J; Gaddy, J L; Clausen, E C

1998-01-01

Early evaluations of the bioconversion potential for combined wastes such as tuna sludge and sorted municipal solid waste (MSW) were conducted at laboratory scale and compared conventional low-solids, stirred-tank anaerobic systems with the novel, high-solids anaerobic digester (HSAD) design. Enhanced feedstock conversion rates and yields were determined for the HSAD system. In addition, the HSAD system demonstrated superior resiliency to process failure. Utilizing relatively dry feedstocks, the HSAD system is approximately one-tenth the size of conventional low-solids systems. In addition, the HSAD system is capable of organic loading rates (OLRs) on the order of 20-25 g volatile solids per liter digester volume per d (gVS/L/d), roughly 4-5 times those of conventional systems. Current efforts involve developing a demonstration-scale (pilot-scale) HSAD system. A two-ton/d plant has been constructed in Stanton, CA and is currently in the commissioning/startup phase. The purposes of the project are to verify laboratory- and intermediate-scale process performance; test the performance of large-scale prototype mechanical systems; demonstrate the long-term reliability of the process; and generate the process and economic data required for the design, financing, and construction of full-scale commercial systems. This study presents conformational fermentation data obtained at intermediate-scale and a snapshot of the pilot-scale project.

Ameliorative effect of nicergoline on cognitive function through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Zang, Guoyao; Fang, Lizheng; Chen, Liying; Wang, Chenyao

2018-05-01

Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common age‑associated diseases that frequently leads to memory disorders, cognitive decline and dementia. Evidence suggests that nicergoline serves an important role in the apoptosis of hippocampal cells, memory recovery, cognitive function and neuronal survival. However, the signaling pathway affected by nicergoline treatment remains to be elucidated. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of nicergoline in the cognitive competence of a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The apoptosis rates of hippocampal cells were studied in mice with Alzheimer's disease treated with nicergoline compared with the negative control. Apoptosis‑associated gene expression levels in hippocampal cells, and hippocampus area, were analyzed in the experimental mice. Visual attention and inhibitory control were assessed and neural counting was performed in brain regions of interest. The phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase (PI3K)/RAC‑α serine/threonine‑protein kinase (AKT) signaling pathway was additionally analyzed in hippocampal cells following treatment with nicergoline. The results of the present study demonstrated that nicergoline ameliorated apoptosis in hippocampal cells and hippocampus tissue in 3xTg‑AD mice with Alzheimer's disease. The data indicated that apoptosis‑associated genes, including caspase‑3, BCL2 associated X, BH3 interacting domain death agonist and caspase‑9, were downregulated in hippocampal cells isolated from nicergoline-treated experimental mice. In addition, the expression levels of inflammatory factors, in addition to oxidative stress, were decreased in hippocampal cells treated with nicergoline. Additionally, amyloid precursor protein accumulation was cleared in the hippocampal area in nicergoline‑treated mice. Nicergoline inhibited neuronal loss and prevented cognitive impairment through the restoration of learning/memory ability. It was additionally demonstrated in the present study that nicergoline improved motor attention impairment and cognitive competence in hippocampal cells by acting on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, memory recovery, cognitive function and neuronal survival were repaired by nicergoline via inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, suggesting that nicergoline may be an efficient drug for the clinical treatment of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

COMPASS for Hope: Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Parent Training and Support Program for Children with ASD

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kuravackel, Grace M.; Ruble, Lisa A.; Reese, Robert J.; Ables, Amanda P.; Rodgers, Alexis D.; Toland, Michael D.

2018-01-01

Despite the growing number of studies that demonstrate the importance of empowering parents with knowledge and skills to act as intervention agents for their children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there are limited examples of parent-mediated interventions that focus on problem behaviors. Additionally, access to ASD-trained clinicians and…

Effects of Attention on Dichotic Listening in Elderly and Patients with Dementia of the Alzheimer Type

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bouma, Anke; Gootjes, Liselotte

2011-01-01

This article presents an overview of our studies in elderly and Alzheimer patients employing Kimura's dichotic digits paradigm as a measure for left hemispheric predominance for processing language stimuli. In addition to structural brain mechanisms, we demonstrated that attention modulates the direction and degree of ear asymmetry in dichotic…

Influence of framing on medical decision making

PubMed Central

Gong, Jingjing; Zhang, Yan; Feng, Jun; Huang, Yonghua; Wei, Yazhou; Zhang, Weiwei

2013-01-01

Numerous studies have demonstrated the robustness of the framing effect in a variety of contexts, especially in medical decision making. Unfortunately, research is still inconsistent as to how so many variables impact framing effects in medical decision making. Additionally, much attention should be paid to the framing effect not only in hypothetical scenarios but also in clinical experience. PMID:27034630

COMBINED LABORATORY/FIELD STUDY ON THE USE OF NITRATE FOR IN SITU BIOREMEDIATION OF A FUEL-CONTAMINATED AQUIFER

EPA Science Inventory

A pilot demonstration project was conducted at Eglin Air Force Base, FL, to compare the extent of bioremediation of a fuel-contaminated aquifer using sprinkler application with and without nitrate addition on two adjacent 30 m x 30 m cells. Target compound groups included both B...

The valuation of currency options by fractional Brownian motion.

PubMed

Shokrollahi, Foad; Kılıçman, Adem

2016-01-01

This research aims to investigate a model for pricing of currency options in which value governed by the fractional Brownian motion model (FBM). The fractional partial differential equation and some Greeks are also obtained. In addition, some properties of our pricing formula and simulation studies are presented, which demonstrate that the FBM model is easy to use.

Cross-Cultural Competency Adaptability of Dental Hygiene Educators in Entry Level Dental Hygiene Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Engeswick, Lynnette Marie

2011-01-01

This study was conducted to discover the extent dental hygiene educators in 25 entry-level dental hygiene programs from the Upper Midwest demonstrate Emotional Resilience, Flexibility and Openness, Perceptual Acuity, and Personal Autonomy as they relate to their level of education and multicultural experiences. An additional purpose was to examine…

Sulfate Addition Increases Methylmercury Production in an Experimental Wetland

Treesearch

Jeff D. Jeremiason; Daniel R. Engstrom; Edward B. Swain; Edward A. Nater; Brian M. Johnson; James E. Almendinger; Bruce A. Monson; Randy K. Kolka

2006-01-01

Atmospheric mercury is the dominant Hg source to fish in northern Minnesota and elsewhere. However, atmospherically derived Hg must be methylated prior to accumulating in fish. Sulfate-reducing bacteria are thought to be the primary methylators of Hg in the environment. Previous laboratory and field mesocosm studies have demonstrated an increase in methylmercury (MeHg...

Influence of framing on medical decision making.

PubMed

Gong, Jingjing; Zhang, Yan; Feng, Jun; Huang, Yonghua; Wei, Yazhou; Zhang, Weiwei

2013-01-01

Numerous studies have demonstrated the robustness of the framing effect in a variety of contexts, especially in medical decision making. Unfortunately, research is still inconsistent as to how so many variables impact framing effects in medical decision making. Additionally, much attention should be paid to the framing effect not only in hypothetical scenarios but also in clinical experience.

Orderly Change in a Stable World: The Antisocial Trait as a Chimera.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Patterson, Gerald R.

1993-01-01

Used longitudinal data from Oregon Youth Study to examine quantitative and qualitative change. Used latent growth models to demonstrate changes in form and systematic changes in mean level for subgroup of boys. Factor analyses carried out at three ages showed that, over time, changes in form and addition of new problems were quantifiable and thus…

Children with SLI Can Exhibit Reduced Attention to a Talker's Mouth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pons, Ferran; Sanz-Torrent, Monica; Ferinu, Laura; Birulés, Joan; Andreu, Llorenç

2018-01-01

It has been demonstrated that children with specific language impairment (SLI) show difficulties not only with auditory but also with audiovisual speech perception. The goal of this study was to assess whether children with SLI might show reduced attention to the talker's mouth compared to their typically developing (TD) peers. An additional aim…

USE OF COMPOUND-SPECIFIC STABLE CARBON ISOTOPE ANALYSES TO DEMONSTRATE NATURAL BIODEGRADATION OF MTBE IN GROUND WATER AT A GASOLINE RELEASE SITE

EPA Science Inventory

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) has been used as an additive in gasoline to enhance
octane rating and to improve combustion efficiency. It is also a commonly detected contaminant in both surface water and ground water systems. This study presents concentration and stable ...

Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a One-Week Summer Treatment Program for Separation Anxiety Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Santucci, Lauren C.; Ehrenreich, Jill T.; Trosper, Sarah E.; Bennett, Shannon M.; Pincus, Donna B.

2009-01-01

Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for the treatment of childhood Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and other anxiety disorders yet additional research may still be needed to better access and engage anxious youth. In this study, we investigated the acceptability and preliminary utility of a…

What Teachers Need to Know to Support Children with Asthma in the Preschool Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Patterson, Margaret Polmear

2014-01-01

The literature review demonstrated that the chronic disease of asthma is increasing in prevalence in the preschool classroom, presenting unique challenges for the educators of young children. This study explored teachers' perceptions in terms of their preparedness and capability in integrating a child with asthma in their classroom. In addition,…

More than the loss of a parent: potentially traumatic events among orphaned and abandoned children

PubMed Central

Kathryn, Whetten; Ostermann, Jan; Whetten, Rachel; O'Donnell, Karen; Thielman, Nathan

2012-01-01

This study examines rates of potentially traumatic events and associated anxiety and emotional/behavioral difficulties among 1,258 orphaned and abandoned children in 5 low and middle-income countries. The study quantifies the types of events the children experienced and demonstrates that anxiety and emotional/behavioral difficulties increase with additional event exposure. As policies for orphaned and abandoned children are being implemented, this study helps policy makers and providers recognize that: (a) children and caregivers are willing to report experiences of potentially traumatic events; (b) those who report such events are at higher risk for experiencing additional events; (c) resulting symptomatology indicates a need for appropriate mental health services; and (d) male children are as vulnerable as females, indicating an equal need for protection. PMID:21442663

The NIOSH CROPS Demonstration Project: A Study in New York and Virginia with an Emphasis on Youth

PubMed Central

Hard, David L.; McKenzie, Eugene A.; Cantis, Douglas; May, John; Sorensen, Julie; Bayes, Barbara; Madden, Erin; Stone, Bruce; Maass, Jimmy

2016-01-01

The agriculture, forestry, and fishing (AgFF) industry sector has had the highest rate of work-related deaths over the past several years. Tractors are the single largest source of occupational fatalities in this industry sector, and tractor rollovers are the largest category of tractor fatalities. The risk of death due to tractor rollovers has been found to be reduced considerably when rollover protective structures (ROPS) are used in conjunction with seatbelts. Increasing the number of tractors with ROPS and seatbelts is one way in which tractor rollover fatalities can be mitigated. The NIOSH cost-effective rollover protective structure (CROPS) project was designed as a demonstration project to determine if CROPS, a type of ROPS, could be retrofitted in the field and were acceptable to farmers. To this end, the CROPS project was successful, with 50 tractors being retrofitted with CROPS in the field. All study participants were asked to complete a pretest, test, and posttest regarding the CROPS retrofit demonstration and their knowledge and attitudes toward ROPS. CROPS demonstrators were the participants who retrofitted their tractors with CROPS. Demonstrators were asked to recruit three to five other participants, known as observers, to watch the demonstration. The rationale was to generate interest in ROPS/CROPS among other farmers and community leaders. Overall, 16% of the participants had youth operating tractors on their farms. Participants reported that 44 youth operated tractors on their farms, more than 25% of these young tractor operators were 4 to 10 years old, and half of the youth operating tractors on participant farms were 13 years old or younger. Only one participant group (demonstrators) included individuals who had all of their tractors protected with ROPS/CROPS for young tractor operators (28%), but they accounted for only one farm each among the New York and Virginia demonstrators. The survey question on ROPS importance did not show an overall increase after respondents participated in the CROPS demonstration project. However, one Virginia observer asked to become a Virginia demonstrator and installed a CROPS on his tractor. Additionally, the questions on attitude toward ROPS showed a general increase in mean scores, with the some of the lowest response categories on the follow-up survey not being selected by respondents, indicating a potentially positive impact on participants' safety attitudes toward ROPS. For the safety attitude questions, the majority remained the same. This study indicates there is still much work to be done to reduce the number of deaths in production agriculture due to tractor rollovers. CROPS could be a valuable addition to the efforts of retrofitting ROPS on tractors in order to reduce the number of deaths due to tractor rollovers. PMID:27857511

The NIOSH CROPS Demonstration Project: A Study in New York and Virginia with an Emphasis on Youth.

PubMed

Hard, David L; McKenzie, Eugene A; Cantis, Douglas; May, John; Sorensen, Julie; Bayes, Barbara; Madden, Erin; Stone, Bruce; Maass, Jimmy

2016-01-01

The agriculture, forestry, and fishing (AgFF) industry sector has had the highest rate of work-related deaths over the past several years. Tractors are the single largest source of occupational fatalities in this industry sector, and tractor rollovers are the largest category of tractor fatalities. The risk of death due to tractor rollovers has been found to be reduced considerably when rollover protective structures (ROPS) are used in conjunction with seatbelts. Increasing the number of tractors with ROPS and seatbelts is one way in which tractor rollover fatalities can be mitigated. The NIOSH cost-effective rollover protective structure (CROPS) project was designed as a demonstration project to determine if CROPS, a type of ROPS, could be retrofitted in the field and were acceptable to farmers. To this end, the CROPS project was successful, with 50 tractors being retrofitted with CROPS in the field. All study participants were asked to complete a pretest, test, and posttest regarding the CROPS retrofit demonstration and their knowledge and attitudes toward ROPS. CROPS demonstrators were the participants who retrofitted their tractors with CROPS. Demonstrators were asked to recruit three to five other participants, known as observers, to watch the demonstration. The rationale was to generate interest in ROPS/CROPS among other farmers and community leaders. Overall, 16% of the participants had youth operating tractors on their farms. Participants reported that 44 youth operated tractors on their farms, more than 25% of these young tractor operators were 4 to 10 years old, and half of the youth operating tractors on participant farms were 13 years old or younger. Only one participant group (demonstrators) included individuals who had all of their tractors protected with ROPS/CROPS for young tractor operators (28%), but they accounted for only one farm each among the New York and Virginia demonstrators. The survey question on ROPS importance did not show an overall increase after respondents participated in the CROPS demonstration project. However, one Virginia observer asked to become a Virginia demonstrator and installed a CROPS on his tractor. Additionally, the questions on attitude toward ROPS showed a general increase in mean scores, with the some of the lowest response categories on the follow-up survey not being selected by respondents, indicating a potentially positive impact on participants' safety attitudes toward ROPS. For the safety attitude questions, the majority remained the same. This study indicates there is still much work to be done to reduce the number of deaths in production agriculture due to tractor rollovers. CROPS could be a valuable addition to the efforts of retrofitting ROPS on tractors in order to reduce the number of deaths due to tractor rollovers.

Enhanced hydrogen sorption kinetics of Mg 50Ni-LiBH 4 composite by CeCl 3 addition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gennari, F. C.; Puszkiel, J. A.

Mg 50Ni-LiBH 4 and Mg 50Ni-LiBH 4-CeCl 3 composites have been prepared by short times of ball milling under argon atmosphere. Combination of HP-DSC and volumetric techniques show that Mg 50Ni-LiBH 4-CeCl 3 composite not only uptakes hydrogen faster than Mg 50Ni-LiBH 4, but also releases hydrogen at a lower temperature (225 °C). The presence of CeCl 3 has a catalytic role, but it does not modify the thermodynamic properties of the composite which corresponds to MgH 2. Experimental studies on the hydriding/dehydriding mechanisms demonstrate that LiBH 4 and Ni lead to the formation of MgNi 3B 2 in both composites. In addition, XRD/DSC analysis and thermodynamic calculations demonstrate that the addition of CeCl 3 accounts for the enhancement of the hydrogen absorption/desorption kinetics through the interaction with LiBH 4. The in situ formation and subsequent decomposition of Ce(BH 4) 3 provides a uniform distribution of nanosize CeB 4 compound, which plays an important role in improving the kinetic properties of MgH 2.

The Rcs regulon in Proteus mirabilis: implications for motility, biofilm formation, and virulence.

PubMed

Howery, Kristen E; Clemmer, Katy M; Rather, Philip N

2016-11-01

The overall role of the Rcs phosphorelay in Proteus mirabilis is largely unknown. Previous work had demonstrated that the Rcs phosphorelay represses the flhDC operon and activates the minCDE cell division inhibition system. To identify additional cellular functions regulated by the Rcs phosphorelay, an analysis of RNA-seq data was undertaken. In this report, the results of the RNA-sequencing are discussed with an emphasis on the predicted roles of the Rcs phosphorelay in swarmer cell differentiation, motility, biofilm formation, and virulence. RcsB is shown to activate genes important for differentiation and fimbriae formation, while repressing the expression of genes important for motility and virulence. Additionally, to follow up on the RNA-Seq data, we demonstrate that an rcsB mutant is deficient in its ability to form biofilm and exhibits enhanced virulence in a Galleria mellonella waxworm model. Overall, these results indicate the Rcs regulon in P. mirabilis extends beyond flagellar genes to include those involved in biofilm formation and virulence. Furthermore, the information presented in this study may provide clues to additional roles of the Rcs phosphorelay in other members of the Enterobacteriaceae.

Quality control of fifteen probiotic products containing Saccharomyces boulardii.

PubMed

Vanhee, L M E; Goemé, F; Nelis, H J; Coenye, T

2010-11-01

The yeast Saccharomyces boulardii is used as a probiotic for the prevention and treatment of diarrhoea. In this study, the quality of 15 probiotic products containing S. boulardii was verified. Using microsatellite typing, the identity of all Saccharomyces strains in the products was confirmed as S. boulardii. Additionally, solid-phase cytometry (SPC) and a plate method were used to enumerate S. boulardii cells. SPC was not only able to produce results more rapidly than plating (4h compared to 48h) but the cell counts obtained with SPC were significantly higher than the plate counts. Finally, we found that <1% of the S. boulardii cells survived 120min in gastric conditions and storage for 3months at 40°C with 75% relative humidity. We developed a SPC method for the quantification of viable S. boulardii cells in probiotics. Additionally, we demonstrated that gastric conditions and storage have a marked effect on the viability of the yeast cells.   To our knowledge, this is the first time SPC is used for the quality control of probiotics with S. boulardii. Additionally, we demonstrated the need for gastric protection and accurate storage. © 2010 The Authors. Journal of Applied Microbiology © 2010 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Motivations for Extradyadic Infidelity Revisited.

PubMed

Selterman, Dylan; Garcia, Justin R; Tsapelas, Irene

2017-12-15

Relationship infidelities are motivated by many distinct factors, with previous research indicating motivations of dissatisfaction, neglect, anger, and sexual desire (Barta & Kiene, 2005). We expand on this by demonstrating additional, empirically distinct motivations for infidelity. Using an Internet-based questionnaire, participants (N = 495), most of whom were young adults, self-reported their infidelities. In addition to evidence for previously studied motivations, our data demonstrate additional factors, including lack of love ("I had 'fallen out of love with' my primary partner"), low commitment ("I was not very committed to my primary partner"), esteem ("I wanted to enhance my popularity"), gaining sexual variety ("I wanted a greater variety of sexual partners"), and situational factors ("I was drunk and not thinking clearly"). Our results also show personality correlates with infidelity motivations. Consistent with predictions, attachment insecurity was associated with motivations of anger, lack of love, neglect, low commitment, and esteem, while unrestricted sociosexual orientation was associated with sexual variety. Implicit beliefs (e.g., growth, destiny, romanticism) were differentially associated with sexual desire, low commitment, lack of love, and neglect. These findings highlight multifaceted motivations underlying infidelity, moving beyond relationship deficit models of infidelity, with implications for research and psychotherapy involving people's romantic and sexual relationships.

Demonstration of vessels in CNS and other organs by AMG silver enhancement of colloidal gold particles dispersed in gelatine.

PubMed

Danscher, G; Andreasen, A

1997-12-01

We present a new autometallographic technique for demonstrating vessels and other small cavities at light microscopy (LM) and electron microscopy (EM) levels. It is possible to obtain detailed knowledge of the 3-D appearance of the vascular system by exchanging blood with a 40 degrees C, 8% gelatine solution containing colloidal gold particles (gold gelatine solution, GGS) and ensuing silver enhancement of the gold particles by autometallography (AMG). The GGS-AMG technique demonstrates the vascular system as a dark web that can be studied in cryostat, vibratome, methacrylate, paraffin and Epon sections at all magnifications. The infused GGS becomes increasingly viscous and finally becomes rigid when the temperature falls below 20 degrees C. An additional advantage of this technique is the fact that none of the tested counterstains or immunotechniques interfere with this AMG approach. The GGS-AMG technique is demonstrated on rat brains but can be applied to any organ. We believe that the present technique is valuable for both experimental studies and routine pathology.

Forensic Fiber Examination and Analysis.

PubMed

Hauck, M M

2005-01-01

Fiber evidence suffers from the same misperception as many other types of trace evidence, that it is weak in its significance. Despite this pejorative perception, textiles make excellent evidence because of their presence in our daily lives and the variations they demonstrate. Fibers from the textiles in our and others' environments transfer from surface to surface and variously persist. Textile fibers are produced with specific raw materials, production methods, and postproduction alterations that create this variety. The distribution and use of the fibers add to their distinctive significance. The number of methods used in analysis helps to define and identify the fibers. Millions of color shades are possible in textiles and yet color analysis is not a universal technique in forensic laboratories. Transfer study after transfer study demonstrates the rarity of finding unrelated fibers at random that exhibit the same microscopic characteristics and optical properties. Examples from casework also demonstrate the usefulness of forensic textile fiber analysis in demonstrating probative associations in criminal investigations. Additional work needs to be done to fortify and support these conclusions and provide the verification necessary to remove the taint of "could have". Copyright © 2005 Central Police University.

One-step volumetric additive manufacturing of complex polymer structures

DOE PAGES

Shusteff, Maxim; Browar, Allison E. M.; Kelly, Brett E.; ...

2017-12-01

Two limitations of additive manufacturing methods that arise from layer-based fabrication are slow speed and geometric constraints (which include poor surface quality). Both limitations are overcome in the work reported here, introducing a new volumetric additive fabrication paradigm that produces photopolymer structures with complex non-periodic 3D geometries on a timescale of seconds. We implement this approach using holographic patterning of light fields, demonstrate the fabrication of a variety of structures, and study the properties of the light patterns and photosensitive resins required for this fabrication approach. The results indicate that lowabsorbing resins containing ~0.1% photoinitiator, illuminated at modest powers (~10-100more » mW) may be successfully used to build full structures in ~1-10 s.« less

One-step volumetric additive manufacturing of complex polymer structures

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

Shusteff, Maxim; Browar, Allison E. M.; Kelly, Brett E.

Two limitations of additive manufacturing methods that arise from layer-based fabrication are slow speed and geometric constraints (which include poor surface quality). Both limitations are overcome in the work reported here, introducing a new volumetric additive fabrication paradigm that produces photopolymer structures with complex non-periodic 3D geometries on a timescale of seconds. We implement this approach using holographic patterning of light fields, demonstrate the fabrication of a variety of structures, and study the properties of the light patterns and photosensitive resins required for this fabrication approach. The results indicate that lowabsorbing resins containing ~0.1% photoinitiator, illuminated at modest powers (~10-100more » mW) may be successfully used to build full structures in ~1-10 s.« less

One-step volumetric additive manufacturing of complex polymer structures

PubMed Central

Shusteff, Maxim; Browar, Allison E. M.; Kelly, Brett E.; Henriksson, Johannes; Weisgraber, Todd H.; Panas, Robert M.; Fang, Nicholas X.; Spadaccini, Christopher M.

2017-01-01

Two limitations of additive manufacturing methods that arise from layer-based fabrication are slow speed and geometric constraints (which include poor surface quality). Both limitations are overcome in the work reported here, introducing a new volumetric additive fabrication paradigm that produces photopolymer structures with complex nonperiodic three-dimensional geometries on a time scale of seconds. We implement this approach using holographic patterning of light fields, demonstrate the fabrication of a variety of structures, and study the properties of the light patterns and photosensitive resins required for this fabrication approach. The results indicate that low-absorbing resins containing ~0.1% photoinitiator, illuminated at modest powers (~10 to 100 mW), may be successfully used to build full structures in ~1 to 10 s. PMID:29230437

One-step volumetric additive manufacturing of complex polymer structures.

PubMed

Shusteff, Maxim; Browar, Allison E M; Kelly, Brett E; Henriksson, Johannes; Weisgraber, Todd H; Panas, Robert M; Fang, Nicholas X; Spadaccini, Christopher M

2017-12-01

Two limitations of additive manufacturing methods that arise from layer-based fabrication are slow speed and geometric constraints (which include poor surface quality). Both limitations are overcome in the work reported here, introducing a new volumetric additive fabrication paradigm that produces photopolymer structures with complex nonperiodic three-dimensional geometries on a time scale of seconds. We implement this approach using holographic patterning of light fields, demonstrate the fabrication of a variety of structures, and study the properties of the light patterns and photosensitive resins required for this fabrication approach. The results indicate that low-absorbing resins containing ~0.1% photoinitiator, illuminated at modest powers (~10 to 100 mW), may be successfully used to build full structures in ~1 to 10 s.

The Toxic Effects of Cigarette Additives. Philip Morris' Project Mix Reconsidered: An Analysis of Documents Released through Litigation

PubMed Central

Wertz, Marcia S.; Kyriss, Thomas; Paranjape, Suman; Glantz, Stanton A.

2011-01-01

Background In 2009, the promulgation of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tobacco regulation focused attention on cigarette flavor additives. The tobacco industry had prepared for this eventuality by initiating a research program focusing on additive toxicity. The objective of this study was to analyze Philip Morris' Project MIX as a case study of tobacco industry scientific research being positioned strategically to prevent anticipated tobacco control regulations. Methods and Findings We analyzed previously secret tobacco industry documents to identify internal strategies for research on cigarette additives and reanalyzed tobacco industry peer-reviewed published results of this research. We focused on the key group of studies conducted by Phillip Morris in a coordinated effort known as “Project MIX.” Documents showed that Project MIX subsumed the study of various combinations of 333 cigarette additives. In addition to multiple internal reports, this work also led to four peer-reviewed publications (published in 2001). These papers concluded that there was no evidence of substantial toxicity attributable to the cigarette additives studied. Internal documents revealed post hoc changes in analytical protocols after initial statistical findings indicated an additive-associated increase in cigarette toxicity as well as increased total particulate matter (TPM) concentrations in additive-modified cigarette smoke. By expressing the data adjusted by TPM concentration, the published papers obscured this underlying toxicity and particulate increase. The animal toxicology results were based on a small number of rats in each experiment, raising the possibility that the failure to detect statistically significant changes in the end points was due to underpowering the experiments rather than lack of a real effect. Conclusion The case study of Project MIX shows tobacco industry scientific research on the use of cigarette additives cannot be taken at face value. The results demonstrate that toxins in cigarette smoke increase substantially when additives are put in cigarettes, including the level of TPM. In particular, regulatory authorities, including the FDA and similar agencies elsewhere, could use the Project MIX data to eliminate the use of these 333 additives (including menthol) from cigarettes. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary PMID:22205885

Averufanin is an aflatoxin B1 precursor between averantin and averufin in the biosynthetic pathway.

PubMed Central

McCormick, S P; Bhatnagar, D; Lee, L S

1987-01-01

Wild-type Aspergillus parasiticus produces, in addition to the colorless aflatoxins, a number of pigmented secondary metabolites. Examination of these pigments demonstrated that a major component was an anthraquinone, averufanin. Radiolabeling studies with [14C]averufanin showed that 23% of the label was incorporated into aflatoxin B1 by the wild type and that 31% of the label was incorporated into O-methylsterigmatocystin by a non-aflatoxin-producing isolate. In similar studies with blocked mutants of A. parasiticus the 14C label from averufanin was accumulated in averufin (72%) and versicolorin A (54%) but not averantin. The results demonstrate that averufanin is a biosynthetic precursor of aflatoxin B1 between averantin and averufin. PMID:3103529

Isthmin inhibits glioma growth through antiangiogenesis in vivo.

PubMed

Yuan, Bangqing; Xian, Ronghua; Ma, Jianfang; Chen, Yujian; Lin, Chuangan; Song, Yaoming

2012-09-01

Among glioma treatment strategies, antiangiogenesis emerges as a meaningful and feasible treatment approach for inducing long-term survival. Isthmin is a gene highly expressed in the isthmus of the midbrain-hindbrain organizer in Xenopus, and has recently been identified as a novel angiogenesis inhibitor. However, the potential of isthmin on the glioma angiogenesis has not been well studied. In the present study, we demonstrated that the recombinant adenovirus isthmin (Ad-isthmin) could inhibit VEGF-stimulated endothelial cell proliferation and induce apoptosis through a caspase-dependent pathway. In addition, Ad-isthmin significantly suppressed glioma growth through antiangiogenesis without apparent side effects. Taken together, our results demonstrated that isthmin could act as a novel angiogenesis inhibitor and might be utilized in the glioma antiangiogenesis therapy.

Vitamin D: Implications for Ocular Disease and Therapeutic Potential

PubMed Central

Reins, Rose Y.; McDermott, Alison M.

2015-01-01

Vitamin D is a multifunctional hormone that is now known to play a significant role in a variety of biological functions in addition to its traditional role in regulating calcium homeostasis. There are a large number of studies demonstrating that adequate vitamin D levels are important in maintaining health and show that vitamin D is able to be utilized at local tissue sites. In the eye, we have increasing evidence of the association between disease and vitamin D. In this narrative review, we summarize recent findings on vitamin D and its relationship to various ocular pathologies and the therapeutic potential for some of these, as well as examine the basic science studies that demonstrate that vitamin D is biologically relevant in the eye. PMID:25724179

The effect of exercise on skeletal muscle fibre type distribution in obesity: From cellular levels to clinical application.

PubMed

Pattanakuhar, Sintip; Pongchaidecha, Anchalee; Chattipakorn, Nipon; Chattipakorn, Siriporn C

Skeletal muscles play important roles in metabolism, energy expenditure, physical strength, and locomotive activity. Skeletal muscle fibre types in the body are heterogeneous. They can be classified as oxidative types and glycolytic types with oxidative-type are fatigue-resistant and use oxidative metabolism, while fibres with glycolytic-type are fatigue-sensitive and prefer glycolytic metabolism. Several studies demonstrated that an obese condition with abnormal metabolic parameters has been negatively correlated with the distribution of oxidative-type skeletal muscle fibres, but positively associated with that of glycolytic-type muscle fibres. However, some studies demonstrated otherwise. In addition, several studies demonstrated that an exercise training programme caused the redistribution of oxidative-type skeletal muscle fibres in obesity. In contrast, some studies showed inconsistent findings. Therefore, the present review comprehensively summarizes and discusses those consistent and inconsistent findings from clinical studies, regarding the association among the distribution of skeletal muscle fibre types, obese condition, and exercise training programmes. Furthermore, the possible underlying mechanisms and clinical application of the alterations in muscle fibre type following obesity are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2016 Asia Oceania Association for the Study of Obesity. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stress predicts brain changes in children: a pilot longitudinal study on youth stress, posttraumatic stress disorder, and the hippocampus.

PubMed

Carrion, Victor G; Weems, Carl F; Reiss, Allan L

2007-03-01

Does stress damage the brain? Studies of adults with posttraumatic stress disorder have demonstrated smaller hippocampal volumes when compared with the volumes of adults with no posttraumatic stress disorder. Studies of children with posttraumatic stress disorder have not replicated the smaller hippocampal findings in adults, which suggests that smaller hippocampal volume may be caused by neurodevelopmental experiences with stress. Animal research has demonstrated that the glucocorticoids secreted during stress can be neurotoxic to the hippocampus, but this has not been empirically demonstrated in human samples. We hypothesized that cortisol volumes would predict hippocampal volume reduction in patients with posttraumatic symptoms. We report data from a pilot longitudinal study of children (n = 15) with history of maltreatment who underwent clinical evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder, cortisol, and neuroimaging. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and cortisol at baseline predicted hippocampal reduction over an ensuing 12- to 18-month interval. Results from this pilot study suggest that stress is associated with hippocampal reduction in children with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and provide preliminary human evidence that stress may indeed damage the hippocampus. Additional studies seem to be warranted.

Understanding the role of injury/illness sensitivity and anxiety sensitivity in (automatic) pain processing: an examination using the extrinsic affective simon task.

PubMed

Vancleef, Linda M G; Peters, Madelon L; Gilissen, Susan M P; De Jong, Peter J

2007-07-01

Three fundamental fears are assumed to underlie psychopathology: Anxiety Sensitivity (AS), Injury/illness sensitivity (IS), and Fear of Negative Evaluation (FNE). Both AS and IS may form risk factors for the development and exacerbation of chronic pain. The current research examines the relation between these fears and automatic threat appraisal for pain-related stimuli. Study 1 (n=48) additionally examined content-specific associations of AS and FNE with the automatic threat appraisal of, respectively, panic and social evaluative cues. Study 2 (n=60) additionally focused on the association of IS and AS with the engagement in health protecting behavior, and the use of health care services. Both studies found evidence for an automatic threat appraisal of aversive stimuli. Study 2 demonstrated a positive association between the automatic threat appraisal for pain-related stimuli and individuals' IS levels. IS was found to be the single best predictor of the tendency to engage in health protecting behavior, whereas AS was the single best predictor of the reported use of health care services. This study contributes to the field of knowledge on putative risk factors for chronic pain. Results demonstrate an automatic threat appraisal toward pain-related stimuli that is related to vulnerability traits for pain. This automatic threat appraisal might initiate relatively spontaneous (nonstrategic) pain-maintaining behavioral responses.

A phase 1/2 study of chemosensitization with the CXCR4 antagonist plerixafor in relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia

PubMed Central

Uy, Geoffrey L.; Rettig, Michael P.; Motabi, Ibraheem H.; McFarland, Kyle; Trinkaus, Kathryn M.; Hladnik, Lindsay M.; Kulkarni, Shashikant; Abboud, Camille N.; Cashen, Amanda F.; Stockerl-Goldstein, Keith E.; Vij, Ravi; Westervelt, Peter

2012-01-01

The interaction of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts with the leukemic microenvironment is postulated to be an important mediator of resistance to chemotherapy and disease relapse. We hypothesized that inhibition of the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis by the small molecule inhibitor, plerixafor, would disrupt the interaction of leukemic blasts with the environment and increase the sensitivity of AML blasts to chemotherapy. In this phase 1/2 study, 52 patients with relapsed or refractory AML were treated with plerixafor in combination with mitoxantrone, etoposide, and cytarabine. In phase 1, plerixafor was escalated to a maximum of 0.24 mg/kg/d without any dose-limiting toxicities. In phase 2, 46 patients were treated with plerixafor 0.24 mg/kg/d in combination with chemotherapy with an overall complete remission and complete remission with incomplete blood count recovery rate (CR + CRi) of 46%. Correlative studies demonstrated a 2-fold mobilization in leukemic blasts into the peripheral circulation. No evidence of symptomatic hyperleukocytosis or delayed count recovery was observed with the addition of plerixafor. We conclude that the addition of plerixafor to cytotoxic chemotherapy is feasible in AML, and results in encouraging rates of remission with correlative studies demonstrating in vivo evidence of disruption of the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis. This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov, no. NCT00512252. PMID:22308295

The improved z-scan technique: potentialities of the additional right-angle scattering channel and the input polarization control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volchkov, S. S.; Yuvchenko, S. A.; Zimnyakov, D. A.

2018-04-01

The theoretical possibility of retrieving the additional information on the dielectric properties of the nanoparticles material by single scattering in suspensions was studied. We have demonstrated a method of recreating the dielectric function of the material in the fundamental absorption band using the closed aperture z-scanning with the simultaneous Rayleigh scattering intensity measurements and the polarization control of an input laser beam. A possibility to recreate the form factor of the non-spherical particles or anisotropic nonlinear sensitivity for the sphere-like particles was also observed.

A Bifunctional Dimethylsulfoxide Substitute Enhances the Aqueous Solubility of Small Organic Molecules

PubMed Central

Sprachman, Melissa M.

2012-01-01

Abstract An oxetane-substituted sulfoxide has demonstrated potential as a dimethylsulfoxide substitute for enhancing the dissolution of organic compounds with poor aqueous solubilities. This sulfoxide may find utility in applications of library storage and biological assays. For the model compounds studied, significant solubility enhancements were observed using the sulfoxide as a cosolvent in aqueous media. Brine shrimp, breast cancer (MDA-MB-231), and liver cell line (HepG2) toxicity data for the new additive are also presented, in addition to comparative IC50 values for a series of PKD1 inhibitors. PMID:22192308

Payload design requirements analysis (study 2.2). Volume 3. Guideline analysis. [economic analysis of payloads for space shuttles and space tugs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shiokari, T.

1973-01-01

Payloads to be launched on the space shuttle/space tug/sortie lab combinations are discussed. The payloads are of four types: (1) expendable, (2) ground refurbishable, (3) on-orbit maintainable, and (4) sortie. Economic comparisons are limited to the four types of payloads described. Additional system guidelines were developed by analyzing two payloads parameterically and demonstrating the results on an example satellite. In addition to analyzing the selected guidelines, emphasis was placed on providing economic tradeoff data and identifying payload parameters influencing the low cost approaches.

Analytical, Characterization, and Stability Studies of Organic Chemical, Drugs, and Drug Formulation

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-21

stability studies was maintained over the entire contract period to ensure the continued integrity of the drug in its clinical use . Because our...facile automation. We demonstrated the method in principle, but were unable to remove the residual t-butanol to ɘ.5%. With additional research using ...to its use of ethylene oxide for sterilization, which is done in small batches. The generally recognized method of choice to produce a parenteral

Cost-efficacy in interventional cardiology; results from the EPISTENT study. Evaluation of Platelet IIb/IIIa Inhibitor For Stenting Trial.

PubMed

Zwart-van Rijkom, J E; van Hout, B A

2001-08-01

The EPISTENT study has demonstrated that the combined use of abciximab and stenting as an adjunct to PTCA leads to increased event-free survival compared to either using abciximab or stenting alone. However, this combined strategy may be costly and the additional costs have to be weighted against the additional effects. The 6-months efficacy data from the EPISTENT study are combined with Dutch estimates of unit costs. Adding a stent to a procedure with abciximab further decreases the number of revascularizations at an extra cost of Euros 12,000 (95% upper limit (u.l.) Euros 31,000) per additional major adverse cardiac event-free survivor. Adding abciximab to a stenting procedure decreases the incidence of myocardial infarctions at an extra cost of Euros 13,000 (95% u.l. Euros 27,000) per additional myocardial infarction-free survivor. In the subgroup of diabetics, adding abciximab improves revascularization rates as well, resulting in a cost-efficacy rate of Euros 2000 (95% u.l. Euros 25,000) per additional MACE-free survivor, with uncertainty regions indicating potential costs savings. The combination of stenting and abciximab costs about Euros 13,000 to avoid one event after PTCA. In diabetic patients the strategy may be cost-saving. Copyright 2001 The European Society of Cardiology.

Survival analysis in telemetry studies: The staggered entry design

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pollock, K.H.; Winterstein, S.R.; Bunck, C.M.; Curtis, P.D.

1989-01-01

A simple description of the Kaplan-Meier procedure is presented with an example using northern bobwhite quail survival data. The Kaplan- Meier procedure was then generalized to allow gradual (or staggered) entry of animals into the study, allowing animals being lost (or censored) due to radio failure, radio loss, or emigration of the animal from the study area. Additionally, the applicability and generalization of the log rank test, a test to compare two survival distributions, was demonstrated. Computer program was developed and is available from authors.

Iron-Isotopic Fractionation Studies Using Multiple Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anbar, A. D.; Zhang, C.; Barling, J.; Roe, J. E.; Nealson, K. H.

1999-01-01

The importance of Fe biogeochemistry has stimulated interest in Fe isotope fractionation. Recent studies using thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) and a "double spike" demonstrate the existence of biogenic Fe isotope effects. Here, we assess the utility of multiple-collector inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry(MC-ICP-MS) with a desolvating sample introduction system for Fe isotope studies, and present data on Fe biominerals produced by a thermophilic bacterium. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Longitudinal changes in health-related quality of life for chronic diseases: an example in hemophilia A.

PubMed

Poon, Jiat-Ling; Doctor, Jason N; Nichol, Michael B

2014-08-01

Patients with well-managed rare chronic diseases such as hemophilia maintain a stable health state and health-related quality of life (HrQoL) that may be affected by acute events. Longitudinal HrQoL assessments analyzed using multivariate multilevel (MVML) modelling can determine the impact of such events on individuals (within-person effect) and identify factors influencing within-population differences (between-person effect). To demonstrate the application of MVML modelling in a longitudinal study of HrQoL in hemophilia A. Using data on 136 adults and 125 children from a two-year observational cohort study of burden of illness in US hemophilia A patients, MVML modelling determined the effect of time-invariant (sociodemographic and clinical characteristics) and time-varying factors (bleeding frequency, emergency room visits, and missed work/school days) on within-person and between-person HrQoL changes. HrQoL was assessed using the SF-12 health survey (adults) and PedsQL inventory (children) at baseline, then every 6 months. In children, within-person (p < 0.0001) and between-person (p < 0.0001) psychosocial functioning was reduced by each additional bleed and missed day (within-person: p = 0.0089; between-person: p = 0.0060). Within-person physical functioning was reduced by each additional bleed (p < 0.0001), emergency room (ER) visit (p = 0.0284), and missed day (p = 0.0473). Between-persons, additional missed days (p < 0.0001) significantly decreased physical functioning. In adults, each additional missed day reduced SF-12 Health Survey mental (p = 0.0025) and physical (p = 0.0093) component summary scores. Each additional bleed also decreased physical component summary (PCS) significantly (p = 0.0093). This study demonstrated the applicability of MVML modelling in identifying time-invariant and time-varying factors influencing HrQoL in a rare chronic disease population. Small but significant within-person and between-person changes in HrQoL with each additional acute event experienced were identified, which if frequent, could have a large cumulative impact. The results suggest that MVML modelling may be applied to future studies of longitudinal change in HrQoL in other rare chronic disease populations.

Episodic Memory in Former Professional Football Players with a History of Concussion: An Event-Related Functional Neuroimaging Study

PubMed Central

Giovanello, Kelly S.; Guskiewicz, Kevin M.

2013-01-01

Abstract Previous research has demonstrated that sport-related concussions can have short-term effects on cognitive processes, but the long-term consequences are less understood and warrant more research. This study was the first to use event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine long-term differences in neural activity during memory tasks in former athletes who have sustained multiple sport-related concussions. In an event-related fMRI study, former football players reporting multiple sport-related concussions (i.e., three or more) were compared with players who reported fewer than three concussions during a memory paradigm examining item memory (i.e., memory for the particular elements of an event) and relational memory (i.e., memory for the relationships between elements). Behaviorally, we observed that concussion history did not significantly affect behavioral performance, because persons in the low and high concussion groups had equivalent performance on both memory tasks, and in addition, that concussion history was not associated with any behavioral memory measures. Despite demonstrating equivalent behavioral performance, the two groups of former players demonstrated different neural recruitment patterns during relational memory retrieval, suggesting that multiple concussions may be associated with functional inefficiencies in the relational memory network. In addition, the number of previous concussions significantly correlated with functional activity in a number of brain regions, including the medial temporal lobe and inferior parietal lobe. Our results provide important insights in understanding the long-term functional consequences of sustaining multiple sports-related concussions. PMID:23679098

Coating of VEGF-releasing scaffolds with bioactive glass for angiogenesis and bone regeneration.

PubMed

Leach, J Kent; Kaigler, Darnell; Wang, Zhuo; Krebsbach, Paul H; Mooney, David J

2006-06-01

Bioactive glasses are potentially useful as bone defect fillers, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has demonstrated benefit in bone regeneration as well. We hypothesized that the specific combination of prolonged localized VEGF presentation from a matrix coated with a bioactive glass may enhance bone regeneration. To test this hypothesis, the capacity of VEGF-releasing polymeric scaffolds with a bioactive glass coating was examined in vitro and in vivo using a rat critical-sized defect model. In the presence of a bioactive glass coating, we did not detect pronounced differences in the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. However, we observed significantly enhanced mitogenic stimulation of endothelial cells in the presence of the bioactive glass coating, with an additive effect with VEGF release. This trend was maintained in vivo, where coated VEGF-releasing scaffolds demonstrated significant improvements in blood vessel density at 2 weeks versus coated control scaffolds. At 12 weeks, bone mineral density was significantly increased in coated VEGF-releasing scaffolds versus coated controls, while only a slight increase in bone volume fraction was observed. The results of this study suggest that a bioactive glass coating on a polymeric substrate participates in bone healing through indirect processes which enhance angiogenesis and bone maturation and not directly on osteoprogenitor differentiation and bone formation. The mass of bioactive glass used in this study provides a comparable and potentially additive, response to localized VEGF delivery over early time points. These studies demonstrate a materials approach to achieve an angiogenic response formerly limited to the delivery of inductive growth factors.

Contact area affects frequency-dependent responses to vibration in the peripheral vascular and sensorineural systems.

PubMed

Krajnak, Kristine; Miller, G R; Waugh, Stacey

2018-01-01

Repetitive exposure to hand-transmitted vibration is associated with development of peripheral vascular and sensorineural dysfunctions. These disorders and symptoms associated with it are referred to as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Although the symptoms of the disorder have been well characterized, the etiology and contribution of various exposure factors to development of the dysfunctions are not well understood. Previous studies performed using a rat-tail model of vibration demonstrated that vascular and peripheral nervous system adverse effects of vibration are frequency-dependent, with vibration frequencies at or near the resonant frequency producing the most severe injury. However, in these investigations, the amplitude of the exposed tissue was greater than amplitude typically noted in human fingers. To determine how contact with vibrating source and amplitude of the biodynamic response of the tissue affects the risk of injury occurring, this study compared the influence of frequency using different levels of restraint to assess how maintaining contact of the tail with vibrating source affects the transmission of vibration. Data demonstrated that for the most part, increasing the contact of the tail with the platform by restraining it with additional straps resulted in an enhancement in transmission of vibration signal and elevation in factors associated with vascular and peripheral nerve injury. In addition, there were also frequency-dependent effects, with exposure at 250 Hz generating greater effects than vibration at 62.5 Hz. These observations are consistent with studies in humans demonstrating that greater contact and exposure to frequencies near the resonant frequency pose the highest risk for generating peripheral vascular and sensorineural dysfunction.

Hepatic drug clearance following traumatic injury.

PubMed

Slaughter, R L; Hassett, J M

1985-11-01

Trauma is a complex disease state associated with physiologic changes that have the potential to alter hepatic drug clearance mechanisms. These responses include alterations in hepatic blood flow, reduction in hepatic microsomal activity, reduction in hepatic excretion processes, and changes in protein binding. Hepatic blood flow is influenced by sympathomimetic activity. Both animal and human studies demonstrate an initial reduction and subsequent increase in hepatic blood flow, which coincides with an observed increase and subsequent return to normal in serum catecholamine concentrations. Unfortunately, there are no human studies that address the importance these findings may have to the clearance processes of high intrinsic clearance compounds. Animal studies of trauma indicate that hepatic microsomal activity is depressed during the post-traumatic period. Reduction in the hepatic clearance of antipyrine, a model low intrinsic compound, has also been demonstrated in animal models of trauma. In addition to these effects, hepatic excretion of substances such as indocyanine green and bilirubin have been demonstrated to be impaired in both traumatized animals and humans. Finally, substantial increases in the serum concentration of the binding protein alpha 1-acid glycoprotein occur in trauma patients. This has been reported to be associated with subsequent decreases in the free fraction of lidocaine and quinidine. In addition to changing serum drug concentration/response relationships, the pharmacokinetic behavior of drugs bound to alpha 1-acid glycoprotein should also change. Preliminary observations in our laboratory in a dog model of surgically-induced trauma have shown a reduction in the total clearance of lidocaine and reduction in free lidocaine concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Three-dimensional hard and soft tissue imaging of the human cochlea by scanning laser optical tomography (SLOT)

PubMed Central

Mohebbi, Saleh; Andrade, José; Nolte, Lena; Meyer, Heiko; Heisterkamp, Alexander; Majdani, Omid

2017-01-01

The present study focuses on the application of scanning laser optical tomography (SLOT) for visualization of anatomical structures inside the human cochlea ex vivo. SLOT is a laser-based highly efficient microscopy technique which allows for tomographic imaging of the internal structure of transparent specimens. Thus, in the field of otology this technique is best convenient for an ex vivo study of the inner ear anatomy. For this purpose, the preparation before imaging comprises decalcification, dehydration as well as optical clearing of the cochlea samples in toto. Here, we demonstrate results of SLOT imaging visualizing hard and soft tissue structures with an optical resolution of down to 15 μm using extinction and autofluorescence as contrast mechanisms. Furthermore, the internal structure can be analyzed nondestructively and quantitatively in detail by sectioning of the three-dimensional datasets. The method of X-ray Micro Computed Tomography (μCT) has been previously applied to explanted cochlea and is solely based on absorption contrast. An advantage of SLOT is that it uses visible light for image formation and thus provides a variety of contrast mechanisms known from other light microscopy techniques, such as fluorescence or scattering. We show that SLOT data is consistent with μCT anatomical data and provides additional information by using fluorescence. We demonstrate that SLOT is applicable for cochlea with metallic cochlear implants (CI) that would lead to significant artifacts in μCT imaging. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates the capability of SLOT for resolution visualization of cleared human cochleae ex vivo using multiple contrast mechanisms and lays the foundation for a broad variety of additional studies. PMID:28873437

Antitoxin Treatment of Inhalation Anthrax: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Huang, Eileen; Pillai, Satish K.; Bower, William A.; Hendricks, Katherine A.; Guarnizo, Julie T.; Hoyle, Jamechia D.; Gorman, Susan E.; Boyer, Anne E.; Quinn, Conrad P.; Meaney-Delman, Dana

2016-01-01

Concern about use of anthrax as a bioweapon prompted development of novel anthrax antitoxins for treatment. Clinical guidelines for the treatment of anthrax recommend antitoxin therapy in combination with intravenous antimicrobials; however, a large-scale or mass anthrax incident may exceed antitoxin availability and create a need for judicious antitoxin use. We conducted a systematic review of antitoxin treatment of inhalation anthrax in humans and experimental animals to inform antitoxin recommendations during a large-scale or mass anthrax incident. A comprehensive search of 11 databases and the FDA website was conducted to identify relevant animal studies and human reports: 28 animal studies and 3 human cases were identified. Antitoxin monotherapy at or shortly after symptom onset demonstrates increased survival compared to no treatment in animals. With early treatment, survival did not differ between antimicrobial monotherapy and antimicrobial-antitoxin therapy in nonhuman primates and rabbits. With delayed treatment, antitoxin-antimicrobial treatment increased rabbit survival. Among human cases, addition of antitoxin to combination antimicrobial treatment was associated with survival in 2 of the 3 cases treated. Despite the paucity of human data, limited animal data suggest that adjunctive antitoxin therapy may improve survival. Delayed treatment studies suggest improved survival with combined antitoxin-antimicrobial therapy, although a survival difference compared with antimicrobial therapy alone was not demonstrated statistically. In a mass anthrax incident with limited antitoxin supplies, antitoxin treatment of individuals who have not demonstrated a clinical benefit from antimicrobials, or those who present with more severe illness, may be warranted. Additional pathophysiology studies are needed, and a point-of-care assay correlating toxin levels with clinical status may provide important information to guide antitoxin use during a large-scale anthrax incident. PMID:26690378

Antitoxin Treatment of Inhalation Anthrax: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Huang, Eileen; Pillai, Satish K; Bower, William A; Hendricks, Katherine A; Guarnizo, Julie T; Hoyle, Jamechia D; Gorman, Susan E; Boyer, Anne E; Quinn, Conrad P; Meaney-Delman, Dana

2015-01-01

Concern about use of anthrax as a bioweapon prompted development of novel anthrax antitoxins for treatment. Clinical guidelines for the treatment of anthrax recommend antitoxin therapy in combination with intravenous antimicrobials; however, a large-scale or mass anthrax incident may exceed antitoxin availability and create a need for judicious antitoxin use. We conducted a systematic review of antitoxin treatment of inhalation anthrax in humans and experimental animals to inform antitoxin recommendations during a large-scale or mass anthrax incident. A comprehensive search of 11 databases and the FDA website was conducted to identify relevant animal studies and human reports: 28 animal studies and 3 human cases were identified. Antitoxin monotherapy at or shortly after symptom onset demonstrates increased survival compared to no treatment in animals. With early treatment, survival did not differ between antimicrobial monotherapy and antimicrobial-antitoxin therapy in nonhuman primates and rabbits. With delayed treatment, antitoxin-antimicrobial treatment increased rabbit survival. Among human cases, addition of antitoxin to combination antimicrobial treatment was associated with survival in 2 of the 3 cases treated. Despite the paucity of human data, limited animal data suggest that adjunctive antitoxin therapy may improve survival. Delayed treatment studies suggest improved survival with combined antitoxin-antimicrobial therapy, although a survival difference compared with antimicrobial therapy alone was not demonstrated statistically. In a mass anthrax incident with limited antitoxin supplies, antitoxin treatment of individuals who have not demonstrated a clinical benefit from antimicrobials, or those who present with more severe illness, may be warranted. Additional pathophysiology studies are needed, and a point-of-care assay correlating toxin levels with clinical status may provide important information to guide antitoxin use during a large-scale anthrax incident.

Bioremediation of petroleum-contaminated soil using aged refuse from landfills.

PubMed

Liu, Qingmei; Li, Qibin; Wang, Ning; Liu, Dan; Zan, Li; Chang, Le; Gou, Xuemei; Wang, Peijin

2018-05-10

This study explored the effects and mechanisms of petroleum-contaminated soil bioremediation using aged refuse (AR) from landfills. Three treatments of petroleum-contaminated soil (47.28 mg·g -1 ) amended with AR, sterilized aged refuse (SAR) and petroleum-contaminated soil only (as a control) were tested. During 98 days of incubation, changes in soil physicochemical properties, residual total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), biodegradation kinetics, enzyme activities and the microbial community were investigated. The results demonstrated that AR was an effective soil conditioner and biostimulation agent that could comprehensively improve the quality of petroleum-contaminated soil and promote microbial growth, with an 74.64% TPH removal rate, 22.36 day half-life for SAR treatment, compared with the control (half-life: 138.63 days; TPH removal rate: 22.40%). In addition, the petroleum-degrading bacteria isolation results demonstrated that AR was also a petroleum-degrading microbial agent containing abundant microorganisms. AR addition significantly improved both the biotic and abiotic conditions of petroleum-contaminated soil without other additives. The cooperation of conditioner addition, biostimulation and bioaugmentation in AR treatment led to better bioremediation effects (half-life: 13.86 days; TPH removal rate: 89.83%). In conclusion, AR amendment is a cost-effective, easy-to-use method facilitating in situ large-scale application while simultaneously recycling huge amounts of AR from landfills. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Epoxy Matrices Modified by Green Additives for Recyclable Materials.

PubMed

Henriksen, Martin L; Ravnsbaek, Jens B; Bjerring, Morten; Vosegaard, Thomas; Daasbjerg, Kim; Hinge, Mogens

2017-07-21

Epoxy-based thermosets are one of the most popular matrix materials in many industries, and significant environmental benefits can be obtained by developing a recyclable variant of this widely utilized material. Incorporation of a bio-based disulfide additive within a commercial epoxy system leads to a cross-linked material that can be fractionated under mild and environmentally benign conditions. The material has been analyzed by FTIR and solid-state NMR. Furthermore, modified epoxy matrices with low additive concentrations are demonstrated to have similar mechanical and thermal properties compared to commercially available benchmarks. Thus, additive formulation and fractionation based on green chemistry principles have been demonstrated, and a recyclable epoxy matrix has been developed. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The Effects of the Location of Au Additives on Combustion-generated SnO2 Nanopowders for CO Gas Sensing

PubMed Central

Bakrania, Smitesh D.; Wooldridge, Margaret S.

2010-01-01

The current work presents the results of an experimental study of the effects of the location of gold additives on the performance of combustion-generated tin dioxide (SnO2) nanopowders in solid state gas sensors. The time response and sensor response to 500 ppm carbon monoxide is reported for a range of gold additive/SnO2 film architectures including the use of colloidal, sputtered, and combustion-generated Au additives. The opportunities afforded by combustion synthesis to affect the SnO2/additive morphology are demonstrated. The best sensor performance in terms of sensor response (S) and time response (τ) was observed when the Au additives were restricted to the outermost layer of the gas-sensing film. Further improvement was observed in the sensor response and time response when the Au additives were dispersed throughout the outermost layer of the film, where S = 11.3 and τ = 51 s, as opposed to Au localized at the surface, where S = 6.1 and τ = 60 s. PMID:22163586

Particle damage sources for fused silica optics and their mitigation on high energy laser systems.

PubMed

Bude, J; Carr, C W; Miller, P E; Parham, T; Whitman, P; Monticelli, M; Raman, R; Cross, D; Welday, B; Ravizza, F; Suratwala, T; Davis, J; Fischer, M; Hawley, R; Lee, H; Matthews, M; Norton, M; Nostrand, M; VanBlarcom, D; Sommer, S

2017-05-15

High energy laser systems are ultimately limited by laser-induced damage to their critical components. This is especially true of damage to critical fused silica optics, which grows rapidly upon exposure to additional laser pulses. Much progress has been made in eliminating damage precursors in as-processed fused silica optics (the advanced mitigation process, AMP3), and very high damage resistance has been demonstrated in laboratory studies. However, the full potential of these improvements has not yet been realized in actual laser systems. In this work, we explore the importance of additional damage sources-in particular, particle contamination-for fused silica optics fielded in a high-performance laser environment, the National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser system. We demonstrate that the most dangerous sources of particle contamination in a system-level environment are laser-driven particle sources. In the specific case of the NIF laser, we have identified the two important particle sources which account for nearly all the damage observed on AMP3 optics during full laser operation and present mitigations for these particle sources. Finally, with the elimination of these laser-driven particle sources, we demonstrate essentially damage free operation of AMP3 fused silica for ten large optics (a total of 12,000 cm 2 of beam area) for shots from 8.6 J/cm 2 to 9.5 J/cm 2 of 351 nm light (3 ns Gaussian pulse shapes). Potentially many other pulsed high energy laser systems have similar particle sources, and given the insight provided by this study, their identification and elimination should be possible. The mitigations demonstrated here are currently being employed for all large UV silica optics on the National Ignition Facility.

Is selective attention the basis for selective imitation in infants? An eye-tracking study of deferred imitation with 12-month-olds.

PubMed

Kolling, Thorsten; Oturai, Gabriella; Knopf, Monika

2014-08-01

Infants and children do not blindly copy every action they observe during imitation tasks. Research demonstrated that infants are efficient selective imitators. The impact of selective perceptual processes (selective attention) for selective deferred imitation, however, is still poorly described. The current study, therefore, analyzed 12-month-old infants' looking behavior during demonstration of two types of target actions: arbitrary versus functional actions. A fully automated remote eye tracker was used to assess infants' looking behavior during action demonstration. After a 30-min delay, infants' deferred imitation performance was assessed. Next to replicating a memory effect, results demonstrate that infants do imitate significantly more functional actions than arbitrary actions (functionality effect). Eye-tracking data show that whereas infants do not fixate significantly longer on functional actions than on arbitrary actions, amount of fixations and amount of saccades differ between functional and arbitrary actions, indicating different encoding mechanisms. In addition, item-level findings differ from overall findings, indicating that perceptual and conceptual item features influence looking behavior. Looking behavior on both the overall and item levels, however, does not relate to deferred imitation performance. Taken together, the findings demonstrate that, on the one hand, selective imitation is not explainable merely by selective attention processes. On the other hand, notwithstanding this reasoning, attention processes on the item level are important for encoding processes during target action demonstration. Limitations and future studies are discussed. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Resistance Emergence Mechanism and Mechanism of Resistance Suppression by Tobramycin for Cefepime for Pseudomonas aeruginosa

PubMed Central

Bonomo, Robert A.; Bahniuk, Nadzeya; Bulitta, Juergen B.; VanScoy, Brian; DeFiglio, Holland; Fikes, Steven; Brown, David; Drawz, Sarah M.; Kulawy, Robert; Louie, Arnold

2012-01-01

The panoply of resistance mechanisms in Pseudomonas aeruginosa makes resistance suppression difficult. Defining optimal regimens is critical. Cefepime is a cephalosporin whose 3′ side chain provides some stability against AmpC β-lactamases. We examined the activity of cefepime against P. aeruginosa wild-type strain PAO1 and its isogenic AmpC stably derepressed mutant in our hollow-fiber infection model. Dose-ranging studies demonstrated complete failure with resistance emergence (both isolates). Inoculum range studies demonstrated ultimate failure for all inocula. Lower inocula failed last (10 days to 2 weeks). Addition of a β-lactamase inhibitor suppressed resistance even with the stably derepressed isolate. Tobramycin combination studies demonstrated resistance suppression in both the wild-type and the stably derepressed isolates. Quantitating the RNA message by quantitative PCR demonstrated that tobramycin decreased the message relative to that in cefepime-alone experiments. Western blotting with AmpC-specific antibody for P. aeruginosa demonstrated decreased expression. We concluded that suppression of β-lactamase expression by tobramycin (a protein synthesis inhibitor) was at least part of the mechanism behind resistance suppression. Monte Carlo simulation demonstrated that a regimen of 2 g of cefepime every 8 h plus 7 mg/kg of body weight of tobramycin daily would provide robust resistance suppression for Pseudomonas isolates with cefepime MIC values up to 8 mg/liter and tobramycin MIC values up to 1 mg/liter. For P. aeruginosa resistance suppression, combination therapy is critical. PMID:22005996

Step 1: C3 Flight Demo Data Analysis Plan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

The Data Analysis Plan (DAP) describes the data analysis that the C3 Work Package (WP) will perform in support of the Access 5 Step 1 C3 flight demonstration objectives as well as the processes that will be used by the Flight IPT to gather and distribute the data collected to satisfy those objectives. In addition to C3 requirements, this document will encompass some Human Systems Interface (HSI) requirements in performing the C3 flight demonstrations. The C3 DAP will be used as the primary interface requirements document between the C3 Work Package and Flight Test organizations (Flight IPT and Non-Access 5 Flight Programs). In addition to providing data requirements for Access 5 flight test (piggyback technology demonstration flights, dedicated C3 technology demonstration flights, and Airspace Operations Demonstration flights), the C3 DAP will be used to request flight data from Non- Access 5 flight programs for C3 related data products

Tethered Swimming for the Evaluation and Prescription of Resistance Training in Young Swimmers.

PubMed

Papoti, Marcelo; da Silva, Adelino S R; Kalva-Filho, Carlos Augusto; Araujo, Gustavo Gomes; Santiago, Vanessa; Martins, LuizEduardo Barreto; Cunha, Sérgio Augusto; Gobatto, Claudio Alexandre

2017-02-01

The aims of the present study were 1) to evaluate the effects of 11 weeks of a typical free-swimming training program on aerobic and stroke parameters determined in tethered swimming (Study 1; n=13) and 2) to investigate the responses of tethered swimming efforts, in addition to free-swimming sessions, through 7 weeks of training (Study 2; n=21). In both studies, subjects performed a graded exercise test in tethered swimming (GET) to determine anaerobic threshold (AnT), stroke rate at AnT (SR AnT ), peak force at GET (PF GET ) and peak blood lactate ([La-] GET ). Participants also swam 100-, 200- and 400-m lengths to evaluate performance. In Study 2, swimmers were divided into control (i. e., only free-swimming; GC [n=11]) and tethered swimming group (i. e., 50% of the main session; G TS [n=10]). The results of Study 1 demonstrate that AnT, PF GET , [La - ] GET and 200-m performance were improved with free-swimming training. The SR AnT decreased with training. In Study 2, free-swimming performance and most of the graded exercise test parameters were not altered in either group. However, [La-] GET improved only for G TS . These results demonstrate that aerobic parameters obtained in tethered swimming can be used to evaluate free-swimming training responses, and the addition of tethered efforts during training routine improves the lactate production capacity of swimmers. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

A programmable nonlinear acoustic metamaterial

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Tianzhi; Song, Zhi-Guang; Clerkin, Eoin; Zhang, Ye-Wei; Sun, Jia-He; Su, Yi-Shu; Chen, Li-Qun; Hagedorn, Peter

2017-09-01

Acoustic metamaterials with specifically designed lattices can manipulate acoustic/elastic waves in unprecedented ways. Whereas there are many studies that focus on passive linear lattice, with non-reconfigurable structures. In this letter, we present the design, theory and experimental demonstration of an active nonlinear acoustic metamaterial, the dynamic properties of which can be modified instantaneously with reversibility. By incorporating active and nonlinear elements in a single unit cell, a real-time tunability and switchability of the band gap is achieved. In addition, we demonstrate a dynamic "editing" capability for shaping transmission spectra, which can be used to create the desired band gap and resonance. This feature is impossible to achieve in passive metamaterials. These advantages demonstrate the versatility of the proposed device, paving the way toward smart acoustic devices, such as logic elements, diode and transistor.

Electrolytes for Use in High Energy Lithium-ion Batteries with Wide Operating Temperature Range

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smart, Marshall C.; Ratnakumar, B. V.; West, W. C.; Whitcanack, L. D.; Huang, C.; Soler, J.; Krause, F. C.

2012-01-01

Met programmatic milestones for program. Demonstrated improved performance with wide operating temperature electrolytes containing ester co-solvents (i.e., methyl butyrate) containing electrolyte additives in A123 prototype cells: Previously demonstrated excellent low temperature performance, including 11C rates at -30 C and the ability to perform well down to -60 C. Excellent cycle life at room temperature has been displayed, with over 5,000 cycles being demonstrated. Good high temperature cycle life performance has also been achieved. Demonstrated improved performance with methyl propionate-containing electrolytes in large capacity prototype cells: Demonstrated the wide operating temperature range capability in large cells (12 Ah), successfully scaling up technology from 0.25 Ah size cells. Demonstrated improved performance at low temperature and good cycle life at 40 C with methyl propionate-based electrolyte containing increasing FEC content and the use of LiBOB as an additive. Utilized three-electrode cells to investigate the electrochemical characteristics of high voltage systems coupled with wide operating temperature range electrolytes: From Tafel polarization measurements on each electrode, it is evident the NMC-based cathode displays poor lithium kinetics (being the limiting electrode). The MB-based formulations containing LiBOB delivered the best rate capability at low temperature, which is attributed to improved cathode kinetics. Whereas, the use of lithium oxalate as an additive lead to the highest reversible capacity and lower irreversible losses.

Major scientific advances with dairy foods in nutrition and health.

PubMed

Huth, P J; DiRienzo, D B; Miller, G D

2006-04-01

A large body of scientific evidence collected in recent decades demonstrates that an adequate intake of calcium and other nutrients from dairy foods reduces the risk of osteoporosis by increasing bone acquisition during growth, slowing age-related bone loss, and reducing osteoporotic fractures. These results have culminated in the new (2005) Dietary Guidelines for Americans that now recommend 3 servings of milk products per day to reduce the risk of low bone mass and contribute important amounts of many nutrients that may have additional health attributes beyond bone health. A number of animal, observational, and clinical studies have shown that dairy food consumption can help reduce the risk of hypertension. Clinical trials indicate that the consumption of recommended levels of dairy products, as part of a healthy diet, can contribute to lower blood pressure in individuals with normal and elevated blood pressure. Emerging data also indicate that specific peptides associated with casein and whey proteins can significantly lower blood pressure. In addition, a growing body of evidence has provided support for a beneficial effect of dairy foods on body weight and fat loss. Clinical studies have demonstrated that during caloric restriction, body weight and body fat loss occurs when adequate calcium is provided by supplements and that this effect is further augmented by an equivalent amount of calcium supplied from dairy foods. Several studies support a role for calcium, vitamin D, and dairy foods against colon cancer. Additionally, conjugated linoleic acid, a fatty acid found naturally in dairy fat, confers a wide range of anticarcinogenic benefits in experimental animal models and is especially consistent for protection against breast cancer.

Combined Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopic Imaging Approach to Molecular Imaging of Prostate Cancer

PubMed Central

Kurhanewicz, John; Swanson, Mark G.; Nelson, Sarah J.; Vigneron, Daniel B.

2005-01-01

Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) provides a noninvasive method of detecting small molecular markers (historically the metabolites choline and citrate) within the cytosol and extracellular spaces of the prostate, and is performed in conjunction with high-resolution anatomic imaging. Recent studies in pre-prostatectomy patients have indicated that the metabolic information provided by MRSI combined with the anatomical information provided by MRI can significantly improve the assessment of cancer location and extent within the prostate, extracapsular spread, and cancer aggressiveness. Additionally, pre- and post-therapy studies have demonstrated the potential of MRI/MRSI to provide a direct measure of the presence and spatial extent of prostate cancer after therapy, a measure of the time course of response, and information concerning the mechanism of therapeutic response. In addition to detecting metabolic biomarkers of disease behavior and therapeutic response, MRI/MRSI guidance can improve tissue selection for ex vivo analysis. High-resolution magic angle spinning (1H HR-MAS) spectroscopy provides a full chemical analysis of MRI/MRSI-targeted tissues prior to pathologic and immunohistochemical analyses of the same tissue. Preliminary 1H HR-MAS spectroscopy studies have already identified unique spectral patterns for healthy glandular and stromal tissues and prostate cancer, determined the composition of the composite in vivo choline peak, and identified the polyamine spermine as a new metabolic marker of prostate cancer. The addition of imaging sequences that provide other functional information within the same exam (dynamic contrast uptake imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging) have also demonstrated the potential to further increase the accuracy of prostate cancer detection and characterization. PMID:12353259

Articulatory rehearsal is more than refreshing memory traces.

PubMed

Nishiyama, Ryoji; Ukita, Jun

2013-01-01

This study examined whether additional articulatory rehearsal induced temporary durability of phonological representations, using a 10-s delayed nonword free recall task. Three experiments demonstrated that cumulative rehearsal between the offset of the last study item and the start of the filled delay (Experiments 1 and 3) and a fixed rehearsal of the immediate item during the subsequent interstimulus interval (Experiments 2 and 3) improved free recall performance. These results suggest that an additional rehearsal helps to stabilize phonological representations for a short period. Furthermore, the analyses of serial position curves suggested that the frequency of the articulation affected the durability of the phonological representation. The significance of these findings as clues of the mechanism maintaining verbal information (i.e., verbal working memory) is discussed.

Ethanol modifies the effect of handling stress on gene expression: problems in the analysis of two-way gene expression studies in mouse brain.

PubMed

Rulten, Stuart L; Ripley, Tamzin L; Manerakis, Ektor; Stephens, David N; Mayne, Lynne V

2006-08-02

Studies analysing the effects of acute treatments on animal behaviour and brain biochemistry frequently use pairwise comparisons between sham-treated and -untreated animals. In this study, we analyse expression of tPA, Grik2, Smarca2 and the transcription factor, Sp1, in mouse cerebellum following acute ethanol treatment. Expression is compared to saline-injected and -untreated control animals. We demonstrate that acute i.p. injection of saline may alter gene expression in a gene-specific manner and that ethanol may modify the effects of sham treatment on gene expression, as well as inducing specific effects independent of any handling related stress. In addition to demonstrating the complexity of gene expression in response to physical and environmental stress, this work raises questions on the interpretation and validity of studies relying on pairwise comparisons.

I can do that: the impact of implicit theories on leadership role model effectiveness.

PubMed

Hoyt, Crystal L; Burnette, Jeni L; Innella, Audrey N

2012-02-01

This research investigates the role of implicit theories in influencing the effectiveness of successful role models in the leadership domain. Across two studies, the authors test the prediction that incremental theorists ("leaders are made") compared to entity theorists ("leaders are born") will respond more positively to being presented with a role model before undertaking a leadership task. In Study 1, measuring people's naturally occurring implicit theories of leadership, the authors showed that after being primed with a role model, incremental theorists reported greater leadership confidence and less anxious-depressed affect than entity theorists following the leadership task. In Study 2, the authors demonstrated the causal role of implicit theories by manipulating participants' theory of leadership ability. They replicated the findings from Study 1 and demonstrated that identification with the role model mediated the relationship between implicit theories and both confidence and affect. In addition, incremental theorists outperformed entity theorists on the leadership task.

The stigma of obesity in customer service: a mechanism for remediation and bottom-line consequences of interpersonal discrimination.

PubMed

King, Eden B; Shapiro, Jenessa R; Hebl, Michelle R; Singletary, Sarah L; Turner, Stacey

2006-05-01

Using a customer service paradigm, the authors extended the justification-suppression model (JSM) of prejudice (C. S. Crandall & A. Eshleman, 2003) to include contemporary, covert forms of discrimination and to identify a discrimination remediation mechanism. Overall, the results of 3 studies revealed that actual and confederate obese shoppers in high-prejudice justification conditions faced more interpersonal discrimination than average-weight shoppers. Furthermore, Studies 1 and 2 demonstrate that adopting strategies that remove perceivers' justifications for discriminating against obese individuals (i.e., the controllability of weight) decreases the incidence of interpersonal discrimination. Additionally, Study 3 demonstrates negative bottom-line consequences of interpersonal discrimination for organizations (e.g., customer loyalty, purchasing behavior). Together, these studies confirm that the JSM applies to covert forms of discrimination, show the importance of examining subtle discrimination, and offer a mechanism for theory-driven strategies for the reduction of covert forms of discrimination.

The Weight of a Guilty Conscience: Subjective Body Weight as an Embodiment of Guilt

PubMed Central

Day, Martin V.; Bobocel, D. Ramona

2013-01-01

Guilt is an important social and moral emotion. In addition to feeling unpleasant, guilt is metaphorically described as a “weight on one's conscience.” Evidence from the field of embodied cognition suggests that abstract metaphors may be grounded in bodily experiences, but no prior research has examined the embodiment of guilt. Across four studies we examine whether i) unethical acts increase subjective experiences of weight, ii) feelings of guilt explain this effect, and iii) whether there are consequences of the weight of guilt. Studies 1–3 demonstrated that unethical acts led to more subjective body weight compared to control conditions. Studies 2 and 3 indicated that heightened feelings of guilt mediated the effect, whereas other negative emotions did not. Study 4 demonstrated a perceptual consequence. Specifically, an induction of guilt affected the perceived effort necessary to complete tasks that were physical in nature, compared to minimally physical tasks. PMID:23936041

The weight of a guilty conscience: subjective body weight as an embodiment of guilt.

PubMed

Day, Martin V; Bobocel, D Ramona

2013-01-01

Guilt is an important social and moral emotion. In addition to feeling unpleasant, guilt is metaphorically described as a "weight on one's conscience." Evidence from the field of embodied cognition suggests that abstract metaphors may be grounded in bodily experiences, but no prior research has examined the embodiment of guilt. Across four studies we examine whether i) unethical acts increase subjective experiences of weight, ii) feelings of guilt explain this effect, and iii) whether there are consequences of the weight of guilt. Studies 1-3 demonstrated that unethical acts led to more subjective body weight compared to control conditions. Studies 2 and 3 indicated that heightened feelings of guilt mediated the effect, whereas other negative emotions did not. Study 4 demonstrated a perceptual consequence. Specifically, an induction of guilt affected the perceived effort necessary to complete tasks that were physical in nature, compared to minimally physical tasks.

Comparative Study of DC and AC Microgrids in Commercial Buildings Across Different Climates and Operating Profiles: Preprint

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

Fregosi, D.; Ravula, S.; Brhlik, D.

2015-04-22

Bosch has developed and demonstrated a novel DC microgrid system designed to maximize utilization efficiency for locally generated photovoltaic energy while offering high reliability, safety, redundancy, and reduced cost compared to equivalent AC systems. Several demonstration projects validating the system feasibility and expected efficiency gains have been completed and additional ones are in progress. This work gives an overview of the Bosch DC microgrid system and presents key results from a large simulation study done to estimate the energy savings of the Bosch DC microgrid over conventional AC systems. The study examined the system performance in locations across the Unitedmore » States for several commercial building types and operating profiles and found that the Bosch DC microgrid uses generated PV energy 6%–8% more efficiently than traditional AC systems.« less

Inactivated Orf virus (Parapoxvirus ovis) elicits antifibrotic activity in models of liver fibrosis.

PubMed

Nowatzky, Janina; Knorr, Andreas; Hirth-Dietrich, Claudia; Siegling, Angela; Volk, Hans-Dieter; Limmer, Andreas; Knolle, Percy; Weber, Olaf

2013-05-01

Inactivated Orf virus (ORFV, Parapoxvirus ovis) demonstrates strong antiviral activity in animal models including a human hepatitis B virus (HBV)-transgenic mouse. In addition, expression of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin-10 (IL-10) was induced after administration of inactivated ORFV in these mice. IFN-γ and IL-10 are known to elicit antifibrotic activity. We therefore aimed to study antifibrotic activity of inactivated ORFV in models of liver fibrosis. We characterized ORFV-induced hepatic cytokine expression in rats. We then studied ORFV in two models of liver fibrosis in rats, pig serum-induced liver fibrosis and carbon tetrachloride (CCL4 )-induced liver fibrosis. ORFV induced hepatic expression of IFN-γ and IL-10 in rats. ORFV mediated antifibrotic activity when administrated concomitantly with the fibrosis-inducing agents in both models of liver fibrosis. Importantly, when CCL4 -induced liver fibrosis was already established, ORFV application still showed significant antifibrotic activity. In addition, we were able to demonstrate a direct antifibrotic effect of ORFV on stellate cells. These results establish a potential novel antifibrotic therapeutic approach that not only prevents but also resolves established liver fibrosis. Further studies are required to unravel the details of the mechanisms involved. © 2012 The Japan Society of Hepatology.

Immunocontraceptive efficacy of synthetic peptides corresponding to major antigenic determinants of chicken riboflavin carrier protein in the female rats.

PubMed

Subramanian, S; Karande, A A; Adiga, P R

2000-09-01

Earlier studies have demonstrated that antibodies directed towards the N-terminal (residues 10-17) and C-terminal (residues 200-207) regions on chicken riboflavin carrier protein (RCP; 219 AA) are effective in pregnancy termination in rodents and sub-human primates. In the present study, the immunocontraceptive potential of three additional immunodominant sequences comprising of residues 33-49, 64 83 and 130-147 (CYA, CED and CGE peptides, respectively) of chicken RCP was investigated. The three antigenic peptides were synthesized by using Fmoc chemistry. Oligoclonal antibodies were generated in rabbits. Bioneutralizing capacity of these peptides was assessed by passive and active immunoneutralization studies. All the three peptides-specific antisera recognized their cognate epitopes on native RCP. When the affinity purified peptide IgG were administered on three consecutive days to pregnant rats (on days 10, 11 and 12), it was observed that the rats injected with CED and CGE-IgG failed to deliver any pups whereas the animals which received CYA IgG delivered normal pups. Active immunization of fertile female rats with CED or CGE peptide conferred protection from pregnancy. These results demonstrate the presence of two additional stretches in chicken RCP which can serve as mini-vaccines.

Thermal Analysis by Structural Characterization as a Method for Assessing Heterogeneity in Complex Solid Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms.

PubMed

Alhijjaj, Muqdad; Reading, Mike; Belton, Peter; Qi, Sheng

2015-11-03

Characterizing inter- and intrasample heterogeneity of solid and semisolid pharmaceutical products is important both for rational design of dosage forms and subsequent quality control during manufacture; however, most pharmaceutical products are multicomponent formulations that are challenging in this regard. Thermal analysis, in particular differential scanning calorimetry, is commonly used to obtain structural information, such as degree of crystallinity, or identify the presence of a particular polymorph, but the results are an average over the whole sample; it cannot directly provide information about the spatial distribution of phases. This study demonstrates the use of a new thermo-optical technique, thermal analysis by structural characterization (TASC), that can provide spatially resolved information on thermal transitions by applying a novel algorithm to images acquired by hot stage microscopy. We determined that TASC can be a low cost, relatively rapid method of characterizing heterogeneity and other aspects of structure. In the examples studied, it was found that high heating rates enabled screening times of 3-5 min per sample. In addition, this study demonstrated the higher sensitivity of TASC for detecting the metastable form of polyethylene glycol (PEG) compared to conventional differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). This preliminary work suggests that TASC will be a worthwhile additional tool for characterizing a broad range of materials.

The small heat shock protein alphaA-crystallin is expressed in pancreas and acts as a negative regulator of carcinogenesis.

PubMed

Deng, Mi; Chen, Pei-Chao; Xie, Sisi; Zhao, Junqiong; Gong, Lili; Liu, Jinping; Zhang, Lan; Sun, Shuming; Liu, Jiao; Ma, Haili; Batra, Surinder K; Li, David Wan-Cheng

2010-01-01

The small heat shock protein alphaA-crystallin is a structural protein in the ocular lens. In addition, recent studies have also revealed that it is a molecular chaperone, an autokinase and a strong anti-apoptotic regulator. Besides its lenticular distribution, a previous study demonstrates that a detectable level of alphaA-crystallin is found in other tissues including thymus and spleen. In the present study, we have re-examined the distribution of alphaA-crystallin in various normal human and mouse tissues and found that the normal pancreas expresses a moderate level of alphaA-crystallin. Moreover, alphaA-crystallin is found significantly downregulated in 60 cases of pancreatic carcinoma of different types than it is in 11 normal human pancreas samples. In addition, we demonstrate that alphaA-crystallin can enhance the activity of the activating protein-1 (AP-1) through modulating the function of the MAP kinase, and also upregulates components of TGFbeta pathway. Finally, expression of alphaA-crystallin in a pancreatic cancer cell line, MiaPaCa, results in retarded cell migration. Together, these results suggest that alphaA-crystallin seems to negatively regulate pancreatic carcinogenesis. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hyaluronic Acid Molecular Weight-Dependent Modulation of Mucin Nanostructure for Potential Mucosal Therapeutic Applications.

PubMed

Hansen, Irene M; Ebbesen, Morten F; Kaspersen, Liselotte; Thomsen, Troels; Bienk, Konrad; Cai, Yunpeng; Malle, Birgitte Mølholm; Howard, Kenneth A

2017-07-03

This study investigates the effects of different molecular weight hyaluronic acids (HAs) on the mucosal nanostructure using a pig stomach mucin hydrogel as a mucosal barrier model. Microparticles (1.0 μm) and nanoparticles (200 nm) were used as probes, and their movement in mucin was studied by a three-dimensional confocal microscopy-based particle tracking technique and by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) after addition of high-molecular weight (900 kDa) and low-molecular weight (33 kDa) HA. This demonstrated a molecular weight-dependent HA modulation of the mucin nanostructure with a 2.5-fold decrease in the mobility of 200 nm nanoparticles. To further investigate these mechanisms and to verify that the natural viscoelastic properties of mucus are not undesirably altered, rheological measurements were performed on mucin hydrogels with or without HA. This suggested the observed particle mobility restriction was not attributed to alterations of the natural mucin cohesive and viscoelastic properties but, instead, indicates that the added high-molecular weight HA primarily modulates the mucin nanostructure and mesh size. This study, hereby, demonstrates how mucus nanostructure can be modulated by the addition of high-molecular weight HA that offers an opportunity to control mucosal pathogenesis and drug delivery.

The Individual, Joint, and Additive Interaction Associations of Aerobic-Based Physical Activity and Muscle Strengthening Activities on Metabolic Syndrome.

PubMed

Dankel, Scott J; Loenneke, Jeremy P; Loprinzi, Paul D

2016-12-01

Previous research has demonstrated that physical activity and muscle strengthening activities are independently and inversely associated with metabolic syndrome. Despite a number of studies examining the individual associations, only a few studies have examined the joint associations, and to our knowledge, no previous studies have examined the potential additive interaction of performing muscle strengthening activities and aerobic-based physical activity and their association with metabolic syndrome. Using data from the 2003 to 2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we computed three separate multivariable logistic regression models to examine the individual, combined, and additive interaction of meeting guidelines for accelerometer-assessed physical activity and self-reported muscle strengthening activities, and their association with metabolic syndrome. We found that individuals meeting physical activity and muscle strengthening activity guidelines, respectively, were at 61 and 25 % lower odds of having metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, individuals meeting both guidelines had the lowest odds of having metabolic syndrome (70 %), in part due to the additive interaction of performing both modes of exercise. In this national sample, accelerometer-assessed physical activity and muscle strengthening activities were synergistically associated with metabolic syndrome.

Influence of dunite mineral additive on strength of cement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasilyeva, A. A.; Moskvitina, L. V.; Moskvitin, S. G.; Lebedev, M. P.; Fedorova, G. D.

2017-12-01

The work studies the applicability of dunite rocks from Inagli massif (South Yakutia) for the production of mixed (composite) cement. The paper reviews the implementation of dunite for manufacturing materials and products. The chemical and mineral compositions of Inagli massif dunite rocks are presented, which relegate the rocks to magnesia-silicate rocks of low-quality in terms of its application as refractory feedstock due to appreciable serpentinization of dunite. The work presents the results of dunite study in terms of its applicability as an additive to Portland cement. The authors have established that dunite does not feature hydraulicity and can be used as a filling additive to Portland cement in the amount of up to 40%. It was unveiled that the mixed grinding of Portland cement and dunite sand with specific surface area of 5500 cm2/g yields the cement that complies with GOST 31108-2016 for CEM II and CEM V normal-cured cements with strength grades of 32.5 and 42.5. The work demonstrates the benefits of the studies of dunite as a filling additive for producing both Portland cement with mineral component and composite (mixed) cement.

PET studies in epilepsy

PubMed Central

Sarikaya, Ismet

2015-01-01

Various PET studies, such as measurements of glucose, serotonin and oxygen metabolism, cerebral blood flow and receptor bindings are availabe for epilepsy. 18Fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET imaging of brain glucose metabolism is a well established and widely available technique. Studies have demonstrated that the sensitivity of interictal FDG-PET is higher than interictal SPECT and similar to ictal SPECT for the lateralization and localization of epileptogenic foci in presurgical patients refractory to medical treatments who have noncontributory EEG and MRI. In addition to localizing epileptogenic focus, FDG-PET provide additional important information on the functional status of the rest of the brain. The main limitation of interictal FDG-PET is that it cannot precisely define the surgical margin as the area of hypometabolism usually extends beyond the epileptogenic zone. Various neurotransmitters (GABA, glutamate, opiates, serotonin, dopamine, acethylcholine, and adenosine) and receptor subtypes are involved in epilepsy. PET receptor imaging studies performed in limited centers help to understand the role of neurotransmitters in epileptogenesis, identify epileptic foci and investigate new treatment approaches. PET receptor imaging studies have demonstrated reduced 11C-flumazenil (GABAA-cBDZ) and 18F-MPPF (5-HT1A serotonin) and increased 11C-cerfentanil (mu opiate) and 11C-MeNTI (delta opiate) bindings in the area of seizure. 11C-flumazenil has been reported to be more sensitive than FDG-PET for identifying epileptic foci. The area of abnormality on GABAAcBDZ and opiate receptor images is usually smaller and more circumscribed than the area of hypometabolism on FDG images. Studies have demonstrated that 11C-alpha-methyl-L-tryptophan PET (to study synthesis of serotonin) can detect the epileptic focus within malformations of cortical development and helps in differentiating epileptogenic from non-epileptogenic tubers in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. 15O-H2O PET was reported to have a similar sensitivity to FDG-PET in detecting epileptic foci. PMID:26550535

Investigation of microstructure in additive manufactured Inconel 625 by spatially resolved neutron transmission spectroscopy

DOE PAGES

Tremsin, Anton S.; Gao, Yan; Dial, Laura C.; ...

2016-07-08

Non-destructive testing techniques based on neutron imaging and diffraction can provide information on the internal structure of relatively thick metal samples (up to several cm), which are opaque to other conventional non-destructive methods. Spatially resolved neutron transmission spectroscopy is an extension of traditional neutron radiography, where multiple images are acquired simultaneously, each corresponding to a narrow range of energy. The analysis of transmission spectra enables studies of bulk microstructures at the spatial resolution comparable to the detector pixel. In this study we demonstrate the possibility of imaging (with ~100 μm resolution) distribution of some microstructure properties, such as residual strain,more » texture, voids and impurities in Inconel 625 samples manufactured with an additive manufacturing method called direct metal laser melting (DMLM). Although this imaging technique can be implemented only in a few large-scale facilities, it can be a valuable tool for optimization of additive manufacturing techniques and materials and for correlating bulk microstructure properties to manufacturing process parameters. Additionally, the experimental strain distribution can help validate finite element models which many industries use to predict the residual stress distributions in additive manufactured components.« less

Evaluation of Four Calcium Channel Blockers as Fluconazole Resistance Inhibitors in Candida glabrata.

PubMed

Alnajjar, Lina M; Bulatova, Nailya R; Darwish, Rula M

2018-04-14

In this study we aimed to evaluate the ability of four calcium channel blockers, verapamil, diltiazem, nicardipine and nifedipine to enhance sensitivity of Candida glabrata strains to fluconazole. The synergistic antifungal effect was examined by checkerboard method; fractional inhibitory concentration index (FIC) was determined. Time-kill curve method was used for the most promising combination to further evaluate the synergetic effects. nicardipine showed additive effect with fluconazole against fluconazole-resistant and fluconazole-susceptible-dose-dependent strains (DSY565 and CBS138) known to express efflux pumps but not against fluconazole-sensitive strains. Nifedipine exhibited additive effect with fluconazole in both checkerboard (0.5< FIC <1) and time-kill curve methods (<2 log10 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml decrease in viable count). Additionally, nifedipine had own antifungal effect consistently against most of the strains used in this study with minimum inhibitory concentration of 8μg/ml. nicardipine showed additive effect with fluconazole in fluconazole-resistant strains of Candida glabrata-most probably via efflux pump inhibition as demonstrated selectively in fluconazole-resistant strains with known efflux pumps. Nifedipine displayed promising antifungal effect alone and additive effects with fluconazole. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Comparing GWAS Results of Complex Traits Using Full Genetic Model and Additive Models for Revealing Genetic Architecture

PubMed Central

Monir, Md. Mamun; Zhu, Jun

2017-01-01

Most of the genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for human complex diseases have ignored dominance, epistasis and ethnic interactions. We conducted comparative GWASs for total cholesterol using full model and additive models, which illustrate the impacts of the ignoring genetic variants on analysis results and demonstrate how genetic effects of multiple loci could differ across different ethnic groups. There were 15 quantitative trait loci with 13 individual loci and 3 pairs of epistasis loci identified by full model, whereas only 14 loci (9 common loci and 5 different loci) identified by multi-loci additive model. Again, 4 full model detected loci were not detected using multi-loci additive model. PLINK-analysis identified two loci and GCTA-analysis detected only one locus with genome-wide significance. Full model identified three previously reported genes as well as several new genes. Bioinformatics analysis showed some new genes are related with cholesterol related chemicals and/or diseases. Analyses of cholesterol data and simulation studies revealed that the full model performs were better than the additive-model performs in terms of detecting power and unbiased estimations of genetic variants of complex traits. PMID:28079101

Investigation of microstructure in additive manufactured Inconel 625 by spatially resolved neutron transmission spectroscopy.

PubMed

Tremsin, Anton S; Gao, Yan; Dial, Laura C; Grazzi, Francesco; Shinohara, Takenao

2016-01-01

Non-destructive testing techniques based on neutron imaging and diffraction can provide information on the internal structure of relatively thick metal samples (up to several cm), which are opaque to other conventional non-destructive methods. Spatially resolved neutron transmission spectroscopy is an extension of traditional neutron radiography, where multiple images are acquired simultaneously, each corresponding to a narrow range of energy. The analysis of transmission spectra enables studies of bulk microstructures at the spatial resolution comparable to the detector pixel. In this study we demonstrate the possibility of imaging (with ~100 μm resolution) distribution of some microstructure properties, such as residual strain, texture, voids and impurities in Inconel 625 samples manufactured with an additive manufacturing method called direct metal laser melting (DMLM). Although this imaging technique can be implemented only in a few large-scale facilities, it can be a valuable tool for optimization of additive manufacturing techniques and materials and for correlating bulk microstructure properties to manufacturing process parameters. In addition, the experimental strain distribution can help validate finite element models which many industries use to predict the residual stress distributions in additive manufactured components.

Investigation of microstructure in additive manufactured Inconel 625 by spatially resolved neutron transmission spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tremsin, Anton S.; Gao, Yan; Dial, Laura C.; Grazzi, Francesco; Shinohara, Takenao

2016-01-01

Non-destructive testing techniques based on neutron imaging and diffraction can provide information on the internal structure of relatively thick metal samples (up to several cm), which are opaque to other conventional non-destructive methods. Spatially resolved neutron transmission spectroscopy is an extension of traditional neutron radiography, where multiple images are acquired simultaneously, each corresponding to a narrow range of energy. The analysis of transmission spectra enables studies of bulk microstructures at the spatial resolution comparable to the detector pixel. In this study we demonstrate the possibility of imaging (with 100 μm resolution) distribution of some microstructure properties, such as residual strain, texture, voids and impurities in Inconel 625 samples manufactured with an additive manufacturing method called direct metal laser melting (DMLM). Although this imaging technique can be implemented only in a few large-scale facilities, it can be a valuable tool for optimization of additive manufacturing techniques and materials and for correlating bulk microstructure properties to manufacturing process parameters. In addition, the experimental strain distribution can help validate finite element models which many industries use to predict the residual stress distributions in additive manufactured components.

Investigation of microstructure in additive manufactured Inconel 625 by spatially resolved neutron transmission spectroscopy

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

Tremsin, Anton S.; Gao, Yan; Dial, Laura C.

Non-destructive testing techniques based on neutron imaging and diffraction can provide information on the internal structure of relatively thick metal samples (up to several cm), which are opaque to other conventional non-destructive methods. Spatially resolved neutron transmission spectroscopy is an extension of traditional neutron radiography, where multiple images are acquired simultaneously, each corresponding to a narrow range of energy. The analysis of transmission spectra enables studies of bulk microstructures at the spatial resolution comparable to the detector pixel. In this study we demonstrate the possibility of imaging (with ~100 μm resolution) distribution of some microstructure properties, such as residual strain,more » texture, voids and impurities in Inconel 625 samples manufactured with an additive manufacturing method called direct metal laser melting (DMLM). Although this imaging technique can be implemented only in a few large-scale facilities, it can be a valuable tool for optimization of additive manufacturing techniques and materials and for correlating bulk microstructure properties to manufacturing process parameters. Additionally, the experimental strain distribution can help validate finite element models which many industries use to predict the residual stress distributions in additive manufactured components.« less

Investigation of microstructure in additive manufactured Inconel 625 by spatially resolved neutron transmission spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Tremsin, Anton S.; Gao, Yan; Dial, Laura C.; Grazzi, Francesco; Shinohara, Takenao

2016-01-01

Abstract Non-destructive testing techniques based on neutron imaging and diffraction can provide information on the internal structure of relatively thick metal samples (up to several cm), which are opaque to other conventional non-destructive methods. Spatially resolved neutron transmission spectroscopy is an extension of traditional neutron radiography, where multiple images are acquired simultaneously, each corresponding to a narrow range of energy. The analysis of transmission spectra enables studies of bulk microstructures at the spatial resolution comparable to the detector pixel. In this study we demonstrate the possibility of imaging (with ~100 μm resolution) distribution of some microstructure properties, such as residual strain, texture, voids and impurities in Inconel 625 samples manufactured with an additive manufacturing method called direct metal laser melting (DMLM). Although this imaging technique can be implemented only in a few large-scale facilities, it can be a valuable tool for optimization of additive manufacturing techniques and materials and for correlating bulk microstructure properties to manufacturing process parameters. In addition, the experimental strain distribution can help validate finite element models which many industries use to predict the residual stress distributions in additive manufactured components. PMID:27877885

Fibromodulin modulates myoblast differentiation by controlling calcium channel.

PubMed

Lee, Eun Ju; Nam, Joo Hyun; Choi, Inho

2018-06-16

Fibromodulin (FMOD) is a proteoglycan present in extracellular matrix (ECM). Based on our previous findings that FMOD controls myoblast differentiation by regulating the gene expressions of collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1α1) and integral membrane protein 2 A (Itm2a), we undertook this study to investigate relationships between FMOD and calcium channels and to understand further the mechanism by which they control myoblast differentiation. Gene expression studies and luciferase reporter assays showed FMOD affected calcium channel gene expressions by regulating calcium channel gene promoter, and patch-clamp experiments showed both L- and T-type calcium channel currents were almost undetectable in FMOD knocked down cells. In addition, gene knock-down studies demonstrated the COL1α1 and Itm2a genes both regulate the expressions of calcium channel genes. Studies using a cardiotoxin-induced mouse muscle injury model demonstrated calcium channels play important roles in the regeneration of muscle tissue, possibly by promoting the differentiation of muscle stem cells (MSCs). Summarizing, the study demonstrates ECM components secreted by myoblasts during differentiation provide an essential environment for muscle differentiation and regeneration. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing for Composite Part Molds

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

Duty, Chad E.; Springfield, Robert M.

2015-02-01

The ORNL Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) collaborated with Tru-Design to test the quality and durability of molds used for making fiber reinforced composites using additive manufacturing. The partners developed surface treatment techniques including epoxy coatings and machining to improve the quality of the surface finish. Test samples made using the printed and surface finished molds demonstrated life spans suitable for one-of-a-kind and low-volume applications, meeting the project objective.

Dysfunctional overnight memory consolidation in ecstasy users.

PubMed

Smithies, Vanessa; Broadbear, Jillian; Verdejo-Garcia, Antonio; Conduit, Russell

2014-08-01

Sleep plays an important role in the consolidation and integration of memory in a process called overnight memory consolidation. Previous studies indicate that ecstasy users have marked and persistent neurocognitive and sleep-related impairments. We extend past research by examining overnight memory consolidation among regular ecstasy users (n=12) and drug naïve healthy controls (n=26). Memory recall of word pairs was evaluated before and after a period of sleep, with and without interference prior to testing. In addition, we assessed neurocognitive performances across tasks of learning, memory and executive functioning. Ecstasy users demonstrated impaired overnight memory consolidation, a finding that was more pronounced following associative interference. Additionally, ecstasy users demonstrated impairments on tasks recruiting frontostriatal and hippocampal neural circuitry, in the domains of proactive interference memory, long-term memory, encoding, working memory and complex planning. We suggest that ecstasy-associated dysfunction in fronto-temporal circuitry may underlie overnight consolidation memory impairments in regular ecstasy users. © The Author(s) 2014.

Long-term inhibition of cyclophilin D results in intracellular translocation of calcein AM from mitochondria to lysosomes.

PubMed

Shinohe, Daisuke; Kobayashi, Asuka; Gotoh, Marina; Tanaka, Kotaro; Ohta, Yoshihiro

2017-01-01

Cyclophilin D is a peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase localized in the mitochondrial matrix. Although its effects on mitochondrial characteristics have been well studied, its relation to the uptake of molecules by mitochondria remains unknown. Here, we demonstrated the effects of cyclophilin D on the intracellular translocation of calcein AM. Following addition of calcein AM to control cells or cells overexpressing wild-type cyclophilin D, calcein fluorescence was observed in mitochondria. However, long-term inhibition of cyclophilin D in these cells altered the localization of calcein fluorescence from mitochondria to lysosomes without changing mitochondrial esterase activity. In addition, depletion of glucose from the medium recovered calcein localization from lysosomes to mitochondria. This is the first demonstration of the effects of cyclophilin D on the intracellular translocation of molecules other than proteins and suggests that cyclophilin D may modify mitochondrial features by inducing the translocation of molecules to the mitochondria through the mechanism associated with cellular energy metabolism. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

SusG: A Unique Cell-Membrane-Associated [alpha]-Amylase from a Prominent Human Gut Symbiont Targets Complex Starch Molecules

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

Koropatkin, Nicole M.; Smith, Thomas J.

SusG is an {alpha}-amylase and part of a large protein complex on the outer surface of the bacterial cell and plays a major role in carbohydrate acquisition by the animal gut microbiota. Presented here, the atomic structure of SusG has an unusual extended, bilobed structure composed of amylase at one end and an unprecedented internal carbohydrate-binding motif at the other. Structural studies further demonstrate that the carbohydrate-binding motif binds maltooligosaccharide distal to, and on the opposite side of, the amylase catalytic site. SusG has an additional starch-binding site on the amylase domain immediately adjacent to the active cleft. Mutagenesis analysismore » demonstrates that these two additional starch-binding sites appear to play a role in catabolism of insoluble starch. However, elimination of these sites has only a limited effect, suggesting that they may have a more important role in product exchange with other Sus components.« less

Protective effects of edaravone combined puerarin on inhalation lung injury induced by black gunpowder smog.

PubMed

Wang, Zhengguan; Li, Ruibing; Liu, Yifan; Liu, Xiaoting; Chen, Wenyan; Xu, Shumin; Guo, Yuni; Duan, Jinyang; Chen, Yihong; Wang, Chengbin

2015-05-01

The present study aimed to investigate the combined effects of puerarin with edaravone on inhalation lung injury induced by black gunpowder smog. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (control group, edaravone group, puerarin group, edaravone combined with puerarin group and inhalation group). The severity of pulmonary injuries was evaluated after inducing acute lung injury. Arterial blood gas, inflammatory cytokines, biochemical, parameters, cell counting, W/D weight ratio and histopathology were analyzed. Results in lung tissues, either edaravone or puerarin treatment alone showed significant protective effects against neutrophil infiltration and tissue injury, as demonstrated by myeloperoxidase activity and histopathological analysis (all p<0.05). In addition, combined treatment with both edaravone and puerarin demonstrated additive protective effects on smog-induced lung injury, compared with single treatment. Combination of edaravone and puerarin shows promise as a new treatment option for acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome patients. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A case of temporal lobe epilepsy with improvement of clinical symptoms and single photon emission computed tomography findings after treatment with clonazepam.

PubMed

Ide, M; Mizukami, K; Suzuki, T; Shiraishi, H

2000-10-01

A 26-year-old female presented psychomotor seizures, deja vu and amnestic syndrome after meningitis at the age of 14 years. Repeated electroencephalograms (EEG) demonstrated occasional spikes localized in the right temporal region in addition to a considerable amount of theta waves mainly in the right fronto-temporal region. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) showed a marked hypoperfusion corresponding to the region in which the EEG showed abnormal findings, although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated no abnormal findings associated with the clinical features. Treatment with clonazepam in addition to sodium valproate resulted in a remarkable improvement of clinical symptoms (i.e. psychomotor seizures and deja vu), as well as of the EEG and SPECT findings. The present study suggests that SPECT is a useful method not only to determine the localization of regions associated with temporal lobe epilepsy but also to evaluate the effect of treatment in temporal lobe epilepsy.

Monolithic catalyst beds for hydrazine reactors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

A monolithic catalyst bed for monopropellant hydrazine decomposition was evaluated. The program involved the evaluation of a new hydrazine catalyst concept wherein open-celled foamed materials are used as supports for the active catalysts. A high-surface-area material is deposited upon the open-celled foamed material and is then coated with an active metal to provide a spontaneous catalyst. Only a fraction of the amount of expensive active metal in currently available catalysts is needed to promote monolithic catalyst. Numerous parameters were evaluated during the program, and the importance of additional parameters became obvious only while the program was in progress. A demonstration firing (using a 2.2-Newton (N)(0.5-lbf) reactor) successfully accumulated 7,700 seconds of firing time and 16 ambient temperature starts without degradation. Based on the excellent results obtained throughout the program and the demonstrated life capability of the monolithic foam, it is recommended that additional studies be conducted to further exploit the advantages of this concept.

Separation of extra- and intracellular metabolites using hyperpolarized 13C diffusion weighted MR✩

PubMed Central

Koelsch, Bertram L.; Sriram, Renuka; Keshari, Kayvan R.; Swisher, Christine Leon; Van Criekinge, Mark; Sukumar, Subramaniam; Vigneron, Daniel B.; Wang, Zhen J.; Larson, Peder E.Z.; Kurhanewicz, John

2017-01-01

This work demonstrates the separation of extra- and intracellular components of glycolytic metabolites with diffusion weighted hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Using b-values of up to 15,000 s mm−2, a multi-exponential signal response was measured for hyperpolarized [1-13C] pyruvate and lactate. By fitting the fast and slow asymptotes of these curves, their extra- and intracellular weighted diffusion coefficients were determined in cells perfused in a MR compatible bioreactor. In addition to measuring intracellular weighted diffusion, extra- and intracellular weighted hyperpolarized 13C metabolites pools are assessed in real-time, including their modulation with inhibition of monocarboxylate transporters. These studies demonstrate the ability to simultaneously assess membrane transport in addition to enzymatic activity with the use of diffusion weighted hyperpolarized 13C MR. This technique could be an indispensible tool to evaluate the impact of microenvironment on the presence, aggressiveness and metastatic potential of a variety of cancers. PMID:27434780

A comparison of two methods of infiltration in breast reduction surgery.

PubMed

Armour, A D; Rotenberg, B W; Brown, M H

2001-08-01

The superwet technique has been shown in previous studies to dramatically reduce blood loss in breast reduction surgery, compared with standard infiltration. A retrospective chart review of 303 consecutive patients undergoing bilateral breast reduction surgery was undertaken to demonstrate additional differences in complication rate, operative time, or sponge use in the operating room. In this series, 132 consecutive patients received standard infiltration along incision lines (25 cc per breast of 1:100,000 epinephrine), and 171 patients received superwet infiltration with 240 cc per breast of 1:1,000,000 epinephrine. The average operative time was significantly reduced in the superwet group, from 78.5 minutes to 70.7 minutes (p < 0.01 level). The average number of sponges used intraoperatively was also decreased significantly (p < 0.01), from 26 to 20 sponges. Complication rates were equally low in both groups, demonstrating the safety of the superwet technique. In addition to limiting blood loss, the superwet infiltration effectively reduces operative time and sponge use without increasing complications in breast reduction surgery.

Additive scales in degenerative disease--calculation of effect sizes and clinical judgment.

PubMed

Riepe, Matthias W; Wilkinson, David; Förstl, Hans; Brieden, Andreas

2011-12-16

The therapeutic efficacy of an intervention is often assessed in clinical trials by scales measuring multiple diverse activities that are added to produce a cumulative global score. Medical communities and health care systems subsequently use these data to calculate pooled effect sizes to compare treatments. This is done because major doubt has been cast over the clinical relevance of statistically significant findings relying on p values with the potential to report chance findings. Hence in an aim to overcome this pooling the results of clinical studies into a meta-analyses with a statistical calculus has been assumed to be a more definitive way of deciding of efficacy. We simulate the therapeutic effects as measured with additive scales in patient cohorts with different disease severity and assess the limitations of an effect size calculation of additive scales which are proven mathematically. We demonstrate that the major problem, which cannot be overcome by current numerical methods, is the complex nature and neurobiological foundation of clinical psychiatric endpoints in particular and additive scales in general. This is particularly relevant for endpoints used in dementia research. 'Cognition' is composed of functions such as memory, attention, orientation and many more. These individual functions decline in varied and non-linear ways. Here we demonstrate that with progressive diseases cumulative values from multidimensional scales are subject to distortion by the limitations of the additive scale. The non-linearity of the decline of function impedes the calculation of effect sizes based on cumulative values from these multidimensional scales. Statistical analysis needs to be guided by boundaries of the biological condition. Alternatively, we suggest a different approach avoiding the error imposed by over-analysis of cumulative global scores from additive scales.

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

Shaw, L. A.; Chizari, S.; Panas, R. M.

The aim of this research is to demonstrate a holographically driven photopolymerization process for joining colloidal particles to create planar microstructures fixed to a substrate, which can be monitored with real-time measurement. Holographic optical tweezers (HOT) have been used to arrange arrays of microparticles prior to this work; here we introduce a new photopolymerization process for rapidly joining simultaneously handled microspheres in a plane. Additionally, we demonstrate a new process control technique for efficiently identifying when particles have been successfully joined by measuring a sufficient reduction in the particles’ Brownian motion. Furthermore, this technique and our demonstrated joining approach enablemore » HOT technology to take critical steps toward automated additive fabrication of microstructures.« less

Study of the oxidized and non- oxidized bitumen modified with additive «Adgezolin» by using electron paramagnetic resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukhamatdinov, I.; Gafurov, M.; Kemalov, A.; Rodionov, A.; Mamin, G.; Fakhretdinov, P.

2018-05-01

Cationic surfactant (adhesion additive) «Adgezolin» has been developed. It is shown that introduction of «Adgezolin» into the oxidized bitumen increases the relative amount of asphaltenes and monocyclearomatic hydrocarbons. By means of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) it is demonstrated that the introduction of additive «Adgezolin» increases the number of paramagnetic «free» carbon radicals (FR) in the oxidized bitumen and decreases that in the unoxidized species. In both types of bitumen shift from the Lorentzian to Gaussian EPR lineshape of FR is obtained that could be connected with as an increase of the samples homogeneity. It is supposed that while in the oxygenated bitumens introduction of additives leads to the disaggregation of asphaltene-resins compounds, in the unoxidized samples the balance is shifted towards formation of di-radicals.

A novel method for improving cerussite sulfidization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Qi-cheng; Wen, Shu-ming; Zhao, Wen-juan; Cao, Qin-bo; Lü, Chao

2016-06-01

Evaluation of flotation behavior, solution measurements, and surface analyses were performed to investigate the effects of chloride ion addition on the sulfidization of cerussite in this study. Micro-flotation tests indicate that the addition of chloride ions prior to sulfidization can significantly increase the flotation recovery of cerussite, which is attributed to the formation of more lead sulfide species on the mineral surface. Solution measurement results suggest that the addition of chloride ions prior to sulfidization induces the transformation of more sulfide ions from pulp solution onto the mineral surface by the formation of more lead sulfide species. X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive spectroscopy indicate that more lead sulfide species form on the mineral surface when chloride ions are added prior to sulfidization. These results demonstrate that the addition of chloride ions prior to sulfidization can significantly improve the sulfidization of cerussite, thereby enhancing the flotation performance.

Space Construction Automated Fabrication Experiment Definition Study (SCAFEDS), part 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

The techniques, processes, and equipment required for automatic fabrication and assembly of structural elements in using Shuttle as a launch vehicle, and construction were defined. Additional construction systems operational techniques, processes, and equipment which can be developed and demonstrated in the same program to provide further risk reduction benefits to future large space systems were identified and examined.

Thermally stable laminating resins

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, R. J.; Vaughan, R. W.; Burns, E. A.

1972-01-01

Improved thermally stable laminating resins were developed based on the addition-type pyrolytic polymerization. Detailed monomer and polymer synthesis and characterization studies identified formulations which facilitate press molding processing and autoclave fabrication of glass and graphite fiber reinforced composites. A specific resin formulation, termed P10P was utilized to prepare a Courtaulds HMS reinforced simulated airfoil demonstration part by an autoclave molding process.

Disruption of the Perineuronal Net in the Hippocampus or Medial Prefrontal Cortex Impairs Fear Conditioning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hylin, Michael J.; Orsi, Sara A.; Moore, Anthony N.; Dash, Pramod K.

2013-01-01

The perineuronal net (PNN) surrounds neurons in the central nervous system and is thought to regulate developmental plasticity. A few studies have shown an involvement of the PNN in hippocampal plasticity and memory storage in adult animals. In addition to the hippocampus, plasticity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been demonstrated to…

Effects of Rational-Emotive Therapy, Rational Role Reversal, and Rational-Emotive Imagery on the Emotional Adjustment of Community Mental Health Center Patients.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lipsky, Marc J.; And Others

1980-01-01

Results showed that rational-emotive therapy (RET), with the addition of rational role reversal, produced significantly better results than did relaxation training and support or no contact. This was the first study to demonstrate the efficacy of RET with multisymptomatic applicants to a community mental health center. (Author/BEF)

Deconstructing Hub Drag. Part 2. Computational Development and Anaysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-30

leveraged a Vertical Lift Consortium ( VLC )-funded hub drag scaling research effort. To confirm this objective, correlations are performed with the...Technology™ Demonstrator aircraft using an unstructured computational solver. These simpler faired elliptical geome- tries can prove to be challenging ...possible. However, additional funding was obtained from the Vertical Lift Consortium ( VLC ) to perform this study. This analysis is documented in

Orthographic Learning and the Role of Text-to-Speech Software in Dutch Disabled Readers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Staels, Eva; Van den Broeck, Wim

2015-01-01

In this study, we examined whether orthographic learning can be demonstrated in disabled readers learning to read in a transparent orthography (Dutch). In addition, we tested the effect of the use of text-to-speech software, a new form of direct instruction, on orthographic learning. Both research goals were investigated by replicating Share's…

Mentoring as an HRD Approach: Effects on Employee Attitudes and Contributions Independent of Core Self-Evaluation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thurston, Paul W., Jr.; D'Abate, Caroline P.; Eddy, Erik R.

2012-01-01

Mentoring as a form of strategic human resource management is an interesting addition to the HRD literature because it provides a mechanism of change for individual employees. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of mentoring to both the employee and the firm; yet, a recent review of mentoring research argues that mentoring has less…

Hand Movement Deviations in a Visual Search Task with Cross Modal Cuing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aslan, Asli; Aslan, Hurol

2007-01-01

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the cross-modal effects of an auditory organization on a visual search task and to investigate the influence of the level of detail in instructions describing or hinting at the associations between auditory stimuli and the possible locations of a visual target. In addition to measuring the participants'…

The Effect of an Educational Program for Persons with Macular Degeneration: A Pilot Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Theresa Marie; Thomas, Kimberly; Dow, Katherine

2009-01-01

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States for persons aged 60 and older. Compared to individuals without disabilities, individuals with low vision demonstrate a 15% to 30% higher dependence on others to perform activities of daily living. In addition, low vision can adversely affect a person's quality of life.…

MRI and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in hemimegalencephaly.

PubMed

Hoffmann, K T; Amthauer, H; Liebig, T; Hosten, N; Etou, A; Lehmann, T N; Farahati, J; Felix, R

2000-10-01

We report hemimegalencephaly in a 44-year-old woman with mental retardation, epilepsy and a mild hemiparesis. In addition to typical findings on MRI, 2-deoxy-2[18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography (PET) demonstrated glucose hypometabolism of the affected hemisphere. The results of PET have been coregistered with morphological information from the MRI studies by image fusion.

Three-dimensional lumbar segment movement characteristics during paediatric cerebral palsy gait.

PubMed

Kiernan, D; Malone, A; O'Brien, T; Simms, C K

2017-03-01

Kinematic analysis of the trunk during cerebral palsy (CP) gait has been well described. In contrast, movement of the lumbar spine is generally ignored. This is most likely due to the complex nature of the spine. As an alternative to using complex sensor protocols, this study modelled the lumbar region as a single segment and investigated characteristic patterns of movement during CP gait. In addition, the impact of functional level of impairment and the relationship with lower lumbar spinal loading were examined. Fifty-two children with CP (26 GMFCS I and 26 GMFCS II) and 26 controls were recruited. A full barefoot 3-dimensional kinematic and kinetic analysis were conducted. Lumbar segment movement demonstrated increased forward flexion for CP children. This movement became more pronounced according to GMFCS level with GMFCS II children demonstrating increases of up to 8°. In addition, a moderate correlation was present between lumbar flexion/extension and L5/S1 sagittal moments (r=0.427 in the global frame and r=0.448 with respect to the pelvis, p<0.01). Children with CP demonstrated increased movement of the lumbar region compared to TD, with movement becoming more excessive as GMFCS level increased. Excessive forward flexion and loading at the lumbar spine were linked. However, the moderate correlation suggests other contributors to increased loading were present. In conclusion, this study is a first step at identifying how lumbar segment movement is altered during CP gait. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Diversity in Protein Glycosylation among Insect Species

PubMed Central

Vandenborre, Gianni; Smagghe, Guy; Ghesquière, Bart; Menschaert, Gerben; Nagender Rao, Rameshwaram; Gevaert, Kris; Van Damme, Els J. M.

2011-01-01

Background A very common protein modification in multicellular organisms is protein glycosylation or the addition of carbohydrate structures to the peptide backbone. Although the Class of the Insecta is the largest animal taxon on Earth, almost all information concerning glycosylation in insects is derived from studies with only one species, namely the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Methodology/Principal Findings In this report, the differences in glycoproteomes between insects belonging to several economically important insect orders were studied. Using GNA (Galanthus nivalis agglutinin) affinity chromatography, different sets of glycoproteins with mannosyl-containing glycan structures were purified from the flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum), the silkworm (Bombyx mori), the honeybee (Apis mellifera), the fruit fly (D. melanogaster) and the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum). To identify and characterize the purified glycoproteins, LC-MS/MS analysis was performed. For all insect species, it was demonstrated that glycoproteins were related to a broad range of biological processes and molecular functions. Moreover, the majority of glycoproteins retained on the GNA column were unique to one particular insect species and only a few glycoproteins were present in the five different glycoprotein sets. Furthermore, these data support the hypothesis that insect glycoproteins can be decorated with mannosylated O-glycans. Conclusions/Significance The results presented here demonstrate that oligomannose N-glycosylation events are highly specific depending on the insect species. In addition, we also demonstrated that protein O-mannosylation in insect species may occur more frequently than currently believed. PMID:21373189

Influence of Periodontal Therapy on Systemic Lipopolysaccharides in Children with Localized Aggressive Periodontitis.

PubMed

Kalash, D; Vovk, A; Huang, H; Aukhil, I; Wallet, S M; Shaddox, L M

2015-01-01

A previous study has shown that children with localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP) demonstrate a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) hyper-responsiveness in addition to elevated levels of systemic LPS when compared to periodontally healthy children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether periodontal therapy modulates systemic lipopolysaccharide levels and whether these levels may influence clinical outcomes. Peripheral blood samples and clinical parameters (probing depth [PD], clinical attachment levels [CAL], percent sites greater than four mm, bleeding on probing [BoP], and visible plaque [P]) were collected from 29 LAP patients prior to and at three, six, and 12 months following scaling and root planning and systemic antibiotics. Serum LPS levels were quantified using a chromogenic assay. Twenty-five patients were compliant with the prescribed antibiotic treatment and demonstrated a significant reduction in LPS as well as overall PD, CAL, and plaque at all time points post-therapy. Additionally LPS reductions correlated with reductions in PD, CAL, and plaque. Localized aggressive periodontitis therapy with antibiotics plays an important role in reducing systemic lipopolysaccharide levels. Since LPS is a key mediator of the LAP hyperinflammatory response, its systemic reduction is especially important for the successful management of these children.

A simple preparation of graphite/gelatin composite for electrochemical detection of dopamine.

PubMed

Rajkumar, Chellakannu; Thirumalraj, Balamurugan; Chen, Shen-Ming; Chen, His-An

2017-02-01

In this study, we demonstrate a simple preparation of graphite (GR) sheets assisted with gelatin (GLN) polypeptide composite was developed for sensitive detection of dopamine (DA) sensor. The GR/GLN composite was prepared by GR powder in GLN solution (5mg/mL) via sonication process. The prepared GR/GLN composite displays well dispersion ability in biopolymer matrix and characterized via scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies. The GR/GLN modified electrode showed an excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of DA, suggesting that the successful formation of GR sheets crosslinked with the functional groups of GLN polypeptide. In addition, the GR/GLN modified electrode achieved a wide linear response ranging from 0.05 to 79.5μM with a detection limit of 0.0045μM. The calculated analytical sensitivity of the sensor was 1.36±0.02μAμM -1 cm -2 . Conversely, the modified electrode demonstrates a good storage stability, reproducibility and repeatability. In addition, the sensor manifests the determination of DA in human serum and urine samples for practical applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Synergistic effects of food and predators on annual reproductive success in song sparrows.

PubMed

Zanette, Liana; Smith, James N M; van Oort, Harry; Clinchy, Michael

2003-04-22

The behaviour literature is full of studies showing that animals in every taxon balance the probability of acquiring food with the risk of being preyed upon. While interactions between food and predators clearly operate at an individual scale, population-scale studies have tended to focus on only one factor at a time. Consequently, interactive (or 'synergistic') effects of food and predators on whole populations have only twice before been experimentally demonstrated in mammals. We conducted a 2 x 2 experiment to examine the joint effects of food supply and predator pressure on the annual reproductive success of song sparrows (Melospiza melodia). Our results show that these two factors do not operate in an additive way, but instead have a synergistic effect on reproduction. Relative to controls, sparrows reared 1.1 more young when food was added and 1.3 more when predator pressure was low. When these treatments were combined 4.0 extra young were produced, almost twice as many as expected from an additive model. These results are a cause for optimism for avian conservation because they demonstrate that remedial actions, aimed at simultaneously augmenting food and reducing predators, can produce dramatic increases in reproductive success.

The reliability and validity of the Maryland Assessment of Recovery in Serious Mental Illness Scale.

PubMed

Drapalski, Amy L; Medoff, Deborah; Dixon, Lisa; Bellack, Alan

2016-05-30

The current study aims to further evaluate the psychometric properties of the Maryland Assessment of Recovery in Serious Mental Illness (MARS), a relatively new instrument designed to assess personal recovery status in individuals with serious mental illness. Two hundred and fifty individuals with serious mental illness receiving outpatient mental health treatment completed a baseline assessment which included the MARS and measures to assess recovery-related constructs, clinical outcomes, and social and community functioning. The MARS demonstrated excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Good construct validity was evidenced by strong positive relationships between the MARS and recovery-related constructs (e.g. hope, empowerment, self-efficacy, and personal agency) and a strong negative relationship with self-stigma. Divergent validity was demonstrated by weaker relationships with cognitive and social functioning. The confirmatory factor analysis did not confirm the unitary factor structure found in previous research. Given the equivocal result of the CFA, additional exploratory work is needed to determine if a more complex factor structure is present. This study provides addition support for the psychometric soundness of the MARS and subsequently, its potential use as a measure of personal recovery status in people with serious mental illness. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Proteasome-dependent degradation of replisome components regulates faithful DNA replication.

PubMed

Roseaulin, Laura C; Noguchi, Chiaki; Noguchi, Eishi

2013-08-15

The replication machinery, or the replisome, collides with a variety of obstacles during the normal process of DNA replication. In addition to damaged template DNA, numerous chromosome regions are considered to be difficult to replicate owing to the presence of DNA secondary structures and DNA-binding proteins. Under these conditions, the replication fork stalls, generating replication stress. Stalled forks are prone to collapse, posing serious threats to genomic integrity. It is generally thought that the replication checkpoint functions to stabilize the replisome and replication fork structure upon replication stress. This is important in order to allow DNA replication to resume once the problem is solved. However, our recent studies demonstrated that some replisome components undergo proteasome-dependent degradation during DNA replication in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Our investigation has revealed the involvement of the SCF(Pof3) (Skp1-Cullin/Cdc53-F-box) ubiquitin ligase in replisome regulation. We also demonstrated that forced accumulation of the replisome components leads to abnormal DNA replication upon replication stress. Here we review these findings and present additional data indicating the importance of replisome degradation for DNA replication. Our studies suggest that cells activate an alternative pathway to degrade replisome components in order to preserve genomic integrity.

Number line estimation and mental addition: examining the potential roles of language and education.

PubMed

Laski, Elida V; Yu, Qingyi

2014-01-01

This study investigated the relative importance of language and education to the development of numerical knowledge. Consistent with previous research suggesting that counting systems that transparently reflect the base-10 system facilitate an understanding of numerical concepts, Chinese and Chinese American kindergartners' and second graders' number line estimation (0-100 and 0-1000) was 1 to 2 years more advanced than that of American children tested in previous studies. However, Chinese children performed better than their Chinese American peers, who were fluent in Chinese but had been educated in America, at kindergarten on 0-100 number lines, at second grade on 0-1000 number lines, and at both time points on complex addition problems. Overall, the pattern of findings suggests that educational approach may have a greater influence on numerical development than the linguistic structure of the counting system. The findings also demonstrate that, despite generating accurate estimates of numerical magnitude on 0-100 number lines earlier, it still takes Chinese children approximately 2 years to demonstrate accurate estimates on 0-1000 number lines, which raises questions about how to promote the mapping of knowledge across numerical scales. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Rapid fabrication method of a microneedle mold with controllable needle height and width.

PubMed

Lin, Yen-Heng; Lee, I-Chi; Hsu, Wei-Chieh; Hsu, Ching-Hong; Chang, Kai-Ping; Gao, Shao-Syuan

2016-10-01

The main issue of transdermal drug delivery is that macromolecular drugs cannot diffuse through the stratum corneum of skin. Many studies have pursued micro-sized needles encapsulated with drugs to overcome this problem, as these needles can pierce the stratum corneum and allow drugs to enter the circulatory system of the human body. However, most microneedle fabrication processes are time-consuming and require expensive equipment. In this study, we demonstrate a rapid method for fabricating a microneedle mold using drawing lithography and a UV-cured resin. The mold was filled with a water-soluble material, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), which was then demolded to produce a water-soluble microneedle array. The results of an in vitro skin insertion test using PVP microneedles and pig ear skin demonstrated the feasibility of the microneedle mold. In addition, by controlling the viscosity of the UV-cured resin through various heat treatments, microneedles with different heights and aspect ratios were produced. Compared with other methods, this technology significantly simplifies and accelerates the mold fabrication process. In addition, the required equipment is relatively simple and inexpensive. Through this technology, we can rapidly fabricate microneedle molds with controllable dimensions for various applications.

Efficient biotransformation of herbicide diuron by bacterial strain Micrococcus sp. PS-1.

PubMed

Sharma, Priyanka; Chopra, Adity; Cameotra, Swaranjit Singh; Suri, C Raman

2010-11-01

A Gram-positive, Micrococcus sp. strain PS-1 capable of utilizing phenylurea herbicide diuron as a sole carbon source at a high concentration (up to 250 ppm) was isolated from diuron storage site by selective enrichment study. The taxonomic characterization with 16S rRNA gene sequencing (1,477 bp) identified PS-1 as a member of Micrococcus sp. It was studied for the degradation of diuron and a range of its analogues (monuron, linuron, monolinuron, chlortoluron and fenuron). The shake flasks experiments demonstrated fast degradation of diuron (up to 96% at 250 ppm within 30 h incubation) with the addition of small quantity (0.01%) of non-ionic detergent. The relative degradation profile by the isolate was in the order of fenuron > monuron > diuron > linuron > monolinuron > chlortoluron. Further, the biochemical characterization of catabolic pathway by spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques demonstrated that the degradation proceeded via formation of dealkylated metabolites to form 3,4-dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA). It was the major metabolite formed, associated with profound increase in degradation kinetics in presence of appropriate additive.

Elucidating microbial community adaptation to anaerobic co-digestion of fats, oils, and grease and food waste.

PubMed

Amha, Yamrot M; Sinha, Pooja; Lagman, Jewls; Gregori, Matt; Smith, Adam L

2017-10-15

Despite growing interest in co-digestion and demonstrated process improvements (e.g., enhanced stability and biogas production), few studies have evaluated how co-digestion impacts the anaerobic digestion (AD) microbiome. Three sequential bench-scale respirometry experiments were conducted at thermophilic temperature (50 °C) with various combinations of primary sludge (PS); thickened waste activated sludge (TWAS); fats, oils, and grease (FOG); and food waste (FW). Two additional runs were then performed to evaluate microbial inhibition at higher organic fractions of FOG (30-60% volatile solids loading (VSL; v/v)). Co-digestion of PS, TWAS, FOG, and FW resulted in a 26% increase in methane production relative to digestion of PS and TWAS. A substantial lag time was observed in biogas production for vessels with FOG addition that decreased by more than half in later runs, likely due to adaptation of the microbial community. 30% FOG with 10% FW showed the highest increase in methane production, increasing 53% compared to digestion of PS and TWAS. FOG addition above 50% VSL was found to be inhibitory with and without FW addition and resulted in volatile fatty acid (VFA) accumulation. Methane production was linked with high relative activity and abundance of syntrophic fatty-acid oxidizers alongside hydrogenotrophic methanogens, signaling the importance of interspecies interactions in AD. Specifically, relative activity of Syntrophomonas was significantly correlated with methane production. Further, methane production increased over subsequent runs along with methyl coenzyme M reductase (mcrA) gene expression, a functional gene in methanogens, suggesting temporal adaptation of the microbial community to co-digestion substrate mixtures. The study demonstrated the benefits of co-digestion in terms of performance enhancement and enrichment of key active microbial populations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Surface segregation of additives on SnO 2 based powders and their relationship with macroscopic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pereira, Gilberto J.; Castro, Ricardo H. R.; Hidalgo, Pilar; Gouvêa, Douglas

2002-07-01

Surface properties of ceramic powders frequently play an important role in producing high-quality, high-performance, and reliable ceramic products. These properties are related to the surface bond types and interactions with the surroundings. Oxide surfaces generally contain adsorbed hydroxyl groups and modifications in the chemical composition of the surface may be studied by infrared spectroscopy. In this work, we prepared SnO 2 containing Fe or Mg ions by organic chemical route derived from Pechini's method. The prepared powders were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic electrophoretic mobility and surface area determination. Results demonstrated that the studied additives segregate onto the oxide surface and modify the hydroxyl IR bands of the adsorbed hydroxyl groups. These surface modifications change some macroscopic properties of the powder such as the isoelectric point (IEP) in aqueous suspensions and the final specific surface area. The increase of the surface area with additive concentration is supposedly due to the reduction of surface energy of the powders when additives segregate on the powder surface.

Evaluation of dispersion interaction in glyoxal/silica organomineral system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sokolova, Y. V.; Ayzenshtadt, A. M.; Strokova, V. V.

2017-11-01

It is proposed to use an organomineral additive based on glyoxal and saponite-containing waste in order to stabilize the road base. Preliminary studies have shown that soil modification with the organomineral additive with a quantitative ratio of components of glyoxal - 0.52 % and saponite-containing material - 17 % of sand mass increases its specific cohesion by 50 times. However, it is necessary to study the mechanism of interaction between the additive components and soil to optimize the composition and technology of additive introduction into the soil. This paper examines dispersion interaction in glyoxal/silica organomineral system. The Hamaker constant was chosen as a main parameter to evaluate dispersion interaction. This constant is determined based on the principle of measuring the contact angle of wetting with service fluids and calculating the dispersion component of material surface tension. The Hamaker constant in the glyoxal/silica organomineral system was 0.25·10-20 - 2.8·10-20 J at different glyoxal contents, while its maximum value was observed at 0.52 % glyoxal content. The results compared with literature and previously obtained data demonstrated good reproducibility.

Rational development of an attenuated recombinant cyprinid herpesvirus 3 vaccine using prokaryotic mutagenesis and in vivo bioluminescent imaging.

PubMed

Boutier, Maxime; Ronsmans, Maygane; Ouyang, Ping; Fournier, Guillaume; Reschner, Anca; Rakus, Krzysztof; Wilkie, Gavin S; Farnir, Frédéric; Bayrou, Calixte; Lieffrig, François; Li, Hong; Desmecht, Daniel; Davison, Andrew J; Vanderplasschen, Alain

2015-02-01

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV 3) is causing severe economic losses worldwide in common and koi carp industries, and a safe and efficacious attenuated vaccine compatible with mass vaccination is needed. We produced single deleted recombinants using prokaryotic mutagenesis. When producing a recombinant lacking open reading frame 134 (ORF134), we unexpectedly obtained a clone with additional deletion of ORF56 and ORF57. This triple deleted recombinant replicated efficiently in vitro and expressed an in vivo safety/efficacy profile compatible with use as an attenuated vaccine. To determine the role of the double ORF56-57 deletion in the phenotype and to improve further the quality of the vaccine candidate, a series of deleted recombinants was produced and tested in vivo. These experiments led to the selection of a double deleted recombinant lacking ORF56 and ORF57 as a vaccine candidate. The safety and efficacy of this strain were studied using an in vivo bioluminescent imaging system (IVIS), qPCR, and histopathological examination, which demonstrated that it enters fish via skin infection similar to the wild type strain. However, compared to the parental wild type strain, the vaccine candidate replicated at lower levels and spread less efficiently to secondary sites of infection. Transmission experiments allowing water contamination with or without additional physical contact between fish demonstrated that the vaccine candidate has a reduced ability to spread from vaccinated fish to naïve sentinel cohabitants. Finally, IVIS analyses demonstrated that the vaccine candidate induces a protective mucosal immune response at the portal of entry. Thus, the present study is the first to report the rational development of a recombinant attenuated vaccine against CyHV 3 for mass vaccination of carp. We also demonstrated the relevance of the CyHV 3 carp model for studying alloherpesvirus transmission and mucosal immunity in teleost skin.

Development and Evaluation of Sensor Concepts for Ageless Aerospace Vehicles: Report 5 - Phase 2 Implementation of the Concept Demonstrator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Batten, Adam; Dunlop, John; Edwards, Graeme; Farmer, Tony; Gaffney, Bruce; Hedley, Mark; Hoschke, Nigel; Isaacs, Peter; Johnson, Mark; Lewis, Chris;

Executive Functioning, Cortisol Reactivity, and Symptoms of Psychopathology in Girls with Premature Adrenarche

PubMed Central

Sontag-Padilla, Lisa M.; Dorn, Lorah D.; Tissot, Abbigail; Susman, Elizabeth J.; Beers, Sue R.; Rose, Susan R.

2012-01-01

The study examined the interaction between early maturational timing [as measured by premature adrenarche (PA)] and executive functioning and cortisol reactivity on symptoms of psychopathology. The study included 76 girls aged 6 through 8 years (mean = 7.50; SD = .85) with PA (n = 40) and on-time adrenarche (n = 36). Girls completed a battery of psychological and neuropsychological tests and blood sampling for cortisol. Parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist. Results demonstrated that girls with PA with lower levels of executive functioning had higher externalizing and anxious symptoms compared to other girls. Additionally, girls with PA who demonstrated increases in serum cortisol had higher externalizing symptoms than those with stable patterns. Finally, girls with PA who demonstrated decreases in cortisol reported higher depressive symptoms. Findings from this study provide important information concerning the impact of cognitive functioning and stress reactivity on adjustment to early maturation in girls with PA. Results of this research may inform screening and intervention efforts for girls who may be at greatest risk for emotional and behavioral problems as a result of early maturation. PMID:22293005

Everyday action in schizophrenia: performance patterns and underlying cognitive mechanisms.

PubMed

Kessler, Rachel K; Giovannetti, Tania; MacMullen, Laura R

2007-07-01

Everyday action is impaired among individuals with schizophrenia, yet few studies have characterized the nature of this deficit using performance-based measures. This study examined the performance of 20 individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder on the Naturalistic Action Test (M. F. Schwartz, L. J. Buxbaum, M. Ferraro, T. Veramonti, & M. Segal, 2003). Performance was coded to examine overall impairment, task accomplishment, and error patterns and was compared with that of healthy controls (n = 28) and individuals with mild dementia (n = 23). Additionally, 2 competing accounts of everyday action deficits, the resource theory and an executive account, were evaluated. When compared with controls, the participants with schizophrenia demonstrated impaired performance. Relative to dementia patients, participants with schizophrenia obtained higher accomplishment scores but committed comparable rates of errors. Moreover, distributions of error types for the 2 groups differed, with the participants with schizophrenia demonstrating greater proportions of errors associated with executive dysfunction. This is the 1st study to show different Naturalistic Action Test performance patterns between 2 neurologically impaired populations. The distinct performance pattern demonstrated by individuals with schizophrenia reflects specific deficits in executive function.

Pathogen-Reduced, Platelet Additive Solution, Extended Stored Platelets (PREPS)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-01

Sherrill J. Slichter, MD CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: Bloodworks Northwest Seattle, WA 98104 REPORT DATE : October 2015 TYPE OF REPORT: Annual...NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE October 2015 2. REPORT TYPE Annual 3. DATES COVERED 15-SEP-14 to 14-SEP-15 4. TITLE AND...accomplishments to date . Brrr Study Our study of platelets stored as whole blood at 4°C demonstrated that end-over-end rotation is required to reduce platelet

Pathogen-Reduced, Extended Platelet Storage in Platelet Additive Solution (PAS)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-01

Sherrill J. Slichter, MD CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: Bloodworks Northwest Seattle, WA 98104 REPORT DATE : October 2016 TYPE OF REPORT: Annual...PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE October 2016 2. REPORT TYPE Annual 3. DATES COVERED 15-SEP-15 to 14-SEP-16 4...the key research outcomes to date . Brrr Study Our study of platelets stored as whole blood at 4°C demonstrated that end-over-end rotation is required

Optimization of interplanetary trajectories with unpowered planetary swingbys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sauer, Carl G., Jr.

1988-01-01

A method is presented for calculating and optimizing unpowered planetary swingby trajectories using a patched conic trajectory generator. Examples of unpowered swingby trajectories are given to demonstrate the method. The method, which uses primer vector theory, is not highly accurate, but provides projections for preliminary mission definition studies. Advantages to using a patched conic trajectory simulation for preliminary studies which examine many different and complex missions include calculation speed and adaptability to changes or additions to the formulation.

Does Dynamic Supine Magnetic Resonance Imaging Improve the Diagnostic Accuracy of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy? A Review of the Current Evidence.

PubMed

Xu, Nanfang; Wang, Shaobo; Yuan, Huishu; Liu, Xiaoguang; Liu, Zhongjun

2017-04-01

We aimed to critically analyze the current evidence regarding the role of dynamic supine magnetic resonance imaging (dsMRI) in the evaluation of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Thirteen studies were identified through a comprehensive literature search performed in the PubMed, EMBASE, and ISI databases as fulfilling the inclusion criteria and were reviewed for subject characteristics, radiographic parameters, and salient findings. Studies herein reviewed suggested that dsMRI was able to detect new appearance or increased grade of medullary compression in ≥20% of patients and to demonstrate an average narrowing of the cervical canal by 20% (in comparison with the neutral position). Several additional parameters were investigated, but their clinical significance remained unconfirmed. Two studies examined how surgical decision-making could be affected by the additional findings of dsMRI. dsMRI represents an available modification of conventional static magnetic resonance imaging and is potentially able to demonstrate pathologies that might be previously missed. Evidence suggests that dsMRI can elucidate spinal cord compression with higher sensitivity, resulting in improved diagnostic accuracy of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, which may impact surgical planning for these patients. However, more high-quality studies are required to further establish its indications to avoid overdiagnosis with this powerful imaging technique and to justify its cost-effectiveness. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Metabolism of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to 2-oxo-3-hydroxy LSD (O-H-LSD) in human liver microsomes and cryopreserved human hepatocytes.

PubMed

Klette, K L; Anderson, C J; Poch, G K; Nimrod, A C; ElSohly, M A

2000-10-01

The metabolism of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to 2-oxo-3-hydroxy lysergic acid diethylamide (O-H-LSD) was investigated in liver microsomes and cyropreserved hepatocytes from humans. Previous studies have demonstrated that O-H-LSD is present in human urine at concentrations 16-43 times greater than LSD, the parent compound. Additionally, these studies have determined that O-H-LSD is not generated during the specimen extraction and analytical processes or due to parent compound degradation in aqueous urine samples. However, these studies have not been conclusive in demonstrating that O-H-LSD is uniquely produced during in vivo metabolism. Phase I drug metabolism was investigated by incubating human liver microsomes and cryopreserved human hepatocytes with LSD. The reaction was quenched at various time points, and the aliquots were extracted using liquid partitioning and analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. O-H-LSD was positively identified in all human liver microsomal and human hepatocyte fractions incubated with LSD. In addition, O-H-LSD was not detected in any microsomal or hepatocyte fraction not treated with LSD nor in LSD specimens devoid of microsomes or hepatocytes. This study provides definitive evidence that O-H-LSD is produced as a metabolic product following incubation of human liver microsomes and hepatocytes with LSD.

Effect of Vicarious Fear Learning on Children’s Heart Rate Responses and Attentional Bias for Novel Animals

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Research with children has shown that vicarious learning can result in changes to 2 of Lang’s (1968) 3 anxiety response systems: subjective report and behavioral avoidance. The current study extended this research by exploring the effect of vicarious learning on physiological responses (Lang’s final response system) and attentional bias. The study used Askew and Field’s (2007) vicarious learning procedure and demonstrated fear-related increases in children’s cognitive, behavioral, and physiological responses. Cognitive and behavioral changes were retested 1 week and 1 month later, and remained elevated. In addition, a visual search task demonstrated that fear-related vicarious learning creates an attentional bias for novel animals, which is moderated by increases in fear beliefs during learning. The findings demonstrate that vicarious learning leads to lasting changes in all 3 of Lang’s anxiety response systems and is sufficient to create attentional bias to threat in children. PMID:25151521

Preparation and chromatographic evaluation of zwitterionic stationary phases with controllable ratio of positively and negatively charged groups.

PubMed

Cheng, Xiao-Dong; Hao, Yan-Hong; Peng, Xi-Tian; Yuan, Bi-Feng; Shi, Zhi-Guo; Feng, Yu-Qi

2015-08-15

The present study described the preparation and application of zwitterionic stationary phases (ACS) with controllable ratio of positively charged tertiary amine groups and negatively charged carboxyl groups. Various parameters, including water content, pH values and ionic strength of the mobile phase, were investigated to study the chromatographic characteristics of ACS columns. The prepared ACS columns demonstrated a mix-mode retention mechanism composed of surface adsorption, partitioning and electrostatic interactions. The elemental analysis of different batches of the ACS phases demonstrated good reproducibility of the preparation strategy. Additionally, various categories of compounds, including nucleosides, water-soluble vitamins, benzoic acid derivatives and basic compounds were successively employed to evaluate the separation selectivity of the prepared ACS stationary phases. These ACS phases exhibited entirely different selectivity and retention behavior from each other for various polar analytes, demonstrating the excellent application potential in the analysis of polar compounds in HILIC. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Use of direct gradient analysis to uncover biological hypotheses in 16s survey data and beyond.

PubMed

Erb-Downward, John R; Sadighi Akha, Amir A; Wang, Juan; Shen, Ning; He, Bei; Martinez, Fernando J; Gyetko, Margaret R; Curtis, Jeffrey L; Huffnagle, Gary B

2012-01-01

This study investigated the use of direct gradient analysis of bacterial 16S pyrosequencing surveys to identify relevant bacterial community signals in the midst of a "noisy" background, and to facilitate hypothesis-testing both within and beyond the realm of ecological surveys. The results, utilizing 3 different real world data sets, demonstrate the utility of adding direct gradient analysis to any analysis that draws conclusions from indirect methods such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA). Direct gradient analysis produces testable models, and can identify significant patterns in the midst of noisy data. Additionally, we demonstrate that direct gradient analysis can be used with other kinds of multivariate data sets, such as flow cytometric data, to identify differentially expressed populations. The results of this study demonstrate the utility of direct gradient analysis in microbial ecology and in other areas of research where large multivariate data sets are involved.

Solar Sail Roadmap Mission GN and C Challenges

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heaton, Andrew F.

2005-01-01

The NASA In-Space Propulsion program is funding development work for solar sails to enhance future scientific opportunities. Key to this effort are scientific solar sail roadmap missions identified by peer review. The two near-term missions of interest are L1 Diamond and Solar Polar Imager. Additionally, the New Millennium Program is sponsoring the Space Technology 9 (ST9) demonstration mission. Solar sails are one of five technologies competing for the ST9 flight demonstration. Two candidate solar sail missions have been identified for a potential ST9 flight. All the roadmap missions and candidate flight demonstration missions face various GN&C challenges. A variety of efforts are underway to address these challenges. These include control actuator design and testing, low thrust optimization studies, attitude control system design and modeling, control-structure interaction studies, trajectory control design, and solar radiation pressure model development. Here we survey the various efforts underway and identify a few of specific recent interest and focus.

A Hands-on Physical Analog Demonstration of Real-Time Volcano Deformation Monitoring with GNSS/GPS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, J. R.; Schobelock, J.; Nguyen, T. T.; Rajaonarison, T. A.; Malloy, S.; Njinju, E. A.; Guerra, L.; Stamps, D. S.; Glesener, G. B.

2017-12-01

Teaching about volcano deformation and how scientists study these processes using GNSS/GPS may present some challenge since the volcanoes and/or GNSS/GPS equipment are not quite accessible to most teachers. Educators and curriculum materials specialists have developed and shared a number of activities and demonstrations to help students visualize volcanic processes and ways scientist use GNSS/GPS in their research. From resources provided by MEDL (the Modeling and Educational Demonstrations Laboratory) in the Department of Geosciences at Virginia Tech, we combined multiple materials and techniques from these previous works to produce a hands-on physical analog model from which students can learn about GNSS/GPS studies of volcano deformation. The model functions as both a qualitative and quantitative learning tool with good analogical affordances. In our presentation, we will describe multiple ways of teaching with the model, what kinds of materials can be used to build it, and ways we think the model could be enhanced with the addition of Vernier sensors for data collection.

Identification of a µ opiate receptor signaling mechanism in human placenta.

PubMed

Mantione, Kirk J; Angert, Robert M; Cadet, Patrick; Kream, Richard M; Stefano, George B

2010-11-01

Previous studies report that genes in the morphine biosynthetic pathway have been found in placental tissue. Prior researchers have shown that kappa opioid receptors are present in human placenta. We determined if a µ opiate receptor was present and which subtype was expressed in human placenta. We also sought to demonstrate a functional µ opiate receptor in human placenta. Polymerase chain reactions as well as DNA sequencing were performed to identify the µ opiate receptor subtypes present in human placenta. The functionality of the receptor was demonstrated by real time amperometric measurements of morphine induced NO release. The µ4 opiate receptor sequence was present as well as the µ1 opioid receptor transcript. The addition of morphine to placental tissue resulted in immediate nitric oxide release and this effect was blocked by naloxone. In the present study, an intact morphine signaling system has been demonstrated in human placenta. Morphine signaling in human placenta probably functions to regulate the immune, vascular, and endocrine functions of this organ via NO.

Inseparable phone books demonstration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balta, Nuri; Çetin, Ali

2017-05-01

This study is aimed at first introducing a well-known discrepant event; inseparable phone books and second, turning it into an experiment for high school or middle school students. This discrepant event could be used especially to indicate how friction force can be effective in producing an unexpected result. Demonstration, discussion, explanation and experiment steps are presented on how to turn a simple discrepant event into an instructional activity. Results showed the relationships between number of pages and force, as well as between amounts of interleave and force. In addition to these, the mathematical equation for the total force between all interleaved pages is derived. As a conclusion, this study demonstrated that not only can phone books be used, but also ordinary books, to investigate this discrepant event. This experiment can be conducted as an example to show the agreement between theoretical and experimental results along with the confounding variables. This discrepant event can be used to create a cognitive conflict in students’ minds about the concepts of ‘force and motion’ and ‘friction force’.

Bioremediation of diesel and lubricant oil-contaminated soils using enhanced landfarming system.

PubMed

Wang, Sih-Yu; Kuo, Yu-Chia; Hong, Andy; Chang, Yu-Min; Kao, Chih-Ming

2016-12-01

Lubricant and diesel oil-polluted sites are difficult to remediate because they have less volatile and biodegradable characteristics. The goal of this research was to evaluate the potential of applying an enhanced landfarming to bioremediate soils polluted by lubricant and diesel. Microcosm study was performed to evaluate the optimal treatment conditions with the addition of different additives (nutrients, addition of activated sludge from oil-refining wastewater facility, compost, TPH-degrading bacteria, and fern chips) to enhance total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) removal. To simulate the aerobic landfarming biosystem, air in the microcosm headspace was replaced once a week. Results demonstrate that the additives of activated sludge and compost could result in the increase in soil microbial populations and raise TPH degradation efficiency (up to 83% of TPH removal with 175 days of incubation) with initial (TPH = 4100 mg/kg). The first-order TPH degradation rate reached 0.01 1/d in microcosms with additive of activated sludge (mass ratio of soil to inocula = 50:1). The soil microbial communities were determined by nucleotide sequence analyses and 16S rRNA-based denatured gradient gel electrophoresis. Thirty-four specific TPH-degrading bacteria were detected in microcosm soils. Chromatograph analyses demonstrate that resolved peaks were more biodegradable than unresolved complex mixture. Results indicate that more aggressive remedial measures are required to enhance the TPH biodegradation, which included the increase of (1) microbial population or TPH-degrading bacteria, (2) biodegradable carbon sources, (3) nutrient content, and (4) soil permeability. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Inadequate Processing of Decellularized Dermal Matrix Reduces Cell Viability In Vitro and Increases Apoptosis and Acute Inflammation In Vivo

PubMed Central

Morris, Aaron H.; Chang, Julie; Kyriakides, Themis R.

2016-01-01

Abstract Decellularized tissue scaffolds are commonly used in the clinic because they can be used as substitutes for more traditional biomaterials, while imparting additional physiological effects. Nevertheless, reports of complications associated with their use are widespread and poorly understood. This study probes possible causes of these complications by examining cell viability and apoptosis in response to eluents from decellularized dermis. Using multiple sources of decellularized dermis, this study shows that typical decellularized scaffolds (prepared with commonly used laboratory techniques, as well as purchased from commercial sources) contain soluble components that are cytotoxic and that these components can be removed by extensive washes in cell culture media. In addition, this study demonstrates that these observed in vitro phenotypes correlate with increased apoptosis and acute inflammation when implanted subcutaneously in mice. PMID:27500014

Preparation and Tribological Study of Biodegradable Lubrication Films on Si Substrate

PubMed Central

Shi, Shih-Chen; Huang, Teng-Feng; Wu, Jhen-Yu

2015-01-01

A novel method for preparing eco-biodegradable lubricant based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) via hydration process is demonstrated. The smooth and homogeneous HPMC coating has a uniform thickness (~35 μm). It has been demonstrated that the preparation parameters play a critical role in controlling the lubricating behavior of the coating; in addition, excess HPMC and water concentration suppress the tribology properties. Nevertheless, a remarkable friction-reduction and anti-wear performance has been obtained. Impressively, the preparation parameter of 5% HPMC + 30 mL water significantly improves lubricant performance and durability. A simple approach for the water-degradability evaluation of HPMC is proposed. PMID:28788029

Vagus nerve stimulation: state of the art of stimulation and recording strategies to address autonomic function neuromodulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guiraud, David; Andreu, David; Bonnet, Stéphane; Carrault, Guy; Couderc, Pascal; Hagège, Albert; Henry, Christine; Hernandez, Alfredo; Karam, Nicole; Le Rolle, Virginie; Mabo, Philippe; Maciejasz, Paweł; Malbert, Charles-Henri; Marijon, Eloi; Maubert, Sandrine; Picq, Chloé; Rossel, Olivier; Bonnet, Jean-Luc

2016-08-01

Objective. Neural signals along the vagus nerve (VN) drive many somatic and autonomic functions. The clinical interest of VN stimulation (VNS) is thus potentially huge and has already been demonstrated in epilepsy. However, side effects are often elicited, in addition to the targeted neuromodulation. Approach. This review examines the state of the art of VNS applied to two emerging modulations of autonomic function: heart failure and obesity, especially morbid obesity. Main results. We report that VNS may benefit from improved stimulation delivery using very advanced technologies. However, most of the results from fundamental animal studies still need to be demonstrated in humans.

Impairment of ceramide synthesis causes a novel progressive myoclonus epilepsy.

PubMed

Vanni, Nicola; Fruscione, Floriana; Ferlazzo, Edoardo; Striano, Pasquale; Robbiano, Angela; Traverso, Monica; Sander, Thomas; Falace, Antonio; Gazzerro, Elisabetta; Bramanti, Placido; Bielawski, Jacek; Fassio, Anna; Minetti, Carlo; Genton, Pierre; Zara, Federico

2014-08-01

Alterations of sphingolipid metabolism are implicated in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative disorders. We identified a homozygous nonsynonymous mutation in CERS1, the gene encoding ceramide synthase 1, in 4 siblings affected by a progressive disorder with myoclonic epilepsy and dementia. CerS1, a transmembrane protein of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), catalyzes the biosynthesis of C18-ceramides. We demonstrated that the mutation decreases C18-ceramide levels. In addition, we showed that downregulation of CerS1 in a neuroblastoma cell line triggers ER stress response and induces proapoptotic pathways. This study demonstrates that impairment of ceramide biosynthesis underlies neurodegeneration in humans. © 2014 American Neurological Association.

Biomolecule detection based on Si single-electron transistors for practical use

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakajima, Anri; Kudo, Takashi; Furuse, Sadaharu

2013-07-01

Experimental and theoretical analyses demonstrated that ultra-sensitive biomolecule detection can be achieved using a Si single-electron transistor (SET). A multi-island channel structure was used to enable room-temperature operation. Coulomb oscillation increases transconductance without increasing channel width, which increases detection sensitivity to a charged target. A biotin-modified SET biosensor was used to detect streptavidin at a dilute concentration. In addition, an antibody-functionalized SET biosensor was used for immunodetection of prostate-specific antigen, demonstrating its suitability for practical use. The feasibility of ultra-sensitive detection of biomolecules for practical use by using a SET biosensor was clearly proven through this systematic study.

Stress and sodium intake in neural control of renal function in hypertension.

PubMed

DiBona, G F

1991-04-01

The interaction between genetic and environmental factors is important in the pathophysiology of hypertension. By examining the effects of two environmental factors--acute psychoemotional stress and dietary sodium intake--in rats with genetic hypertension, an important influence on central neural mechanisms governing the renal sympathetic neural control of renal function has been demonstrated. Additional studies of the central opioid systems have demonstrated an important role of opioid peptides in modulating the renal functional responses to acute psychoemotional stress. The observed renal functional alterations--antidiuresis, antinatriuresis, and renal vasoconstriction--are known to be capable of contributing to the initiation, development, and maintenance of the hypertensive process.

B-1 phagocytes: the myeloid face of B-1 cells.

PubMed

Popi, Ana Flavia

2015-12-01

The relationship between malignant B cells and macrophages has long been established. Furthermore, evolutionary studies have demonstrated that B cells from early vertebrates have both phagocytic and antibody production capabilities. In addition to their lymphoid nature, B-1 cells retain several myeloid characteristics. Various reports have demonstrated that B-1 cells can differentiate into phagocytes. However, descriptions of B-1 cells as a novel phagocyte cell member are rarely found in the literature. This review aims to present the available data regarding B-1 cell-derived phagocytes and also discusses how their existence might be relevant to hematopoiesis and immune responses. © 2015 New York Academy of Sciences.

A Fully Non-Metallic Gas Turbine Engine Enabled by Additive Manufacturing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grady, Joseph E.; Halbig, Michael C.; Singh, Mrityunjay

2015-01-01

In a NASA Aeronautics Research Institute (NARI) sponsored program entitled "A Fully Non-Metallic Gas Turbine Engine Enabled by Additive Manufacturing," evaluation of emerging materials and additive manufacturing technologies was carried out. These technologies may enable fully non-metallic gas turbine engines in the future. This paper highlights the results of engine system trade studies which were carried out to estimate reduction in engine emissions and fuel burn enabled due to advanced materials and manufacturing processes. A number of key engine components were identified in which advanced materials and additive manufacturing processes would provide the most significant benefits to engine operation. In addition, feasibility of using additive manufacturing technologies to fabricate gas turbine engine components from polymer and ceramic matrix composite were demonstrated. A wide variety of prototype components (inlet guide vanes (IGV), acoustic liners, engine access door, were additively manufactured using high temperature polymer materials. Ceramic matrix composite components included first stage nozzle segments and high pressure turbine nozzle segments for a cooled doublet vane. In addition, IGVs and acoustic liners were tested in simulated engine conditions in test rigs. The test results are reported and discussed in detail.

A Fully Non-Metallic Gas Turbine Engine Enabled by Additive Manufacturing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grady, Joseph E.; Halbig, Michael C.; Singh, Mrityunjay

2015-01-01

In a NASA Aeronautics Research Institute (NARI) sponsored program entitled "A Fully Non-Metallic Gas Turbine Engine Enabled by Additive Manufacturing", evaluation of emerging materials and additive manufacturing technologies was carried out. These technologies may enable fully non-metallic gas turbine engines in the future. This paper highlights the results of engine system trade studies which were carried out to estimate reduction in engine emissions and fuel burn enabled due to advanced materials and manufacturing processes. A number of key engine components were identified in which advanced materials and additive manufacturing processes would provide the most significant benefits to engine operation. In addition, feasibility of using additive manufacturing technologies to fabricate gas turbine engine components from polymer and ceramic matrix composite were demonstrated. A wide variety of prototype components (inlet guide vanes (IGV), acoustic liners, engine access door) were additively manufactured using high temperature polymer materials. Ceramic matrix composite components included first stage nozzle segments and high pressure turbine nozzle segments for a cooled doublet vane. In addition, IGVs and acoustic liners were tested in simulated engine conditions in test rigs. The test results are reported and discussed in detail.

A focus group study of patient's perspective and experiences of type 2 diabetes and its management in Jordan.

PubMed

Jarab, Anan S; Mukattash, Tareq L; Al-Azayzih, Ahmad; Khdour, Maher

2018-03-01

Diabetes is increasingly becoming a major health problem in Jordan and glycemic goals are often not achieved. To explore the patients' perspectives regarding type 2 diabetes and its management in order to "fine-tune" future pharmaceutical care intervention programs. Focus groups method was used to explore views from individuals with type 2 diabetes attending outpatient diabetes clinic at the Royal Medical Services Hospital. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. A total of 6 focus groups, with 6 participants in each one, were conducted. Participants in the present study demonstrated a great information needs about diabetes and the prescribed treatment. Medication regimen characteristics including rout of administration, number of prescribed medications and dosage frequency in addition to perceived side effects represented the major barriers to medication adherence. In addition to demonstrating negative beliefs about the illness and the prescribed medications, participants showed negative attitudes and low self-efficacy to adhere to necessary self-care activities including diet, physical activity and self-monitoring of blood glucose. Future pharmaceutical care interventions designed to improve patients' adherence and health outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes should consider improving patients' understanding of type 2 diabetes and its management, simplifying dosage regimen, improving patient's beliefs and attitudes toward type 2 diabetes, prescribed medications and different self-care activities in addition to improving patient's self efficacy to perform different treatment recommendations.

Synergistic co-digestion of solid-organic-waste and municipal-sewage-sludge: 1 plus 1 equals more than 2 in terms of biogas production and solids reduction.

PubMed

Aichinger, Peter; Wadhawan, Tanush; Kuprian, Martin; Higgins, Matthew; Ebner, Christian; Fimml, Christian; Murthy, Sudhir; Wett, Bernhard

2015-12-15

Making good use of existing water infrastructure by adding organic wastes to anaerobic digesters improves the energy balance of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) substantially. This paper explores co-digestion load limits targeting a good trade-off for boosting methane production, and limiting process-drawbacks on nitrogen-return loads, cake-production, solids-viscosity and polymer demand. Bio-methane potential tests using whey as a model co-substrate showed diversification and intensification of the anaerobic digestion process resulting in a synergistical enhancement in sewage sludge methanization. Full-scale case-studies demonstrate organic co-substrate addition of up to 94% of the organic sludge load resulted in tripling of the biogas production. At organic co-substrate addition of up to 25% no significant increase in cake production and only a minor increase in ammonia release of ca. 20% have been observed. Similar impacts were measured at a high-solids digester pilot with up-stream thermal hydrolyses where the organic loading rate was increased by 25% using co-substrate. Dynamic simulations were used to validate the synergistic impact of co-substrate addition on sludge methanization, and an increase in hydrolysis rate from 1.5 d(-1) to 2.5 d(-1) was identified for simulating measured gas production rate. This study demonstrates co-digestion for maximizing synergy as a step towards energy efficiency and ultimately towards carbon neutrality. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microbial Substrate Use at Sites of Continental Serpentinization: The Tablelands, NL, CAD and the Cedars, CA, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morrill, P. L.; Rietze, A.; Kohl, L.; Miles, S.; Kavanagh, H.; Cox, A.; Brazelton, W. J.; Ishii, S.; Sherwood Lollar, B.; Schrenk, M. O.; Nealson, K. H.; Ziegler, S. E.; Ono, S.; Wang, D. T.; Lang, S. Q.; Cumming, E.

2014-12-01

Ultra-basic reducing springs at continental sites of serpentinization act as portals into the biogeochemistry of a subsurface ultramafic environment rich in hydrogen and methane gases. Field data and results from substrate addition microcosm experiments will be presented from two contrasting continental sites of serpentinization: the Tablelands, NL, CAN and The Cedars, CA, USA both Phanerozoic in age. These continental sites share geochemical characteristics that make these environments challenging for life, such as high pH, low Eh, scarce electron acceptors, and limited dissolved inorganic carbon for autotrophic growth. However, microbiological analyses have demonstrated that life does indeed exist in these environments. While environmental genomic studies indicated the potential metabolic capabilities of microorganisms in the sites, actual microbial metabolic activities in these environments remain unknown. To expand the understanding of biogeochemistry of the sites, we are conducting studies focusing on chemical and isotopic measurements, carbon substrate utilization, energy sources, and metabolic pathways of the microorganisms. Thus far, in situ geochemical data suggests that the methane from the Tablelands is primarily non-microbial, while the methane from The Cedars likely has some microbial contributions. To date, substrate addition microcosm experiments show no microbial production of methane from Tablelands' water and sediments. However, microbial carbon monoxide utilization has been observed in Tableland microcosms, but not in The Cedars microcosms. These results demonstrate how geochemistry and substrate addition experiments can be complementary for the determination of the processes favored at these continental sites of serpentinization.

Cu(II) removal by Anoxybacillus flavithermus-iron oxide composites during the addition of Fe(II)aq

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franzblau, Rachel E.; Daughney, Christopher J.; Swedlund, Peter J.; Weisener, Christopher G.; Moreau, Magali; Johannessen, Bernt; Harmer, Sarah L.

2016-01-01

There is currently poor understanding of metal removal by composites of bacteria and iron oxide minerals, even though they commonly co-occur and are among the most important sorbents in near-surface fluid-rock environments. This study evaluated Cu removal by composites of Anoxybacillus flavithermus and iron oxide over time during the addition, oxidation, and hydrolysis of Fe(II)aq and precipitation of the mineral, in comparison to Cu removal in the two single-sorbent end-member systems. In the absence of iron oxide, Cu removal by A. flavithermus was well described by a previously published surface complexation model, after inclusion of additional reactions describing aqueous complexation by exudate ligands released by the bacteria. In the absence of bacterial cells, Cu removal by iron oxide synthesized in the presence of the bacterial exudate ligands demonstrated the formation of ternary surface complexes. Removal of Cu by the A. flavithermus-iron oxide composites was ca. 20% greater than the prediction based on assumption of additivity in the two end-member systems. This non-additive behavior was attributed to (1) progressive physical blockage of bacterial surface sites by the iron oxide particles, (2) physical blockage of adsorption sites as a result of self-aggregation of the iron oxide particles, and (3) the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) at the bacterial cell surface, as demonstrated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The extent of reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) was proportional to the concentration of solid phase Fe(II), suggesting that iron oxidation and copper reduction are linked. This study has shown that Cu removal by bacteria-iron oxide composites is greatly affected by redox processes such as Cu(II) reduction on the cell surface both by other bacterial surface ligands and the oxidation of sorbed Fe(II), as well as Fe(II) redox interactions, and aging effects of the mineral (i.e. surface site masking).

Iron limitation of microbial phosphorus acquisition in the tropical North Atlantic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Browning, Thomas; Achterberg, Eric; Yong, Jaw Chuen; Rapp, Insa; Utermann, Caroline; Engel, Anja; Moore, Mark

2017-04-01

Growth-limitation of marine phytoplankton by fixed nitrogen (N) has been demonstrated for most of the low-latitude oceans; however, in the (sub)tropical North Atlantic enhanced N2 fixation leads to secondary/(co-)limitation by phosphorus (P). The dissolved organic P pool is rarely fully depleted in the modern ocean and potentially represents a substantial additional P source. Microbes can use a variety of alkaline phosphatase enzymes to access P from a major fraction of this pool. In contrast to the relatively well studied PhoA family of alkaline phosphatases that utilize zinc (Zn) as a cofactor, the recent discovery of iron (Fe) as a cofactor in the more widespread PhoX[1] and PhoD[2] enzymes imply potential for a complex, biochemically-dependant interplay between oceanic Zn, Fe and P cycles. Here we demonstrate enhanced natural community alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) following Fe amendment within the low Zn and moderately low Fe western tropical North Atlantic. In contrast, beneath the Saharan dust plume in the Eastern Atlantic no APA response to trace metal addition was observed. This is the first demonstration of intermittent Fe limitation of microbial P acquisition, providing an additional facet in the argument for Fe control of the coupling between oceanic N and P cycles. 1. Yong, S. C. et al. A complex iron-calcium cofactor catalyzing phosphotransfer chemistry. Science 345, 1170-3 (2014). 2. Rodriguez, F. et al. Crystal structure of the Bacillus subtilis phosphodiesterase PhoD reveals an iron and calcium-containing active site. J. Biol. Chem. 289, 30889-30899 (2014).

The Triple Combination Indinavir-Zidovudine-Lamivudine Is Highly Synergistic

PubMed Central

Snyder, Stuart; D'Argenio, D. Z.; Weislow, Owen; Bilello, John A.; Drusano, G. L.

2000-01-01

Administration of the combination of indinavir-zidovudine-lamivudine has been demonstrated to cause a large fraction of treated patients to have a decline in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) copy number to below the detectability of sensitive assays. A recent investigation (G. L. Drusano, J. A. Bilello, D. S. Stein, M. Nessly, A. Meibohm, E. A. Emini, P. Deutsch, J. Condra, J. Chodakewitz, and D. J. Holder, J. Infect. Dis. 178:360–367, 1998) demonstrated that the durability of the antiviral effect was affected by combination chemotherapy. Zidovudine-lamivudine-indinavir differed significantly from the combination of zidovudine plus indinavir. We hypothesized that the addition of lamivudine might alter the regimen, producing a synergistic anti-HIV effect. In vitro analysis of drug interaction demonstrated that zidovudine-indinavir interacted additively. The addition of lamivudine in concentrations which suppressed viral replication by 20% or less by itself demonstrated marked increases in the synergy volume, increasing the synergy volume 20-fold with the addition of 320 nM lamivudine (which does not suppress HIV by itself) and 40-fold with the addition of 1,000 nM lamivudine (20% viral inhibition as a single agent). A fully parametric analysis with a newly developed model for three-drug interaction confirmed and extended these observations. The interaction term (αIND,AZT,3TC) for all three drugs showed the greatest degree of synergy. This marked synergistic interaction among the three agents may explain some of the clinical results which differentiate this regimen from the double-drug regimen of zidovudine plus indinavir. PMID:10722511

Long-term safety, efficacy, and tolerability of imidafenacin in the treatment of overactive bladder: a review of the Japanese literature

PubMed Central

Masumori, Naoya

2013-01-01

Imidafenacin is an antimuscarinic agent with high affinity for the M3 and M1 muscarinic receptor subtypes and low affinity for the M2 subtype, and is used to treat overactive bladder. Several animal studies have demonstrated that imidafenacin has organ selectivity for the bladder over the salivary glands, colon, heart, and brain. In Phase I studies in humans, the approximately 2.9-hour elimination half-life of imidafenacin was shorter than that of other antimuscarinics such as tolterodine and solifenacin. Imidafenacin was approved for clinical use in overactive bladder in Japan in 2007 after a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II study and a propiverine-controlled Phase III study conducted in Japanese patients demonstrated that imidafenacin 0.1 mg twice daily was clinically effective for treating overactive bladder and was not inferior to propiverine for reduction of episodes of incontinence, with a better safety profile than propiverine. Several short-term clinical studies have demonstrated that imidafenacin also improves sleep disorders, nocturia, and nocturia-related quality of life. In addition, it is speculated that addon therapy with imidafenacin is beneficial for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia whose overactive bladder symptoms are not controlled by alpha-1 adrenoceptor antagonists. No cognitive impairment or influence of imidafenacin on the QTc interval has been observed. Although there have been very few relevant long-term clinical studies, the available information suggests the long-term efficacy, safety, and tolerability of imidafenacin, with less frequent severe adverse events, such as dry mouth and constipation. In addition, imidafenacin can be used safely for a long time even for cognitively vulnerable elderly patients with symptoms of overactive bladder. Thus, it is highly likely that imidafenacin is safe, efficacious, and tolerable to control symptoms of overactive bladder even over the long term. However, it remains unknown if the practical effectiveness of imidafenacin is applicable to ethnic groups other than Japanese. PMID:23390360

Electron-stimulated purification of platinum nanostructures grown via focused electron beam induced deposition.

PubMed

Lewis, Brett B; Stanford, Michael G; Fowlkes, Jason D; Lester, Kevin; Plank, Harald; Rack, Philip D

2015-01-01

Platinum-carbon nanostructures deposited via electron beam induced deposition from MeCpPt(IV)Me3 are purified during a post-deposition electron exposure treatment in a localized oxygen ambient at room temperature. Time-dependent studies demonstrate that the process occurs from the top-down. Electron beam energy and current studies demonstrate that the process is controlled by a confluence of the electron energy loss and oxygen concentration. Furthermore, the experimental results are modeled as a 2nd order reaction which is dependent on both the electron energy loss density and the oxygen concentration. In addition to purification, the post-deposition electron stimulated oxygen purification process enhances the resolution of the EBID process due to the isotropic carbon removal from the as-deposited materials which produces high-fidelity shape retention.

Structural Characterization of N-Alkylated Twisted Amides: Consequences for Amide Bond Resonance and N-C Cleavage.

PubMed

Hu, Feng; Lalancette, Roger; Szostak, Michal

2016-04-11

Herein, we describe the first structural characterization of N-alkylated twisted amides prepared directly by N-alkylation of the corresponding non-planar lactams. This study provides the first experimental evidence that N-alkylation results in a dramatic increase of non-planarity around the amide N-C(O) bond. Moreover, we report a rare example of a molecular wire supported by the same amide C=O-Ag bonds. Reactivity studies demonstrate rapid nucleophilic addition to the N-C(O) moiety of N-alkylated amides, indicating the lack of n(N) to π*(C=O) conjugation. Most crucially, we demonstrate that N-alkylation activates the otherwise unreactive amide bond towards σ N-C cleavage by switchable coordination. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Value and benefits of open-book examinations as assessment for deep learning in a post-graduate animal health course.

PubMed

Dale, Vicki H M; Wieland, Barbara; Pirkelbauer, Birgit; Nevel, Amanda

2009-01-01

This study provides an overview of the perceptions of alumni in relation to their experience of open-book examinations (OBEs) as post-graduate students. This type of assessment was introduced as a way of allowing these adult learners to demonstrate their conceptual understanding and ability to apply knowledge in practice, which in theory would equip them with problem-solving skills required for the workplace. This study demonstrates that alumni-shown to be predominantly deep learners-typically regarded OBEs as less stressful than closed-book examinations, and as an effective way to assess the application of knowledge to real-life problems. Additional staff training and student induction, particularly for international students, are suggested as a means of improving the acceptability and effectiveness of OBEs.

An experimental study of heat transfer and film cooling on low aspect ratio turbine nozzles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeishi, K.; Matsuura, M.; Aoki, S.; Sato, T.

1989-06-01

The effects of the three-dimensional flow field on the heat transfer and the film cooling on the endwall, suction and pressure surface of an airfoil were studied using a low speed, fully annular, low aspect h/c = 0.5 vane cascade. The predominant effects that the horseshoe vortex, secondary flow, and nozzle wake increases in the heat transfer and decreases in the film cooling on the suction vane surface and the endwall were clearly demonstrated. In addition, it was demonstrated that secondary flow has little effect on the pressure surface. Pertinent flow visualization of the flow passage was also carried out for better understanding of these complex phenomena. Heat transfer and film cooling on the fully annular vane passage surface is discussed.

An Evolutionary Perspective on Epistasis and the Missing Heritability

PubMed Central

Hemani, Gibran; Knott, Sara; Haley, Chris

2013-01-01

The relative importance between additive and non-additive genetic variance has been widely argued in quantitative genetics. By approaching this question from an evolutionary perspective we show that, while additive variance can be maintained under selection at a low level for some patterns of epistasis, the majority of the genetic variance that will persist is actually non-additive. We propose that one reason that the problem of the “missing heritability” arises is because the additive genetic variation that is estimated to be contributing to the variance of a trait will most likely be an artefact of the non-additive variance that can be maintained over evolutionary time. In addition, it can be shown that even a small reduction in linkage disequilibrium between causal variants and observed SNPs rapidly erodes estimates of epistatic variance, leading to an inflation in the perceived importance of additive effects. We demonstrate that the perception of independent additive effects comprising the majority of the genetic architecture of complex traits is biased upwards and that the search for causal variants in complex traits under selection is potentially underpowered by parameterising for additive effects alone. Given dense SNP panels the detection of causal variants through genome-wide association studies may be improved by searching for epistatic effects explicitly. PMID:23509438

Sleep and Hypertension

PubMed Central

Harding, Susan M.

2010-01-01

Ambulatory BP studies indicate that even small increases in BP, particularly nighttime BP levels, are associated with significant increases in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Accordingly, sleep-related diseases that induce increases in BP would be anticipated to substantially affect cardiovascular risk. Both sleep deprivation and insomnia have been linked to increases in incidence and prevalence of hypertension. Likewise, sleep disruption attributable to restless legs syndrome increases the likelihood of having hypertension. Observational studies demonstrate a strong correlation between the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the risk and severity of hypertension, whereas prospective studies of patients with OSA demonstrate a positive relationship between OSA and risk of incident hypertension. Intervention trials with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) indicate a modest, but inconsistent effect on BP in patients with severe OSA and a greater likelihood of benefit in patients with most CPAP adherence. Additional prospective studies are needed to reconcile observational studies suggesting that OSA is a strong risk factor for hypertension with the modest antihypertensive effects of CPAP observed in intervention studies. PMID:20682533

Effect of sodium lauryl sulfate-fumaric Acid coupled addition on the in vitro rumen fermentation with special regard to methanogenesis.

PubMed

Abdl-Rahman, M A; Sawiress, F A R; Abd El-Aty, A M

2010-01-01

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of sodium lauryl sulfate-fumaric acid coupled addition on in vitro methangenesis and rumen fermentation. Evaluation was carried out using in vitro gas production technique. Ruminal contents were collected from five steers immediately after slaughtering and used for preparation of inoculums of mixed rumen microorganisms. Rumen fluid was then mixed with the basal diet of steers and used to generate four treatments, negative control (no additives), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) treated, fumaric acid treated, and SLS-fumaric acid coupled addition treated. The results revealed that, relative to control, efficiency in reduction of methanogenesis was as follows: coupled addition > SLS-addition > fumaric acid addition. Both SLS-addition and SLS-fumaric acid coupled addition demonstrated a decremental effect on ammonia nitrogen (NH(3)-N), total short chain volatile fatty acids (SCVFAs) concentrations and the amount of substrate degraded, and an increment effect on microbial mass and microbial yield (Y(ATP)). Nevertheless, fumaric acid did not alter any of the previously mentioned parameters but induced a decremental effect on NH(3)-N. Furthermore, both fumaric acid and SLS-fumaric acid coupled addition increased propionate at the expense of acetate and butyrate, while, defaunation increased acetate at the expense of propionate and butyrate. The pH value was decreased by all treatments relative to control, while, cellulase activity did not differ by different treatments. The current study can be promising strategies for suppressing ruminal methane emissions and improving ruminants feed efficiency.

Effect of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate-Fumaric Acid Coupled Addition on the In Vitro Rumen Fermentation with Special Regard to Methanogenesis

PubMed Central

Abdl-Rahman, M. A.; Sawiress, F. A. R.; Abd El-Aty, A. M.

2010-01-01

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of sodium lauryl sulfate-fumaric acid coupled addition on in vitro methangenesis and rumen fermentation. Evaluation was carried out using in vitro gas production technique. Ruminal contents were collected from five steers immediately after slaughtering and used for preparation of inoculums of mixed rumen microorganisms. Rumen fluid was then mixed with the basal diet of steers and used to generate four treatments, negative control (no additives), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) treated, fumaric acid treated, and SLS-fumaric acid coupled addition treated. The results revealed that, relative to control, efficiency in reduction of methanogenesis was as follows: coupled addition > SLS-addition > fumaric acid addition. Both SLS-addition and SLS-fumaric acid coupled addition demonstrated a decremental effect on ammonia nitrogen (NH3–N), total short chain volatile fatty acids (SCVFAs) concentrations and the amount of substrate degraded, and an increment effect on microbial mass and microbial yield (YATP). Nevertheless, fumaric acid did not alter any of the previously mentioned parameters but induced a decremental effect on NH3–N. Furthermore, both fumaric acid and SLS-fumaric acid coupled addition increased propionate at the expense of acetate and butyrate, while, defaunation increased acetate at the expense of propionate and butyrate. The pH value was decreased by all treatments relative to control, while, cellulase activity did not differ by different treatments. The current study can be promising strategies for suppressing ruminal methane emissions and improving ruminants feed efficiency. PMID:20445794

Inhibition of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels as Common Mode of Action for (Mixtures of) Distinct Classes of Insecticides

PubMed Central

Meijer, Marieke; Dingemans, Milou M.L.; van den Berg, Martin; Westerink, Remco H.S.

2014-01-01

Humans are exposed to distinct structural classes of insecticides with different neurotoxic modes of action. Because calcium homeostasis is essential for proper neuronal function and development, we investigated the effects of insecticides from different classes (pyrethroid: (α-)cypermethrin; organophosphate: chlorpyrifos; organochlorine: endosulfan; neonicotinoid: imidacloprid) and mixtures thereof on the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). Effects of acute (20 min) exposure to (mixtures of) insecticides on basal and depolarization-evoked [Ca2+]i were studied in vitro with Fura-2-loaded PC12 cells and high resolution single-cell fluorescence microscopy. The data demonstrate that cypermethrin, α-cypermethrin, endosulfan, and chlorpyrifos concentration-dependently decreased depolarization-evoked [Ca2+]i, with 50% (IC50) at 78nM, 239nM, 250nM, and 899nM, respectively. Additionally, acute exposure to chlorpyrifos or endosulfan (10μM) induced a modest increase in basal [Ca2+]i, amounting to 68 ± 8nM and 53 ± 8nM, respectively. Imidacloprid did not disturb basal or depolarization-evoked [Ca2+]i at 10μM. Following exposure to binary mixtures, effects on depolarization-evoked [Ca2+]i were within the expected effect additivity range, whereas the effect of the tertiary mixture was less than this expected additivity effect range. These results demonstrate that different types of insecticides inhibit depolarization-evoked [Ca2+]i in PC12 cells by inhibiting voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) in vitro at concentrations comparable with human occupational exposure levels. Moreover, the effective concentrations in this study are below those for earlier described modes of action. Because inhibition of VGCCs appears to be a common and potentially additive mode of action of several classes of insecticides, this target should be considered in neurotoxicity risk assessment studies. PMID:24913802

Less than Expected? How Media Cover Demonstration Turnout

PubMed Central

Wouters, Ruud; Van Camp, Kirsten

2017-01-01

Demonstration turnout is a crucial political resource for social movements. In this article, we investigate how mass media cover demonstration size. We develop a typology of turnout coverage and scrutinize the factors that drive turnout coverage. In addition, we test whether media coverage underestimates, reflects, or exaggerates “guesstimates” by organizers and police forces. Together, these analyses shed light on whether turnout coverage fits a logic of normalization or marginalization. We rely on a unique dataset of 428 demonstrations organized in Brussels (2003–2010). For these demonstrations, we have information on the turnout as reported in national television news, as counted by the police, and as expected by the organizers. We find that media present turnout most often as a fact, rarely as contentious (10 percent). Although few demonstrations pass the media gates, our study yields little to no evidence for a logic of turnout marginalization. Media coverage does not systematically underestimate demonstration size, nor does it blindly follow police counts. Rather, turnout coverage attests of a logic of normalization, following standard news-making practices. The more important the demonstration (size, lead item) and the larger the gap between police and organizer guesstimates, the more attention is paid to turnout in the news. Discussion centers on the generalizability and normative interpretation of the results. PMID:29081881

General Anesthetics Have Additive Actions on Three Ligand-Gated Ion Channels

PubMed Central

Jenkins, Andrew; Lobo, Ingrid A.; Gong, Diane; Trudell, James R.; Solt, Ken; Harris, R. Adron; Eger, Edmond I

2008-01-01

Background The purpose of this study was to determine whether pairs of compounds, including general anesthetics, could simultaneously modulate receptor function in a synergistic manner, thus demonstrating the existence of multiple intra-protein anesthetic binding sites. Methods Using standard electrophysiologic methods, we measured the effects of at least one combination of benzene, isoflurane, halothane, chloroform, flunitrazepam, zinc and pentobarbital on at least one of the following ligand gated ion channels: N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), glycine receptors (GlyRs) and γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs). Results All drug-drug-receptor combinations were found to exhibit additive, not synergistic modulation. Isoflurane with benzene additively depressed NMDAR function. Isoflurane with halothane additively enhanced GlyR function, as did isoflurane with zinc. Isoflurane with halothane additively enhanced GABAAR function as did all of the following: halothane with chloroform, pentobarbital with isoflurane, and flunitrazepam with isoflurane. Conclusions The simultaneous allosteric modulation of ligand gated ion channels by general anesthetics is entirely additive. Where pairs of general anesthetic drugs interact synergistically to produce general anesthesia, they must do so on systems more complex than a single receptor. PMID:18633027

Experience Modulates Vicarious Freezing in Rats: A Model for Empathy

PubMed Central

Atsak, Piray; Orre, Marie; Bakker, Petra; Cerliani, Leonardo; Roozendaal, Benno

2011-01-01

The study of the neural basis of emotional empathy has received a surge of interest in recent years but mostly employing human neuroimaging. A simpler animal model would pave the way for systematic single cell recordings and invasive manipulations of the brain regions implicated in empathy. Recent evidence has been put forward for the existence of empathy in rodents. In this study, we describe a potential model of empathy in female rats, in which we studied interactions between two rats: a witness observes a demonstrator experiencing a series of footshocks. By comparing the reaction of witnesses with or without previous footshock experience, we examine the role of prior experience as a modulator of empathy. We show that witnesses having previously experienced footshocks, but not naïve ones, display vicarious freezing behavior upon witnessing a cage-mate experiencing footshocks. Strikingly, the demonstrator's behavior was in turn modulated by the behavior of the witness: demonstrators froze more following footshocks if their witness froze more. Previous experiments have shown that rats emit ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) when receiving footshocks. Thus, the role of USV in triggering vicarious freezing in our paradigm is examined. We found that experienced witness-demonstrator pairs emitted more USVs than naïve witness-demonstrator pairs, but the number of USVs was correlated with freezing in demonstrators, not in witnesses. Furthermore, playing back the USVs, recorded from witness-demonstrator pairs during the empathy test, did not induce vicarious freezing behavior in experienced witnesses. Thus, our findings confirm that vicarious freezing can be triggered in rats, and moreover it can be modulated by prior experience. Additionally, our result suggests that vicarious freezing is not triggered by USVs per se and it influences back onto the behavior of the demonstrator that had elicited the vicarious freezing in witnesses, introducing a paradigm to study empathy as a social loop. PMID:21765921

Accessibility limits recall from visual working memory.

PubMed

Rajsic, Jason; Swan, Garrett; Wilson, Daryl E; Pratt, Jay

2017-09-01

In this article, we demonstrate limitations of accessibility of information in visual working memory (VWM). Recently, cued-recall has been used to estimate the fidelity of information in VWM, where the feature of a cued object is reproduced from memory (Bays, Catalao, & Husain, 2009; Wilken & Ma, 2004; Zhang & Luck, 2008). Response error in these tasks has been largely studied with respect to failures of encoding and maintenance; however, the retrieval operations used in these tasks remain poorly understood. By varying the number and type of object features provided as a cue in a visual delayed-estimation paradigm, we directly assess the nature of retrieval errors in delayed estimation from VWM. Our results demonstrate that providing additional object features in a single cue reliably improves recall, largely by reducing swap, or misbinding, responses. In addition, performance simulations using the binding pool model (Swan & Wyble, 2014) were able to mimic this pattern of performance across a large span of parameter combinations, demonstrating that the binding pool provides a possible mechanism underlying this pattern of results that is not merely a symptom of one particular parametrization. We conclude that accessing visual working memory is a noisy process, and can lead to errors over and above those of encoding and maintenance limitations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Missense mutation of the COQ2 gene causes defects of bioenergetics and de novo pyrimidine synthesis.

PubMed

López-Martín, José M; Salviati, Leonardo; Trevisson, Eva; Montini, Giovanni; DiMauro, Salvatore; Quinzii, Catarina; Hirano, Michio; Rodriguez-Hernandez, Angeles; Cordero, Mario D; Sánchez-Alcázar, José A; Santos-Ocaña, Carlos; Navas, Plácido

2007-05-01

Coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) deficiency has been associated with an increasing number of clinical phenotypes that respond to CoQ(10) supplementation. In two siblings with encephalomyopathy, nephropathy and severe CoQ(10) deficiency, a homozygous mutation was identified in the CoQ(10) biosynthesis gene COQ2, encoding polyprenyl-pHB transferase. To confirm the pathogenicity of this mutation, we have demonstrated that human wild-type, but not mutant COQ2, functionally complements COQ2 defective yeast. In addition, an equivalent mutation introduced in the yeast COQ2 gene also decreases both CoQ(6) concentration and growth in respiratory-chain dependent medium. Polyprenyl-pHB transferase activity was 33-45% of controls in COQ2 mutant fibroblasts. CoQ-dependent mitochondrial complexes activities were restored in deficient fibroblasts by CoQ(10) supplementation, and growth rate was restored in these cells by either CoQ(10) or uridine supplementation. This work is the first direct demonstration of the pathogenicity of a COQ2 mutation involved in human disease, and establishes yeast as a useful model to study human CoQ(10) deficiency. Moreover, we demonstrate that CoQ(10) deficiency in addition to the bioenergetics defect also impairs de novo pyrimidine synthesis, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease.

Global Nonlinear Optimization for the Interpretation of Magnetic Anomalies Over Idealized Geological Bodies for Ore Exploration - An Insight about Uncertainty

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biswas, A.

2016-12-01

A Very Fast Simulated Annealing (VFSA) global optimization code is produced for elucidation of magnetic data over various idealized bodies for mineral investigation. The way of uncertainty in the interpretation is additionally analyzed in the present study. This strategy fits the watched information exceptionally well by some straightforward geometrically body in the confined class of Sphere, horizontal cylinder, thin dyke and sheet type models. The consequences of VFSA improvement uncover that different parameters demonstrate various identical arrangements when state of the objective body is not known and shape factor "q" is additionally advanced together with other model parameters. The study uncovers that amplitude coefficient k is firmly subject to shape factor. This demonstrates there is multi-model sort vulnerability between these two model parameters. Be that as it may, the assessed estimations of shape factor from different VFSA runs without a doubt show whether the subsurface structure is sphere, horizontal cylinder, and dyke or sheet type structure. Thus, the precise shape element (2.5 for sphere, 2.0 for horizontal cylinder and 1.0 for dyke and sheet) is settled and improvement procedure is rehashed. Next, altering the shape factor and investigation of uncertainty as well as scatter-plots demonstrates a very much characterized uni-model characteristics. The mean model figured in the wake of settling the shape factor gives the highest dependable results. Inversion of noise-free and noisy synthetic data information and additionally field information shows the adequacy of the methodology. The procedure has been carefully and practically connected to five genuine field cases with the nearness of mineralized bodies covered at various profundities in the subsurface and complex geological settings. The method can be to a great degree appropriate for mineral investigation, where the attractive information is seen because of mineral body established in the shallow/deeper subsurface and the calculation time for the entire procedure are short. Keywords: Magnetic anomaly, idealized body, uncertainty, VFSA, multiple structure, ore exploration.

Bilateral effects of hospital patient-safety procedures on nurses' job satisfaction.

PubMed

Inoue, T; Karima, R; Harada, K

2017-09-01

The aim of this study was to examine how hospital patient-safety procedures affect the job satisfaction of hospital nurses. Additionally, we investigated the association between perceived autonomy and hospital patient-safety procedures and job satisfaction. Recently, measures for patient safety have been recognized as an essential requirement in hospitals. Hospital patient-safety procedures may enhance the job satisfaction of nurses by improving the quality of their work. However, such procedures may also decrease their job satisfaction by imposing excessive stress on nurses because they cannot make mistakes. The participants included 537 nurses at 10 private hospitals in Japan (The surveys were collected from March to July 2012). Factors related to hospital patient-safety procedures were demonstrated using factor analysis, and the associations between these factors and nurses' self-perceived autonomy and job satisfaction were examined using structural equation modelling. Five factors regarding hospital patient-safety procedures were extracted. Additionally, structural equation modelling revealed statistically significant associations between these factors and the nurses' self-perceived autonomy and job satisfaction. The findings showed that nurses' perceived autonomy of the workplace enhanced their job satisfaction and that their perceptions of hospital patient-safety procedures promoted their job satisfaction. However, some styles of chief nurses' leadership regarding patient safety restrict nurses' independent and autonomous decision-making and actions, resulting in a lowering of job satisfaction. This study demonstrated that hospital patient-safety procedures have ambiguous effects on nurses' job satisfaction. In particular, chief nurses' leadership relating to patient safety can have a positive or negative effect on nurses' job satisfaction. The findings indicated that hospital managers should demonstrate positive attitudes to improve patient safety for nurses' job satisfaction. In addition, policymakers in the hospitals should consider that chief nurses' leadership styles may reduce autonomy and suppress nurses' job satisfaction. © 2017 The Authors International Nursing Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Council of Nurses.

In Vivo and Ex Vivo Transcutaneous Glucose Detection Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Ke

Diabetes mellitus is widely acknowledged as a large and growing health concern. The lack of practical methods for continuously monitoring glucose levels causes significant difficulties in successful diabetes management. Extensive validation work has been carried out using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for in vivo glucose sensing. This dissertation details progress made towards a Raman-based glucose sensor for in vivo, transcutaneous glucose detection. The first presented study combines spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) with SERS (SESORS) to explore the possibility of in vivo, transcutaneous glucose sensing. A SERS-based glucose sensor was implanted subcutaneously in Sprague-Dawley rats. SERS spectra were acquired transcutaneously and analyzed using partial least-squares (PLS). Highly accurate and consistent results were obtained, especially in the hypoglycemic range. Additionally, the sensor demonstrated functionality at least17 days after implantation. A subsequent study further extends the application of SESORS to the possibility of in vivo detection of glucose in brain through skull. Specifically, SERS nanoantennas were buried in an ovine tissue behind a bone with 8 mm thickness and detected by using SESORS. In addition, quantitative detection through bones by using SESORS was also demonstrated. A device that could measure glucose continuously as well as noninvasively would be of great use to patients with diabetes. The inherent limitation of the SESORS approach may prevent this technique from becoming a noninvasive method. Therefore, the prospect of using normal Raman spectroscopy for glucose detection was re-examined. Quantitative detection of glucose and lactate in the clinically relevant range was demonstrated by using normal Raman spectroscopy with low power and short acquisition time. Finally, a nonlinear calibration method called least-squares support vector machine regression (LS-SVR) was investigated for analyzing spectroscopic data sets of glucose detection. Comparison studies were demonstrated between LS-SVR and PLS. LS-SVR demonstrated significant improvements in accuracy over PLS for glucose detection, especially when a global calibration model was required. The improvements imparted by LS-SVR open up the possibility of developing an accurate prediction algorithm for Raman-based glucose sensing applicable to a large human population. Overall, these studies show the high promise held by the Raman-based sensor for the challenge of optimal glycemic control.

Solar energy system economic evaluation: Fern Tunkhannock, Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1980-09-01

The economic performance of an Operational Test Site (OTS) is described. The long term economic performance of the system at its installation site and extrapolation to four additional selected locations to demonstrate the viability of the design over a broad range of environmental and economic conditions is reported. Topics discussed are: system description, study approach, economic analysis and system optimization, and technical and economical results of analysis. Data for the economic analysis are generated through evaluation of the OTS. The simulation is based on the technical results of the seasonal report simulation. In addition localized and standard economic parameters are used for economic analysis.

Effects of addition of sodium lauryl sulfate on frozen-thawed canine spermatozoa.

PubMed

Hori, Tatsuya; Kaseki, Hanae; Fukuhara, Youko; Oba, Hiromichi; Mizutani, Tatsuji; Kawakami, Eiichi; Tsutsui, Toshihiko

2006-10-01

The addition of Orvus ES paste (OEP) to extender may be essential for preparing frozen dog semen. The major ingredient of OEP is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). In this study, we compared the effect of SLS on frozen dog semen with that of OEP. There were no significant differences between the 2-mg/ml SLS group and OEP group concerning sperm motility, viability and the percentage of viable sperm with intact acrosomes after freeze-thawing. These results suggest that the effectiveness of frozen dog semen extender containing 2 mg/ml of SLS is similar effective to that demonstrated for OEP.

Solar energy system economic evaluation: Fern Tunkhannock, Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

The economic performance of an Operational Test Site (OTS) is described. The long term economic performance of the system at its installation site and extrapolation to four additional selected locations to demonstrate the viability of the design over a broad range of environmental and economic conditions is reported. Topics discussed are: system description, study approach, economic analysis and system optimization, and technical and economical results of analysis. Data for the economic analysis are generated through evaluation of the OTS. The simulation is based on the technical results of the seasonal report simulation. In addition localized and standard economic parameters are used for economic analysis.

Antiretroviral Chemoprophylaxis: State of Evidence and the Research Agenda

PubMed Central

Mayer, Kenneth H.

2014-01-01

Oral antiretroviral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been shown to decrease human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence in studies of men who have sex with men, heterosexual men and women, and injecting drug users. One study of pericoital tenofovir gel demonstrated that it reduced HIV incidence in South African women. However, other studies of African women failed to demonstrate protection with either oral tenofovir or tenofovir-emtricitabine, or daily tenofovir gel. The magnitude of PrEP protection appears to be highly correlated with medication adherence. New studies are evaluating whether different antiretrovirals, including dapivirine, rilpivirine, maraviroc, and new integrase inhibitors. Different formulations are also being evaluated, including gels, films, vaginal rings, and injectable medication. Although PrEP efficacy has been demonstrated, and several normative bodies (eg, the US Food and Drug Administration) have approved PrEP for clinical use, uptake has been slow. Reasons may include lack of sufficient provider and consumer education, residual concerns about costs, potential long-term toxicities, and behavioral disinhibition. Additional work is under way to determine how to best educate consumers and providers about optimal adherence and to use PrEP in conjunction with risk mitigation. PMID:24926034

Bacterial lipoproteins and other factors released by Francisella tularensis modulate human neutrophil lifespan: Effects of a TLR1 SNP on apoptosis inhibition

PubMed Central

Kinkead, Lauren C.; Whitmore, Laura C.; McCracken, Jenna M.; Fletcher, Joshua R.; Ketelsen, Brandi B.; Kaufman, Justin W.; Jones, Bradley D.; Weiss, David S.; Barker, Jason H.

2017-01-01

Abstract Francisella tularensis infects several cell types including neutrophils, and aberrant neutrophil accumulation contributes to tissue destruction during tularaemia. We demonstrated previously that F. tularensis strains Schu S4 and live vaccine strain markedly delay human neutrophil apoptosis and thereby prolong cell lifespan, but the bacterial factors that mediate this aspect of virulence are undefined. Herein, we demonstrate that bacterial conditioned medium (CM) can delay apoptosis in the absence of direct infection. Biochemical analyses show that CM contained F. tularensis surface factors as well as outer membrane components. Our previous studies excluded roles for lipopolysaccharide and capsule in apoptosis inhibition, and current studies of [14C] acetate‐labelled bacteria argue against a role for other bacterial lipids in this process. At the same time, studies of isogenic mutants indicate that TolC and virulence factors whose expression requires FevR or MglA were also dispensable, demonstrating that apoptosis inhibition does not require Type I or Type VI secretion. Instead, we identified bacterial lipoproteins (BLPs) as active factors in CM. Additional studies of isolated BLPs demonstrated dose‐dependent neutrophil apoptosis inhibition via a TLR2‐dependent mechanism that is significantly influenced by a common polymorphism, rs5743618, in human TLR1. These data provide fundamental new insight into pathogen manipulation of neutrophil lifespan and BLP function. PMID:29063667

Effect of preventive dentistry training program for caregivers in community facilities on caregiver and client behavior and client oral hygiene.

PubMed

Glassman, Paul; Miller, Christine Ernst

2006-01-01

The influx of persons with developmental disabilities into community-based programs has required the development, expansion and improved integration of community-based services. The role of caregivers in these community settings has become pivotal. However, with regard to daily activities, oral hygiene is often a low priority. Few attempts have been made to study caregiver participation in oral disease prevention and practices. This study evaluated the effects of an indirect training program, where caregivers were trained but the ultimate effects were demonstrated in adult clients. In addition, these effects were demonstrated in community care settings. A multiple baseline design, across three group homes, included 11 adult clients with developmental disabilities. This study evaluated the effects of training, instruction to use training and coaching on the presence of caregivers during oral hygiene sessions, the duration of toothbrushing and plaque scores of the clients. The results of this investigation demonstrated that there was an increase in caregiver presence and duration of brushing with a concurrent decrease in plaque scores. Caregivers responding to social validation questionnaires believed that 8 out of 11 clients had increased skills. This study demonstrates that caregiver training, combined with specific instructions to use training information and coaching of caregivers, can have a positive impact on the oral health of individuals with developmental disabilities living in community settings.

Patterns and biases in climate change research on amphibians and reptiles: a systematic review.

PubMed

Winter, Maiken; Fiedler, Wolfgang; Hochachka, Wesley M; Koehncke, Arnulf; Meiri, Shai; De la Riva, Ignacio

2016-09-01

Climate change probably has severe impacts on animal populations, but demonstrating a causal link can be difficult because of potential influences by additional factors. Assessing global impacts of climate change effects may also be hampered by narrow taxonomic and geographical research foci. We review studies on the effects of climate change on populations of amphibians and reptiles to assess climate change effects and potential biases associated with the body of work that has been conducted within the last decade. We use data from 104 studies regarding the effect of climate on 313 species, from 464 species-study combinations. Climate change effects were reported in 65% of studies. Climate change was identified as causing population declines or range restrictions in half of the cases. The probability of identifying an effect of climate change varied among regions, taxa and research methods. Climatic effects were equally prevalent in studies exclusively investigating climate factors (more than 50% of studies) and in studies including additional factors, thus bolstering confidence in the results of studies exclusively examining effects of climate change. Our analyses reveal biases with respect to geography, taxonomy and research question, making global conclusions impossible. Additional research should focus on under-represented regions, taxa and questions. Conservation and climate policy should consider the documented harm climate change causes reptiles and amphibians.

λ-Repressor Oligomerization Kinetics at High Concentrations Using Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy in Zero-Mode Waveguides

PubMed Central

Samiee, K. T.; Foquet, M.; Guo, L.; Cox, E. C.; Craighead, H. G.

2005-01-01

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) has demonstrated its utility for measuring transport properties and kinetics at low fluorophore concentrations. In this article, we demonstrate that simple optical nanostructures, known as zero-mode waveguides, can be used to significantly reduce the FCS observation volume. This, in turn, allows FCS to be applied to solutions with significantly higher fluorophore concentrations. We derive an empirical FCS model accounting for one-dimensional diffusion in a finite tube with a simple exponential observation profile. This technique is used to measure the oligomerization of the bacteriophage λ repressor protein at micromolar concentrations. The results agree with previous studies utilizing conventional techniques. Additionally, we demonstrate that the zero-mode waveguides can be used to assay biological activity by measuring changes in diffusion constant as a result of ligand binding. PMID:15613638

Holographic optical assembly and photopolymerized joining of planar microspheres

DOE PAGES

Shaw, L. A.; Chizari, S.; Panas, R. M.; ...

2016-07-27

The aim of this research is to demonstrate a holographically driven photopolymerization process for joining colloidal particles to create planar microstructures fixed to a substrate, which can be monitored with real-time measurement. Holographic optical tweezers (HOT) have been used to arrange arrays of microparticles prior to this work; here we introduce a new photopolymerization process for rapidly joining simultaneously handled microspheres in a plane. Additionally, we demonstrate a new process control technique for efficiently identifying when particles have been successfully joined by measuring a sufficient reduction in the particles’ Brownian motion. Furthermore, this technique and our demonstrated joining approach enablemore » HOT technology to take critical steps toward automated additive fabrication of microstructures.« less

Overview of Additive Manufacturing Initiatives at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clinton, R. G., Jr.

2018-01-01

NASA's In Space Manufacturing Initiative (ISM) includes: The case for ISM - why; ISM path to exploration - results from the 3D Printing In Zero-G Technology Demonstration - ISM challenges; In space Robotic Manufacturing and Assembly (IRMA); Additive construction. Additively Manufacturing (AM) development for liquid rocket engine space flight hardware. MSFC standard and specification for additively manufactured space flight hardware. Summary.

Comprehensive decision tree models in bioinformatics.

PubMed

Stiglic, Gregor; Kocbek, Simon; Pernek, Igor; Kokol, Peter

2012-01-01

Classification is an important and widely used machine learning technique in bioinformatics. Researchers and other end-users of machine learning software often prefer to work with comprehensible models where knowledge extraction and explanation of reasoning behind the classification model are possible. This paper presents an extension to an existing machine learning environment and a study on visual tuning of decision tree classifiers. The motivation for this research comes from the need to build effective and easily interpretable decision tree models by so called one-button data mining approach where no parameter tuning is needed. To avoid bias in classification, no classification performance measure is used during the tuning of the model that is constrained exclusively by the dimensions of the produced decision tree. The proposed visual tuning of decision trees was evaluated on 40 datasets containing classical machine learning problems and 31 datasets from the field of bioinformatics. Although we did not expected significant differences in classification performance, the results demonstrate a significant increase of accuracy in less complex visually tuned decision trees. In contrast to classical machine learning benchmarking datasets, we observe higher accuracy gains in bioinformatics datasets. Additionally, a user study was carried out to confirm the assumption that the tree tuning times are significantly lower for the proposed method in comparison to manual tuning of the decision tree. The empirical results demonstrate that by building simple models constrained by predefined visual boundaries, one not only achieves good comprehensibility, but also very good classification performance that does not differ from usually more complex models built using default settings of the classical decision tree algorithm. In addition, our study demonstrates the suitability of visually tuned decision trees for datasets with binary class attributes and a high number of possibly redundant attributes that are very common in bioinformatics.

Comprehensive Decision Tree Models in Bioinformatics

PubMed Central

Stiglic, Gregor; Kocbek, Simon; Pernek, Igor; Kokol, Peter

2012-01-01

Purpose Classification is an important and widely used machine learning technique in bioinformatics. Researchers and other end-users of machine learning software often prefer to work with comprehensible models where knowledge extraction and explanation of reasoning behind the classification model are possible. Methods This paper presents an extension to an existing machine learning environment and a study on visual tuning of decision tree classifiers. The motivation for this research comes from the need to build effective and easily interpretable decision tree models by so called one-button data mining approach where no parameter tuning is needed. To avoid bias in classification, no classification performance measure is used during the tuning of the model that is constrained exclusively by the dimensions of the produced decision tree. Results The proposed visual tuning of decision trees was evaluated on 40 datasets containing classical machine learning problems and 31 datasets from the field of bioinformatics. Although we did not expected significant differences in classification performance, the results demonstrate a significant increase of accuracy in less complex visually tuned decision trees. In contrast to classical machine learning benchmarking datasets, we observe higher accuracy gains in bioinformatics datasets. Additionally, a user study was carried out to confirm the assumption that the tree tuning times are significantly lower for the proposed method in comparison to manual tuning of the decision tree. Conclusions The empirical results demonstrate that by building simple models constrained by predefined visual boundaries, one not only achieves good comprehensibility, but also very good classification performance that does not differ from usually more complex models built using default settings of the classical decision tree algorithm. In addition, our study demonstrates the suitability of visually tuned decision trees for datasets with binary class attributes and a high number of possibly redundant attributes that are very common in bioinformatics. PMID:22479449

ALTUS Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Tony; Blakeslee, Richard; Russell, Larry W. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The ALTUS Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES) is an uninhabited aerial vehicle (UAV)-based project that will investigate thunderstorms in the vicinity of the Florida Everglades in August 2002. ACES is being conducted to both investigate storm electrical activity and its relationship to storm morphology, and validate Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) satellite measurements. In addition, as part of NASA's UAV-based science demonstration program, this project will provide a scientifically useful demonstration of the utility and promise of UAV platforms for Earth science and applications observations. Part of the demonstration involves getting approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration and the NASA airworthiness flight safety review board. ACES will employ the ALTUS II aircraft, built by General Atomics - Aeronautical Systems, Inc. Key science objectives simultaneously addressed by ACES are to: (1) investigate lightning-storm relationships, (2) study storm electrical budgets, and (3) provide Lightning Imaging Sensor validation. The ACES payload, already developed and flown on ALTUS, includes electrical, magnetic, and optical sensors to remotely characterize the lightning activity and the electrical environment within and around thunderstorms. ACES will contribute important electrical and optical measurements not available from other sources. Also, the high altitude vantage point of the UAV observing platform (up to 55,000 feet) offers a useful 'cloud-top' perspective. By taking advantage of its slow flight speed (70 to 100 knots), long endurance, and high altitude flight, the ALTUS will be flown near, and when possible, above (but never into) thunderstorms for long periods of time, allowing investigations to be conducted over entire storm life cycles. In addition, concurrent ground-based observations will enable the UAV measurements to be more completely interpreted and evaluated in the context of the thunderstorm structure, evolution, and environment.

30 CFR 75.151 - Tests for methane; qualified person; additional requirement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Tests for methane; qualified person; additional... Certified Persons § 75.151 Tests for methane; qualified person; additional requirement. Notwithstanding the... methane unless he demonstrates to the satisfaction of an authorized representative of the Secretary that...

30 CFR 75.151 - Tests for methane; qualified person; additional requirement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Tests for methane; qualified person; additional... Certified Persons § 75.151 Tests for methane; qualified person; additional requirement. Notwithstanding the... methane unless he demonstrates to the satisfaction of an authorized representative of the Secretary that...

Activation of signaling pathways following localized delivery of systemically administered neurotrophic factors across the blood-brain barrier using focused ultrasound and microbubbles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baseri, Babak; Choi, James J.; Deffieux, Thomas; Samiotaki, Gesthimani; Tung, Yao-Sheng; Olumolade, Oluyemi; Small, Scott A.; Morrison, Barclay, III; Konofagou, Elisa E.

2012-04-01

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown to have broad neuroprotective effects in addition to its therapeutic role in neurodegenerative disease. In this study, the efficacy of delivering exogenous BDNF to the left hippocampus is demonstrated in wild-type mice (n = 7) through the noninvasively disrupted blood-brain barrier (BBB) using focused ultrasound (FUS). The BDNF bioactivity was found to be preserved following delivery as assessed quantitatively by immunohistochemical detection of the pTrkB receptor and activated pAkt, pMAPK, and pCREB in the hippocampal neurons. It was therefore shown for the first time that systemically administered neurotrophic factors can cross the noninvasively disrupted BBB and trigger neuronal downstream signaling effects in a highly localized region in the brain. This is the first time that the administered molecule is tracked through the BBB and localized in the neuron triggering molecular effects. Additional preliminary findings are shown in wild-type mice with two additional neurotrophic factors such as the glia-derived neurotrophic factor (n = 12) and neurturin (n = 2). This further demonstrates the impact of FUS for the early treatment of CNS diseases at the cellular and molecular level and strengthens its premise for FUS-assisted drug delivery and efficacy.

Fingolimod hydrochloride for the treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Thomas, Katja; Proschmann, Undine; Ziemssen, Tjalf

2017-10-01

Fingolimod was the first oral and the first in class disease modifying treatment in multiple sclerosis that acts as sphingosine-1-phospathe receptor agonist. Since approval in 2010 there is a growing experience with fingolimod use in clinical practice, but also next-generation sphingosin-1-receptor agonists in ongoing clinical trials. Growing evidence demonstrates additional effects beyond impact on lymphocyte circulation, highlighting further promising targets in multiple sclerosis therapy. Areas covered: Here we present a systematic review using PubMed database searching and expert opinion on fingolimod use in clinical practice. Long-term data of initial clinical trials and post-marketing evaluations including long-term efficacy, safety, tolerability and management especially within growing disease modifying treatment options and pre-treatment constellation in multiple sclerosis patients are critically discussed. Furthermore novel findings in mechanism of actions and prospective on additional use in progressive forms in multiple sclerosis are presented. Expert opinion: There is an extensive long-term experience on fingolimod use in clinical practice demonstrating the favorable benefit-risk of this drug. Using a defined risk management approach experienced MS clinicians should apply fingolimod after critical choice of patients and review of clinical aspects. Further studies are essential to discuss additional benefit in progressive forms in multiple sclerosis.

New functional pavements for pedestrians and cyclists.

PubMed

Wallqvist, V; Kjell, G; Cupina, E; Kraft, L; Deck, C; Willinger, R

2017-08-01

When many fields of pedestrian and cyclist safety have been extensively studied, the surfacing has long been left unquestioned, despite being developed for another mode of transport and being one of the main causes for falls and fall injuries. In this project new surfacing materials for pedestrian and cyclist safety have been produced. Focusing on augmenting previously largely disregarded parameters as impact absorption, comfort and visibility at the same time as avoiding deteriorating of crucial parameters as friction and wear resistance. Rubber content, binder type, and pigment addition have been varied and evaluated. The results demonstrate that by increasing rubber content of the mixtures the head injury criterion (HIC) value and injury risk can be decreased while maintaining frictional properties according to existing criteria. Assembly of test-lanes demonstrate that some developed materials experience lower flow and component separation than standard materials due to rubber addition, calling for further optimisation of construction procedure linked to content development. Initial trials on the test-lanes indicate that a polyurethane (PU) based material has high cycling comfort, visibility and can be modified with phosphorescence properties. For standard asphalt, impact absorption might be inflicted by modification of bitumen alone but is mostly augmented by rubber addition. The results also indicate that rubber content can decrease ice formation on the materials. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Properties and Applications of High Emissivity Composite Films Based on Far-Infrared Ceramic Powder

PubMed Central

Xiong, Yabo; Huang, Shaoyun; Wang, Wenqi; Liu, Xinghai; Li, Houbin

2017-01-01

Polymer matrix composite materials that can emit radiation in the far-infrared region of the spectrum are receiving increasing attention due to their ability to significantly influence biological processes. This study reports on the far-infrared emissivity property of composite films based on far-infrared ceramic powder. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray powder diffractometry were used to evaluate the physical properties of the ceramic powder. The ceramic powder was found to be rich in aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, and silicon oxide, which demonstrate high far-infrared emissivity. In addition, the micromorphology, mechanical performance, dynamic mechanical properties, and far-infrared emissivity of the composite were analyzed to evaluate their suitability for strawberry storage. The mechanical properties of the far-infrared radiation ceramic (cFIR) composite films were not significantly influenced (p ≥ 0.05) by the addition of the ceramic powder. However, the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) properties of the cFIR composite films, including a reduction in damping and shock absorption performance, were significant influenced by the addition of the ceramic powder. Moreover, the cFIR composite films showed high far-infrared emissivity, which has the capability of prolonging the storage life of strawberries. This research demonstrates that cFIR composite films are promising for future applications. PMID:29186047

Properties and Applications of High Emissivity Composite Films Based on Far-Infrared Ceramic Powder.

PubMed

Xiong, Yabo; Huang, Shaoyun; Wang, Wenqi; Liu, Xinghai; Li, Houbin

2017-11-29

Polymer matrix composite materials that can emit radiation in the far-infrared region of the spectrum are receiving increasing attention due to their ability to significantly influence biological processes. This study reports on the far-infrared emissivity property of composite films based on far-infrared ceramic powder. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray powder diffractometry were used to evaluate the physical properties of the ceramic powder. The ceramic powder was found to be rich in aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, and silicon oxide, which demonstrate high far-infrared emissivity. In addition, the micromorphology, mechanical performance, dynamic mechanical properties, and far-infrared emissivity of the composite were analyzed to evaluate their suitability for strawberry storage. The mechanical properties of the far-infrared radiation ceramic (cFIR) composite films were not significantly influenced ( p ≥ 0.05) by the addition of the ceramic powder. However, the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) properties of the cFIR composite films, including a reduction in damping and shock absorption performance, were significant influenced by the addition of the ceramic powder. Moreover, the cFIR composite films showed high far-infrared emissivity, which has the capability of prolonging the storage life of strawberries. This research demonstrates that cFIR composite films are promising for future applications.

Effect of hydrocolloids on the physico-chemical and rheological properties of reconstituted sweetened yoghurt powder.

PubMed

Seth, Dibyakanta; Mishra, Hari Niwas; Deka, Sankar Chandra

2018-03-01

The consistency of sweetened yoghurt (misti dahi) is a desired characteristic which is attributed to the casein protein network formation during fermentation. Unfortunately, this property is lost in reconstituted sweetened yoghurt (RSY) due to the irreversible nature of protein denaturation during spray drying. Therefore, this study aimed to increase the consistency of RSY using different hydrocolloids. The effects addition of guar gum, pectin, κ-carrageenan and gelatin (0.1%w/v each) on the physico-chemical, microbial, rheological and sensory properties of RSY were investigated. RSY with 40% total solids demonstrated the rheological properties which are very similar to those of fresh sweetened yoghurt. RSY containing different hydrocolloids further increased the rheological properties. The dynamic rheological study revealed that the magnitude of storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G″), and loss tangent (tan δ) were significantly influenced by the addition of hydrocolloids and gelatin exhibited highest dynamic moduli in RSY. However, κ-carrageenan added RSY was preferred sensorially as the rheological properties were very close to gelatin added RSY. Addition of hydrocolloids significantly increased the starter bacteria count and pH and reduced water expulsion rate (P < 0.05). Addition of hydrocolloids can improve the rheological properties of reconstituted yoghurt. The study concluded that the addition of κ-carrageenan showed better results in terms of rheological and sensory properties of RSY. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Allicin enhances the oxidative damage effect of amphotericin B against Candida albicans.

PubMed

An, MaoMao; Shen, Hui; Cao, YongBing; Zhang, JunDong; Cai, Yun; Wang, Rui; Jiang, YuanYing

2009-03-01

Amphotericin B (AmB) is the gold standard of antifungal treatment for the most severe invasive mycoses. In addition to the interaction of AmB with ergosterol in the fungi cell membrane, several studies have demonstrated oxidative damage involved in the fungicidal activity of AmB. In this study, allicin, an allyl sulphur compound from garlic, was shown to enhance significantly the effect of AmB against Candida albicans in vitro and in vivo, although allicin did not exert a fungicidal effect. Further study first demonstrated that allicin-mediated oxidative damage, such as phospholipid peroxidation in the plasma membrane, via influencing the defence of C. albicans against oxidative damage may be the cause of the synergistic interaction between allicin and AmB. We envision that a combination of AmB with allicin may prove to be a promising strategy for the therapy of disseminated candidiasis.

Increasing implementation of special education instruction in mainstream preschools: direct and generalized effects of nondirective consultation.

PubMed

Peck, C A; Killen, C C; Baumgart, D

1989-01-01

Two studies evaluated a consultation strategy for increasing teachers' implementation of instruction related to specific Individualized Education Plan objectives for handicapped children mainstreamed into regular preschool programs. In the first study, teachers viewed videotaped sequences of regular classroom routines and were asked to generate ideas for embedding IEP-related instruction into those routines. All teachers demonstrated increases in instructional behaviors in targeted routines, and 2 of the 3 teachers increased instruction in additional settings that had not been the focus of the consultation. Children demonstrated concomitant increases in IEP-targeted behaviors. In follow-up questionnaires and interviews, teachers reported increased confidence in their ability to implement specialized instruction. These findings were replicated in a second study in which the videotaping was replaced by teacher interview, and in which the consultation was carried out by a previously untrained special education teacher.