Expression pattern of salt tolerance-related genes in Aegilops cylindrica.

PubMed

Arabbeigi, Mahbube; Arzani, Ahmad; Majidi, Mohammad Mahdi; Sayed-Tabatabaei, Badraldin Ebrahim; Saha, Prasenjit

2018-02-01

Aegilops cylindrica , a salt-tolerant gene pool of wheat, is a useful plant model for understanding mechanism of salt tolerance. A salt-tolerant USL26 and a salt-sensitive K44 genotypes of A. cylindrica , originating from Uremia Salt Lake shores in Northwest Iran and a non-saline Kurdestan province in West Iran, respectively, were identified based on screening evaluation and used for this work. The objective of the current study was to investigate the expression patterns of four genes related to ion homeostasis in this species. Under treatment of 400 mM NaCl, USL26 showed significantly higher root and shoot dry matter levels and K + concentrations, together with lower Na + concentrations than K44 genotype. A. cylindrica HKT1;5 ( AecHKT1;5 ), SOS1 ( AecSOS1 ), NHX1 ( AecNHX1 ) and VP1 ( AecVP1 ) were partially sequenced to design each gene specific primer. Quantitative real-time PCR showed a differential expression pattern of these genes between the two genotypes and between the root and shoot tissues. Expressions of AecHKT1;5 and AecSOS1 was greater in the roots than in the shoots of USL26 while AecNHX1 and AecVP1 were equally expressed in both tissues of USL26 and K44. The higher transcripts of AecHKT1;5 in the roots versus the shoots could explain both the lower Na + in the shoots and the much lower Na + and higher K + concentrations in the roots/shoots of USL26 compared to K44. Therefore, the involvement of AecHKT1;5 in shoot-to-root handover of Na + in possible combination with the exclusion of excessive Na + from the root in the salt-tolerant genotype are suggested.

Macroscopic barotrauma caused by stiff and soft-tipped airway exchange catheters: an in vitro case series.

PubMed

Axe, Robert; Middleditch, Alex; Kelly, Fiona E; Batchelor, Tim J; Cook, Tim M

2015-02-01

Many airway management guidelines include the use of airway exchange catheters (AECs). There are reports, however, of harm from their use, from both malpositioning and in particular from the administration of oxygen via an AEC leading to barotrauma. We used an in vitro pig lung model to investigate the safety of administering oxygen at 4 different flow rates from a high-pressure source via 2 different AECs: a standard catheter and a soft-tipped catheter. Experiments were performed with the catheters positioned either above the carina or below it at the first point of resistance to advancement (hold-up). The experiments were then repeated to produce a series of 32 cases. With an AEC positioned above the carina, we did not observe macroscopic lung damage after the administration of oxygen. The administration of oxygen through an AEC positioned below the carina resulted in macroscopic barotrauma regardless of the rate of oxygen delivery. Increasing speed of oxygen flow led to faster and more extensive damage. Use of an "injector" at 2.5 or 4 bar led to instantaneous macroscopic lung damage and advancement of the AEC through the lung tissue. Our observations were the same when both types of AECs were used. Our results are consistent with reports of harm during the use of AECs and demonstrate the risk of administering oxygen through these devices when they are positioned below the carina. An indicator, ideally made on an AEC at the time of manufacture and designed to lie at the same level as the teeth, may be useful in preventing the insertion of that AEC beyond the level of the carina and improve the safety of using such devices.

[Beginnings of bariatric and metabolic surgery in Spain].

PubMed

Baltasar, Aniceto; Domínguez-Adame, Eduardo

2013-01-01

When bariatric and metabolic surgery initially began in Spain, it was a subject of debate, due to not knowing exactly who were the first surgeons to perform it. A study has revealed the authors of the first interventions. Copyright © 2012 AEC. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Advertising the atom: federal promotion of nuclear power, 1953-1984

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

Smith, M.

The public relations strategies of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and the nuclear power industry reveal both public and official perceptions of nuclear power and the social uses of technology in general during the first 15 years after passage of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. The relation between nuclear promotion and regulation also helps explain the environmental crisis of the 1969-1984 years. Project Plowshare coincides roughly with the early promotional years, and provides a case study of the relation of regulatory standards to promotion in AEC policymaking. The author examines the environmentalists challenge to nuclear power that emerged inmore » 1969 alongside government and industry response. He concludes with an assessment of the present state of federal nuclear power policy and of the nuclear power industry.« less

An overview of the draft for the amendment of 'nuclear materials and radioactive waste management act'

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

Huan Lin; Tai-Wei Lan; Min-Tsang Chang

2013-07-01

The 'Nuclear Materials and Radioactive Waste Management Act' (NMRWMA) in Taiwan has been in use since 2002. To promote further administrative efficiency and improve regulatory capacity, an amendment of the act has been initiated by the Atomic Energy Council (AEC). It is now being reviewed by outside experts and related communities so as to include the best understanding of risk management factors. For the future decommissioning challenges of nuclear facilities, the act is also being amended to comply with the regulatory requirements of the decommissioning mandates. Currently the Taiwan government is conducting government reorganization, and AEC will be reformed butmore » will remain as an independent regulatory body. AEC will then be capable of improving the regulatory capacity for facilitating licensing and inspection, ensuring operational safety, environmental protection and public involvement, and giving a more flexible administrative discretion, such as expending the margin of penalty. The amendment is also required to provide a formal legal basis for the Nuclear Backend Fund, and to mandate the waste producers to take responsibility for any final debt repayment. In addition, this amendment promotes measures to prevent accidents or emergencies concerning radioactive materials and facilities and procedures to reduce the impact and effect of any unexpected events. Furthermore, this amendment intends to implement the concept of information transparency and public participation so as to meet the public needs. Finally, radioactive waste final disposal tasks have to be completed by waste producers under the supervision of the AEC. (authors)« less

Can access to spirometry in asthma education centres influence the referral rate by primary physicians for education?

PubMed

Labrecque, M; Lavallée, M; Beauchesne, M F; Cartier, A; Boulet, L P

2006-01-01

Asthma remains uncontrolled in a large number of asthmatic patients. Recent surveys have shown that a minority of asthmatic patients are referred to asthma educators. The objective of the present study was to assess the influence of increased access to spirometry in asthma education centres (AECs) on the rate of patient referrals to these centres by general practitioners. A one-year, prospective, randomized, multicentric, parallel group study was conducted over two consecutive periods of six months each, with added spirometry being offered in the second six-month period to the experimental group. Ten AECs were enrolled in the project. An advertisement describing the AECs' services was sent by mail to a total of 303 general practitioners at the start of each period, inviting them to refer their patients. Measures of the frequency of medical referrals to the AECs were assessed for each period. The group of AECs randomly selected for spirometry in the second six-month period received 48 medical referrals during the first period and 32 during the second one, following proposed spirometry. AECs that had not offered spirometry received five referrals during the first period and seven during the second period. One AEC withdrew a few weeks after the study began and others encountered administrative problems, reducing their ability to provide interventions. Referral to AECs is not yet integrated into the primary care of asthma and offering more rapid access to spirometry in the AECs does not seem to be a significant incentive for such referrals.

Exosomes derived from human amniotic epithelial cells accelerate wound healing and inhibit scar formation.

PubMed

Zhao, Bin; Zhang, Yijie; Han, Shichao; Zhang, Wei; Zhou, Qin; Guan, Hao; Liu, Jiaqi; Shi, Jihong; Su, Linlin; Hu, Dahai

2017-04-01

Wound healing is a highly orchestrated physiological process consisting of a complex events, and scarless wound healing is highly desired for the development and application in clinical medicine. Recently, we have demonstrated that human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) promoted wound healing and inhibited scar formation through a paracrine mechanism. However, exosomes (Exo) are one of the most important paracrine factors. Whether exosomes derived from human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs-Exo) have positive effects on scarless wound healing have not been reported yet. In this study, we examined the role of hAECs-Exo on wound healing in a rat model. We found that hAECs, which exhibit characteristics of both embryonic and mesenchymal stem cells, have the potential to differentiate into all three germ layers. hAECs-Exo ranged from 50 to 150 nm in diameter, and positive for exosomal markers CD9, CD63, CD81, Alix, TSG101 and HLA-G. Internalization of hAECs-Exo promoted the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts. Moreover, the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) were partly abolished by the treatment of high concentration of hAECs-Exo (100 μg/mL), which may be through stimulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1). In vivo animal experiments showed that hAECs-Exo improved the skin wound healing with well-organized collagen fibers. Taken together, These findings represent that hAECs-Exo can be used as a novel hope in cell-free therapy for scarless wound healing.

The role of alveolar epithelial cells in initiating and shaping pulmonary immune responses: communication between innate and adaptive immune systems.

PubMed

Chuquimia, Olga D; Petursdottir, Dagbjort H; Rahman, Muhammad J; Hartl, Katharina; Singh, Mahavir; Fernández, Carmen

2012-01-01

Macrophages and dendritic cells have been recognized as key players in the defense against mycobacterial infection. However, more recently, other cells in the lungs such as alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) have been found to play important roles in the defense and pathogenesis of infection. In the present study we first compared AEC with pulmonary macrophages (PuM) isolated from mice in their ability to internalize and control Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) growth and their capacity as APCs. AEC were able to internalize and control bacterial growth as well as present antigen to primed T cells. Secondly, we compared both cell types in their capacity to secrete cytokines and chemokines upon stimulation with various molecules including mycobacterial products. Activated PuM and AEC displayed different patterns of secretion. Finally, we analyzed the profile of response of AEC to diverse stimuli. AEC responded to both microbial and internal stimuli exemplified by TLR ligands and IFNs, respectively. The response included synthesis by AEC of several factors, known to have various effects in other cells. Interestingly, TNF could stimulate the production of CCL2/MCP-1. Since MCP-1 plays a role in the recruitment of monocytes and macrophages to sites of infection and macrophages are the main producers of TNF, we speculate that both cell types can stimulate each other. Also, another cell-cell interaction was suggested when IFNs (produced mainly by lymphocytes) were able to induce expression of chemokines (IP-10 and RANTES) by AEC involved in the recruitment of circulating lymphocytes to areas of injury, inflammation, or viral infection. In the current paper we confirm previous data on the capacity of AEC regarding internalization of mycobacteria and their role as APC, and extend the knowledge of AEC as a multifunctional cell type by assessing the secretion of a broad array of factors in response to several different types of stimuli.

Is Weight-Based Adjustment of Automatic Exposure Control Necessary for the Reduction of Chest CT Radiation Dose?

PubMed Central

Prakash, Priyanka; Gilman, Matthew D.; Shepard, Jo-Anne O.; Digumarthy, Subba R.

2010-01-01

Objective To assess the effects of radiation dose reduction in the chest CT using a weight-based adjustment of the automatic exposure control (AEC) technique. Materials and Methods With Institutional Review Board Approval, 60 patients (mean age, 59.1 years; M:F = 35:25) and 57 weight-matched patients (mean age, 52.3 years, M:F = 25:32) were scanned using a weight-adjusted AEC and non-weight-adjusted AEC, respectively on a 64-slice multidetector CT with a 0.984:1 pitch, 0.5 second rotation time, 40 mm table feed/rotation, and 2.5 mm section thickness. Patients were categorized into 3 weight categories; < 60 kg (n = 17), 60-90 kg (n = 52), and > 90 kg (n = 48). Patient weights, scanning parameters, CT dose index volumes (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) were recorded, while effective dose (ED) was estimated. Image noise was measured in the descending thoracic aorta. Data were analyzed using a standard statistical package (SAS/STAT) (Version 9.1, SAS institute Inc, Cary, NC). Results Compared to the non-weight-adjusted AEC, the weight-adjusted AEC technique resulted in an average decrease of 29% in CTDIvol and a 27% effective dose reduction (p < 0.0001). With weight-adjusted AEC, the CTDIvol decreased to 15.8, 15.9, and 27.3 mGy for the < 60, 60-90 and > 91 kg weight groups, respectively, compared to 20.3, 27.9 and 32.8 mGy, with non-weight-adjusted AEC. No significant difference was observed for objective image noise between the chest CT acquired with the non-weight-adjusted (15.0 ± 3.1) and weight-adjusted (16.1 ± 5.6) AEC techniques (p > 0.05). Conclusion The results of this study suggest that AEC should be tailored according to patient weight. Without weight-based adjustment of AEC, patients are exposed to a 17 - 43% higher radiation-dose from a chest CT. PMID:20046494

Is weight-based adjustment of automatic exposure control necessary for the reduction of chest CT radiation dose?

PubMed

Prakash, Priyanka; Kalra, Mannudeep K; Gilman, Matthew D; Shepard, Jo-Anne O; Digumarthy, Subba R

2010-01-01

To assess the effects of radiation dose reduction in the chest CT using a weight-based adjustment of the automatic exposure control (AEC) technique. With Institutional Review Board Approval, 60 patients (mean age, 59.1 years; M:F = 35:25) and 57 weight-matched patients (mean age, 52.3 years, M:F = 25:32) were scanned using a weight-adjusted AEC and non-weight-adjusted AEC, respectively on a 64-slice multidetector CT with a 0.984:1 pitch, 0.5 second rotation time, 40 mm table feed/rotation, and 2.5 mm section thickness. Patients were categorized into 3 weight categories; < 60 kg (n = 17), 60-90 kg (n = 52), and > 90 kg (n = 48). Patient weights, scanning parameters, CT dose index volumes (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) were recorded, while effective dose (ED) was estimated. Image noise was measured in the descending thoracic aorta. Data were analyzed using a standard statistical package (SAS/STAT) (Version 9.1, SAS institute Inc, Cary, NC). Compared to the non-weight-adjusted AEC, the weight-adjusted AEC technique resulted in an average decrease of 29% in CTDIvol and a 27% effective dose reduction (p < 0.0001). With weight-adjusted AEC, the CTDIvol decreased to 15.8, 15.9, and 27.3 mGy for the < 60, 60-90 and > 91 kg weight groups, respectively, compared to 20.3, 27.9 and 32.8 mGy, with non-weight-adjusted AEC. No significant difference was observed for objective image noise between the chest CT acquired with the non-weight-adjusted (15.0 +/- 3.1) and weight-adjusted (16.1 +/- 5.6) AEC techniques (p > 0.05). The results of this study suggest that AEC should be tailored according to patient weight. Without weight-based adjustment of AEC, patients are exposed to a 17 - 43% higher radiation-dose from a chest CT.

AEC to Referee, Not Promote, Industry.

PubMed

1971-10-29

A major turnabout in the attitude of the Atomic Energy Commission toward the nuclear power industry was signaled last week by the ntew AEC chairman James R. Schlesinger. With patrician froideur, Schlesinger informed a mass gathering of the nuclear power industry at Bal Harbour, Florida, that from henceforth the AEC woLuld act as the referee of nuclear power, not its promoter. Saying he would dispense with the "anecdotes and clumsy jests" customary on such occasions, Schlesinger served notice on the nuclear banqueters that their cozy relationship with the AEC was at an end. The industry should not expect the AEC to fight its battles: it should take its own case to the public-as the Sierra Club does. Nor did the AEC intend to bend the rules in industry's favor. "We have had a fair amount of advice on how to evade the clear mandate of the federal courts. It is advice we did not think proper to accept," Schlesinger said. Even on matters of engineering quality, the diners were told they knew full well they had "reason to blush." Roused out of any postprandial euphoria by this glacial disdain, the industry representatives heard the new chairman announce the following radical upheavals in official AEC philosophy.

Human amniotic membrane-derived epithelial stem cells display anticancer activity in BALB/c female nude mice bearing disseminated breast cancer xenografts.

PubMed

Kang, Nam-Hee; Yi, Bo-Rim; Lim, So Yoon; Hwang, Kyung-A; Baek, Young Seok; Kang, Kyung-Sun; Choi, Kyung-Chul

2012-06-01

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors and the leading cause of mortality among women. In this study, we propose a human stem cell transplantation strategy, an important method for treating various cancers, as a potential breast cancer therapy. To this end, we used human amniotic membrane-derived epithelial stem cells (hAECs) as a cell source for performing human stem cell transplantation. hAECs have multipotent differentiation abilities and possess high proliferative potential. We transplanted hAECs into female BALB/c nude mice bearing tumors originating from MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Co-culturred hAECs and MDA-MB-231 cells at a ratio of 1:4 or 1:8 (tumor cells to stem cells) inhibited breast cancer cell growth by 67.29 and 67.33%, respectively. In the xenograft mouse model, tumor volumes were significantly decreased by 5-flurouracil (5-FU) treatment and two different ratios of hAECs (1:4 and 1:8) by 84.33, 73.88 and 56.89%, respectively. Treatment of nude mice with hAECs (1:4) produced remarkable antitumor effects without any side-effects (e.g., weight loss, death and bruising) compared to the mice that received only 5-FU treatment. Tumor progression was significantly reduced by hAEC treatment compared to the xenograft model. On the other hand, breast tissues (e.g., the epidermis, dermis and reticular layer) appeared to be well-maintained following treatment with hAECs. Taken together, these results provide strong evidence that hAECs can be used as a safe and effective cancer-targeting cytotherapy for treating breast cancer.

Alarmin S100A8 Activates Alveolar Epithelial Cells in the Context of Acute Lung Injury in a TLR4-Dependent Manner.

PubMed

Chakraborty, Deblina; Zenker, Stefanie; Rossaint, Jan; Hölscher, Anna; Pohlen, Michele; Zarbock, Alexander; Roth, Johannes; Vogl, Thomas

2017-01-01

Alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) are an essential part of the respiratory barrier in lungs for gas exchange and protection against pathogens. Damage to AECs occurs during lung injury and PAMPs/DAMPs have been shown to activate AECs. However, their interplay as well as the mechanism of AECs' activation especially by the alarmin S100A8/A9 is unknown. Thus, our aim was to study the mechanism of activation of AECs (type I and type II) by S100A8 and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and to understand the role of endogenous S100A8/A9 in neutrophil recruitment in the lung. For our studies, we modified a previous protocol for isolation and culturing of murine AECs. Next, we stimulated the cells with S100A8 and/or LPS and analyzed cytokine/chemokine release. We also analyzed the contribution of the known S100-receptors TLR4 and RAGE in AEC activation. In a murine model of lung injury, we investigated the role of S100A8/A9 in neutrophil recruitment to lungs. S100A8 activates type I and type II cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner which could be quantified by the release of IL-6, KC, and MCP-1. We here clearly demonstrate that AEC s are activated by S100A8 via a TLR4-dependent pathway. Surprisingly, RAGE, albeit mainly expressed in lung tissue, plays no role. Additionally, we show that S100A8/A9 is an essential factor for neutrophil recruitment to lungs. We, therefore, conclude that S100A8 promotes acute lung injury via Toll-like receptor 4-dependent activation of AECs.

Decreased Fibronectin Production Significantly Contributes to Dysregulated Repair of Asthmatic Epithelium

PubMed Central

Kicic, Anthony; Hallstrand, Teal S.; Sutanto, Erika N.; Stevens, Paul T.; Kobor, Michael S.; Taplin, Christopher; Paré, Peter D.; Beyer, Richard P.; Stick, Stephen M.; Knight, Darryl A.

2010-01-01

Rationale: Damage to airway epithelium is followed by deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and migration of adjacent epithelial cells. We have shown that epithelial cells from children with asthma fail to heal a wound in vitro. Objectives: To determine whether dysregulated ECM production by the epithelium plays a role in aberrant repair in asthma. Methods: Airway epithelial cells (AEC) from children with asthma (n = 36), healthy atopic control subjects (n = 23), and healthy nonatopic control subjects (n = 53) were investigated by microarray, gene expression and silencing, transcript regulation analysis, and ability to close mechanical wounds. Measurements and Main Results: Time to repair a mechanical wound in vitro by AEC from healthy and atopic children was not significantly different and both were faster than AEC from children with asthma. Microarray analysis revealed differential expression of multiple gene sets associated with repair and remodeling in asthmatic AEC. Fibronectin (FN) was the only ECM component whose expression was significantly lower in asthmatic AEC. Expression differences were verified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and ELISA, and reduced FN expression persisted in asthmatic cells over passage. Silencing of FN expression in nonasthmatic AEC inhibited wound repair, whereas addition of FN to asthmatic AEC restored reparative capacity. Asthmatic AEC failed to synthesize FN in response to wounding or cytokine/growth factor stimulation. Exposure to 5′, 2′deoxyazacytidine had no effect on FN expression and subsequent analysis of the FN promoter did not show evidence of DNA methylation. Conclusions: These data show that the reduced capacity of asthmatic epithelial cells to secrete FN is an important contributor to the dysregulated AEC repair observed in these cells. PMID:20110557

Should the automatic exposure control system of CT be disabled when scanning patients with endoaortic stents or mechanical heart valves? A phantom study.

PubMed

Di Leo, Giovanni; Spadavecchia, Chiara; Zanardo, Moreno; Secchi, Francesco; Veronese, Ivan; Cantone, Marie Claire; Sardanelli, Francesco

2017-07-01

To estimate the impact of endoaortic stents/mechanical heart valves on the output of an automatic exposure control (AEC) system and CT radiation dose. In this phantom study, seven stents and two valves were scanned with varying tube voltage (80/100/120 kVp), AEC activation (enabled/disabled) and prosthesis (present/absent), for a total of 540 scans. For each prosthesis, the dose-length product (DLP) was compared between scans with the AEC enabled and disabled. Percentage confidence levels for differences due to the prosthesis were calculated. Differences between results with the AEC enabled and disabled were not statistically significant (p ≥ 0.059). In the comparison with and without the prosthesis, DLP was unchanged at 80 kVp and 100 kVp, while a slight increase was observed at 120 kVp. The radiation dose varied from 1.8 mGy to 2.4 mGy without the prosthesis and from 1.8 mGy to 2.5 mGy with the prosthesis (confidence level 37-100%). The effect of the prosthesis on the AEC system was negligible and not clinically relevant. Therefore, disabling the AEC system when scanning these patients is not likely to provide a benefit. • CT-AEC system is not impaired in patients with endoaortic prostheses/heart valves. • Negligible differences may be observed only at 120 kVp. • Disabling the AEC system in these patients is not recommended.

Human amniotic epithelial cells cultured in substitute serum medium maintain their stem cell characteristics for up to four passages.

PubMed

Evron, Ayelet; Goldman, Shlomit; Shalev, Eliezer

2011-11-01

The common applied culture medium in which human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) maintain their stem cell characteristics contains fetal calf serum (FCS) and thus is not compatible with possible future clinical applications due to the danger of animal derived pathogens. To overcome this problem, we replaced FCS with serum substitute supplement, a serum substitute used in the in vitro fertilization for embryo development, in the common applied culture medium and cultured hAECs in this substitute serum medium (SSM). Purity validation and characterization of freshly isolated and cultured hAECs was assessed through the expression of stem cell specific markers by RT-PCR (gene expression), by immunofluorescence staining and FACS (protein expression). Furthermore, karyotype was performed at passage four in order to exclude possible chromosome anomalies in hAECs cultured in SSM. The differentiation potential of hAECs into the cardiomyogenic lineage was tested through cardiac Troponin T expression by immunohistochemistry. hAECs cultured in SSM maintained expression of all the major pluripotent genes Sox-2, Oct-4 and Nanog as well as the expression of the embryonic stem cell specific surface antigens SSEA-4, SSEA-3 and TRA-1-60 over four passages. Using cardiac differentiation medium containing 10% serum substitute supplement, hAECs differentiated into cardiac troponin T expressing cells. We can conclude that, hAECs maintain their stem cell characteristics when cultured in SSM for up to 4 passages. This makes possible future clinical applications of these cells more feasible.

Assessment of automatic exposure control performance in digital mammography using a no-reference anisotropic quality index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barufaldi, Bruno; Borges, Lucas R.; Bakic, Predrag R.; Vieira, Marcelo A. C.; Schiabel, Homero; Maidment, Andrew D. A.

2017-03-01

Automatic exposure control (AEC) is used in mammography to obtain acceptable radiation dose and adequate image quality regardless of breast thickness and composition. Although there are physics methods for assessing the AEC, it is not clear whether mammography systems operate with optimal dose and image quality in clinical practice. In this work, we propose the use of a normalized anisotropic quality index (NAQI), validated in previous studies, to evaluate the quality of mammograms acquired using AEC. The authors used a clinical dataset that consists of 561 patients and 1,046 mammograms (craniocaudal breast views). The results show that image quality is often maintained, even at various radiation levels (mean NAQI = 0.14 +/- 0.02). However, a more careful analysis of NAQI reveals that the average image quality decreases as breast thickness increases. The NAQI is reduced by 32% on average, when the breast thickness increases from 31 to 71 mm. NAQI also decreases with lower breast density. The variation in breast parenchyma alone cannot fully account for the decrease of NAQI with thickness. Examination of images shows that images of large, fatty breasts are often inadequately processed. This work shows that NAQI can be applied in clinical mammograms to assess mammographic image quality, and highlights the limitations of the automatic exposure control for some images.

Antifungal Treatment is Not Required for Immunocompetent Individuals With Asymptomatic Esophageal Candidiasis.

PubMed

Min, Yang Won; Kim, Eun; Son, Hee Jung; Kim, Jae J; Rhee, Poong-Lyul

2015-11-01

Although esophageal candidiasis (EC) is an opportunistic infection, asymptomatic EC (AEC) is occasionally encountered in otherwise healthy individuals. This study evaluates the impact of antifungal treatment in immunocompetent individuals with AEC and investigates risk factors for persistent or recurrent EC. The authors identified patients with biopsy-proven AEC from the database of individuals receiving screening endoscopy (n = 99,255). After excluding patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, being positive for human immunodeficiency virus, receiving no follow-up endoscopy, or having no antifungal treatment data, a total of 142 patients were divided into remission and nonremission groups. Remission was defined when EC was not detectable on follow-up endoscopy. On baseline comparison, nonremission group was older (57.5 ± 10.3 versus 52.5 ± 10.5 years, P = 0.017) and more likely to have cardiovascular disease (12.9% versus 1.8%, P = 0.021) and history of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) (22.6% versus 4.5%, P = 0.004) and exhibited a lower triglyceride level (101.4 ± 37.4 versus 122.6 ± 79.6 mg/dL, P = 0.039) than remission group, whereas grade of EC and concomitant endoscopic findings did not differ between 2 groups. Antifungal treatment was also similarly performed between 2 groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that history of PTB is independently associated with nonremission (odds ratio 4.495, 95% confidence interval 1.023-19.762, P = 0.047). No patients demonstrated EC-related complications during a mean follow-up of 28.0 ± 12.0 months. In conclusion, our results suggested that antifungal treatment is not required for immunocompetent individuals with AEC and past history of PTB is an independent predictor for persistent or recurrent EC.

Agro-ecological class stability decreases in response to climate change projections for the Pacific Northwest, USA

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Climate change will impact bioclimatic drivers that regulate the geospatial distribution of dryland agro-ecological classes (AECs). Characterizing the geospatial relationship between present AECs and their bioclimatic controls will provide insights into potential future shifts in AECs as climate cha...

The clinical course of asymptomatic esophageal candidiasis incidentally diagnosed in general health inspection.

PubMed

Lee, Sang Pyo; Sung, In-Kyung; Kim, Jeong Hwan; Lee, Sun-Young; Park, Hyung Seok; Shim, Chan Sup

2015-01-01

Esophageal candidiasis mostly occurs in the immunocompromised host. However, it may also affect healthy people and is frequently asymptomatic. The clinical significance of asymptomatic esophageal candidiasis (AEC) is still unclear. The aims of the study were to investigate the prevalence of AEC during health inspection and to identify its predisposing factors and clinical significance. A total of 49,497 subjects who underwent a health inspection that included upper endoscopy were enrolled. We retrospectively reviewed the subject's self-reporting questionnaires, medical records and endoscopic findings. We considered "long-term" follow-up to be >6 months with at least one more follow-up endoscopy. One hundred and seventy (0.4%) subjects were endoscopically diagnosed as esophageal candidiasis and 141 subjects were AEC. Multivariate analysis revealed that old age (≥60 years) was an independent risk factor for AEC (OR, 1.862, p = 0.005). The number of subjects with long-term follow-up was 79 (195.3 person-years). Among these, AEC of 64 subjects (81.0%) had disappeared on the follow-up endoscopy and was not recurrent. The other 15 subjects had AEC diagnosed more than once on the follow-up endoscopy, and 5 of them were spontaneously healed during the follow-up period. The remaining 10 subjects whose candidiasis was sustained up to the last endoscopy did not complain of symptoms during the follow-up period, and their endoscopic findings did not worsen. AEC is rare and old age is the only risk factor. AEC does not require medical care because it is a self-limited disease.

Can access to spirometry in asthma education centres influence the referral rate by primary physicians for education?

PubMed Central

Labrecque, M; Lavallée, M; Beauchesne, MF; Cartier, A; Boulet, LP

2006-01-01

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Asthma remains uncontrolled in a large number of asthmatic patients. Recent surveys have shown that a minority of asthmatic patients are referred to asthma educators. The objective of the present study was to assess the influence of increased access to spirometry in asthma education centres (AECs) on the rate of patient referrals to these centres by general practitioners. METHODS: A one-year, prospective, randomized, multicentric, parallel group study was conducted over two consecutive periods of six months each, with added spirometry being offered in the second six-month period to the experimental group. Ten AECs were enrolled in the project. An advertisement describing the AECs’ services was sent by mail to a total of 303 general practitioners at the start of each period, inviting them to refer their patients. Measures of the frequency of medical referrals to the AECs were assessed for each period. RESULTS: The group of AECs randomly selected for spirometry in the second six-month period received 48 medical referrals during the first period and 32 during the second one, following proposed spirometry. AECs that had not offered spirometry received five referrals during the first period and seven during the second period. One AEC withdrew a few weeks after the study began and others encountered administrative problems, reducing their ability to provide interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Referral to AECs is not yet integrated into the primary care of asthma and offering more rapid access to spirometry in the AECs does not seem to be a significant incentive for such referrals. PMID:17149461

CT dose modulation using automatic exposure control in whole-body PET/CT: effects of scout imaging direction and arm positioning.

PubMed

Inoue, Yusuke; Nagahara, Kazunori; Kudo, Hiroko; Itoh, Hiroyasu

2018-01-01

Automatic exposure control (AEC) modulates tube current and consequently X-ray exposure in CT. We investigated the behavior of AEC systems in whole-body PET/CT. CT images of a whole-body phantom were acquired using AEC on two scanners from different manufactures. The effects of scout imaging direction and arm positioning on dose modulation were evaluated. Image noise was assessed in the chest and upper abdomen. On one scanner, AEC using two scout images in the posteroanterior (PA) and lateral (Lat) directions provided relatively constant image noise along the z-axis with the arms at the sides. Raising the arms increased tube current in the head and neck and decreased it in the body trunk. Image noise increased in the upper abdomen, suggesting excessive reduction in radiation exposure. AEC using the PA scout alone strikingly increased tube current and reduced image noise in the shoulder. Raising the arms did not substantially influence dose modulation and decreased noise in the abdomen. On the other scanner, AEC using the PA scout alone or Lat scout alone resulted in similar dose modulation. Raising the arms increased tube current in the head and neck and decreased it in the trunk. Image noise was higher in the upper abdomen than in the middle and lower chest, and was not influenced by arm positioning. CT dose modulation using AEC may vary greatly depending on scout direction. Raising the arms tended to decrease radiation exposure; however, the effect depends on scout direction and the AEC system.

The adenylate energy charge as a new and useful indicator of capture stress in chondrichthyans.

PubMed

Guida, Leonardo; Walker, Terence I; Reina, Richard D

2016-02-01

Quantifying the physiological stress response of chondrichthyans to capture has assisted the development of fishing practices conducive to their survival. However, currently used indicators of stress show significant interspecific and intraspecific variation in species' physiological responses and tolerances to capture. To improve our understanding of chondrichthyan stress physiology and potentially reduce variation when quantifying the stress response, we investigated the use of the adenylate energy charge (AEC); a measure of available metabolic energy. To determine tissues sensitive to metabolic stress, we extracted samples of the brain, heart, liver, white muscle and blood from gummy sharks (Mustelus antarcticus) immediately following gillnet capture and after 3 h recovery under laboratory conditions. Capture caused significant declines in liver, white muscle and blood AEC, whereas no decline was detected in the heart and brain AEC. Following 3 h of recovery from capture, the AEC of the liver and blood returned to "unstressed" levels (control values) whereas white muscle AEC was not significantly different to that immediately after capture. Our results show that the liver is most sensitive to metabolic stress and white muscle offers a practical method to sample animals non-lethally for determination of the AEC. The AEC is a highly informative indicator of stress and unlike current indicators, it can directly measure the change in available energy and thus the metabolic stress experienced by a given tissue. Cellular metabolism is highly conserved across organisms and, therefore, we think the AEC can also provide a standardised form of measuring capture stress in many chondrichthyan species.

miR-34 miRNAs Regulate Cellular Senescence in Type II Alveolar Epithelial Cells of Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

PubMed Central

Disayabutr, Supparerk; Kim, Eun Kyung; Cha, Seung-Ick; Green, Gary; Naikawadi, Ram P.; Jones, Kirk D.; Golden, Jeffrey A.; Schroeder, Aaron; Matthay, Michael A.; Kukreja, Jasleen; Erle, David J.; Collard, Harold R.; Wolters, Paul J.

2016-01-01

Pathologic features of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) include genetic predisposition, activation of the unfolded protein response, telomere attrition, and cellular senescence. The mechanisms leading to alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) senescence are poorly understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported as regulators of cellular senescence. Senescence markers including p16, p21, p53, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-βgal) activity were measured in type II AECs from IPF lungs and unused donor lungs. miRNAs were quantified in type II AECs using gene expression arrays and quantitative RT-PCR. Molecular markers of senescence (p16, p21, and p53) were elevated in IPF type II AECs. SA-βgal activity was detected in a greater percentage in type II AECs isolated from IPF patients (23.1%) compared to patients with other interstitial lung diseases (1.2%) or normal controls (0.8%). The relative levels of senescence-associated miRNAs miR-34a, miR-34b, and miR-34c, but not miR-20a, miR-29c, or miR-let-7f were significantly higher in type II AECs from IPF patients. Overexpression of miR-34a, miR-34b, or miR-34c in lung epithelial cells was associated with higher SA-βgal activity (27.8%, 35.1%, and 38.2%, respectively) relative to control treated cells (8.8%). Targets of miR-34 miRNAs, including E2F1, c-Myc, and cyclin E2, were lower in IPF type II AECs. These results show that markers of senescence are uniquely elevated in IPF type II AECs and suggest that the miR-34 family of miRNAs regulate senescence in IPF type II AECs. PMID:27362652

Synthetic Bone Substitute Engineered with Amniotic Epithelial Cells Enhances Bone Regeneration after Maxillary Sinus Augmentation

PubMed Central

Barboni, Barbara; Mangano, Carlo; Valbonetti, Luca; Marruchella, Giuseppe; Berardinelli, Paolo; Martelli, Alessandra; Muttini, Aurelio; Mauro, Annunziata; Bedini, Rossella; Turriani, Maura; Pecci, Raffaella; Nardinocchi, Delia; Zizzari, Vincenzo Luca; Tetè, Stefano; Piattelli, Adriano; Mattioli, Mauro

2013-01-01

Background Evidence has been provided that a cell-based therapy combined with the use of bioactive materials may significantly improve bone regeneration prior to dental implant, although the identification of an ideal source of progenitor/stem cells remains to be determined. Aim In the present research, the bone regenerative property of an emerging source of progenitor cells, the amniotic epithelial cells (AEC), loaded on a calcium-phosphate synthetic bone substitute, made by direct rapid prototyping (rPT) technique, was evaluated in an animal study. Material And Methods Two blocks of synthetic bone substitute (∼0.14 cm3), alone or engineered with 1×106 ovine AEC (oAEC), were grafted bilaterally into maxillary sinuses of six adult sheep, an animal model chosen for its high translational value in dentistry. The sheep were then randomly divided into two groups and sacrificed at 45 and 90 days post implantation (p.i.). Tissue regeneration was evaluated in the sinus explants by micro-computer tomography (micro-CT), morphological, morphometric and biochemical analyses. Results And Conclusions The obtained data suggest that scaffold integration and bone deposition are positively influenced by allotransplantated oAEC. Sinus explants derived from sheep grafted with oAEC engineered scaffolds displayed a reduced fibrotic reaction, a limited inflammatory response and an accelerated process of angiogenesis. In addition, the presence of oAEC significantly stimulated osteogenesis either by enhancing bone deposition or making more extent the foci of bone nucleation. Besides the modulatory role played by oAEC in the crucial events successfully guiding tissue regeneration (angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor expression and inflammation), data provided herein show that oAEC were also able to directly participate in the process of bone deposition, as suggested by the presence of oAEC entrapped within the newly deposited osteoid matrix and by their ability to switch-on the expression of a specific bone-related protein (osteocalcin, OCN) when transplanted into host tissues. PMID:23696804

Telomere dysfunction in alveolar epithelial cells causes lung remodeling and fibrosis

PubMed Central

Naikawadi, Ram P.; Disayabutr, Supparerk; Mallavia, Benat; Donne, Matthew L.; Green, Gary; La, Janet L.; Rock, Jason R.; Looney, Mark R.; Wolters, Paul J.

2016-01-01

Telomeres are short in type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Whether dysfunctional telomeres contribute directly to development of lung fibrosis remains unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate whether telomere dysfunction in type II AECs, mediated by deletion of the telomere shelterin protein TRF1, leads to pulmonary fibrosis in mice (SPC-Cre TRF1fl/fl mice). Deletion of TRF1 in type II AECs for 2 weeks increased γH2AX DNA damage foci, but not histopathologic changes in the lung. Deletion of TRF1 in type II AECs for up to 9 months resulted in short telomeres and lung remodeling characterized by increased numbers of type II AECs, α-smooth muscle actin+ mesenchymal cells, collagen deposition, and accumulation of senescence-associated β-galactosidase+ lung epithelial cells. Deletion of TRF1 in collagen-expressing cells caused pulmonary edema, but not fibrosis. These results demonstrate that prolonged telomere dysfunction in type II AECs, but not collagen-expressing cells, leads to age-dependent lung remodeling and fibrosis. We conclude that telomere dysfunction in type II AECs is sufficient to cause lung fibrosis, and may be a dominant molecular defect causing IPF. SPC-Cre TRF1fl/fl mice will be useful for assessing cellular and molecular mechanisms of lung fibrosis mediated by telomere dysfunction. PMID:27699234

History of the United States Atomic Energy Commission. Volume II. 1947 / 1952, Atomic Shield

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

Hewlett, Richard G.; Duncan, Francis

1972-01-01

Sponsored by the Historical Advisory Committee of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), this 2-volume series provides an unclassified history of the AEC. Volume I is subtitled ''The New World'' and covers the AEC from 1939 through 1946. This volume, Volume II, is subtitled ''Atomic Shield'' and covers the years 1947 through 1952.

History of the United States Atomic Energy Commission. Volume I. 1939 / 1946, The New World

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

Hewlett, Richard G.; Anderson, Jr., Oscar E.

1962-01-01

Sponsored by the Historical Advisory Committee of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), this 2-volume series provides an unclassified history of the AEC. This volume is subtitled ''The New World'' and covers the AEC from 1939 through 1946. Volume II, is subtitled ''Atomic Shield'' and covers the years 1947 through 1952.

Risks Associated with Federal Construction Projects

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

awarding contracts for construction projects (USACE, 2010). BIM offers a method to effectively design a facility while maximizing work performance during...includes Requirements, Programming, Funding, Solicitation, AEC Evaluation, Award , Project Validation, Design and Construction, and Project Management...includes the Solicitation, AEC Evaluation, and Award Steps. In this Phase, BIM is only used in the Solicitation and the AEC Evaluation steps

Alarmin S100A8 Activates Alveolar Epithelial Cells in the Context of Acute Lung Injury in a TLR4-Dependent Manner

PubMed Central

Chakraborty, Deblina; Zenker, Stefanie; Rossaint, Jan; Hölscher, Anna; Pohlen, Michele; Zarbock, Alexander; Roth, Johannes; Vogl, Thomas

2017-01-01

Alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) are an essential part of the respiratory barrier in lungs for gas exchange and protection against pathogens. Damage to AECs occurs during lung injury and PAMPs/DAMPs have been shown to activate AECs. However, their interplay as well as the mechanism of AECs’ activation especially by the alarmin S100A8/A9 is unknown. Thus, our aim was to study the mechanism of activation of AECs (type I and type II) by S100A8 and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and to understand the role of endogenous S100A8/A9 in neutrophil recruitment in the lung. For our studies, we modified a previous protocol for isolation and culturing of murine AECs. Next, we stimulated the cells with S100A8 and/or LPS and analyzed cytokine/chemokine release. We also analyzed the contribution of the known S100-receptors TLR4 and RAGE in AEC activation. In a murine model of lung injury, we investigated the role of S100A8/A9 in neutrophil recruitment to lungs. S100A8 activates type I and type II cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner which could be quantified by the release of IL-6, KC, and MCP-1. We here clearly demonstrate that AEC s are activated by S100A8 via a TLR4-dependent pathway. Surprisingly, RAGE, albeit mainly expressed in lung tissue, plays no role. Additionally, we show that S100A8/A9 is an essential factor for neutrophil recruitment to lungs. We, therefore, conclude that S100A8 promotes acute lung injury via Toll-like receptor 4-dependent activation of AECs. PMID:29180999

Alveolar Macrophages Prevent Lethal Influenza Pneumonia By Inhibiting Infection Of Type-1 Alveolar Epithelial Cells

PubMed Central

Cardani, Amber; Boulton, Adam; Kim, Taeg S.; Braciale, Thomas J.

2017-01-01

The Influenza A virus (IAV) is a major human pathogen that produces significant morbidity and mortality. To explore the contribution of alveolar macrophages (AlvMΦs) in regulating the severity of IAV infection we employed a murine model in which the Core Binding Factor Beta gene is conditionally disrupted in myeloid cells. These mice exhibit a selective deficiency in AlvMΦs. Following IAV infection these AlvMΦ deficient mice developed severe diffuse alveolar damage, lethal respiratory compromise, and consequent lethality. Lethal injury in these mice resulted from increased infection of their Type-1 Alveolar Epithelial Cells (T1AECs) and the subsequent elimination of the infected T1AECs by the adaptive immune T cell response. Further analysis indicated AlvMΦ-mediated suppression of the cysteinyl leukotriene (cysLT) pathway genes in T1AECs in vivo and in vitro. Inhibition of the cysLT pathway enzymes in a T1AECs cell line reduced the susceptibility of T1AECs to IAV infection, suggesting that AlvMΦ-mediated suppression of this pathway contributes to the resistance of T1AECs to IAV infection. Furthermore, inhibition of the cysLT pathway enzymes, as well as blockade of the cysteinyl leukotriene receptors in the AlvMΦ deficient mice reduced the susceptibility of their T1AECs to IAV infection and protected these mice from lethal infection. These results suggest that AlvMΦs may utilize a previously unappreciated mechanism to protect T1AECs against IAV infection, and thereby reduce the severity of infection. The findings further suggest that the cysLT pathway and the receptors for cysLT metabolites represent potential therapeutic targets in severe IAV infection. PMID:28085958

Primary Airway Epithelial Cell Gene Editing Using CRISPR-Cas9.

PubMed

Everman, Jamie L; Rios, Cydney; Seibold, Max A

2018-01-01

The adaptation of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR associated endonuclease 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) machinery from prokaryotic organisms has resulted in a gene editing system that is highly versatile, easily constructed, and can be leveraged to generate human cells knocked out (KO) for a specific gene. While standard transfection techniques can be used for the introduction of CRISPR-Cas9 expression cassettes to many cell types, delivery by this method is not efficient in many primary cell types, including primary human airway epithelial cells (AECs). More efficient delivery in AECs can be achieved through lentiviral-mediated transduction, allowing the CRISPR-Cas9 system to be integrated into the genome of the cell, resulting in stable expression of the nuclease machinery and increasing editing rates. In parallel, advancements have been made in the culture, expansion, selection, and differentiation of AECs, which allow the robust generation of a bulk edited AEC population from transduced cells. Applying these methods, we detail here our latest protocol to generate mucociliary epithelial cultures knocked out for a specific gene from donor-isolated primary human basal airway epithelial cells. This protocol includes methods to: (1) design and generate lentivirus which targets a specific gene for KO with CRISPR-Cas9 machinery, (2) efficiently transduce AECs, (3) culture and select for a bulk edited AEC population, (4) molecularly screen AECs for Cas9 cutting and specific sequence edits, and (5) further expand and differentiate edited cells to a mucociliary airway epithelial culture. The AEC knockouts generated using this protocol provide an excellent primary cell model system with which to characterize the function of genes involved in airway dysfunction and disease.

Use of automatic exposure control in multislice computed tomography of the coronaries: comparison of 16‐slice and 64‐slice scanner data with conventional coronary angiography

PubMed Central

Deetjen, Anja; Möllmann, Susanne; Conradi, Guido; Rolf, Andreas; Schmermund, Axel; Hamm, Christian W; Dill, Thorsten

2007-01-01

Objective To evaluate the radiation‐dose‐reduction potential of automatic exposure control (AEC) in 16‐slice and 64‐slice multislice computed tomography (MSCT) of the coronary arteries (computed tomography angiography, CTA) in patients. The rapid growth in MSCT CTA emphasises the necessity of adjusting technique factors to reduce radiation dose exposure. Design A retrospective data analysis was performed for 154 patients who had undergone MSCT CTA. Group 1 (n = 56) had undergone 16‐slice MSCT without AEC, and group 2 (n = 51), with AEC. In group 1, invasive coronary angiography (ICA) had been performed in addition. Group 3 (n = 47) had been examined using a 64‐slice scanner (with AEC, without ECG‐triggered tube current modulation). Results In group 1, the mean (SD) effective dose (ED) for MSCT CTA was 9.76 (1.84) mSv and for ICA it was 2.6 (1.27) mSv. In group 2, the mean ED for MSCT CTA was 5.83 (1.73) mSv, which signifies a 42.8% dose reduction for CTA by the use of AEC. In comparison to ICA, MSCT CTA without AEC shows a 3.8‐fold increase in radiation dose, and the radiation dose of CTA with AEC was increased by a factor of 1.9. In group 3, the mean ED for MSCT CTA was 13.58 (2.80) mSV. Conclusions This is the first study to show the significant dose‐reduction potential (42.8%) of AEC in MSCT CTA in patients. This relatively new technique can be used to optimise the radiation dose levels in MSCT CTA. PMID:17395667

Results of the Radiological Survey of the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, Middletown, Iowa

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

Murray, M.E.

2001-07-17

At the request of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), a team from Oak Ridge National Laboratory conducted an indoor radiological survey of property at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant (IAAAP), Middletown, Iowa in June 2000. The purpose of the survey was to determine if radioactive residuals resulting from previous Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) activities were present inside selected Line 1 buildings at the IAAAP and conduct sampling in those areas of previous AEC operations that utilized radioactive components at some point during the manufacturing process, in order to evaluate any possible immediate health hazards and to collect sufficient informationmore » to determine the next type of survey. The AEC occupied portions of IAAAP from 1947 to 1975 to assemble nuclear weapons. The surveyed areas were identified through interviews with current and former IAAAP employees who had worked at the plant during AEC's tenure, and from AEC records.« less

Design and realization of an AEC&AGC system for the CCD aerial camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hai ying; Feng, Bing; Wang, Peng; Li, Yan; Wei, Hao yun

2015-08-01

An AEC and AGC(Automatic Exposure Control and Automatic Gain Control) system was designed for a CCD aerial camera with fixed aperture and electronic shutter. The normal AEC and AGE algorithm is not suitable to the aerial camera since the camera always takes high-resolution photographs in high-speed moving. The AEC and AGE system adjusts electronic shutter and camera gain automatically according to the target brightness and the moving speed of the aircraft. An automatic Gamma correction is used before the image is output so that the image is better for watching and analyzing by human eyes. The AEC and AGC system could avoid underexposure, overexposure, or image blurring caused by fast moving or environment vibration. A series of tests proved that the system meet the requirements of the camera system with its fast adjusting speed, high adaptability, high reliability in severe complex environment.

Individually ventilated cages cause chronic low-grade hypoxia impacting mice hematologically and behaviorally

PubMed Central

York, Jason M.; McDaniel, Allison W.; Blevins, Neil A.; Guillet, Riley R.; Allison, Sarah O.; Cengel, Keith A.; Freund, Gregory G.

2012-01-01

Use of individually ventilated caging (IVC) systems for mouse-based laboratory investigation has dramatically increased. We found that without mice present, intra-cage oxygen concentration was comparable (21%) between IVC housing and ambient environment caging (AEC) that used wire top lids. However, when mice were housed 4-to-a-cage for 1 week, intra-cage oxygen dropped to 20.5% in IVC housing as compared to 21% for AEC housing. IVC intra-cage humidity was also elevated relative to AEC housing. Mice raised in IVC housing as compared to mice raised in AEC housing had higher RBC mass, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentrations. They also had elevated platelet counts but lower white blood cell counts. IVC mice relative to AEC mice had increased saccharin preference and increased fluid consumption but similar locomotion, food intake, social exploration and novel object recognition when tested in an AEC environment. Taken together, these data indicate that ventilated caging systems can have a 0.5% reduction from ambient oxygen concentration that is coupled to mouse red blood cell indices indicative of chronic exposure to a hypoxia. Importantly, IVC housing can impact behavioral testing for depressive-like behavior. PMID:22561683

The in vitro protection of human decay accelerating factor and hDAF/heme oxygenase-1 transgenes in porcine aortic endothelial cells against sera of Formosan macaques.

PubMed

Tu, C-F; Tai, H-C; Wu, C-P; Ho, L-L; Lin, Y-J; Hwang, C-S; Yang, T-S; Lee, J-M; Tseng, Y-L; Huang, C-C; Weng, C-N; Lee, P-H

2010-01-01

To mitigate hyperacute rejection, pigs have been generated with alpha-Gal transferase gene knockout and transgenic expression of human decay accelerating factor (hDAF), MCP, and CD59. Additionally, heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has been suggested to defend endothelial cells. Sera (MS) (0%, 1%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) from Formosan macaques (Macaca cyclopis, MC), an Old World monkey wildly populated in Taiwan, was used to test the protective in vitro, effects of hDAF or hDAF/hHO-1 on porcine aortic endothelial cells (pAEC) derived from hDAF(+), hDAF(+)/hHO-1(+), and hDAF(+)/hHO-1(-) and 1 nontransgenic pAEC. Ten percent human serum (HS) served as a positive control. When MS addition increased to 10% or 15%, all transgenic pAEC exhibited a greater survival than nontransgenic pAEC. Noticeably, 15% MS reduced survived to <10% versus >40% in nontransgenic and transgenic pAEC, respectively. These results revealed that hDAF exerted protective effects against MC complement activation. However, comparing with 10% MS and HS in pAEC of nontransgenic pigs, the survivability was higher in HS, suggesting that complement activation by MS was more toxic than that by HS. Furthermore, hDAF(+)/hHO-1(+) showed no further protection against effects of MS on transgenic pAEC. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of AEC chamber selection on patient dose and image quality.

PubMed

Hawking, Nancy; Elmore, Angie

2009-01-01

To determine whether manipulation of the standard automatic exposure control (AEC) chamber selections reduces the patient's entrance skin exposure (ESE) without compromising image quality. Data for density and radiation dose were gathered at 2 clinical locations by exposing abdomen and pelvis phantoms to radiation using 3 AEC chamber selection configurations. ESE (skin dose) was measured using a multipurpose dosimeter. The experiment included both film-screen and computed radiography (CR) systems. For both phantoms, using the 2 outside chambers resulted in the lowest dose on the film-screen and CR systems. In general, optical density (OD) and exposure indicator (EI) remained within acceptable ranges and image quality was maintained using this chamber configuration. Using only the center chamber resulted in the highest dose increases and lowest image quality for film-screen and CR systems. When performing anteroposterior (AP) abdomen and AP pelvis examinations, radiographers can reduce patients' ESE and maintain image quality by selecting the 2 outside AEC chambers. Further research on AEC chamber selection should be conducted for additional anatomical regions.

Novel variant in the TP63 gene associated to ankyloblepharon-ectodermal dysplasia-cleft lip/palate (AEC) syndrome.

PubMed

Gonzalez, Francisco; Loidi, Lourdes; Abalo-Lojo, Jose M

2017-01-01

Ankyloblepharon-ectodermal dysplasia-cleft lip/palate (AEC) syndrome is a disorder resulting from anomalous embryonic development of ectodermal tissues. There is evidence that AEC syndrome is caused by mutations in the TP63 gene, which encodes the p63 protein. This is an important regulatory protein involved in epidermal proliferation and differentiation. Genome sequencing was performed in DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes of a newborn with AEC syndrome and her parents. Variants were searched in all coding exons and intron-exon boundaries of the TP63 gene. A heterozygous missense variant (NM_003722.4:c.1063G>C (p.Asp355His) was found in the newborn patient. No variants were found in either of the parents. We identified a previously unreported variant in TP63 gene which seems to be involved in the somatic malformations found in the AEC syndrome. The absence of this variant in both parents suggests that the variant appeared de novo.

Human amniotic epithelial cell feeder layers maintain mouse embryonic stem cell pluripotency via epigenetic regulation of the c-Myc promoter.

PubMed

Liu, Te; Cheng, Weiwei; Liu, Tianjin; Guo, Lihe; Huang, Qin; Jiang, Lizhen; Du, Xiling; Xu, Fuhui; Liu, Zhixue; Lai, Dongmei

2010-02-01

Mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are typically cultured on a feeder layer of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), with leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) added to maintain them in an undifferentiated state. We have previously shown that human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) can be used as feeder cells to maintain mouse ESC pluripotency, but the mechanism for this is unknown. In the present study, we found that CpG islands 5' of the c-Myc gene remain hypomethylated in mouse ESCs cultured on hAECs. In addition, levels of acetylation of histone H3 and trimethylation of histone H3K4 in the c-Myc gene promoter were higher in ES cells cultured on hAECs than those in ES cells cultured on MEFs. These data suggested that hAECs can alter mouse ESC gene expression via epigenetic modification of c-Myc, providing a possible mechanism for the hAEC-induced maintenance of ESCs in an undifferentiated state.

Conference Report: International Research Symposium on Ankyloblepharon-Ectodermal Defects-Cleft Lip and/or Palate (AEC) Syndrome

PubMed Central

Fete, Mary; vanBokhoven, Hans; Clements, Suzanne; McKeon, Frank; Roop, Dennis R.; Koster, Maranke I.; Missero, Caterina; Attardi, Laura D.; Lombillo, Vivian A.; Ratovitski, Edward; Julapalli, Meena; Ruths, Derek; Sybert, Virginia P.; Siegfried, Elaine C.; Bree, Alanna F.

2009-01-01

Ankyloblepharon-Ectodermal Defects-Cleft Lip/Palate (AEC) Syndrome (Hay-Wells syndrome, MIM #106220) is a rare autosomal dominant ectodermal dysplasia syndrome. It is due to mutations in the p63 gene, known to be a regulatory gene with many downstream gene targets. TP63 is important in the differentiation and proliferation of the epidermis, as well as many other processes including limb and facial development. It is also known that mutations in p63 lead to skin erosions. These erosions, especially on the scalp, are defining features of AEC syndrome and cause significant morbidity and mortality in these patients. It was this fact that led to the 2003 AEC Skin Erosion Workshop. That conference laid the groundwork for the International Research Symposium for AEC Syndrome held at Texas Children's Hospital in 2006. The conference brought together the largest cohort of individuals with AEC syndrome, along with a multitude of physicians and scientists. The overarching goals were to define the clinical and pathologic findings for improved diagnostic criteria, to obtain tissue samples for further study and to define future research directions. The symposium was successful in accomplishing these aims as detailed in this conference report. Following our report, we also present eleven manuscripts within this special section that outline the collective clinical, pathologic and mutational data from eighteen individuals enrolled in the concurrent Baylor College of Medicine IRB-approved protocol: Characterization of AEC syndrome. These collaborative findings will hopefully provide a stepping stone to future translational projects of p63 and p63-related syndromes. PMID:19353643

Configuration of automatic exposure control on mammography units for computed radiography to match patient dose of screen film systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Chang-Ying Joseph; Huang, Weidong

2009-02-01

Computed radiography (CR) is considered a drop-in addition or replacement for traditional screen-film (SF) systems in digital mammography. Unlike other technologies, CR has the advantage of being compatible with existing mammography units. One of the challenges, however, is to properly configure the automatic exposure control (AEC) on existing mammography units for CR use. Unlike analogue systems, the capture and display of digital CR images is decoupled. The function of AEC is changed from ensuring proper and consistent optical density of the captured image on film to balancing image quality with patient dose needed for CR. One of the preferences when acquiring CR images under AEC is to use the same patient dose as SF systems. The challenge is whether the existing AEC design and calibration process-most of them proprietary from the X-ray systems manufacturers and tailored specifically for SF response properties-can be adapted for CR cassettes, in order to compensate for their response and attenuation differences. This paper describes the methods for configuring the AEC of three different mammography units models to match the patient dose used for CR with those that are used for a KODAK MIN-R 2000 SF System. Based on phantom test results, these methods provide the dose level under AEC for the CR systems to match with the dose of SF systems. These methods can be used in clinical environments that require the acquisition of CR images under AEC at the same dose levels as those used for SF systems.

Alveolar epithelial cell processing of nanoparticles activates autophagy and lysosomal exocytosis.

PubMed

Sipos, Arnold; Kim, Kwang-Jin; Chow, Robert H; Flodby, Per; Borok, Zea; Crandall, Edward D

2018-05-03

Utilizing confocal microscopy, we quantitatively assessed uptake, processing and egress of near infrared (NIR)-labeled carboxylated polystyrene nanoparticles (PNP) in live alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) during interactions with primary rat AEC monolayers (RAECM). PNP fluorescence intensity (content) and colocalization with intracellular vesicles in a cell were determined over the entire cell volume via z-stacking. Isotropic cuvette-based microfluorimetry was used to determine PNP concentration ([PNP]) from anisotropic measurements of PNP content assessed by confocal microscopy. Results showed that PNP uptake kinetics and steady state intracellular content decreased as diameter increased from 20 to 200 nm. For 20 nm PNP, uptake rate and steady state intracellular content increased with increased apical [PNP], but were unaffected by inhibition of endocytic pathways. Intracellular PNP increasingly co-localized with autophagosomes and/or lysosomes over time. PNP egress exhibited fast [Ca2+]-dependent release and a slower diffusion-like process. Inhibition of microtubule polymerization curtailed rapid PNP egress, resulting in elevated vesicular and intracellular PNP content. Interference with autophagosome formation led to slower PNP uptake and markedly decreased steady state intracellular content. At steady state, cytosolic [PNP] was higher than apical [PNP] and vesicular [PNP] (~80% of intracellular PNP content) exceeded both cytosolic [PNP] and intracellular [PNP]. These data are consistent with the hypotheses that (1) autophagic processing of nanoparticles is essential for maintenance of AEC integrity, (2) altered autophagy and/or lysosomal exocytosis may lead to AEC injury and (3) intracellular [PNP] in AEC is regulable, suggesting strategies for enhancement of nanoparticle-driven AEC gene/drug delivery and/or amelioration of AEC nanoparticle-related cellular toxicity.

Involvement of Alveolar Epithelial Cell Necroptosis in IPF Pathogenesis.

PubMed

Lee, Ji-Min; Yoshida, Masahiro; Kim, Mi-So; Lee, June-Hyuk; Baek, Ae-Rin; Jang, An Soo; Kim, Do Jin; Minagawa, Shunsuke; Chin, Su Sie; Park, Choon-Sik; Araya, Jun; Kuwano, Kazuyoshi; Park, Sung Woo

2018-02-14

Alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) injury leading to cell death is involved in the process of fibrosis development during idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Among regulated/programmed cell death, the excessive apoptosis of AECs has been widely implicated in IPF pathogenesis. Necroptosis is a type of regulated/programmed necrosis. A multiprotein complex composed of receptor-interacting protein kinase-1 and -3 (RIPK1/3) plays a key regulatory role in initiating necroptosis. Although necroptosis participates in disease pathogeneses through the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), its association with IPF progression remains elusive. In this study, we attempted to illuminate the involvement of RIPK3-regulated necroptosis in IPF pathogenesis. IPF lung tissues were used to detect necroptosis, and the role of RIPK3 was determined using cell culturing models of AECs. Lung fibrosis models of bleomycin (BLM) treatment were also used. RIPK3 expression levels were increased in IPF lungs and both apoptosis and necroptosis were detected mainly in AECs. Necrostatin-1 and RIPK3 knockdown experiments in AECs revealed the participation of necroptosis in BLM and hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death. BLM treatment induced RIPK3 expression in AECs and increased High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) levels in mouse lungs. The efficient attenuation of BLM-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis was determined in RIPK3 knockout mice and by necrostatin-1 with a concomitant reduction in HMGB1 and IL-1β. RIPK3-regulated necroptosis in AECs is involved in the mechanism of lung fibrosis development through the release of DAMPs as part of the pathogenic sequence of IPF.

A20 Deficiency in Lung Epithelial Cells Protects against Influenza A Virus Infection

PubMed Central

Vereecke, Lars; Mc Guire, Conor; Sze, Mozes; Schuijs, Martijn J.; Willart, Monique; Itati Ibañez, Lorena; Hammad, Hamida; Lambrecht, Bart N.; Beyaert, Rudi; Saelens, Xavier; van Loo, Geert

2016-01-01

A20 negatively regulates multiple inflammatory signalling pathways. We here addressed the role of A20 in club cells (also known as Clara cells) of the bronchial epithelium in their response to influenza A virus infection. Club cells provide a niche for influenza virus replication, but little is known about the functions of these cells in antiviral immunity. Using airway epithelial cell-specific A20 knockout (A20AEC-KO) mice, we show that A20 in club cells critically controls innate immune responses upon TNF or double stranded RNA stimulation. Surprisingly, A20AEC-KO mice are better protected against influenza A virus challenge than their wild type littermates. This phenotype is not due to decreased viral replication. Instead host innate and adaptive immune responses and lung damage are reduced in A20AEC-KO mice. These attenuated responses correlate with a dampened cytotoxic T cell (CTL) response at later stages during infection, indicating that A20AEC-KO mice are better equipped to tolerate Influenza A virus infection. Expression of the chemokine CCL2 (also named MCP-1) is particularly suppressed in the lungs of A20AEC-KO mice during later stages of infection. When A20AEC-KO mice were treated with recombinant CCL2 the protective effect was abrogated demonstrating the crucial contribution of this chemokine to the protection of A20AEC-KO mice to Influenza A virus infection. Taken together, we propose a mechanism of action by which A20 expression in club cells controls inflammation and antiviral CTL responses in response to influenza virus infection. PMID:26815999

Low-dose computed tomography scans with automatic exposure control for patients of different ages undergoing cardiac PET/CT and SPECT/CT.

PubMed

Yang, Ching-Ching; Yang, Bang-Hung; Tu, Chun-Yuan; Wu, Tung-Hsin; Liu, Shu-Hsin

2017-06-01

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of automatic exposure control (AEC) in order to optimize low-dose computed tomography (CT) protocols for patients of different ages undergoing cardiac PET/CT and single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT). One PET/CT and one SPECT/CT were used to acquire CT images for four anthropomorphic phantoms representative of 1-year-old, 5-year-old and 10-year-old children and an adult. For the hybrid systems investigated in this study, the radiation dose and image quality of cardiac CT scans performed with AEC activated depend mainly on the selection of a predefined image quality index. Multiple linear regression methods were used to analyse image data from anthropomorphic phantom studies to investigate the effects of body size and predefined image quality index on CT radiation dose in cardiac PET/CT and SPECT/CT scans. The regression relationships have a coefficient of determination larger than 0.9, indicating a good fit to the data. According to the regression models, low-dose protocols using the AEC technique were optimized for patients of different ages. In comparison with the standard protocol with AEC activated for adult cardiac examinations used in our clinical routine practice, the optimized paediatric protocols in PET/CT allow 32.2, 63.7 and 79.2% CT dose reductions for anthropomorphic phantoms simulating 10-year-old, 5-year-old and 1-year-old children, respectively. The corresponding results for cardiac SPECT/CT are 8.4, 51.5 and 72.7%. AEC is a practical way to reduce CT radiation dose in cardiac PET/CT and SPECT/CT, but the AEC settings should be determined properly for optimal effect. Our results show that AEC does not eliminate the need for paediatric protocols and CT examinations using the AEC technique should be optimized for paediatric patients to reduce the radiation dose as low as reasonably achievable.

Transversal inducing differentiation of human amniotic epithelial cells into hepatocyte-like cells.

PubMed

Luo, Hongwu; Huang, Xiangjun; Huang, Feizhou; Liu, Xunyang

2011-06-01

To evaluate the in vitro differentiation of human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs ) into hepatocyte-like cells. Combined approach of dexamethasone, HGF, IGF and other cytokines were used to induce the differentiation of hAECs into hepatocyte-like cells. The induction lasted 2 weeks. During the induction, the expression of albumin ALB, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, IGFR, c-met and key functional genes related to liver cells as well as transcription factors HNF3, HNF4 and C/EBPa were monitored by RT-PCR. Time dependent changes of the surface marker colony ALB, AFP and CK18 were analyzed by cell flow cytometry. After the 2 week induction, the expressions of liver hepatocyte-like cell functional genes such as albumin, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, c-met, and transcription factors such as HNF3, HNF4, C/EBPa and HNF1 were observed. Six days after the induction, hAECs mainly were stained AFP+, and the positive rate was (15.1 ± 2.1)%. While 10 days after the induction, part of the hAECs showed AFP+/ALB+ (6.5 ± 1.4)%; and on 14th day, hAECs only showed ALB+, and the rate was (13.9 ± 2.3)%. ALB+ cell increase indicated a gradual functional maturation from the hAECs to hepatocyte-like cells. Similaritly, the number of CK18+ cells in the whole population was also increased: On 10th day, the rate was (16.1 ± 1.2)%; on 14th day, that was (21.3 ± 4.6)%, which proved the above hypothesis of the trandifferentiation. By extending the induction time, the expression of functional genes increased gradually, and a maturing process of hAECs was detected by cell surface markers. The differentiation of hAECs induced in vitro has the characteristics of hepatocyte-like cells.

Mitochondrial catalase overexpressed transgenic mice are protected against lung fibrosis in part via preventing alveolar epithelial cell mitochondrial DNA damage.

PubMed

Kim, Seok-Jo; Cheresh, Paul; Jablonski, Renea P; Morales-Nebreda, Luisa; Cheng, Yuan; Hogan, Erin; Yeldandi, Anjana; Chi, Monica; Piseaux, Raul; Ridge, Karen; Michael Hart, C; Chandel, Navdeep; Scott Budinger, G R; Kamp, David W

2016-12-01

Alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) injury and mitochondrial dysfunction are important in the development of lung fibrosis. Our group has shown that in the asbestos exposed lung, the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in AEC mediate mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage and apoptosis which are necessary for lung fibrosis. These data suggest that mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants should ameliorate asbestos-induced lung. To determine whether transgenic mice that express mitochondrial-targeted catalase (MCAT) have reduced lung fibrosis following exposure to asbestos or bleomycin and, if so, whether this occurs in association with reduced AEC mtDNA damage and apoptosis. Crocidolite asbestos (100µg/50µL), TiO 2 (negative control), bleomycin (0.025 units/50µL), or PBS was instilled intratracheally in 8-10 week-old wild-type (WT - C57Bl/6J) or MCAT mice. The lungs were harvested at 21d. Lung fibrosis was quantified by collagen levels (Sircol) and lung fibrosis scores. AEC apoptosis was assessed by cleaved caspase-3 (CC-3)/Surfactant protein C (SFTPC) immunohistochemistry (IHC) and semi-quantitative analysis. AEC (primary AT2 cells from WT and MCAT mice and MLE-12 cells) mtDNA damage was assessed by a quantitative PCR-based assay, apoptosis was assessed by DNA fragmentation, and ROS production was assessed by a Mito-Sox assay. Compared to WT, crocidolite-exposed MCAT mice exhibit reduced pulmonary fibrosis as measured by lung collagen levels and lung fibrosis score. The protective effects in MCAT mice were accompanied by reduced AEC mtDNA damage and apoptosis. Similar findings were noted following bleomycin exposure. Euk-134, a mitochondrial SOD/catalase mimetic, attenuated MLE-12 cell DNA damage and apoptosis. Finally, compared to WT, asbestos-induced MCAT AT2 cell ROS production was reduced. Our finding that MCAT mice have reduced pulmonary fibrosis, AEC mtDNA damage and apoptosis following exposure to asbestos or bleomycin suggests an important role for AEC mitochondrial H 2 O 2 -induced mtDNA damage in promoting lung fibrosis. We reason that strategies aimed at limiting AEC mtDNA damage arising from excess mitochondrial H 2 O 2 production may be a novel therapeutic target for mitigating pulmonary fibrosis. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Mitochondrial catalase overexpressed transgenic mice are protected against lung fibrosis in part via preventing alveolar epithelial cell mitochondrial DNA damage

PubMed Central

Kim, Seok-Jo; Cheresh, Paul; Jablonski, Renea P.; Morales-Nebreda, Luisa; Cheng, Yuan; Hogan, Erin; Yeldandi, Anjana; Chi, Monica; Piseaux, Raul; Ridge, Karen; Hart, C. Michael; Chandel, Navdeep; Budinger, G.R. Scott; Kamp, David W.

2018-01-01

Rationale Alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) injury and mitochondrial dysfunction are important in the development of lung fibrosis. Our group has shown that in the asbestos exposed lung, the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in AEC mediate mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage and apoptosis which are necessary for lung fibrosis. These data suggest that mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants should ameliorate asbestos-induced lung. Objective To determine whether transgenic mice that express mitochondrial-targeted catalase (MCAT) have reduced lung fibrosis following exposure to asbestos or bleomycin and, if so, whether this occurs in association with reduced AEC mtDNA damage and apoptosis. Methods Crocidolite asbestos (100 μg/50 μL), TiO2 (negative control), bleomycin (0.025 units/50 μL), or PBS was instilled intratracheally in 8–10 week-old wild-type (WT - C57Bl/6 J) or MCAT mice. The lungs were harvested at 21 d. Lung fibrosis was quantified by collagen levels (Sircol) and lung fibrosis scores. AEC apoptosis was assessed by cleaved caspase-3 (CC-3)/Surfactant protein C (SFTPC) immunohistochemistry (IHC) and semi-quantitative analysis. AEC (primary AT2 cells from WT and MCAT mice and MLE-12 cells) mtDNA damage was assessed by a quantitative PCR-based assay, apoptosis was assessed by DNA fragmentation, and ROS production was assessed by a Mito-Sox assay. Results Compared to WT, crocidolite-exposed MCAT mice exhibit reduced pulmonary fibrosis as measured by lung collagen levels and lung fibrosis score. The protective effects in MCAT mice were accompanied by reduced AEC mtDNA damage and apoptosis. Similar findings were noted following bleomycin exposure. Euk-134, a mitochondrial SOD/catalase mimetic, attenuated MLE-12 cell DNA damage and apoptosis. Finally, compared to WT, asbestos-induced MCAT AT2 cell ROS production was reduced. Conclusions Our finding that MCAT mice have reduced pulmonary fibrosis, AEC mtDNA damage and apoptosis following exposure to asbestos or bleomycin suggests an important role for AEC mitochondrial H2O2-induced mtDNA damage in promoting lung fibrosis. We reason that strategies aimed at limiting AEC mtDNA damage arising from excess mitochondrial H2O2 production may be a novel therapeutic target for mitigating pulmonary fibrosis. PMID:27840320

CT dose reduction using Automatic Exposure Control and iterative reconstruction: A chest paediatric phantoms study.

PubMed

Greffier, Joël; Pereira, Fabricio; Macri, Francesco; Beregi, Jean-Paul; Larbi, Ahmed

2016-04-01

To evaluate the impact of Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) on radiation dose and image quality in paediatric chest scans (MDCT), with or without iterative reconstruction (IR). Three anthropomorphic phantoms representing children aged one, five and 10-year-old were explored using AEC system (CARE Dose 4D) with five modulation strength options. For each phantom, six acquisitions were carried out: one with fixed mAs (without AEC) and five each with different modulation strength. Raw data were reconstructed with Filtered Back Projection (FBP) and with two distinct levels of IR using soft and strong kernels. Dose reduction and image quality indices (Noise, SNR, CNR) were measured in lung and soft tissues. Noise Power Spectrum (NPS) was evaluated with a Catphan 600 phantom. The use of AEC produced a significant dose reduction (p<0.01) for all anthropomorphic sizes employed. According to the modulation strength applied, dose delivered was reduced from 43% to 91%. This pattern led to significantly increased noise (p<0.01) and reduced SNR and CNR (p<0.01). However, IR was able to improve these indices. The use of AEC/IR preserved image quality indices with a lower dose delivered. Doses were reduced from 39% to 58% for the one-year-old phantom, from 46% to 63% for the five-year-old phantom, and from 58% to 74% for the 10-year-old phantom. In addition, AEC/IR changed the patterns of NPS curves in amplitude and in spatial frequency. In chest paediatric MDCT, the use of AEC with IR allows one to obtain a significant dose reduction while maintaining constant image quality indices. Copyright © 2016 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Macrophage Control of Phagocytosed Mycobacteria Is Increased by Factors Secreted by Alveolar Epithelial Cells through Nitric Oxide Independent Mechanisms

PubMed Central

Freidl, Raphaela; Fernández, Carmen

2014-01-01

Tissue-resident macrophages are heterogeneous with tissue-specific and niche-specific functions. Thus, simplified models of macrophage activation do not explain the extent of heterogeneity seen in vivo. We focus here on the respiratory tract and ask whether factors secreted by alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) can influence the functionality of resident pulmonary macrophages (PuM). We have previously reported that factors secreted by AEC increase control of intracellular growth of BCG in macrophages. In the current study, we also aimed to investigate possible mechanisms by which AEC-derived factors increase intracellular control of BCG in both primary murine interstitial macrophages, and bone marrow-derived macrophages and characterize further the effect of these factors on macrophage differentiation. We show that; a) in contrast to other macrophage types, IFN-γ did not increase intracellular growth control of Mycobacterium bovis, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) by interstitial pulmonary macrophages although the same macrophages could be activated by factors secreted by AEC; b) the lack of response of pulmonary macrophages to IFN-γ was apparently regulated by suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)1; c) AEC-derived factors did not induce pro-inflammatory pathways induced by IFN-γ e.g. expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), secretion of nitric oxide (NO), or IL-12, d) in contrast to IFN-γ, intracellular bacterial destruction induced by AEC-derived factors was not dependent on iNOS transcription and NO production. Collectively, our data show that PuM were restricted in inflammatory responses mediated by IFN-γ through SOCS1 and that factors secreted by AEC- enhanced the microbicidal capacities of macrophages by iNOS independent mechanisms. PMID:25089618

Hypoglycemic and anti-lipemic effects of the aqueous extract from Cissus sicyoides

PubMed Central

Viana, Glauce SB; Medeiros, Ana Carolina C; Lacerda, Ana Michelle R; Leal, L Kalyne AM; Vale, Tiago G; Matos, F José de Abreu

2004-01-01

Background Cissus sicyoides (Vitaceae) is a medicinal plant popularly known in Brazil as "cipó-pucá, anil-trepador, cortina, and insulina". The plant is used in several diseases, including rheumatism, epilepsy, stroke and also in the treatment of diabetes. In the present work, we studied the hypoglycemic and anti-lipemic effects of the aqueous extract prepared from fresh leaves of the plant (AECS), in the model of alloxan-induced diabetes in rats. In addition, hepatic enzyme levels were also determined. Results Results showed that the daily treatment of diabetic rats with AECS for 7 days (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly decreased blood glucose levels in 25 and 22% respectively, as compared to the same groups before AECS treatment. No significant changes were seen in control diabetic rats before (48 h after alloxan administration) and after distilled water treatment. While no changes were seen in total cholesterol levels, a significant decrease was observed in plasma triglyceride levels, in the alloxan-induced diabetic rats after AECS treatment with both doses, as compared to the same groups before treatment. Significant decreases in blood glucose (25%) and triglyceride levels (48%) were also observed in the alloxan-induced diabetic rats after 4 days treatment with AECS (200 mg/kg, p.o.). Aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT) aminotransferases levels, in diabetic controls and AECS-treated rats, were in the range of reference values presented by normal rats. Conclusions The results justify the popular use of C. sicyoides, pointing out to the potential benefit of the plant aqueous extract (AECS) in alternative medicine, in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. PMID:15182373

Risk of high-grade cervical dysplasia and gynaecological malignancies following the cytologic diagnosis of atypical endocervical cells of undetermined significance: a retrospective study of a state-wide screening population in Western Australia.

PubMed

Munro, Aime; Williams, Vincent; Semmens, James; Leung, Yee; Stewart, Colin J R; Codde, Jim; Spilsbury, Katrina; Steel, Nerida; Cohen, Paul; O'leary, Peter

2015-06-01

In 2006, Australia adopted a revised cervical cytology terminology system, known as the Australian Modified Bethesda System (AMBS). One substantial change in the AMBS was the introduction of the diagnostic category of atypical endocervical cells (AEC) of undetermined significance. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of histologically confirmed high-grade cervical dysplasia (cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) grades 2 and 3 and adenocarcinoma in situ (ACIS)), cervical carcinoma and endometrial carcinoma in women presenting with AEC on cervical cytology. A seven-year retrospective study examining clinical outcomes of women with AEC on a screening cervical smear. Cytology and histology results were extracted from the Western Australia Cervical Screening Registry, and time-to-event analysis was used to predict the odds of having or developing in situ and invasive neoplasia. AEC was reported in index smears from 0.093% (584/622754) women during the study period. No follow-up was available in 35 AEC cases. Sixty-five of the remaining 549 women (11.8%) had, or developed, high-grade cervical dysplasia within five years of their index AEC diagnosis. Endometrial cancer was diagnosed in 21 women and cervical cancer in four women during the follow-up period. Cytologic demonstration of AEC requires careful gynaecologic evaluation, particularly in younger women who may be found to have either high-grade squamous (CIN) or glandular (ACIS) lesions, while in older women, the possibility of endometrial neoplasia needs to be considered. © 2015 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Modeling AEC—New Approaches to Study Rare Genetic Disorders

PubMed Central

Koch, Peter J.; Dinella, Jason; Fete, Mary; Siegfried, Elaine C.; Koster, Maranke I.

2015-01-01

Ankyloblepharon-ectodermal defects-cleft lip/palate (AEC) syndrome is a rare monogenetic disorder that is characterized by severe abnormalities in ectoderm-derived tissues, such as skin and its appendages. A major cause of morbidity among affected infants is severe and chronic skin erosions. Currently, supportive care is the only available treatment option for AEC patients. Mutations in TP63, a gene that encodes key regulators of epidermal development, are the genetic cause of AEC. However, it is currently not clear how mutations in TP63 lead to the various defects seen in the patients’ skin. In this review, we will discuss current knowledge of the AEC disease mechanism obtained by studying patient tissue and genetically engineered mouse models designed to mimic aspects of the disorder. We will then focus on new approaches to model AEC, including the use of patient cells and stem cell technology to replicate the disease in a human tissue culture model. The latter approach will advance our understanding of the disease and will allow for the development of new in vitro systems to identify drugs for the treatment of skin erosions in AEC patients. Further, the use of stem cell technology, in particular induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), will enable researchers to develop new therapeutic approaches to treat the disease using the patient’s own cells (autologous keratinocyte transplantation) after correction of the disease-causing mutations. PMID:24665072

Immunological compatibility status of placenta-derived stem cells is mediated by scaffold 3D structure.

PubMed

Azizian, Sara; Khatami, Fatemeh; Modaresifar, Khashayar; Mosaffa, Nariman; Peirovi, Habibollah; Tayebi, Lobat; Bahrami, Soheyl; Redl, Heinz; Niknejad, Hassan

2018-02-23

Placenta-derived amniotic epithelial cells (AECs), a great cell source for tissue engineering and stem cell therapy, are immunologically inert in their native state; however, immunological changes in these cells after culture and differentiation have challenged their applications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 2D and 3D scaffolds on human lymphocyte antigens (HLA) expression by AECs. The effect of different preparation parameters including pre-freezing time and temperature was evaluated on 3D chitosan-gelatine scaffolds properties. Evaluation of MHC class I, HLA-DR and HLA-G expression in AECs after 7 d culture on 2D bed and 3D scaffold of chitosan-gelatine showed that culture of AECs on the 2D substrate up-regulated MHC class I and HLA-DR protein markers on AECs surface and down-regulated HLA-G protein. In contrast, 3D scaffold did not increase protein expression of MHC class I and HLA-DR. Moreover, HLA-G protein expression remained unchanged in 3D culture. These results confirm that 3D scaffold can remain AECs in their native immunological state and modification of physical properties of the scaffold is a key regulator of immunological markers at the gene and protein expression levels; a strategy which circumvents rejection challenge of amniotic stem cells to be translated into the clinic.

A high voltage power supply for the AE-C and D low energy electron experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gillis, J. A.

1974-01-01

A description is given of the electrical and mechanical design and operation of high voltage power supplies for space flight use. The supply was used to generate the spiraltron high voltage for low energy electron experiment on AE-C and D. Two versions of the supply were designed and built; one design is referred to as the low power version (AE-C) and the other as the high power version (AE-D). Performance is discussed under all operating conditions.

Quantitative Analysis of Proteome Modulations in Alveolar Epithelial Type II Cells in Response to Pulmonary Aspergillus fumigatus Infection.

PubMed

Seddigh, Pegah; Bracht, Thilo; Molinier-Frenkel, Válerie; Castellano, Flavia; Kniemeyer, Olaf; Schuster, Marc; Weski, Juliane; Hasenberg, Anja; Kraus, Andreas; Poschet, Gernot; Hager, Thomas; Theegarten, Dirk; Opitz, Christiane A; Brakhage, Axel A; Sitek, Barbara; Hasenberg, Mike; Gunzer, Matthias

2017-12-01

The ubiquitous mold Aspergillus fumigatus threatens immunosuppressed patients as inducer of lethal invasive aspergillosis. A. fumigatus conidia are airborne and reach the alveoli, where they encounter alveolar epithelial cells (AEC). Previous studies reported the importance of the surfactant-producing AEC II during A. fumigatus infection via in vitro experiments using cell lines. We established a negative isolation protocol yielding untouched primary murine AEC II with a purity >90%, allowing ex vivo analyses of the cells, which encountered the mold in vivo By label-free proteome analysis of AEC II isolated from mice 24h after A. fumigatus or mock infection we quantified 2256 proteins and found 154 proteins to be significantly differentially abundant between both groups (ANOVA p value ≤ 0.01, ratio of means ≥1.5 or ≤0.67, quantified with ≥2 peptides). Most of these proteins were higher abundant in the infected condition and reflected a comprehensive activation of AEC II on interaction with A. fumigatus This was especially represented by proteins related to oxidative phosphorylation, hence energy production. However, the most strongly induced protein was the l-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) Interleukin 4 induced 1 (IL4I1) with a 42.9 fold higher abundance (ANOVA p value 2.91 -10 ). IL4I1 has previously been found in B cells, macrophages, dendritic cells and rare neurons. Increased IL4I1 abundance in AEC II was confirmed by qPCR, Western blot and immunohistology. Furthermore, A. fumigatus infected lungs showed high levels of IL4I1 metabolic products. Importantly, higher IL4I1 abundance was also confirmed in lung tissue from human aspergilloma. Because LAAO are key enzymes for bactericidal product generation, AEC II might actively participate in pathogen defense. We provide insights into proteome changes of primary AEC II thereby opening new avenues to analyze the molecular changes of this central lung cell on infectious threats. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD005834. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Reduced transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in the repair of airway epithelial cells of children with asthma.

PubMed

Ling, Kak-Ming; Sutanto, Erika N; Iosifidis, Thomas; Kicic-Starcevich, Elizabeth; Looi, Kevin; Garratt, Luke W; Martinovich, Kelly M; Lannigan, Francis J; Knight, Darryl A; Stick, Stephen M; Kicic, Anthony

2016-10-01

Evidence into the role of TGF-β1 in airway epithelial repair in asthma is still controversial. This study tested the hypothesis that the reduced TGF-β1 levels previously observed in paediatric asthmatic airway epithelial cells directly contribute to the dysregulated repair seen in these cells. Primary airway epithelial cells (pAEC) from children with asthma (n = 16) and non-asthmatic subjects (n = 20) were isolated, and subcultured for investigation of TGF-β1 gene and protein via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Expression of other associated genes such as integrins αvβ6, αvβ8 and MT1-MMP were also tested. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was employed to assess the role of TGF-β1 during wound repair. TGF-β1 gene and protein expression were significantly downregulated in asthmatic pAEC over the course of repair, compared with cells from non-asthmatic children. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of TGF-β1 was also directly implicated in non-asthmatic and asthmatic pAEC proliferation over their quiescent counterparts. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of TGF-β1 compromised repair in non-asthmatic pAEC and exacerbated the dysregulated repair seen in asthmatic pAEC. Expression of major TGF-β1 activators of epithelial cells, integrin αvβ6 and αvβ8 was also measured and there was no difference in αvβ6 gene expression between the two cohorts. Although integrin αvβ8 gene expression was significantly higher in asthmatic pAEC, the expression of MT1-MMP (MMP14) which facilitates the αvβ8 mediated TGF-β1 activation was significantly downregulated. Our data has highlighted the importance of TGF-β1 in pAEC wound repair in vitro. The significantly lower levels seen in asthmatic pAEC subsequently contributes to the dysregulated repair observed in these cells. © 2016 Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.

Comparison of Measured and Estimated CT Organ Doses for Modulated and Fixed Tube Current:: A Human Cadaver Study.

PubMed

Padole, Atul; Deedar Ali Khawaja, Ranish; Otrakji, Alexi; Zhang, Da; Liu, Bob; Xu, X George; Kalra, Mannudeep K

2016-05-01

The aim of this study was to compare the directly measured and the estimated computed tomography (CT) organ doses obtained from commercial radiation dose-tracking (RDT) software for CT performed with modulated tube current or automatic exposure control (AEC) technique and fixed tube current (mAs). With the institutional review board (IRB) approval, the ionization chambers were surgically implanted in a human cadaver (88 years old, male, 68 kg) in six locations such as liver, stomach, colon, left kidney, small intestine, and urinary bladder. The cadaver was scanned with routine abdomen pelvis protocol on a 128-slice, dual-source multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scanner using both AEC and fixed mAs. The effective and quality reference mAs of 100, 200, and 300 were used for AEC and fixed mAs, respectively. Scanning was repeated three times for each setting, and measured and estimated organ doses (from RDT software) were recorded (N = 3*3*2 = 18). Mean CTDIvol for AEC and fixed mAs were 4, 8, 13 mGy and 7, 14, 21 mGy, respectively. The most estimated organ doses were significantly greater (P < 0.01) than the measured organ doses for both AEC and fixed mAs. At AEC, the mean estimated organ doses (for six organs) were 14.7 mGy compared to mean measured organ doses of 12.3 mGy. Similarly, at fixed mAs, the mean estimated organ doses (for six organs) were 24 mGy compared to measured organ doses of 22.3 mGy. The differences among the measured and estimated organ doses were higher for AEC technique compared to the fixed mAs for most organs (P < 0.01). The most CT organ doses estimated from RDT software are greater compared to directly measured organ doses, particularly when AEC technique is used for CT scanning. Copyright © 2016 The Association of University Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tailoring automatic exposure control toward constant detectability in digital mammography.

PubMed

Salvagnini, Elena; Bosmans, Hilde; Struelens, Lara; Marshall, Nicholas W

2015-07-01

The automatic exposure control (AEC) modes of most full field digital mammography (FFDM) systems are set up to hold pixel value (PV) constant as breast thickness changes. This paper proposes an alternative AEC mode, set up to maintain some minimum detectability level, with the ultimate goal of improving object detectability at larger breast thicknesses. The default "opdose" AEC mode of a Siemens MAMMOMAT Inspiration FFDM system was assessed using poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) of thickness 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 mm to find the tube voltage and anode/filter combination programmed for each thickness; these beam quality settings were used for the modified AEC mode. Detectability index (d'), in terms of a non-prewhitened model observer with eye filter, was then calculated as a function of tube current-time product (mAs) for each thickness. A modified AEC could then be designed in which detectability never fell below some minimum setting for any thickness in the operating range. In this study, the value was chosen such that the system met the achievable threshold gold thickness (Tt) in the European guidelines for the 0.1 mm diameter disc (i.e., Tt ≤ 1.10 μm gold). The default and modified AEC modes were compared in terms of contrast-detail performance (Tt), calculated detectability (d'), signal-difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR), and mean glandular dose (MGD). The influence of a structured background on object detectability for both AEC modes was examined using a CIRS BR3D phantom. Computer-based CDMAM reading was used for the homogeneous case, while the images with the BR3D background were scored by human observers. The default opdose AEC mode maintained PV constant as PMMA thickness increased, leading to a reduction in SDNR for the homogeneous background 39% and d' 37% in going from 20 to 70 mm; introduction of the structured BR3D plate changed these figures to 22% (SDNR) and 6% (d'), respectively. Threshold gold thickness (0.1 mm diameter disc) for the default AEC mode in the homogeneous background increased by 62% in going from 20 to 70 mm PMMA thickness; in the structured background, the increase was 39%. Implementation of the modified mode entailed an increase in mAs at PMMA thicknesses >40 mm; the modified AEC held threshold gold thickness constant above 40 mm PMMA with a maximum deviation of 5% in the homogeneous background and 3% in structured background. SDNR was also held constant with a maximum deviation of 4% and 2% for the homogeneous and the structured background, respectively. These results were obtained with an increase of MGD between 15% and 73% going from 40 to 70 mm PMMA thickness. This work has proposed and implemented a modified AEC mode, tailored toward constant detectability at larger breast thickness, i.e., above 40 mm PMMA equivalent. The desired improvement in object detectability could be obtained while maintaining MGD within the European guidelines achievable dose limit. (A study designed to verify the performance of the modified mode using more clinically realistic data is currently underway.).

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

Salvagnini, Elena, E-mail: elena.salvagnini@uzleuven.be; Bosmans, Hilde; Struelens, Lara

Purpose: The automatic exposure control (AEC) modes of most full field digital mammography (FFDM) systems are set up to hold pixel value (PV) constant as breast thickness changes. This paper proposes an alternative AEC mode, set up to maintain some minimum detectability level, with the ultimate goal of improving object detectability at larger breast thicknesses. Methods: The default “OPDOSE” AEC mode of a Siemens MAMMOMAT Inspiration FFDM system was assessed using poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) of thickness 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 mm to find the tube voltage and anode/filter combination programmed for each thickness; these beam quality settingsmore » were used for the modified AEC mode. Detectability index (d′), in terms of a non-prewhitened model observer with eye filter, was then calculated as a function of tube current-time product (mAs) for each thickness. A modified AEC could then be designed in which detectability never fell below some minimum setting for any thickness in the operating range. In this study, the value was chosen such that the system met the achievable threshold gold thickness (T{sub t}) in the European guidelines for the 0.1 mm diameter disc (i.e., T{sub t} ≤ 1.10 μm gold). The default and modified AEC modes were compared in terms of contrast-detail performance (T{sub t}), calculated detectability (d′), signal-difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR), and mean glandular dose (MGD). The influence of a structured background on object detectability for both AEC modes was examined using a CIRS BR3D phantom. Computer-based CDMAM reading was used for the homogeneous case, while the images with the BR3D background were scored by human observers. Results: The default OPDOSE AEC mode maintained PV constant as PMMA thickness increased, leading to a reduction in SDNR for the homogeneous background 39% and d′ 37% in going from 20 to 70 mm; introduction of the structured BR3D plate changed these figures to 22% (SDNR) and 6% (d′), respectively. Threshold gold thickness (0.1 mm diameter disc) for the default AEC mode in the homogeneous background increased by 62% in going from 20 to 70 mm PMMA thickness; in the structured background, the increase was 39%. Implementation of the modified mode entailed an increase in mAs at PMMA thicknesses >40 mm; the modified AEC held threshold gold thickness constant above 40 mm PMMA with a maximum deviation of 5% in the homogeneous background and 3% in structured background. SDNR was also held constant with a maximum deviation of 4% and 2% for the homogeneous and the structured background, respectively. These results were obtained with an increase of MGD between 15% and 73% going from 40 to 70 mm PMMA thickness. Conclusions: This work has proposed and implemented a modified AEC mode, tailored toward constant detectability at larger breast thickness, i.e., above 40 mm PMMA equivalent. The desired improvement in object detectability could be obtained while maintaining MGD within the European guidelines achievable dose limit. (A study designed to verify the performance of the modified mode using more clinically realistic data is currently underway.)« less

Atmosphere Explorer control system software (version 2.0)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mocarsky, W.; Villasenor, A.

1973-01-01

The Atmosphere Explorer Control System (AECS) was developed to provide automatic computer control of the Atmosphere Explorer spacecraft and experiments. The software performs several vital functions, such as issuing commands to the spacecraft and experiments, receiving and processing telemetry data, and allowing for extensive data processing by experiment analysis programs. The AECS was written for a 48K XEROX Data System Sigma 5 computer, and coexists in core with the XDS Real-time Batch Monitor (RBM) executive system. RBM is a flexible operating system designed for a real-time foreground/background environment, and hence is ideally suited for this application. Existing capabilities of RBM have been used as much as possible by AECS to minimize programming redundancy. The most important functions of the AECS are to send commands to the spacecraft and experiments, and to receive, process, and display telemetry data.

Investigation of the characteristics of Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) of a Computed Tomography (CT) scanner by utilising cylindrical and anthropomorphic phantoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rulaidi, W. E. P.; Huri, M. S. N.; Ng, K. H.

2017-05-01

One method to optimise the use of x-rays in CT and hence a reduction in patient dose is the application of automatic exposure control (AEC). This study measured the effective mAs, image noise and volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) as the result of changing the AEC index on a Siemens Somatom Definition 64 slices dual source CT scanner. The scans were performed on four phantoms of different geometries, namely the 16 and 32 cm cylindrical CTDI phantoms and two anthropomorphic phantoms, RANDO (20 cm effective diameter) and ATOM (19.8 cm effective diameter). Results showed that the effective mAs increased with increasing tube potential (kVp) and Quality Reference mAs (QRM), therefore increasing CTDIvol while reducing image noise. Meanwhile, no changes of radiation dose and image noise were observed when the pitch was increased. However, for the largest phantom (32 cm effective diameter), a constant effective mAs was found between 120 and 140 kVp. The same trend was also found with increasing QRM from 300 mAs to 400 mAs suggesting a certain limitation of the AEC has been reached. In conclusion, this study showed that AEC is affected by kVp and QRM but not by pitch selection. Further work is required to quantify the characteristics of the AEC system in relation to the mentioned parameters for better optimisation.

Mechanisms of transcriptional repression of cell-cycle G2/M promoters by p63

PubMed Central

Testoni, Barbara; Mantovani, Roberto

2006-01-01

p63 is a developmentally regulated transcription factor related to p53, which activates and represses specific genes. The human AEC (Ankyloblepharon–Ectodermal dysplasia-Clefting) and EEC (Ectrodactyly–Ectodermal dysplasia–Cleft lip/palate) syndromes are caused by missense mutations of p63, within the DNA-binding domain (EEC) or in the C-terminal sterile alpha motif domain (AEC). We show here that p63 represses transcription of cell-cycle G2/M genes by binding to multiple CCAAT core promoters in immortalized and primary keratinocytes. The CCAAT-activator NF-Y and ΔNp63α are associated in vivo and a conserved α-helix of the NF-YC histone fold is required. p63 AEC mutants, but not an EEC mutant, are incapable to bind NF-Y. ΔNp63α, but not the AEC mutants repress CCAAT-dependent transcription of G2/M genes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation recruitment assays establish that the AEC mutants are not recruited to G2/M promoters, while normally present on 14-3-3σ, which contains a sequence-specific binding site. Surprisingly, the EEC C306R mutant activates transcription. Upon keratinocytes differentiation, NF-Y and p63 remain bound to G2/M promoters, while HDACs are recruited, histones deacetylated, Pol II displaced and transcription repressed. Our data indicate that NF-Y is a molecular target of p63 and that inhibition of growth activating genes upon differentiation is compromised by AEC missense mutations. PMID:16473849

Exercise training regulates SOD-1 and oxidative stress in porcine aortic endothelium.

PubMed

Rush, James W E; Turk, James R; Laughlin, M Harold

2003-04-01

Vascular oxidative stress contributes to endothelial dysfunction. Aerobic exercise training improves vascular function. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that exercise training would improve the balance of antioxidant to prooxidant enzymes and reduce markers of oxidative stress in aortic endothelial cells (AEC). Female Yucatan miniature pigs either remained sedentary (SED) or were exercise trained (EX) for 16-19 wk. EX pigs had increased AEC SOD-1 protein levels and Cu/Zn SOD activity of the whole aorta compared with SED pigs. Protein levels of other antioxidant enzymes (SOD-2, catalase) were not affected by exercise training. Protein levels of p67(phox), a subunit of the prooxidant enzyme NAD(P)H oxidase, were reduced in EX vs. SED AEC. These EX adaptations were associated with lower AEC malondialdehyde levels and decreased phosphorylation of ERK-1/2. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase protein, protein nitrotyrosine content, and heme oxygenase-1 protein were not different in EX vs. SED pigs. We conclude that chronic aerobic exercise training influenced both antioxidant and prooxidant enzymes and decreased indexes of oxidative stress in AEC. These adaptations may contribute to improved endothelial function with exercise training.

Environmental friendly technology for aluminum electrolytic capacitors recycling from waste printed circuit boards.

PubMed

Wang, Jianbo; Xu, Zhenming

2017-03-15

up to now, the recycling of e-waste should be developed towards more depth and refinement to promote industrial production of e-waste resource recovery. in the present study, the recycling of aluminum electrolytic capacitors (AECs) from waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) is focused on. First of all, AECs are disassembled from WPCBs by a self-designed machine; meanwhile, the disassembled AECs are subjected to an integrated process, involving heating treatment, crushing, sieving, and magnetic separating, to recover aluminum and iron; finally, the off-gas and residue generated during the aforementioned processes are analyzed to evaluate environmental risks. The results indicate that 96.52% and 98.68% of aluminum and iron, respectively, can be recovered from AECs under the optimal condition. The off-gas generated during the process is mainly composed of elements of C, H, and O, indicating that the off-gas is non-toxic and could be re-utilized as clean energy source. The residue according with toxicity characteristics leaching standard can be landfilled safely in sanitary landfill site. The present study provides an environmentally friendly and industrial application potential strategy to recycle AECs to promote e-waste recycling industry. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Interactions of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia with Airway Epithelial Cells: A Critical Review

PubMed Central

Croft, Carys A.; Culibrk, Luka; Moore, Margo M.; Tebbutt, Scott J.

2016-01-01

Aspergillus fumigatus is an environmental filamentous fungus that also acts as an opportunistic pathogen able to cause a variety of symptoms, from an allergic response to a life-threatening disseminated fungal infection. The infectious agents are inhaled conidia whose first point of contact is most likely to be an airway epithelial cell (AEC). The interaction between epithelial cells and conidia is multifaceted and complex, and has implications for later steps in pathogenesis. Increasing evidence has demonstrated a key role for the airway epithelium in the response to respiratory pathogens, particularly at early stages of infection; therefore, elucidating the early stages of interaction of conidia with AECs is essential to understand the establishment of infection in cohorts of at-risk patients. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the early interactions between A. fumigatus and AECs, including bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells. We describe mechanisms of adhesion, internalization of conidia by AECs, the immune response of AECs, as well as the role of fungal virulence factors, and patterns of fungal gene expression characteristic of early infection. A clear understanding of the mechanisms involved in the early establishment of infection by A. fumigatus could point to novel targets for therapy and prophylaxis. PMID:27092126

Detection and Sizing of Fatigue Cracks in Steel Welds with Advanced Eddy Current Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Todorov, E. I.; Mohr, W. C.; Lozev, M. G.

2008-02-01

Butt-welded specimens were fatigued to produce cracks in the weld heat-affected zone. Advanced eddy current (AEC) techniques were used to detect and size the cracks through a coating. AEC results were compared with magnetic particle and phased-array ultrasonic techniques. Validation through destructive crack measurements was also conducted. Factors such as geometry, surface treatment, and crack tightness interfered with depth sizing. AEC inspection techniques have the potential of providing more accurate and complete sizing flaw data for manufacturing and in-service inspections.

SU-E-I-48: The Behavior of AEC in Scan Regions Outside the Localizer Radiograph FOV: An In Phantom Study of CT Systems From Four Vendors

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

Supanich, M; Bevins, N

Purpose: This review of scanners from 4 major manufacturers examines the clinical impact of performing CT scans that extend into areas of the body that were not acquired in the CT localizer radiograph. Methods: Anthropomorphic chest and abdomen phantoms were positioned together on the tables of CT scanners from 4 different vendors. All of the scanners offered an Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) option with both lateral and axial tube current modulation. A localizer radiograph was taken covering the entire extent of both phantoms and then the scanner's Chest-Abdomen-Pelvis (CAP) study was performed with the clinical AEC settings employed and themore » scan and reconstruction range extending from the superior portion of the chest phantom through the inferior portion of the abdomen phantom. A new study was then initiated with a localizer radiograph extending the length of the chest phantom (not covering the abdomen phantom). The same CAP protocol and AEC settings were then used to scan and reconstruct the entire length of both phantoms. Scan parameters at specific locations in the abdomen phantom from both studies were investigated using the information contained in the DICOM metadata of the reconstructed images. Results: The AEC systems on all scanners utilized different tube current settings in the abdomen phantom for the scan completed without the full localizer radiograph. The AEC system behavior was also scanner dependent with the default manual tube current, the maximum tube current and the tube current at the last known position observed as outcomes. Conclusion: The behavior of the AEC systems of CT scanners in regions not covered by the localizer radiograph is vendor dependent. To ensure optimal image quality and radiation exposure it is important to include the entire planned scan region in the localizer radiograph.« less

Pretreatment with alcoholic extract of Crataegus oxycantha (AEC) activates mitochondrial protection during isoproterenol - induced myocardial infarction in rats.

PubMed

Jayalakshmi, R; Thirupurasundari, C J; Devaraj, S Niranjali

2006-11-01

Crataegus oxycantha (hawthorn) is used in herbal and homeopathic medicine as a cardiotonic. The present study was done to investigate the effect of the alcoholic extract of Crataegus oxycantha (AEC) on mitochondrial function during experimentally induced myocardial infarction in rat. AEC was administered orally to male albino rats (150-200 g), at a dosage of 0.5 ml/100 g body weight/day, for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were administered isoproterenol (85 mg/kg body weight, s.c) for 2 days at an interval of 24 h. After 48 h, the rats were anaesthetized and sacrificed. The hearts were homogenized for biochemical and electron microscopic analysis. AEC pretreatment maintained mitochondrial antioxidant status, prevented mitochondrial lipid peroxidative damage and decrease in Kreb's cycle enzymes induced by isoproterenol in rat heart.

Computed tomography automatic exposure control techniques in 18F-FDG oncology PET-CT scanning.

PubMed

Iball, Gareth R; Tout, Deborah

2014-04-01

Computed tomography (CT) automatic exposure control (AEC) systems are now used in all modern PET-CT scanners. A collaborative study was undertaken to compare AEC techniques of the three major PET-CT manufacturers for fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose half-body oncology imaging. An audit of 70 patients was performed for half-body CT scans taken on a GE Discovery 690, Philips Gemini TF and Siemens Biograph mCT (all 64-slice CT). Patient demographic and dose information was recorded and image noise was calculated as the SD of Hounsfield units in the liver. A direct comparison of the AEC systems was made by scanning a Rando phantom on all three systems for a range of AEC settings. The variation in dose and image quality with patient weight was significantly different for all three systems, with the GE system showing the largest variation in dose with weight and Philips the least. Image noise varied with patient weight in Philips and Siemens systems but was constant for all weights in GE. The z-axis mA profiles from the Rando phantom demonstrate that these differences are caused by the nature of the tube current modulation techniques applied. The mA profiles varied considerably according to the AEC settings used. CT AEC techniques from the three manufacturers yield significantly different tube current modulation patterns and hence deliver different doses and levels of image quality across a range of patient weights. Users should be aware of how their system works and of steps that could be taken to optimize imaging protocols.

CARMA3 Is Critical for the Initiation of Allergic Airway Inflammation

PubMed Central

Causton, Benjamin; Ramadas, Ravisankar A.; Cho, Josalyn L.; Jones, Khristianna; Pardo-Saganta, Ana; Rajagopal, Jayaraj; Xavier, Ramnik J.

2015-01-01

Innate immune responses to allergens by airway epithelial cells (AECs) help initiate and propagate the adaptive immune response associated with allergic airway inflammation in asthma. Activation of the transcription factor NF-κB in AECs by allergens or secondary mediators via G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) is an important component of this multifaceted inflammatory cascade. Members of the caspase recruitment domain family of proteins display tissue-specific expression and help mediate NF-κB activity in response to numerous stimuli. We have previously shown that caspase recruitment domain–containing membrane-associated guanylate kinase protein (CARMA)3 is specifically expressed in AECs and mediates NF-κB activation in these cells in response to stimulation with the GPCR agonist lysophosphatidic acid. In this study, we demonstrate that reduced levels of CARMA3 in normal human bronchial epithelial cells decreases the production of proasthmatic mediators in response to a panel of asthma-relevant GPCR ligands such as lysophosphatidic acid, adenosine triphosphate, and allergens that activate GPCRs such as Alternaria alternata and house dust mite. We then show that genetically modified mice with CARMA3-deficient AECs have reduced airway eosinophilia and proinflammatory cytokine production in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation. Additionally, we demonstrate that these mice have impaired dendritic cell maturation in the lung and that dendritic cells from mice with CARMA3-deficient AECs have impaired Ag processing. In conclusion, we show that AEC CARMA3 helps mediate allergic airway inflammation, and that CARMA3 is a critical signaling molecule bridging the innate and adaptive immune responses in the lung. PMID:26041536

Gastroprotective Effect of Freeze Dried Stripped Snakehead Fish (Channa striata Bloch.) Aqueous Extract against Aspirin Induced Ulcerogenesis in Pylorus Ligated Rats.

PubMed

Ali Khan, Mohammed Safwan; Mat Jais, Abdul Manan; Hussain, Javeed; Siddiqua, Faiza; Gopala Reddy, A; Shivakumar, P; Madhuri, D

2014-01-01

Channa striata (Bloch.) is a fresh water fish belonging to the family Channidae. The stripped snakehead fish possesses wide range of medicinal properties. In view of traditional use of C. striata for wound healing, the present study was undertaken to investigate the beneficial effects of orally administered freeze dried aqueous extract of Channa striata (AECS) in experimentally induced gastric ulcers in Wistar rats. Aspirin induced ulcerogenesis in pyloric ligation model was used for the assessment of antiulcer activity and Ranitidine (50 mg/kg) was employed as the standard drug. The various gastric parameters like volume of gastric juice, pH, free and total acidities, ulcer index, and levels of antioxidant enzymes like catalase, superoxide dismutase, and lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde were determined. AECS at concentrations of 40% and 50% w/v significantly decreased the volume of gastric juice and increased the levels of catalase while considerable decrease in free and total acidities and increase in superoxide dismutase were observed with the treatment of standard drug and AECS (50% w/v). All the test doses of AECS markedly decreased ulcer index and malondialdehyde compared to the standard drug whereas AECS 30% w/v did not alter volume of gastric juice, pH, free and total acidities, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. From these findings, it can be concluded that AECS is devoid of acid neutralizing effects at lower doses and possesses antisecretory and antiulcer activities and this could be related to its antioxidant mechanism.

Pulmonary Regnase-1 orchestrates the interplay of epithelium and adaptive immune systems to protect against pneumonia.

PubMed

Nakatsuka, Yoshinari; Vandenbon, Alexis; Mino, Takashi; Yoshinaga, Masanori; Uehata, Takuya; Cui, Xiaotong; Sato, Ayuko; Tsujimura, Tohru; Suzuki, Yutaka; Sato, Atsuyasu; Handa, Tomohiro; Chin, Kazuo; Sawa, Teiji; Hirai, Toyohiro; Takeuchi, Osamu

2018-04-25

Inhaled pathogens including Pseudomonas aeruginosa initially encounter airway epithelial cells (AECs), which are poised to evoke cell-intrinsic innate defense, affecting second tier of hematopoietic cell-mediated immune reaction. However, it is largely unknown how pulmonary immune responses mediated by a variety of immune cells are coordinated. Here we show that Regnase-1, an endoribonuclease expressed in AECs and immune cells, plays an essential role in coordinating innate responses and adaptive immunity against P. aeruginosa infection. Intratracheal treatment of mice with heat-killed P. aeruginosa resulted in prolonged disappearance of Regnase-1 consistent with sustained expression of Regnase-1 target inflammatory genes, whereas the transcription factor NF-κB was only transiently activated. AEC-specific deletion of Regnase-1 not only augmented innate defenses against P. aeruginosa but also enhanced secretion of Pseudomonas-specific IgA and Th17 accumulation in the lung, culminating in conferring significant resistance against P. aeruginosa re-infection in vivo. Although Regnase-1 directly controls distinct sets of genes in each of AECs and T cells, degradation of Regnase-1 in both cell types is beneficial for maximizing acquired immune responses. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Regnase-1 orchestrates AEC-mediated and immune cell-mediated host defense against pulmonary bacterial infection.

The Role of Mitochondrial DNA in Mediating Alveolar Epithelial Cell Apoptosis and Pulmonary Fibrosis

PubMed Central

Kim, Seok-Jo; Cheresh, Paul; Jablonski, Renea P.; Williams, David B.; Kamp, David W.

2015-01-01

Convincing evidence has emerged demonstrating that impairment of mitochondrial function is critically important in regulating alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) programmed cell death (apoptosis) that may contribute to aging-related lung diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and asbestosis (pulmonary fibrosis following asbestos exposure). The mammalian mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encodes for 13 proteins, including several essential for oxidative phosphorylation. We review the evidence implicating that oxidative stress-induced mtDNA damage promotes AEC apoptosis and pulmonary fibrosis. We focus on the emerging role for AEC mtDNA damage repair by 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1) and mitochondrial aconitase (ACO-2) in maintaining mtDNA integrity which is important in preventing AEC apoptosis and asbestos-induced pulmonary fibrosis in a murine model. We then review recent studies linking the sirtuin (SIRT) family members, especially SIRT3, to mitochondrial integrity and mtDNA damage repair and aging. We present a conceptual model of how SIRTs modulate reactive oxygen species (ROS)-driven mitochondrial metabolism that may be important for their tumor suppressor function. The emerging insights into the pathobiology underlying AEC mtDNA damage and apoptosis is suggesting novel therapeutic targets that may prove useful for the management of age-related diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer. PMID:26370974

Dose Estimating Application Software Modification: Additional Function of a Size-Specific Effective Dose Calculator and Auto Exposure Control.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Masanao; Asada, Yasuki; Matsubara, Kosuke; Suzuki, Shouichi; Matsunaga, Yuta; Haba, Tomonobu; Kawaguchi, Ai; Daioku, Tomihiko; Toyama, Hiroshi; Kato, Ryoichi

2017-05-01

Adequate dose management during computed tomography is important. In the present study, the dosimetric application software ImPACT was added to a functional calculator of the size-specific dose estimate and was part of the scan settings for the auto exposure control (AEC) technique. This study aimed to assess the practicality and accuracy of the modified ImPACT software for dose estimation. We compared the conversion factors identified by the software with the values reported by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 204, and we noted similar results. Moreover, doses were calculated with the AEC technique and a fixed-tube current of 200 mA for the chest-pelvis region. The modified ImPACT software could estimate each organ dose, which was based on the modulated tube current. The ability to perform beneficial modifications indicates the flexibility of the ImPACT software. The ImPACT software can be further modified for estimation of other doses. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Commercial Nuclear Steam-Electric Power Plants, Part II

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shore, Ferdinand J.

1974-01-01

Presents the pros and cons of nuclear power systems. Includes a discussion of the institutional status of the AEC, AEC regulatory record, routine low-level radiation hazards, transport of radioactive materials, storage of wastes, and uranium resources and economics of supply. (GS)

Inflammatory caspases are critical for enhanced cell death in the target tissue of Sjögren’s syndrome prior to disease onset

PubMed Central

Bulosan, Marievic; Pauley, Kaleb; Yo, Kyumee; Chan, Edward K.; Katz, Joseph; Peck, Ammon B.; Cha, Seunghee

2015-01-01

To date, little is known why exocrine glands are subject to immune cell infiltrations in Sjögren’s syndrome (SjS). Studies with SjS-prone-C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2 mice showed altered glandular homeostasis in the submandibular glands (SMX) at 8 weeks prior to disease onset and suggested potential involvement of inflammatory caspases (caspases-11 and -1). To determine if inflammatory caspases are critical for the increased epithelial cell death prior to SjS-like disease, we investigated molecular events involving caspase-11/caspase-1 axis. Our results revealed concurrent up-regulation of caspase-11 in macrophages, STAT-1 activity, caspase-1 activity, and apoptotic epithelial cells in the SMX of C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2 at 8 weeks. Caspase-1, a critical factor for IL-1β and IL-18 secretion, resulted in elevated level of IL-18 in saliva. Interestingly, TUNEL-positive cells in the SMX of C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2 were not co-localized with caspase-11, indicating that caspase-11 functions in a non-cell autonomous manner. Increased apoptosis of a human salivary gland (HSG) cell line occurred only in the presence of LPS-and IFN-γ-stimulated human monocytic THP-1 cells, which was reversed when caspase-1 in THP-1 cells was targeted by siRNA. Taken together, our study discovered that inflammatory caspases are essential in promoting pro-inflammatory microenvironment and influencing increased epithelial cell death in the target tissues of SjS before disease onset. PMID:18936772

Non-antibiotic selection systems for soybean somatic embryos: the lysine analog aminoethyl-cysteine as a selection agent

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Background In soybean somatic embryo transformation, the standard selection agent currently used is hygromycin. It may be preferable to avoid use of antibiotic resistance genes in foods. The objective of these experiments was to develop a selection system for producing transgenic soybean somatic embryos without the use of antibiotics such as hygromycin. Results When tested against different alternate selection agents our studies show that 0.16 μg/mL glufosinate, 40 mg/L isopropylamine-glyphosate, 0.5 mg/mL (S-(2 aminoethyl)-L-cysteine) (AEC) and the acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors Exceed® and Synchrony® both at 150 μg/mL inhibited soybean somatic embryo growth. Even at the concentration of 2 mg/mL, lysine+threonine (LT) were poor selection agents. The use of AEC may be preferable since it is a natural compound. Unlike the plant enzyme, dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DHPS) from E. coli is not feed-back inhibited by physiological concentrations of lysine. The dapA gene which codes for E. coli DHPS was expressed in soybean somatic embryos under the control of the CaMV 35S promoter. Following introduction of the construct into embryogenic tissue of soybean, transgenic events were recovered by incubating the tissue in liquid medium containing AEC at a concentration of 5 mM. Only transgenic soybeans were able to grow at this concentration of AEC; no escapes were observed. Conclusion Genetically engineered soybeans expressing a lysine insensitive DHPS gene can be selected with the non-antibiotic selection agent AEC. We also report here the inhibitory effects of glufosinate, (isopropylamine-glyphosate) (Roundup®), AEC and the ALS inhibitors Exceed® and Synchrony® against different tissues of soybean PMID:19922622

CARMA3 Is Critical for the Initiation of Allergic Airway Inflammation.

PubMed

Causton, Benjamin; Ramadas, Ravisankar A; Cho, Josalyn L; Jones, Khristianna; Pardo-Saganta, Ana; Rajagopal, Jayaraj; Xavier, Ramnik J; Medoff, Benjamin D

2015-07-15

Innate immune responses to allergens by airway epithelial cells (AECs) help initiate and propagate the adaptive immune response associated with allergic airway inflammation in asthma. Activation of the transcription factor NF-κB in AECs by allergens or secondary mediators via G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is an important component of this multifaceted inflammatory cascade. Members of the caspase recruitment domain family of proteins display tissue-specific expression and help mediate NF-κB activity in response to numerous stimuli. We have previously shown that caspase recruitment domain-containing membrane-associated guanylate kinase protein (CARMA)3 is specifically expressed in AECs and mediates NF-κB activation in these cells in response to stimulation with the GPCR agonist lysophosphatidic acid. In this study, we demonstrate that reduced levels of CARMA3 in normal human bronchial epithelial cells decreases the production of proasthmatic mediators in response to a panel of asthma-relevant GPCR ligands such as lysophosphatidic acid, adenosine triphosphate, and allergens that activate GPCRs such as Alternaria alternata and house dust mite. We then show that genetically modified mice with CARMA3-deficient AECs have reduced airway eosinophilia and proinflammatory cytokine production in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation. Additionally, we demonstrate that these mice have impaired dendritic cell maturation in the lung and that dendritic cells from mice with CARMA3-deficient AECs have impaired Ag processing. In conclusion, we show that AEC CARMA3 helps mediate allergic airway inflammation, and that CARMA3 is a critical signaling molecule bridging the innate and adaptive immune responses in the lung. Copyright © 2015 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

Working with Your Legislative Delegation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Safransky, Robert J.

2010-01-01

In this article, the author discusses how to work with legislative delegation to get positive legislation passed. Most school districts have a person who is responsible for working with the legislators and informing them of the district's position on bills and issues that arise in each legislative session. Even if one has a full-time or part-time…

Methods for CT automatic exposure control protocol translation between scanner platforms.

PubMed

McKenney, Sarah E; Seibert, J Anthony; Lamba, Ramit; Boone, John M

2014-03-01

An imaging facility with a diverse fleet of CT scanners faces considerable challenges when propagating CT protocols with consistent image quality and patient dose across scanner makes and models. Although some protocol parameters can comfortably remain constant among scanners (eg, tube voltage, gantry rotation time), the automatic exposure control (AEC) parameter, which selects the overall mA level during tube current modulation, is difficult to match among scanners, especially from different CT manufacturers. Objective methods for converting tube current modulation protocols among CT scanners were developed. Three CT scanners were investigated, a GE LightSpeed 16 scanner, a GE VCT scanner, and a Siemens Definition AS+ scanner. Translation of the AEC parameters such as noise index and quality reference mAs across CT scanners was specifically investigated. A variable-diameter poly(methyl methacrylate) phantom was imaged on the 3 scanners using a range of AEC parameters for each scanner. The phantom consisted of 5 cylindrical sections with diameters of 13, 16, 20, 25, and 32 cm. The protocol translation scheme was based on matching either the volumetric CT dose index or image noise (in Hounsfield units) between two different CT scanners. A series of analytic fit functions, corresponding to different patient sizes (phantom diameters), were developed from the measured CT data. These functions relate the AEC metric of the reference scanner, the GE LightSpeed 16 in this case, to the AEC metric of a secondary scanner. When translating protocols between different models of CT scanners (from the GE LightSpeed 16 reference scanner to the GE VCT system), the translation functions were linear. However, a power-law function was necessary to convert the AEC functions of the GE LightSpeed 16 reference scanner to the Siemens Definition AS+ secondary scanner, because of differences in the AEC functionality designed by these two companies. Protocol translation on the basis of quantitative metrics (volumetric CT dose index or measured image noise) is feasible. Protocol translation has a dependency on patient size, especially between the GE and Siemens systems. Translation schemes that preserve dose levels may not produce identical image quality. Copyright © 2014 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A three-dimensional culture system using alginate hydrogel prolongs hatched cattle embryo development in vitro.

PubMed

Zhao, Shuan; Liu, Zhen-Xing; Gao, Hui; Wu, Yi; Fang, Yuan; Wu, Shuai-Shuai; Li, Ming-Jie; Bai, Jia-Hua; Liu, Yan; Evans, Alexander; Zeng, Shen-Ming

2015-07-15

No successful method exists to maintain the three-dimensional architecture of hatched embryos in vitro. Alginate, a linear polysaccharide derived from brown algae, has characteristics that make it an ideal material as a three-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrix for in vitro cell, tissue, or embryo culture. In this study, alginate hydrogel was used for IVC of posthatched bovine embryos to observe their development under the 3D system. In vitro-fertilized and parthenogenetically activated posthatched bovine blastocysts were cultured in an alginate encapsulation culture system (AECS), an alginate overlay culture system (AOCS), or control culture system. After 18 days of culture, the survival rate of embryos cultured in AECS was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05), and the embryos were expanded and elongated in AECS with the maximal length of 1.125 mm. When the AECS shrinking embryos were taken out of the alginate beads on Day 18 and cultured in the normal culture system, 9.09% of them attached to the bottoms of the plastic wells and grew rapidly, with the largest area of an attached embryo being 66.00 mm(2) on Day 32. The embryos cultured in AOCS developed monovesicular or multivesicular morphologies. Total cell number of the embryos cultured in AECS on Day 19 was significantly higher than that of embryos on Day 8. Additionally, AECS and AOCS supported differentiation of the embryonic cells. Binuclear cells were visible in Day-26 adherent embryos, and the messenger RNA expression patterns of Cdx2 and Oct4 in AOCS-cultured embryos were similar to those in vivo embryos, whereas IFNT and ISG15 messenger RNA were still expressed in Day-26 and Day-32 prolong-cultured embryos. In conclusion, AECS and AOCS did support cell proliferation, elongation, and differentiation of hatched bovine embryos during prolonged IVC. The culture system will be useful to further investigate the molecular mechanisms controlling ruminant embryo elongation and implantation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An Overview of DoD Policy for and Administration of Independent Research and Development

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-05-01

Anderson, Captain William J. Lewandowski, Major James C . Roan, and Mr. Lloyd G. Mitchell to mention a few) kept the author abreast the latest...D Cost Principles (1959) A-I B. AEC Cost Principles for IR&D B-I C . Section 203, Public Law 91-441 C -i D. DOD IR&D Cost Principles (1971) D-1 E...Arii~bd Services Pkocurement Regulations ASRSC Armed Services Research Specialists Cotiitiiittee BOB Buireau bf the Budgse C Comptroiler CITE

[Right of the adolescent to health protection according to Italian legislation].

PubMed

Schwarzenberg, T L

1983-04-30

A comprehensive study on the rights of the adolescent to the protection of his health according to existing Italian legislation is carried out. After a full examination of international law, the author carefully evaluates all specific articles of the Italian Constitution and all the civil and penal code articles regarding rights and duties of minors. The juridical figure of the adolescent in labor legislation is also examined together with regulations for the healthcare of drug-addicted adolescents and regulations allowing abortion or use of contraception in minor adolescents. After the general overview of the existing legislation, the author discusses the possibility of a proper management in Italy of the Centers for Clinical Adolescentology, as has already been done in other countries. This, however, implies a pressing demand for appropriate modifications of existing legislation to fill all the existing gaps and remove the more obvious contradictions. (author's modified)

Human-like Compliance for Dexterous Robot Hands

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jau, Bruno M.

1995-01-01

This paper describes the Active Electromechanical Compliance (AEC) system that was developed for the Jau-JPL anthropomorphic robot. The AEC system imitates the functionality of the human muscle's secondary function, which is to control the joint's stiffness: AEC is implemented through servo controlling the joint drive train's stiffness. The control strategy, controlling compliant joints in teleoperation, is described. It enables automatic hybrid position and force control through utilizing sensory feedback from joint and compliance sensors. This compliant control strategy is adaptable for autonomous robot control as well. Active compliance enables dual arm manipulations, human-like soft grasping by the robot hand, and opens the way to many new robotics applications.

Dog bite injuries to humans and the use of breed-specific legislation: a comparison of bites from legislated and non-legislated dog breeds.

PubMed

Creedon, Nanci; Ó'Súilleabháin, Páraic S

2017-01-01

The primary objective of this study was to investigate if differences in dog bite characteristics exist amongst legislated and non-legislated dog breeds listed under breed-specific legislation in Ireland (age when bitten, anatomical bite locations, triggers for biting, victim's relationship with the dog, geographical location and owner presence, history of aggression, reporting bite incident to authorities, medical treatment required following the bite, and type of bite inflicted). A second objective of the current study was to investigate dog control officer's enforcement and perceptions of current legislation. Data for statistical analyses were collated through a nationally advertised survey, with Pearson Chi-square and Fisher's Exact Test statistical methods employed for analyses. A total of 140 incident surveys were assessed comprising of non-legislated ( n  = 100) and legislated ( n  = 40) dog bite incidents. Legislated breeds were significantly more likely to be perceived as aggressive and less fearful as triggers for biting compared to non-legislated breeds ( P  = 0.003). Non-legislated breeds were more likely to inflict a bite with the owner present on own property and on a business premises compared to legislated breeds ( P  = 0.036). Non-legislated breeds were more likely to not be reported to the authorities before ( P  = 0.009), and after ( P  = 0.032) the bite occurred compared to legislated breeds. There were no significant differences observed between both groups for; age when the victim was bitten, bite location, relationship with the dog, history of aggression, outcome for the dog, if the dog bit again, and seeing a professional trainer or behaviourist. No significant difference was observed between both legislated and non-legislated groups for medical treatment required following the bite, and the type of bite inflicted. The present study results did not observe evidence of any differences between legislated and non-legislated for both the medical treatment to victims required following the bite, and the type of bite inflicted. The significant differences in bites being reported to authorities, perceived triggers for biting, and biting locations suggests distinctly differing perceptions relating to risk between legislated and non-legislated dog breeds. Further consequences relating to the introduction of breed-specific legislation in Ireland are discussed.

Vaccination with human amniotic epithelial cells confer effective protection in a murine model of Colon adenocarcinoma.

PubMed

Tabatabaei, M; Mosaffa, N; Ghods, R; Nikoo, S; Kazemnejad, S; Khanmohammadi, M; Mirzadeghan, E; Mahmoudi, A R; Bolouri, M R; Falak, R; Keshavarzi, B; Ramezani, M; Zarnani, A H

2018-04-01

As a prophylactic cancer vaccine, human amniotic membrane epithelial cells (hAECs) conferred effective protection in a murine model of colon cancer. The immunized mice mounted strong cross-protective CTL and antibody responses. Tumor burden was significantly reduced in tumor-bearing mice after immunization with hAECs. Placental cancer immunotherapy could be a promising approach for primary prevention of cancer. In spite of being the star of therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment, the results of immunotherapeutic approaches are still far from expectations. In this regard, primary prevention of cancer using prophylactic cancer vaccines has gained considerable attention. The immunologic similarities between cancer development and placentation have helped researchers to unravel molecular mechanisms responsible for carcinogenesis and to take advantage of stem cells from reproductive organs to elicit robust anti-cancer immune responses. Here, we showed that vaccination of mice with human amniotic membrane epithelial cells (hAECs) conferred effective protection against colon cancer and led to expansion of systemic and splenic cytotoxic T cell population and induction of cross-protective cytotoxic responses against tumor cells. Vaccinated mice mounted tumor-specific Th1 responses and produced cross-reactive antibodies against cell surface markers of cancer cells. Tumor burden was also significantly reduced in tumor-bearing mice immunized with hAECs. Our findings pave the way for potential future application of hAECs as an effective prophylactic cancer vaccine. © 2017 UICC.

Female gonadal shielding with automatic exposure control increases radiation risks.

PubMed

Kaplan, Summer L; Magill, Dennise; Felice, Marc A; Xiao, Rui; Ali, Sayed; Zhu, Xiaowei

2018-02-01

Gonadal shielding remains common, but current estimates of gonadal radiation risk are lower than estimated risks to colon and stomach. A female gonadal shield may attenuate active automatic exposure control (AEC) sensors, resulting in increased dose to colon and stomach as well as to ovaries outside the shielded area. We assess changes in dose-area product (DAP) and absorbed organ dose when female gonadal shielding is used with AEC for pelvis radiography. We imaged adult and 5-year-old equivalent dosimetry phantoms using pelvis radiograph technique with AEC in the presence and absence of a female gonadal shield. We recorded DAP and mAs and measured organ absorbed dose at six internal sites using film dosimetry. Female gonadal shielding with AEC increased DAP 63% for the 5-year-old phantom and 147% for the adult phantom. Absorbed organ dose at unshielded locations of colon, stomach and ovaries increased 21-51% in the 5-year-old phantom and 17-100% in the adult phantom. Absorbed organ dose sampled under the shield decreased 67% in the 5-year-old phantom and 16% in the adult phantom. Female gonadal shielding combined with AEC during pelvic radiography increases absorbed dose to organs with greater radiation sensitivity and to unshielded ovaries. Difficulty in proper use of gonadal shields has been well described, and use of female gonadal shielding may be inadvisable given the risks of increasing radiation.

An aqueous extract of Curcuma longa (turmeric) rhizomes stimulates insulin release and mimics insulin action on tissues involved in glucose homeostasis in vitro.

PubMed

Mohankumar, Sureshkumar; McFarlane, James R

2011-03-01

Curcuma longa (turmeric) has been used widely as a spice, particularly in Asian countries. It is also used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine as an antiinflammatory and antimicrobial agent and for numerous other curative properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an aqueous extract of Curcuma longa (AEC) on tissues involved in glucose homeostasis. The extract was prepared by soaking 100 g of ground turmeric in 1 L of water, which was filtered and stored at -20°C prior to use. Pancreas and muscle tissues of adult mice were cultured in DMEM with 5 or 12 mmol/L glucose and varying doses of extract. The AEC stimulated insulin secretion from mouse pancreatic tissues under both basal and hyperglycaemic conditions, although the maximum effect was only 68% of that of tolbutamide. The AEC induced stepwise stimulation of glucose uptake from abdominal muscle tissues in the presence and absence of insulin, and the combination of AEC and insulin significantly potentiated the glucose uptake into abdominal muscle tissue. However, this effect was attenuated by wortmannin, suggesting that AEC possibly acts via the insulin-mediated glucose uptake pathway. In summary, water soluble compounds of turmeric exhibit insulin releasing and mimicking actions within in vitro tissue culture conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Efficient multichannel acoustic echo cancellation using constrained tap selection schemes in the subband domain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desiraju, Naveen Kumar; Doclo, Simon; Wolff, Tobias

2017-12-01

Acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) is a key speech enhancement technology in speech communication and voice-enabled devices. AEC systems employ adaptive filters to estimate the acoustic echo paths between the loudspeakers and the microphone(s). In applications involving surround sound, the computational complexity of an AEC system may become demanding due to the multiple loudspeaker channels and the necessity of using long filters in reverberant environments. In order to reduce the computational complexity, the approach of partially updating the AEC filters is considered in this paper. In particular, we investigate tap selection schemes which exploit the sparsity present in the loudspeaker channels for partially updating subband AEC filters. The potential for exploiting signal sparsity across three dimensions, namely time, frequency, and channels, is analyzed. A thorough analysis of different state-of-the-art tap selection schemes is performed and insights about their limitations are gained. A novel tap selection scheme is proposed which overcomes these limitations by exploiting signal sparsity while not ignoring any filters for update in the different subbands and channels. Extensive simulation results using both artificial as well as real-world multichannel signals show that the proposed tap selection scheme outperforms state-of-the-art tap selection schemes in terms of echo cancellation performance. In addition, it yields almost identical echo cancellation performance as compared to updating all filter taps at a significantly reduced computational cost.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of Crataegus oxyacantha on isoproterenol-induced myocardial damage.

PubMed

Vijayan, Navin Alukkathara; Thiruchenduran, Mohana; Devaraj, Sivasitamparam Niranjali

2012-08-01

This study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of the alcoholic extract of the berries of Crataegus oxyacantha (AEC), a medicinal herb, on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in a rat model. Three groups of Wistar albino rats, each comprising six animals, were selected for this study. Group I rats served as control. Group II rats were given isoproterenol (85 mg/kg body weight) subcutaneously on 59th and 60th days. Group III rats were given AEC (0.5 ml/100 g body weight/day), orally on a daily basis for 60 days, and isoproterenol (85 mg/kg body weight, subcutaneously) was given on 59th and 60th days. On the 61st day, the animals were sacrificed, and marker enzymes like lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) were estimated in serum. In the heart tissue sample, antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation and anti-inflammatory properties of AEC were determined. Isoproterenol significantly increased the release of LDH, CK in serum, decreased the antioxidant status in the heart along with an increase in lipid peroxidation. Nitritive stress and apoptosis were seen in isoproterenol-induced rat heart. Pre-treatment with the AEC for 60 days had a significant effect on all the above factors and maintained near normal status. The study confirms the protective effect of AEC against isoproterenol-induced inflammation and apoptosis-associated MI in rats.

Monitoring of tylosin and sulfamethazine in a tile drained agricultural Watershed using (POCIS)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The seasonal occurrence, fate, and transport of agricultural emerging contaminants (AECs) was evaluated in the South Fork watershed of the Iowa River (SFIR) using Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Samplers (POCIS) over a three year period. The AECs of concern were tylosin (TYL) and sulfamethazine (...

The History of Recent Farm Legislation: Implications for Farm Families.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Little, Linda F.; And Others

1987-01-01

Presents history of modern farm legislation and looks at recent legislation and tax policies. Asserts that family scientists attempting to help farm families can benefit from understanding legislation and policies. Discusses family intervention strategies in the larger context of macroeconomic and political forces. (Author/NB)

Design logistics performance measurement model of automotive component industry for srengthening competitiveness of dealing AEC 2015

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amran, T. G.; Janitra Yose, Mindy

2018-03-01

As the free trade Asean Economic Community (AEC) causes the tougher competition, it is important that Indonesia’s automotive industry have high competitiveness as well. A model of logistics performance measurement was designed as an evaluation tool for automotive component companies to improve their logistics performance in order to compete in AEC. The design of logistics performance measurement model was based on the Logistics Scorecard perspectives, divided into two stages: identifying the logistics business strategy to get the KPI and arranging the model. 23 KPI was obtained. The measurement result can be taken into consideration of determining policies to improve the performance logistics competitiveness.

Finding Your Way in the Legislation Maze: How To Pass Legislation in Your State.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gross, Steve

1997-01-01

Offers tips for developing and passing legislation that would protect animals. Recommends being an authority on the issue, researching current laws, recognizing support groups and lobbyists, and knowing key legislative players. Contains a description of laws passed in the state of Illinois. (PVD)

Monitoring tylosin and sulfamethazine in a tile-drained agricultural watershed using polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The seasonal occurrence, fate, and transport of agricultural emerging contaminants (AECs) was evaluated in the South Fork watershed of the Iowa River (SFIR) using Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Samplers (POCIS) over a three year period. The AECs of concern were tylosin (TYL) and sulfamethazine (...

AEC Experiment Establishes Computer Link Between California and Paris

Science.gov Websites

demonstrated that a terminal in Paris could search a computer in California and display the resulting (Copies) AEC EXPERIMENT ESTABLISHES COMPUTER LINK BETWEEN CALIFORNIA AND PARIS The feasibility of a worldwide information retrieval system which would tie a computer base of information to terminals on the

The effect of betaine on the foam stability: Molecular simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Fengfeng; Liu, Guokui; Yuan, Shiling

2017-06-01

Zwitterionic betaines are widely used as foam boosters due to these can enhance the stability of foam films. In this paper, mechanistic insights of betaine to improve the stability of alkyl-polyoxyethylene carboxylate (AEC) foam are provided by molecular simulation. In the simulation, we observe the electropositive nitrogen atoms in betaine interact with the electronegative sulfur atoms, an electrostatic structure is formed at the air/water interface. Interaction energies of the mixed surfactants are calculated by the quantum chemistry methods. The calculations show betaine-AEC and betaine-betaine possess attractive interaction, and that AEC-AEC has repulsion to each other. In the other words, the repulsion between the headgroups of anionic surfactants is relaxed by betaine. Additionally, the influence of concentration of betaine on the stability of foam films is also simulated. The RDF and coordination numbers show that the electrostatic structures become denser with the increasing concentration of betaine. Therefore, entry barrier is enhanced accordingly. The SMD simulation also demonstrates the same variation tendency of entry barrier. The simulation details provide vital supplements to experiments.

CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene knockout in primary human airway epithelial cells reveals a proinflammatory role for MUC18.

PubMed

Chu, H W; Rios, C; Huang, C; Wesolowska-Andersen, A; Burchard, E G; O'Connor, B P; Fingerlin, T E; Nichols, D; Reynolds, S D; Seibold, M A

2015-10-01

Targeted knockout of genes in primary human cells using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome-editing represents a powerful approach to study gene function and to discern molecular mechanisms underlying complex human diseases. We used lentiviral delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 machinery and conditional reprogramming culture methods to knockout the MUC18 gene in human primary nasal airway epithelial cells (AECs). Massively parallel sequencing technology was used to confirm that the genome of essentially all cells in the edited AEC populations contained coding region insertions and deletions (indels). Correspondingly, we found mRNA expression of MUC18 was greatly reduced and protein expression was absent. Characterization of MUC18 knockout cell populations stimulated with TLR2, 3 and 4 agonists revealed that IL-8 (a proinflammatory chemokine) responses of AECs were greatly reduced in the absence of functional MUC18 protein. Our results show the feasibility of CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene knockouts in AEC culture (both submerged and polarized), and suggest a proinflammatory role for MUC18 in airway epithelial response to bacterial and viral stimuli.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-20

Administrator ............................................................... 251 Defense environmental cleanup (sec. 3102...415 Department of Energy national security authorizations (sec. 4701) ..... 416 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS...SR044rm aj et te o n D S K 2T P T V N 1P R O D w ith H E A R IN G 2 and manpower strengths; provide certain additional legislative authority, and

Immunogenicity and immunomodulatory properties of hepatocyte-like cells derived from human amniotic epithelial cells.

PubMed

Tee, Jing Yang; Vaghjiani, Vijesh; Liu, Yu Han; Murthi, Padma; Chan, James; Manuelpillai, Ursula

2013-01-01

Hepatocyte transplantation is being trialled as an alternative to whole organ transplant for patients with acute liver failure and liver specific metabolic diseases. Due to the scarcity of human hepatocytes, hepatocyte-like cells (HLC) generated from stem cells may become a viable alternative to hepatocyte transplantation. Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAEC) from the placenta have stem cell-like properties and can be differentiated into HLC. Naïve hAEC have low immunogenicity and exert immunomodulatory effects that may facilitate allogeneic transplantation. However, whether the immunogenicity and immunomodulatory properties alter with differentiation into HLC are unknown. We further characterized HLC generated from hAEC, examined changes in human leucocyte antigens (HLA) and co-stimulatory molecules and effects exerted by the HLC on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). HLC derived from hAEC expressed proteins found in hepatocytes, had CYP3A4 drug metabolizing enzyme activity and secreted urea. IFN-γ treatment increased HLA Class IA, Class II and co-stimulatory molecule CD40 expression in the HLC. IFN-γ treated HLC stimulated proliferation of PBMC in one-way mixed lymphocyte reactions and were more immunogenic than undifferentiated hAEC. However, the HLC showed immunomodulatory properties and inhibited mitogen induced PBMC proliferation in vitro. PBMC proliferation may have been inhibited by IL-6, TGF-β1, PGE2 and HLA-G secreted by the HLC. The retention of immunomodulatory properties may enable HLC grafts to survive for longer periods despite the immunogenicity of the HLC.

[Performance evaluation of CT automatic exposure control on fast dual spiral scan].

PubMed

Niwa, Shinji; Hara, Takanori; Kato, Hideki; Wada, Yoichi

2014-11-01

The performance of individual computed tomography automatic exposure control (CT-AEC) is very important for radiation dose reduction and image quality equalization in CT examinations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of CT-AEC in conventional pitch mode (Normal spiral) and fast dual spiral scan (Flash spiral) in a 128-slice dual-source CT scanner. To evaluate the response properties of CT-AEC in the 128-slice DSCT scanner, a chest phantom was placed on the patient table and was fixed at the center of the field of view (FOV). The phantom scan was performed using Normal spiral and Flash spiral scanning. We measured the effective tube current time product (Eff. mAs) of simulated organs in the chest phantom along the longitudinal (z) direction, and the dose dependence (distribution) of in-plane locations for the respective scan modes was also evaluated by using a 100-mm-long pencil-type ionization chamber. The dose length product (DLP) was evaluated using the value displayed on the console after scanning. It was revealed that the response properties of CT-AEC in Normal spiral scanning depend on the respective pitches and Flash spiral scanning is independent of the respective pitches. In-plane radiation dose of Flash spiral was lower than that of Normal spiral. The DLP values showed a difference of approximately 1.7 times at the maximum. The results of our experiments provide information for adjustments for appropriate scanning parameters using CT-AEC in a 128-slice DSCT scanner.

The effect of epoch length on estimated EEG functional connectivity and brain network organisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fraschini, Matteo; Demuru, Matteo; Crobe, Alessandra; Marrosu, Francesco; Stam, Cornelis J.; Hillebrand, Arjan

2016-06-01

Objective. Graph theory and network science tools have revealed fundamental mechanisms of functional brain organization in resting-state M/EEG analysis. Nevertheless, it is still not clearly understood how several methodological aspects may bias the topology of the reconstructed functional networks. In this context, the literature shows inconsistency in the chosen length of the selected epochs, impeding a meaningful comparison between results from different studies. Approach. The aim of this study was to provide a network approach insensitive to the effects that epoch length has on functional connectivity and network reconstruction. Two different measures, the phase lag index (PLI) and the amplitude envelope correlation (AEC) were applied to EEG resting-state recordings for a group of 18 healthy volunteers using non-overlapping epochs with variable length (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 s). Weighted clustering coefficient (CCw), weighted characteristic path length (L w) and minimum spanning tree (MST) parameters were computed to evaluate the network topology. The analysis was performed on both scalp and source-space data. Main results. Results from scalp analysis show a decrease in both mean PLI and AEC values with an increase in epoch length, with a tendency to stabilize at a length of 12 s for PLI and 6 s for AEC. Moreover, CCw and L w show very similar behaviour, with metrics based on AEC more reliable in terms of stability. In general, MST parameters stabilize at short epoch lengths, particularly for MSTs based on PLI (1-6 s versus 4-8 s for AEC). At the source-level the results were even more reliable, with stability already at 1 s duration for PLI-based MSTs. Significance. The present work suggests that both PLI and AEC depend on epoch length and that this has an impact on the reconstructed network topology, particularly at the scalp-level. Source-level MST topology is less sensitive to differences in epoch length, therefore enabling the comparison of brain network topology between different studies.

Key Role of MicroRNA in the Regulation of Granulocyte Macrophage Colony-stimulating Factor Expression in Murine Alveolar Epithelial Cells during Oxidative Stress*

PubMed Central

Sturrock, Anne; Mir-Kasimov, Mustafa; Baker, Jessica; Rowley, Jesse; Paine, Robert

2014-01-01

GM-CSF is an endogenous pulmonary cytokine produced by normal alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) that is a key defender of the alveolar space. AEC GM-CSF expression is suppressed by oxidative stress through alternations in mRNA turnover, an effect that is reversed by treatment with recombinant GM-CSF. We hypothesized that specific microRNA (miRNA) would play a key role in AEC GM-CSF regulation. A genome-wide miRNA microarray identified 19 candidate miRNA altered in primary AEC during oxidative stress with reversal by treatment with GM-CSF. Three of these miRNA (miR 133a, miR 133a*, and miR 133b) are also predicted to bind the GM-CSF 3′-untranslated region (UTR). PCR for the mature miRNA confirmed induction during oxidative stress that was reversed by treatment with GM-CSF. Experiments using a GM-CSF 3′-UTR reporter construct demonstrated that miR133a and miR133b effects on GM-CSF expression are through interactions with the GM-CSF 3′-UTR. Using lentiviral transduction of specific mimics and inhibitors in primary murine AEC, we determined that miR133a and miR133b suppress GM-CSF expression and that their inhibition both reverses oxidant-induced suppression of GM-CSF expression and increases basal expression of GM-CSF in cells in normoxia. In contrast, these miRNAs are not active in regulation of GM-CSF expression in murine EL4 T cells. Thus, members of the miR133 family play key roles in regulation of GM-CSF expression through effects on mRNA turnover in AEC during oxidative stress. Increased understanding of GM-CSF gene regulation may provide novel miRNA-based interventions to augment pulmonary innate immune defense in lung injury. PMID:24371146

A transgenic reporter under control of an es1 promoter/enhancer marks wound epidermis and apical epithelial cap during tail regeneration in Xenopus laevis tadpole.

PubMed

Sato, Kentaro; Umesono, Yoshihiko; Mochii, Makoto

2018-01-15

Rapid wound healing and subsequent formation of the apical epithelial cap (AEC) are believed to be required for successful appendage regeneration in amphibians. Despite the significant role of AEC in limb regeneration, its role in tail regeneration and the mechanisms that regulate the wound healing and AEC formation are not well understood. We previously identified Xenopus laevis es1, which is preferentially expressed in wounded regions, including the AEC after tail regeneration. In this study we established and characterized transgenic Xenopus laevis lines harboring the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene under control of an es1 gene regulatory sequence (es1:egfp). The EGFP reporter expression was clearly seen in several regions of the embryo and then declined to an undetectable level in larvae, recapitulating the endogenous es1 expression. After amputation of the tadpole tail, EGFP expression was re-activated at the edge of the stump epidermis and then increased in the wound epidermis (WE) covering the amputation surface. As the stump started to regenerate, the EGFP expression became restricted to the most distal epidermal region, including the AEC. EGFP was preferentially expressed in the basal or deep cells but not in the superficial cells of the WE and AEC. We performed a small-scale pharmacological screening for chemicals that affected the expression of EGFP in the stump epidermis after tail amputation. The EGFP expression was attenuated by treatment with an inhibitor for ERK, TGF-β or reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling. These treatments also impaired wound closure of the amputation surface, suggesting that the three signaling activities are required for es1 expression in the WE and successful wound healing after tail amputation. These findings showed that es1:egfp Xenopus laevis should be a useful tool to analyze molecular mechanisms regulating wound healing and appendage regeneration. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automatic exposure control calibration and optimisation for abdomen, pelvis and lumbar spine imaging with an Agfa computed radiography system.

PubMed

Moore, C S; Wood, T J; Avery, G; Balcam, S; Needler, L; Joshi, H; Saunderson, J R; Beavis, A W

2016-11-07

The use of three physical image quality metrics, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and mean effective noise equivalent quanta (eNEQ m ) have recently been examined by our group for their appropriateness in the calibration of an automatic exposure control (AEC) device for chest radiography with an Agfa computed radiography (CR) imaging system. This study uses the same methodology but investigates AEC calibration for abdomen, pelvis and spine CR imaging. AEC calibration curves were derived using a simple uniform phantom (equivalent to 20 cm water) to ensure each metric was held constant across the tube voltage range. Each curve was assessed for its clinical appropriateness by generating computer simulated abdomen, pelvis and spine images (created from real patient CT datasets) with appropriate detector air kermas for each tube voltage, and grading these against reference images which were reconstructed at detector air kermas correct for the constant detector dose indicator (DDI) curve currently programmed into the AEC device. All simulated images contained clinically realistic projected anatomy and were scored by experienced image evaluators. Constant DDI and CNR curves did not provide optimized performance but constant eNEQ m and SNR did, with the latter being the preferred calibration metric given that it is easier to measure in practice. This result was consistent with the previous investigation for chest imaging with AEC devices. Medical physicists may therefore use a simple and easily accessible uniform water equivalent phantom to measure the SNR image quality metric described here when calibrating AEC devices for abdomen, pelvis and spine imaging with Agfa CR systems, in the confidence that clinical image quality will be sufficient for the required clinical task. However, to ensure appropriate levels of detector air kerma the advice of expert image evaluators must be sought.

Automatic exposure control calibration and optimisation for abdomen, pelvis and lumbar spine imaging with an Agfa computed radiography system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moore, C. S.; Wood, T. J.; Avery, G.; Balcam, S.; Needler, L.; Joshi, H.; Saunderson, J. R.; Beavis, A. W.

2016-11-01

The use of three physical image quality metrics, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and mean effective noise equivalent quanta (eNEQm) have recently been examined by our group for their appropriateness in the calibration of an automatic exposure control (AEC) device for chest radiography with an Agfa computed radiography (CR) imaging system. This study uses the same methodology but investigates AEC calibration for abdomen, pelvis and spine CR imaging. AEC calibration curves were derived using a simple uniform phantom (equivalent to 20 cm water) to ensure each metric was held constant across the tube voltage range. Each curve was assessed for its clinical appropriateness by generating computer simulated abdomen, pelvis and spine images (created from real patient CT datasets) with appropriate detector air kermas for each tube voltage, and grading these against reference images which were reconstructed at detector air kermas correct for the constant detector dose indicator (DDI) curve currently programmed into the AEC device. All simulated images contained clinically realistic projected anatomy and were scored by experienced image evaluators. Constant DDI and CNR curves did not provide optimized performance but constant eNEQm and SNR did, with the latter being the preferred calibration metric given that it is easier to measure in practice. This result was consistent with the previous investigation for chest imaging with AEC devices. Medical physicists may therefore use a simple and easily accessible uniform water equivalent phantom to measure the SNR image quality metric described here when calibrating AEC devices for abdomen, pelvis and spine imaging with Agfa CR systems, in the confidence that clinical image quality will be sufficient for the required clinical task. However, to ensure appropriate levels of detector air kerma the advice of expert image evaluators must be sought.

CdiA Effectors from Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Use Heterotrimeric Osmoporins as Receptors to Recognize Target Bacteria

PubMed Central

Beck, Christina M.; Willett, Julia L. E.; Kim, Jeff J.; Low, David A.; Hayes, Christopher S.

2016-01-01

Many Gram-negative bacterial pathogens express contact-dependent growth inhibition (CDI) systems that promote cell-cell interaction. CDI+ bacteria express surface CdiA effector proteins, which transfer their C-terminal toxin domains into susceptible target cells upon binding to specific receptors. CDI+ cells also produce immunity proteins that neutralize the toxin domains delivered from neighboring siblings. Here, we show that CdiAEC536 from uropathogenic Escherichia coli 536 (EC536) uses OmpC and OmpF as receptors to recognize target bacteria. E. coli mutants lacking either ompF or ompC are resistant to CDIEC536-mediated growth inhibition, and both porins are required for target-cell adhesion to inhibitors that express CdiAEC536. Experiments with single-chain OmpF fusions indicate that the CdiAEC536 receptor is heterotrimeric OmpC-OmpF. Because the OmpC and OmpF porins are under selective pressure from bacteriophages and host immune systems, their surface-exposed loops vary between E. coli isolates. OmpC polymorphism has a significant impact on CDIEC536 mediated competition, with many E. coli isolates expressing alleles that are not recognized by CdiAEC536. Analyses of recombinant OmpC chimeras suggest that extracellular loops L4 and L5 are important recognition epitopes for CdiAEC536. Loops L4 and L5 also account for much of the sequence variability between E. coli OmpC proteins, raising the possibility that CDI contributes to the selective pressure driving OmpC diversification. We find that the most efficient CdiAEC536 receptors are encoded by isolates that carry the same cdi gene cluster as E. coli 536. Thus, it appears that CdiA effectors often bind preferentially to "self" receptors, thereby promoting interactions between sibling cells. As a consequence, these effector proteins cannot recognize nor suppress the growth of many potential competitors. These findings suggest that self-recognition and kin selection are important functions of CDI. PMID:27723824

Identification of a de novo variant in CHUK in a patient with an EEC/AEC syndrome-like phenotype and hypogammaglobulinemia.

PubMed

Khandelwal, Kriti D; Ockeloen, Charlotte W; Venselaar, Hanka; Boulanger, Cécile; Brichard, Bénédicte; Sokal, Etienne; Pfundt, Rolph; Rinne, Tuula; van Beusekom, Ellen; Bloemen, Marjon; Vriend, Gerrit; Revencu, Nicole; Carels, Carine E L; van Bokhoven, Hans; Zhou, Huiqing

2017-05-17

The cardinal features of Ectrodactyly, Ectodermal dysplasia, Cleft lip/palate (EEC), and Ankyloblepharon-Ectodermal defects-Cleft lip/palate (AEC) syndromes are ectodermal dysplasia (ED), orofacial clefting, and limb anomalies. EEC and AEC are caused by heterozygous mutations in the transcription factor p63 encoded by TP63. Here, we report a patient with an EEC/AEC syndrome-like phenotype, including ankyloblepharon, ED, cleft palate, ectrodactyly, syndactyly, additional hypogammaglobulinemia, and growth delay. Neither pathogenic mutations in TP63 nor CNVs at the TP63 locus were identified. Exome sequencing revealed de novo heterozygous variants in CHUK (conserved helix-loop-helix ubiquitous kinase), PTGER4, and IFIT2. While the variant in PTGER4 might contribute to the immunodeficiency and growth delay, the variant in CHUK appeared to be most relevant for the EEC/AEC-like phenotype. CHUK is a direct target gene of p63 and encodes a component of the IKK complex that plays a key role in NF-κB pathway activation. The identified CHUK variant (g.101980394T>C; c.425A>G; p.His142Arg) is located in the kinase domain which is responsible for the phosphorylation activity of the protein. The variant may affect CHUK function and thus contribute to the disease phenotype in three ways: (1) the variant exhibits a dominant negative effect and results in an inactive IKK complex that affects the canonical NF-κB pathway; (2) it affects the feedback loop of the canonical and non-canonical NF-κB pathways that are CHUK kinase activity-dependent; and (3) it disrupts NF-κB independent epidermal development that is often p63-dependent. Therefore, we propose that the heterozygous CHUK variant is highly likely to be causative to the EEC/AEC-like and additional hypogammaglobulinemia phenotypes in the patient presented here. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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

Tsalafoutas, Ioannis A.; Varsamidis, Athanasios; Thalassinou, Stella

Purpose: To investigate the utility of the nested polymethylacrylate (PMMA) phantom (which is available in many CT facilities for CTDI measurements), as a tool for the presentation and comparison of the ways that two different CT automatic exposure control (AEC) systems respond to a phantom when various scan parameters and AEC protocols are modified.Methods: By offsetting the two phantom's components (the head phantom and the body ring) half-way along their longitudinal axis, a phantom with three sections of different x-ray attenuation was created. Scan projection radiographs (SPRs) and helical scans of the three-section phantom were performed on a Toshiba Aquilionmore » 64 and a Philips Brilliance 64 CT scanners, with different scan parameter selections [scan direction, pitch factor, slice thickness, and reconstruction interval (ST/RI), AEC protocol, and tube potential used for the SPRs]. The dose length product (DLP) values of each scan were recorded and the tube current (mA) values of the reconstructed CT images were plotted against the respective Z-axis positions on the phantom. Furthermore, measurements of the noise levels at the center of each phantom section were performed to assess the impact of mA modulation on image quality.Results: The mA modulation patterns of the two CT scanners were very dissimilar. The mA variations were more pronounced for Aquilion 64, where changes in any of the aforementioned scan parameters affected both the mA modulations curves and DLP values. However, the noise levels were affected only by changes in pitch, ST/RI, and AEC protocol selections. For Brilliance 64, changes in pitch affected the mA modulation curves but not the DLP values, whereas only AEC protocol and SPR tube potential selection variations affected both the mA modulation curves and DLP values. The noise levels increased for smaller ST/RI, larger weight category AEC protocol, and larger SPR tube potential selection.Conclusions: The nested PMMA dosimetry phantom can be effectively utilized for the comprehension of CT AEC systems performance and the way that different scan conditions affect the mA modulation patterns, DLP values, and image noise. However, in depth analysis of the reasons why these two systems exhibited such different behaviors in response to the same phantom requires further investigation which is beyond the scope of this study.« less

Point Organ Radiation Dose in Abdominal CT: Effect of Patient Off-Centering in an Experimental Human Cadaver Study.

PubMed

Ali Khawaja, Ranish Deedar; Singh, Sarabjeet; Padole, Atul; Otrakji, Alexi; Lira, Diego; Zhang, Da; Liu, Bob; Primak, Andrew; Xu, George; Kalra, Mannudeep K

2017-08-01

To determine the effect of patient off-centering on point organ radiation dose measurements in a human cadaver scanned with routine abdominal CT protocol. A human cadaver (88 years, body-mass-index 20 kg/m2) was scanned with routine abdominal CT protocol on 128-slice dual source MDCT (Definition Flash, Siemens). A total of 18 scans were performed using two scan protocols (a) 120 kV-200 mAs fixed-mA (CTDIvol 14 mGy) (b) 120 kV-125 ref mAs (7 mGy) with automatic exposure control (AEC, CareDose 4D) at three different positions (a) gantry isocenter, (b) upward off-centering and (c) downward off-centering. Scanning was repeated three times at each position. Six thimble (in liver, stomach, kidney, pancreas, colon and urinary bladder) and four MOSFET dosimeters (on cornea, thyroid, testicle and breast) were placed for calculation of measured point organ doses. Organ dose estimations were retrieved from dose-tracking software (eXposure, Radimetrics). Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance. There was a significant difference between the trends of point organ doses with AEC and fixed-mA at all three positions (p < 0.01). Variation in point doses between fixed-mA and AEC protocols were statistically significant across all organs at all Table positions (p < 0.001). There was up to 5-6% decrease in point doses with upward off-centering and in downward off-centering. There were statistical significant differences in point doses from dosimeters and dose-tracking software (mean difference for internal organs, 5-36% for fixed-mA & 7-48% for AEC protocols; p < 0.001; mean difference for surface organs, >92% for both protocols; p < 0.0001). For both protocols, the highest mean difference in point doses was found for stomach and lowest for colon. Measured absorbed point doses in abdominal CT vary with patient-centering in the gantry isocenter. Due to lack of consideration of patient positioning in the dose estimation on automatic software-over estimation of the doses up to 92% was reported. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Growth, nutritional, and gastrointestinal aspects of ankyloblepharon-ectodermal defect-cleft lip and/or palate (AEC) syndrome

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Ankyloblepharon-ectodermal defect-cleft lip and/or palate (AEC), is a rare genetic disorder due to mutations in the TP63 gene. In the present study, we characterized the pattern of growth and body composition, and the nutritional and gastrointestinal aspects of children and adults (n = 18) affected ...

[Advances in research on automatic exposure control of mammography system].

PubMed

Wang, Guoyi; Ye, Chengfu; Wu, Haiming; Wang, Tainfu; Zhang, Hong

2014-12-01

Mammography imaging is one of the most demanding imaging modalities from the point of view of the bal- ance between image quality (the visibility of small size and/or low contrast structures) and dose (screening of many asymptomatic people). Therefore, since the introduction of the first dedicated mammographic units, many efforts have been directed to seek the best possible image quality while minimizing patient dose. The performance of auto- matic exposure control (AEC) is the manifestation of this demand. The theory of AEC includes exposure detection and optimization and also involves some accomplished methodology. This review presents the development and present situa- tion of spectrum optimization, detector evolution, and the way how to accomplish and evaluate AEC methods.

Operation REDWING, Report of the Manager Albuquerque Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-01-31

on their experience in three previous operations (IVY, GREENHOUSE , and CASTLE) AEC authorized, and Holmes & Narver pur chased and shipped to the...Operation GREENHOUSE and one 51-pair cable installed prior to REDWING. One of the 16-pair cables developed shorted and opened pairs. When an...refrigerators, dehumidification units, 20’ ■.r.. i..jjj||.t.^. .M , ., ». i .. —■■■"■= •>•■•— :- •’ ■’ ■■-■■ ■- ’■ • APPENDIX lII-3.10-l

7 CFR 282.1 - Legislative authority and notice requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 4 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Legislative authority and notice requirements. 282.1 Section 282.1 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION... where good cause exists supporting a shorter effective date. The explanation for the determination of...

Effect of localizer radiograph on radiation dose associated with automatic exposure control: human cadaver and patient study.

PubMed

Singh, Sarabjeet; Petrovic, Dean; Jamnik, Ethen; Aran, Shima; Pourjabbar, Sarvenaz; Kave, Maggie L; Bradley, Stephen E; Choy, Garry; Kalra, Mannudeep K

2014-01-01

To evaluate the effect of localizing radiograph on computed tomography (CT) radiation dose associated with automatic exposure control with a human cadaver and patient study. Institutional review board approved the study with a waiver of informed consent. Two chest CT image series with fixed tube current and combined longitudinal-angular automatic exposure control (AEC) were acquired in a human cadaver (64-year-old man) after each of the 8 combinations of localizer radiographs (anteroposterior [AP], AP lateral, AP-posteroanterior [PA], lateral AP, lateral PA, PA, PA-AP, and PA lateral). Applied effective milliampere second, volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and image noise were recorded for all 24-image series. Volume CT dose indexes were also recorded in 20 patients undergoing chest and abdominal CT after PA and PA-lateral radiographs with the use of AEC. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and linear correlation tests. With AEC, the CTDIvol fluctuates with the number and projection of localizer radiographs (P < 0.0001). Lowest CTDIvol values are seen when 2 orthogonal localizer radiographs are acquired, whereas highest values are seen when single PA or AP-PA projection localizer radiographs are acquired for planning (P < 0.0001). In 20 patients, CT scanning with AEC after acquisition of 2 orthogonal projection localizer radiographs was associated with significant reduction in radiation dose compared to PA projection radiographs alone (P < 0.0001). When scanning with AEC, acquisition of 2 orthogonal localizer radiographs is associated with lower CTDIvol compared to a single localizer radiograph.

CFTR is required for maximal transepithelial liquid transport in pig alveolar epithelia.

PubMed

Li, Xiaopeng; Comellas, Alejandro P; Karp, Philip H; Ernst, Sarah E; Moninger, Thomas O; Gansemer, Nicholas D; Taft, Peter J; Pezzulo, Alejandro A; Rector, Michael V; Rossen, Nathan; Stoltz, David A; McCray, Paul B; Welsh, Michael J; Zabner, Joseph

2012-07-01

A balance between alveolar liquid absorption and secretion is critical for maintaining optimal alveolar subphase liquid height and facilitating gas exchange in the alveolar space. However, the role of cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator protein (CFTR) in this homeostatic process has remained elusive. Using a newly developed porcine model of cystic fibrosis, in which CFTR is absent, we investigated ion transport properties and alveolar liquid transport in isolated type II alveolar epithelial cells (T2AECs) cultured at the air-liquid interface. CFTR was distributed exclusively to the apical surface of cultured T2AECs. Alveolar epithelia from CFTR(-/-) pigs failed to increase liquid absorption in response to agents that increase cAMP, whereas cAMP-stimulated liquid absorption in CFTR(+/-) epithelia was similar to that in CFTR(+/+) epithelia. Expression of recombinant CFTR restored stimulated liquid absorption in CFTR(-/-) T2AECs but had no effect on CFTR(+/+) epithelia. In ex vivo studies of nonperfused lungs, stimulated liquid absorption was defective in CFTR(-/-) alveolar epithelia but similar between CFTR(+/+) and CFTR(+/-) epithelia. When epithelia were studied at the air-liquid interface, elevating cAMP levels increased subphase liquid height in CFTR(+/+) but not in CFTR(-/-) T2AECs. Our findings demonstrate that CFTR is required for maximal liquid absorption under cAMP stimulation, but it is not the rate-limiting factor. Furthermore, our data define a role for CFTR in liquid secretion by T2AECs. These insights may help to develop new treatment strategies for pulmonary edema and respiratory distress syndrome, diseases in which lung liquid transport is disrupted.

Automatic exposure control systems designed to maintain constant image noise: effects on computed tomography dose and noise relative to clinically accepted technique charts.

PubMed

Favazza, Christopher P; Yu, Lifeng; Leng, Shuai; Kofler, James M; McCollough, Cynthia H

2015-01-01

To compare computed tomography dose and noise arising from use of an automatic exposure control (AEC) system designed to maintain constant image noise as patient size varies with clinically accepted technique charts and AEC systems designed to vary image noise. A model was developed to describe tube current modulation as a function of patient thickness. Relative dose and noise values were calculated as patient width varied for AEC settings designed to yield constant or variable noise levels and were compared to empirically derived values used by our clinical practice. Phantom experiments were performed in which tube current was measured as a function of thickness using a constant-noise-based AEC system and the results were compared with clinical technique charts. For 12-, 20-, 28-, 44-, and 50-cm patient widths, the requirement of constant noise across patient size yielded relative doses of 5%, 14%, 38%, 260%, and 549% and relative noises of 435%, 267%, 163%, 61%, and 42%, respectively, as compared with our clinically used technique chart settings at each respective width. Experimental measurements showed that a constant noise-based AEC system yielded 175% relative noise for a 30-cm phantom and 206% relative dose for a 40-cm phantom compared with our clinical technique chart. Automatic exposure control systems that prescribe constant noise as patient size varies can yield excessive noise in small patients and excessive dose in obese patients compared with clinically accepted technique charts. Use of noise-level technique charts and tube current limits can mitigate these effects.

The Role of English Debating Tournament in the Face of the ASEAN Economy Community (AEC)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Husnawadi; Syamsudarni

2016-01-01

Since its establishment in the late 2015, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) with English as the official language has forced its participating countries to improve the quality of English language teaching, in the hope to prepare their people to be globally competitive, as the lack of English proficiency remains the main challenge across the…

GPs' compliance with health and safety legislation and their occupational health needs in one London health authority.

PubMed Central

Kennedy, Ioanna; Williams, Siân; Reynolds, Anne; Cockcroft, Anne; Solomon, Jack; Farrow, Stephen

2002-01-01

This survey assessed general practitioners' (GPs') knowledge of and compliance with, health and safety legislation and occupational health guidance in one London health authority. The response rate was 85%. Although the majority of practices were aware of the most important piece of legislation--The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, 1992--less than one in ten practices had carried out the required systematic risk assessments. Compliance with other health and safety legislation and related employment issues was also poor. The health of GPs and their staff may be at risk and these general practices may be vulnerable to prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive. PMID:12236278

Genetically-modified pig mesenchymal stromal cells: xenoantigenicity and effect on human T-cell xenoresponses.

PubMed

Ezzelarab, Mohamed; Ezzelarab, Corin; Wilhite, Tyler; Kumar, Goutham; Hara, Hidetaka; Ayares, David; Cooper, David K C

2011-01-01

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are being investigated as immunomodulatory therapy in the field of transplantation, particularly islet transplantation. While MSC can regenerate across species barriers, the immunoregulatory influence of genetically modified pig MSC (pMSC) on the human and non-human primate T-cell responses has not been studied. Mesenchymal stromal cells from wild-type (WT), α1,3-galactosyltransferase gene knockout (GTKO) and GTKO pigs transgenic for the human complement-regulatory protein CD46 (GTKO/CD46) were isolated and tested for differentiation. Antibody binding and T-cell responses to WT and GTKO pMSC in comparison with GTKO pig aortic endothelial cells (pAEC) were investigated. The expression of swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) class II (SLA II) was tested. Costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 mRNA levels were measured. Human T-cell proliferation and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to GTKO and GTKO/CD46 pMSC in comparison with human MSC (hMSC) were evaluated. α1,3-galactosyltransferase gene knockout and GTKO/CD46 pMSC isolation and differentiation were achieved in vitro. Binding of human antibodies and T-cell responses were lower to GTKO than those to WT pMSC. Human and baboon (naïve and sensitized) antibody binding were significantly lower to GTKO pMSC than to GTKO pAEC. Before activation, <1% of GTKO pMSC expressed SLA II, compared with 2.5% of GTKO pAEC. After pig interferon-gamma (pIFN-γ) activation, 99% of GTKO pAEC upregulated SLA II expression, compared with 49% of GTKO pMSC. Only 3% of GTKO pMSC expressed CD80 compared with 80% of GTKO pAEC without activation. After pIFN-γ activation, GTKO pAEC upregulated CD86 mRNA level stronger than GTKO pMSC. The human CD4(+) T-cell response to GTKO pMSC was significantly weaker than that to GTKO pAEC, even after pIFN-γ activation. More than 99% of GTKO/CD46 pMSC expressed hCD46. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and CD4(+) T-cell responses to GTKO and GTKO/CD46 pMSC were comparable with those to hMSC, and all were significantly lower than to GTKO pAEC. GTKO/CD46 pMSC downregulated human T-cell proliferation as efficiently as hMSC. The level of proinflammatory cytokines IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and sCD40L correlated with the downregulation of T-cell proliferation by all types of MSC. Genetically modified pMSC is significantly less immunogenic than WT pMSC. GTKO/CD46 pMSC downregulates the human T-cell responses to pig antigens as efficiently as human MSC, which can be advantageous for therapeutic cell xenotransplantation. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Does State Legislation Improve Nursing Workforce Diversity?

PubMed

Travers, Jasmine; Smaldone, Arlene; Cohn, Elizabeth Gross

2015-08-01

A health-care workforce representative of our nation's diversity is a health and research priority. Although racial and ethnic minorities represent 37% of Americans, they comprise only 16% of the nursing workforce. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of state legislation on minority recruitment to nursing. Using data from the National Conference of State Legislatures, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and U.S. census, we compared minority enrollment in baccalaureate nursing programs of states (Texas, Virginia, Michigan, California, Florida, Connecticut, and Arkansas) before and 3 years after enacting legislation with geographically adjacent states without legislation. Data were analyzed using descriptive and chi-square statistics. Following legislation, Arkansas (13.8%-24.5%), California (3.3%-5.4%), and Michigan (8.0%-10.0%) significantly increased enrollment of Blacks, and Florida (11.8%-15.4%) and Texas (11.2%-13.9%) significantly increased enrollment of Hispanic baccalaureate nursing students. States that tied legislation to funding, encouragement, and reimbursement had larger enrollment gains and greater minority representation. © The Author(s) 2015.

Human amniotic epithelial cells inhibit CD4+ T cell activation in acute kidney injury patients by influencing the miR-101-c-Rel-IL-2 pathway.

PubMed

Liu, Junfeng; Hua, Rong; Gong, Zhangbin; Shang, Bin; Huang, Yongyi; Guo, Lihe; Liu, Te; Xue, Jun

2017-01-01

In the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI), the release of multiple interleukins can lead to increased kidney damage. Human amniotic epithelial cells (HuAECs) can inhibit immune cell activation in vivo and in vitro. We hypothesized that HuAECs could weaken patient-derived peripheral blood CD4+ T-cell activation and decreasing the ability of these cells to express and release IL-2. -Cell proliferation assay revealed that under the same culture conditions, activated AKI patient-derived CD4+ T cells had a significantly reduced proliferation rate when were co-cultured with HuAECs. And the level of IL-2 released was also significantly reduced. Western blot and qRT-PCR assays showed that the expression of c-Rel in the CD4+ T cells was also significantly reduced. However, the expression level of endogenous miR-101 in the CD4+ T cells co-cultured with HuAECs was significantly increased. Luciferase reporter assay results suggested that miR-101 could bind to a specific site in the c-Rel 3' UTR and induce the post-transcriptional silencing of c-Rel. Subsequently, we over-expressed miR-101 in AKI patient-derived CD4+ T cells. The qRT-PCR and western blot assay results revealed that the expression of endogenous c-Rel was significantly reduced, while the ELISA results indicated that the level of IL-2 released was also significantly decreased. Finally, ChIP-PCR assay results showed that the miR-101-overexpressing CD4+ T-cell group and the HuAEC co-culture CD4+ T-cell group exhibited significantly decreased binding capacities between the 'c-Rel-NFκB' complex and the IL-2 gene promoter, and the transcriptional activity of IL-2 was also significantly decreased. Therefore, we confirmed that HuAECs can stimulate miR-101 expression in AKI patient-derived peripheral blood CD4+ T cells, thus inhibiting the expression of the miR-101 target gene c-Rel and leading to a reduction in IL-2 expression and release. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Effects of Tetrandrine Prenatal Intervention on Alveolar Epithelial Cells Type I Differentiation in Rat Model of Nitrofen-induced Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia].

PubMed

Xiao, Bin; Xu, Chang; Liu, Min; Ji, Yi; Yang Li-xun; Li, Tai-ming; Jiang, Jun; He, Tao-zhen

2016-03-01

To investigate the effects of Tetrandrine (TET) prenatal intervention on the differentiation of alveolar epithelial cells type I (AEC I) in rat model of Nitrofen-induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups, namely control, CDH and TET group on day 9.5 of gestation. The rats in TET group and CDH group were given 125 mg of Nitrofen by gavage one time, while the rats in control group were given the same dose of seed fat. After that, the rats in TET group was given 30 mg/kg of TET by gavage once a day for three days from day 18.5 of gestation, while the rats in CDH and control group were given the same dose of normal saline. On day 21.5 of gestation, all fetuses were delivered by cesarean, the lungs of fetuses were histologically evaluated by microscope and electron microscope. The expressions of type I cell-specific protein (RT140) and thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1) in alveolar fluid content were analyzed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry staining. To detect the number of AEC I and AEC II of each group by transmission electron microscopy and calculate the percentage of AEC I and AEC II (I/II%). The microscope and electron microscope study found the lungs of fetuses in CDH group showed marked hypoplasia, in contrast to the improvement of hypoplasia in TET fetuses. The pulmonary alveolar area had significant difference statistically (P < 0.01) in each group, which present as control > TET > CDH. I/II% had significant difference statistically (P < 0.01) in each group, which present as control > TET > CDH. The expression level of TTF1 was up-regulated in both CDH and TET groups, and it was higher in CDH group (P < 0.01). The expression level of RT140 were down-regulated in CDH and TET groups, which was lower in CDH group (P < 0.01). The development of AEC I was interfered in CDH rat model, TET prenatal treatment could improve the lung development of CDH.

75 FR 36099 - Legislative Changes to Primary Care Loan Program Authorized Under Title VII of the Public Health...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-24

... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Health Resources and Services Administration Legislative Changes to Primary Care Loan Program Authorized Under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act AGENCY... changes Section 723 of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) regarding administration of the PCL program...

Norway's ICT Accessibility Legislation, Methods and Indicators.

PubMed

Rygg, Malin; Rømen, Dagfinn; Sterri, Brynhild Runa

2016-01-01

This paper gives an overview of the Norwegian legislation on Universal Design of information and communication technology (ICT) and how the Norwegian Authority for Universal Design of ICT works to enforce and achieve the goals behind the legislation. The Authority uses indicators to check websites for compliance with the regulations. This paper describes the rationale and intended use for the indicators and how they are used for both supervision and benchmarks as well as a way of gathering data to give an overview of the current state of Universal Design of websites in Norway.

Politicians and the Social Studies Curriculum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blevins, David R.

1980-01-01

Identifies reasons for legislative interest in social studies including the tendency of legislators to respond positively to organized pressure groups and the belief among legislators that problems can be solved by awareness education. Journal available from The Social Studies Teacher, P.O. Box 189, Ovledo, Florida 32764. (Author/DB)

The Adaptive Ecosystem Climatology (AEC): Design and Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

deRada, S.; Penta, B.; McCarthy, S.; Gould, R. W., Jr.

2016-02-01

The concept of ecosystem-based management (EBM), recently introduced to rectify the shortcomings of single-species management policies, has been widely accepted as a basis for the conservation and management of natural resources. In line with NOAA's Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (IEA) Program, EBM is an integrated approach that considers the entire ecosystem and the interactions among species rather than focusing on individual components. This integrative approach relies on heterogeneous data, physical as well as biogeochemical data, among many others. Relative to physical data, however, marine biogeochemical records, also critical in IEA and EBM, are still lacking, both in terms of mature models and in terms of observational data availability. TheAdaptive Ecosystem Climatology (AEC) was conceived as a novel approach to address these limitations, mitigating the shortcomings of the individual components and combining their strengths to enhance decision-making activities. AEC is designed on the concept that a high-frequency climatology can be used as a baseline into which available observational data can be ingested to produce a higher accuracy product. In the absence of observations, the climatology acts as a best estimate. AEC was developed using a long-term simulation of a coupled biophysical numerical model configured for the Gulf of Mexico. Using the model results, we constructed a three-dimensional, dynamically balanced, gridded, static climatology for each calendar day. Using this `static' climatology as a background `first guess', observations from a particular date are ingested via optimal interpolation to `nudge' the climatology toward current conditions, thus providing representative fields for that date (adaptive climatology). With this adaptive approach, AEC can support a variety of EBM objectives, from fisheries, to resource management, to coastal resilience.

Patterns, evolution, and severity of striatal injury in insidious- versus acute-onset glutaric aciduria type 1.

PubMed

Boy, Nikolas; Garbade, Sven F; Heringer, Jana; Seitz, Angelika; Kölker, Stefan; Harting, Inga

2018-05-02

Striatal injury in patients with glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1) results in a complex, predominantly dystonic, movement disorder. Onset may be acute following acute encephalopathic crisis (AEC) or insidious without apparent acute event. We analyzed clinical and striatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in 21 symptomatic GA1 patients to investigate if insidious- and acute-onset patients differed in timing, pattern of striatal injury, and outcome. Eleven patients had acute and ten had insidious onset, two with later AEC (acute-on-insidious). The median onset of dystonia was 10 months in both groups, and severity was greater in patients after AEC (n = 8 severe, n = 5 moderate) than in insidious onset (n = 4 mild, n = 3 moderate, n = 1 severe). Deviations from guideline-recommended basic metabolic treatment were identified in six insidious-onset patients. Striatal lesions were extensive in all acute-onset patients and restricted to the dorsolateral putamen in eight of ten insidious-onset patients. After AEC, the two acute-on-insidious patients had extensive striatal changes superimposed on pre-existing dorsolateral putaminal lesions. Two insidious-onset patients with progressive dystonia without overt AEC also had extensive striatal changes, one with sequential striatal injury revealed by diffusion-weighted imaging. Insidious-onset patients had a latency phase of 3.5 months to 6.5 years between detection and clinical manifestation of dorsolateral putaminal lesions. Insidious-onset type GA1 is characterized by dorsolateral putaminal lesions, less severe dystonia, and an asymptomatic latency phase, despite already existing lesions. Initially normal MRI during the first months and deviations from guideline-recommended treatment in a large proportion of insidious-onset patients substantiate the protective effect of neonatally initiated treatment.

Formerly utilized MED/AEC sites remedial action program. Radiological survey of The George Herbert Jones Chemical Laboratory, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, June 13-17, 1977

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

Wynveen, R.A.; Smith, W.H.; Mayes, C.B.

A comprehensive radiological survey was conducted at George Herbert Jones Chemical Laboratory at the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois. Radiochemistry for the MED/AEC project was performed in this building in the 1940s. The building is now used as laboratories, offices, and classrooms. The survey was undertaken to determine the location and quantities of any radioactive materials remaining from the MED/AEC operations. Forty-three spots of contamination possibly resulting from MED/AEC occupancy in 17 rooms exceeded the allowable limits as given in the ANSI Standard N13.12. Under current use conditions, the potential for radiation exposure to occupants of this building from thesemore » sources of contamination is remote. Concentrations of radon daughters in the air of the building, as measured with grab-sampling techniques, were below the limit of 0.01 WL above background as given in the Surgeon General's Guidelines. No long-lived radionuclides were detected in any air sample. Concentrations of radionuclides in soil samples from near the laboratory generally indicated background levels. In order to reduce the potential for radiation exposure, remedial measures such as stabilization of the contamination in place would be applicable as a short-term measure. In order to reduce the risk in the event that building modifications take place in the future, health physics procedures and coverage are recommended. The long-term solution would involve decontamination by removal of the radioactive residues from the 17 rooms or areas where contamination possibly resulting from MED/AEC activities was detected.« less

Liver‐Directed Human Amniotic Epithelial Cell Transplantation Improves Systemic Disease Phenotype in Hurler Syndrome Mouse Model

PubMed Central

Rodriguez, Natalie S.; Yanuaria, Lisa; Parducho, Kevin Murphy R.; Garcia, Irving M.; Varghese, Bino A.; Grubbs, Brendan H.

2017-01-01

Abstract Mucopolysaccharidosis type 1 (MPS1) is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency in the glycosaminoglycan (GAG)‐degrading enzyme α‐l‐iduronidase (IDUA). In affected patients, the systemic accumulation of GAGs results in skeletal dysplasia, neurological degeneration, multiple organ dysfunction, and early death. Current therapies, including enzyme replacement and bone marrow transplant, improve life expectancy but the benefits to skeletal and neurological phenotypes are limited. In this study, we tested the therapeutic efficacy of liver‐directed transplantation of a placental stem cell, which possesses multilineage differentiation potential, low immunogenicity, and high lysosomal enzyme activity. Unfractionated human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) were transplanted directly into the liver of immunodeficient Idua knockout mouse neonates. The hAECs engraftment was immunohistochemically confirmed with anti‐human mitochondria staining. Enzyme activity assays indicated that hAECs transplantation restored IDUA function in the liver and significantly decreased urinary GAG excretion. Histochemical and micro‐computed tomography analyses revealed reduced GAG deposition in the phalanges joints and composition/morphology improvement of cranial and facial bones. Neurological assessment in the hAEC treated mice showed significant improvement of sensorimotor coordination in the hAEC treated mice compared to untreated mice. Results confirm that partial liver cell replacement with placental stem cells can provide long‐term (>20 weeks) and systemic restoration of enzyme function, and lead to significant phenotypic improvement in the MPS1 mouse model. This preclinical data indicate that liver‐directed placental stem cell transplantation may improve skeletal and neurological phenotypes of MPS1 patients. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:1583–1594 PMID:28585336

Automatic Exposure Control Systems Designed to Maintain Constant Image Noise: Effects on Computed Tomography Dose and Noise Relative to Clinically Accepted Technique Charts

PubMed Central

Favazza, Christopher P.; Yu, Lifeng; Leng, Shuai; Kofler, James M.; McCollough, Cynthia H.

2015-01-01

Objective To compare computed tomography dose and noise arising from use of an automatic exposure control (AEC) system designed to maintain constant image noise as patient size varies with clinically accepted technique charts and AEC systems designed to vary image noise. Materials and Methods A model was developed to describe tube current modulation as a function of patient thickness. Relative dose and noise values were calculated as patient width varied for AEC settings designed to yield constant or variable noise levels and were compared to empirically derived values used by our clinical practice. Phantom experiments were performed in which tube current was measured as a function of thickness using a constant-noise-based AEC system and the results were compared with clinical technique charts. Results For 12-, 20-, 28-, 44-, and 50-cm patient widths, the requirement of constant noise across patient size yielded relative doses of 5%, 14%, 38%, 260%, and 549% and relative noises of 435%, 267%, 163%, 61%, and 42%, respectively, as compared with our clinically used technique chart settings at each respective width. Experimental measurements showed that a constant noise–based AEC system yielded 175% relative noise for a 30-cm phantom and 206% relative dose for a 40-cm phantom compared with our clinical technique chart. Conclusions Automatic exposure control systems that prescribe constant noise as patient size varies can yield excessive noise in small patients and excessive dose in obese patients compared with clinically accepted technique charts. Use of noise-level technique charts and tube current limits can mitigate these effects. PMID:25938214

The Legal Landscape of Concussion: Implications for Sports Medicine Providers.

PubMed

Albano, Andrew W; Senter, Carlin; Adler, Richard H; Herring, Stanley A; Asif, Irfan M

2016-09-01

Concussion legislation has been enacted in all 50 of the United States, aiming to prevent mild traumatic brain injuries and the potential long-term sequelae of these injuries in youth athletics. Sports medicine providers, in addressing this major public health concern, are tasked with adhering to the established standards of medical care while also considering the legal implications. The PubMed (2011-2016) database was searched using the following search terms: concussion, sports concussion, legislation, and concussion legislation. References from consensus statements, review articles, and book chapters were also utilized. Clinical review. Level 4. The Lystedt law and its progeny have increased awareness of the signs and symptoms of sports concussion, but adherence to state legislation can pose some challenges. The presence of concussion legislation places a responsibility on the sports medicine provider to have a firm understanding of the legality of concussion management in the state(s) in which they practice. © 2016 The Author(s).

Race and the Response of State Legislatures to Unauthorized Immigrants

PubMed Central

CHAVEZ, JORGE M.; PROVINE, DORIS MARIE

2013-01-01

Increasingly, state legislatures are enacting laws to regulate immigrant populations. What accounts for these responses to foreign-born residents? To explain legislative activity at the state level, the authors examine a variety of factors, including the size and growth of foreign-born and Hispanic local populations, economic well-being, crime rates, and conservative or liberal political ideology in state government and among the citizenry. The authors find that economic indicators, crime rates, and demographic changes have little explanatory value for legislation aimed at restrictions on immigrant populations. Rather, conservative citizen ideology appears to drive immigrant-related restrictionist state legislation. Meanwhile, proimmigrant laws are associated with larger Hispanic concentrations, growing foreign-born populations, and more liberal citizen and governmental orientations. These findings suggest that ideological framing is the most consistently important factor determining legislative responses to newcomers. These findings are in line with the relatively scarce empirical literature on legislative tendencies associated with vulnerable populations. PMID:24222715

The Balkanisation of Power in Australian Education: Political Lessons from the Recent Collapse of National Partnership in Policy Making.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Macpherson, R. J. S.

During the Perth meeting of the Australian Education Council (AEC) on July 1-2, 1993, policy making power shifted from the AEC to the states and from Labor to non-Labor ministers. Labor ministerial power directed public education through much of the 1980s, when the rhetoric of national partnership was all-pervasive. At the July conference, the…

Agri-environmental collaboratives as bridging organisations in landscape management.

PubMed

Prager, Katrin

2015-09-15

In recent years, landscape and its management has become a focus of policies and academic conceptualisation. Landscape is understood as a concept of interconnected natural and human systems. Its management must take into account the dynamic interdependencies and diverging interests of various stakeholders at different levels. Bridging organisations can provide an arena for trust-building, conflict resolution, learning and collaboration between relevant stakeholders. This paper draws on two strands of literature - landscape governance and co-management of social-ecological systems - to investigate the contributions of agri-environmental collaboratives (AEC) to sustainable landscape management. Based on data from 41 interviews with key informants and AEC members in Germany and the Netherlands, six fields of contributions were identified: policy implementation and service provision; coordination and mediation; awareness raising and behaviour change; care for 'everyday' landscapes; maintenance and protection of landscapes (including species and habitats); and income generation and economic benefits. Some of the contributions evolve around the specific role of AEC as bridging organisations, but other contributions such as economic benefits emerge beyond this analytical lens. The paper therefore emphasises holistic, bottom up assessment of AEC contributions and argues that governments should support such organisations through i) funding for facilitators and ii) funding for impact monitoring and data management. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bacillus anthracis spore movement does not require a carrier cell and is not affected by lethal toxin in human lung models.

PubMed

Booth, J Leland; Duggan, Elizabeth S; Patel, Vineet I; Langer, Marybeth; Wu, Wenxin; Braun, Armin; Coggeshall, K Mark; Metcalf, Jordan P

2016-10-01

The lung is the entry site for Bacillus anthracis in inhalation anthrax, the most deadly form of the disease. Spores escape from the alveolus to regional lymph nodes, germinate and enter the circulatory system to cause disease. The roles of carrier cells and the effects of B. anthracis toxins in this process are unclear. We used a human lung organ culture model to measure spore uptake by antigen presenting cells (APC) and alveolar epithelial cells (AEC), spore partitioning between these cells, and the effects of B. anthracis lethal toxin and protective antigen. We repeated the study in a human A549 alveolar epithelial cell model. Most spores remained unassociated with cells, but the majority of cell-associated spores were in AEC, not in APC. Spore movement was not dependent on internalization, although the location of internalized spores changed in both cell types. Spores also internalized in a non-uniform pattern. Toxins affected neither transit of the spores nor the partitioning of spores into AEC and APC. Our results support a model of spore escape from the alveolus that involves spore clustering with transient passage through intact AEC. However, subsequent transport of spores by APC from the lung to the lymph nodes may occur. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Amniotic Epithelial Cells: A New Tool to Combat Aging and Age-Related Diseases?

PubMed Central

Di Germanio, Clara; Bernier, Michel; de Cabo, Rafael; Barboni, Barbara

2016-01-01

The number of elderly people is growing at an unprecedented rate and this increase of the aging population is expected to have a direct impact on the incidence of age-related diseases and healthcare-associated costs. Thus, it is imperative that new tools are developed to fight and slow age-related diseases. Regenerative medicine is a promising strategy for the maintenance of health and function late in life; however, stem cell-based therapies face several challenges including rejection and tumor transformation. As an alternative, the placenta offers an extraordinary source of fetal stem cells, including the amniotic epithelial cells (AECs), which retain some of the characteristics of embryonic stem cells, but show low immunogenicity, together with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. Because of these characteristics, AECs have been widely utilized in regenerative medicine. This perspective highlights different mechanisms triggered by transplanted AECs that could be potentially useful for anti-aging therapies, which include: Graft and differentiation for tissue regeneration in age-related settings, anti-inflammatory behavior to combat “inflammaging,” anti-tumor activity, direct lifespan and healthspan extension properties, and possibly rejuvenation in a manner reminiscent of heterochronic parabiosis. Here, we critically discuss benefits and limitation of AECs-based therapies in age-related diseases. PMID:27921031

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

Goodson, J.O.

This is the first of three volumes which document the historical development of the first US compressed-air energy storage (CAES) Power-generation facility. Volume 1 is a background report and presents a chronicle of the development of the CAES facility from the early interest in CAES until inception of engineering/construction on August 11, 1988. The 110 MW - 26 hr CAES plant is owned and operated by Alabama Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AEC) of Andalusia, Alabama. The plant is the first CAES plant in the United States and the world`s first CAES facility incorporating a recuperator to improve efficiency. The plant suppliesmore » competitively priced peaking power to the AEC owner members. The economics of CAES-produced power is attractive because the energy-intensive air-compression mode is powered by relatively inexpensive base-load power external to the CAES plant. The compressed-air energy is stored underground until needed, and during the power-production mode, the only fuel required is that to heat the compressed air to expander-inlet temperature. The project development for AEC`s CAES plant involved much planning and preliminary design work. Specifically, this included load and generation-planning studies, power-supply selections, conceptual designs, project administration, air-storage cavern and turbomachinery specifications and design, contract requirements, environmental and licensing issues, and construction planning.« less

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

Clayton, C.; Gueretta, J.; Tack, J.

The Manhattan Engineer District (MED) and U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) contracted for support work through private and academic parties through the early 1960's. The work often involved radioactive materials. Residual radioactive contamination was left at some of more than 600 potentially contaminated (candidate) sites, and worker health and safety concerns remain from the site operations and subsequent remediation activities. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) initiated a program to identify and protect records of MED/AEC activities and of remediation work conducted under the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) to aid in resolving questions about site conditions, liability,more » and worker health and safety and to ensure ongoing protectiveness of human health and the environment. This paper discusses DOE activities undertaken to locate records collections, confirm retention schedules and access requirements, and document information about the collections for use by future stewards. In conclusion: DOE-LM recognizes that records and information management is a critical component of effective LTS and M. Records are needed to answer questions about site conditions and demonstrate to the public in the future that the sites are safe. DOE-LM is working to satisfy present needs and anticipate future uses for FUSRAP records, and compile a collection of site and program information from which future stewards can readily locate and retrieve needed information. (authors)« less

33 CFR Appendix A to Part 273 - Aquatic Plant Control Program Legislative Authority

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Aquatic Plant Control Program... OF THE ARMY, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL Pt. 273, App. A Appendix A to Part 273—Aquatic Plant Control Program Legislative Authority Section 104 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, approved 3...

33 CFR Appendix A to Part 273 - Aquatic Plant Control Program Legislative Authority

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Aquatic Plant Control Program... OF THE ARMY, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL Pt. 273, App. A Appendix A to Part 273—Aquatic Plant Control Program Legislative Authority Section 104 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, approved 3...

An Analysis of 1926 Inspection Legislation Document, Named: "Law about Inspectors of Education Ministry and Their Authorization"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Usta, Mehmet Emin

2018-01-01

In this study, 1926 official legislation document was analyzed taking the role and duties of inspectors at that time in mind. These roles and duties were explained based on the authorization, investigation, interrogation methodology, and employment of inspectors. This study was carried out by implementing documentary research methods. Like other…

Immunotoxicity and genotoxicity testing for in-flight experiments under microgravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansen, Peter-Diedrich; Hansen, Peter-Diedrich; Unruh, Eckehardt

Life Sciences as Related to Space (F) Influence of Spaceflight Environment on Biological Systems (F44) Immunotoxicity and genotoxicity testing for In-flight experiments under microgravity Sensing approaches for ecosystem and human health Author: Peter D. Hansen Technische Universit¨t Berlin, Faculty VI - Planen, Bauen, Umwelt, a Institute for Ecological Research and Technology, Department for Ecotoxicology, Berlin, Germany Peter-diedrich.hansen@tu-berlin.de Eckehardt Unruh Technische Universit¨t Berlin, Faculty VI - Planen, Bauen, Umwelt, Institute a for Ecological Research and Technology, Department for Ecotoxicology, Berlin, Germany An immune response by mussel hemocytes is the selective reaction to particles which are identified as foreign by its immune system shown by phagocytosis. Phagocytotic activity is based on the chemotaxis and adhesion, ingestion and phagosome formation. The attachment at the surface of the hemocytes and consequently the uptake of the particles or bacteria can be directly quantified in the format of a fluorescent assay. Another relevant endpoint of phagocytosis is oxidative burst measured by luminescence. Phagocytosis-related production of ROS will be stimulated with opsonised zymosan. The hemocytes will be stored frozen at -80oC and reconstituted in-flight for the experiment. The assay system of the TRIPLELUX-B Experiment has been performed with a well-defined quantification and evaluation of the immune function phagocytosis. The indicator cells are the hemocytes of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis). The signals of the immuno cellular responses are translated into luminescence as a rapid optical reporter system. The results expected will determine whether the observed responses are caused by microgravity and/or radiation (change in permeability, endpoints in genotoxicity: DNA unwinding). The samples for genotoxicity will be processed after returning to earth. The immune system of invertebrates has not been studied so far in space. The choice of phagocytes from invertebrates is justified to study the universal validity of innate immune responses. The TRIPLELUX-B Experiment contributes to risk assessment concerning immunotoxicity under space flight conditions. The components of the phagocytosis test system for the BIOLAB are now established and the technical realization of the TRIPLELUX- B Experiment is in final progess. The components of the fully automated AEC (Advanced Experimental Containment) will be demonstrated in the poster. There will be two AECs for reference measurements at 1xg and 0xg. The AEC of the TRIPLELUX-B experiment will contribute to a real time operational monitoring for immunotoxicity testing on earth. The AEC will allow "real time monitoring" providing automated observations of immunotoxicity in coastal and inland waters.

Amniotic Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Exhibit Preferential Osteogenic and Chondrogenic Differentiation and Enhanced Matrix Production Compared With Adipose Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.

PubMed

Topoluk, Natasha; Hawkins, Richard; Tokish, John; Mercuri, Jeremy

2017-09-01

Therapeutic efficacy of various mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) types for orthopaedic applications is currently being investigated. While the concept of MSC therapy is well grounded in the basic science of healing and regeneration, little is known about individual MSC populations in terms of their propensity to promote the repair and/or regeneration of specific musculoskeletal tissues. Two promising MSC sources, adipose and amnion, have each demonstrated differentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) production in the setting of musculoskeletal tissue regeneration. However, no study to date has directly compared the differentiation potential of these 2 MSC populations. To compare the ability of human adipose- and amnion-derived MSCs to undergo osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. Controlled laboratory study. MSC populations from the human term amnion were quantified and characterized via cell counting, histologic assessment, and flow cytometry. Differentiation of these cells in comparison to commercially purchased human adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hADSCs) in the presence and absence of differentiation media was evaluated via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for bone and cartilage gene transcript markers and histology/immunohistochemistry to examine ECM production. Analysis of variance and paired t tests were performed to compare results across all cell groups investigated. The authors confirmed that the human term amnion contains 2 primary cell types demonstrating MSC characteristics-(1) human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) and (2) human amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells (hAMSCs)-and each exhibited more than 90% staining for MSC surface markers (CD90, CD105, CD73). Average viable hAEC and hAMSC yields at harvest were 2.3 × 10 6 ± 3.7 × 10 5 and 1.6 × 10 6 ± 4.7 × 10 5 per milliliter of amnion, respectively. As well, hAECs and hAMSCs demonstrated significantly greater osteocalcin ( P = .025), aggrecan ( P < .0001), and collagen type 2 ( P = .044) gene expression compared with hADSCs, respectively, after culture in differentiation medium. Moreover, both hAECs and hAMSCs produced significantly greater quantities of mineralized ( P < .0001) and cartilaginous ( P = .0004) matrix at earlier time points compared with hADSCs when cultured under identical osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation conditions, respectively. Amnion-derived MSCs demonstrate a greater differentiation potential toward bone and cartilage compared with hADSCs. Amniotic MSCs may be the source of choice in the regenerative treatment of bone or osteochondral musculoskeletal disease. They show significantly higher yields and better differentiation toward these tissues than MSCs derived from adipose.

Access to healthcare for undocumented migrants with communicable diseases in Germany: a quantitative study.

PubMed

Mylius, Maren; Frewer, Andreas

2015-08-01

Migrants without residence permits are de facto excluded from access to healthcare in Germany. There is one exception in relevant legislation: in the case of sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis, the legislator has instructed the local Public Health Authorities to offer free and anonymous counseling, testing and, if necessary, treatment in case of apparent need. Furthermore, recommended vaccinations may be carried out free of charge. This study intends to comprehensively capture the services for undocumented migrants at Public Health Authorities in Germany. An e-mail survey of all Local Public Health Authorities (n = 384) in Germany was carried out between January and March 2011 using a standardized questionnaire. One hundred thirty-nine of 384 targeted local Health Authorities completed the questionnaire (36.2%), of which approximately a quarter (n = 34) reported interaction with 'illegal' immigrants. Twenty-give authorities (18.4%) gave the indication to carry out treatment. This outpatient treatment option is mostly limited to patients afflicted with sexually transmitted infections with the distinct exception of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome. The study highlights the gap between legislation and the reality of restricted access to medical services for undocumented migrants in Germany. It underlines the need of increased financial and human resources in Public Health Authorities and, overall, the simplification of national legislation to assure the right to healthcare. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association. All rights reserved.

Promotion in Times of Endangerment: The Sign Language Act in Finland

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

De Meulder, Maartje

2017-01-01

The development of sign language recognition legislation is a relatively recent phenomenon in the field of language policy. So far only few authors have documented signing communities' aspirations for recognition legislation, how they work with their governments to achieve legislation which most reflects these goals, and whether and why outcomes…

EXTENSION ADMINISTRATION AND STATE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS--A CASE STUDY OF THE 71ST MISSOURI GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

KYD, STIRLING

TO GAIN UNDERSTANDING OF MISSOURI'S LEGISLATIVE PROCESS AND AID ADMINISTRATORS OF THE EXTENSION DIVISION, THE AUTHOR INVESTIGATED THE 71ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY. HE READ PUBLICATIONS, INTERVIEWED LOBBYISTS, AND CONDUCTED OPEN ENDED DEPTH INTERVIEWS WITH LEGISLATORS SELECTED TO COMPRISE THE LEADERSHIP OF THE ASSEMBLY. HIS DISSERTATION PRESENTS THE…

Enhanced hepatic differentiation of human amniotic epithelial cells on polyethylene glycol-linked multiwalled carbon nanotube-coated hydrogels.

PubMed

Zhao, Chunyan; Lin, Jamie Siqi; Choolani, Mahesh; Dan, Yock Young; Pastorin, Giorgia; Ho, Han Kiat

2018-04-26

Polyethylene glycol-linked multiwalled carbon nanotube-coated poly-acrylamide hydrogel (CNT-PA) was customized to mimic human liver stiffness and nanostructured surface in liver cells for modulating differentiation of human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) into functional hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) in vitro. This composite of CNT-PA matrix enhanced the hepatic differentiation of hAECs into HLCs with suppression of pluripotent markers and up-regulation of hepatic markers at both transcript and protein levels. Furthermore, the HLCs on CNT-PA demonstrated hepatocytic functions in terms of albumin secretion, higher uptake of indocyanine green, and comparable CYP3A4 enzymatic function and inducibility when matched against HepG2 cells. Taken together, CNT-PA provides an efficient and scalable platform for the expansion of HLCs from hAECs and could be explored further for downstream development. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

[Investigation of radiation dose for lower tube voltage CT using automatic exposure control].

PubMed

Takata, Mitsuo; Matsubara, Kousuke; Koshida, Kichirou; Tarohda, Tohru

2015-04-01

The purpose of our study was to investigate radiation dose for lower tube voltage CT using automatic exposure control (AEC). An acrylic body phantom was used, and volume CT dose indices (CTDIvol) for tube voltages of 80, 100, 120, and 135 kV were investigated with combination of AEC. Average absorbed dose in the abdomen for 100 and 120 kV were also measured using thermoluminescence dosimeters. In addition, we examined noise characteristics under the same absorbed doses. As a result, the exposure dose was not decreased even when the tube voltage was lowered, and the organ absorbed dose value became approximately 30% high. And the noise was increased under the radiographic condition to be an equal absorbed dose. Therefore, radiation dose increases when AEC is used for lower tube voltage CT under the same standard deviation (SD) setting with 120 kV, and the optimization of SD setting is crucial.

Solid oxide fuel cell with multi-unit construction and prismatic design

DOEpatents

McPheeters, Charles C.; Dees, Dennis W.; Myles, Kevin M.

1999-01-01

A single cell unit of a solid oxide fuel cell that is individually fabricated and sintered prior to being connected to adjacent cells to form a solid oxide fuel cell. The single cell unit is comprised of a shaped anode sheet positioned between a flat anode sheet and an anode-electrolyte-cathode (A/E/C) sheet, and a shaped cathode sheet positioned between the A/E/C sheet and a cathode-interconnect-anode (C/I/A) sheet. An alternate embodiment comprises a shaped cathode sheet positioned between an A/E/C sheet and a C/I/A sheet. The shaped sheets form channels for conducting reactant gases. Each single cell unit is individually sintered to form a finished sub-assembly. The finished sub-assemblies are connected in electrical series by interposing connective material between the end surfaces of adjacent cells, whereby individual cells may be inspected for defects and interchanged with non-defective single cell units.

Improvement of axial excitation confinement in temporal focusing-based multiphoton microscopy via spatially modulated illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Chia-Yuan; Chen, Shean-Jen

2017-02-01

Conventional temporal focusing-based multiphoton excitation microscopy (TFMPEM) can offer widefield optical sectioning with an axial excitation confinement (AEC) of a few microns. Herein, a developed TFMPEM with a digital micromirror device (DMD), acting as the blazed grating for light spatial dispersion and simultaneous patterned illumination, has been extended to implement spatially modulated illumination at structured frequency and orientation. By implementing the spatially modulated illumination, the beam coverage at the back-focal aperture of the objective lens can be increased. As a result, the AEC can be condensed from 3.0 μm to 1.5 μm in full width at half maximum for a 2-fold enhancement. Furthermore, by using HiLo microscopy with two structured illuminations at the same spatial frequency but different orientation, biotissue images according to the structured illumination with condensed AEC is obviously superior in contrast and scattering suppression.

Candidate chromosome 1 disease susceptibility genes for Sjogren’s syndrome xerostomia are narrowed by novel NOD.B10 congenic mice

PubMed Central

Mongini, Patricia K. A.; Kramer, Jill M.; Ishikawa, Tomo-o; Herschman, Harvey; Esposito, Donna

2014-01-01

Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is characterized by salivary gland leukocytic infiltrates and impaired salivation (xerostomia). Cox-2 (Ptgs2) is located on chromosome 1 within the span of the Aec2 region. In an attempt to demonstrate that COX-2 drives antibody-dependent hyposalivation, NOD.B10 congenic mice bearing a Cox-2flox gene were generated. A congenic line with non-NOD alleles in Cox-2-flanking genes failed manifest xerostomia. Further backcrossing yielded disease-susceptible NOD.B10 Cox-2flox lines; fine genetic mapping determined that critical Aec2 genes lie within a 1.56 to 2.17 Mb span of DNA downstream of Cox-2. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that susceptible and non-susceptible lines exhibit non-synonymous coding SNPs in 8 protein-encoding genes of this region, thereby better delineating candidate Aec2 alleles needed for SS xerostomia. PMID:24685748

Feasibility study on an integrated AEC-grid device for the optimization of image quality and exposure dose in mammography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Kyo-Tae; Yun, Ryang-Young; Han, Moo-Jae; Heo, Ye-Ji; Song, Yong-Keun; Heo, Sung-Wook; Oh, Kyeong-Min; Park, Sung-Kwang

2017-10-01

Currently, in the radiation diagnosis field, mammography is used for the early detection of breast cancer. In addition, studies are being conducted on a grid to produce high-quality images. Although the grid ratio of the grid, which affects the scattering removal rate, must be increased to improve image quality, it increases the total exposure dose. While the use of automatic exposure control is recommended to minimize this problem, existing mammography equipment, unlike general radiography equipment, is mounted on the back of a detector. Therefore, the device is greatly affected by the detector and supporting device, and it is difficult to control the exposure dose. Accordingly, in this research, an integrated AEC-grid device that simultaneously performs AEC and grid functions was used to minimize the unnecessary exposure dose while removing scattering, thereby realizing superior image quality.

The implementation of animal welfare standards by Member Countries of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE): analysis of an OIE questionnaire.

PubMed

Stafford, K J; Mellor, D J

2009-12-01

A questionnaire on the status of animal welfare legislation and its implementation was distributed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to 172 Member Countries in 2008. Overall, 45% of questionnaires were returned. The response rate varied from 25% in Africa to 69% in Europe. Eighty-seven percent of respondent countries indicated that there was a competent national veterinary authority for animal welfare legislation in their country. In many countries, the authority responsible for the operational implementation of animal welfare legislation appears to be the same as the authority responsible for creating the legislation. Forty-nine (66%) respondents identified a veterinary authority as being responsible for the implementation of animal welfare legislation at a state or provincial level. Most respondent countries indicated that they had legislation covering animal transport (83%), the slaughter of animals for human consumption (91%), the killing of animals for disease control (86%) and dog control (61%). Training courses on animal welfare were available for official veterinarians, private veterinarians, producers and processors in 73%, 44%, 57% and 51% of respondent countries, respectively. Eighty-two percent of respondent countries exported live animals to other countries and 56% of respondent countries indicated that personnel handling animals during transport were aware of OIE standards on animal welfare or other standards. Many European countries require transporters to be trained and certified according to European Union regulations. It was mandatory to stun livestock prior to slaughter in 31% of countries, but in 57% religious exceptions were allowed, and in 8% stunning was not mandatory. The most commonly used method of stunning was mechanical but electrical stunning was also common. It was mandatory to stun livestock prior to killing for disease control in 44% of countries but it was not mandatory in 43%. There was legislation on humane killing in 74% of countries, but in 25% of countries there was no such legislation. The national veterinary authority was responsible for these regulations in most (71%) respondent countries. In 73% of respondent countries the personnel who conducted killing for disease control were generally aware of the domestic legislation for animal welfare. Of all the problems considered, the problem of stray dog management was ranked as 'major' or 'severe' more often than any of the other issues. Killing for disease control was mentioned as a problem by one respondent, but only if services were overwhelmed. In the animal transport section of the questionnaire, long-distance transport was the major issue. Many respondents had no problems with any of these issues.

The Emerging Legislative Role in Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosenthal, Alan

1977-01-01

Changes in the capacity, internal distribution of power, habits of work, and composition of state legislators have increased their involvement and assertiveness in educational policy formation, oversight, and control. (Author/MLF)

Authorized Rural Water Projects Completion Act

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Baucus, Max [D-MT

2013-04-11

Senate - 05/22/2014 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 393. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Mescalero Apache Tribe Leasing Authorization Act

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [D-NM

2011-01-25

Senate - 09/19/2012 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 522. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Maritime Administration Authorization Act of 2010

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ

2009-06-19

Senate - 09/09/2009 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 157. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

National Heritage Area Authorization Act of 2014

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA

2014-07-15

Senate - 12/10/2014 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 640. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [D-HI

2009-01-15

Senate - 07/24/2009 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 128. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Adaptive Sampling approach to environmental site characterization at Joliet Army Ammunition Plant: Phase 2 demonstration

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

Bujewski, G.E.; Johnson, R.L.

1996-04-01

Adaptive sampling programs provide real opportunities to save considerable time and money when characterizing hazardous waste sites. This Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) project demonstrated two decision-support technologies, SitePlanner{trademark} and Plume{trademark}, that can facilitate the design and deployment of an adaptive sampling program. A demonstration took place at Joliet Army Ammunition Plant (JAAP), and was unique in that it was tightly coupled with ongoing Army characterization work at the facility, with close scrutiny by both state and federal regulators. The demonstration was conducted in partnership with the Army Environmental Center`s (AEC) Installation Restoration Program and AEC`s Technology Developmentmore » Program. AEC supported researchers from Tufts University who demonstrated innovative field analytical techniques for the analysis of TNT and DNT. SitePlanner{trademark} is an object-oriented database specifically designed for site characterization that provides an effective way to compile, integrate, manage and display site characterization data as it is being generated. Plume{trademark} uses a combination of Bayesian analysis and geostatistics to provide technical staff with the ability to quantitatively merge soft and hard information for an estimate of the extent of contamination. Plume{trademark} provides an estimate of contamination extent, measures the uncertainty associated with the estimate, determines the value of additional sampling, and locates additional samples so that their value is maximized.« less

Excess of Radiation Burden for Young Testicular Cancer Patients using Automatic Exposure Control and Contrast Agent on Whole-body Computed Tomography Imaging.

PubMed

Niiniviita, Hannele; Kulmala, Jarmo; Pölönen, Tuukka; Määttänen, Heli; Järvinen, Hannu; Salminen, Eeva

2017-06-01

The aim of the study was to assess patient dose from whole-body computed tomography (CT) in association with patient size, automatic exposure control (AEC) and intravenous (IV) contrast agent. Sixty-five testicular cancer patients (mean age 28 years) underwent altogether 279 whole-body CT scans from April 2000 to April 2011. The mean number of repeated examinations was 4.3. The GE LightSpeed 16 equipped with AEC and the Siemens Plus 4 CT scanners were used for imaging. Whole-body scans were performed with (216) and without (63) IV contrast. The ImPACT software was used to determine the effective and organ doses. Patient doses were independent (p < 0.41) of patient size when the Plus 4 device (mean 7.4 mSv, SD 1.7 mSv) was used, but with the LightSpeed 16 AEC device, the dose (mean 14 mSv, SD 4.6 mSv) increased significantly (p < 0.001) with waist cirfumference. Imaging with the IV contrast agent caused significantly higher (13% Plus 4, 35% LightSpeed 16) exposure than non-contrast imaging (p < 0.001). Great caution on the use of IV contrast agent and careful set-up of the AEC modulation parameters is recommended to avoid excessive radiation exposure on the whole-body CT imaging of young patients.

A bill to repeal the authority to provide certain loans to the International Monetary Fund, the increase in the United States quota to the Fund, and certain other related authorities, to rescind related appropriated amounts, and for other purposes.

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. DeMint, Jim [R-SC

2011-06-23

Senate - 06/27/2011 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 85. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Levin, Carl [D-MI

2010-06-04

Senate - 06/04/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 415. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA

2010-01-29

Senate - 09/23/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 585. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Maritime Administration Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ

2011-07-27

Senate - 12/07/2011 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 252. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Levin, Carl [D-MI

2010-06-04

Senate - 06/04/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 416. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act of 2012

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. Lieberman, Joseph I. [ID-CT

2011-09-13

Senate - 12/13/2012 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 565. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2013

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Nelson, Bill [D-FL

2013-07-17

Senate - 12/10/2014 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 628. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network Continuing Authorization Act

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD

2009-02-25

Senate - 03/22/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 326. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

The philosophical aspects of hate crime and hate crime legislation: introducing the special section on the philosophy of hate crime.

PubMed

Brax, David; Munthe, Christian

2015-06-01

In this introduction to the special symposium on the philosophy of hate crime, we provide an overview of the main philosophical aspects of hate crime and hate crime legislation. We point out that there are two overarching philosophical issues that span over the literature: the Conceptual Question--concerning what hate crime is--and the Normative Question--concerning the status of hate crimes and the justification of hate crime legislation. We also provide brief summaries of the articles in the special section and point to their relations to the broader themes. © The Author(s) 2014.

Electroconvulsive therapy: administrative codes, legislation, and professional recommendations.

PubMed

Harris, Victoria

2006-01-01

Government regulatory involvement in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is due to several factors, including patient advocate groups, prior abuse by psychiatrists, and a general trend of state authority to move into areas traditionally governed by medical authorities. Regardless of the specific reasons, ECT is both highly effective in the treatment of many psychiatric disorders and heavily regulated by state administrative codes and legislation. The purpose of this article is to conduct a systematic review of the state administrative codes and legislation for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico and to compare the findings with professional recommendations for the administration of ECT.

Impact of compressed breast thickness and dose on lesion detectability in digital mammography: FROC study with simulated lesions in real mammograms

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

Salvagnini, Elena, E-mail: elena.salvagnini@gmail.

Purpose: The aim of this work was twofold: (1) to examine whether, with standard automatic exposure control (AEC) settings that maintain pixel values in the detector constant, lesion detectability in clinical images decreases as a function of breast thickness and (2) to verify whether a new AEC setup can increase lesion detectability at larger breast thicknesses. Methods: Screening patient images, acquired on two identical digital mammography systems, were collected over a period of 2 yr. Mammograms were acquired under standard AEC conditions (part 1) and subsequently with a new AEC setup (part 2), programmed to use the standard AEC settingsmore » for compressed breast thicknesses ≤49 mm, while a relative dose increase was applied above this thickness. The images were divided into four thickness groups: T1 ≤ 29 mm, T2 = 30–49 mm, T3 = 50–69 mm, and T4 ≥ 70 mm, with each thickness group containing 130 randomly selected craniocaudal lesion-free images. Two measures of density were obtained for every image: a BI-RADS score and a map of volumetric breast density created with a software application (VolparaDensity, Matakina, NZ). This information was used to select subsets of four images, containing one image from each thickness group, matched to a (global) BI-RADS score and containing a region with the same (local) VOLPARA volumetric density value. One selected lesion (a microcalcification cluster or a mass) was simulated into each of the four images. This process was repeated so that, for a given thickness group, half the images contained a single lesion and half were lesion-free. The lesion templates created and inserted in groups T3 and T4 for the first part of the study were then inserted into the images of thickness groups T3 and T4 acquired with higher dose settings. Finally, all images were visualized using the ViewDEX software and scored by four radiologists performing a free search study. A statistical jackknife-alternative free-response receiver operating characteristic analysis was applied. Results: For part 1, the alternative free-response receiver operating characteristic curves for the four readers were 0.80, 0.65, 0.55 and 0.56 in going from T1 to T4, indicating a decrease in detectability with increasing breast thickness. P-values and the 95% confidence interval showed no significant difference for the T3-T4 comparison (p = 0.78) while all the other differences were significant (p < 0.05). Separate analysis of microcalcification clusters presented the same results while for mass detection, the only significant difference came when comparing T1 to the other thickness groups. Comparing the scores of part 1 and part 2, results for the T3 group acquired with the new AEC setup and T3 group at standard AEC doses were significantly different (p = 0.0004), indicating improved detection. For this group a subanalysis for microcalcification detection gave the same results while no significant difference was found for mass detection. Conclusions: These data using clinical images confirm results found in simple QA tests for many mammography systems that detectability falls as breast thickness increases. Results obtained with the AEC setup for constant detectability above 49 mm showed an increase in lesion detection with compressed breast thickness, bringing detectability of lesions to the same level.« less

Alveolar epithelial cells in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis display upregulation of TRAIL, DR4 and DR5 expression with simultaneous preferential over-expression of pro-apoptotic marker p53.

PubMed

Akram, Khondoker M; Lomas, Nicola J; Forsyth, Nicholas R; Spiteri, Monica A

2014-01-01

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, debilitating, and fatal lung disease of unknown aetiology with no current cure. The pathogenesis of IPF remains unclear but repeated alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) injuries and subsequent apoptosis are believed to be among the initiating/ongoing triggers. However, the precise mechanism of apoptotic induction is hitherto elusive. In this study, we investigated expression of a panel of pro-apoptotic and cell cycle regulatory proteins in 21 IPF and 19 control lung tissue samples. We reveal significant upregulation of the apoptosis-inducing ligand TRAIL and its cognate receptors DR4 and DR5 in AEC within active lesions of IPF lungs. This upregulation was accompanied by pro-apoptotic protein p53 overexpression. In contrast, myofibroblasts within the fibroblastic foci of IPF lungs exhibited high TRAIL, DR4 and DR5 expression but negligible p53 expression. Similarly, p53 expression was absent or negligible in IPF and control alveolar macrophages and lymphocytes. No significant differences in TRAIL expression were noted in these cell types between IPF and control lungs. However, DR4 and DR5 upregulation was detected in IPF alveolar macrophages and lymphocytes. The marker of cellular senescence p21(WAF1) was upregulated within affected AEC in IPF lungs. Cell cycle regulatory proteins Cyclin D1 and SOCS3 were significantly enhanced in AEC within the remodelled fibrotic areas of IPF lungs but expression was negligible in myofibroblasts. Taken together these findings suggest that, within the remodelled fibrotic areas of IPF, AEC can display markers associated with proliferation, senescence, and apoptotosis, where TRAIL could drive the apoptotic response. Clear understanding of disease processes and identification of therapeutic targets will direct us to develop effective therapies for IPF.

Chest Computed Tomography Radiation Dose Optimization: Comparison of Automatic Exposure Control Strength Curves.

PubMed

Gyssels, Elodie; Bohy, Pascale; Cornil, Arnaud; van Muylem, Alain; Howarth, Nigel; Gevenois, Pierre A; Tack, Denis

2016-01-01

The aim of the study was to compare radiation dose and image quality between the "average" and the "very strong" automatic exposure control (AEC) strength curves. Images reconstructed with filtered back-projection techniques and radiation dose data of unenhanced helical chest computed tomography (CT) examinations obtained at 2 hospitals (hospital A, hospital B) using the same scanner devices and acquisition protocols but different AEC strength curves were evaluated over a 3-month period. The selected AEC strength curve applied to "slim" patients (diameter <32 cm estimated from the attenuation automatically measured on the topogram) was "average" and "very strong" in hospital A and hospital B, respectively. Two radiologists with 13 and 24 years of experience scored the image quality of the lung parenchyma and the mediastinum on a 5-point scale. The patients' effective diameter, the delivered CT dose index volume, and dose-length products were recorded. A total of 410 patients were included. The average body mass index was 24.0 kg/m in hospital A and 24.8 kg/m in hospital B. There was no significant difference between hospitals with respect to age, sex ratio, weight, height, body mass index, effective diameters, and image quality scores for each radiologist (P ranging from 0.050 to 1.000). The mean CT dose index volume for the entire population was 2.0 mGy and was significantly lower in hospital B with the "very strong" AEC curve as compared with hospital A (-11%, P=0.001). The mean dose-length product delivered in this 70 kg-weight population was 68 mGy cm, corresponding to an effective dose of 0.95 mSv. Changing the AEC strength curve from "average" to "very strong" for slim patients maintains image quality and reduces the radiation dose to <1 mSv in routine chest CT examinations reconstructed with filtered back-projection techniques.

A Method for the Automatic Exposure Control in Pediatric Abdominal CT: Application to the Standard Deviation Value and Tube Current Methods by Using Patient's Age and Body Size.

PubMed

Furuya, Ken; Akiyama, Shinji; Nambu, Atushi; Suzuki, Yutaka; Hasebe, Yuusuke

2017-01-01

We aimed to apply the pediatric abdominal CT protocol of Donnelly et al. in the United States to the pediatric abdominal CT-AEC. Examining CT images of 100 children, we found that the sectional area of the hepatic portal region (y) was strongly correlated with the body weight (x) as follows: y=7.14x + 84.39 (correlation coefficient=0.9574). We scanned an elliptical cone phantom that simulates the human body using a pediatric abdominal CT scanning method of Donnelly et al. in, and measured SD values. We further scanned the same phantom under the settings for adult CT-AEC scan and obtained the relationship between the sectional areas (y) and the SD values. Using these results, we obtained the following preset noise factors for CT-AEC at each body weight range: 6.90 at 4.5-8.9 kg, 8.40 at 9.0-17.9 kg, 8.68 at 18.0-26.9 kg, 9.89 at 27.0-35.9 kg, 12.22 at 36.0-45.0 kg, 13.52 at 45.1-70.0 kg, 15.29 at more than 70 kg. From the relation between age, weight and the distance of liver and tuber ischiadicum of 500 children, we obtained the CTDI vol values and DLP values under the scanning protocol of Donnelly et al. Almost all of DRL from these values turned out to be smaller than the DRL data of IAEA and various countries. Thus, by setting the maximum current values of CT-AEC to be the Donnelly et al.'s age-wise current values, and using our weight-wise noise factors, we think we can perform pediatric abdominal CT-AEC scans that are consistent with the same radiation safety and the image quality as those proposed by Donnelly et al.

EXPRESSION OF NeuGc ON PIG CORNEAS AND ITS POTENTIAL SIGNIFICANCE IN PIG CORNEAL XENOTRANSPLANTATION

PubMed Central

Lee, Whayoung; Miyagawa, Yuko; Long, Cassandra; Ekser, Burcin; Walters, Eric; Ramsoondar, Jagdeece; Ayares, David; Tector, A. Joseph; Cooper, David K. C.; Hara, Hidetaka

2016-01-01

Purpose Pigs expressing neither galactose-α1,3-galactose (Gal) nor N-glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuGc) take xenotransplantation one step closer to the clinic. Our aims were (i) to document the lack of NeuGc expression on corneas and aortas, and cultured endothelial cells (aortic [AECs]; corneal [CECs]) of GTKO/NeuGcKO pigs, and (ii) to investigate whether the absence of NeuGc reduced human antibody binding to the tissues and cells. Methods Wild-type (WT), GTKO, and GTKO/NeuGcKO pig were used for the study. Human tissues and cultured cells were negative controls. Immunofluorescence staining was performed using anti-Gal and anti-NeuGc antibodies, and to determine human IgM and IgG binding to tissues. Flow cytometric analysis was used to determine Gal and NeuGc expression on cultured CECs and AECs and to measure human IgM/IgG binding to these cells. Results Both Gal and NeuGc were detected on WT pig corneas and aortas. Although GTKO pigs expressed NeuGc, neither human nor GTKO/NeuGcKO pigs expressed Gal or NeuGc. Human IgM/IgG binding to corneas and aortas from GTKO and GTKO/NeuGcKO pigs was reduced compared to binding to WT pigs. Human antibody binding to GTKO/NeuGcKO AECs was significantly less than to GTKO AECs, but there was no significant difference in binding between GTKO and GTKO/NeuGcKO CECs. Conclusions The absence of NeuGc on GTKO aortic tissue and AECs is associated with reduced human antibody binding, and possibly will provide better outcome in clinical xenotransplantation using vascularized organs. For clinical corneal xenotransplantation, the absence of NeuGc expression on GTKO/NeuGcKO pig corneas may not prove an advantage over GTKO corneas. PMID:26418433

SU-E-I-68: Practical Considerations On Implementation of the Image Gently Pediatric CT Protocols

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

Zhang, J; Adams, C; Lumby, C

Purpose: One limitation associated with the Image Gently pediatric CT protocols is practical implementation of the recommended manual techniques. Inconsistency as a result of different practice is a possibility among technologist. An additional concern is the added risk of data error that would result in over or underexposure. The Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) features automatically reduce radiation for children. However, they do not work efficiently for the patients of very small size and relative large size. This study aims to implement the Image Gently pediatric CT protocols in the practical setting while maintaining the use of AEC features for pediatricmore » patients of varying size. Methods: Anthropomorphological abdomen phantoms were scanned in a CT scanner using the Image Gently pediatric protocols, the AEC technique with a fixed adult baseline, and automatic protocols with various baselines. The baselines were adjusted corresponding to patient age, weight and posterioranterior thickness to match the Image Gently pediatric CT manual techniques. CTDIvol was recorded for each examination. Image noise was measured and recorded for image quality comparison. Clinical images were evaluated by pediatric radiologists. Results: By adjusting vendor default baselines used in the automatic techniques, radiation dose and image quality can match those of the Image Gently manual techniques. In practice, this can be achieved by dividing pediatric patients into three major groups for technologist reference: infant, small child, and large child. Further division can be done but will increase the number of CT protocols. For each group, AEC can efficiently adjust acquisition techniques for children. This implementation significantly overcomes the limitation of the Image Gently manual techniques. Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness in clinical practice, Image Gently Pediatric CT protocols can be implemented in accordance with AEC techniques, with adjusted baselines, to achieve the goal of providing the most appropriate radiation dose for pediatric patients of varying sizes.« less

Effects of human rhinovirus on epithelial barrier integrity and function in children with asthma.

PubMed

Looi, K; Buckley, A G; Rigby, P J; Garratt, L W; Iosifidis, T; Zosky, G R; Larcombe, A N; Lannigan, F J; Ling, K-M; Martinovich, K M; Kicic-Starcevich, E; Shaw, N C; Sutanto, E N; Knight, D A; Kicic, A; Stick, S M

2018-05-01

Bronchial epithelial tight junctions (TJ) have been extensively assessed in healthy airway epithelium. However, no studies have yet assessed the effect of human rhinovirus (HRV) infection on the expression and resultant barrier function in epithelial tight junctions (TJ) in childhood asthma. To investigate the impact of HRV infection on airway epithelial TJ expression and barrier function in airway epithelial cells (AECs) of children with and without asthma. Furthermore, to test the hypothesis that barrier integrity and function is compromised to a greater extent by HRV in AECs from asthmatic children. Primary AECs were obtained from children with and without asthma, differentiated into air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures and infected with rhinovirus. Expression of claudin-1, occludin and zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1) was assessed via qPCR, immunocytochemistry (ICC), in-cell western (ICW) and confocal microscopy. Barrier function was assessed by transepithelial electrical resistance (TER; R T ) and permeability to fluorescent dextran. Basal TJ gene expression of claudin-1 and occludin was significantly upregulated in asthmatic children compared to non-asthmatics; however, no difference was seen with ZO-1. Interestingly, claudin-1, occludin and ZO-1 protein expression was significantly reduced in AEC of asthmatic children compared to non-asthmatic controls suggesting possible post-transcriptional inherent differences. HRV infection resulted in a transient dissociation of TJ and airway barrier integrity in non-asthmatic children. Although similar dissociation of TJ was observed in asthmatic children, a significant and sustained reduction in TJ expression concurrent with both a significant decrease in TER and an increase in permeability in asthmatic children was observed. This study demonstrates novel intrinsic differences in TJ gene and protein expression between AEC of children with and without asthma. Furthermore, it correlates directly the relationship between HRV infection and the resultant dissociation of epithelial TJ that causes a continued altered barrier function in children with asthma. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A Contrastive Survey of Speech Acts in Hong Kong Bilingual Legislative Texts: A Case Study of CO and SPR

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fu, Kefeng

2014-01-01

As one kind of the legislative language, the language of bilingual legislation possesses its specific characteristics: the two versions share the same authenticity and effect. Therefore, the contrastive analysis of this kind of language from the perspective of pragmatics is more persuasive and authoritative. In this paper, the author chooses Crime…

Legislative Review. A Look at Higher Education in Week 5: February 2-6, 2009

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

North Dakota University System, 2009

2009-01-01

This issue of "Legislative Review" takes a look at the news in higher education from February 2 to 6, 2009. This Legislative Review reports that: (1) HB 1447, a bill giving the Legislature authority to set tuition and fee rates, was heard in the House Education Committee Wednesday, February 4; (2) the Senate Finance and Taxation…

Child abuse and its legislation: the global picture.

PubMed

Cutland, Michelle

2012-08-01

Amid the high income nations the first recognisable child abuse society was founded in the late 19th century in North America, but it was a century before the first global rights-based legislation in the form of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) came into play. In isolation, international legislation is insufficient to protect children but becoming party to international law sends a clear signal to the community and stakeholders that a country is committed to ensuring child protection. Incorporating and implementing the UNCRC and other child protection based legislation on a global scale is not without difficulty and there are many obstacles to fulfilling its principles and monitoring its progress. The author reviews the global pandemic of violence against children and provides an overview of the legislation that has evolved over the last century in response to it. The author also seeks to examine some of the practical difficulties and limitations in implementing global child abuse legislation with reference to three important areas: the prohibition of violence, professional capacity enhancement, and data collection and research. The role of the paediatrician is also discussed in applying a rights-based approach to promoting global child protection.

Homeless Veterans and Other Veterans Health Care Authorities Act of 2010

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA

2009-06-11

Senate - 04/29/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 360. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

National Park Service Authorities and Corrections Act of 2009

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-21

2009-10-13

Senate - 08/05/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 546. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Passed HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

State Labor Legislation Enacted in 1989.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelson, Richard R.

1990-01-01

Discusses major laws enacted on a variety of subjects, including minimum wage, parental leave, drugs and AIDS testing, and door-to-door sales by children. A state-by-state summary of labor legislation is included. (Author)

Environmental apsects of the transuranics: a selected, annotated bibliography

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

Martin, F. M.; Sanders, C. T.; Talmage, S. S.

This fourth published bibliography of 528 references is from the computer information file built to provide support to the Nevada Applied Ecology Group (NAEG) of the AEC Nevada Operations Office. The general scope is environmental aspects of uranium and the transuranic elements, with a preponderance of material on plutonium. In addition, there are supporting materials involving basic ecology or general reviews on other nuclides that are entered at the request of the NAEG. References provide findings-oriented abstracts. Numerical data is referred to, in the comment field. Indexes are given for author, subject category, keywords, geographic location, permuted title, taxons, andmore » publication description.« less

Decentralized authority, increased enforcement guide Mexico's environmental evolution

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

Ranger, E.M.; Alonzo, A.L.

1994-01-01

Environmental regulation in Mexico is evolving into a decentralized system where local authorities assume responsibility for compliance. Articles 25, 27 and 73 of Mexico's constitution establish federal, state and municipal jurisdictions for environmental protection, and empower the federal congress to promulgate environmental legislation. An established federal and local environmental legislative and normative framework, along with increased enforcement, provide the country with a comprehensive regulatory system to prevent and control industrial pollution.

An analysis framework for characterizing and explaining development of EIA legislation in developing countries-Illustrated for Georgia, Ghana and Yemen

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

Kolhoff, Arend J., E-mail: akolhoff@eia.nl; Driessen, Peter P.J., E-mail: p.driessen@uu.nl; Runhaar, Hens A.C., E-mail: h.a.c.runhaar@uu.nl

2013-01-15

Actors in the field of international development co-operation supporting the development of EIA legislation in developing countries often do not achieve the results envisaged. The performance of EIA in these countries often remains weak. One reason, we assume, is that often those actors support the establishment of overly ambitious EIA legislation that cannot achieve its objectives in the light of constraining contexts. To provide more effective support we need to better understand the enabling and constraining contextual factors that influence the development of EIA legislation and to which support actors should align itself. In this article a new analysis frameworkmore » for classifying, characterizing and explaining the development of EIA legislation is described, measured in terms of ambition levels. Ambitions are defined as intentions the EIA authorities aim to fulfill, expressed in formal EIA legislation. Three country cases, Yemen, Georgia and Ghana are used to illustrate the usefulness of our framework and as a first test to refine the framework. We have formulated the following five hypotheses that complement and refine our analysis framework. One, EIA legislation may develop multilinearly in terms of ambition levels. Two, ambitions in EIA legislation seem to be influenced to a great extent by the power and capacity of, on the one hand, the environmental authorities supporting EIA and, on the other hand, the sector authorities hindering the development of EIA. Three, the political system is the most important context factor influencing the rules of policy-making and the power of the different actors involved. Four, the importance of context factors on the development of ambitions is dependent on the phase of EIA system development. Five, some ambitions seem to be influenced by particular factors; for instance the ambitions for the object of study seem to be influenced by the level of environmental awareness of the sector ministries and parliament. The analysis framework may also assist actors involved in the development of EIA legislation in setting ambitions for EIA legislation that are feasible within the context in which it will be developed and implemented. Application of a country-specific EIA model would seem to be the preferred model to develop EIA legislation because by taking capacities of actors and context factors as a starting point, it offers more potential to well-performing EIA systems. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer EIA systems develop from less to high ambitious and sometimes vice versa. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ambitions in EIA legislation are determined by the capacity of environment- and sector authority. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The political system is the most important context factor explaining the ambitions of an EIA system. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer An analysis framework developed to measure EIA system ambitions might help to setambitions.« less

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Rules and Administration.

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY

2011-02-17

Senate - 02/28/2011 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 13. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Rules and Administration.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY

2013-02-26

Senate - 02/26/2013 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 17. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Rules and Administration.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY

2009-02-12

Senate - 02/12/2009 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 22. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Rules and Administration.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY

2013-09-17

Senate - 09/17/2013 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 189. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Ultrahigh-rate supercapacitors based on eletrochemically reduced graphene oxide for ac line-filtering.

PubMed

Sheng, Kaixuan; Sun, Yiqing; Li, Chun; Yuan, Wenjing; Shi, Gaoquan

2012-01-01

The recent boom in multifunction portable electronic equipments requires the development of compact and miniaturized electronic circuits with high efficiencies, low costs and long lasting time. For the operation of most line-powered electronics, alternating current (ac) line-filters are used to attenuate the leftover ac ripples on direct current (dc) voltage busses. Today, aluminum electrolytic capacitors (AECs) are widely applied for this purpose. However, they are usually the largest components in electronic circuits. Replacing AECs by more compact capacitors will have an immense impact on future electronic devices. Here, we report a double-layer capacitor based on three-dimensional (3D) interpenetrating graphene electrodes fabricated by electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide (ErGO-DLC). At 120-hertz, the ErGO-DLC exhibited a phase angle of -84 degrees, a specific capacitance of 283 microfaradays per centimeter square and a resistor-capacitor (RC) time constant of 1.35 milliseconds, making it capable of replacing AECs for the application of 120-hertz filtering.

Ultrahigh-rate supercapacitors based on eletrochemically reduced graphene oxide for ac line-filtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheng, Kaixuan; Sun, Yiqing; Li, Chun; Yuan, Wenjing; Shi, Gaoquan

2012-02-01

The recent boom in multifunction portable electronic equipments requires the development of compact and miniaturized electronic circuits with high efficiencies, low costs and long lasting time. For the operation of most line-powered electronics, alternating current (ac) line-filters are used to attenuate the leftover ac ripples on direct current (dc) voltage busses. Today, aluminum electrolytic capacitors (AECs) are widely applied for this purpose. However, they are usually the largest components in electronic circuits. Replacing AECs by more compact capacitors will have an immense impact on future electronic devices. Here, we report a double-layer capacitor based on three-dimensional (3D) interpenetrating graphene electrodes fabricated by electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide (ErGO-DLC). At 120-hertz, the ErGO-DLC exhibited a phase angle of -84 degrees, a specific capacitance of 283 microfaradays per centimeter square and a resistor-capacitor (RC) time constant of 1.35 milliseconds, making it capable of replacing AECs for the application of 120-hertz filtering.

Ultrahigh-rate supercapacitors based on eletrochemically reduced graphene oxide for ac line-filtering

PubMed Central

Sheng, Kaixuan; Sun, Yiqing; Li, Chun; Yuan, Wenjing; Shi, Gaoquan

2012-01-01

The recent boom in multifunction portable electronic equipments requires the development of compact and miniaturized electronic circuits with high efficiencies, low costs and long lasting time. For the operation of most line-powered electronics, alternating current (ac) line-filters are used to attenuate the leftover ac ripples on direct current (dc) voltage busses. Today, aluminum electrolytic capacitors (AECs) are widely applied for this purpose. However, they are usually the largest components in electronic circuits. Replacing AECs by more compact capacitors will have an immense impact on future electronic devices. Here, we report a double-layer capacitor based on three-dimensional (3D) interpenetrating graphene electrodes fabricated by electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide (ErGO-DLC). At 120-hertz, the ErGO-DLC exhibited a phase angle of −84 degrees, a specific capacitance of 283 microfaradays per centimeter square and a resistor-capacitor (RC) time constant of 1.35 milliseconds, making it capable of replacing AECs for the application of 120-hertz filtering. PMID:22355759

Endogenous Murine BST-2/Tetherin Is Not a Major Restriction Factor of Influenza A Virus Infection.

PubMed

Londrigan, Sarah L; Tate, Michelle D; Job, Emma R; Moffat, Jessica M; Wakim, Linda M; Gonelli, Christopher A; Purcell, Damien F J; Brooks, Andrew G; Villadangos, Jose A; Reading, Patrick C; Mintern, Justine D

2015-01-01

BST-2 (tetherin, CD317, HM1.24) restricts virus growth by tethering enveloped viruses to the cell surface. The role of BST-2 during influenza A virus infection (IAV) is controversial. Here, we assessed the capacity of endogenous BST-2 to restrict IAV in primary murine cells. IAV infection increased BST-2 surface expression by primary macrophages, but not alveolar epithelial cells (AEC). BST-2-deficient AEC and macrophages displayed no difference in susceptibility to IAV infection relative to wild type cells. Furthermore, BST-2 played little role in infectious IAV release from either AEC or macrophages. To examine BST-2 during IAV infection in vivo, we infected BST-2-deficient mice. No difference in weight loss or in viral loads in the lungs and/or nasal tissues were detected between BST-2-deficient and wild type animals. This study rules out a major role for endogenous BST-2 in modulating IAV in the mouse model of infection.

Solid oxide fuel cell with multi-unit construction and prismatic design

DOEpatents

McPheeters, C.C.; Dees, D.W.; Myles, K.M.

1999-03-16

A single cell unit of a solid oxide fuel cell is described that is individually fabricated and sintered prior to being connected to adjacent cells to form a solid oxide fuel cell. The single cell unit is comprised of a shaped anode sheet positioned between a flat anode sheet and an anode-electrolyte-cathode (A/E/C) sheet, and a shaped cathode sheet positioned between the A/E/C sheet and a cathode-interconnect-anode (C/I/A) sheet. An alternate embodiment comprises a shaped cathode sheet positioned between an A/E/C sheet and a C/I/A sheet. The shaped sheets form channels for conducting reactant gases. Each single cell unit is individually sintered to form a finished sub-assembly. The finished sub-assemblies are connected in electrical series by interposing connective material between the end surfaces of adjacent cells, whereby individual cells may be inspected for defects and interchanged with non-defective single cell units. 7 figs.

Endogenous Murine BST-2/Tetherin Is Not a Major Restriction Factor of Influenza A Virus Infection

PubMed Central

Job, Emma R.; Moffat, Jessica M.; Wakim, Linda M.; Gonelli, Christopher A.; Purcell, Damien F. J.; Brooks, Andrew G.; Villadangos, Jose A.; Reading, Patrick C.; Mintern, Justine D.

2015-01-01

BST-2 (tetherin, CD317, HM1.24) restricts virus growth by tethering enveloped viruses to the cell surface. The role of BST-2 during influenza A virus infection (IAV) is controversial. Here, we assessed the capacity of endogenous BST-2 to restrict IAV in primary murine cells. IAV infection increased BST-2 surface expression by primary macrophages, but not alveolar epithelial cells (AEC). BST-2-deficient AEC and macrophages displayed no difference in susceptibility to IAV infection relative to wild type cells. Furthermore, BST-2 played little role in infectious IAV release from either AEC or macrophages. To examine BST-2 during IAV infection in vivo, we infected BST-2-deficient mice. No difference in weight loss or in viral loads in the lungs and/or nasal tissues were detected between BST-2-deficient and wild type animals. This study rules out a major role for endogenous BST-2 in modulating IAV in the mouse model of infection. PMID:26566124

Forced Shortsightedness: Security Force Assistance Missions

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

legislation , it is therefore the intention of the Congress to promote the peace of the world and the foreign policy, security, and general welfare of the... legislation , Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports, the Defense Institute of Security Assistance Management’s (DISAM) Green Book, and interviews with...developed database, there are “184 separate legislative authorities that power the 165 Building Partnership Capacity (BPC) programs managed across

The Feasibility of a Cadre Approach to Mobilization

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-05-01

system, legislation was now required to structure and organize the force. Subsequentlythe Militia Act of 1792 was passsed and after being heavily...States was questioned. Thus, several legislative acts were passed between 1903 to 1933, which formulated the National Guard as it is known today, and...have to undergo major legislative revisions regarding the authority over the National Guard, its state versus national responsibilities, and the amount

New Legislation Threatens the Teaching of Evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Landau, Elizabeth

2008-05-01

A new twist on an old legislative tactic may help open the door for the discussion of creationism and intelligent design in science classrooms across the United States. While previous attempts have been made to pass legislation regarding the teaching of evolution, new state legislation is being introduced with the purpose of affording ``rights'' and ``protection'' to teachers or students ``concerning their positions on views regarding biological and chemical evolution,'' according to the text from several bills. The proposed legislation would lessen the authority of written science curricula and potentially would allow legal protection for teachers or students to discuss nonscientific views of evolution in science classrooms.

Sexual dimorphic function of IL-17 in salivary gland dysfunction of the C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2 model of Sjögren's syndrome.

PubMed

Voigt, Alexandria; Esfandiary, Lida; Wanchoo, Arun; Glenton, Patricia; Donate, Amy; Craft, William F; Craft, Serena L M; Nguyen, Cuong Q

2016-12-13

Interleukin (IL)-17 is one of the critical inflammatory cytokines that plays a direct role in development of Sjögren's syndrome (SjS), a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by a progressive chronic attack against the exocrine glands. The expression levels of IL-17 are correlated with a number of essential clinical parameters such as focus score and disease duration in human patients. Significantly immunological differences of Th17 cells were detected at the onset of clinical disease in female SjS mice compared to males. To further define the role of IL-17 in SjS and elucidate its involvement in the sexual dimorphism, we examined the systemic effect of IL-17 by genetically ablating Il-17 in the C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2, spontaneous SjS murine model. The results indicate that IL-17 is a potent inflammatory molecule in the induction of chemoattractants, cytokines, and glandular apoptosis in males and females. Elimination of IL-17 reduced sialadenitis more drastically in females than males. IL-17 is highly involved in modulating Th2 cytokines and altering autoantibody profiles which has a greater impact on changing plasma cells and germinal center B cell populations in females than males. The result supports a much more important role for IL-17 and demonstrates the sexual dimorphic function of IL-17 in SjS.

Sexual dimorphic function of IL-17 in salivary gland dysfunction of the C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2 model of Sjögren’s syndrome

PubMed Central

Voigt, Alexandria; Esfandiary, Lida; Wanchoo, Arun; Glenton, Patricia; Donate, Amy; Craft, William F.; Craft, Serena L. M.; Nguyen, Cuong Q.

2016-01-01

Interleukin (IL)-17 is one of the critical inflammatory cytokines that plays a direct role in development of Sjögren’s syndrome (SjS), a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by a progressive chronic attack against the exocrine glands. The expression levels of IL-17 are correlated with a number of essential clinical parameters such as focus score and disease duration in human patients. Significantly immunological differences of Th17 cells were detected at the onset of clinical disease in female SjS mice compared to males. To further define the role of IL-17 in SjS and elucidate its involvement in the sexual dimorphism, we examined the systemic effect of IL-17 by genetically ablating Il-17 in the C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2, spontaneous SjS murine model. The results indicate that IL-17 is a potent inflammatory molecule in the induction of chemoattractants, cytokines, and glandular apoptosis in males and females. Elimination of IL-17 reduced sialadenitis more drastically in females than males. IL-17 is highly involved in modulating Th2 cytokines and altering autoantibody profiles which has a greater impact on changing plasma cells and germinal center B cell populations in females than males. The result supports a much more important role for IL-17 and demonstrates the sexual dimorphic function of IL-17 in SjS. PMID:27958291

Reduction of FR900525 using an S-(2-aminoethyl) l-cysteine-resistant mutant.

PubMed

Shimizu, Shiho; Futase, Ayako; Yokoyama, Tatsuya; Ueda, Satoshi; Honda, Hiroyuki

2017-06-01

FK506 (tacrolimus), a macrolide compound with immunosuppressant activity, has been proven to have clinical importance and has been manufactured industrially since 1993 by using mutants with high FK506-production ability; these mutants have been developed from the wild strain Streptomyces tsukubaensis No. 9993. FR900525 is one of the by-products of FK506 production. However, there was no effective industrial method to separate FR900525 from FK506 due to the structural similarity between the two compounds. Therefore, reducing the level of FR900525 was a serious problem in the industrial strain A. In this study, we aimed to reduce the FR900525 production. We first determined that pipecolic acid level was a critical parameter for controlling FR900525 production in strain A. S-(2-Aminoethyl) l-cysteine (AEC)-resistant mutants has been reported to increase lysine productivity successfully in a variety of lysine-producing microorganisms. Therefore, next, we applied a selection of AEC-resistant mutants to enhance pipecolic acid biosynthesis. Finally, four AEC-resistant mutants were obtained from strain A using ultraviolet irradiation, and three of them showed less FR900525 productivity compared to the parental strain A. Our findings indicated that AEC resistance was effective phenotype marker for increasing pipecolic acid productivity and for reducing FR900525 production in S. tsukubaensis. Thus, our study provides an efficient method for reducing FR90025 level during FK506 biosynthesis. Copyright © 2017 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Protective effect of hydrogen against hyperoxia-induced type II alveolar epithelial cell injury].

PubMed

Yao, Lan; Xu, Feng; Luo, Chong; Yu, Pan; Dong, Xinxin; Sun, Xuejun; Liu, Chengjun

2013-02-01

To investigate the protective effect of hydrogen against hyperoxia-induced oxidative stress injury in premature rat type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECs). The type II AECs isolated from premature rats were randomly divided into air (21% oxygen) control group, hyperoxia (95% oxygen) control group, air + hydrogen group, and hyperoxia+ hydrogen group. The cells with hydrogen treatment were cultured in the presence of rich hydrogen. After the corresponding exposure for 24 h, the cell morphology was observed microscopically. MTT assay was used to evaluated the cell proliferation ability, and JC-1 fluorescence probe was used to detect the mitochondrial membrane potential (δφ) changes of the type II AECs. The concentration of maleic dialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the cell supernatant were detected using colorimetric method. No significant differences were found in cell growth or measurements between air control and air + hydrogen groups. Compared with air control group, the cells exposed to hyperoxia showed significantly suppressed proliferation, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, increased MDA content, and decreased SOD activity. Intervention with hydrogen resulted in significantly increased cell proliferation and SOD activity and lowered MDA content, and restored the mitochondrial membrane potential in the cells with hyperoxia exposure (P<0.05). Hydrogen can significantly reduce hyperoxia-induced oxidative stress injury in premature rat type II AECs, improve the cellular antioxidant capacity, stabilize the mitochondrial membrane potential, and reduce the inhibitory effect of hyperoxia on cell proliferation.

The NRF2 Activation and Antioxidative Response Are Not Impaired Overall during Hyperoxia-Induced Lung Epithelial Cell Death

PubMed Central

Potteti, Haranatha R.; Reddy, Narsa M.; Hei, Tom K.; Kalvakolanu, Dhananjaya V.; Reddy, Sekhar P.

2013-01-01

Lung epithelial and endothelial cell death caused by pro-oxidant insults is a cardinal feature of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) patients. The NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation in response to oxidant exposure is crucial to the induction of several antioxidative and cytoprotective enzymes that mitigate cellular stress. Since prolonged exposure to hyperoxia causes cell death, we hypothesized that chronic hyperoxia impairs NRF2 activation, resulting in cell death. To test this hypothesis, we exposed nonmalignant small airway epithelial cells (AECs) to acute (1–12 h) and chronic (36–48 h) hyperoxia and evaluated cell death, NRF2 nuclear accumulation and target gene expression, and NRF2 recruitment to the endogenous HMOX1 and NQO1 promoters. As expected, hyperoxia gradually induced death in AECs, noticeably and significantly by 36 h; ~60% of cells were dead by 48 h. However, we unexpectedly found increased expression levels of NRF2-regulated antioxidative genes and nuclear NRF2 in AECs exposed to chronic hyperoxia as compared to acute hyperoxia. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed an increased recruitment of NRF2 to the endogenous HMOX1 and NQO1 promoters in AECs exposed to acute or chronic hyperoxia. Thus, our findings demonstrate that NRF2 activation and antioxidant gene expression are functional during hyperoxia-induced lung epithelial cell death and that chronic hyperoxia does not impair NRF2 signaling overall. PMID:23738042

Correction method for influence of tissue scattering for sidestream dark-field oximetry using multicolor LEDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurata, Tomohiro; Oda, Shigeto; Kawahira, Hiroshi; Haneishi, Hideaki

2016-12-01

We have previously proposed an estimation method of intravascular oxygen saturation (SO_2) from the images obtained by sidestream dark-field (SDF) imaging (we call it SDF oximetry) and we investigated its fundamental characteristics by Monte Carlo simulation. In this paper, we propose a correction method for scattering by the tissue and performed experiments with turbid phantoms as well as Monte Carlo simulation experiments to investigate the influence of the tissue scattering in the SDF imaging. In the estimation method, we used modified extinction coefficients of hemoglobin called average extinction coefficients (AECs) to correct the influence from the bandwidth of the illumination sources, the imaging camera characteristics, and the tissue scattering. We estimate the scattering coefficient of the tissue from the maximum slope of pixel value profile along a line perpendicular to the blood vessel running direction in an SDF image and correct AECs using the scattering coefficient. To evaluate the proposed method, we developed a trial SDF probe to obtain three-band images by switching multicolor light-emitting diodes and obtained the image of turbid phantoms comprised of agar powder, fat emulsion, and bovine blood-filled glass tubes. As a result, we found that the increase of scattering by the phantom body brought about the decrease of the AECs. The experimental results showed that the use of suitable values for AECs led to more accurate SO_2 estimation. We also confirmed the validity of the proposed correction method to improve the accuracy of the SO_2 estimation.

Hypoxia increases transepithelial electrical conductance and reduces occludin at the plasma membrane in alveolar epithelial cells via PKC-ζ and PP2A pathway

PubMed Central

Caraballo, Juan Carlos; Yshii, Cecilia; Butti, Maria L.; Westphal, Whitney; Borcherding, Jennifer A.; Allamargot, Chantal

2011-01-01

During pulmonary edema, the alveolar space is exposed to a hypoxic environment. The integrity of the alveolar epithelial barrier is required for the reabsorption of alveolar fluid. Tight junctions (TJ) maintain the integrity of this barrier. We set out to determine whether hypoxia creates a dysfunctional alveolar epithelial barrier, evidenced by an increase in transepithelial electrical conductance (Gt), due to a decrease in the abundance of TJ proteins at the plasma membrane. Alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) exposed to mild hypoxia (Po2 = 50 mmHg) for 30 and 60 min decreased occludin abundance at the plasma membrane and significantly increased Gt. Other cell adhesion molecules such as E-cadherin and claudins were not affected by hypoxia. AEC exposed to hypoxia increased superoxide, but not hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Overexpression of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) but not SOD2 prevented the hypoxia-induced Gt increase and occludin reduction in AEC. Also, overexpression of catalase had a similar effect as SOD1, despite not detecting any increase in H2O2 during hypoxia. Blocking PKC-ζ and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) prevented the hypoxia-induced occludin reduction at the plasma membrane and increase in Gt. In summary, we show that superoxide, PKC-ζ, and PP2A are involved in the hypoxia-induced increase in Gt and occludin reduction at the plasma membrane in AEC. PMID:21257729

Educational Technology. Hearing of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, United States Senate, One Hundred Sixth Congress, First Session, on Examining Legislation Authorizing Funds for the Elementary Secondary Education Act, Focusing on Education Technology Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

This hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on examining legislation authorizing funds for the Elementary Secondary Education Act, focusing on educational technology programs, contains statements by: James M Jeffords, Chairman, Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; Barbara Means, Assistant…

A review of countries' pharmacist-patient communication legal requirements on prescription medications and alignment with practice: Comparison of Nordic countries.

PubMed

Svensberg, Karin; Sporrong, Sofia Kälvemark; Björnsdottir, Ingunn

2015-01-01

Pharmacist-patient communication around prescription medications can optimize treatment outcomes. Society's expectations of pharmacist-patient communication around medications can be expressed in legislation, economic incentives, and authority control. In this study, the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden provide the legislative examples and can be used as a platform to discuss how society's expectations, professional visions, and practice are aligning. The overall aim of this study was to describe society's expectations of pharmacist-patient communication around medications as expressed by the state in Nordic legislation, economic incentives and authority control. Additionally, this study describes how the states govern Nordic pharmacists in different pharmacy systems. A legal review was performed using online legislative databases. Regulating authorities were contacted to gather supplementary information. Thereafter, a qualitative document analysis was conducted. The Nordic countries regulate staff-patient communication by using broad laws. The legislation's main focus during dispensing is information on the use of medications, but also generic substitution and pricing. Pharmacies should have internal routines for this in place. Pharmacists' obligation to keep a journal on advice given during dispensing is ambiguously regulated. The economic incentives for communication on prescription medication during dispensing are included in the general pharmacy mark-up. Today's authority control focuses on the pharmacy management and appears to primarily evaluate structure indicators of communication, for example, if there is a routine method of counseling available. Various countries throughout the world differ in their requirements for pharmacy staff to communicate on the use of medicines during dispensing. The Nordic countries all require such communication, which aligns with professional visions. Regardless of the pharmacy system, the states let the employer and pharmacy professions carry out it in practice with apparently little state involvement, thus showing trust in the profession and employers. However, since Nordic communication studies show deviation from the legislation, there are reasons to reevaluate and discuss the legislation, the economic incentives and the control system. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A bill to extend the authorization of the Drug-Free Communities Support Program through fiscal year 2017.

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT

2012-03-06

Senate - 03/29/2012 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 351. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

78 FR 37946 - Loan Participations; Purchase, Sale and Pledge of Eligible Obligations; Purchase of Assets and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-25

... derives its definition from the legislative history of the 1977 public law that granted FCUs various... with the FCU Act and the legislative history, the Board believes the loan participation authority must...

Authorization for the Use of Military Force against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ

2014-12-13

Senate - 12/13/2014 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 653. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Complicated diverticular disease: Position statement on outpatient management, Hartmann's procedure, laparoscopic peritoneal lavage and laparoscopic approach. Consensus document of the Spanish Association of Coloproctology and the Coloproctology Section of the Spanish Association of Surgeons.

PubMed

Rosado-Cobián, Rafael; Blasco-Segura, Teresa; Ferrer-Márquez, Manuel; Marín-Ortega, Héctor; Pérez-Domínguez, Lucinda; Biondo, Sebastiano; Roig-Vila, José Vicente

The Spanish Association of Coloproctology (AECP) and the Coloproctology Section of the Spanish Association of Surgeons (AEC), propose this consensus document about complicated diverticular disease that could be used for decision-making. Outpatient management, Hartmann's procedure, laparoscopic peritoneal lavage, and the role of a laparoscopic approach in colonic resection are exposed. Copyright © 2017 AEC. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Impact of the Middle East War of 1967 on European Perceptions of U.S. and Soviet Power

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-01-01

basic sources of elite identity in British politics is the shared Oxford and Cambridge background of men in both Westminister (Parliament) and...the United Stateb had special legislative authority for sharing certain nuclear information whereas with the French no such authority existed. When...seen little to gain by "rocking the boat." Within the framework of progressive labor legislation (under the Christian Demo- crats as well as under the

Legislating for advocacy: The case of whistleblowing.

PubMed

Watson, Chanel L; O'Connor, Tom

2017-05-01

The role of nurses as patient advocates is one which is well recognised, supported and the subject of a broad body of literature. One of the key impediments to the role of the nurse as patient advocate is the lack of support and legislative frameworks. Within a broad range of activities constituting advocacy, whistleblowing is currently the subject of much discussion in the light of the Mid Staffordshire inquiry in the United Kingdom (UK) and other instances of patient mistreatment. As a result steps to amend existing whistleblowing legislation where it exists or introduce it where it does not are underway. This paper traces the development of legislation for advocacy. The authors argue that while any legislation supporting advocacy is welcome, legislation on its own will not encourage or enable nurses to whistleblow.

To authorize the conveyance of certain National Forest System lands in the Los Padres National Forest in California.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Gallegly, Elton [R-CA-24

2009-01-06

Senate - 08/05/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 540. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Passed HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

A bill to amend the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978 to modify the authorization of appropriations.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR

2014-01-16

Senate - 07/31/2014 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 514. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Preserve America News

Science.gov Websites

and Humanities; and the President's Council on Environmental Quality. The seal of the President of the Development logo Mrs. Laura Bush Announces Bipartisan Historic Preservation Legislation October 31, 2007 America and Save America's Treasures, announced introduction of bipartisan legislation authorizing two

Two Roads to School Finance Reform

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berke, Joel S.; And Others

1976-01-01

Research on legislative and electoral consideration of school finance reforms identifies three important elements; the art of compromise, the fiscal context, and political leadership. Adoption of new school finance formulas is far more likely through the legislative process than through a referendum. (Author/AM)

State of the Art: Recent Legislation on Workers' Health and Safety.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parmeggiani, L.

1982-01-01

Reviews present trends in occupational health and safety legislation. Discusses the role of the state, the development of workers' participation, trends in the organization of occupational health services, and methods and objectives of occupational safety and health. (Author/JOW)

National institute for Food and Agriculture: novel and changing funding strategies and mechanisms in response to changes in budgets, legislative authorities and scientific culture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cavallaro, N.; Melnick, R.

2017-12-01

Farm Bill legislation establishes different funding mechanisms managed by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), which have changed over the years through reauthorization. Other legislation and executive initiatives, as well as recognition by both funders, funding recipients, private organizations, and non-government organizations have stressed the need for multi-, inter-, and trans-disciplinary research and outreach. This presentation will discuss how changes to NIFA legislative authority as well as changing needs and culture in the government and the scientific research community have led to new mechanisms and strategies for types of funded projects, eligibility for NIFA funding, interagency funding, and iterative changes in direction in research solicitations. For example, limited funding for important topics has prompted a need for interagency collaborations in research funding solicitations and jointly funded projects. New legislative authorities and requirements have led to new modes of collaboration with private industry, NGOs and commodity boards along with international alliances. Unlike most funding agencies, NIFA funds education and extension or outreach projects in addition to research projects. New authorities together with increased recognition of scientific research needed to inform societal challenges has led to new thinking and greater flexibility in funding for long-term research projects and larger regional, multi-institutional and multi-national projects. This, in addition to a shifting culture among researchers and research institutions, has aided in new policies, requirements and initiatives among research institutions and government agencies involving information, data sharing and public access. Examples of new mechanisms and programs and their successes along with their drawbacks will be presented.

The impact of serum incubation time on IgM/IgG binding to porcine aortic endothelial cells.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhongqiang; Gao, Bingsi; Zhao, Chengjiang; Long, Cassandra; Qi, Haizhi; Ezzelarab, Mohamed; Cooper, David Kc; Hara, Hidetaka

2017-07-01

The results of the assay for measuring anti-non-Gal antibodies (which affect pig xenograft survival) in recipients are important. Serum incubation time and concentration may be important factors in the extent of antibody binding to the graft. The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the optimal incubation time and serum concentration for measuring anti-non-Gal antibody binding to porcine aortic endothelial cells (pAECs). Pooled human, naive, and sensitized baboon sera were incubated with wild-type, α1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout (GTKO), and GTKO/human CD55 pAECs. IgM/IgG binding to pAECs after varying serum incubation times (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 hour) and concentrations (5, 10, 20, and 40 μL) was determined by flow cytometry. An increase in incubation time from 30 minutes to 2 hour was associated with increases in anti-non-Gal IgM/IgG binding to GTKO and GTKO/hCD55 pAECs of pooled human, naive and sensitized baboon sera (P<.05). Pooled human serum showed a significant increase in anti-non-Gal IgM (1.5 times) and a minimal increase in anti-non-Gal IgG antibody binding. IgM/IgG binding of sensitized baboon serum to GTKO pAECs after 2-hour incubation was 1.5 times and 2 times greater than after 30-minutes incubation, respectively, whereas naïve baboon sera showed minimal (non-significant) increase in anti-non-Gal IgM/IgG antibody binding. With 2-hour incubation, increasing the serum concentration from 5 μL to 20 μL significantly increased antibody binding to non-Gal antigens in pooled human and sensitized baboon serum. With naïve baboon serum, only IgG was significantly increased. Increasing the serum incubation time contributed to improve the sensitivity of detecting anti-non-Gal antibodies, without affecting cell viability in vitro. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

SU-G-IeP3-02: Characteristics of In-Vivo MOSFET Dosimeters for Diagnostic X-Ray Low-Dose Measurements

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

Li, S; Ali, S; Harper, K

Purpose: To correct in-vivo metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) dosimeters dependence on X-ray energy, dose and dose rate, and temperature in order to measure doses or exposures on several anatomic points of interest undergoing some routine radiographs. Methods: A mobile MOSFET system (BEST Medical) was carefully calibrated with X-ray at kVp of 70, 80, 100, 120, and 138 kVp, phantom temperatures at 0, 21, and 43 oC, and exposure range from 0.01 to 10 R confirmed with Raysafe and RadCal dosimeters. The MOSFETS were placed on the midline bladder or uterus, left pelvic iliac artery, left abdominal above iliac crest, abdominalmore » midline anterior at inferior margin of stomach, and left pectoral of a large and a small body-size cadavers undergoing AP/PA chest and lumber spine radiographs using manual and automatic exposure control (AEC) with and without lead shielding. MOSTFETs and TLD chips were also placed on the stomach, sigmoid, pubic symphysis, left and right pelvic walls of another cadaver for AP pelvic manual or AEC radiography prior to and after a left hip metal implant. Results: Individual MOSFET detectors had various low-dose limits in ranged from 0.03 to 0.08 R, nonlinear response to X-ray energy, and significant temperature effect of 15%. By accumulating 10 manual exposures and 20 AEC exposures, we achieved dose measured accuracy of 6%. There were up to 8 fold increases for AEC exposure of spine and chest X-ray procedure from no shielding to with shielding. For pelvic radiography, exposure to public symphysis was the highest even higher than that of the skin. After hip implant, AEC pelvic radiograph increase exposure by 30 to 200% consistent with results of TLDs. Conclusion: Dependence of energy, temperature and dose limit were accurately corrected. We have found significant exposure for those clinical pr°ocedures and the study provided evidences for developing new clinical procedures.« less

Tuning of automatic exposure control strength in lumbar spine CT.

PubMed

D'Hondt, A; Cornil, A; Bohy, P; De Maertelaer, V; Gevenois, P A; Tack, D

2014-05-01

To investigate the impact of tuning the automatic exposure control (AEC) strength curve (specific to Care Dose 4D®; Siemens Healthcare, Forchheim, Germany) from "average" to "strong" on image quality, radiation dose and operator dependency during lumbar spine CT examinations. Two hospitals (H1, H2), both using the same scanners, were considered for two time periods (P1 and P2). During P1, the AEC curve was "average" and radiographers had to select one of two protocols according to the body mass index (BMI): "standard" if BMI <30.0 kg m(-2) (120 kV-330 mAs) or "large" if BMI >30.0 kg m(-2) (140 kV-280 mAs). During P2, the AEC curve was changed to "strong", and all acquisitions were obtained with one protocol (120 kV and 270 mAs). Image quality was scored and patients' diameters calculated for both periods. 497 examinations were analysed. There was no significant difference in mean diameters according to hospitals and periods (p > 0.801) and in quality scores between periods (p > 0.172). There was a significant difference between hospitals regarding how often the "large" protocol was assigned [13 (10%)/132 patients in H1 vs 37 (28%)/133 in H2] (p < 0.001). During P1, volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) was higher in H2 (+13%; p = 0.050). In both hospitals, CTDIvol was reduced between periods (-19.2% in H1 and -29.4% in H2; p < 0.001). An operator dependency in protocol selection, unexplained by patient diameters or highlighted by image quality scores, has been observed. Tuning the AEC curve from average to strong enables suppression of the operator dependency in protocol selection and related dose increase, while preserving image quality. CT acquisition protocols based on weight are responsible for biases in protocol selection. Using an appropriate AEC strength curve reduces the number of protocols to one. Operator dependency of protocol selection is thereby eliminated.

Federal restructuring legislation: A recipe for successful action

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

Kanner, M.

Without a doubt, electric restructuring legislation will assume a prominent position during the 105th Congress. But whether this attention results in enactment of meaningful legislation or simply wheel-spinning exercises will depend on the substantive approach Congress seeks to take. There is both the political will and the substantive need to enact legislation: (1) The base of political support for retail competition has expanded well beyond a handful of large industrial consumers. Retail chains, small commercial establishments and residential consumer representatives in some states see the potential savings and benefits that can result from choosing power suppliers. (2) States are movingmore » forward--with various degrees of seriousness--to test or implement retail competition. But the authority of the states is ambiguous, and a successful legal challenge could bring this progress to a halt. (3) While a `cookie-cutter` approach to retail wheeling may not be necessary, there are substantive and economic reasons to promote certain consistent (though not necessarily identical) policies and actions. (4) Congress cannot stand aside and passively watch the states (and the market) act. Certain actions are needed to promote effective retail competition that only Congress can take. Congress should send to the President a comprehensive restructuring package during the 105th Congress. If Congress fails to act, it will increase the political risks of any subsequent legislative effort to `get it right.` This article attempts to outline a legislative package that should gather sufficient support for enactment in the 105th Congress. The author asks the reader`s indulgence to remember the prime objective--passage of meaningful legislation that extends the option of choice to electricity customers. While the proposal below will fall short of the objectives of some, the author believes it embraces the most comprehensive approach to a package that is politically feasible.« less

Legalman/Legal Clerk Study Guide

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-01-01

law includes those laws passed or enacted by the various legislative bodies such as Congress or state legislatures. 2o These laws come from the...report the laws or cases within the jurisdiction of the legislative body that enacted the statute. For example, there is a federal statute which...statutes enacted by our Congress or other legislative bodies, or administrative law. 3. "Secondary Authority" is not "the law" itself but instead

Why Certain Trade Agreements Are Approved as Congressional-Executive Agreements Rather Than as Treaties

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-08

described as an action “approving the United States’ international legal obligations specified by the Agreement,” and the amendment of statutes to... unconstitutionally delegate either legislative or treaty-making authority to the President.3 In the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1934, as amended and extended...legislative vetoes of executive implementing actions might not comport with constitutional requirements regarding the passage of legislation. In the Trade

Modeling pulmonary fibrosis by abnormal expression of telomerase/apoptosis/collagen V in experimental usual interstitial pneumonia

PubMed Central

Parra, E.R.; Pincelli, M.S.; Teodoro, W.R.; Velosa, A.P.P.; Martins, V.; Rangel, M.P.; Barbas-Filho, J.V.; Capelozzi, V.L.

2014-01-01

Limitations on tissue proliferation capacity determined by telomerase/apoptosis balance have been implicated in pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In addition, collagen V shows promise as an inductor of apoptosis. We evaluated the quantitative relationship between the telomerase/apoptosis index, collagen V synthesis, and epithelial/fibroblast replication in mice exposed to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) at high oxygen concentration. Two groups of mice were analyzed: 20 mice received BHT, and 10 control mice received corn oil. Telomerase expression, apoptosis, collagen I, III, and V fibers, and hydroxyproline were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, in situ detection of apoptosis, electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and histomorphometry. Electron microscopy confirmed the presence of increased alveolar epithelial cells type 1 (AEC1) in apoptosis. Immunostaining showed increased nuclear expression of telomerase in AEC type 2 (AEC2) between normal and chronic scarring areas of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). Control lungs and normal areas from UIP lungs showed weak green birefringence of type I and III collagens in the alveolar wall and type V collagen in the basement membrane of alveolar capillaries. The increase in collagen V was greater than collagens I and III in scarring areas of UIP. A significant direct association was found between collagen V and AEC2 apoptosis. We concluded that telomerase, collagen V fiber density, and apoptosis evaluation in experimental UIP offers the potential to control reepithelization of alveolar septa and fibroblast proliferation. Strategies aimed at preventing high rates of collagen V synthesis, or local responses to high rates of cell apoptosis, may have a significant impact in pulmonary fibrosis. PMID:24919172

SU-E-I-24: Method for CT Automatic Exposure Control Verification

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

Gracia, M; Olasolo, J; Martin, M

Purpose: Design of a phantom and a simple method for the automatic exposure control (AEC) verification in CT. This verification is included in the computed tomography (CT) Spanish Quality Assurance Protocol. Methods: The phantom design is made from the head and the body phantom used for the CTDI measurement and PMMA plates (35×35 cm2) of 10 cm thickness. Thereby, three different thicknesses along the longitudinal axis are obtained which permit to evaluate the longitudinal AEC performance. Otherwise, the existent asymmetry in the PMMA layers helps to assess angular and 3D AEC operation.Recent acquisition in our hospital (August 2014) of Nomexmore » electrometer (PTW), together with the 10 cm pencil ionization chamber, led to register dose rate as a function of time. Measurements with this chamber fixed at 0° and 90° on the gantry where made on five multidetector-CTs from principal manufacturers. Results: Individual analysis of measurements shows dose rate variation as a function of phantom thickness. The comparative analysis shows that dose rate is kept constant in the head and neck phantom while the PMMA phantom exhibits an abrupt variation between both results, being greater results at 90° as the thickness of the phantom is 3.5 times larger than in the perpendicular direction. Conclusion: Proposed method is simple, quick and reproducible. Results obtained let a qualitative evaluation of the AEC and they are consistent with the expected behavior. A line of future development is to quantitatively study the intensity modulation and parameters of image quality, and a possible comparative study between different manufacturers.« less

A novel fluorescence sensor based on covalent immobilization of 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole by using silver nanoparticles as bridges and carriers.

PubMed

Tan, Shu-Zhen; Hu, Yan-Jun; Gong, Fu-Chun; Cao, Zhong; Xia, Jiao-Yun; Zhang, Ling

2009-03-23

A novel technique of covalent immobilization of indicator dyes in the preparation of fluorescence sensors is developed. Silver nanoparticles are used as bridges and carriers for anchoring indicator dyes. 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole (AEC) was employed as an example of indicator dyes with terminal amino groups and covalently immobilized onto the outmost surface of a quartz glass slide. First, the glass slide was functionalized by (3-mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane (MPS) to form a thiol-terminated self-assembled monolayer, where silver nanoparticles were strongly bound to the surface through covalent bonding. Then, 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid (MHDA) was self-assembled to bring carboxylic groups onto the surface of silver nanoparticles. A further activation by using 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) converted the carboxylic groups into succinimide esters. Finally, the active succinimide esters on the surface of silver nanoparticles were reacted with AEC. Thus, AEC was covalently bound to the glass slide and an AEC-immobilized sensor was obtained. The sensor exhibited very satisfactory reproducibility and reversibility, rapid response and no dye-leaching. Rutin can quench the fluorescence intensity of the sensor and be measured by using the sensor. The linear response of the sensor to rutin covers the range from 2.0 x 10(-6) to 1.5 x 10(-4) molL(-1) with a detection limit of 8.0 x 10(-7) molL(-1). The proposed technique may be feasible to the covalent immobilization of other dyes with primary amino groups.

Improved amino acid, bioenergetic metabolite and neurotransmitter profiles following human amnion epithelial cell transplant in intermediate maple syrup urine disease mice.

PubMed

Skvorak, Kristen J; Dorko, Kenneth; Marongiu, Fabio; Tahan, Veysel; Hansel, Marc C; Gramignoli, Roberto; Arning, Erland; Bottiglieri, Teodoro; Gibson, K Michael; Strom, Stephen C

2013-06-01

Orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) significantly improves patient outcomes in maple syrup urine disease (MSUD; OMIM: 248600), yet organ shortages point to the need for alternative therapies. Hepatocyte transplantation has shown both clinical and preclinical efficacy as an intervention for metabolic liver diseases, yet the availability of suitable livers for hepatocyte isolation is also limited. Conversely, human amnion epithelial cells (hAEC) may have utility as a hepatocyte substitute, and they share many of the characteristics of pluripotent embryonic stem cells while lacking their safety and ethical concerns. We reported that like hepatocytes, transplantation of hAEC significantly improved survival and lifespan, normalized body weight, and significantly improved branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) levels in sera and brain in a transgenic murine model of intermediate maple syrup urine disease (imsud). In the current report, we detail the neural and peripheral metabolic improvements associated with hAEC transplant in imsud mice, including amino acids associated with bioenergetics, the urea cycle, as well as the neurotransmitter systems for serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This stem cell therapy results in significant global correction of the metabolic profile that characterizes the disease, both in the periphery and the central nervous system, the target organ for toxicity in iMSUD. The significant correction of the disease phenotype, coupled with the theoretical benefits of hAEC, particularly their lack of immunogenicity and tumorigenicity, suggests that human amnion epithelial cells deserve serious consideration for clinical application to treat metabolic liver diseases. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc.

A cleanser based on sodium laureth carboxylate and alkyl carboxylates washes facial sebum well but does not induce dry skin.

PubMed

Yokoi, Aya; Endo, Koji; Ozawa, Toshiaki; Miyaki, Masahiro; Matsuo, Keiko; Nozawa, Kazumi; Manabe, Motomu; Takagi, Yutaka

2014-12-01

Because excess sebum and/or metabolites of sebum induce skin problems, cleansers that can remove those kinds of sebum are sought after. However, many people, especially who have little facial sebum, are afraid to wash off sebum well because that may induce dry skin. This concern may be caused by the result that cleansers with a high cleansing ability tend to decrease not only facial sebum but also natural moisturizing factors and intercellular lipids that are essential for cutaneous function. Recently, we have developed a new cleanser based on sodium laureth carboxylate and alkyl carboxylates (AEC/soap) that cleans sebum well without penetrating the stratum corneum. This trial was aim to clarify the effects of sebum removal by AEC/soap-based cleanser on the induction of dry skin. We designed a controlled single blind parallel trial. Thirty female subjects with mild dry skin were assigned randomly to two groups: one group used AEC/soap-based cleanser while the other group kept using their usual facial cleanser twice a day for 4 weeks in the winter season. Using a colored artificial sebum mixture, it was demonstrated that this cleanser washed sebum well. Following usage of this cleanser, their dry skin improved rather than worsen which was indicated by instrumental analysis and visual assessment. These improvements were recognized by subjects. These results suggest that AEC/soap-based cleanser washes off facial sebum well, but it has little effect on the induction of dry skin because of less penetration into stratum corneum. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Patency of paediatric endotracheal tubes for airway instrumentation.

PubMed

Elfgen, J; Buehler, P K; Thomas, J; Kemper, M; Imach, S; Weiss, M

2017-01-01

Airway exchange catheters (AEC) and fiberoptic bronchoscopes (FOB) for tracheal intubation are selected so that there is only a minimal gap between their outer and inner diameter of endotracheal tube (ETT) to minimize the risk of impingement during airway instrumentation. This study aimed to test the ease of passage of FOBs and AECs through paediatric ETT of different sizes and from different manufacturers when using current recommendations for dimensional equipment compatibility taken from text books and manufacturers information. Twelve different brands of cuffed and uncuffed ETT sized ID 2.5 to 5.0 mm were evaluated in an in vitro set-up. Ease of device passage as well as the locations of an impaired passage within the ETT were assessed. Redundant samples were used for same sized ETT and all measurements were triple-checked in randomized order. In total, 51 paired samples of uncuffed as well as cuffed paediatric ETT were tested. There were substantial differences in the ease of ETT passage concordantly for FOBs and AECs among different manufacturers, but also among the product lines from the same manufacturer for a given ID size. Restriction to passage most frequently was found near the endotracheal tube tip or as a gradually increasing resistance along the ETT shaft. Current recommendations for dimensional equipment compatibility AECs and FOBs with ETTs do not appear to be completely accurate for all ETT brands available. We recommend that specific equipment combinations always must be tested carefully together before attempting to use them in a patient. © 2016 The Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

48 CFR 932.7002 - Authority.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Authority. 932.7002... REQUIREMENTS CONTRACT FINANCING DOE Loan Guarantee Authority 932.7002 Authority. Guaranteed loan applications... specified for that purpose, and only when made pursuant to enabling legislation or other authority; e.g., by...

Pediatricians' knowledge of current sports concussion legislation and guidelines and comfort with sports concussion management: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Carl, Rebecca L; Kinsella, Sarah B

2014-06-01

Sports-related concussions disproportionately affect young athletes. The primary objective of our study was to determine Illinois pediatricians' level of familiarity with state concussion legislation and with published consensus guidelines for sports concussion diagnosis and treatment. We also sought to determine pediatricians' knowledge regarding concussion management and comfort treating sports concussion patients. This was a cross-sectional survey of pediatrician members of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Few general pediatricians (26.6%, n = 42) were "very familiar" or "somewhat familiar" with the recently passed Illinois state concussion legislation. Only 14.6% (n = 23) of general pediatrician respondents use concussion consensus guidelines in their practice. Pediatricians were generally very knowledgeable about concussions; only 5 out of 19 knowledge-based items were answered incorrectly by more than 25% of the study participants. General pediatricians are knowledgeable about concussions but most are not well aware of state concussion legislation and concussion consensus guidelines. © The Author(s) 2014.

Harold Knapp and the geography of normal controversy: radioiodine in the historical environment.

PubMed

Kirsch, Scott

2004-01-01

In 1962, after high levels of the isotope Iodine-131 were detected in Utah milk supplies, Dr. Harold Knapp, a mathematician working for the AEC's Division of Biology and Medicine, developed a new model of estimating, first, the relation between a single deposition of radioactive fallout on pasturage and the levels of Iodine-131 in fresh milk and, second, the total dose to human thyroids, resulting from daily intake of the contaminated milk. The implications of Knapp's findings were enormous. They suggested that short-living radioiodine, rather than long-living nuclides such as radiostrontium, posed the greatest hazard from nuclear test fallout and that children raised in Nevada and Utah during the 1950s had been exposed to internal radiation doses far in excess of recommended guidelines. This paper explores the explicit historical revisionism of Knapp's study, his refusal, contra normal AEC practices of knowledge production and spatial representation, to distance himself from the people and places downwind from the Nevada Test Site, and the reactions his work provoked among his AEC colleagues.

Report on the services, operations and policies of the Chicago Transit Authority

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1951-07-23

Consultant's report following a two-month examination of the Chicago Transit Authority's organization, services provided and methods of operation and maintenance. It examines finances, authorizing legislation, the organization, operations, services (...

To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide an annual grant to facilitate an iron working training program for Native Americans.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-9

2009-02-23

Senate - 09/30/2009 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 170. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Passed HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Future Tuition Tax Credit Legislation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wood, R. Craig

1983-01-01

Analyzing the United States Supreme Court decision in "Mueller v. Allen" declaring that certain forms of tuition tax credit are not unconstitutional, the author points out that school administrators should monitor legislative activities and be active in state policymaking or the future may hold larger tax credits and direct financial…

A bill to extend the temporary authority for performance of medical disability examinations by contract physicians for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [D-HI

2010-07-19

Senate - 09/02/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 559. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Effectiveness of bicycle helmet legislation to increase helmet use: a systematic review

PubMed Central

Karkhaneh, M; Kalenga, J‐C; Hagel, B E; Rowe, B H

2006-01-01

Background Head injuries related to bicycle use are common and can be serious. They can be prevented or reduced in severity with helmet use; however, education has resulted in modest helmet use in most developed countries. Helmet legislation has been proposed as a method to increase helmet wearing; while this social intervention is thought to be effective, no systematic review has been performed. Objectives This review evaluates the scientific evidence for helmet use following legislation to identify the effectiveness of legislative interventions to increase bicycle helmet use among all age groups. Search strategy Comprehensive searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, British Education Index, LILACS Database, TRIS (Transport Research Information Service), the grey literature, reference lists, and communication with authors was performed to identify eligible studies. Selection criteria Eligible studies for this review were community based investigations including cohort studies, controlled before‐after studies, interrupted time series studies, non‐equivalent control group studies Data collection and analysis Two reviewers extracted the data regarding the percentage of helmet use before and after legislation from each study. Individual and pooled odds ratios were calculated along with 95% confidence intervals. Main results Out of 86 prescreened articles, 25 were potentially relevant to the topic and 11 were finally included in the review. Of 11 studies, eight were published articles, two were published reports, and one was an unpublished article. One additional survey was incorporated following personal communication with the author. While the baseline rate of helmet use among these studies varied between 4% and 59%, after legislation this range changed to 37% and 91%. Helmet wearing proportions increased less than 10% in one study, 10–30% in four studies, and more than 30% in seven studies. While the effectiveness of bicycle helmet legislation varied (n = 11 studies; OR range: 1.2–22), all studies demonstrated higher proportions of helmet use following legislation, particularly when the law was targeted to a specific age group. Conclusions Legislation increased helmet use among cyclists, particularly younger age groups and those with low pre‐intervention helmet wearing proportions. These results support legislative interventions in populations without helmet legislation. PMID:16595420

State of Charter Authorizing: 2015 State of Charter Authorizing Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Association of Charter School Authorizers, 2016

2016-01-01

Since 2008, the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) has annually surveyed our nation's authorizers. Survey findings provide an annual measuring stick for those in the field of authorizing, and they help education decision makers, foundations, legislators, and researchers inform their understanding of the field of charter…

33 CFR 276.5 - Legislative history.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Legislative history. 276.5 Section 276.5 Navigation and Navigable Waters CORPS OF ENGINEERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE WATER RESOURCES POLICIES AND AUTHORITIES: APPLICATION OF SECTION 134a OF PUBLIC LAW 94-587 § 276.5...

33 CFR 276.5 - Legislative history.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Legislative history. 276.5 Section 276.5 Navigation and Navigable Waters CORPS OF ENGINEERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE WATER RESOURCES POLICIES AND AUTHORITIES: APPLICATION OF SECTION 134a OF PUBLIC LAW 94-587 § 276.5...

33 CFR 276.5 - Legislative history.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Legislative history. 276.5 Section 276.5 Navigation and Navigable Waters CORPS OF ENGINEERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE WATER RESOURCES POLICIES AND AUTHORITIES: APPLICATION OF SECTION 134a OF PUBLIC LAW 94-587 § 276.5...

33 CFR 276.5 - Legislative history.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Legislative history. 276.5 Section 276.5 Navigation and Navigable Waters CORPS OF ENGINEERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE WATER RESOURCES POLICIES AND AUTHORITIES: APPLICATION OF SECTION 134a OF PUBLIC LAW 94-587 § 276.5...

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. Levin, Carl [D-MI

2011-06-22

Senate - 06/22/2011 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 82. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see H.R.1540, which became Public Law 112-81 on 12/31/2011. Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA

2011-08-01

Senate - 08/01/2011 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 124. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see H.R.1892, which became Public Law 112-87 on 1/3/2012. Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA

2011-04-04

Senate - 04/04/2011 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 25. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see H.R.754, which became Public Law 112-18 on 6/8/2011. Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Ethical and Legal Issues Regarding Selective Abortion of Fetuses with Down Syndrome.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glover, Noreen M.; Glover, Samuel J.

1996-01-01

Selective abortion of fetuses with Down syndrome is discussed in terms of abortion perspectives, genetic testing, legislation, and ethical principles. The ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, fidelity, and justice are offered as guidelines for the examination of legal standards imposed by legislation. (Author/PB)

Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. Levin, Carl [D-MI

2011-06-22

Senate - 06/22/2011 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 81. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see H.R.1540, which became Public Law 112-81 on 12/31/2011. Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

An original bill to extend National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration authorizations funded by the Highway Trust Fund, and for other purposes.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Rockefeller, John D., IV [D-WV

2009-07-22

Senate - 07/22/2009 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 123. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA

2014-07-31

Senate - 07/31/2014 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 519. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see H.R.4681, which became Public Law 113-293 on 12/19/2014. Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

What has Reform of Rape Legislation Wrought?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Loh, Wallace D.

1981-01-01

Compares the impact of common law and reform rape legislation on prosecution based on analysis of 445 forcible and statutory rape cases in King County, Washington. Concludes that the impact of the statutory reform has been mainly symbolic and educative for society at large, rather than instrumental for law enforcement. (Author/MJL)

Child-Resistant Packaging for E-Liquid: A Review of US State Legislation.

PubMed

Frey, Leslie T; Tilburg, William C

2016-02-01

A growing number of states have introduced or enacted legislation requiring child-resistant packaging for e-liquid containers; however, these laws involve varying terms, packaging standards, and enforcement provisions, raising concerns about their effectiveness. We evaluated bills against 4 benchmarks: broad product definitions that contemplate future developments in the market, citations to a specific packaging standard, stated penalties for violations, and express grants of authority to a state entity to enforce the packaging requirements. Our findings showed that 3 states meet all 4 benchmarks in their enacted legislation. We encourage states to consider these benchmarks when revising statutes or drafting future legislation.

Child-Resistant Packaging for E-Liquid: A Review of US State Legislation

PubMed Central

Tilburg, William C.

2016-01-01

A growing number of states have introduced or enacted legislation requiring child-resistant packaging for e-liquid containers; however, these laws involve varying terms, packaging standards, and enforcement provisions, raising concerns about their effectiveness. We evaluated bills against 4 benchmarks: broad product definitions that contemplate future developments in the market, citations to a specific packaging standard, stated penalties for violations, and express grants of authority to a state entity to enforce the packaging requirements. Our findings showed that 3 states meet all 4 benchmarks in their enacted legislation. We encourage states to consider these benchmarks when revising statutes or drafting future legislation. PMID:26691114

Legalman and Legal Clerk Study Guide. November 1994 Edition.

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-11-01

by the various legislative bodies such as Congress or state legislatures. 2. These laws come from the federal and state statutes and are commonly...to be the "official" set of books to report the laws or cases within the jurisdiction of the legislative body that enacted the statute. For example...or other legislative bodies, or administrative law. 3. "Secondary Authority" is not "the law" itself but instead is an explanation or description of

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

Arbique, G; Anderson, J; Guild, J

Purpose: The National Lung Screening Trial mandated manual low dose CT technique factors, where up to a doubling of radiation output could be used over a regular to large patient size range. Recent guidance from the AAPM and ACR for lung cancer CT screening recommends radiation output adjustment for patient size either through AEC or a manual technique chart. This study evaluated the use of AEC for output control and dose reduction. Methods: The study was performed on a multidetector helical CT scanner (Aquillion ONE, Toshiba Medical) equipped with iterative reconstruction (ADIR-3D), AEC was adjusted with a standard deviation (SD)more » image quality noise index. The protocol SD parameter was incrementally increased to reduce patient population dose while image quality was evaluated by radiologist readers scoring the clinical utility of images on a Likert scale. Results: Plots of effective dose vs. body size (water cylinder diameter reported by the scanner) demonstrate monotonic increase in patient dose with increasing patient size. At the initial SD setting of 19 the average CTDIvol for a standard size patient was ∼ 2.0 mGy (1.2 mSv effective dose). This was reduced to ∼1.0 mGy (0.5 mSv) at an SD of 25 with no noticeable reduction in clinical utility of images as demonstrated by Likert scoring. Plots of effective patient diameter and BMI vs body size indicate that these metrics could also be used for manual technique charts. Conclusion: AEC offered consistent and reliable control of radiation output in this study. Dose for a standard size patient was reduced to one-third of the 3 mGy CTDIvol limit required for ACR accreditation of lung cancer CT screening. Gary Arbique: Research Grant, Toshiba America Medical Systems; Cecelia Brewington: Research Grant, Toshiba America Medical Systems; Di Zhang: Employee, Toshiba America Medical Systems.« less

Differential antiviral activities of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) inhibitors in human airway epithelium.

PubMed

Mirabelli, Carmen; Jaspers, Martine; Boon, Mieke; Jorissen, Mark; Koukni, Mohamed; Bardiot, Dorothée; Chaltin, Patrick; Marchand, Arnaud; Neyts, Johan; Jochmans, Dirk

2018-03-27

We report the use of reconstituted 3D human airway epithelium cells (HuAECs) of bronchial origin in an air-liquid interface to study respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and to assess the efficacy of RSV inhibitors in (pre-)clinical development. HuAECs were infected with RSV-A Long strain (0.01 CCID50/cell, where CCID50 represents 50% cell culture infectious dose in HEp2 cells) on the apical compartment of the culture. At the time of infection or at 1 or 3 days post-infection, selected inhibitors were added and refreshed daily on the basal compartment of the culture. Viral shedding was followed up by apical washes collected daily and quantifying viral RNA by RT-qPCR. RSV-A replicates efficiently in HuAECs and viral RNA is shed for weeks after infection. RSV infection reduces the ciliary beat frequency of the ciliated cells as of 4 days post-infection, with complete ciliary dyskinesia observed by day 10. Treatment with RSV fusion inhibitors resulted in an antiviral effect only when added at the time of infection. In contrast, the use of replication inhibitors (both nucleoside and non-nucleoside) elicited a marked antiviral effect even when the start of treatment was delayed until 1 day or even 3 days after infection. Levels of the inflammation marker RANTES (mRNA) increased ∼200-fold in infected, untreated cultures (at 3 weeks post-infection), but levels were comparable to those of uninfected cultures in the presence of PC786, an RSV replication inhibitor, suggesting that an efficient antiviral treatment might inhibit virus-induced inflammation in this model. Overall, HuAECs offer a robust and physiologically relevant model to study RSV replication and to assess the efficacy of antiviral compounds.

Quorum Sensing Down-Regulation Counteracts the Negative Impact of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on CFTR Channel Expression, Function and Rescue in Human Airway Epithelial Cells

PubMed Central

Maillé, Émilie; Ruffin, Manon; Adam, Damien; Messaoud, Hatem; Lafayette, Shantelle L.; McKay, Geoffrey; Nguyen, Dao; Brochiero, Emmanuelle

2017-01-01

The function of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channels is crucial in human airways. However unfortunately, chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection has been shown to impair CFTR proteins in non-CF airway epithelial cells (AEC) and to alter the efficiency of new treatments with CFTR modulators designed to correct the basic CFTR default in AEC from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients carrying the F508del mutation. Our aim was first to compare the effect of laboratory strains, clinical isolates, engineered and natural mutants to determine the role of the LasR quorum sensing system in CFTR impairment, and second, to test the efficiency of a quorum sensing inhibitor to counteract the deleterious impact of P. aeruginosa both on wt-CFTR and on the rescue of F508del-CFTR by correctors. We first report that exoproducts from either the laboratory PAO1 strain or a clinical ≪Early≫ isolate (from an early stage of infection) altered CFTR expression, localization and function in AEC expressing wt-CFTR. Genetic inactivation of the quorum-sensing LasR in PAO1 (PAO1ΔlasR) or in a natural clinical mutant (≪Late≫ CF-adapted clinical isolate) abolished wt-CFTR impairment. PAO1 exoproducts also dampened F508del-CFTR rescue by VRT-325 or Vx-809 correctors in CF cells, whereas PAO1ΔlasR had no impact. Importantly, treatment of P. aeruginosa cultures with a quorum sensing inhibitor (HDMF) prevented the negative effect of P. aeruginosa exoproducts on wt-CFTR and preserved CFTR rescue by correctors in CF AEC. These findings indicate that LasR-interfering strategies could be of benefits to counteract the deleterious effect of P. aeruginosa in infected patients. PMID:29177135

Airway delivery of mesenchymal stem cells prevents arrested alveolar growth in neonatal lung injury in rats.

PubMed

van Haaften, Timothy; Byrne, Roisin; Bonnet, Sebastien; Rochefort, Gael Y; Akabutu, John; Bouchentouf, Manaf; Rey-Parra, Gloria J; Galipeau, Jacques; Haromy, Alois; Eaton, Farah; Chen, Ming; Hashimoto, Kyoko; Abley, Doris; Korbutt, Greg; Archer, Stephen L; Thébaud, Bernard

2009-12-01

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and emphysema are characterized by arrested alveolar development or loss of alveoli; both are significant global health problems and currently lack effective therapy. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) prevent adult lung injury, but their therapeutic potential in neonatal lung disease is unknown. We hypothesized that intratracheal delivery of BMSCs would prevent alveolar destruction in experimental BPD. In vitro, BMSC differentiation and migration were assessed using co-culture assays and a modified Boyden chamber. In vivo, the therapeutic potential of BMSCs was assessed in a chronic hyperoxia-induced model of BPD in newborn rats. In vitro, BMSCs developed immunophenotypic and ultrastructural characteristics of type II alveolar epithelial cells (AEC2) (surfactant protein C expression and lamellar bodies) when co-cultured with lung tissue, but not with culture medium alone or liver. Migration assays revealed preferential attraction of BMSCs toward oxygen-damaged lung versus normal lung. In vivo, chronic hyperoxia in newborn rats led to air space enlargement and loss of lung capillaries, and this was associated with a decrease in circulating and resident lung BMSCs. Intratracheal delivery of BMSCs on Postnatal Day 4 improved survival and exercise tolerance while attenuating alveolar and lung vascular injury and pulmonary hypertension. Engrafted BMSCs coexpressed the AEC2-specific marker surfactant protein C. However, engraftment was disproportionately low for cell replacement to account for the therapeutic benefit, suggesting a paracrine-mediated mechanism. In vitro, BMSC-derived conditioned medium prevented O(2)-induced AEC2 apoptosis, accelerated AEC2 wound healing, and enhanced endothelial cord formation. BMSCs prevent arrested alveolar and vascular growth in part through paracrine activity. Stem cell-based therapies may offer new therapeutic avenues for lung diseases that currently lack efficient treatments.

Funding Youth Violence Programs: Should the Strings Be Cut? Hearing before the Subcommittee on Youth Violence of the Committee on the Judiciary. United States Senate, One Hundred Fourth Congress, Second Session on Proposed Legislation Authorizing Funds for Programs of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (March 12, 1996).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

This hearing discussed proposed legislation authorizing funds for programs of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. Opening statements by senators Fred Thompson, Joseph R. Biden, Herbert Kohl, Orrin G. Hatch, Charles E. Grassley, and Alan K. Simpson introduced the issue. Presentations involved two panels. The first consisted of…

Coast Guard Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. Begich, Mark [D-AK

2011-10-06

Senate - 01/26/2012 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 300. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see H.R.2838, which became Public Law 112-213 on 12/20/2012. Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

A bill to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to convey real property, including improvements, of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Ketchikan, Alaska, and for other purposes.

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. Begich, Mark [D-AK

2011-06-30

Senate - 11/14/2012 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 547. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

The Constitutional Aspects of the War Powers Resolution of November 7, 1973.

DTIC Science & Technology

legislation is examined in light of the constitutional separation of powers between the legislative and executive branch of government and its impact on...the executive. This essay contains an examination of the historical constitutional cases and the constitutional convention discussions on the separation of powers to ’make war.’ (Author)

U.S. Trade Policy: A Selective Bibliography. Bibliography Series Twenty.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Niu, Sarah, Comp.

1988-01-01

In February 1987, President Ronald Reagan proposed legislation to improve U.S. international trade in order to decrease the trade deficits. This legislative proposal would: (1) renew authority for negotiating agreements to remove trade barriers; (2) reduce self-imposed export barriers; (3) improve existing U.S. trade remedy laws; (4) overhaul…

Developing Manpower Legislation. A Personal Chronicle.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kolberg, William H.

This is a study of the development and passage of employment legislation between 1973 and 1977. A primary focus is on how the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) became law. The author is former Assistant Secretary of Labor and Administrator of the Employment and Training Administration, 1973-1977. The first of four chapters traces…

Legislative Action & Assessment: Reason & Reality. Conference Proceedings (Arlington, Virginia, July 7-9, 1986).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGuinness, Kathleen, Comp.

Legislative action and assessment in higher education are addressed in 24 papers from a 1986 conference sponsored by George Mason University (Virginia) and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. Titles and authors include: "Defining and Assessing Baccalaureate Skills: Ten Case Studies" (American Association of State…

Carl Levin National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Levin, Carl [D-MI

2014-06-02

Senate - 06/02/2014 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 402. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see H.R.3979, which became Public Law 113-291 on 12/19/2014. Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Problems and Issues Related to Legislative Process: The Federal Dimension.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Andringa, Robert C.

The legislative process in the U. S. Congress is considered, and personal perspectives on federal/state roles in postsecondary education are offered. Members of the House Committee on Education and Labor are identified, and information is provided about the eight subcommittees. The comparable authorizing committee in the Senate is the Labor and…

Minimum Wages and Teenagers' Enrollment--Employment Outcomes: A Multinominal Logit Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ehrenberg, Ronald G.; Marcus, Alan J.

1982-01-01

This paper tests the hypothesis that the effect of minimum wage legislation on teenagers' education decisions is asymmetrical across family income classes, with the legislation inducing children from low-income families to reduce their levels of schooling and children from higher-income families to increase their educational attainment. (Author)

A bill to amend the Act of June 18, 1934, to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian tribes.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Dorgan, Byron L. [D-ND

2009-09-24

Senate - 08/05/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 515. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

A bill to amend the Act of June 18, 1934, to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian tribes.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT

2014-03-31

Senate - 08/26/2014 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 540. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

A bill to amend the Act of June 18, 1934, to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian tribes.

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [D-HI

2011-03-30

Senate - 05/17/2012 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 405. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

A joint resolution declaring that the President has exceeded his authority under the War Powers Resolution as it pertains to the ongoing military engagement in Libya.

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY

2011-05-23

Senate - 05/24/2011 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 68. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

33 CFR 263.25 - Authority for emergency streambank and shoreline protection of public works and nonprofit public...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Environmental Quality objectives. (c) Legislative interpretations. (1) “Public Works” are considered to be those... streambank and shoreline protection of public works and nonprofit public services (Section 14). 263.25... and shoreline protection of public works and nonprofit public services (Section 14). (a) Legislative...

Consulting about Consulting: Young People's Views of Consultation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woolfson, Richard C.; Harker, Michael; Lowe, Dorothy; Shields, Mary; Banks, Margaret; Campbell, Lindsay; Ferguson, Ellen

2006-01-01

The increasing recognition that children and young people should be consulted and involved in decision-making about their lives is reflected in national and international legislation. A great deal of this legislation, stemming from the UN convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), requires education authorities to consult children and young…

Minutes of the Explosives Safety Seminar (16th), Held at the Diplomat Hotel, Hollywood, Florida on 24-26 September 1974. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-09-26

concrete structi-e at Battelle Memorial Labs are on hand. b, Photos and drawing of 10’ ID X 31’ steel test chamber 𔃻: Los Alamos . c. Tech data or, AEC... Technical Report, Draft. 3. M0TT, R.l., "A Theory of Fuauentation", Army Operational Research Group Ho., 113-AC-3642, Great Britain, 1943 . 4. GUI , R.W., "he...Kansas AAP, Parsons, KSBURCH, Austin AEC, Los Alamos , NMBURKE, E. F. Olin Corp., St. Marks, FLBURNER, M R. DCASR, N.Y., NYBURNS, N.J3. Dept of

Nerve signaling regulates basal keratinocyte proliferation in the blastema apical epithelial cap in the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum).

PubMed

Satoh, Akira; Bryant, Susan V; Gardiner, David M

2012-06-15

The ability of adult vertebrates to repair tissue damage is widespread and impressive; however, the ability to regenerate structurally complex organs such as the limb is limited largely to the salamanders. The fact that most of the tissues of the limb can regenerate has led investigators to question and identify the barriers to organ regeneration. From studies in the salamander, it is known that one of the earliest steps required for successful regeneration involves signaling between nerves and the wound epithelium/apical epithelial cap (AEC). In this study we confirm an earlier report that the keratinocytes of the AEC acquire their function coincident with exiting the cell cycle. We have discovered that this unique, coordinated behavior is regulated by nerve signaling and is associated with the presence of gap junctions between the basal keratinocytes of the AEC. Disruption of nerve signaling results in a loss of gap junction protein, the reentry of the cells into the cell cycle, and regenerative failure. Finally, coordinated exit from the cell cycle appears to be a conserved behavior of populations of cells that function as signaling centers during both development and regeneration. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Neutron diffraction study of water freezing on aircraft engine combustor soot.

PubMed

Tishkova, V; Demirdjian, B; Ferry, D; Johnson, M

2011-12-14

The study of the formation of condensation trails and cirrus clouds on aircraft emitted soot particles is important because of its possible effects on climate. In the present work we studied the freezing of water on aircraft engine combustor (AEC) soot particles under conditions of pressure and temperature similar to the upper troposphere. The microstructure of the AEC soot was found to be heterogeneous containing both primary particles of soot and metallic impurities (Fe, Cu, and Al). We also observed various surface functional groups such as oxygen-containing groups, including sulfate ions, that can act as active sites for water adsorption. Here we studied the formation of ice on the AEC soot particles by using neutron diffraction. We found that for low amount of adsorbed water, cooling even up to 215 K did not lead to the formation of hexagonal ice. Whereas, larger amount of adsorbed water led to the coexistence of liquid water (or amorphous ice) and hexagonal ice (I(h)); 60% of the adsorbed water was in the form of ice I(h) at 255 K. Annealing of the system led to the improvement of the crystal quality of hexagonal ice crystals as demonstrated from neutron diffraction.

Demonstration of array eddy current technology for real-time monitoring of laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Todorov, Evgueni; Boulware, Paul; Gaah, Kingsley

2018-03-01

Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) at various fabrication stages is required to assure quality of feedstock and solid builds. Industry efforts are shifting towards solutions that can provide real-time monitoring of additive manufacturing (AM) fabrication process layer-by-layer while the component is being built to reduce or eliminate dependence on post-process inspection. Array eddy current (AEC), electromagnetic NDE technique was developed and implemented to directly scan the component without physical contact with the powder and fused layer surfaces at elevated temperatures inside a LPBF chamber. The technique can detect discontinuities, surface irregularities, and undesirable metallurgical phase transformations in magnetic and nonmagnetic conductive materials used for laser fusion. The AEC hardware and software were integrated with the L-PBF test bed. Two layer-by-layer tests of Inconel 625 coupons with AM built discontinuities and lack of fusion were conducted inside the L-PBF chamber. The AEC technology demonstrated excellent sensitivity to seeded, natural surface, and near-surface-embedded discontinuities, while also detecting surface topography. The data was acquired and imaged in a layer-by-layer sequence demonstrating the real-time monitoring capabilities of this new technology.

Pathologic changes of wound tissue in rats with stage III pressure ulcers treated by transplantation of human amniotic epithelial cells.

PubMed

Zheng, Xilan; Jiang, Zhixia; Zhou, Aiting; Yu, Limei; Quan, Mingtao; Cheng, Huagang

2015-01-01

This study aims to determine the impact of orthotopic transplantation of human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) on the pathologic changes of wound tissues in a self-prepared rat stage III pressure ulcer model. Ninety-six SD rats were randomly divided into the model group (group M), hAEC transplantation group (group H), traditional treatment group (group T), and the control group (group C), with 24 rats in each group. The wound healing time was observed in 6 rats from each group, and 6 rats of each group were selected for post-modeling on day(s) (D) 1, 3, and 7 for HE staining to compare the pathological changes. The healing time of group H was significantly shorter than the other three groups. Moreover, pathological observations revealed that group H exhibited significant proliferation of fibrous tissues and vessels in the dermal layer, and the appearance time and degree of skin appendages were significantly greater than that observed in the other three groups. Pathological observations showed that hAEC transplantation could significantly speed up the healing of stage III pressure ulcer.

A comparison of physiological indicators of sublethal cadmium stress in wetland plants

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mendelssohn, I.A.; McKee, K.L.; Kong, T.

2001-01-01

Physiological indices, including photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence, adenylate energy charge (AEC) ratio, and leaf reflectance, were determined for Typha domingensis and Spartina alterniflora in response to increasing concentrations of Cd and compared with the growth responses of these species. Leaf expansion, the live/total ratio of plant aboveground biomass, and the aboveground regrowth rate after the initial harvests were significantly reduced with increasing Cd concentration in the growth medium. Of the four physiological responses measured, only photosynthesis and AEC responded to the Cd treatment before damage was visually apparent. Also, these indices were significantly correlated with leaf expansion rate and live/total ratio in most instances. Except at the end of the experiment, when the most stressed plants began to die, the Fv/Fm ratio was not significantly affected by the Cd treatment. The leaf spectral reflectance parameters showed no significant change during the entire treatment period. The significant correlation between the stress indicators and plant growth supported the findings that photosynthesis and AEC were the most responsive of the indicators tested, however, further research investigating other chlorophyll fluorescence and leaf reflectance parameters may demonstrate as well the value of these indicators in quantifying sublethal stress. ?? 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

CasCADe: A Novel 4D Visualization System for Virtual Construction Planning.

PubMed

Ivson, Paulo; Nascimento, Daniel; Celes, Waldemar; Barbosa, Simone Dj

2018-01-01

Building Information Modeling (BIM) provides an integrated 3D environment to manage large-scale engineering projects. The Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry explores 4D visualizations over these datasets for virtual construction planning. However, existing solutions lack adequate visual mechanisms to inspect the underlying schedule and make inconsistencies readily apparent. The goal of this paper is to apply best practices of information visualization to improve 4D analysis of construction plans. We first present a review of previous work that identifies common use cases and limitations. We then consulted with AEC professionals to specify the main design requirements for such applications. These guided the development of CasCADe, a novel 4D visualization system where task sequencing and spatio-temporal simultaneity are immediately apparent. This unique framework enables the combination of diverse analytical features to create an information-rich analysis environment. We also describe how engineering collaborators used CasCADe to review the real-world construction plans of an Oil & Gas process plant. The system made evident schedule uncertainties, identified work-space conflicts and helped analyze other constructability issues. The results and contributions of this paper suggest new avenues for future research in information visualization for the AEC industry.

2014 Overview of the State of Charter Authorizing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Association of Charter School Authorizers, 2014

2014-01-01

Since 2008, the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) has annually surveyed the nation's authorizers. Survey findings provide an annual measuring stick for those in the field of authorizing, and they help education decision makers, foundations, legislators, and researchers inform their understanding of the field of charter…

Legal barriers in accessing opioid medicines: results of the ATOME quick scan of national legislation of eastern European countries.

PubMed

Vranken, Marjolein J M; Mantel-Teeuwisse, Aukje K; Jünger, Saskia; Radbruch, Lukas; Lisman, John; Scholten, Willem; Payne, Sheila; Lynch, Tom; Schutjens, Marie-Hélène D B

2014-12-01

Overregulation of controlled medicines is one of the factors contributing to limited access to opioid medicines. The purpose of this study was to identify legal barriers to access to opioid medicines in 12 Eastern European countries participating in the Access to Opioid Medication in Europa project, using a quick scan method. A quick scan method to identify legal barriers was developed focusing on eight different categories of barriers. Key experts in 12 European countries were requested to send relevant legislation. Legislation was quick scanned using World Health Organization guidelines. Overly restrictive provisions and provisions that contain stigmatizing language and incorrect definitions were identified. The selected provisions were scored into two categories: 1) barrier and 2) uncertain, and reviewed by two authors. A barrier was recorded if both authors agreed the selected provision to be a barrier (Category 1). National legislation was obtained from 11 of 12 countries. All 11 countries showed legal barriers in the areas of prescribing (most frequently observed barrier). Ten countries showed barriers in the areas of dispensing and showed stigmatizing language and incorrect use of definitions in their legislation. Most barriers were identified in the legislation of Bulgaria, Greece, Lithuania, Serbia, and Slovenia. The Cypriot legislation showed the fewest total number of barriers. The selected countries have in common as main barriers prescribing and dispensing restrictions, the use of stigmatizing language, and incorrect use of definitions. The practical impact of these barriers identified using a quick scan method needs to be validated by other means. Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The ASEAN economic community and medical qualification

PubMed Central

Kittrakulrat, Jathurong; Jongjatuporn, Witthawin; Jurjai, Ravipol; Jarupanich, Nicha; Pongpirul, Krit

2014-01-01

Background In the regional movement toward ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), medical professions including physicians can be qualified to practice medicine in another country. Ensuring comparable, excellent medical qualification systems is crucial but the availability and analysis of relevant information has been lacking. Objective This study had the following aims: 1) to comparatively analyze information on Medical Licensing Examinations (MLE) across ASEAN countries and 2) to assess stakeholders’ view on potential consequences of AEC on the medical profession from a Thai perspective. Design To search for relevant information on MLE, we started with each country's national body as the primary data source. In case of lack of available data, secondary data sources including official websites of medical universities, colleagues in international and national medical student organizations, and some other appropriate Internet sources were used. Feasibility and concerns about validity and reliability of these sources were discussed among investigators. Experts in the region invited through HealthSpace.Asia conducted the final data validation. For the second objective, in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 Thai stakeholders, purposely selected based on a maximum variation sampling technique to represent the points of view of the medical licensing authority, the medical profession, ethicists and economists. Results MLE systems exist in all ASEAN countries except Brunei, but vary greatly. Although the majority has a national MLE system, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam accept results of MLE conducted at universities. Thailand adopted the USA's 3-step approach that aims to check pre-clinical knowledge, clinical knowledge, and clinical skills. Most countries, however, require only one step. A multiple choice question (MCQ) is the most commonly used method of assessment; a modified essay question (MEQ) is the next most common. Although both tests assess candidate's knowledge, the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is used to verify clinical skills of the examinee. The validity of the medical license and that it reflects a consistent and high standard of medical knowledge is a sensitive issue because of potentially unfair movement of physicians and an embedded sense of domination, at least from a Thai perspective. Conclusions MLE systems differ across ASEAN countries in some important aspects that might be of concern from a fairness viewpoint and therefore should be addressed in the movement toward AEC. PMID:25215908

Preliminary report on the geology, geophysics and hydrology of USBM/AEC Colorado core hole No. 2, Piceance Creek Basin, Rio Blanco County, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ege, J.R.; Carroll, R.D.; Welder, F.A.

1967-01-01

Approximately 1,400 feet of continuous core was taken .between 800-2,214 feet in depth from USBM/AEC Colorado core hole No. 2. The drill, site is located in the Piceance Creek basin, Rio Blanco County, Colorado. From ground surface the drill hole penetrated 1,120 feet of the Evacuation Creek Member and 1,094 feet of oil shale in the Parachute Creek Member of the Green River Formation. Oil shale yielding more than 20 gallons per ton occurs between 1,260-2,214 feet in depth. A gas explosion near the bottom of the hole resulted in abandonment of the exploratory hole which was still in oil shale. The top of the nahcolite zone is at 1,693 feet. Below this depth the core contains common to abundant amounts of sodium bicarbonate salt intermixed with oil shale. The core is divided into seven structural zones that reflect changes in joint intensity, core loss and broken core due to natural causes. The zone of poor core recovery is in the Interval between 1,300-1,450 feet. Results of preliminary geophysical log analyses indicate that oil yields determined by Fischer assay compare favorably with yields determined by geophysical log analyses. There is strong evidence that analyses of complete core data from Colorado core holes No. 1 and No. 2 reveal a reliable relationship between geophysical log response and oil yield. The quality of the logs is poor in the rich shale section and the possibility of repeating the logging program should be considered. Observations during drilling, coring, and hydrologic testing of USBM/AEC Colorado core hole No. 2 reveal that the Parachute Creek Member of the Green River Formation is the principal aquifer water in the Parachute Creek Member is under artesian pressure. The upper part of the aquifer has a higher hydrostatic head than, and is hydrologically separated from the lower part of the aquifer. The transmissibility of the aquifer is about 3500 gpd per foot. The maximum water yield of the core hole during testing was about 500 gpm. Chemical analyses of water samples indicate that the content of dissolved solids is low, the principal ions being sodium and bicarbonate. Although the hole was originally cored, to a depth of 2,214 feet, ,the present depth is about 2,100 feet. This report presents a preliminary evaluation of core examination, geophysical log interpretation and hydrological tests from the USBM/AEC Colorado core hole No. 2. The cooperation of the U.S. Bureau of Mines is gratefully acknowledged. The reader is referred to Carroll and others (1967) for comparison of USBM/AEC Col0rado core hole No. 1 with USBM/AEC Colorado core hole No. 2.

A Study of Strategic Lessons Learned in Vietnam. Volume 4. US Domestic Factors Influencing Vietnam War Policy Making

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-04-01

Kennedy Years 4-9 xiv -’ 1 -jON THE BDM CORPORATION TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED) Chapter Page I. The Development of Tax-Cut Legislation , 1962-64 4-9 2...other similar legislation was a deliberate step to limit executive authority and to assert congressional prerog- ative in the foreign policy decision...rights coalitions that had been so effective in pressing for legislation . Aniother factor was the Vietnam War, for opposi- tion to the war was found not

Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 151A and Annuities: Issues and Legislation

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-07-01

brokers are required to be members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), a non -governmental self-regulatory organization for the...Issues and Legislation Baird Webel Specialist in Financial Economics Rena S. Miller Analyst in Financial Economics July 1, 2010 Congressional...4173) and the Restoring American Financial Stability Act (S. 3217)....................................................................... 12

All that Glitters . . . The Rise of American Indian Tribes in State Political Behavior

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skopek, Tracy A.; Engstrom, Rich; Hansen, Kenneth

2005-01-01

In this article, the authors explore this new level of tribal political sophistication and how the tribes sought to pressure state legislators by pursuing a public relation campaign centered on issues of economic interest and sovereignty. Though they have been unsuccessful in recent legislative sessions, there is evidence of a growing…

31 CFR 594.513 - Transactions with entities under the control of the Palestinian President and certain other...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) who were not elected to the PLC on the party slate of Hamas... authorized to reject transactions with members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) who were elected to the PLC on the party slate of Hamas or any other Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), Specially...

31 CFR 595.511 - Transactions with entities under the control of the Palestinian President and certain other...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) who were not elected to the PLC on the party slate of Hamas... authorized to reject transactions with members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) who were elected to the PLC on the party slate of Hamas or any other Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), Specially...

31 CFR 594.513 - Transactions with entities under the control of the Palestinian President and certain other...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) who were not elected to the PLC on the party slate of Hamas... authorized to reject transactions with members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) who were elected to the PLC on the party slate of Hamas or any other Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), Specially...

31 CFR 597.509 - Transactions with entities under the control of the Palestinian President and certain other...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Council; (3) Members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) who were not elected to the PLC on the... institutions are authorized to reject transactions with members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) who were elected to the PLC on the party slate of Hamas or any other Foreign Terrorist Organization...

31 CFR 597.509 - Transactions with entities under the control of the Palestinian President and certain other...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Council; (3) Members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) who were not elected to the PLC on the... institutions are authorized to reject transactions with members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) who were elected to the PLC on the party slate of Hamas or any other Foreign Terrorist Organization...

31 CFR 595.511 - Transactions with entities under the control of the Palestinian President and certain other...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) who were not elected to the PLC on the party slate of Hamas... authorized to reject transactions with members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) who were elected to the PLC on the party slate of Hamas or any other Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), Specially...

The U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-11-08

be considered under Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation , which expired on July 1, 2007. TPA allows Congress to consider certain trade...Administration transmitted final implementing legislation and supporting documents to both houses, as required under TPA. Following committee action...leadership in the 110th Congress. These include adoption of enforceable labor standards, compulsory membership in multilateral environmental agreements

Carl Levin and Howard P. "Buck" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Rep. Barletta, Lou [R-PA-11

2014-01-31

12/19/2014 Became Public Law No: 113-291. (TXT | PDF) (All Actions) Notes: See the committee print, containing the legislative text and joint explanatory statement, accompanying the enrolled version of H.R.3979. Tracker: This bill has the status Became LawHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Skelton, Ike [D-MO-4

2010-04-26

Senate - 06/28/2010 Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 447. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see H.R.6523, which became Public Law 111-383 on 1/7/2011. Tracker: This bill has the status Passed HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Rep. McKeon, Howard P. "Buck" [R-CA-25

2013-05-14

Senate - 07/08/2013 Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 126. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see H.R.3304, which became Public Law 113-66 on 12/26/2013. Tracker: This bill has the status Passed HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Conservative Politicians Are Lashing Out at Courts That Order Equal Funding for Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Corriher, Billy

2014-01-01

Conservative governors and legislators across America are angry at the third branch of government. Some of these lawmakers are pushing legislation that could throw judges off the bench, while others are pushing to limit judicial authority. In one state, a governor unilaterally removed a justice of the state supreme court. Another Republican…

Sex Discrimination in Educational Institutions and the Law: Uncle Sam Wants You to be Nice to His Nieces!

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sandler, Bernice

The author reviews recent legislation concerning sex discrimination and examines the courts' views of discriminatory employment practices and discriminatory practices against students. The legislation covered includes the following: Executive Order 11246 as amended by Executive Order 11375; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by…

A bill to amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to clarify that uncertified States and Indian tribes have the authority to use certain payments for certain noncoal reclamation projects.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [D-NM

2009-12-03

Senate - 08/05/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 534. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Racism and Power: Arizona Politicians' Use of the Discourse of Anti-Americanism against Mexican American Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Orozco, Richard A.

2012-01-01

The article discusses a legislation that would effectively terminate Mexican American Studies programs in k-12 was passed in Arizona in 2010. In this article, the author traces how this legislation drew from discourses of anti-Americanism and wickedness initiated by the state's superintendent of public instruction against Mexican American Studies…

Impact of Legislation on Post-School Transition Practice for Young People with Additional Support Needs in Scotland

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richardson, Thomas D.; Jindal-Snape, Divya; Hannah, Elizabeth F. S.

2017-01-01

A longitudinal study was conducted to understand post-school transition practice for young people with additional support needs (ASN) before and after the implementation of key legislation, the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, amended in 2009. Primary data were collected from one local authority in Scotland. Twelve…

From punishment to education--juvenile delinquency in Romanian criminal law.

PubMed

Ioan, Beatrice; Damian, Simona; Scripcaru, C; Neagu, M; Chirilă, B

2015-01-01

For centuries children were considered "mini-adults". Together with expressing the need to educate children and putting a stop to their integration in the work field from the earliest years the 19th century also displayed a new image of the child, which clearly separates him from the adults. In this paper the authors analyze the Romanian legislation addressing juvenile delinquency in criminal temporal evolution. On the one hand the minority age limits are sought and modulation of legislative provisions according to these, and on the other hand, types of penalties for minors are discussed. The authors conclude that the approach to juvenile delinquency in the current Romanian Criminal Code is the result of a long process of reflection of the legislators on adopting a different system of sanctions for juvenile offenders and on creating special regulations concerning the prosecution, trial and enforcement of the decisions regarding them.

Gastrointestinal metastasis from primary lung cancer. Case series and systematic literature review.

PubMed

Balla, Andrea; Subiela, José D; Bollo, Jesús; Martínez, Carmen; Rodriguez Luppi, Carlos; Hernández, Pilar; Pascual-González, Yuliana; Quaresima, Silvia; Targarona, Eduard M

2018-04-01

Aim of the present study is to report clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients treated in authors' hospital for GI metastasis from primary lung cancer, and to report and analyse the same data concerning patients retrieved from a systematic literature review. We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data, and a systematic review using the Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. Ninety-one patients were included, 5 patients from the authors' hospital and 86 through PubMed database using the keywords "intestinal metastasis" AND "lung cancer". The median time between primary lung cancer diagnosis and GI metastasis diagnosis was 2 months and the median overall survival was 4 months. This group of patients present a poor prognosis and the gold standard treatment is not defined. None of the reported treatments had a significant impact on survival. Copyright © 2018 AEC. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

[Regulatory aspects and medicolegal considerations regarding clinical drug trials].

PubMed

Cammarano, Andrea; De Dominicis, Enrico; Marella, Gian Luca; Maurici, Massimo; Arcudi, Giovanni

2016-01-01

This article aims to explore the regulatory and medicolegal aspects of experimental drug trials. Firstly, the authors provide definitions of drug according to WHO, the European Community and our official Pharmacopoeia, and that of experimental studies. They then explain the distinction between pure or basic research and drug trials and explain the various phases of the latter. Besides providing definitions, and exploring doctrinal, theoretical but also practical aspects of drug trials, the authors also discuss and analyze legislative aspects, with particular reference to the Italian legislative framework, and medicolegal issues, including informed consent, effects on humans, and professional responsibility.

Surveillance and control of communicable diseases related to passenger ships in Europe.

PubMed

Hadjichristodoulou, Christos; Mouchtouri, Varvara A; Martinez, Carmen Varela; Nichols, Gordon; Riemer, Tobias; Rabinina, Jelena; Swan, Corien; Pirnat, Nina; Sokolova, Ona; Kostara, Elina; Rachiotis, George; Meilicke, Rainer; Schlaich, Clara; Bartlett, Christopher Lr; Kremastinou, Jenny; Partnership, The Shipsan

2011-01-01

This study was conducted within the European SHIPSAN (ship sanitation) project and aims at exploring the legislative framework and current practices related to surveillance of communicable diseases and response aboard passenger ships in Europe. A detailed questionnaire was disseminated and completed by 59 competent authorities in 27 European countries. The majority of competent authorities used national legislation without special provisions for passenger ships. Only 20% had specific provisions for ships regarding quarantine, while a smaller proportion of new Member States (MS) have specific legislation in comparison with old MS (p = 0.01). The Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH) was the main reporting tool used. About 30.5% of the competent authorities declared that they require submission of MDH by all arriving ships, but 28.8% only from affected areas, and 11.9% never require MDH. A total of 45 outbreaks or incidents (36 gastrointestinal, 1 incident of legionellosis, 3 respiratory, and 1 influenza-like illness outbreak, occupational tuberculosis, varicella, scabies, and meningitis) were reported to EU competent authorities during 2006. About 75% of the responders stated that there are gaps in the surveillance and control of communicable diseases. A diversity of approaches in EU countries, and gaps regarding surveillance and response and training needs of personnel were identified.

[Bioethical study of kidney transplantation in Brazil involving unrelated living donors: the inefficiency of law to prevent organ commercialism].

PubMed

Passarinho, Lúcia Eugênia Velloso; Gonçalves, Maura Pedroso; Garrafa, Volnei

2003-01-01

This study aimed to know the opinion of five different social segments (public prosecutors, judges, general population, recipients of the awaiting list for kidney transplants and the crew involved in the organ transplantation process of a hospital in Brasília--Hospital de Base) about the present organ transplant legislation, with an emphasis on the donation of kidney by unrelated living donors, and the new determination given by Law #10.211, in March 23rd, 2001, specifically in its article 9, that enlarges the criteria for donation of organs between unrelated living people. A questionnaire with six objective questions was used in order to know the opinion of five groups of people of the Federal District about the present organ transplant legislation in Brazil. For 80% of the people interviewed, when Brazilian legislation allows donation of organs between unrelated living people, it makes possible the existence of rewarded donation and 81% of them consider that the requirement for judicial authorization is not an effective instrument to prevent organ commercialism. The present research indicates that Brazilian legislation fails concerning the utilization of kidneys for transplantation from unrelated living donors, making possible the commerce of organs in the country. Considering that poor people are the most vulnerable ones in this context, the authors suggest changes in the legislation in force, aiming to protect them and, therefore, attain more justice.

Access to Orphan Drugs: A Comprehensive Review of Legislations, Regulations and Policies in 35 Countries.

PubMed

Gammie, Todd; Lu, Christine Y; Babar, Zaheer Ud-Din

2015-01-01

To review existing regulations and policies utilised by countries to enable patient access to orphan drugs. A review of the literature (1998 to 2014) was performed to identify relevant, peer-reviewed articles. Using content analysis, we synthesised regulations and policies for access to orphan drugs by type and by country. Fifty seven articles and 35 countries were included in this review. Six broad categories of regulation and policy instruments were identified: national orphan drug policies, orphan drug designation, marketing authorization, incentives, marketing exclusivity, and pricing and reimbursement. The availability of orphan drugs depends on individual country's legislation and regulations including national orphan drug policies, orphan drug designation, marketing authorization, marketing exclusivity and incentives such as tax credits to ensure research, development and marketing. The majority of countries (27/35) had in place orphan drug legislation. Access to orphan drugs depends on individual country's pricing and reimbursement policies, which varied widely between countries. High prices and insufficient evidence often limit orphan drugs from meeting the traditional health technology assessment criteria, especially cost-effectiveness, which may influence access. Overall many countries have implemented a combination of legislations, regulations and policies for orphan drugs in the last two decades. While these may enable the availability and access to orphan drugs, there are critical differences between countries in terms of range and types of legislations, regulations and policies implemented. Importantly, China and India, two of the largest countries by population size, both lack national legislation for orphan medicines and rare diseases, which could have substantial negative impacts on their patient populations with rare diseases.

Consolidated environmental regulation in West Virginia

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

Flannery, D.M.; Beckett, K.G.; McThomas, M.P.

1995-05-01

In 1994, West Virginia enacted the single largest piece of legislation in its history. The 1,400-page bill that made up this legislation was the crowning achievement of more than a decade of efforts to consolidate and streamline West Virginia`s environmental regulatory programs. The result has been the empowerment of the West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) as the centerpiece of environmental regulation in West Virginia. This Article explores the principal initiatives leading to the passage of the legislation empowering the DEP. In addition, it analyzes the substantive provisions of the DEP`s legislative authority and the relationship of that authoritymore » to other agencies. Finally, this Article identifies additional areas for the refinement of West Virginia`s environmental regulatory programs.« less

[Guidelines given by several international documents to the Italian legislation on bioethics in scientific research].

PubMed

Scuderi, G

2001-01-01

Moving from the most recent progresses in some address international acts on bioethics of the research, the Convention of human rights and biomedicine and La declaration universelle sur le génome humain e les droits de l'homme, this paper describes the legislative acts which regard many aspects of theoretical and practical scientific research, both in the Italian national and supra-national fields. This legislation concerns mainly the following topics: rights of the human subjects of research, informed consent, privacy on the personal data, activity on organ transplantation, research in genetics, activity in the field of treatment of human gametes and embrios. The author here quotes these legislative acts referring briefly to national and international laws.

The Bilingual Education Act: Twenty Years Later. New Focus, Occasional Papers in Bilingual Education, Number 6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stewner-Manzanares, Gloria

1988-01-01

Changes in the legislative history of specialized education for students of limited English proficiency are described in this paper, beginning with the authorization of the Bilingual Education Act of 1968 and going through the reauthorizations of the Act in 1974, 1978, 1984, and 1988. Important events surrounding the legislative action are also…

To extend the legislative authority of the Adams Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work in honor of former President John Adams and his legacy, and for other purposes.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8

2013-12-19

Senate - 07/23/2014 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Passed HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Howard P. "Buck" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Rep. McKeon, Howard P. "Buck" [R-CA-25

2014-04-09

Senate - 06/05/2014 Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 425. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see H.R.3979, which became Public Law 113-291 on 12/19/2014. Tracker: This bill has the status Passed HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

A bill to amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to clarify that uncertified States and Indian tribes have the authority to use certain payments for certain noncoal reclamation projects and acid mine remediation programs.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Udall, Tom [D-NM

2013-02-04

Senate - 04/22/2013 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 51. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

A bill to amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the City of Hermiston, Oregon, water recycling and reuse project, and for other purposes.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR

2013-04-10

Senate - 07/15/2013 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 132. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the City of Hermiston, Oregon, water recycling and reuse project, and for other purposes.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Walden, Greg [R-OR-2

2009-06-04

Senate - 08/05/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 545. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Passed HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Science, biomedical technology and biolaw.

PubMed

Furnica, Cristina; Scripcaru, Calin

2009-01-01

Starting from legislative recognition of the grounding principles of human rights, the authors describe and comment upon the Council of Europe's Convention on human rights and human dignity confronted with scientific discoveries and also upon the Oviedo Convention of 1997 for the protection of Human Rights and dignity of the human being with regard to the application of biology and medicine. The authors specify that, given the promise made by Romania to observe international obligations, the Romanian law no. 2/1998 on organ and tissue transplantation abrogates the stipulations of the law 3-1978 and also includes 9 appendices which, being part of the law, guarantee in addition the observance of its provisions. All these regulations on the relationship between science and human rights have determined an evolution from the fatality of natural risks to current compensations, as an expression of human solidarity. They have determined the transition from social and vocational paternalism to personal autonomy and personal guarantees of independence and freedom. All these developments are faithfully reflected by comparative legislation on the use of life science outcomes on persons as they presently are. This is also reflected in Romanian legislation concerning tissue and organ transplantation and in mental health legislation.

Full practice authority--effecting change and improving access to care: the Nevada journey.

PubMed

VanBeuge, Susan S; Walker, Tomas

2014-06-01

In 2013, Nevada shifted from a collaborative practice model to full practice authority. Given the challenges many states still face, this article provides an outline of the evolution of the "nurse practitioner" (NP) in Nevada. Reviewing the path Nevada took toward full practice authority, we hope to provide insight including lessons learned and opposition encountered to assist other states working toward full practice authority. Literature searches were conducted on PubMed and MEDLINE. Search terms included "autonomous practice," "nurse practitioner," and "full practice authority." Healthcare reform will require nurse practitioners committed to legislative change. Nurse practitioners have the knowledge and ability to affect the legislative process and improve patients' access to care. With careful planning, full engagement, and team building, making a statute change is possible and should be seriously considered in states still struggling with collaborative relationships. Nurse practitioners are well situated to provide primary care in the United States. Removing barriers to practice through statute change will empower NPs to effect positive change in our struggling healthcare system. ©2014 The Author(s) ©2014 American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

People with Disabilities: An Update.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fagan, Thomas K.; Jenkins, William M.

1989-01-01

Provides updated figures on handicapping conditions in school-aged and adult populations from information originally presented in authors' 1979 article. Discusses impact of changes in federal legislation, focusing more heavily on adult handicapping conditions and rehabilitation services. (Author/CM)

Effect of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Aerobic Response during Swimming

PubMed Central

Pinna, Marco; Roberto, Silvana; Milia, Raffaele; Marongiu, Elisabetta; Olla, Sergio; Loi, Andrea; Migliaccio, Gian Mario; Padulo, Johnny; Orlandi, Carmine; Tocco, Filippo; Concu, Alberto; Crisafulli, Antonio

2014-01-01

The beneficial effects of beetroot juice supplementation (BJS) have been tested during cycling, walking, and running. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether BJS can also improve performance in swimmers. Fourteen moderately trained male master swimmers were recruited and underwent two incremental swimming tests randomly assigned in a pool during which workload, oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), pulmonary ventilation (VE), and aerobic energy cost (AEC) of swimming were measured. One was a control swimming test (CSW) and the other a swimming test after six days of BJS (0.5l/day organic beetroot juice containing about 5.5 mmol of NO3−). Results show that workload at anaerobic threshold was significantly increased by BJS as compared to the CSW test (6.3 ± 1 and 6.7 ± 1.1 kg during the CSW and the BJS test respectively). Moreover, AEC was significantly reduced during the BJS test (1.9 ± 0.5 during the SW test vs. 1.7 ± 0.3 kcal·kg−1·h−1 during the BJS test). The other variables lacked a statistically significant effect with BJS. The present investigation provides evidence that BJS positively affects performance of swimmers as it reduces the AEC and increases the workload at anaerobic threshold. PMID:24481133

Effect of beetroot juice supplementation on aerobic response during swimming.

PubMed

Pinna, Marco; Roberto, Silvana; Milia, Raffaele; Marongiu, Elisabetta; Olla, Sergio; Loi, Andrea; Migliaccio, Gian Mario; Padulo, Johnny; Orlandi, Carmine; Tocco, Filippo; Concu, Alberto; Crisafulli, Antonio

2014-01-29

The beneficial effects of beetroot juice supplementation (BJS) have been tested during cycling, walking, and running. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether BJS can also improve performance in swimmers. Fourteen moderately trained male master swimmers were recruited and underwent two incremental swimming tests randomly assigned in a pool during which workload, oxygen uptake (VO₂), carbon dioxide production (VCO₂), pulmonary ventilation (VE), and aerobic energy cost (AEC) of swimming were measured. One was a control swimming test (CSW) and the other a swimming test after six days of BJS (0.5 l/day organic beetroot juice containing about 5.5 mmol of NO₃⁻). Results show that workload at anaerobic threshold was significantly increased by BJS as compared to the CSW test (6.3 ± 1 and 6.7 ± 1.1 kg during the CSW and the BJS test respectively). Moreover, AEC was significantly reduced during the BJS test (1.9 ± 0.5 during the SW test vs. 1.7 ± 0.3 kcal·kg⁻¹1·h⁻¹ during the BJS test). The other variables lacked a statistically significant effect with BJS. The present investigation provides evidence that BJS positively affects performance of swimmers as it reduces the AEC and increases the workload at anaerobic threshold.

Development of 2.8 V Ketjen black supercapacitors with high rate capabilities for AC line filtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoo, Yongju; Park, Jinwoo; Kim, Min-Seop; Kim, Woong

2017-08-01

Supercapacitors are generally more compact than conventional bulky aluminum electrolytic capacitors (AECs). Replacement of AECs with supercapacitors can lead to miniaturization of electronic devices. However, even state-of-the-art supercapacitors developed in laboratories are superior to or competitive with AECs only in low voltage applications (<∼40 V). In order to improve the voltage limits of current supercapacitors, we have incorporated Ketjen black (KB) as an electrode material. Utilizing the open pore structure and the graphitic nature of KB, we demonstrate that the voltage limit can be extended to 53 V. The KB supercapacitor exhibits excellent areal capacitance, cell voltage, and phase angle values of ∼574 μF cm-2, 2.8 V, and ∼-80°, respectively. In addition, we demonstrate that an AC line filtering circuit with three supercapacitors connected in series can extend the application voltage without significant sacrifice in rate capability (ϕ ∼ -77° at 120 Hz). On the other hand, KBs are much less expensive than carbon materials previously demonstrated for AC line filtering and hence are very attractive for practical applications. We believe that this demonstration of high-performance supercapacitors made from low-cost carbon materials is both scientifically interesting and important for practical applications.

Adsorption of plasmid DNA on anion exchange chromatography media.

PubMed

Tarmann, Christina; Jungbauer, Alois

2008-08-01

Anion exchange chromatography (AEC) is a useful and effective tool for DNA purification, but due to average pore sizes between 40 and 100 nm most AEC resins lack truly useful binding capacities for plasmid DNA (pDNA). Equilibrium binding capacities and uptake kinetics of AEC media including conventional media (Source 30 Q, Q Sepharose HP), a polymer grafted medium (Fractogel EMD DEAE (M)), media with large pores (Celbeads DEAE, PL SAX 4000 A 30 microm) and a monolithic medium (CIM-DEAE) were investigated by batch uptake or shallow bed experiments at two salt concentrations. Theoretical and experimental binding capacities suggest that the shape of the pDNA molecule can be described by a rod with a length to diameter ratio of 20:1 and that the molecule binds in upright position. The arrangement of DNA like a brush at the surface can be considered as entropy driven, kind of self-assembly process which is inherent to highly and uniformly charged DNA molecules. The initial phase of adsorption is very fast and levels off, associated with a change in mass transfer mechanism. Feed concentrations higher than 0.1 mg/mL pDNA pronounce this effect. Monolithic media showed the fastest adsorption rate and highest binding capacity with 13 mg pDNA per mL.

Final report of the decontamination and decommissioning of the exterior land areas at the Grand Junction Projects Office facility

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

Widdop, M.R.

1995-09-01

The US Department of Energy (DOE) Grand Junction Projects Office (GJPO) facility occupies approximately 56.4 acres (22.8 hectares) along the Gunnison River near Grand Junction, Colorado. The site was contaminated with uranium ore and mill tailings during uranium-refining activities conducted by the Manhattan Engineer District and during pilot-milling experiments conducted for the US Atomic Energy Commission`s (AEC`s) domestic uranium procurement program. The GJPO facility was the collection and assay point for AEC uranium and vanadium oxide purchases until the early 1970s. The DOE Decontamination and Decommissioning Program sponsored the Grand Junction Projects Office Remedial Action Project (GJPORAP) to remediate themore » facility lands, site improvements, and the underlying aquifer. The site contractor, Rust Geotech, was the Remedial Action Contractor for GJPORAP. The exterior land areas of the facility assessed as contaminated have been remediated in accordance with identified standards and can be released for unrestricted use. Restoration of the aquifer will be accomplished through the natural flushing action of the aquifer during the next 50 to 80 years. The remediation of the DOE-GJPO facility buildings is ongoing and will be described in a separate report.« less

Foxm1 transcription factor is required for lung fibrosis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

PubMed Central

Balli, David; Ustiyan, Vladimir; Zhang, Yufang; Wang, I-Ching; Masino, Alex J; Ren, Xiaomeng; Whitsett, Jeffrey A; Kalinichenko, Vladimir V; Kalin, Tanya V

2013-01-01

Alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) participate in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, producing pro-inflammatory mediators and undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Herein, we demonstrated the critical role of Forkhead Box M1 (Foxm1) transcription factor in radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Foxm1 was induced in AECs following lung irradiation. Transgenic expression of an activated Foxm1 transcript in AECs enhanced radiation-induced pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis, and increased the expression of IL-1β, Ccl2, Cxcl5, Snail1, Zeb1, Zeb2 and Foxf1. Conditional deletion of Foxm1 from respiratory epithelial cells decreased radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis and prevented the increase in EMT-associated gene expression. siRNA-mediated inhibition of Foxm1 prevented TGF-β-induced EMT in vitro. Foxm1 bound to and increased promoter activity of the Snail1 gene, a critical transcriptional regulator of EMT. Expression of Snail1 restored TGF-β-induced loss of E-cadherin in Foxm1-deficient cells in vitro. Lineage-tracing studies demonstrated that Foxm1 increased EMT during radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis in vivo. Foxm1 is required for radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis by enhancing the expression of genes critical for lung inflammation and EMT. PMID:23288041

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

Goodson, J.O.

This is the first of three volumes which document the historical development of the first US compressed-air energy storage (CAES) Power-generation facility. Volume 1 is a background report and presents a chronicle of the development of the CAES facility from the early interest in CAES until inception of engineering/construction on August 11, 1988. The 110 MW - 26 hr CAES plant is owned and operated by Alabama Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AEC) of Andalusia, Alabama. The plant is the first CAES plant in the United States and the world's first CAES facility incorporating a recuperator to improve efficiency. The plant suppliesmore » competitively priced peaking power to the AEC owner members. The economics of CAES-produced power is attractive because the energy-intensive air-compression mode is powered by relatively inexpensive base-load power external to the CAES plant. The compressed-air energy is stored underground until needed, and during the power-production mode, the only fuel required is that to heat the compressed air to expander-inlet temperature. The project development for AEC's CAES plant involved much planning and preliminary design work. Specifically, this included load and generation-planning studies, power-supply selections, conceptual designs, project administration, air-storage cavern and turbomachinery specifications and design, contract requirements, environmental and licensing issues, and construction planning.« less

Neutrophil autophagy and extracellular DNA traps contribute to airway inflammation in severe asthma.

PubMed

Pham, D L; Ban, G-Y; Kim, S-H; Shin, Y S; Ye, Y-M; Chwae, Y-J; Park, H-S

2017-01-01

Autophagy and neutrophil extracellular DNA traps (NETs) are implicated in asthma; however, their roles in asthma pathogenesis have not been elucidated. We compared autophagy and NET production levels from peripheral blood neutrophils (PBNs) of patients with severe asthma (SA) and non-severe asthma (NSA). Additionally, we investigated the inflammatory effects of NETs on human airway epithelial cells (AECs) and peripheral blood eosinophils (PBEs). Peripheral blood neutrophils from patients with SA (n = 30) and NSA (n = 38) were treated with interleukin (IL)-8 (100 ng/mL). Autophagy (light chain 3-II expression) and NET production levels were evaluated by Western blot, immunofluorescence microscopy, and PicoGreen assay. The effects of NETs on AECs were assessed by investigating cell death, cell detachment, expression of occludin and claudin-1, and IL-8 production; the effects of NETs on PBEs were examined by investigating the activation and release of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN). Untreated and IL-8-treated PBNs from the SA group produced higher autophagy and NET levels compared with those from the NSA group (P < 0.01). IL-8 increased autophagy and NET levels in PBNs from the SA group, but not from the NSA group. NET levels were correlated with autophagy levels in PBNs (P < 0.001). IL-8-induced NET production levels negatively were correlated with FEV1/FVC (r = -0.700, P = 0.016). NETs induced cell death, detachment, degradation of occludin and claudin-1, and IL-8 production from AECs. Higher levels of NET-induced ECP and EDN were released from PBEs in SA compared with NSA groups. Neutrophil autophagy and NETs could enhance asthma severity by damaging airway epithelium and triggering inflammatory responses of AECs and PBEs. Modulating neutrophil autophagy and NET production may be a new target therapy for SA. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

An improvement to the ligand optimisation method (LOM) for measuring the apparent dissociation constant and ligand purity in Ca2+ and Mg2+ buffer solutions.

PubMed

McGuigan, John A S; Kay, James W; Elder, Hugh Y

2014-01-01

In Ca(2+)/Mg(2+) buffers the calculated ionised concentrations ([X(2+)]) can vary by up to a factor of seven. Since there are no defined standards it is impossible to check calculated [X(2+)], making measurement essential. The ligand optimisation method (LOM) is an accurate method to measure [X(2+)] in Ca(2+)/Mg(2+) buffers; independent estimation of ligand purity extends the method to pK(/) < 4. To simplify calculation, Excel programs ALE and AEC were compiled for LOM and its extension. This paper demonstrates that the slope of the electrode in the pX range 2.000-3.301 deviates from Nernstian behaviour as it depends on the value of the lumped interference, Σ. ALE was modified to include this effect; this modified program SALE, and the programs ALE and AEC were used on simulated data for Ca(2+)-EGTA and Mg(2+)-ATP buffers, to calculate electrode and buffer characteristics as a function of Σ. Ca(2+)-electrodes have a Σ < 10(-6) mol/l and there was no difference amongst the three methods. The Σ for Mg(2+)-electrodes lies between 10(-5) and 1.5 (∗) 10(-5) mol/l and calculated [Mg(2+)] with ALE were around 3% less than the true value. SALE and AEC correctly predicted [Mg(2+)]. SALE was used to recalculate K(/) and pK(/) on measured data for Ca(2+)-EGTA and Mg(2+)-EDTA buffers. These results demonstrated that it is pK(/) that is normally distributed. Until defined standards are available, [X(2+)] in Ca(2+)/Mg(2+) buffers have to be measured. The most appropriate method is to use Ca(2+)/Mg(2) electrodes combined with the Excel programs SALE or AEC. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of asthmatic inflammation in mice following early-life exposure to ambient environmental particulates and chronic allergen challenge

PubMed Central

Herbert, Cristan; Siegle, Jessica S.; Shadie, Alexander M.; Nikolaysen, Stina; Garthwaite, Linda; Hansbro, Nicole G.; Foster, Paul S.; Kumar, Rakesh K.

2013-01-01

SUMMARY Childhood exposure to environmental particulates increases the risk of development of asthma. The underlying mechanisms might include oxidant injury to airway epithelial cells (AEC). We investigated the ability of ambient environmental particulates to contribute to sensitization via the airways, and thus to the pathogenesis of childhood asthma. To do so, we devised a novel model in which weanling BALB/c mice were exposed to both ambient particulate pollutants and ovalbumin for sensitization via the respiratory tract, followed by chronic inhalational challenge with a low mass concentration of the antigen. We also examined whether these particulates caused oxidant injury and activation of AEC in vitro. Furthermore, we assessed the potential benefit of minimizing oxidative stress to AEC through the period of sensitization and challenge by dietary intervention. We found that characteristic features of asthmatic inflammation developed only in animals that received particulates at the same time as respiratory sensitization, and were then chronically challenged with allergen. However, these animals did not develop airway hyper-responsiveness. Ambient particulates induced epithelial injury in vitro, with evidence of oxidative stress and production of both pro-inflammatory cytokines and Th2-promoting cytokines such as IL-33. Treatment of AEC with an antioxidant in vitro inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokine response to these particulates. Ambient particulates also induced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression following administration to weanling mice. However, early-life dietary supplementation with antioxidants did not prevent the development of an asthmatic inflammatory response in animals that were exposed to particulates, sensitized and challenged. We conclude that injury to airway epithelium by ambient environmental particulates in early life is capable of promoting the development of an asthmatic inflammatory response in sensitized and antigen-challenged mice. These findings are likely to be relevant to the induction of childhood asthma. PMID:23223614

Efficient use of automatic exposure control systems in computed tomography requires correct patient positioning.

PubMed

Gudjonsdottir, J; Svensson, J R; Campling, S; Brennan, P C; Jonsdottir, B

2009-11-01

Image quality and radiation dose to the patient are important factors in computed tomography (CT). To provide constant image quality, tube current modulation (TCM) performed by automatic exposure control (AEC) adjusts the tube current to the patient's size and shape. To evaluate the effects of patient centering on tube current-time product (mAs) and image noise. An oval-shaped acrylic phantom was scanned in various off-center positions, at 30-mm intervals within a 500-mm field of view, using three different CT scanners. Acquisition parameters were similar to routine abdomen examinations at each site. The mAs was recorded and noise measured in the images. The correlation of mAs and noise with position was calculated using Pearson correlation. In all three scanners, the mAs delivered by the AEC changed with y-position of the phantom (P<0.001), with correlation values of 0.98 for scanners A and B and -0.98 for scanner C. With x-position, mAs changes were 4.9% or less. As the phantom moved into the y-positions, compared with the iso-center, the mAs varied by up to +70%, -34%, and +56% in scanners A, B, and C, respectively. For scanners A and B, noise in two regions of interest in the lower part of the phantom decreased with elevation, with correlation factors from -0.95 to -0.86 (P<0.02). In the x-direction, significant noise relationships (P<0.005) were only seen in scanner A. This study demonstrates that patient centering markedly affects the efficacy of AEC function and that tube current changes vary between scanners. Tube position when acquiring the scout projection radiograph is decisive for the direction of the mAs change. Off-center patient positions cause errors in tube current modulation that can outweigh the dose reduction gained by AEC use, and image quality is affected.

U.S. nanotechnology policy and the decay of environmental law, 1980--2005

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rudd, Jeffrey D.

2009-11-01

Environmental law's authority to protect humans and the environment from pollution and resource exploitation began to deteriorate in the early 1980s. The dissertation is a modest attempt to answer the question, "What caused the gradual erosion in environmental law's normative authority?" It argues that the emergence of a neoliberal, market-centered ideology redefined the relationship between economic and environmental policies, causing environmental law's transformation into an instrument of economic discourse. This ethical transformation weakened environmental law's authority to protect humans and the environment from risks posed by unbridled economic growth policies. It also sparked the rise of an ideology to counter neoliberalism's power over environmental policy: sustainable development or "sustainability." Sustainable development reaffirms environmental law's normative authority and relies upon deliberative democratic principles similar to those that drove the enactment of environmental legislation during the 1960s and 1970s. The dissertation analyzes environmental law's transformation through two complementary case studies. First, it shows how the expansion of regulatory agencies' legislative power has combined with cost-benefit analysis mandates to undermine the goals of environmental law and limit democratic debate about environmental policy. Second, it analyzes the genesis and development of nanotechnology policy in the United States to show how neoliberalism's economic logic subtly erodes environmental law's normative authority. These case studies illuminate pragmatic differences in substance and process between neoliberalism and sustainable development. They also show that the relative balance of institutional authority over risk-related information determines the effectiveness and durability of legislative mandates intended to protect the environment.

Resourcing interventions enhance psychology support capabilities in special operations forces.

PubMed

Myatt, Craig A; Auzenne, J W

2012-01-01

This study provides an examination of approaches to United States Government (USG) resourcing interventions on a national scale that enhance psychology support capabilities in the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community. A review of Congressional legislation and resourcing trends in the form of authorizations and appropriations since 2006 demonstrates how Congress supported enhanced psychology support capabilities throughout the Armed Forces and in SOF supporting innovative command interests that address adverse affects of operations tempo behavioral effects (OTBE). The formulation of meaningful metrics to address SOF specific command interests led to a personnel tempo (PERSTEMPO) analysis in response to findings compiled by the Preservation of the Force and Families (POTFF) Task Force. The review of PERSTEMPO data at subordinate command and unit levels enhances the capability of SOF leaders to develop policy and guidance on training and operational planning that mitigates OTBE and maximizes resourcing authorizations. A major challenge faced by the DoD is in providing behavioral healthcare that meets public and legislative demands while proving suitable and sustainable at all levels of military operations: strategic, operational, and tactical. Current legislative authorizations offer a mechanism of command advocacy for resourced multi-functional program development that enhances psychology support capabilities while reinforcing SOF readiness and performance. 2012.

Books, Baths, and Burials: Notes on Certain Nineteenth Century Adoptive Acts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Whiteman, Philip M.

1973-01-01

Early legislation relating to street lighting, baths and washhouses, burial of the dead, public libraries and public improvements in England and Wales, reflected Parliament's suspicion of local democracy and distrust of local authorities. (9 references) (Author)

Florida High Speed Rail Authority - 2002 report to the legislature

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-01-01

This report addresses a legislative requirement that the Authority issue a report of its actions, findings and recommendations. Previous high speed ground transportation studies were reviewed as part of the preparation of this report. Independent ana...

A bill to authorize National Mall Liberty Fund D.C. to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia to honor free persons and slaves who fought for independence, liberty, and justice for all during the American Revolution.

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. Lieberman, Joseph I. [ID-CT

2011-05-04

Senate - 01/13/2012 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 280. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Reinstating nursing administration graduate study in federal nurse traineeships.

PubMed

Kersbergen, A L

1994-01-01

In 1992, the federal guidelines for funding nurse traineeships were amended to exclude nurses who pursue advanced degrees in nursing administration. This legislation expires soon, and final drafting of new legislation will be completed during the summer of 1994. The author presents information to use in advocating for reinstatement of nursing administration students as potential recipients of federal nurse traineeship dollars for advanced education.

A bill to provide for an extension of the legislative authority of the Adams Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work in honor of former President John Adams and his legacy.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA

2013-12-19

Senate - 07/23/2014 Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Senate Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 113-493. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

[Legislative evolution in matter of protection for disabled persons].

PubMed

Frati, Paola; Vergallo, Gianluca Montanari; Zampi, Massimiliano; Di Luca, Natale Mario

2006-01-01

The authors examine the laws that aim to favour the integration of the disabled persons in the society, with particular refer to work and school, and that also aim to make easy the relationships for those who live with a disabled person. Even though the appreciation for the engagement of the legislator, they wish the development of the funds allocated to this purpose.

Making appropriations for the salaries and related expenses of certain Federal employees during a lapse in funding authority for fiscal year 2014, to establish a bicameral working group on deficit reduction and economic growth, and for other purposes.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Rep. Rogers, Harold [R-KY-5

2013-10-08

Senate - 10/10/2013 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 214. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Passed HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Access to Orphan Drugs: A Comprehensive Review of Legislations, Regulations and Policies in 35 Countries

PubMed Central

Gammie, Todd

2015-01-01

Objective To review existing regulations and policies utilised by countries to enable patient access to orphan drugs. Methods A review of the literature (1998 to 2014) was performed to identify relevant, peer-reviewed articles. Using content analysis, we synthesised regulations and policies for access to orphan drugs by type and by country. Results Fifty seven articles and 35 countries were included in this review. Six broad categories of regulation and policy instruments were identified: national orphan drug policies, orphan drug designation, marketing authorization, incentives, marketing exclusivity, and pricing and reimbursement. The availability of orphan drugs depends on individual country’s legislation and regulations including national orphan drug policies, orphan drug designation, marketing authorization, marketing exclusivity and incentives such as tax credits to ensure research, development and marketing. The majority of countries (27/35) had in place orphan drug legislation. Access to orphan drugs depends on individual country’s pricing and reimbursement policies, which varied widely between countries. High prices and insufficient evidence often limit orphan drugs from meeting the traditional health technology assessment criteria, especially cost-effectiveness, which may influence access. Conclusions Overall many countries have implemented a combination of legislations, regulations and policies for orphan drugs in the last two decades. While these may enable the availability and access to orphan drugs, there are critical differences between countries in terms of range and types of legislations, regulations and policies implemented. Importantly, China and India, two of the largest countries by population size, both lack national legislation for orphan medicines and rare diseases, which could have substantial negative impacts on their patient populations with rare diseases. PMID:26451948

Feasibility of space disposal of radioactive nuclear waste. 2: Technical summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

The feasibility of transporting radioactive waste produced in the process of generating electricity in nuclear powerplants into space for ultimate disposal was investigated at the request of the AEC as a NASA in-house effort. The investigation is part of a broad AEC study of methods for long-term storage or disposal of radioactive waste. The results of the study indicate that transporting specific radioactive wastes, particularly the actinides with very long half-lives, into space using the space shuttle/tug as the launch system, appears feasible from the engineering and safety viewpoints. The space transportation costs for ejecting the actinides out of the solar system would represent less than a 5-percent increase in the average consumer's electric bill.

Smoke-free legislation and paediatric hospitalisations for acute respiratory tract infections: national quasi-experimental study with unexpected findings and important methodological implications.

PubMed

Been, Jasper V; Mackay, Daniel F; Millett, Christopher; Soyiri, Ireneous; van Schayck, Constant P; Pell, Jill P; Sheikh, Aziz

2017-10-27

We investigated whether Scottish implementation of smoke-free legislation was associated with a reduction in unplanned hospitalisations or deaths ('events') due to respiratory tract infections (RTIs) among children. Interrupted time series (ITS). Children aged 0-12 years living in Scotland during 1996-2012. National comprehensive smoke-free legislation (March 2006). Acute RTI events in the Scottish Morbidity Record-01 and/or National Records of Scotland Death Records. 135 134 RTI events were observed over 155 million patient-months. In our prespecified negative binomial regression model accounting for underlying temporal trends, seasonality, sex, age group, region, urbanisation level, socioeconomic status and seven-valent pneumococcal vaccination status, smoke-free legislation was associated with an immediate rise in RTI events (incidence rate ratio (IRR)=1.24, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.28) and an additional gradual increase (IRR=1.05/year, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.06). Given this unanticipated finding, we conducted a number of post hoc exploratory analyses. Among these, automatic break point detection indicated that the rise in RTI events actually preceded the smoke-free law by 16 months. When accounting for this break point, smoke-free legislation was associated with a gradual decrease in acute RTI events: IRR=0.91/year, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.96. Our prespecified ITS approach suggested that implementation of smoke-free legislation in Scotland was associated with an increase in paediatric RTI events. We were concerned that this result, which contradicted published evidence, was spurious. The association was indeed reversed when accounting for an unanticipated antecedent break point in the temporal trend, suggesting that the legislation may in fact be protective. ITS analyses should be subjected to comprehensive robustness checks to assess consistency. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Editorial: Children's Books on the Rack.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heins, Ethel L.

1980-01-01

Discusses and deplores two recent assaults on alleged sexism, racism, and prejudice against the handicapped in children's literary classics; states the author's agreement with another author's belief that people cannot legislate their literary heritage without wiping out most of the world's literature. (GT)

Relating to the disapproval of the President's exercise of authority to suspend the debt limit, as submitted under section 1002(b) of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014 on October 17, 2013.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Rep. Young, Todd C. [R-IN-9

2013-10-28

Senate - 10/31/2013 Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 232, Pursuant to Sec. 1002 of Public Law 113-46. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Passed HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

[Oocyte and embryo donation and surrogacy. Religious, medico-social, ethical, financial and legal problems].

PubMed

Kozovski, I; Kovachev, M; Angelova, K; Alexandrov, K; Kozovski, G; Markova, V

2010-01-01

The authors quote and discuss the postulates of the Orthodox, Jewish, Catholic and Islamic religions towards ART as well as worldwide legislations and standards and the attitude of female students of medicine in Varna. Indications of oocyte and embryo donation and surrogacy are proposed but all kinds or surrogacy should be permitted. The ART legislation and standards in Bulgaria should be thoroughly revised.

Fitness to drive in patients with brain tumours: the influence of mandatory reporting legislation on radiation oncologists in Canada.

PubMed

Louie, A V; D'Souza, D P; Palma, D A; Bauman, G S; Lock, M; Fisher, B; Patil, N; Rodrigues, G B

2012-06-01

Certain jurisdictions in Canada legally require that physicians report unfit drivers. Physician attitudes and patterns of practice have yet to be evaluated in Canada for patients with brain tumours. We conducted a survey of 97 radiation oncologists, eliciting demographics, knowledge of reporting laws, and attitudes on reporting guidelines for unfit drivers. Eight scenarios with varying disability levels were presented to determine the likelihood of a patient being reported as unfit to drive. Statistical comparisons were made using the Fisher exact test. Of physicians approached, 99% responded, and 97 physicians participated. Most respondents (87%) felt that laws in their province governing the reporting of medically unfit drivers were unclear. Of the responding physicians, 23 (24%) were unable to correctly identify whether their province had mandatory reporting legislation. Physicians from provinces without mandatory reporting legislation were significantly less likely to consider reporting patients to provincial authorities (p = 0.001), and for all clinical scenarios, the likelihood of reporting significantly depended on the physician's provincial legal obligations. The presence of provincial legislation is of primary importance in determining whether physicians will report brain tumour patients to drivers' licensing authorities. In Canada, clear guidelines have to be developed to help in the assessment of whether brain tumour patients should drive.

7 CFR 282.1 - Legislative authority and notice requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Section 282.1 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD STAMP AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM DEMONSTRATION, RESEARCH, AND... 17 of the Act authorizes the Secretary to conduct demonstration, research, and evaluation projects...

Deafness and Rubella: A Challenge and a Charge to Rehabilitation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mills, Craig

1980-01-01

Summarizing salient information from the preceding papers (EC 132 316-326), the author cites nine major issues and recommendations, including the fact that considerable underutilized legislation should be brought to bear on the needs of children and adults with rubella. (Author)

Legislative and Regulatory Authority for Reviewing New Chemicals under TSCA

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Section 5 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) gives EPA the authority to require anyone who plans to manufacture a new chemical substance for a non-exempt commercial purpose to provide EPA with notice 90 days before initiating the activity.

Barriers to the operation of mental health legislation in Australian emergency departments: a qualitative analysis.

PubMed

Jelinek, George; Mackinlay, Claire; Weiland, Tracey; Hill, Nicole; Gerdtz, Marie

2011-06-01

This study aimed to describe the perceived barriers faced by emergency clinicians in utilising mental health legislation in Australian hospital emergency departments. A semi-structured interview methodology was used to assess what barriers emergency department doctors and nurses perceive in the operation of mental health legislation. Key findings from the interview data were drawn in accordance with the most commonly represented themes. A total of 36 interviews were conducted with 20 members of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine and 16 members of the College for Emergency Nursing Australasia representing the various Australian jurisdictions. Most concerning to clinicians were the effects of access block and overcrowding on the appropriate use of mental health legislation, and the substandard medical care that mental health patients received as a result of long periods in the emergency department. Many respondents were concerned about the lack of applicability of mental health legislation to the emergency department environment, variation in legislation between States and Territories causing problems for clinicians working interstate, and a lack of knowledge and training in mental health legislation. Many felt that clarification of legislative issues around duty of care and intoxicated or violent patients was required. The authors conclude that access block has detrimental effects on emergency mental health care as it does in other areas of emergency medicine. Consideration should be given to uniform national mental health legislation to better serve the needs of people with mental health emergencies.

Insulin Treatment Cannot Promote Lipogenesis in Rat Fetal Lung in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Because of Failure to Redress the Imbalance Among SREBP-1, SCAP, and INSIG-1.

PubMed

Li, Jinyan; Qian, Guanhua; Zhong, Xiaocui; Yu, Tinghe

2018-03-01

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has a higher incidence of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, and lipogenesis is required for the synthesis of pulmonary surfactants. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of insulin treatment in GDM on the production of lipids in the lungs of fetal rats. GDM was induced by streptozotocin, and insulin was used to manage diabetes. Type II alveolar epithelial cells (AEC II), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung tissues of the neonatal rats were sampled for analyses. Insulin treatment could not decrease plasma glucose to normal level at a later gestational stage. Lipids/phospholipids in AEC II, BALF, and lung tissues decreased in GDM, and insulin treatment could not increase the levels; quantitative PCR and western blotting demonstrated a lower level of sterol regulator element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1), SREBP cleavage-activating protein (SCAP), and insulin-induced gene 1 (INSIG-1) in GDM, but insulin treatment upregulated only SREBP-1. Nuclear translocation of the SREBP-1 protein in AEC II was impaired in GDM, which could not be ameliorated by insulin treatment. These findings indicated that insulin treatment in GDM cannot promote lipogenesis in the fetal lung because of failure to redress the imbalance among SREBP-1, SCAP, and INSIG-1.

Experiments in progress: The geography of science in the Atomic Energy Commission's peaceful uses of nuclear explosives program, 1956-1973

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirsch, Scott Lawrence

From 1957 to 1973, the United States Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) actively pursued the "peaceful uses of nuclear explosives" through Project Plowshare. Nuclear excavation, the detonation of shallowly buried hydrogen bombs for massive earthmoving projects like harbors and canals, was considered the most promising of the Plowshare applications, and for a time, the most economically and technically "feasible." With a basis in and contributing to theory in critical human geography and science studies, the purpose of this dissertation is to examine the collisions of science, ideology, and politics which kept Plowshare designs alive--but only as "experiments in progress." That is, this research asks how the experimental program persisted in places like the national weapons laboratory in Livermore, California, and how its ideas were tested at the nuclear test site in Nevada, yet Plowshare was kept out of those spaces beyond AEC control. Primary research focuses on AEC-related archival materials collected from the Department of Energy Coordination and Information Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, and from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, as well as the public discourse through which support for and opposition to Plowshare projects was voiced. Through critical analysis of Plowshare's grandiose "geographical engineering" schemes, I thus examine the complex relations between the social construction of science and technology, on one hand, and the social production of space, on the other.

Integrated Transcriptomic and Epigenomic Analysis of Primary Human Lung Epithelial Cell Differentiation

PubMed Central

Marconett, Crystal N.; Zhou, Beiyun; Rieger, Megan E.; Selamat, Suhaida A.; Dubourd, Mickael; Fang, Xiaohui; Lynch, Sean K.; Stueve, Theresa Ryan; Siegmund, Kimberly D.; Berman, Benjamin P.

2013-01-01

Elucidation of the epigenetic basis for cell-type specific gene regulation is key to gaining a full understanding of how the distinct phenotypes of differentiated cells are achieved and maintained. Here we examined how epigenetic changes are integrated with transcriptional activation to determine cell phenotype during differentiation. We performed epigenomic profiling in conjunction with transcriptomic profiling using in vitro differentiation of human primary alveolar epithelial cells (AEC). This model recapitulates an in vivo process in which AEC transition from one differentiated cell type to another during regeneration following lung injury. Interrogation of histone marks over time revealed enrichment of specific transcription factor binding motifs within regions of changing chromatin structure. Cross-referencing of these motifs with pathways showing transcriptional changes revealed known regulatory pathways of distal alveolar differentiation, such as the WNT and transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) pathways, and putative novel regulators of adult AEC differentiation including hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4A), and the retinoid X receptor (RXR) signaling pathways. Inhibition of the RXR pathway confirmed its functional relevance for alveolar differentiation. Our incorporation of epigenetic data allowed specific identification of transcription factors that are potential direct upstream regulators of the differentiation process, demonstrating the power of this approach. Integration of epigenomic data with transcriptomic profiling has broad application for the identification of regulatory pathways in other models of differentiation. PMID:23818859

33 CFR 263.26 - Small beach erosion control project authority (Section 103).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Small beach erosion control....26 Small beach erosion control project authority (Section 103). (a) Legislative authority. Section 103(a) of the River and Harbor Act of 1962, as amended by section 310 of the River and Harbor Act of...

75 FR 36426 - Legislative Changes to Nursing Student Loan Program Authorized Under Title VIII of the Public...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-25

... Changes to Nursing Student Loan Program Authorized Under Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act....) 111-148. Section 5202 of the ACA changes the Nursing Student Loan (NSL) program by: (1) Increasing the.... SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Nursing Student Loan (NSL) program was authorized by the Nurse Training Act of...

The history, development and the present status of the radon measurement programme in the United States of America.

PubMed

George, A C

2015-11-01

The US radon measurement programme began in the late 1950s by the US Public Health Service in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah during the uranium frenzy. After the 1967 Congressional Hearings on the working conditions in uranium mines, the US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) was asked to conduct studies in active uranium mines to assess the exposure of the miners on the Colorado Plateau and in New Mexico. From 1967 to 1972, the Health and Safety Laboratory of the US AEC in New York investigated more than 20 uranium mines for radon and radon decay product concentrations and particle size in 4 large uranium mines in New Mexico. In 1970, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established and took over some of the AEC radon measurement activities. Between 1975 and 1978, the Environmental Measurements Laboratory of the US Department of Energy conducted the first detailed indoor radon survey in the USA. Later in 1984, the very high concentrations of radon found in Pennsylvania homes set the wheels in motion and gave birth to the US Radon Industry. The US EPA expanded its involvement in radon issues and assumed an active role by establishing the National Radon Proficiency Program to evaluate the effectiveness of radon measurement and mitigation methods. In 1998, due to limited resources EPA privatised the radon programme. This paper presents a personal perspective of past events and current status of the US radon programme. It will present an update on radon health effects, the incidence rate of lung cancer in the USA and the number of radon measurements made from 1988 to 2013 using short-term test methods. More than 23 million measurements were made in the last 25 y and as a result more than 1.24 million homes were mitigated successfully. It is estimated that <2 % of the radon measurements performed in the USA are made using long-term testing devices. The number of homes above the US action level of 148 Bq m(-3) (4 pCi l(-1)) may be ∼8.5 million because ∼50 million homes were added since 1990 to the home inventory. This paper will discuss the current instruments and methods used to measure radon in the USA, and what is the effectiveness of radon resistant new construction, the current status of mitigation standards and the proposed testing protocols in schools and large buildings. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The road to pharmacist prescribing in Alberta Health Services.

PubMed

Gray, Margaret; Mysak, Tania

2016-09-15

The implementation of policy within a health organization to support a new legislative and regulatory framework of pharmacist prescribing in the Canadian province of Alberta is described. The evolution of pharmacists' practice activities to encompass medication management through independent prescribing authority has occurred in many jurisdictions around the world. In 2007, Alberta pharmacists were granted the most progressive scope of practice in all of North America. Pursuant to a series of legislative and regulatory initiatives enacted since 2000, the provincial health authority, Alberta Health Services (AHS), has worked to (1) establish a policy framework that supports pharmacist prescribing, (2) provide opportunities for pharmacist prescribing in both inpatient and ambulatory care practice environments, and (3) provide motivation and resources for AHS pharmacists to acquire "additional prescribing authorization" (APA) that enables them to independently prescribe and manage patients' ongoing drug therapy. Pharmacists with APA currently are permitted to prescribe all medications requiring a prescription, with the exception of opiates and other controlled substances; efforts to expand pharmacist prescribing to include those medications are ongoing. Currently, nearly half of all AHS pharmacists have APA. The health authority plans to make APA a standard expectation for all clinical pharmacists working in collaborative practice settings. Opportunities provided to Alberta pharmacists by legislation have been embraced by the provincial health authority. The AHS leadership remains committed to ensuring that its pharmacists practice to the full extent of their scope of practice and actively encourages and supports them in their efforts to provide optimal patient care. Copyright © 2016 by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. All rights reserved.

A bill to preserve State and institutional authority relating to State authorization and the definition of credit hour.

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. Burr, Richard [R-NC

2011-06-29

Senate - 06/29/2011 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

EU's new pharmacovigilance legislation: considerations for biosimilars.

PubMed

Calvo, Begoña; Zuñiga, Leyre

2014-01-01

Biosimilars are biological medicines, the active substances of which are highly similar to those of biologics that have already been authorized. As for any other medicine, the applicant of the biosimilar marketing authorization must submit a risk-management plan (RMP)/pharmacovigilance plan. The pharmacovigilance plan should take into account risks identified during product development, the potential risks and how those risks will be addressed after authorization of the product.Recently, new European Pharmacovigilance legislation has been implemented, ensuring proper risk management through the recording of suspected adverse drug reactions and data collection from all stakeholders. The new regulation entails a reduction of the administrative burden on companies and regulatory agencies, as obligations of the responsible parties are clearly established and duplication of effort avoided.This article analyzes the new European Pharmacovigilance System requirements, with special focus on those medicines requiring additional monitoring, such as biosimilars, which are priorities for pharmacovigilance. Further, it provides the new obligations to marketing authorization holders, such as the continuous benefit-risk assessment.

REMOVAL OF RADIOACTIVE IONS FROM WATERS

DOEpatents

Silker, W.B.

1962-04-10

A process for removing neutron-reaction products, such as phosphorus, arsenic, manganese, copper, zinc, lanthanides, and actinides, from aqueous solutions by sorption on particles of aluminum metal is described. (AEC)

RECONDITIONING FUEL ELEMENTS

DOEpatents

Brandt, H.L.

1962-02-20

A process is given for decanning fuel elements that consist of a uranium core, an intermediate section either of bronze, silicon, Al-Si, and uranium silicide layers or of lead, Al-Si, and uranium silicide layers around said core, and an aluminum can bonded to said intermediate section. The aluminum can is dissolved in a solution of sodium hydroxide (9 to 20 wt%) and sodium nitrate (35 to 12 wt %), and the layers of the intermediate section are dissolved in a boiling sodium hydroxide solution of a minimum concentration of 50 wt%. (AEC) A method of selectively reducing plutonium oxides and the rare earth oxides but not uranium oxides is described which comprises placing the oxides in a molten solvent of zinc or cadmium and then adding metallic uranium as a reducing agent. (AEC)

A bill to authorize the acquisition and protection of nationally significant battlefields and associated sites of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 under the American Battlefield Protection Program.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Holt, Rush [D-NJ-12

2009-03-24

Senate - 03/02/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 302. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see H.R.146, which became Public Law 111-11 on 3/30/2009. Tracker: This bill has the status Passed HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Gray Zone Legislation and Activities: Evaluating the Orchestration of Convergence Within the Gray Zone

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-01

SCHOOL OF ADVANCED AIR AND SPACE STUDIES AIR UNIVERSITY MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, ALABAMA JUNE 2017 DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for public ...Each case study demonstrates how convergence and divergence is heavily influenced by public support and political will. Public support—a population’s...varies within each case study and takes cues from public support. The author concludes by illustrating how legislation had a minimal role in

A joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the President's exercise of authority to increase the debt limit, as submitted under section 3101A of title 31, United States Code, on January 12, 2012

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY

2012-01-23

Senate - 01/23/2012 Introduced in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 295 pursuant to P.L. 112-25, sec. 301(a)(2). (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

USSR Report, USA: Economics, Politics, Ideology, No. 9. September 1984.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-12-10

refe- rences to the constitutional principle of the separation of powers and insisted on the effective exercise of powers by the Congress and the...authors of the constitution did not have our discomfort in mind when they composed this document. They wanted accounta- bility and the separation of powers . They...integral part of the constitutional separation of powers . The legislative veto, in accordance with the constitution, could be regarded as a legislative

Theoretical and Practical Issues of the Implementation of International Norms on Human Rights to the National Legislation (the Example of the Republic of Azerbaijan)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aliyev, Subhan F.

2016-01-01

The purpose of the study is to analyze the features of the implementation of international norms on human rights to the national law system of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Using the method of the critical analysis of national legislative framework on human rights, the authors argue that there are some certain problems connected with the application…

Relating to the disapproval of the President's exercise of authority to increase the debt limit, as submitted under section 3101A of title 31, United States Code, on August 2, 2011.

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Rep. Reed, Tom [R-NY-29

2011-09-07

Senate - 09/15/2011 Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 168 pursuant to Public Law 112-25, Section 301(a)(2). (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Passed HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

PARTICLE SEPARATION METHOD

DOEpatents

Anderson, N.G.

1963-01-29

An improved method of sedimentation is described. A series of spaced surfaces of powdered material positioned normal to the centrifugal field concentrates the larger, slower moving molecules of a liquid and hastens sedimentation. (AEC)

NUCLEAR REACTOR

DOEpatents

Sherman, J.; Sharbaugh, J.E.; Fauth, W.L. Jr.; Palladino, N.J.; DeHuff, P.G.

1962-10-23

A nuclear reactor incorporating seed and blanket assemblies is designed. Means are provided for obtaining samples of the coolant from the blanket assemblies and for varying the flow of coolant through the blanket assemblies. (AEC)

METHOD OF BRAZING

DOEpatents

Patriarca, P.; Slaughter, G.M.

1962-11-27

A method of joining metal surfaces is given. Surfaces having nickel or iron as the base metal are joined together with a brazing composition consisting of 80% nickel, 10% phosphorus, and 10% chromium. (AEC)

Delivering organisational adaptation through legislative mechanisms: Evidence from the Adaptation Reporting Power (Climate Change Act 2008).

PubMed

Jude, S R; Drew, G H; Pollard, S J T; Rocks, S A; Jenkinson, K; Lamb, R

2017-01-01

There is increasing recognition that organisations, particularly in key infrastructure sectors, are potentially vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather events, and require organisational responses to ensure they are resilient and adaptive. However, detailed evidence of how adaptation is facilitated, implemented and reported, particularly through legislative mechanisms is lacking. The United Kingdom Climate Change Act (2008), introduced the Adaptation Reporting Power, enabling the Government to direct so-called reporting authorities to report their climate change risks and adaptation plans. We describe the authors' unique role and experience supporting the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) during the Adaptation Reporting Power's first round. An evaluation framework, used to review the adaptation reports, is presented alongside evidence on how the process provides new insights into adaptation activities and triggered organisational change in 78% of reporting authorities, including the embedding of climate risk and adaptation issues. The role of legislative mechanisms and risk-based approaches in driving and delivering adaptation is discussed alongside future research needs, including the development of organisational maturity models to determine resilient and well adapting organisations. The Adaptation Reporting Power process provides a basis for similar initiatives in other countries, although a clear engagement strategy to ensure buy-in to the process and research on its long-term legacy, including the potential merits of voluntary approaches, is required. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Review: In vivo and postmortem effects of feed antioxidants in livestock: a review of the implications on authorization of antioxidant feed additives.

PubMed

Salami, S A; Guinguina, A; Agboola, J O; Omede, A A; Agbonlahor, E M; Tayyab, U

2016-08-01

The pivotal roles of regulatory jurisdictions in the feed additive sector cannot be over-emphasized. In the European Union (EU), antioxidant substances are authorized as feed additives for prolonging the shelf life of feedstuffs based on their effect for preventing lipid peroxidation. However, the efficacy of antioxidants transcends their functional use as technological additives in animal feeds. Promising research results have revealed the in vivo efficacy of dietary antioxidants for combating oxidative stress in production animals. The in vivo effect of antioxidants is significant for enhancing animal health and welfare. Similarly, postmortem effect of dietary antioxidants has been demonstrated to improve the nutritional, organoleptic and shelf-life qualities of animal products. In practice, dietary antioxidants have been traditionally used by farmers for these benefits in livestock production. However, some antioxidants particularly when supplemented in excess could act as prooxidants and exert detrimental effects on animal well-being and product quality. Presently, there is no exclusive legislation in the EU to justify the authorization of antioxidant products for these in vivo and postmortem efficacy claims. To indicate these efficacy claims and appropriate dosage on product labels, it is important to broaden the authorization status of antioxidants through the appraisal of existing EU legislations on feed additives. Such regulatory review will have major impact on the legislative categorization of antioxidants and the efficacy assessment in the technical dossier application. The present review harnesses the scientific investigations of these efficacy claims in production animals and, proposes potential categorization and appraisal of in vivo methodologies for efficacy assessment of antioxidants. This review further elucidates the implication of such regulatory review on the practical application of antioxidants as feed additives in livestock production. Effecting these regulatory changes will stimulate the innovation of more potent antioxidant products and create potential new markets that will have profound economic impacts on the feed additive industry. Based on the in vivo efficacy claims, antioxidants may have to contend with the legislative controversy of either to be considered as veterinary drugs or feed additives. In this scenario, antioxidants are not intended to diagnose or cure diseases as ascribed to veterinary products. This twisted distinction can be logically debated with reference to the stipulated status of feed additives in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. Nonetheless, it is imperative for relevant stakeholders in the feed additive industry to lobby for the review of existing EU legislations for authorization of antioxidants for these efficacy claims.

28 CFR 65.11 - Limitations on fund and other assistance use.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... justice matters. (d) Federal law enforcement personnel. Nothing in the enabling legislation authorizes the use of Federal law enforcement personnel to investigate violations of criminal law other than... to authorize the Attorney General or the Federal law enforcement community to exercise any direction...

28 CFR 65.11 - Limitations on fund and other assistance use.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... justice matters. (d) Federal law enforcement personnel. Nothing in the enabling legislation authorizes the use of Federal law enforcement personnel to investigate violations of criminal law other than... to authorize the Attorney General or the Federal law enforcement community to exercise any direction...

28 CFR 65.11 - Limitations on fund and other assistance use.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... justice matters. (d) Federal law enforcement personnel. Nothing in the enabling legislation authorizes the use of Federal law enforcement personnel to investigate violations of criminal law other than... to authorize the Attorney General or the Federal law enforcement community to exercise any direction...

28 CFR 65.11 - Limitations on fund and other assistance use.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... justice matters. (d) Federal law enforcement personnel. Nothing in the enabling legislation authorizes the use of Federal law enforcement personnel to investigate violations of criminal law other than... to authorize the Attorney General or the Federal law enforcement community to exercise any direction...

28 CFR 65.11 - Limitations on fund and other assistance use.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... justice matters. (d) Federal law enforcement personnel. Nothing in the enabling legislation authorizes the use of Federal law enforcement personnel to investigate violations of criminal law other than... to authorize the Attorney General or the Federal law enforcement community to exercise any direction...

76 FR 65197 - Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-20

... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Statement of... Delegations of Authority for the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid.... Collaborates with OL on the development and advancement of new legislative initiatives and improvements. Serves...

Effect of Government Regulation on the Evolution of Sports Nutrition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collins, Rick; Kalman, Douglas

The sports nutrition segment of the dietary supplement industry enjoyed nearly a decade of unfettered growth under federal legislation passed in 1994. A series of breakthroughs in the dietary supplement field led to the development and marketing of innovative products designed to enhance performance, build muscle, or lose excess fat. As the popularity of these products soared and evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry, the sports nutrition supplement market drew the attention of federal and state regulatory bodies and sports antidoping authorities. Growing concerns over potential health risks and unfair athletic advantages have spurred government regulators and legislators to heighten the scrutiny of this market, leading to recent legislative amendments and increased government enforcement action.

Increase in best practice child car restraint use for children aged 2-5 years in low socioeconomic areas after introduction of mandatory child restraint laws.

PubMed

Brown, Julie; Keay, Lisa; Hunter, Kate; Bilston, Lynne E; Simpson, Judy M; Ivers, Rebecca

2013-06-01

To examine changes in child car restraint practices in low socioeconomic areas following the introduction of mandatory child car restraint legislation in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Data from two cross-sectional studies of child car restraint use at pre-schools, early childhood centres and primary schools before and after the introduction of legislating mandatory age-appropriate car restraint use for children up to the age of seven years was used in this analysis. All included observations were from local government areas with socioeconomic status in the lowest 30% of urban Sydney. Children aged 2-5 years were observed in their vehicles as they arrived at observation sites (107 pre-legislation, 360 post-legislation). Multilevel logistic regression was used to examine changes in observed age-appropriate and correct use of car restraints. Age-appropriate car restraint use was higher post-legislation than pre-legislation. After controlling for child's age, parental income, language spoken at home and adjusting for clustering, the odds of children being appropriately restrained post-legislation were 2.3 times higher than in the pre-legislation sample, and the odds of them being correctly restrained were 1.6 times greater. Results indicate an improvement in car restraint practices among children aged 2-5 in low socioeconomic areas after introduction of child restraint laws. Implications : Despite improvements observed with enhanced legislation, further efforts are required to increase optimal child car restraint use. © 2013 The Authors. ANZJPH © 2013 Public Health Association of Australia.

The Pistoia Alliance Controlled Substance Compliance Service Project: from start to finish.

PubMed

Taylor, Daniel; Bowden, Stuart G; Knorr, Reinhard; Wilson, Derek R; Proudfoot, John; Dunlop, Anne E

2015-02-01

Pharmaceutical companies and other life science R&D organizations routinely work with controlled substances, and must have adequate controls in place to meet the legislative requirements of the countries in which they operate. Controlled substances include a range of narcotics and psychotropic drugs, which are covered by increasingly complex legislation as legislators attempt to keep up with a rapidly changing environment. This legislation must be interpreted and transformed from legal wording into chemical structures to be used effectively. Over the past year a working party of pharmaceutical and technology companies has come together under the umbrella of the Pistoia Alliance to define a Controlled Substance Compliance Service. We describe the benefits of bringing together this group of experts to solve the pre-competitive issue of controlled substance management. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

The impact of the 2010 Polish smoke-free legislation on the popularity and sales of electronic cigarettes.

PubMed

Goniewicz, Maciej L; Kosmider, Leon; Delijewski, Marcin; Knysak, Jakub; Ochota, Patryk; Sobczak, Andrzej

2014-06-01

Electronic cigarettes, also called e-cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), have become widely available globally, particularly via the Internet. They are considered by many users as a safe alternative to regular cigarettes, and some use them for smoking cessation. We investigated whether the implementation of new tobacco control legislation in Poland affected the popularity and sales of ENDS. This study monitored Google searches and online sales before and after the implementation of new tobacco control legislation in November 2010. The study demonstrated that the implementation of the smoke-free legislation was associated with only a temporary increase in ENDS online popularity in Poland. In longer time frames, there was decrease in ENDS online popularity and sales in Poland after implementation of the smoke-free policy. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association. All rights reserved.

FLUORINATION OF OXIDIC NUCLEAR FUEL

DOEpatents

Mecham, W.J.; Gabor, J.D.

1963-07-23

A process of volatilizing fissionable material away from fission products, present together in neutron-bombarded uranium oxide, by reaction with an oxygen-fluorine mixture at 350 to 500 deg C is described. (AEC)

MEASURING CIRCUIT

DOEpatents

Mahoney, J.R.

1963-01-29

A measuring and balancing arrangement for mass spectrometers permits the ready determination of isotopic ratios and mole and weight percentages by employing a selection of amplifier input resistors to vary sensitivity in a bridge arrangement. (AEC)

Gene p63: In ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia clefting, ankyloblepharon-ectodermal dysplasia, Rapp-Hodgkin syndrome.

PubMed

van Straten, Cornelia; Butow, Kurt-W

2013-01-01

An analysis was made of three different syndromes associated with p63 gene mutations, known as ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting syndrome (EEC), ankyloblepharon-ectodermal dysplasia clefting syndrome (AEC or Hay-Wells) and Rapp-Hodgkin syndrome (RHS). The postoperative complications associated with their cleft reconstructions were also evaluated. Extensive demographic information, in particular of the clinical appearances, associated malformations, and the types and complications of the reconstructive surgical procedures, were recorded of these syndromic cases occurring in a database of 3621 facial cleft deformity patients. The data was analyzed using the Microsoft Excel program. A total of 10 (0.28%) cases of p63 associated syndromes were recorded: EEC (6), RHS (3), and AEC (1). The following clinical cleft appearances were noted - EEC = 6: CLA 1 -right side unilateral (female); CLAP 4 - right side (1) + left side (1) unilateral (male + female); bilateral (2) (males); hPsP 1 (female) (divided in 3 Black, 2 White, 1 Indian); RHS = 3: CLAP 2 (White males); hPsP 1 (White female); AEC = 1: CLAP bilateral (White male). Other features of the syndromes were: skin, hand, foot, tooth, hair and nail involvement, and light sensitivity. Postoperative complications included: (i) stenosis of nasal opening, especially after reconstruction of the bilateral cleft lip and the columella lengthening (2 cases), (ii) premaxilla-prolabium fusion (2 cases), (iii) repeated occurrence of oro-nasal fistula in the hard palate (4 cases), and (iv) dysgnathial development of midfacial structures (3 cases). Three different p63 associated syndromes (EEC, AEC, and RHS) were diagnosed (0.27% of the total facial cleft deformities database). The majority of the cases presented with a bilateral CLAP in males only. A number of females and males had unilateral CLA. The hPsP-cleft was recorded in females only. The associated ectodermal component most probably had a profoundly negative influence on postoperatively wound healing, which was observed in particular at the nasal openings, the premaxilla sulcus and in the hard palate mucosa. The reconstruction of p63 associated syndromes is a greater challenge than the usual cleft reconstruction to the surgeon.

Role of p53–fibrinolytic system cross-talk in the regulation of quartz-induced lung injury

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

Bhandary, Yashodhar P.; Shetty, Shwetha K.; Marudamuthu, Amarnath S.

2015-03-01

Silica is the major component of airborne dust generated by wind, manufacturing and/or demolition. Chronic occupational inhalation of silica dust containing crystalline quartz is by far the predominant form of silicosis in humans. Silicosis is a progressive lung disease that typically arises after a very long latency and is a major occupational concern with no known effective treatment. The mechanism of silicosis is not clearly understood. However, silicosis is associated with increased cell death, expression of redox enzymes and pro-fibrotic cytokines and chemokines. Since alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) death and disruption of alveolar fibrinolysis is often associated with both acutemore » and chronic lung injuries, we explored whether p53-mediated changes in the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system contributes to silica-induced lung injury. We further sought to determine whether caveolin-1 scaffolding domain peptide (CSP), which inhibits p53 expression, mitigates lung injury associated with exposure to silica. Lung tissues and AECs isolated from wild-type (WT) mice exposed to silica exhibit increased apoptosis, p53 and PAI-1, and suppression of uPA expression. Treatment of WT mice with CSP inhibits PAI-1, restores uPA expression and prevents AEC apoptosis by suppressing p53, which is otherwise induced in mice exposed to silica. The process involves CSP-mediated inhibition of serine-15 phosphorylation of p53 by inhibition of protein phosphatase 2A-C (PP2A-C) interaction with silica-induced caveolin-1 in AECs. These observations suggest that changes in the p53–uPA fibrinolytic system cross-talk contribute to lung injury caused by inhalation of silica dust containing crystalline quartz and is protected by CSP by targeting this pathway. - Highlights: • Chronic exposure to quartz dusts is a major cause of lung injury and silicosis. • The survival of patients with silicosis is bleak due to lack of effective treatments. • This study defines a new role of p53–uPA cross-talk in quartz-induced lung injury. • Targeting the p53–uPA system inhibits ATII cell/lung injury due to quartz exposure.« less

Family Violence in Domestic Homicides: A Case Study of Women Who Killed Intimate Partners Post-Legislative Reform in Victoria, Australia.

PubMed

Tyson, Danielle; Kirkwood, Deborah; Mckenzie, Mandy

2016-05-18

This article examines the impact of legislative reforms enacted in 2005 in Victoria, Australia, on legal responses to women charged with murder for killing their intimate partner. The reforms provided for a broader understanding of the context of family violence to be considered in such cases, but we found little evidence of this in practice. This is partly attributable to persistent misconceptions among the legal profession about family violence and why women may believe it necessary to kill a partner. We recommend specialized training for legal professionals and increased use of family violence evidence to help ensure women's claims of self-defense receive appropriate responses from Victorian courts. © The Author(s) 2016.

76 FR 44933 - Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-27

...) Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights (FCA) Office of Legislation (FCC) Office of the Actuary (FCE... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Statement of... Delegations of Authority for the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid...

44 CFR 208.3 - Authority for the National US&R Response System.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Order 12148. (b) Implementing plan. The National Response Plan identifies DHS as the primary Federal...&R Response System. 208.3 Section 208.3 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY... RESPONSE SYSTEM General § 208.3 Authority for the National US&R Response System. (a) Enabling legislation...

44 CFR 208.3 - Authority for the National US&R Response System.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... Order 12148. (b) Implementing plan. The National Response Plan identifies DHS as the primary Federal...&R Response System. 208.3 Section 208.3 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY... RESPONSE SYSTEM General § 208.3 Authority for the National US&R Response System. (a) Enabling legislation...

44 CFR 208.3 - Authority for the National US&R Response System.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... Order 12148. (b) Implementing plan. The National Response Plan identifies DHS as the primary Federal...&R Response System. 208.3 Section 208.3 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY... RESPONSE SYSTEM General § 208.3 Authority for the National US&R Response System. (a) Enabling legislation...

44 CFR 208.3 - Authority for the National US&R Response System.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Order 12148. (b) Implementing plan. The National Response Plan identifies DHS as the primary Federal...&R Response System. 208.3 Section 208.3 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY... RESPONSE SYSTEM General § 208.3 Authority for the National US&R Response System. (a) Enabling legislation...

44 CFR 208.3 - Authority for the National US&R Response System.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... Order 12148. (b) Implementing plan. The National Response Plan identifies DHS as the primary Federal...&R Response System. 208.3 Section 208.3 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY... RESPONSE SYSTEM General § 208.3 Authority for the National US&R Response System. (a) Enabling legislation...

NOVEL FLOW DEVICE

DOEpatents

Brockwell, R.E.

1963-11-26

The design of hollow, porous-walled articles is presented. By this invention a hollow, porous-walled article is made by stacking thin, centrally apertured plates having grooves extending from their central aperture to their periphery. (AEC)

Pot, politics and the press--reflections on cannabis law reform in Western Australia.

PubMed

Lenton, Simon

2004-06-01

Windows of opportunity for changing drug laws open infrequently and they often close without legislative change being affected. In this paper the author, who has been intimately involved in the process, describes how evidence-based recommendations to 'decriminalize' cannabis have recently been progressed through public debate and the political process to become law in Western Australia (WA). The Cannabis Control Bill 2003 passed the WA Parliament on 23 September. The Bill, the legislative backing behind the Cannabis Infringement Notice (CIN) Scheme, came into effect on 22 March 2004. This made WA the fourth Australian jurisdiction, after South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory, to adopt a prohibition with civil penalties scheme for minor cannabis offences. This paper describes some of the background to the scheme, the process by which it has become law, the main provisions of the scheme and its evaluation. It includes reflections on the role of politics and the press in the process. The process of implementation and evaluation are outlined by the author, foreshadowing an ongoing opportunity to understand the impact of the change in legislation.

[Tuberculosis and refusal of treatment: resorting to legislation on serious health threats].

PubMed

Bouvet, R; Le Gueut, M

2013-06-01

Clinicians are regularly confronted with the question of refusal of treatment from patients with tuberculosis. For several years, the French public health authorities have been studying the possibility of compelling treatment or isolation, but no plan has been implemented even though European and American experiences have shown the effectiveness of restrictive measures. Neither the statutory exceptions to the principle of consent to medical treatment nor the conditions of implementation of "required care" allow legally binding measures against patients refusing care or isolation. The legislation on serious health threats has recently been applied to the situation of a refusal of treatment in the context of tuberculosis. It allowed the patient to be ordered to observe prescribed care and the possibility of forced isolation in the event of breach of this order. The legislation on serious health threats is a response to the question of refusal of treatment from patients with tuberculosis. However the opinion of the legal authority as to its necessity and proportionality to the risk remains unknown. Copyright © 2013 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Moderate Effects of Same-Sex Legislation on Dependent Employer-Based Insurance Coverage Among Sexual Minorities.

PubMed

Tran, Linda Diem

2016-12-01

A difference-in-difference approach was used to compare the effects of same-sex domestic partnership, civil union, and marriage policies on same- and different-sex partners who could have benefitted from their partners' employer-based insurance (EBI) coverage. Same-sex partners had 78% lower odds (Marginal Effect = -21%) of having EBI compared with different-sex partners, adjusting for socioeconomic and health-related factors. Same-sex partners living in states that recognized same-sex marriage or domestic partnership had 89% greater odds of having EBI compared with those in states that did not recognize same-sex unions (ME = 5%). The impact of same-sex legislation on increasing take-up of dependent EBI coverage among lesbians, gay men, and bisexual individuals was modest, and domestic partnership legislation was equally as effective as same-sex marriage in increasing same-sex partner EBI coverage. Extending dependent EBI coverage to same-sex partners can mitigate gaps in coverage for a segment of the lesbians, gay men, and bisexual population but will not eliminate them. © The Author(s) 2016.

Iraq: Oil and Gas Legislation, Revenue Sharing, and U.S. Policy

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-10-02

INOC , and Annex 4 delineated 65 exploration blocks. The KRG posted its analysis of the draft annexes on its website, available at [http://www.krg.org...legislative package are proposed laws that will reorganize Iraq’s Ministry of Oil and establish an Iraqi National Oil Company ( INOC ). Under the hydrocarbon...framework law, the responsibilities and authorities of the Ministry of Oil and the INOC would be altered significantly, and the draft Ministry and INOC

Protecting Animals and Enabling Research in the European Union: An Overview of Development and Implementation of Directive 2010/63/EU.

PubMed

Olsson, I Anna S; Silva, Sandra Pinto da; Townend, David; Sandøe, Peter

2016-05-01

In 1986, European Directive 86/609/EEC, regulating the use of animals in research, was one of the first examples of common legislation to set standards for animal protection across the Member States of the former European Economic Community, now the European Union, with the aim of securing a level European playing field. Starting in 2002, a process of revising European animal experimentation legislation was undertaken, with one of its key aims being to ensure high standards of welfare for laboratory animals across Europe. This resulted in Directive 2010/63/EU, which has regulated this activity in Europe since 2013. Since this is a European Union Directive, transposition into national legislation is a necessary and important part of the implementation of the new legislation. This paper gives an overview of the transposition process followed by an analysis of the potential to reach the different objectives of the directive, particularly with a focus on securing the same high standards of animal protection across member countries. The analysis focuses on three separate issues: (1) minimum standards for laboratory animal housing and care, (2) restrictions on the use of certain animal species, and (3) project review and authorization. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Feeding of prohibited substances (swill) to pigs in Australia.

PubMed

Schembri, N; Hernández-Jover, M; Toribio, J-A; Holyoake, P K

2010-08-01

To assess current swill feeding legislation, swill feeding investigation practices by authorities and feeding practices of pig producers who trade via saleyards in eastern Australia in order to determine levels of understanding and conformance related to current swill feeding legislation. A three-tiered approach was undertaken to gather information on the feeding of prohibited substances (swill) to pigs in Australia. Firstly, a review of swill feeding legislation was undertaken to highlight the commonalities and inconsistencies between the various state and territory legislations in defining swill. Secondly, agricultural authorities were contacted in each state to gather information on swill feeding investigations undertaken in 2006. Finally, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 106 pig producers who traded pigs at one of six saleyards in eastern Australia to ascertain their knowledge of swill feeding and to determine the feeding practices of this sector of the industry. Areas of concern identified included (1) inconsistencies in the feedstuffs classed as 'swill' among states, (2) the number of producers who had been prosecuted for swill feeding in 2006 (n = 4 of 148 inspections), (3) the low knowledge base of producers who sell pigs at saleyards regarding swill feeding, and (4) the types of feedstuffs provided to pigs marketed at saleyards. Our findings highlight the need for a consistent definition for 'swill' across Australian states and for improved awareness of swill feeding among producers, particularly those who market pigs at saleyards.

University Students' Views on Political Influences and the Status of Law in Post-Reform China: A Moderation and Mediation Analysis.

PubMed

Jiang, Guoping; Lo, T Wing

2016-07-01

Scholars categorize societies into "rule of man" societies, "rule by law" societies, and "rule of law" societies on the basis of a status of law. After 1978, China's leaders invoked law as an alternative to the arbitrariness of the Cultural Revolution. In this study, we used quantitative methods to explore university students' views on the status of law in post-reform China. Surveys were conducted in three national universities located in different regions of China. Responses from university students show that their perceptions of well-developed legislation and perceptions of the publicity of law are associated with their perceptions of equality before the law, which could be the consequence of a "rule of law" system. However, the study found that university students are of the view that the political nature of legislation and interference in law enforcement moderate the relationship between legislation and equality before the law. The political nature of legislation also moderates the mediation effect of interference in law enforcement between law publicity and equality before the law. As such, the article concludes that although university students are no longer primary movers in China's social and political development after the Tiananmen incident, they are still knowledgeable if not critical about the status of law and its political implications. © The Author(s) 2015.

The Evolution of Legislation in the Field of Medically Assisted Reproduction and Embryo Stem Cell Research in European Union Members

PubMed Central

Busardò, Francesco Paolo; Napoletano, Simona; Zaami, Simona; Frati, Paola

2014-01-01

Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR), involving in vitro fertilisation (IVF), and research on embryos have created expectation to many people affected by infertility; at the same time it has generated a surplus of laws and ethical and social debates. Undoubtedly, MAR represents a rather new medical field and constant developments in medicine and new opportunities continue to defy the attempt to respond to those questions. In this paper, the authors reviewed the current legislation in the 28 EU member states trying to evaluate the different legislation paths adopted over the last 15 years and highlighting those EU countries with no specific legislation in place and MAR is covered by a general health Law and those countries in which there are no laws in this field but only “guidelines.” The second aim of this work has been to compare MAR legislation and embryo research in EU countries, which derive from different origins ranging from an extremely prohibitive approach versus a liberal one, going through a cautious regulatory approach. PMID:25147794

The evolution of legislation in the field of Medically Assisted Reproduction and embryo stem cell research in European union members.

PubMed

Busardò, Francesco Paolo; Gulino, Matteo; Napoletano, Simona; Zaami, Simona; Frati, Paola

2014-01-01

Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR), involving in vitro fertilisation (IVF), and research on embryos have created expectation to many people affected by infertility; at the same time it has generated a surplus of laws and ethical and social debates. Undoubtedly, MAR represents a rather new medical field and constant developments in medicine and new opportunities continue to defy the attempt to respond to those questions. In this paper, the authors reviewed the current legislation in the 28 EU member states trying to evaluate the different legislation paths adopted over the last 15 years and highlighting those EU countries with no specific legislation in place and MAR is covered by a general health Law and those countries in which there are no laws in this field but only "guidelines." The second aim of this work has been to compare MAR legislation and embryo research in EU countries, which derive from different origins ranging from an extremely prohibitive approach versus a liberal one, going through a cautious regulatory approach.

STEAM GENERATOR FOR NUCLEAR REACTOR

DOEpatents

Kinyon, B.W.; Whitman, G.D.

1963-07-16

The steam generator described for use in reactor powergenerating systems employs a series of concentric tubes providing annular passage of steam and water and includes a unique arrangement for separating the steam from the water. (AEC)

27 CFR 9.69 - Yakima Valley.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... Bennett Ranch; (2) Then due east approximately 0.2 mile to the boundary of the Hanford Atomic Energy Commission Works; (3) Then southeast following the boundary of the Hanford AEC Works along the Rattlesnake...

27 CFR 9.69 - Yakima Valley.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... Bennett Ranch; (2) Then due east approximately 0.2 mile to the boundary of the Hanford Atomic Energy Commission Works; (3) Then southeast following the boundary of the Hanford AEC Works along the Rattlesnake...

27 CFR 9.69 - Yakima Valley.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... Bennett Ranch; (2) Then due east approximately 0.2 mile to the boundary of the Hanford Atomic Energy Commission Works; (3) Then southeast following the boundary of the Hanford AEC Works along the Rattlesnake...

PRECIPITATION OF ZIRCONIUM AND FLUORIDE IONS FROM SOLUTIONS

DOEpatents

Newby, B.J.

1963-06-11

A process is given for removing zirconium and fluorine ions from aqueous solutions also containing uranium(VI). The precipitation is carried out with sodium formate, and the uranium remains in solution. (AEC)

COUPLING

DOEpatents

Frisch, E.; Johnson, C.G.

1962-05-15

A detachable coupling arrangement is described which provides for varying the length of the handle of a tool used in relatively narrow channels. The arrangement consists of mating the key and keyhole formations in the cooperating handle sections. (AEC)

Alternative Sources of Adult Stem Cells: Human Amniotic Membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolbank, Susanne; van Griensven, Martijn; Grillari-Voglauer, Regina; Peterbauer-Scherb, Anja

Human amniotic membrane is a highly promising cell source for tissue engineering. The cells thereof, human amniotic epithelial cells (hAEC) and human amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells (hAMSC), may be immunoprivileged, they represent an early developmental status, and their application is ethically uncontroversial. Cell banking strategies may use freshly isolated cells or involve in vitro expansion to increase cell numbers. Therefore, we have thoroughly characterized the effect of in vitro cultivation on both phenotype and differentiation potential of hAEC. Moreover, we present different strategies to improve expansion including replacement of animal-derived supplements by human platelet products or the introduction of the catalytic subunit of human telomerase to extend the in vitro lifespan of amniotic cells. Characterization of the resulting cultures includes phenotype, growth characteristics, and differentiation potential, as well as immunogenic and immunomodulatory properties.

Collagen reconstitution is inversely correlated with induction of limb regeneration in Ambystoma mexicanum.

PubMed

Satoh, Akira; Hirata, Ayako; Makanae, Aki

2012-03-01

Amphibians can regenerate missing body parts, including limbs. The regulation of collagen has been considered to be important in limb regeneration. Collagen deposition is suppressed during limb regeneration, so we investigated collagen deposition and apical epithelial cap (AEC) formation during axolotl limb regeneration. The accessory limb model (ALM) has been developed as an alternative model for studying limb regeneration. Using this model, we investigated the relationship between nerves, epidermis, and collagen deposition. We found that Sp-9, an AEC marker gene, was upregulated by direct interaction between nerves and epidermis. However, collagen deposition hindered this interaction, and resulted in the failure of limb regeneration. During wound healing, an increase in deposition of collagen caused a decrease in the blastema induction rate in ALM. Wound healing and limb regeneration are alternate processes.

Environmental Restoration of Diesel-Range Organics from Project Chariot, Cape Thompson, Alaska

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

Kautsky, Mark; Hutton, Rick; Miller, Judy

The Chariot site is located in the Ogotoruk Valley in the Cape Thompson region of northwest Alaska. Project Chariot was part of the Plowshare Program, created in 1957 by the US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), a predecessor agency of the US Department of Energy (DOE), to study peaceful uses for atomic energy. Project Chariot began in 1958 when a scientific field team chose Cape Thompson as a potential site to excavate a harbor using a series of nuclear explosions. AEC, with assistance from other agencies, conducted more than 40 pretest bioenvironmental studies of the Cape Thompson area between 1959 andmore » 1962; however, the Plowshare Program work at the Project Chariot site (Figure 1) was cancelled because of strong public opposition [1]. No nuclear explosions were ever conducted at the site.« less

Nitrogen-Doped Holey Graphene Film-Based Ultrafast Electrochemical Capacitors.

PubMed

Zhou, Qinqin; Zhang, Miao; Chen, Ji; Hong, Jong-Dal; Shi, Gaoquan

2016-08-17

The commercialized aluminum electrolytic capacitors (AECs) currently used for alternating current (AC) line-filtering are usually the largest components in the electronic circuits because of their low specific capacitances and bulky sizes. Herein, nitrogen-doped holey graphene (NHG) films were prepared by thermal annealing the composite films of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), graphene oxide (GO), and ferric oxide (Fe2O3) nanorods followed by chemical etching with hydrochloride acid. The typical electrochemical capacitor with NHG electrodes exhibited high areal and volumetric specific capacitances of 478 μF cm(-2) and 1.2 F cm(-3) at 120 Hz, ultrafast frequency response with a phase angle of -81.2° and a resistor-capacitor time constant of 203 μs at 120 Hz, as well as excellent cycling stability. Thus, it is promising to replace conventional AEC for AC line-filtering in miniaturized electronics.

VENTED FUEL ELEMENT FOR GAS-COOLED NEUTRONIC REACTORS

DOEpatents

Furgerson, W.T.

1963-12-17

A hollow, porous-walled fuel element filled with fissionable fuel and provided with an outlet port through its wall is described. In operation in a gas-cooled reactor, the element is connected, through its outlet port, to the vacuum side of a pump that causes a portion of the coolant gas flowing over the exterior surface of the element to be drawn through the porous walls thereof and out through the outlet port. This continuous purging gas flow sweeps away gaseous fission products as they are released by the fissioning fuel. (AEC) A fuel element for a nuclear reactor incorporating a body of metal of melting point lower than the temperature of operation of the reactor and a nuclear fuel in finely divided form dispersed in the body of metal as a settled slurry is presented. (AEC)

Development of an imaging-planning program for screen/film and computed radiography mammography for breasts with short chest wall to nipple distance.

PubMed

Dong, S L; Su, J L; Yeh, Y H; Chu, T C; Lin, Y C; Chuang, K S

2011-04-01

Imaging breasts with a short chest wall to nipple distance (CWND) using a traditional mammographic X-ray unit is a technical challenge for mammographers. The purpose of this study is the development of an imaging-planning program to assist in determination of imaging parameters of screen/film (SF) and computed radiography (CR) mammography for short CWND breasts. A traditional mammographic X-ray unit (Mammomat 3000, Siemens, Munich, Germany) was employed. The imaging-planning program was developed by combining the compressed breast thickness correction, the equivalent polymethylmethacrylate thickness assessment for breasts and the tube loading (mAs) measurement. Both phantom exposures and a total of 597 exposures were used for examining the imaging-planning program. Results of the phantom study show that the tube loading rapidly decreased with the CWND when the automatic exposure control (AEC) detector was not fully covered by the phantom. For patient exposures with the AEC fully covered by breast tissue, the average fractional tube loadings, defined as the ratio of the predicted mAs using the imaging-planning program and mAs of the mammogram, were 1.10 and 1.07 for SF and CR mammograms, respectively. The predicted mAs values were comparable to the mAs values, as determined by the AEC. By applying the imaging-planning program in clinical practice, the experiential dependence of the mammographer for determination of the imaging parameters for short CWND breasts is minimised.

Genotoxic and biochemical changes in Baccharis trimera induced by coal contamination.

PubMed

Menezes, A P S; Da Silva, J; Rossato, R R; Santos, M S; Decker, N; Da Silva, F R; Cruz, C; Dihl, R R; Lehmann, M; Ferraz, A B F

2015-04-01

The processing and combustion of coal in thermal power plants release anthropogenic chemicals into the environment. Baccharis trimera is a common plant used in folk medicine that grows readily in soils degraded by coal mining activities. This shrub bioaccumulates metals released into the environment, and thus its consumption may be harmful to health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the phytochemical profile, antioxidant capacity (DPPH), genotoxic (comet assay) and mutagenic potential (CBMN-cyt) in V79 cells of B. trimera aqueous extracts in the coal-mining region of Candiota (Bt-AEC), and in Bagé, a city that does not experience the effects of exposure to coal (Bt-AEB, a reference site). In the comet assay, only Bt-AEC was genotoxic at the highest doses (0.8mg/mL and 1.6mg/mL), compared to the control. For extracts from both areas, mutagenic effects were observed at higher concentrations compared to the control. The cell damage parameters were significantly high in both extracts; however, more striking values were observed for Bt-AEC, up to the dose of 0.8mg/mL. In chemical analysis, no variation was observed in the contents of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, neither the antioxidant activity, which may suggest that DNA damage observed in V79 cells was induced by the presence of coal contaminants absorbed by the plant. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mechanical Testing of MLCCs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Teverovsky, Alexander A.

2016-01-01

Cracking of multilayer ceramic capacitors, MLCCs, remains a serious problem for space systems. This problem increases substantially for large size capacitors and in cases when manual soldering is involved or the system experiences mechanical shock or vibration. In any case, a fracture occurs when the sum of external and internal mechanical stresses exceeds the strength of the part. To reduce the probability of cracking, the level of stress should be reduced, e.g. by optimizing the assembly workmanship and rules for board design, and the strength of the parts increased by selecting the most mechanically robust capacitors. The latter might possibly be achieved by selecting MLCCs based on the in-situ measurements of mechanical characteristics using four types of tests: flexural strength, hardness, fracture toughness, and flex bend testing. Note that military specifications MIL-PRF-123 and MIL-PRF-55681 do not have requirements for mechanical testing of the parts. However, specifications for automotive industry components employ two types of mechanical tests: beam load (break strength) test per AEC-Q200-003 and board flex test per AEC-Q200-005. A recent military specification for thin dielectric capacitors, MIL-PRF-32535, has one mechanical test, board flex testing, that is similar to AEC-Q200-005. The purpose of this report was assessment of the efficiency of different mechanical tests for selection robust capacitors and comparison of mechanical characteristics of Base Metal Electrode (BME) and Precious Metal Electrode (PME) capacitors. The report has three parts related to the first three mechanical tests mentioned above.

Placental stem cell correction of murine intermediate maple syrup urine disease.

PubMed

Skvorak, Kristen J; Dorko, Kenneth; Marongiu, Fabio; Tahan, Veysel; Hansel, Marc C; Gramignoli, Roberto; Gibson, K Michael; Strom, Stephen C

2013-03-01

There is improved survival and partial metabolic correction of a mouse intermediate maple syrup urine disease (iMSUD) model after allogenic hepatocyte transplantation, confirming that a small number of enzyme-proficient liver-engrafted cells can improve phenotype. However, clinical shortages of suitable livers for hepatocyte isolation indicate a need for alternative cell sources. Human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) share stem cell characteristics without the latter's safety and ethical concerns and differentiate to hepatocyte-like cells. Eight direct hepatic hAEC transplantations were performed in iMSUD mice over the first 35 days beginning at birth; animals were provided a normal protein diet and sacrificed at 35 and 100 days. Treatment at the neonatal stage is clinically relevant for MSUD and may offer a donor cell engraftment advantage. Survival was significantly extended and body weight was normalized in iMSUD mice receiving hAEC transplantations compared with untreated iMSUD mice, which were severely cachectic and died ≤28 days after birth. Branched chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase enzyme activity was significantly increased in transplanted livers. The branched chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine, valine, and alloisoleucine were significantly improved in serum and brain, as were other large neutral amino acids. Placental-derived stem cell transplantation lengthened survival and corrected many amino acid imbalances in a mouse model of iMSUD. This highlights the potential for their use as a viable alternative clinical therapy for MSUD and other liver-based metabolic diseases. Copyright © 2012 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Placental Stem Cell Correction of Murine Intermediate Maple Syrup Urine Disease

PubMed Central

Skvorak, Kristen J.; Dorko, Kenneth; Marongiu, Fabio; Tahan, Veysel; Hansel, Marc C.; Gramignoli, Roberto; Gibson, K. Michael; Strom, Stephen C.

2012-01-01

We previously reported improved survival and partial metabolic correction of a mouse intermediate maple syrup urine disease (iMSUD) model post allogenic hepatocyte transplant, confirming that a small number of enzyme proficient liver-engrafted cells can improve phenotype. However, clinical shortages of suitable livers for hepatocyte isolation indicate a need for alternative cell sources. Human amnion epithelial cells (hAEC) share stem cell characteristics while lacking many safety and ethical concerns, and differentiate to hepatocyte-like cells. Eight direct hepatic hAEC transplants were administered to iMSUD mice over the first 35 days beginning at birth; animals were provided a normal protein diet and sacrificed at days 35 and 100. Treatment at the neonatal stage is clinically relevant for MSUD, and may offer a donor cell engraftment advantage. Survival was significantly extended and body weight was normalized in iMSUD mice receiving hAEC transplants compared to iMSUD (severely cachectic; dead ≤28 days). Branched chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase enzyme activity was significantly increased in transplanted livers. Branched chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine, valine, and alloisoleucine were significantly improved in the sera and brain, as were other large neutral amino acids. Conclusion: Placental-derived stem cell transplantation lengthened survival and corrected many amino acid imbalances in a mouse model of iMSUD. This highlights the potential for their use as a viable alternative clinical therapy for MSUD and other liver-based metabolic diseases. PMID:23175463

[Predictive ability of clinical parameters of bacteremia in hemodialysed patients].

PubMed

Egea, Ana L; Vilaró, Mario; De la Fuente, Jorge; Cuestas, Eduardo; Bongiovanni, María E

2012-01-01

No clinical events to differentiate bacteteremia from other pathologies in hemodialysis patients therefore the physicians makes diagnosis and treatment decisions based on clinical evidence an local epidemiology. the aim of this work was to study the frequency of microorganism isolated from blood culture of hemodialysis patients with suspected bacteraemia and evaluate Sensitivity (S) and Specificity (E) of medical diagnostic orientation in this cases of suspected Materials and methods: we performed an observational and prospective study for one year in hemodialysis patient with suspected bacteremia. We evaluated blood pressure, temperature (Tº), altered conscious state (AEC), respiratory frequency (FR), chills (ESC),diarrhea (DIARR), blood culture results and microbiological identification. We work with the mean ± standar desviation for continuous variables and frequencies for categorical variables We analyzed S, E, negative predictive value (VPN), positive predictive value (VPP) RESULTADOS: a total of 87 events with suspected bacteremia 34 (39%) were confirmed with positive blood culture the most common microorganisms were cocci Gram positive (CGP) 65%, Most relevant clinical variables were PCP ≥ 2 (VPN 81%), Tº ≥ 38 (VPN 76%) and AEC (E 98% y VPP 80%). CGP were the most prevalent microorganisms None of the clinical variables shows high S and E indicating low usefulness as a predictive tool of bacteremia Excepting AEC with E98% and VPP 80% but it would be necessary to evaluate this variable with a more number patient. Results justify to routine HC use like diagnostic tool.

Possible U.S. Intervention in Syria: Issues for Congress

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-12

had not formally considered an alternative authorization proposal, although some Members had circulated draft proposals or introduced measures that...have circulated a draft authorization for the use of military force that would authorize the president “to use the United States Armed Forces to...16 Draft circulated to legislative staff via email, September 3, 2013. Available at: http://www.lawfareblog.com/wp- content/uploads/2013/09

20 CFR 652.205 - May funds authorized under the Act be used to supplement funding for labor exchange programs...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... supplement funding for labor exchange programs authorized under separate legislation? 652.205 Section 652.205... § 652.205 May funds authorized under the Act be used to supplement funding for labor exchange programs... under sections 7(a) or 7(b) of the Act to supplement funding of any workforce activity carried out under...

European regulations on nutraceuticals, dietary supplements and functional foods: a framework based on safety.

PubMed

Coppens, Patrick; da Silva, Miguel Fernandes; Pettman, Simon

2006-04-03

This article describes the legislation that is relevant in the marketing of functional foods in the European Union (EU), how this legislation was developed as well as some practical consequences for manufacturers, marketers and consumers. It also addresses some concrete examples of how the EU's safety requirements for food products have impacted a range of product categories. In the late nineties, research into functional ingredients was showing promising prospects for the use of such ingredients in foodstuffs. Due mainly to safety concerns, these new scientific developments were accompanied by an urgent call for legislation. The European Commission 2000 White Paper on Food Safety announced some 80 proposals for new and improved legislation in this field. Among others, it foresaw the establishment of a General Food Law Regulation, laying down the principles of food law and the creation of an independent Food Authority endowed with the task of giving scientific advice on issues based upon scientific risk assessment with clearly separated responsibilities for risk assessment, risk management and risk communication. Since then, more than 90% of the White Paper proposals have been implemented. However, there is not, as such, a regulatory framework for 'functional foods' or 'nutraceuticals' in EU Food Law. The rules to be applied are numerous and depend on the nature of the foodstuff. The rules of the general food law Regulation are applicable to all foods. In addition, legislation on dietetic foods, on food supplements or on novel foods may also be applicable to functional foods depending on the nature of the product and on their use. Finally, the two proposals on nutrition and health claims and on the addition of vitamins and minerals and other substances to foods, which are currently in the legislative process, will also be an important factor in the future marketing of 'nutraceuticals' in Europe. The cornerstone of EU legislation on food products, including functional foods and nutraceuticals is 'safety'. Decisions on the safety-basis of legislation are based on risk analysis, in which scientific risk assessment is performed by the European Food Safety Authority and risk management is performed by the European Commission, the Member States, and in case of legislation, together with the European Parliament. In the risk management phase, both the precautionary principle and other legitimate factors may be considered in choosing the best way of dealing with an issue. Due to the numerous pieces of legislation applying and to the different procedures to be followed, the process of having 'functional foods' ready for the market is certainly a costly and time-consuming task. However, it may also be clearly worth it in terms of market success and improved consumer health.

Compliance with smoke-free legislation and smoking behaviour: observational field study from Punjab, India.

PubMed

Goel, Sonu; Sharma, Deepak; Gupta, Rakesh; Mahajan, Vini

2017-08-10

Indian smoke-free legislation requires prohibition of smoking at public places and owners of public places to display 'no smoking' signages. The study aims to assess the compliance of public places with smoke-free legislation and determine the factors associated with active smoking in public places. This was a cross-sectional analytic observational quantitative survey conducted by a team of trained field investigators using a structured observational checklist across 6875 public places in Punjab state of India. The study was carried out over a period of 3 years. A total of 6875 public places across 22 districts of Punjab were observed. The overall compliance to smoke-free law in Punjab was 83.8%. The highest overall compliance was observed in healthcare facilities (89.6%) and least in transit stations (78.8%). Less active smoking was observed in public places where display of 'no smoking' signage compliant with smoke-free law of India was present (adjusted OR 0.6). Further, there was a positive association between active smoking and places where the owner of public places smoked (OR 5.2, CI 2.5 to 11.1). More than 80% of the public places in a jurisdiction in north India were compliant with the smoke-free legislation of India. 'No smoking' signages displayed as per legislation have an effect on curbing smoking behaviours at public places. It is recommended that policymakers should focus more on implementing the smoke-free law at transit sites and structured training sessions should be organised for owners of workplaces. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

The role of the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Medicine and Medical Devices Safety Authority in evaluating complementary and alternative medicines in Australia and New Zealand.

PubMed

Ghosh, Dilip; Skinner, Margot; Ferguson, Lynnette R

2006-04-03

Currently, the regulation of complementary and alternative medicines and related health claims in Australia and New Zealand is managed in a number of ways. Complementary medicines, including herbal, minerals, nutritional/dietary supplements, aromatherapy oils and homeopathic medicines are regulated under therapeutic goods/products legislation. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), a division of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing is responsible for administering the provisions of the legislation in Australia. The New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority (Medsafe) administers the provision of legislation in New Zealand. In December 2003 the Australian and New Zealand governments signed a Treaty to establish a single, bi-national agency to regulate therapeutic products, including medical devices prescription, over-the-counter and complementary medicines. A single agency will replace the Australian TGA and the New Zealand Medsafe. The role of the new agency will be to safeguard public health through regulation of the quality, safety and efficacy or performance of therapeutic products in both Australia and New Zealand. The major activities of the new joint Australia New Zealand therapeutic products agency are in product licensing, specifying labelling standards and setting the advertising scheme, together with determining the risk classes of medicines and creating an expanded list of ingredients permitted in Class I medicines. A new, expanded definition of complementary medicines is proposed and this definition is currently under consultation. Related Australian and New Zealand legislation is being developed to implement the joint scheme. Once this legislation is passed, the Treaty will come into force and the new joint regulatory scheme will begin. The agency is expected to commence operation no later than 1 July 2006 and will result in a single agency to regulate complementary and alternative medicines.

Defining teaching hospitals' GME strategy in response to new financial and market challenges.

PubMed

Wray, J L; Sadowski, S M

1998-04-01

The authors present an overview of current graduate medical education (GME) issues, particularly the financial challenges to teaching hospitals resulting from the Balanced Budget and Tax Payer Relief Acts of 1997 and other recent market-driven factors. They describe in detail the nature of Medicare GME payments before and after the 1997 legislation, with specific examples, and explain the negative financial impact of the legislation and aspects of the legislation that are designed to alleviate that impact. Other factors influencing GME program size and composition are also discussed, including oversupplies or shortages of physicians, the concern that teaching hospitals are using public funds to train international medical graduates, changing training requirements, etc. The authors also describe a recent consulting assignment during which they assisted a major teaching hospital to develop a GME strategy that was responsive to the organization's mission and patients and that took into account future GME financing challenges. Detailed explanations are given of how the consultants analyzed the hospital's GME programs and finances, developed and ranked key institution-specific program criteria (strategic, organizational and operational, and financial), and, in consultation with all key stakeholders, formulated a GME strategy specific to the institution's needs. The authors conclude by cautioning that each institution's GME strategy will be different, but that it is important for institutions to develop such strategies to better face future challenges.

Legislations combating counterfeit drugs in Hong Kong.

PubMed

Lai, C W; Chan, W K

2013-08-01

To understand legislation combating counterfeit drugs in Hong Kong. This study consisted of two parts. In part I, counterfeit drugs–related ordinances and court cases were reviewed. In part II, indepth interviews of the stakeholders were described. Hong Kong. All Hong Kong ordinances were screened manually to identify those combating counterfeit drugs. Court cases were searched for each of the identified cases. Then, the relevant judgement justifications were analysed to identify sentencing issues. Indepth interviews with the stakeholders were conducted to understand their perceptions about such legislation. Trade Marks Ordinance, Patents Ordinance, Trade Descriptions Ordinance, and Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance were current legislative items combating counterfeit drugs. Sentencing criteria depended on: intention to deceive, quantity of seized drugs, presence of expected therapeutic effect or toxic ingredients, previous criminal records, cooperativeness with Customs officers, honest confessions, pleas of guilty, types of drugs, and precautionary measures to prevent sale of counterfeit drugs. Stakeholders’ perceptions were explored with respect to legislation regarding the scale and significance of the counterfeit drug problem, penalties and deterrents, drug-specific legislation and authority, and inspections and enforcement. To plug the loopholes, a specific law with heavy penalties should be adopted. This could be supplemented by non-legal measures like education of judges, lawyers, and the public; publishing the names of offending pharmacies; and emphasising the role of pharmacists to the public.

[Bioavailability, proof of efficacy and their consequences for drug legislation (author's transl)].

PubMed

Schnieders, B

1976-01-01

Drugs should be effective for the indicatons stated, they should not involve risks which would not be justified in relation to their benefit and they should be of the necessary quality. It is the objective of drug legislation to warrant these requirements in its area of jurisdiction. It has become a necessity to revise current legislation; it is going to be replaced by a new law. A corresponding bill is being considered by Parliament at present. The present and the future legal situation with regards to proof and safeguarding of the bioavailability of pharmacologically active substances and the necessary prerequisites and rules for the procedure of clinical testing of drugs to prove their efficacy and safety is described.

Monographs, list entries, public statements.

PubMed

Chinou, Ioanna

2014-12-02

According to Directive 2004/24/EC which amended the basic legislation laid down in Directive 2001/83/EC a new European legislation on herbal medicinal products was developed, in order to harmonize the use of herbal medicinal products in Member States of the European Union. The objective of this legislation was to ensure the future existence of such products and to consider particular characteristics during the assessment of their quality, efficacy and safety, having defined two categories for herbal medicines: i) well-established use herbal medicinal products, which can be granted a marketing authorization; and ii) traditional herbal medicinal products which can be granted a registration based on their longstanding safe and efficient use. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Oman: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-26

1 Democratization , Human Rights, and Unrest......ministers, select its leadership , and review government-drafted legislation, the Oman Council’s overall scope of authority still does not approach that

SEPARATION OF CURIUM AND AMERICIUM

DOEpatents

Fields, P.R.; Isaac, N.M.

1962-02-20

Curium and americium are contained in an anhydrous molten salt medium having a low melting point. Curium is preferentially extracted from the molten salt by a hot organic solvent containing preferably less than 10% alkyl phosphate. (AEC)

FUEL ELEMENTS FOR NEUTRONIC REACTORS

DOEpatents

Foote, F.G.; Jette, E.R.

1963-05-01

A fuel element for a nuclear reactor is described that consists of a jacket containing a unitary core of fissionable material and a filling of a metal of the group consisting of sodium and sodium-potassium alloys. (AEC)

AUTOMATIC MASS SPECTROMETER

DOEpatents

Hanson, M.L.; Tabor, C.D. Jr.

1961-12-01

A mass spectrometer for analyzing the components of a gas is designed which is capable of continuous automatic operation such as analysis of samples of process gas from a continuous production system where the gas content may be changing. (AEC)

Meeting the measurement uncertainty and traceability requirements of ISO/AEC standard 17025 in chemical analysis.

PubMed

King, B

2001-11-01

The new laboratory accreditation standard, ISO/IEC 17025, reflects current thinking on good measurement practice by requiring more explicit and more demanding attention to a number of activities. These include client interactions, method validation, traceability, and measurement uncertainty. Since the publication of the standard in 1999 there has been extensive debate about its interpretation. It is the author's view that if good quality practices are already in place and if the new requirements are introduced in a manner that is fit for purpose, the additional work required to comply with the new requirements can be expected to be modest. The paper argues that the rigour required in addressing the issues should be driven by customer requirements and the factors that need to be considered in this regard are discussed. The issues addressed include the benefits, interim arrangements, specifying the analytical requirement, establishing traceability, evaluating the uncertainty and reporting the information.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to modify the authorities and responsibilities of convening authorities in taking actions on the findings and sentences of courts-martial.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. McCaskill, Claire [D-MO

2013-03-12

Senate - 06/04/2013 Committee on Armed Services. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 113-320. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Colorado's Voucher Legislation and the Consequences for Community Colleges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harbour, Clifford P.; Davies, Timothy Gray; Lewis, Chance W.

2006-01-01

In this article, the authors examine the new voucher program used to subsidize undergraduate education at Colorado community colleges and four-year institutions. The authors explain the voucher program and discuss the fiscal and policy conditions that led to its adoption. This baseline account of the voucher program and the underlying conditions…

7 CFR 371.11 - Delegations of authority.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...), Wildlife Services (WS), Marketing and Regulatory Programs Business Services (MRPBS), Animal Care (AC), and International Services (IS); the Directors of Policy and Program Development (PPD) and Legislative and Public...

Pharmacovigilance in pharmaceutical companies: An overview

PubMed Central

Mammì, Maria; Citraro, Rita; Torcasio, Giovanni; Cusato, Gennaro; Palleria, Caterina; di Paola, Eugenio Donato

2013-01-01

Pharmacovigilance is responsible for monitoring the safety of medicines in normal clinical use and during clinical trials. In the light of the experience acquired and following an assessment by the Commission of the Union system of pharmacovigilance, it has become clear that it is necessary to take measures in order to improve the operation of Union law on the pharmacovigilance of medicinal products for human use. Regulation (EU) No 1235/2010 and Directive 2010/84/EU introduced new legislation on pharmacovigilance. The marketing authorization holder should be responsible for continuously monitoring the safety of its medicinal products for human use, for informing the authorities of any changes that might have an impact on the marketing authorization, and for ensuring that the product information is kept up-to-date. Marketing authorization holders (MAH) record all suspected adverse reactions occurring in the European Union or in the third countries, and which are brought to their attention spontaneously by the patients or their health care, or occurring in the context of post-authorization study. For all medicinal products is mandatory to maintain a pharmacovigilance system master file (PSMF). According to the Legislative Decree 219/2006 the MAH must submit to the competent authorities the information on suspected adverse reactions of a medicinal product, in form of a periodic safety update reports (PSURs). PMID:24347978

Pharmacovigilance in pharmaceutical companies: An overview.

PubMed

Mammì, Maria; Citraro, Rita; Torcasio, Giovanni; Cusato, Gennaro; Palleria, Caterina; di Paola, Eugenio Donato

2013-12-01

Pharmacovigilance is responsible for monitoring the safety of medicines in normal clinical use and during clinical trials. In the light of the experience acquired and following an assessment by the Commission of the Union system of pharmacovigilance, it has become clear that it is necessary to take measures in order to improve the operation of Union law on the pharmacovigilance of medicinal products for human use. Regulation (EU) No 1235/2010 and Directive 2010/84/EU introduced new legislation on pharmacovigilance. The marketing authorization holder should be responsible for continuously monitoring the safety of its medicinal products for human use, for informing the authorities of any changes that might have an impact on the marketing authorization, and for ensuring that the product information is kept up-to-date. Marketing authorization holders (MAH) record all suspected adverse reactions occurring in the European Union or in the third countries, and which are brought to their attention spontaneously by the patients or their health care, or occurring in the context of post-authorization study. For all medicinal products is mandatory to maintain a pharmacovigilance system master file (PSMF). According to the Legislative Decree 219/2006 the MAH must submit to the competent authorities the information on suspected adverse reactions of a medicinal product, in form of a periodic safety update reports (PSURs).

78 FR 22302 - United States v. United Technologies Corporation and Goodrich Corporation; Public Comments and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-15

..., UTC and Rolls-Royce were to use AEC to combine their ECS intellectual property and research and development results, rather than competing independently to develop innovative and cost- effective ECS...

GRAPHITE BONDING METHOD

DOEpatents

King, L.D.P.

1964-02-25

A process for bonding or joining graphite members together in which a thin platinum foil is placed between the members, heated in an inert atmosphere to a temperature of 1800 deg C, and then cooled to room temperature is described. (AEC)

Electronic construction collaboration system : phase III.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-12-01

This phase of the electronic collaboration project involved two major efforts: 1) implementation of AEC Sync (formerly known as Attolist), a web-based project management system (WPMS), on the Broadway Viaduct Bridge Project and the Iowa Falls Arch Br...

NASA Reactor Facility Hazards Summary. Volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1959-01-01

Supplements to volume 1 are presented herein. Included in these papers are information unavailable when volume 1 was written, an evaluation of the proposed nuclear facility, and answers to questions raised by the AEC concerning volume 1.

METHOD OF SUPPRESSING GASTROINTESTINAL UREASE ACTIVITY

DOEpatents

Visek, W.J.

1963-04-23

This patent shows a method of increasing the growth rate of chicks. Certain diacyl substituted ureas such as alloxan, murexide, and barbituric acid are added to their feed, thereby suppressing gastrointestinal urease activity and thus promoting growth. (AEC)

FLOWMETER

DOEpatents

November, G.S.; Schute, F.

1962-02-20

A fluid flowmeter is designed in which a standing pressure wave is established. The amplitude of this standing wave is a function of the fluid flow rate so that pressure sensing devices may be used to indicate fluid flow and variations thereof. (AEC)

ZIRCONIUM-CLADDING OF THORIUM

DOEpatents

Beaver, R.J.

1961-11-21

A method of cladding thorium with zirconium is described. The quality of the bond achieved between thorium and zirconium by hot-rolling is improved by inserting and melting a thorium-zirconium alloy foil between the two materials prior to rolling. (AEC)

METHOD OF MAKING SPHERICAL ACTINIDE CARBIDE

DOEpatents

White, G.D.; O'Rourke, D.C.

1962-12-25

This patent describes a method of making uniform, spherical, nonpyrophoric UC. UO/sub 2/ and carbon are mixed in stoichiometric proportions and passed through a plasma flame of inert gas at 10,000 to 13,000 deg C. (AEC)

Seventeenth Semiannual Report of the Commission to the Congress, January 1955

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

Strauss, Lewis L.

The document represents the seventeenth semiannual Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) report to Congress. The report sums up the major activities and developments in the national atomic energy program covering the period July - December 1954.

Nineteenth Semiannual Report of the Commission to the Congress, January 1956

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

Strauss, Lewis L.

The document represents the nineteenth semiannual Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) report to Congress. The report sums up the major activities and developments in the national atomic energy program covering the period July - December 1955.

Alternating current line-filter based on electrochemical capacitor utilizing template-patterned graphene.

PubMed

Wu, Zhenkun; Li, Liyi; Lin, Ziyin; Song, Bo; Li, Zhuo; Moon, Kyoung-Sik; Wong, Ching-Ping; Bai, Shu-Lin

2015-06-17

Aluminum electrolytic capacitors (AECs) are widely used for alternating current (ac) line-filtering. However, their bulky size is becoming more and more incompatible with the rapid development of portable electronics. Here we report a scalable process to fabricate miniaturized graphene-based ac line-filters on flexible substrates at room temperature. In this work, graphene oxide (GO) is reduced by patterned metal interdigits at room temperature and used directly as the electrode material. The as-fabricated device shows a phase angle of -75.4° at 120 Hz with a specific capacitance of 316 µF/cm(2) and a RC time constant of 0.35 ms. In addition, it retains 97.2% of the initial capacitance after 10000 charge/discharge cycles. These outstanding performance characteristics of our device demonstrate its promising to replace the conventional AECs for ac line filtering.

Patent policies affecting ERDA energy programs

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

Not Available

1976-01-01

Appendix A, Patent Policy, and Appendix B, Procurement Regulation and Public Comments Thereon, are presented. The sixteen parts of Appendix A are Section 9 of the Nonnuclear Energy Act; Sections 151-160 of the Atomic Energy Act; 1963 Presidential Statement; 1968 Government Patent Policy Report to FCST; Dept. of Justice Minority Report to FCST; 1971 Presidential Statement; Federal Procurement Regulations: Subpart 1-9.1 - Patents; Federal Property Management Regulations: Subpart 104-4.1; Patent Licensing Regulations for AEC-Owned Inventions; Consent Judgement - Nuclear Data v. AEC; Section 112, S. 1283 (1973); Hart - Long Amendment to S. 1283 (1973); Section 7, H.R. 13565 (1974);more » H.R. Rep. No. 1563, Nonnuclear Conference Report; Report on Background Patent Rights; and Revised Report on Background Patent Rights. The four parts of Appendix B are ERDA-PR Temporary Regulations; ERDA-PR Proposed Policies and Procedures; Public Comments Annotated to ERDA-PR; and Written Comments (Letters). (MCW)« less

Workers safety in public psychiatric services: problems, laws and protections.

PubMed

Carabellese, F; Urbano, M; Coluccia, A; Gualtieri, G

2017-01-01

The dramatic case of murder of a psychiatrist during her service in her public office (Centro di Salute Mentale of Bari-Libertà) has led the authors to reflect on the safety of workplaces, in detail of public psychiatric services. It is in the light of current legislation, represented by the Legislative Decree of April 9th, 2008 no. 81, which states the implementing rules of Law 123/2007. In particular, the Authors analyzed the criticalities of the application of this Law, with the aim of safeguarding the health and safety of the workers in all psychiatric services (nursing departments, outpatient clinics, community centers, day care centers, etc.). The Authors suggest the need to set up an articulated specific organizational system of risk assessment of psychiatric services, that can prevent and protect the workers from identified risks, and finally to ensure their active participation in prevention and protection activities, in absence of which specific profiles of responsibility would be opened up to the employers.

Current situation on regulations for mycotoxins. Overview of tolerances and status of standard methods of sampling and analysis.

PubMed

Van Egmond, H P

1989-01-01

A worldwide enquiry was undertaken in 1986-1987 to obtain up-to-date information about mycotoxin legislation in as many countries of the world as possible. Together with some additional data collected in 1981, information is now available about planned, proposed, existing or absence of legislation in 66 countries. Details about tolerances, legal bases, responsible authorities, prescribed methods of sampling and analysis and disposition of commodities containing inadmissible amounts of mycotoxins, are given. The information concerns aflatoxins in foodstuffs, aflatoxin M1 in dairy products, aflatoxins in animal feedstuffs, and other mycotoxins in food- and feedstuffs. In comparison with the situation in 1981, limits and regulations for mycotoxins have been expanded in 1987 with more countries having legislation (proposed or passed) on the subject, more products, and more mycotoxins covered by this legislation. The differences between tolerances in the various countries are sometimes quite large, which makes harmonization of mycotoxin regulations highly desirable.

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

Craig, D.F.

The division was formed in 1946 at the suggestion of Dr. Eugene P. Wigner to attack the problem of the distortion of graphite in the early reactors due to exposure to reactor neutrons, and the consequent radiation damage. It was called the Metallurgy Division and assembled the metallurgical and solid state physics activities of the time which were not directly related to nuclear weapons production. William A. Johnson, a Westinghouse employee, was named Division Director in 1946. In 1949 he was replaced by John H Frye Jr. when the Division consisted of 45 people. He was director during most ofmore » what is called the Reactor Project Years until 1973 and his retirement. During this period the Division evolved into three organizational areas: basic research, applied research in nuclear reactor materials, and reactor programs directly related to a specific reactor(s) being designed or built. The Division (Metals and Ceramics) consisted of 204 staff members in 1973 when James R. Weir, Jr., became Director. This was the period of the oil embargo, the formation of the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) by combining the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) with the Office of Coal Research, and subsequent formation of the Department of Energy (DOE). The diversification process continued when James O. Stiegler became Director in 1984, partially as a result of the pressure of legislation encouraging the national laboratories to work with U.S. industries on their problems. During that time the Division staff grew from 265 to 330. Douglas F. Craig became Director in 1992.« less

Austrian National Space Law

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steinkogler, Cordula

2017-08-01

The Austrian Outer Space Act, which entered into force in December 2011; and the Austrian Outer Space Regulation, which has been in force since February 2015, form the legal framework for Austrian national space activities. The elaboration of national space legislation became necessary to ensure compliance with Austria's obligations as State Party to the five United Nations Space Treaties when the first two Austrian satellites were launched in 2012 and Austria became a launching state on its own. The legislation comprehensively regulates legal aspects related to space activities, such as authorization, supervision, and termination of space activities; registration and transfer of space objects; recourse of the government against the operator; as well as implementation of the law and sanctions for its infringement. One of the main purposes of the law is to ensure the authorization of national space activities. The Outer Space Act sets forth the main conditions for authorization, which inter alia refer to the expertise of the operator; requirements for orbital positions and frequency assignments; space debris mitigation, insurance requirements, and the safeguard of public order; public health; national security as well as Austrian foreign policy interests; and international law obligations. The Austrian Outer Space Regulation complements these provisions by specifying the documents the operator must submit as evidence of the fulfillment of the authorization conditions, which include the results of safety tests, emergency plans, and information on the collection and use of Earth observation data. Particular importance is attached to the mitigation of space debris. Operators are required to take measures in accordance with international space debris mitigation guidelines for the avoidance of operational debris, the prevention of on-orbit break-ups and collisions, and the removal of space objects from Earth orbit after the end of the mission. Another specificity of the Austrian space legislation is the possibility of an exemption from the insurance requirement or a reduction of the insurance sum, if the space activity is in the public interest. This allows support to space activities that serve science, research, and education. Moreover, the law also provides for the establishment of a national registry for objects launched into outer space by the competent Austrian Ministry. The first two Austrian satellites have been entered into this registry after their launch in 2012. The third Austrian satellite, launched in June 2017, will be the first satellite authorized under the Austrian space legislation.

Veterans Conservation Corps Authorization Act

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. Nelson, Bill [D-FL

2012-02-17

Senate - 06/13/2012 Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 112-567. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Utility Energy Services Contracts: Enabling Documents

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

Thomas, Karen; Vasquez, Deb

The Federal Energy Management Program's 'Utility Energy Service Contracts: Enabling Documents' provide legislative information and materials that clarify the authority for federal agencies to enter into utility energy service contracts, or UESCs.

Licensing: Learning the Game of Politics and Compromise

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Warnath, Charles F.

1978-01-01

The coordinator of a successful legislative effort by Oregon psychologists and chairman of the first Board of Examiners comments on some potential conflicts between professional idealism and political realities. (Author)

Local Education Authority Returns Now Act

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Rep. Garrett, Scott [R-NJ-5

2011-10-13

House - 11/18/2011 Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Local Education Authority Returns Now Act

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Rep. Garrett, Scott [R-NJ-5

2013-06-17

House - 07/08/2013 Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Local Education Authority Returns Now Act

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Garrett, Scott [R-NJ-5

2010-05-19

House - 06/29/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Lobbying for Elementary Counselors: A Video Marketing Strategy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Niffenegger, Phillip B.; Holcomb, Thomas F.

1992-01-01

Describes how state legislators were the target of a video marketing campaign aimed at increasing the funding for elementary counselors. Discusses how the video was developed, distributed, and used. (Author)

Current Status of Legislation on Dietary Products for Sportspeople in a European Framework.

PubMed

Martínez-Sanz, José Miguel; Sospedra, Isabel; Baladía, Eduard; Arranz, Laura; Ortiz-Moncada, Rocío; Gil-Izquierdo, Angel

2017-11-08

The consumption of nutritional ergogenic aids is conditioned by laws/regulations, but standards/regulations vary between countries. The aim of this review is to explore legislative documents that regulate the use of nutritional ergogenic aids intended for sportspeople in a Spanish/European framework. A narrative review has been developed from official websites of Spanish (Spanish Agency of the Consumer, Food Safety, and Nutrition) and European (European Commission and European Food Safety Authority) bodies. A descriptive analysis of documents was performed. Eighteen legislative documents have been compiled in three sections: (1) Advertising of any type of food and/or product; (2) Composition, labeling, and advertising of foods; (3) Nutritional ergogenic aids. In spite of the existence of these legal documents, the regulation lacks guidance on the use/application of nutritional ergogenic aids for sportspeople. It is essential to prevent the introduction or dissemination of false, ambiguous, or inexact information and contents that induce an error in the receivers of the information. In this field, it is worth highlighting the roles of the European Food Safety Authority and the World Anti-Doping Agency, which provide information about consumer guidelines, prescribing practices, and recommendations for the prudent use of nutritional ergogenic aids.

CPR Instruction in U.S. High Schools: What Is the State in the Nation?

PubMed

Brown, Lorrel E; Lynes, Carlos; Carroll, Travis; Halperin, Henry

2017-11-28

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training in high schools is required by law in the majority of U.S. states. However, laws differ from state to state, and it is unknown how this legislation is being enacted. The authors sent a cross-sectional, closed survey to educational superintendents in 32 states with CPR laws in June 2016. The authors subsequently performed direct examination and categorization of CPR legislation in 39 states (several states passed legislation as of September 2017). Survey results indicated differing practices with regard to CPR instruction in areas such as course content (63% perform automated external defibrillator training), instructor (47% used CPR-certified teachers/coaches, 30% used other CPR-certified instructors, 11% used noncertified teachers/coaches), and method (7% followed American Red Cross methods, 55% followed American Heart Association methods). CPR laws differ, although almost all (97%) require hands-on training. Although hands-on practice during CPR instruction in high school is required by law in the majority of U.S. states, there is currently no standardized method of implementation. Copyright © 2017 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Current Status of Legislation on Dietary Products for Sportspeople in a European Framework

PubMed Central

Arranz, Laura; Ortiz-Moncada, Rocío

2017-01-01

The consumption of nutritional ergogenic aids is conditioned by laws/regulations, but standards/regulations vary between countries. The aim of this review is to explore legislative documents that regulate the use of nutritional ergogenic aids intended for sportspeople in a Spanish/European framework. A narrative review has been developed from official websites of Spanish (Spanish Agency of the Consumer, Food Safety, and Nutrition) and European (European Commission and European Food Safety Authority) bodies. A descriptive analysis of documents was performed. Eighteen legislative documents have been compiled in three sections: (1) Advertising of any type of food and/or product; (2) Composition, labeling, and advertising of foods; (3) Nutritional ergogenic aids. In spite of the existence of these legal documents, the regulation lacks guidance on the use/application of nutritional ergogenic aids for sportspeople. It is essential to prevent the introduction or dissemination of false, ambiguous, or inexact information and contents that induce an error in the receivers of the information. In this field, it is worth highlighting the roles of the European Food Safety Authority and the World Anti-Doping Agency, which provide information about consumer guidelines, prescribing practices, and recommendations for the prudent use of nutritional ergogenic aids. PMID:29117104

Making a home for the homeless in hate crime legislation.

PubMed

Al-Hakim, Mohamad

2015-06-01

Several jurisdictions in the United States (e.g., Florida and Washington) have recently incorporated the status of "homeless" under the protection of hate crime legislation. This was largely promoted by new data and reports by the National Coalition for the Homeless urging added protection for the homeless. The issue of whether the homeless belong under hate crime provisions raises the following question: What criteria must a group meet to be eligible for its inclusion? What similarities do the homeless have with other protected groups? Finally, what implications does the recognition of economic status have on other economic groups, particularity the top wealthy 1%? In this article, I explore some of the issues raised by including the homeless as a protected group. I survey several rationales offered for the selection of protected characteristics. I argue that the rationales currently offered suffer from descriptive inadequacy by either being under- or over-inclusive. I turn instead to the political conception of "disadvantage" for an identity marker that better explains the link between the various protected groups and identities under hate crime legislation. Moreover, the use of disadvantage allows for the inclusion of the homeless without the need for incorporating other socio-economic identities. © The Author(s) 2014.

33 CFR 263.24 - Authority for snagging and clearing for flood control (Section 208).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... clearing for flood control (Section 208). 263.24 Section 263.24 Navigation and Navigable Waters CORPS OF... Policy § 263.24 Authority for snagging and clearing for flood control (Section 208). (a) Legislative... 26 of the Water Resources Development Act approved March 7, 1974 states: The Secretary of the Army is...

To prohibit the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce from authorizing commercial finfish aquaculture operations in the Exclusive Economic Zone except in accordance with a law authorizing such action.

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large

2011-02-09

House - 02/14/2011 Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans, and Insular Affairs. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

To prohibit the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce from authorizing commercial finfish aquaculture operations in the Exclusive Economic Zone except in accordance with a law authorizing such action.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large

2013-02-15

House - 03/01/2013 Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans, and Insular Affairs. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

ADMINISTRATION OF PUBLIC LAWS 874 AND 815. ANNUAL REPORT (16TH) OF THE COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION, JUNE 30, 1966.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

HOWE, HAROLD, II

SIGNIFICANT PROGRAM OPERATIONS DATA ARE SUMMARIZED FOR PUBLIC LAWS 874 AND 815, AUTHORIZING RESPECTIVELY, FEDERAL PAYMENTS TO LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES IN FEDERALLY AFFECTED AREAS FOR CURRENT OPERATING EXPENSES OF SCHOOLS AND FOR CONSTRUCTION OF SCHOOL FACILITIES. BRIEF REVIEWS GIVE PROVISIONS OF THE AUTHORIZING LEGISLATION, ADMINISTRATIVE…

Challenges and Opportunities for Collegial Governance at Canadian Universities: Reflections on a Survey of Academic Senates

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pennock, Lea; Jones, Glen A.; Leclerc, Jeff M.; Li, Sharon X.

2016-01-01

Following the design of a similar study in 2000, the authors conducted a study of university senates (academic councils) to assess the current state of academic governance in Canada's universities. An earlier paper presented and analyzed the data that were gathered about senate size, composition, structure, legislative authority, and work, and…

77 FR 3027 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-20

... security-based swaps. The new legislation was intended among other things to enhance the authority of... SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34-66156; File No. SR-FINRA-2012-004] Self... (Application of Rules to Security-Based Swaps) January 13, 2012. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities...

The Triple Challenge of Evaluating Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weber, Cindy

2013-01-01

School funding always will be a concern to school leaders, but it is an issue that districts have little control over. Teacher evaluation too often is a matter of compliance in school districts, and the author has always wanted to do something about it. Because of recent legislative changes to teacher evaluation in Michigan, where the author led a…