IAC - INTEGRATED ANALYSIS CAPABILITY

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frisch, H. P.

1994-01-01

The objective of the Integrated Analysis Capability (IAC) system is to provide a highly effective, interactive analysis tool for the integrated design of large structures. With the goal of supporting the unique needs of engineering analysis groups concerned with interdisciplinary problems, IAC was developed to interface programs from the fields of structures, thermodynamics, controls, and system dynamics with an executive system and database to yield a highly efficient multi-disciplinary system. Special attention is given to user requirements such as data handling and on-line assistance with operational features, and the ability to add new modules of the user's choice at a future date. IAC contains an executive system, a data base, general utilities, interfaces to various engineering programs, and a framework for building interfaces to other programs. IAC has shown itself to be effective in automatic data transfer among analysis programs. IAC 2.5, designed to be compatible as far as possible with Level 1.5, contains a major upgrade in executive and database management system capabilities, and includes interfaces to enable thermal, structures, optics, and control interaction dynamics analysis. The IAC system architecture is modular in design. 1) The executive module contains an input command processor, an extensive data management system, and driver code to execute the application modules. 2) Technical modules provide standalone computational capability as well as support for various solution paths or coupled analyses. 3) Graphics and model generation interfaces are supplied for building and viewing models. Advanced graphics capabilities are provided within particular analysis modules such as INCA and NASTRAN. 4) Interface modules provide for the required data flow between IAC and other modules. 5) User modules can be arbitrary executable programs or JCL procedures with no pre-defined relationship to IAC. 6) Special purpose modules are included, such as MIMIC (Model Integration via Mesh Interpolation Coefficients), which transforms field values from one model to another; LINK, which simplifies incorporation of user specific modules into IAC modules; and DATAPAC, the National Bureau of Standards statistical analysis package. The IAC database contains structured files which provide a common basis for communication between modules and the executive system, and can contain unstructured files such as NASTRAN checkpoint files, DISCOS plot files, object code, etc. The user can define groups of data and relations between them. A full data manipulation and query system operates with the database. The current interface modules comprise five groups: 1) Structural analysis - IAC contains a NASTRAN interface for standalone analysis or certain structural/control/thermal combinations. IAC provides enhanced structural capabilities for normal modes and static deformation analysis via special DMAP sequences. IAC 2.5 contains several specialized interfaces from NASTRAN in support of multidisciplinary analysis. 2) Thermal analysis - IAC supports finite element and finite difference techniques for steady state or transient analysis. There are interfaces for the NASTRAN thermal analyzer, SINDA/SINFLO, and TRASYS II. FEMNET, which converts finite element structural analysis models to finite difference thermal analysis models, is also interfaced with the IAC database. 3) System dynamics - The DISCOS simulation program which allows for either nonlinear time domain analysis or linear frequency domain analysis, is fully interfaced to the IAC database management capability. 4) Control analysis - Interfaces for the ORACLS, SAMSAN, NBOD2, and INCA programs allow a wide range of control system analyses and synthesis techniques. Level 2.5 includes EIGEN, which provides tools for large order system eigenanalysis, and BOPACE, which allows for geometric capabilities and finite element analysis with nonlinear material. Also included in IAC level 2.5 is SAMSAN 3.1, an engineering analysis program which contains a general purpose library of over 600 subroutin

IAC - INTEGRATED ANALYSIS CAPABILITY

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frisch, H. P.

1994-01-01

The objective of the Integrated Analysis Capability (IAC) system is to provide a highly effective, interactive analysis tool for the integrated design of large structures. With the goal of supporting the unique needs of engineering analysis groups concerned with interdisciplinary problems, IAC was developed to interface programs from the fields of structures, thermodynamics, controls, and system dynamics with an executive system and database to yield a highly efficient multi-disciplinary system. Special attention is given to user requirements such as data handling and on-line assistance with operational features, and the ability to add new modules of the user's choice at a future date. IAC contains an executive system, a data base, general utilities, interfaces to various engineering programs, and a framework for building interfaces to other programs. IAC has shown itself to be effective in automatic data transfer among analysis programs. IAC 2.5, designed to be compatible as far as possible with Level 1.5, contains a major upgrade in executive and database management system capabilities, and includes interfaces to enable thermal, structures, optics, and control interaction dynamics analysis. The IAC system architecture is modular in design. 1) The executive module contains an input command processor, an extensive data management system, and driver code to execute the application modules. 2) Technical modules provide standalone computational capability as well as support for various solution paths or coupled analyses. 3) Graphics and model generation interfaces are supplied for building and viewing models. Advanced graphics capabilities are provided within particular analysis modules such as INCA and NASTRAN. 4) Interface modules provide for the required data flow between IAC and other modules. 5) User modules can be arbitrary executable programs or JCL procedures with no pre-defined relationship to IAC. 6) Special purpose modules are included, such as MIMIC (Model Integration via Mesh Interpolation Coefficients), which transforms field values from one model to another; LINK, which simplifies incorporation of user specific modules into IAC modules; and DATAPAC, the National Bureau of Standards statistical analysis package. The IAC database contains structured files which provide a common basis for communication between modules and the executive system, and can contain unstructured files such as NASTRAN checkpoint files, DISCOS plot files, object code, etc. The user can define groups of data and relations between them. A full data manipulation and query system operates with the database. The current interface modules comprise five groups: 1) Structural analysis - IAC contains a NASTRAN interface for standalone analysis or certain structural/control/thermal combinations. IAC provides enhanced structural capabilities for normal modes and static deformation analysis via special DMAP sequences. IAC 2.5 contains several specialized interfaces from NASTRAN in support of multidisciplinary analysis. 2) Thermal analysis - IAC supports finite element and finite difference techniques for steady state or transient analysis. There are interfaces for the NASTRAN thermal analyzer, SINDA/SINFLO, and TRASYS II. FEMNET, which converts finite element structural analysis models to finite difference thermal analysis models, is also interfaced with the IAC database. 3) System dynamics - The DISCOS simulation program which allows for either nonlinear time domain analysis or linear frequency domain analysis, is fully interfaced to the IAC database management capability. 4) Control analysis - Interfaces for the ORACLS, SAMSAN, NBOD2, and INCA programs allow a wide range of control system analyses and synthesis techniques. Level 2.5 includes EIGEN, which provides tools for large order system eigenanalysis, and BOPACE, which allows for geometric capabilities and finite element analysis with nonlinear material. Also included in IAC level 2.5 is SAMSAN 3.1, an engineering analysis program which contains a general purpose library of over 600 subroutines for numerical analysis. 5) Graphics - The graphics package IPLOT is included in IAC. IPLOT generates vector displays of tabular data in the form of curves, charts, correlation tables, etc. Either DI3000 or PLOT-10 graphics software is required for full graphic capability. In addition to these analysis tools, IAC 2.5 contains an IGES interface which allows the user to read arbitrary IGES files into an IAC database and to edit and output new IGES files. IAC is available by license for a period of 10 years to approved U.S. licensees. The licensed program product includes one set of supporting documentation. Additional copies may be purchased separately. IAC is written in FORTRAN 77 and has been implemented on a DEC VAX series computer operating under VMS. IAC can be executed by multiple concurrent users in batch or interactive mode. The program is structured to allow users to easily delete those program capabilities and "how to" examples they do not want in order to reduce the size of the package. The basic central memory requirement for IAC is approximately 750KB. The following programs are also available from COSMIC as separate packages: NASTRAN, SINDA/SINFLO, TRASYS II, DISCOS, ORACLS, SAMSAN, NBOD2, and INCA. The development of level 2.5 of IAC was completed in 1989.

IAC-POP: FINDING THE STAR FORMATION HISTORY OF RESOLVED GALAXIES

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

Aparicio, Antonio; Hidalgo, Sebastian L.

2009-08-15

IAC-pop is a code designed to solve the star formation history (SFH) of a complex stellar population system, like a galaxy, from the analysis of the color-magnitude diagram (CMD). It uses a genetic algorithm to minimize a {chi}{sup 2} merit function comparing the star distributions in the observed CMD and the CMD of a synthetic stellar population. A parameterization of the CMDs is used, which is the main input of the code. In fact, the code can be applied to any problem in which a similar parameterization of an experimental set of data and models can be made. The method'smore » internal consistency and robustness against several error sources, including observational effects, data sampling, and stellar evolution library differences, are tested. It is found that the best stability of the solution and the best way to estimate errors are obtained by several runs of IAC-pop with varying the input data parameterization. The routine MinnIAC is used to control this process. IAC-pop is offered for free use and can be downloaded from the site http://iac-star.iac.es/iac-pop. The routine MinnIAC is also offered under request, but support cannot be provided for its use. The only requirement for the use of IAC-pop and MinnIAC is referencing this paper and crediting as indicated in the site.« less

78 FR 63093 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Indiana

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-23

... section of 326 IAC Article 7 concerning sulfur dioxide compliance monitoring requirements. On September 6... monitoring and sulfur dioxide control requirements in Indiana SIP. In addition to 326 IAC 1-2-23.5, the State... 63095

Comparison of Real-Time PCR, Reverse Transcriptase Real-Time PCR, Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification, and the FDA Conventional Microbiological Method for the Detection of Salmonella spp. in Produce ▿ †

PubMed Central

Zhang, Guodong; Brown, Eric W.; González-Escalona, Narjol

2011-01-01

Contamination of foods, especially produce, with Salmonella spp. is a major concern for public health. Several methods are available for the detection of Salmonella in produce, but their relative efficiency for detecting Salmonella in commonly consumed vegetables, often associated with outbreaks of food poisoning, needs to be confirmed. In this study, the effectiveness of three molecular methods for detection of Salmonella in six produce matrices was evaluated and compared to the FDA microbiological detection method. Samples of cilantro (coriander leaves), lettuce, parsley, spinach, tomato, and jalapeno pepper were inoculated with Salmonella serovars at two different levels (105 and <101 CFU/25 g of produce). The inoculated produce was assayed by the FDA Salmonella culture method (Bacteriological Analytical Manual) and by three molecular methods: quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), quantitative reverse transcriptase real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). Comparable results were obtained by these four methods, which all detected as little as 2 CFU of Salmonella cells/25 g of produce. All control samples (not inoculated) were negative by the four methods. RT-qPCR detects only live Salmonella cells, obviating the danger of false-positive results from nonviable cells. False negatives (inhibition of either qPCR or RT-qPCR) were avoided by the use of either a DNA or an RNA amplification internal control (IAC). Compared to the conventional culture method, the qPCR, RT-qPCR, and LAMP assays allowed faster and equally accurate detection of Salmonella spp. in six high-risk produce commodities. PMID:21803916

Data model for the collaboration between land administration systems and agricultural land parcel identification systems.

PubMed

Inan, Halil Ibrahim; Sagris, Valentina; Devos, Wim; Milenov, Pavel; van Oosterom, Peter; Zevenbergen, Jaap

2010-12-01

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the European Union (EU) has dramatically changed after 1992, and from then on the CAP focused on the management of direct income subsidies instead of production-based subsidies. For this focus, Member States (MS) are expected to establish Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS), including a Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS) as the spatial part of IACS. Different MS have chosen different solutions for their LPIS. Currently, some MS based their IACS/LPIS on data from their Land Administration Systems (LAS), and many others use purpose built special systems for their IACS/LPIS. The issue with these different IACS/LPIS is that they do not have standardized structures; rather, each represents a unique design in each MS, both in the case of LAS based or special systems. In this study, we aim at designing a core data model for those IACS/LPIS based on LAS. For this purpose, we make use of the ongoing standardization initiatives for LAS (Land Administration Domain Model: LADM) and IACS/LPIS (LPIS Core Model: LCM). The data model we propose in this study implies the collaboration between LADM and LCM and includes some extensions. Some basic issues with the collaboration model are discussed within this study: registration of farmers, land use rights and farming limitations, geometry/topology, temporal data management etc. For further explanation of the model structure, sample instance level diagrams illustrating some typical situations are also included. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

THERMOOXIDATIVE STUDY OF RAW NATURAL RUBBER FROM BRAZILIAN IAC 300 SERIES CLONES

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The improvement of rubber tree species is of key importance due to the worldwide market demand of this renewable material essential for several types of industries. The thermal performance of natural rubber produced from new clones of IAC 300 series, and the Malaysian RRIM 600 clone (used as control...

Leakage of Microbial Endotoxin through the Implant-Abutment Interface in Oral Implants: An In Vitro Study.

PubMed

Garrana, Rhoodie; Mohangi, Govindrau; Malo, Paulo; Nobre, Miguel

2016-01-01

Background . Endotoxin initiates osteoclastic activity resulting in bone loss. Endotoxin leakage through implant abutment connections negatively influences peri-implant bone levels. Objectives . (i) To determine if endotoxin can traverse different implant-abutment connection (IAC) designs; (ii) to quantify the amount of endotoxins traversing the IAC; (iii) to compare the in vitro comportments of different IACs. Materials and Methods . Twenty-seven IACs were inoculated with E. coli endotoxin. Six of the twenty-seven IACs were external connections from one system (Southern Implants) and the remaining twenty-one IACs were made up of seven internal IAC types from four different implant companies (Straumann, Ankylos, and Neodent, Southern Implants). Results . Of the 27 IACs tested, all 6 external IACs leaked measurable amounts of endotoxin. Of the remaining 21 internal IACs, 9 IACs did not show measurable leakage whilst the remaining 12 IACs leaked varying amounts. The mean log endotoxin level was significantly higher for the external compared to internal types ( p = 0.015). Conclusion . Within the parameters of this study, we can conclude that endotoxin leakage is dependent on the design of the IAC. Straumann Synocta, Straumann Cross-fit, and Ankylos displayed the best performances of all IACs tested with undetectable leakage after 7 days. Each of these IACs incorporated a morse-like component in their design. Speculation still exists over the impact of IAC endotoxin leakage on peri-implant tissues in vivo; hence, further investigations are required to further explore this.

Multiplex real-time PCR assay for detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and screening for non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.

PubMed

Li, Baoguang; Liu, Huanli; Wang, Weimin

2017-11-09

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), including E. coli O157:H7, are responsible for numerous foodborne outbreaks annually worldwide. E. coli O157:H7, as well as pathogenic non-O157:H7 STECs, can cause life-threating complications, such as bloody diarrhea (hemolytic colitis) and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). Previously, we developed a real-time PCR assay to detect E. coli O157:H7 in foods by targeting a unique putative fimbriae protein Z3276. To extend the detection spectrum of the assay, we report a multiplex real-time PCR assay to specifically detect E. coli O157:H7 and screen for non-O157 STEC by targeting Z3276 and Shiga toxin genes (stx1 and stx2). Also, an internal amplification control (IAC) was incorporated into the assay to monitor the amplification efficiency. The multiplex real-time PCR assay was developed using the Life Technology ABI 7500 System platform and the standard chemistry. The optimal amplification mixture of the assay contains 12.5 μl of 2 × Universal Master Mix (Life Technology), 200 nM forward and reverse primers, appropriate concentrations of four probes [(Z3276 (80 nM), stx1 (80 nM), stx2 (20 nM), and IAC (40 nM)], 2 μl of template DNA, and water (to make up to 25 μl in total volume). The amplification conditions of the assay were set as follows: activation of TaqMan at 95 °C for 10 min, then 40 cycles of denaturation at 95 °C for 10 s and annealing/extension at 60 °C for 60 s. The multiplex assay was optimized for amplification conditions. The limit of detection (LOD) for the multiplex assay was determined to be 200 fg of bacterial DNA, which is equivalent to 40 CFU per reaction which is similar to the LOD generated in single targeted PCRs. Inclusivity and exclusivity determinants were performed with 196 bacterial strains. All E. coli O157:H7 (n = 135) were detected as positive and all STEC strains (n = 33) were positive for stx1, or stx2, or stx1 and stx2 (Table 1). No cross reactivity was detected with Salmonella enterica, Shigella strains, or any other pathogenic strains tested. A multiplex real-time PCR assay that can rapidly and simultaneously detect E. coli O157:H7 and screen for non-O157 STEC strains has been developed and assessed for efficacy. The inclusivity and exclusivity tests demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity of the multiplex real-time PCR assay. In addition, this multiplex assay was shown to be effective for the detection of E. coli O157:H7 from two common food matrices, beef and spinach, and may be applied for detection of E. coli O157:H7 and screening for non-O157 STEC strains from other food matrices as well.

Endoscopically Assisted Drilling, Exposure of the Fundus through a Presigmoid Retrolabyrinthine Approach: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study.

PubMed

Muelleman, Thomas; Shew, Matthew; Alvi, Sameer; Shah, Kushal; Staecker, Hinrich; Chamoun, Roukouz; Lin, James

2018-01-01

The presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach to the cerebellopontine angle is traditionally described to not provide access to the internal auditory canal (IAC). We aimed to evaluate the extent of the IAC that could be exposed with endoscopically assisted drilling and to measure the percentage of the IAC that could be visualized with the microscope and various endoscopes after drilling had been completed. Presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approaches were performed bilaterally on 4 fresh cadaveric heads. We performed endoscopically assisted drilling to expose the fundus of the IAC, which resulted in exposure of the entire IAC in 8 of 8 temporal bone specimens. The microscope afforded a mean view of 83% (n = 8) of the IAC. The 0°, 30°, 45°, and 70° endoscope each afforded a view of 100% of the IAC in 8 of 8 temporal bone specimens. In conclusion, endoscopic drilling of the IAC of can provide an extradural means of exposing the entire length of the IAC while preserving the labyrinth.

Reduction of severe visual loss and complications following intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) for refractory retinoblastoma.

PubMed

Reddy, M Ashwin; Naeem, Zishan; Duncan, Catriona; Robertson, Fergus; Herod, Jane; Rennie, Adam; Liasis, Alki; Thompson, Dorothy Ann; Sagoo, Mandeep

2017-12-01

Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) for retinoblastoma has been documented as causing visual loss and ocular motility problems. A lack of safety data has precluded its acceptance in all centres. Retrospective cohort study of patients with retinoblastoma from 2013 to 2015 who had a healthy foveola and relapsed following systemic chemotherapy. All required IAC. The correlation of complications with doses of melphalan +/- topotecan used and putative catheterisation complications was assessed. Ocular complications were determined using vision, macular (including pattern visual evoked potentials (PVEPs)), retinal electroretinograms (ERGs) and ocular motility functions. Efficacy (tumour control) was also assessed. All eyes had age appropriate doses of melphalan with five having additional doses of topotecan. Severe physiological reactions requiring adrenaline were seen in six patients during the catheterisation procedure. Difficulty was documented in accessing the ophthalmic artery in 7/27 catheterisations. The median/mean number of courses of chemotherapy was three. No child had severe visual loss as assessed by age appropriate tests (median follow-up 20.9 months, range 3.7-35.2 months). One child had nasal choroidal ischaemia and a sixth nerve palsy. Post-IAC PVEPs were performed in eight and reported as normal. All post-IAC ERGs were normal apart from one (total dose 20 mg melphalan 0.8 mg topotecan). Tumour control was achieved in six of nine cases. The proportion of visual and ocular motility complications may be reduced by providing age-adjusted doses of melphalan. Dose rather than complications from catheterisation is the most important risk factor for ocular injury. © 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.

A Process and Outcomes Evaluation of the International AIDS Conference: Who Attends? Who Benefits Most?

PubMed Central

Lalonde, Bernadette; Wolvaardt, Jacqueline E.; Webb, Elize M; Tournas-Hardt, Amy

2007-01-01

The objective of the study was to conduct a process and outcomes evaluation of the International AIDS Conference (IAC). Reaction evaluation data are presented from a delegate survey distributed at the 2004 IAC held in Thailand. Input and output data from the Thailand IAC are compared to data from previous IACs to ascertain attendance and reaction trends, which delegates benefit most, and host country effects. Outcomes effectiveness data were collected via a survey and intercept interviews. Data suggest that the host country may significantly affect the number and quality of basic science IAC presentations, who attends, and who benefits most. Intended and executed HIV work-related behavior change was assessed under 9 classifications. Delegates who attended 1 previous IAC were more likely to report behavior changes than attendees who attended more than 1 previous IAC. The conference needs to be continually evaluated to elicit the required data to plan effective future IACs. PMID:17435615

Combined preoperative measurement of three inferior alveolar canal factors using computed tomography predicts the risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury during lower third molar extraction.

PubMed

Tachinami, H; Tomihara, K; Fujiwara, K; Nakamori, K; Noguchi, M

2017-11-01

A retrospective cohort study was performed to assess the clinical usefulness of combination assessment using computed tomography (CT) images in patients undergoing third molar extraction. This study included 85 patients (124 extraction sites). The relationship between cortication status, buccolingual position, and shape of the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) on CT images and the incidence of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury after third molar extraction was evaluated. IAN injury was observed at eight of the 124 sites (6.5%), and in five of 19 sites (26.3%) in which cortication was absent+the IAC had a lingual position+the IAC had a dumbbell shape. Significant relationships were found between IAN injury and the three IAC factors (cortication status, IAC position, and IAC shape; P=0.0001). In patients with the three IAC factors, logistic regression analysis indicated a strong association between these factors and IAN injury (P=0.007). An absence of cortication, a lingually positioned IAC, and a dumbbell-shaped IAC are considered to indicate a high risk of IAN injury according to the logistic regression analysis (P=0.007). These results suggest that a combined assessment of these three IAC factors could be useful for the improved prediction of IAN injury. Copyright © 2017 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A randomized controlled trial of treatments for co-occurring substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.

PubMed

McGovern, Mark P; Lambert-Harris, Chantal; Xie, Haiyi; Meier, Andrea; McLeman, Bethany; Saunders, Elizabeth

2015-07-01

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among people with substance use disorders, and the comorbidity is associated with negative outcomes. We report on a randomized controlled trial comparing the effect of integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy (ICBT) plus standard care, individual addiction counseling plus standard care and standard care alone on substance use and PTSD symptoms. Three-group, multi-site randomized controlled trial. Seven addiction treatment programs in Vermont and New Hampshire, USA. Recruitment took place between December 2010 and January 2013. In this single-blind study, 221 participants were randomized to one of three conditions: ICBT plus standard care (SC) (n = 73), individual addiction counseling (IAC) plus SC (n = 75) or SC only (n = 73). One hundred and seventy-two patients were assessed at 6-month follow-up (58 ICBT; 61 IAC; 53 SC). Intervention and comparators: ICBT is a manual-guided therapy focused on PTSD and substance use symptom reduction with three main components: patient education, mindful relaxation and flexible thinking. IAC is a manual-guided therapy focused exclusively on substance use and recovery with modules organized in a stage-based approach: treatment initiation, early abstinence, maintaining abstinence and recovery. SC are intensive out-patient program services that include 9-12 hours of face-to-face contact per week over 2-4 days of group and individual therapies plus medication management. Primary outcomes were PTSD severity and substance use severity at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were therapy retention. PTSD symptoms reduced in all conditions with no difference between them. In analyses of covariance, ICBT produced more favorable outcomes on toxicology than IAC or SC [comparison with IAC, parameter estimate: 1.10; confidence interval (CI) = 0.17-2.04; comparison with SC, parameter estimate: 1.13; CI = 0.18-2.08] and had a greater reduction in reported drug use than SC (parameter estimate: -9.92; CI = -18.14 to -1.70). ICBT patients had better therapy continuation versus IAC (P<0.001). There were no unexpected or study-related adverse events. Integrated cognitive behavioral therapy may improve drug-related outcomes in post-traumatic stress disorder sufferers with substance use disorder more than drug-focused counseling, but probably not by reducing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms to a greater extent. © 2015 Society for the Study of Addiction.

Delineating the role of multiple intraarticular corticosteroid injections in the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in the biologic era.

PubMed

Papadopoulou, Charalampia; Kostik, Mikhail; Gonzalez-Fernandez, Maria Isabel; Bohm, Marek; Nieto-Gonzalez, Juan Carlos; Pistorio, Angela; Lanni, Stefano; Consolaro, Alessandro; Martini, Alberto; Ravelli, Angelo

2013-07-01

To investigate the outcome and predicting factors of multiple intraarticular corticosteroid (IAC) injections in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The clinical charts of patients who received their first IAC injection in ≥3 joints between January 2002 and December 2011 were reviewed. The corticosteroid used was triamcinolone hexacetonide for large joints and methylprednisolone acetate for small or difficult to access joints. In each patient, the followup period after IAC injection was censored in case of synovitis flare or at the last visit with continued remission. Predictors included sex, age at disease onset, JIA category, antinuclear antibody (ANA) status, age and disease duration, disease course, general anesthesia, number and type of injected joints, acute-phase reactants, and concomitant systemic medications. A total of 220 patients who had 1,096 joints injected were included. Following IAC therapy, 66.4% of patients had synovitis flare after a median of 0.5 years, whereas 33.6% of patients had sustained remission after a median of 0.9 years. The cumulative probability of survival without synovitis flare was 50.0%, 31.5%, and 19.5% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. On Cox regression analysis, positive C-reactive protein value, negative ANA, lack of concomitant methotrexate administration, and a polyarticular (versus an oligoarticular) disease course were the strongest predictors for synovitis flare. Multiple IAC injection therapy induced sustained remission of joint synovitis in a substantial proportion of patients. A controlled trial comparing multiple IAC injection therapy and methotrexate versus methotrexate and a tumor necrosis factor antagonist is worthy of consideration. Copyright © 2013 by the American College of Rheumatology.

Poleward transport variability in the Northern Hemisphere during final stratospheric warmings simulated by CESM(WACCM)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thiéblemont, Rémi; Matthes, Katja; Orsolini, Yvan J.; Hauchecorne, Alain; Huret, Nathalie

2016-09-01

Observational studies of Arctic stratospheric final warmings have shown that tropical/subtropical air masses can be advected to high latitudes and remain confined within a long-lived "frozen-in" anticyclone (FrIAC) for several months. It was suggested that the frequency of FrIACs may have increased since 2000 and that their interannual variability may be modulated by (i) the occurrence of major stratospheric warmings (mSSWs) in the preceding winter and (ii) the phase of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO). In this study, we tested these observational-based hypotheses for the first time using a chemistry climate model. Three 145 year sensitivity experiments were performed with the National Center of Atmospheric Research's Community Earth System Model (CESM): one control experiment including only natural variability, one with an extreme greenhouse gas emission scenario, and one without the QBO in the tropical stratosphere. In comparison with reanalysis, the model simulates a realistic frequency and characteristics of FrIACs, which occur under an abrupt and early winter-to-summer stratospheric circulation transition, driven by enhanced planetary wave activity. Furthermore, the model results support the suggestion that the development of FrIACs is favored by an easterly QBO in the middle stratosphere and by the absence of mSSWs during the preceding winter. The lower stratospheric persistence of background dynamical state anomalies induced by deep mSSWs leads to less favorable conditions for planetary waves to enter the high-latitude stratosphere in April, which in turn decreases the probability of FrIAC development. Our model results do not suggest that climate change conditions (RCP8.5 scenario) influence FrIAC occurrences.

Poleward Transport Variability in the Northern Hemisphere during Final Stratospheric Warmings simulated by CESM(WACCM)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thiéblemont, Rémi; Matthes, Katja; Orsolini, Yvan; Hauchecorne, Alain; Huret, Nathalie

2017-04-01

Observational studies of Arctic stratospheric final warmings have shown that tropical/subtropical air masses can be advected to high latitudes and remain confined within a long-lived "frozen-in" anticyclone (FrIAC) for several months. It was suggested that the frequency of FrIACs may have increased since 2000 and that their interannual variability may be modulated by (i) the occurrence of major stratospheric warmings (mSSWs) in the preceding winter and (ii) the phase of the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO). In this study, we tested these observational-based hypotheses for the first time using a chemistry-climate model. Three 145-year sensitivity experiments were performed with the National Center of Atmospheric Research's Community Earth System Model (CESM): one control experiment including only natural variability, one with an extreme greenhouse gas emission scenario, and one without the QBO in the tropical stratosphere. In comparison with reanalysis, the model simulates a realistic frequency and characteristics of FrIACs, which occur under an abrupt and early winter-to-summer stratospheric circulation transition, driven by enhanced planetary wave activity. Furthermore, the model results support the suggestion that the development of FrIACs is favored by an easterly QBO in the middle stratosphere and by the absence of mSSWs during the preceding winter. The lower stratospheric persistence of background dynamical state anomalies induced by deep mSSWs leads to less favorable conditions for planetary waves to enter the high-latitude stratosphere in April, which in turn decreases the probability of FrIAC development. Our model results do not suggest that climate change conditions (RCP8.5 scenario) influence FrIAC occurrences.

Reduction of Isoagglutinin in Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) Using Blood Group A- and B-Specific Immunoaffinity Chromatography: Industry-Scale Assessment.

PubMed

Gerber, Simon; Gaida, Annette; Spiegl, Nicole; Wymann, Sandra; Antunes, Adriano Marques; Menyawi, Ibrahim El; Zurbriggen, Brigitte; Hubsch, Alphonse; Imboden, Martin

2016-10-01

Hemolysis, a rare but potentially serious complication of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, is associated with the presence of antibodies to blood groups A and B (isoagglutinins) in the IVIG product. An immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) step in the production process could decrease isoagglutinin levels in IVIG. Our objectives were to compare isoagglutinin levels in a large number of IVIG (Privigen ® ) batches produced with or without IAC and to assess the feasibility of the production process with an IAC step on an industrial scale. The IAC column comprised a blend of anti-A and anti-B resins formed by coupling synthetic blood group antigens (A/B-trisaccharides) to a base bead matrix, and was introduced towards the end of the industrial-scale IVIG manufacturing process. Isoagglutinin levels in IVIG were determined by anti-A and anti-B hemagglutinin direct and indirect methods according to the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) and an isoagglutinin flow cytometry assay. IVIG product quality was assessed with respect to the retention of immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses, specific antibodies, and removal of IgM using standardized procedures. The IAC step reduced isoagglutinins in IVIG by two to three titer steps compared with lots produced without IAC. The median anti-A and anti-B titers with IAC were 1:8 and 1:4, respectively, when measured by the Ph. Eur. direct method, and 1:2 and <1, respectively, when measured by the Ph. Eur. indirect method. The isoagglutinin flow cytometry assay showed an 87-90 % reduction in isoagglutinins in post-IAC versus pre-IAC fractions. IAC alone reduced anti-A and anti-B of the IgMs isotype by 92.5-97.8 % and 95.4-99.2 %, respectively. Other product quality characteristics were similar with and without IAC. IAC is an effective method for reducing isoagglutinin levels in IVIG, and it is feasible on an industrial scale.

Panic and comorbid depression and their associations with stress reactivity, interoceptive awareness and interoceptive accuracy of various bioparameters.

PubMed

Limmer, Jan; Kornhuber, Johannes; Martin, Alexandra

2015-10-01

While current theories on perception of interoceptive signals suggest impaired interoceptive processing in psychiatric disorders such as panic disorder or depression, heart-rate (HR) interoceptive accuracy (IAc) of panic patients under resting conditions is superior to that of healthy controls. Thus, in this study, we chose to assess further physiological parameters and comorbid depression in order to get information on how these potentially conflicting findings are linked together. We used a quasi-experimental laboratory design which included multi-parametric physiological data collection of 40 panic subjects and 53 matched no-panic controls, as well as experimental induction of stress and relaxation over a time-course. Stress reactivity, interoceptive awareness (IAw; from the Body Perception Questionnaire (BPQ)) and IAc (as correlation between self-estimation and physiological data) were major outcome variables. Self-estimation of bioparametrical change was measured via numeric rating scales. Panic subjects had stronger HR-reaction and more accurate HR-interoception. Concurrently, though, their IAc of skin conductance level, pulse amplitude and breathing amplitude was significantly lower than that of the control group. Interestingly, comorbid depression was found to be associated with increased IAw but attenuated IAc. Demand characteristics and a categorical approach to panic confine the results. The potentially conflicting findings coalesce, as panic was associated with an increase of the ability to perceive the fear-related parameter and a simultaneous decrease of the ability to perceive other parameters. The superordinate integration of afferent signals might be impaired. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pharmacokinetics of isochlorgenic acid C in rats by HPLC-MS: Absolute bioavailability and dose proportionality.

PubMed

Huang, Li Hua; Xiong, Xiao Hong; Zhong, Yun Ming; Cen, Mei Feng; Cheng, Xuan Ge; Wang, Gui Xiang; Zang, Lin Quan; Wang, Su Jun

2016-06-05

Isochlorgenic acid C (IAC), one of the bioactive compounds of Lonicera japonica, exhibited diverse pharmacological effects. However, its pharmacokinetic properties and bioavailability remained unresolved. To determine the absolute bioavailability in rats and the dose proportionality on the pharmacokinetics of single oral dose of IAC. A validated HPLC-MS method was developed for the determination of IAC in rat plasma. Plasma concentration versus time data were generated following oral and intravenous dosing. The pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using DAS 3.0 software analysis. Absolute bioavailability in rats was determined by comparing pharmacokinetic data after administration of single oral (5, 10 and 25mgkg(-1)) and intravenous (5mgkg(-1)) doses of IAC. The dose proportionality of AUC(0-∞) and Cmax were analyzed by linear regression. Experimental data showed that absolute oral bioavailability of IAC in rats across the doses ranged between 14.4% and 16.9%. The regression analysis of AUC(0-∞) and Cmax at the three doses (5, 10 and 25mgkg(-1)) indicated that the equations were y=35.23x+117.20 (r=0.998) and y=121.03x+255.74 (r=0.995), respectively. A new HPLC-MS method was developed to determine the bioavailability and the dose proportionality of IAC. Bioavailability of IAC in rats was poor and both Cmax and AUC(0-∞) of IAC had a positive correlation with dose. Evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of IAC will be useful in assessing concentration-effect relationships for the potential therapeutic applications of IAC. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of Cost Benefit Methodology for Scientific and Technical Information Communication and Application to Information Analysis Centers. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mason, Robert M.; And Others

This document presents a research effort intended to improve the economic information available for formulating politics and making decisions related to Information Analysis Centers (IAC's) and IAC services. The project used a system of IAC information activities to analyze the functional aspects of IAC services, calculate the present value of net…

Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) Operations Manual

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

Gopalakrishnan, Bhaskaran; Nimbalkar, Sachin U.; Wenning, Thomas J.

IAC Operations Manual describes organizational model and operations of the Industrial Assessment Center (IAC), Center management activities, typical process of energy assessment, and energy assessment data for specific industry sectors.

Liver metastases from melanoma: hepatic intra-arterial chemotherapy. A retrospective study.

PubMed

Farolfi, A; Ridolfi, L; Guidoboni, M; Milandri, C; Calzolari, F; Scarpi, E; Amadori, D; Ridolfi, R

2011-10-01

The liver is the primary site of metastases in most uveal melanoma patients. We retrospectively investigated intraarterial chemotherapy (IAC) as treatment for patients with hepatic melanoma metastases.Twenty-three patients (18 with uveal melanoma) received fotemustine (14 patients, 61.9%) or carboplatin (9 patients, 31.1%) via hepatic IAC delivery. The catheter was introduced through percutaneous access to the femoral artery with drugs delivered directly to the hepatic artery, and was removed at the end of each treatment cycle. A total of 3 cycles was planned, repeated every 21 days. However, patients with a clinical response could receive more than 3 cycles, provided that the toxic effects were acceptable.IAC was well tolerated and no catheter-related complications or grade 4 toxicities were reported. Considering only uveal melanoma patients, the overall response rate and disease control rate was 16.7% and 38.9%, respectively. Median time to progression was 6.2 months (95% CI 3.7-10.5) and median overall survival was 21 months (95% CI 8-39).IAC is well tolerated and is a valid choice for patients with a poor prognosis since median survival rates are among the longest reported.

Presence of intracranial artery calcification is associated with mortality and vascular events in patients with ischemic stroke after hospital discharge: a cohort study.

PubMed

Bugnicourt, Jean-Marc; Leclercq, Claire; Chillon, Jean-Marc; Diouf, Momar; Deramond, Hervé; Canaple, Sandrine; Lamy, Chantal; Massy, Ziad A; Godefroy, Olivier

2011-12-01

Although intracranial artery calcification (IAC) has been reported to be a risk factor for ischemic stroke, the prognostic implications of IAC in stroke outcome are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between IAC and risk of vascular events and death in patients with stroke after hospital discharge. All patients with ischemic stroke over a 1-year period were included (n=302). IAC, assessed by multidetector CT, was defined as hyperdense foci (peak density>130 Hounsfield units) and assessed in the 7 major cerebral arteries. The IAC scores ranged from 0 (no calcification) to 7. Follow-up information on major clinical events (including fatal or nonfatal ischemic stroke, cardiac and peripheral artery events, and all-cause death) was obtained by means of a structured phone interview. IAC was present in 260 patients (83%). With a mean follow-up of 773±223 days, 88 major clinical events occurred in 67 patients (22%): 45 new ischemic vascular events (ischemic stroke: n=22; cardiac event: n=15; peripheral artery event: n=8) and 43 deaths from any cause. Patients with the highest IAC scores had significantly higher rates of death and vascular events than those with the lowest IAC scores (log rank test, P=0.029). In the Cox proportional hazards regression model, the IAC score was significantly associated with major clinical events (hazard ratio, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.11-1.61; P=0.002). In patients with ischemic stroke, IAC detection may constitute a simple marker of a high risk of future major clinical events.

Immunoaffinity chromatography: an introduction to applications and recent developments

PubMed Central

Moser, Annette C

2010-01-01

Immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) combines the use of LC with the specific binding of antibodies or related agents. The resulting method can be used in assays for a particular target or for purification and concentration of analytes prior to further examination by another technique. This review discusses the history and principles of IAC and the various formats that can be used with this method. An overview is given of the general properties of antibodies and of antibody-production methods. The supports and immobilization methods used with antibodies in IAC and the selection of application and elution conditions for IAC are also discussed. Several applications of IAC are considered, including its use in purification, immunodepletion, direct sample analysis, chromatographic immunoassays and combined analysis methods. Recent developments include the use of IAC with CE or MS, ultrafast immunoextraction methods and the use of immunoaffinity columns in microanalytical systems. PMID:20640220

Final Technical Report

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

Miller, Robert A.

2007-04-18

From September 1, 2002, to November 30, 2006, the Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) conducted over 120 industrial assessments across 19 different industry types in five different states. In the 1,000+ assessment recommendations written during the award, the UIC-IAC has written recommendations that, if implemented will save several millions of kilowatt-hours of electricity and several million British thermal units of natural gas annually. Additionally, the UIC-IAC has achieved an overall implementation rate in excess of 50%. During the overall span of the award period, the UIC-IAC has trained over 50 students, nearly 25%more » of which have remained in the energy field in some way after graduating from the IAC program. UIC-IAC students have received over $23,000 in scholarships in the last two years alone. During the course of the award, the UIC-IAC has made it a priority to incorporate ITP tools and technologies whenever possible. The ITP Best Practices tools have been used on several assessments and introduced to clients. DOE technologies are constantly compared against assessment clients to determine what technologies have reached the stage where they can effectively be introduced into industrial operations. The UIC-IAC has been involved in several projects for the Department of Energy (DOE), including energy assessments of Department of Defense bases and industrial facilities, the Plant Energy Profiler (PEP) tool assessment, and expanding the range of assessments to include large- energy users. Additionally, the UIC-IAC has forged a close relationship with the Midwest CHP Application Center, working to incorporate combined heat and power (CHP) and distributed generation (DG) technologies into industrial plants. The most recent project is the Save Energy Now (SEN) six- and 12-month follow-up surveys being conducted by UIC-IAC students. The SEN surveys are an effort for the DOE to determine the implementation rate of energy efficiency measures identified by Qualified System (QS) specialists throughout the nation. The UIC-IAC has also written several papers highlighting its work in the arena of energy efficiency. Currently, several UIC-IAC students have submitted a paper to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). This paper has been accepted by ACEEE and will be presented later in 2007.« less

Transgenic elite indica rice plants expressing CryIAc delta-endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis are resistant against yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas).

PubMed

Nayak, P; Basu, D; Das, S; Basu, A; Ghosh, D; Ramakrishnan, N A; Ghosh, M; Sen, S K

1997-03-18

Generation of insect-resistant, transgenic crop plants by expression of the insecticidal crystal protein (ICP) gene of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a standard crop improvement approach. In such cases, adequate expression of the most appropriate ICP against the target insect pest of the crop species is desirable. It is also considered advantageous to generate Bt-transgenics with multiple toxin systems to control rapid development of pest resistance to the ICP. Larvae of yellow stem borer (YSB), Scirpophaga incertulas, a major lepidopteran insect pest of rice, cause massive losses of rice yield. Studies on insect feeding and on the binding properties of ICP to brush border membrane receptors in the midgut of YSB larvae revealed that cryIAb and cryIAc are two individually suitable candidate genes for developing YSB-resistant rice. Programs were undertaken to develop Bt-transgenic rice with these ICP genes independently in a single cultivar. A cryIAc gene was reconstructed and placed under control of the maize ubiquitin 1 promoter, along with the first intron of the maize ubiquitin 1 gene, and the nos terminator. The gene construct was delivered to embryogenic calli of IR64, an elite indica rice cultivar, using the particle bombardment method. Six highly expressive independent transgenic ICP lines were identified. Molecular analyses and insect-feeding assays of two such lines revealed that the transferred synthetic cryIAc gene was expressed stably in the T2 generation of these lines and that the transgenic rice plants were highly toxic to YSB larvae and lessened the damage caused by their feeding.

Radiosurgery for Para-IAC Meningiomas: The Effect of Radiation Dose to the Cochlea on Hearing Outcome

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

Kim, Young-Hoon; Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul; Kim, Dong Gyu, E-mail: gknife@plaza.snu.ac.kr

2012-11-01

Purpose: This study was performed to assess the radiosurgical results of meningiomas extending into the internal acoustic canal (para-IAC meningiomas), with a particular focus on the effect of radiation dose to the cochlea on hearing outcome. Methods and Materials: A total of 50 patients who underwent radiosurgery for para-IAC meningiomas between 1998 and 2009, which were followed for 2 years, were enrolled. The mean age was 55.8 years (range, 15-75). The mean tumor volume was 6.1 cm{sup 3} (range, 1.0-19.0), the mean tumor length in the IAC was 6.9 mm (range, 1.3-13.3), and the mean prescribed marginal dose was 13.1more » Gy (range, 10-15) at an isodose line of 50%. The mean follow-up duration was 46 months (range, 24-122). Results: Eight (16.0%) patients had nonserviceable hearing at the time of surgery. At the last follow-up, the tumor control rate was 94%; unchanged in 17 patients, decreased in 30 patients, and increased in 3 patients. Among 42 patients with serviceable hearing at the time of radiosurgery, it was preserved in 41 (97.6%) patients at the last follow-up. The maximal and mean radiation doses to the cochleae of these 41 patients were 5.8 Gy {+-} 0.3 (range, 3.1-11.5) and 4.3 Gy {+-} 0.2 (range, 2.2-7.5), respectively. The maximal dose to the cochlea of the patient who lost hearing after radiosurgery was 4.7 Gy. Conclusions: The radiation dose to the cochlea may have the minimal toxic effect on the hearing outcome in patients who undergo radiosurgery for para-IAC meningiomas.« less

NASTRAN interfacing modules within the Integrated Analysis Capability (IAC) Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frisch, H. P.

1986-01-01

The IAC program provides the framework required for the development of an extensive multidisciplinary analysis capability. Several NASTRAN related capabilities were developed which can all be expanded in a routine manner to meet in-house unique needs. Plans are to complete the work discussed herein and to provide it to the engineering community through COSMIC. Release is to be after the current IAC Level 2 contract work on the IAC executive system is completed and meshed with the interfacing modules and analysis capabilities under development at the GSFC.

Analysis on clinical characteristics of intracranial Arachnoid Cysts in 488 pediatric cases

PubMed Central

Huang, Jian-Huang; Mei, Wen-Zhong; Chen, Yao; Chen, Jian-Wu; Lin, Zhi-Xiong

2015-01-01

To summarize the clinical characteristics of intracranial arachnoid cysts (IACs) in pediatric cases. A retrospective analysis was carried out on clinical characteristics of IACs in 488 pediatric cases who were treated at our hospital from January 2003 to September 2013. There were 342 males and 146 females (male-to-female ratio, 2.34:1), aged 5.61±3.25 years on average. 221 cases (45.29%) were diagnosed accidentally, 267 cases had clinical complaints (54.71%), among which relationships between clinical complaints and IACs were identified in 123 (46.07%). Simple IACs occurred in 364 cases (4.59%), and concurrent congenital abnormalities occurred in 124 cases (4.59%). In terms of location, 355 had IACs in middle cranial fossa (72.75%), 82 cases in posterior cranial fossa (16.80%), 20 cases in anterior cranial fossa (4.10%), 12 cases in dorsolateral surface (2.46%), 7 cases in suprasellar cistern (1.43%), 5 cases in cerebral ventricle (1.02%), 5 cases in quadrigeminal cistern (1.02%), and 2 cases in interhemispheric region (0.41%). There were 449 cases with single IAC (92.01%) and 39 cases with multiple IACs (7.99%). On MRI, the cysts produced tension in 127 cases (26.02%), but not in the remaining 361 cases (73.98%). Surgery was performed on 76 of 488 cases (15.57%), while conservative observation was accepted in 412 cases (84.43%). For the former, the symptoms and the cyst volume were improved to varying extent; for the latter, the follow-up lasting for 3-72 months (average 32.43±8.92 months) showed that the cyst volume remained stable in 407 cases (98.78%), enlarged with aggravated symptoms in 3 cases (0.73%), and shrank in 2 cases (0.49%). Clinical complaints of IACs varied in pediatric cases, and the relationships between clinical complaints and IACs were established only partially. Some pediatric cases were combined with other congenital abnormalities. The cyst volume largely remained stable during the disease course, and surgery was required for only a few IACs. PMID:26770437

Intersocietal Accreditation Commission Accreditation Status of Outpatient Cerebrovascular Testing Facilities Among Medicare Beneficiaries: The VALUE Study.

PubMed

Brown, Scott C; Wang, Kefeng; Dong, Chuanhui; Farrell, Mary Beth; Heller, Gary V; Gornik, Heather L; Hutchisson, Marge; Needleman, Laurence; Benenati, James F; Jaff, Michael R; Meier, George H; Perese, Susana; Bendick, Phillip; Hamburg, Naomi M; Lohr, Joann M; LaPerna, Lucy; Leers, Steven A; Lilly, Michael P; Tegeler, Charles; Katanick, Sandra L; Alexandrov, Andrei V; Siddiqui, Adnan H; Rundek, Tatjana

2016-09-01

Accreditation of cerebrovascular ultrasound laboratories by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) and equivalent organizations is supported by the Joint Commission certification of stroke centers. Limited information exists on the accreditation status and geographic distribution of cerebrovascular testing facilities in the United States. Our study objectives were to identify the proportion of IAC-accredited outpatient cerebrovascular testing facilities used by Medicare beneficiaries, describe their geographic distribution, and identify variations in cerebrovascular testing procedure types and volumes by accreditation status. As part of the VALUE (Vascular Accreditation, Location, and Utilization Evaluation) Study, we examined the proportion of IAC-accredited facilities that conducted cerebrovascular testing in a 5% Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services random Outpatient Limited Data Set in 2011 and investigated their geographic distribution using geocoding. Among 7327 outpatient facilities billing Medicare for cerebrovascular testing, only 22% (1640) were IAC accredited. The proportion of IAC-accredited cerebrovascular testing facilities varied by region (χ(2)[3] = 177.1; P < .0001), with 29%, 15%, 13%, and 10% located in the Northeast, South, Midwest, and West, respectively. However, of the total number of cerebrovascular outpatient procedures conducted in 2011 (38,555), 40% (15,410) were conducted in IAC-accredited facilities. Most cerebrovascular testing procedures were carotid duplex, with 40% of them conducted in IAC-accredited facilities. The proportion of facilities conducting outpatient cerebrovascular testing accredited by the IAC is low and varies by region. The growing number of certified stroke centers should be accompanied by more accredited outpatient vascular testing facilities, which could potentially improve the quality of stroke care.

Method for determination of aflatoxin M₁ in cheese and butter by HPLC using an immunoaffinity column.

PubMed

Sakuma, Hisako; Kamata, Yoichi; Sugita-Konishi, Yoshiko; Kawakami, Hiroshi

2011-01-01

A rapid, sensitive convenient method for determination of aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) in cheese and butter by HPLC was developed and validated. The method employs a safe extraction solution (mixture of acetonitrile, methanol and water) and an immunoaffinity column (IAC) for clean-up. Compared with the widely used method employing chloroform and a Florisil column, the IAC method has a short analytical time and there are no interference peaks. The limits of quantification (LOQ) of the IAC method were 0.12 and 0.14 µg/kg, while those of the Florisil column method were 0.47 and 0.23 µg/kg in cheese and buffer, respectively. The recovery and relative standard deviation (RSD) for cheese (spiked at 0.5 µg/kg) in the IAC method were 92% and 7%, respectively, while for the Florisil column method the corresponding values were 76% and 10%. The recovery and RSD for butter (spiked at 0.5 µg/kg) in the IAC method were 97% and 9%, and those in the Florisil method were 74% and 9%, respectively. In the IAC method, the values of in-house precision (n=2, day=5) of cheese and butter (spiked at 0.5 µg/kg) were 9% and 13%, respectively. The IAC method is superior to the Florisil column method in terms of safety, ease of handling, sensitivity and reliability. A survey of AFM₁ contamination in imported cheese and butter in Japan was conducted by the IAC method. AFM₁ was not detected in 60 samples of cheese and 30 samples of butter.

Transgenic elite indica rice plants expressing CryIAc ∂-endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis are resistant against yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas)

PubMed Central

Nayak, Pritilata; Basu, Debabrata; Das, Sampa; Basu, Asitava; Ghosh, Dipankar; Ramakrishnan, Neeliyath A.; Ghosh, Maloy; Sen, Soumitra K.

1997-01-01

Generation of insect-resistant, transgenic crop plants by expression of the insecticidal crystal protein (ICP) gene of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a standard crop improvement approach. In such cases, adequate expression of the most appropriate ICP against the target insect pest of the crop species is desirable. It is also considered advantageous to generate Bt-transgenics with multiple toxin systems to control rapid development of pest resistance to the ICP. Larvae of yellow stem borer (YSB), Scirpophaga incertulas, a major lepidopteran insect pest of rice, cause massive losses of rice yield. Studies on insect feeding and on the binding properties of ICP to brush border membrane receptors in the midgut of YSB larvae revealed that cryIAb and cryIAc are two individually suitable candidate genes for developing YSB-resistant rice. Programs were undertaken to develop Bt-transgenic rice with these ICP genes independently in a single cultivar. A cryIAc gene was reconstructed and placed under control of the maize ubiquitin 1 promoter, along with the first intron of the maize ubiquitin 1 gene, and the nos terminator. The gene construct was delivered to embryogenic calli of IR64, an elite indica rice cultivar, using the particle bombardment method. Six highly expressive independent transgenic ICP lines were identified. Molecular analyses and insect-feeding assays of two such lines revealed that the transferred synthetic cryIAc gene was expressed stably in the T2 generation of these lines and that the transgenic rice plants were highly toxic to YSB larvae and lessened the damage caused by their feeding. PMID:9122157

Accreditation Status and Geographic Location of Outpatient Echocardiographic Testing Facilities Among Medicare Beneficiaries: The VALUE-ECHO Study.

PubMed

Brown, Scott C; Wang, Kefeng; Dong, Chuanhui; Yi, Li; Marinovic Gutierrez, Carolina; Di Tullio, Marco R; Farrell, Mary Beth; Burgess, Pamela; Gornik, Heather L; Hamburg, Naomi M; Needleman, Laurence; Orsinelli, David; Robison, Susana; Rundek, Tatjana

2018-02-01

Accreditation of echocardiographic testing facilities by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) is supported by the American College of Cardiology and American Society of Echocardiography. However, limited information exists on the accreditation status and geographic distribution of echocardiographic facilities in the United States. Our study aimed to identify (1) the proportion of outpatient echocardiography facilities used by Medicare beneficiaries that are IAC accredited, (2) their geographic distribution, and (3) variations in procedure type and volume by accreditation status. As part of the VALUE-ECHO (Value of Accreditation, Location, and Utilization Evaluation-Echocardiography) study, we examined the proportion of IAC-accredited echocardiographic facilities performing outpatient echocardiography in the 2013 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services outpatient limited data set (100% sample) and their geographic distribution using geocoding in ArcGIS (ESRI, Redlands, CA). Among 4573 outpatient facilities billing Medicare for echocardiographic testing in 2013, 99.6% (n = 4554) were IAC accredited (99.7% in the 50 US states and 86.2% in Puerto Rico). The proportion IAC-accredited echocardiographic facilities varied by region, with 98.7%, 99.9%, 99.9%, 99.5%, and 86.2% of facilities accredited in the Northeast, South, Midwest, West, and Puerto Rico, respectively (P < .01, Fisher exact test). Of all echocardiographic outpatient procedures conducted (n = 1,890,156), 99.8% (n = 1,885,382) were performed in IAC-accredited echocardiographic facilities. Most procedures (90.9%) were transthoracic echocardiograms, of which 99.7% were conducted in IAC-accredited echocardiographic facilities. Almost all outpatient echocardiographic facilities billed by Medicare are IAC accredited. This accreditation rate is substantially higher than previously reported for US outpatient vascular testing facilities (13% IAC accredited). The uniformity of imaging and interpretation protocols from a single accrediting body is important to facilitate optimal cardiovascular care. © 2017 by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

Detection of shigella in lettuce by the use of a rapid molecular assay with increased sensitivity

PubMed Central

Jiménez, Kenia Barrantes; McCoy², Clyde B.; Achí, Rosario

2010-01-01

A Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay to be used as an alternative to the conventional culture method in detecting Shigella and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) virulence genes ipaH and ial in lettuce was developed. Efficacy and rapidity of the molecular method were determined as compared to the conventional culture. Lettuce samples were inoculated with different Shigella flexneri concentrations (from 10 CFU/ml to 107 CFU/ml). DNA was extracted directly from lettuce after inoculation (direct-PCR) and after an enrichment step (enrichment PCR). Multiplex PCR detection limit was 104CFU/ml, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 100% accurate. An internal amplification control (IAC) of 100 bp was used in order to avoid false negative results. This method produced results in 1 to 2 days while the conventional culture method required 5 to 6 days. Also, the culture method detection limit was 106 CFU/ml, diagnostic sensitivity was 53% and diagnostic specificity was 100%. In this study a Multiplex PCR method for detection of virulence genes in Shigella and EIEC was shown to be effective in terms of diagnostic sensitivity, detection limit and amount of time as compared to Shigella conventional culture. PMID:24031579

Role of IAC in large space systems thermal analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, G. K.; Skladany, J. T.; Young, J. P.

1982-01-01

Computer analysis programs to evaluate critical coupling effects that can significantly influence spacecraft system performance are described. These coupling effects arise from the varied parameters of the spacecraft systems, environments, and forcing functions associated with disciplines such as thermal, structures, and controls. Adverse effects can be expected to significantly impact system design aspects such as structural integrity, controllability, and mission performance. One such needed design analysis capability is a software system that can integrate individual discipline computer codes into a highly user-oriented/interactive-graphics-based analysis capability. The integrated analysis capability (IAC) system can be viewed as: a core framework system which serves as an integrating base whereby users can readily add desired analysis modules and as a self-contained interdisciplinary system analysis capability having a specific set of fully integrated multidisciplinary analysis programs that deal with the coupling of thermal, structures, controls, antenna radiation performance, and instrument optical performance disciplines.

Ver-i-Fus: an integrated access control and information monitoring and management system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomopoulos, Stelios C.; Reisman, James G.; Papelis, Yiannis E.

1997-01-01

This paper describes the Ver-i-Fus Integrated Access Control and Information Monitoring and Management (IAC-I2M) system that INTELNET Inc. has developed. The Ver-i-Fus IAC-I2M system has been designed to meet the most stringent security and information monitoring requirements while allowing two- way communication between the user and the system. The systems offers a flexible interface that permits to integrate practically any sensing device, or combination of sensing devices, including a live-scan fingerprint reader, thus providing biometrics verification for enhanced security. Different configurations of the system provide solutions to different sets of access control problems. The re-configurable hardware interface, tied together with biometrics verification and a flexible interface that allows to integrate Ver-i-Fus with an MIS, provide an integrated solution to security, time and attendance, labor monitoring, production monitoring, and payroll applications.

The role of chest radiographs and tuberculin skin tests in tuberculosis screening of internationally adopted children.

PubMed

George, Sobenna A; Ko, Catherine A; Kirchner, H Lester; Starke, Jeffrey R; Dragga, Therese A; Mandalakas, Anna M

2011-05-01

Internationally adopted children (IAC) are a growing group of US immigrants who often come from countries with high tuberculosis (TB) burdens. There is limited evidence to support current TB screening guidelines in these high-risk children. Therefore, we have prospectively examined the clinical utility of tuberculin skin testing (TST) and subsequent chest radiograph screening for TB disease in recently immigrated, asymptomatic IAC. Within 6 months of immigration to the United States, we collected demographic information and assessed the nutritional status of 566 IAC who presented for routine postadoptive care. Children completed standardized clinical examination and TSTs. Chest radiographs were recommended for children with TST induration ≥ 5 mm. The association between TST induration and clinical outcome was assessed. The clinical utility of chest radiographs was evaluated. There was no difference in age, birth country, or nutritional status between IAC with TST induration of 0 to < 5 mm and those with 5 to < 10 mm; IAC with TST ≥ 10 mm were older, more chronically malnourished, and more likely to emigrate from Guatemala. Among children with TST ≥ 5 mm (35%), 4 IAC had chest radiographs which were initially interpreted to be abnormal and consistent with TB; ultimately none were diagnosed with TB. The 5-mm TST cut point did not capture IAC with risk factors for latent TB infection or progression to TB disease, suggesting that this is not a useful screening threshold. In contrast, a 10-mm cut point identified IAC at risk for TB infection and therefore should be a more useful screening threshold. We question the clinical utility of radiographic screening for pulmonary TB in asymptomatic children.

Characterization of a Prenyltransferase for Iso-A82775C Biosynthesis and Generation of New Congeners of Chloropestolides.

PubMed

Pan, Yuanyuan; Liu, Ling; Guan, Feifei; Li, Erwei; Jin, Jin; Li, Jinyang; Che, Yongsheng; Liu, Gang

2018-03-16

Chloropupukeananin and chloropestolides are novel metabolites of the plant endophyte Pestalotiopsis fici, showing antimicrobial, antitumor, and anti-HIV activities. Their highly complex and unique skeletons were generated from the coisolated pestheic acid (1) and iso-A82775C (10) based on our previous studies. Here, we identified the biosynthetic gene cluster iac of 10 and characterized an iacE encoded prenyltransferase. Deletion of iacE abolished iso-A82775C production, accumulated the prenyl group-lacking siccayne (2), and generated four new chloropestolides (3-6). Compounds 5 and 6 showed antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, and 5 was also cytotoxic to human tumor cell lines HeLa, MCF-7, and SW480. These results provided the first genetic and biochemical insights into the biosynthesis of natural prenylepoxycyclohexanes and demonstrated the feasibility for generation of diversified congeners by manipulating the biosynthetic genes of 10.

Improving memory after interruption: exploiting soft constraints and manipulating information access cost.

PubMed

Morgan, Phillip L; Patrick, John; Waldron, Samuel M; King, Sophia L; Patrick, Tanya

2009-12-01

Forgetting what one was doing prior to interruption is an everyday problem. The recent soft constraints hypothesis (Gray, Sims, Fu, & Schoelles, 2006) emphasizes the strategic adaptation of information processing strategy to the task environment. It predicts that increasing information access cost (IAC: the time, and physical and mental effort involved in accessing information) encourages a more memory-intensive strategy. Like interruptions, access costs are also intrinsic to most work environments, such as when opening documents and e-mails. Three experiments investigated whether increasing IAC during a simple copying task can be an effective method for reducing forgetting following interruption. IAC was designated Low (all information permanently visible), Medium (a mouse movement to uncover target information), or High (an additional few seconds to uncover such information). Experiment 1 found that recall improved across all three levels of IAC. Subsequent experiments found that High IAC facilitated resumption after interruption, particularly when interruption occurred on half of all trials (Experiment 2), and improved prospective memory following two different interrupting tasks, even when one involved the disruptive effect of using the same type of resource as the primary task (Experiment 3). The improvement of memory after interruption with increased IAC supports the prediction of the soft constraints hypothesis. The main disadvantage of a high access cost was a reduction in speed of task completion. The practicality of manipulating IAC as a design method for inducing a memory-intensive strategy to protect against forgetting is discussed. Copyright 2009 APA

Unconventional Three-Armed Luminogens Exhibiting Both Aggregation-Induced Emission and Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Resulting in High-Performing Solution-Processed Organic Light-Emitting Diodes.

PubMed

Park, Seo Yeon; Choi, Suna; Park, Gi Eun; Kim, Hyung Jong; Lee, Chiho; Moon, Ji Su; Kim, Si Woo; Park, Sungnam; Kwon, Jang Hyuk; Cho, Min Ju; Choi, Dong Hoon

2018-05-02

In this work, three-armed luminogens IAcTr-out and IAcTr-in were synthesized and used as emitters bearing triazine and indenoacridine moieties in thermally activated delayed fluorescence organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). These molecules could form a uniform thin film via the solution process and also allowed the subsequent deposition of an electron transporting layer either by vacuum deposition or by an all-solution coating method. Intriguingly, the new luminogens displayed aggregation-induced emission (AIE), which is a unique photophysical phenomenon. As a nondoped emitting layer (EML), IAcTr-in showed external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of 11.8% for the hybrid-solution processed OLED and 10.9% for the all-solution processed OLED with a low efficiency roll-off. This was evident by the higher photoluminescence quantum yield and higher rate constant of reverse intersystem crossing of IAcTr-in, as compared to IAcTr-out. These AIE luminogens were used as dopants and mixed with the well-known host material 1,3-bis( N-carbazolyl)benzene (mCP) to produce a high-efficiency OLED with a two-component EML. The maximum EQE of 17.5% was obtained when using EML with IAcTr-out doping (25 wt %) into mCP, and the OLED with EML bearing IAcTr-in and mCP showed a higher maximum EQE of 18.4% as in the case of the nondoped EML-based device.

IAC Library: Some Challenges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomez, M.

2010-10-01

Since its beginnings in 1985, the IAC Library has evolved from a traditional library where the physical place and collections were essential, to a hybrid library where users can often get what they need without going to the library. In this paper, we present how the various changes due to information technology advances that occurred in the 1990s, followed by a series of works carried out from 2004 to 2008 at IAC, as well as several internal and external events or decisions, have led the IAC Library to face three new challenges. First, as the library building has been enlarged and new spaces are now available for users and for shelving, we have to decide what we should we do with the new spaces. How we can make them attractive for users at a time when users often don't need to visit the library to access the information they need? Second, as IAC will implement a new integrated information system, we have an opportunity to define how the library system will participate within the IAC global information system, bringing to this great project our knowledge of information management, essential to improve the actual processes. Third, as the Ministry has created a working group on access to electronic resources, with participation by seven affiliated research institutions, we have, as a member of this group, to define how to deal with the Ministry and the other centres to set a library policy that will benefit the IAC Library.

Development and Implementation of a Quality Improvement Process for Echocardiographic Laboratory Accreditation.

PubMed

Gilliland, Yvonne E; Lavie, Carl J; Ahmad, Homaa; Bernal, Jose A; Cash, Michael E; Dinshaw, Homeyar; Milani, Richard V; Shah, Sangeeta; Bienvenu, Lisa; White, Christopher J

2016-03-01

We describe our process for quality improvement (QI) for a 3-year accreditation cycle in echocardiography by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) for a large group practice. Echocardiographic laboratory accreditation by the IAC was introduced in 1996, which is not required but could impact reimbursement. To ensure high-quality patient care and community recognition as a facility committed to providing high-quality echocardiographic services, we applied for IAC accreditation in 2010. Currently, there is little published data regarding the IAC process to meet echocardiography standards. We describe our approach for developing a multicampus QI process for echocardiographic laboratory accreditation during the 3-year cycle of accreditation by the IAC. We developed a quarterly review assessing (1) the variability of the interpretations, (2) the quality of the examinations, (3) a correlation of echocardiographic studies with other imaging modalities, (4) the timely completion of reports, (5) procedure volume, (6) maintenance of Continuing Medical Education credits by faculty, and (7) meeting Appropriate Use Criteria. We developed and implemented a multicampus process for QI during the 3-year accreditation cycle by the IAC for Echocardiography. We documented both the process and the achievement of those metrics by the Echocardiography Laboratories at the Ochsner Medical Institutions. We found the QI process using IAC standards to be a continuous educational experience for our Echocardiography Laboratory physicians and staff. We offer our process as an example and guide for other echocardiography laboratories who wish to apply for such accreditation or reaccreditation. © 2016, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Preparation and evaluation of a mixed-bed immunoaffinity column for selective purification of sixteen sulfonamides in pork muscle.

PubMed

Li, Yingguo; Chen, Yiqiang; Li, Zhengguo; Zhang, Lei; Li, Xianliang; Xi, Cunxian; Wang, Guomin; Wang, Xiong; Guo, Qi; Li, Na

2012-03-01

This paper describes the preparation of a novel mixed-bed immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) column by coupling four monoclonal antibodies against different sulfonamides (SAs) to Sepharose 4B. The IAC column can be used to simultaneously extract and purify 16 SAs in pork muscle. The dynamic column capacities for all SAs in mixed standard solution were between 312 and 479 ng/mL gel. After simple extraction and IAC cleanup, the sample solution can be directly injected for liquid chromatography-ultraviolet analysis. The recoveries of SAs from spiked samples at levels of 25, 50 and 100 µg/kg ranged from 83.3 to 103.1% with variation coefficient less than 8.6%. The comparison of IAC with liquid-liquid extraction and solid phase extraction indicated that IAC has better purification effect and needs less organic solution than conventional methods, thus it would be an ideal method for selective purification of SAs in pork muscle.

30 CFR 913.15 - Approval of Illinois regulatory program amendments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

.... March 16, 1984 September 28, 1984 62 IAC 1785.17(a). September 27, 1984 January 11, 1985 62 IAC 1816.190... September 3, 1993 62 IAC 1701, Appendix A; 1702.11(a)(2), (f)(1), (2), .17(c)(1), (2), (3); 1705.21; 1761.11.... August 17, 1993 February 2, 1994 225 ILCS 720 §§ 2.11 (a), (b), (c), (g); 6.01(b). September 9, 1994...

Photoinduced Charge Transport Spectra for Porphyrin and Naphthalene Derivative-based Dendrimers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, J. H.; Wu, Y.; Parquette, J. R.; Epstein, A. J.

2006-03-01

Dendrimers are important chemical structures for harvesting charge. We prepared model dendrimers using two porphyrin derivatives and a naphthalene derivative. Films of these porphyrin derivatives have a strong Soret band (˜430nm) and four significant Q-bands; the naphthalene derivative has strong absorption at 365 and 383nm. Two kinds of photovoltaic cell structures [ITO/BaytronP/(thick or thin) dendrimer/Al] are constructed to investigate the optical response spectra of dendrimers under electric potential(V) on the cell (range from -1V to 2V). To obtain pure optical responses, incident light is modulated with an optical chopper and a lock-in amplifier is used to measure current (IAC) and phase (θ). For the excitation of the Soret band, IAC and θ do not change substantially with change of sign and amplitude of V. For Q-bands and naphthalene absorption bands, θ nearly follows the polarity of V on the cells and IAC is linear with V. Hence, IAC is nearly ohmic for Q- band although there are shifts due to built-in-potential. IAC for Soret band is almost same for thick and thin active layer cells. In contrast, IAC increases with thickness increase for Q bands. Mechanisms of photogeneration and charge transport will be discussed.

Development of a real-time PCR assay for Penicillium expansum quantification and patulin estimation in apples.

PubMed

Tannous, Joanna; Atoui, Ali; El Khoury, André; Kantar, Sally; Chdid, Nader; Oswald, Isabelle P; Puel, Olivier; Lteif, Roger

2015-09-01

Due to the occurrence and spread of the fungal contaminants in food and the difficulties to remove their resulting mycotoxins, rapid and accurate methods are needed for early detection of these mycotoxigenic fungi. The polymerase chain reaction and the real time PCR have been widely used for this purpose. Apples are suitable substrates for fungal colonization mostly caused by Penicillium expansum, which produces the mycotoxin patulin during fruit infection. This study describes the development of a real-time PCR assay incorporating an internal amplification control (IAC) to specifically detect and quantify P. expansum. A specific primer pair was designed from the patF gene, involved in patulin biosynthesis. The selected primer set showed a high specificity for P. expansum and was successfully employed in a standardized real-time PCR for the direct quantification of this fungus in apples. Using the developed system, twenty eight apples were analyzed for their DNA content. Apples were also analyzed for patulin content by HPLC. Interestingly, a positive correlation (R(2) = 0.701) was found between P. expansum DNA content and patulin concentration. This work offers an alternative to conventional methods of patulin quantification and mycological detection of P. expansum and could be very useful for the screening of patulin in fruits through the application of industrial quality control. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An Assessment of Energy-Related Career Paths of Senior Industrial Assessment Center Program Alumni

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

Martin, M.A.

2003-10-20

The purpose of this study was to assess the career paths of alumni from the U.S. Department of Energy's Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) program. IAC was originally named the Energy Analysis and Diagnostic Center (EADC) program when it began in association with four schools in 1976. The current IAC program provides funding to 26 engineering colleges, located in centers across the United States, to conduct energy, waste, and productivity assessments for small- to medium-sized manufacturing establishments within their respective regions. Through part-time employment with the university, students receive training and in turn conduct assessments for local manufacturers, under the directmore » supervision of engineering faculty. Annually, IAC participants conduct over 700 assessments, and each assessment generates recommendations for energy savings, energy cost savings, and waste and productivity cost savings customized for individual clients. An earlier study determined that energy savings could be attributed to alumni of the IAC program who take their IAC experiences with them to the professional workplace. During their careers, the alumni conduct additional energy assessments as well as influence energy efficiency through design, teaching and training, and other activities. Indeed, a significant level of program benefits can be attributed to the alumni. This project addressed such specific questions as: How many years after graduation are IAC alumni involved in energy-efficiency activities? What different methods do they use to influence energy-efficiency decisions? To answer these questions, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT) surveyed IAC senior alumni, defined as those who graduated in 1995 or earlier. Section 2 describes the survey used in this research. The actual survey can be found in Appendix A. Section 3 describes our approach to data collection. Section 4 presents descriptive statistics about the senior alumni who responded to the survey. Section 5 begins with the presentation of two frameworks used to help analyze the data about alumni career paths and then presents the career path results. Section 6 offers concluding remarks.« less

Design and synthesis of target-responsive aptamer-cross-linked hydrogel for visual quantitative detection of ochratoxin A.

PubMed

Liu, Rudi; Huang, Yishun; Ma, Yanli; Jia, Shasha; Gao, Mingxuan; Li, Jiuxing; Zhang, Huimin; Xu, Dunming; Wu, Min; Chen, Yan; Zhu, Zhi; Yang, Chaoyong

2015-04-01

A target-responsive aptamer-cross-linked hydrogel was designed and synthesized for portable and visual quantitative detection of the toxin Ochratoxin A (OTA), which occurs in food and beverages. The hydrogel network forms by hybridization between one designed DNA strand containing the OTA aptamer and two complementary DNA strands grafting on linear polyacrylamide chains. Upon the introduction of OTA, the aptamer binds with OTA, leading to the dissociation of the hydrogel, followed by release of the preloaded gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which can be observed by the naked eye. To enable sensitive visual and quantitative detection, we encapsulated Au@Pt core-shell nanoparticles (Au@PtNPs) in the hydrogel to generate quantitative readout in a volumetric bar-chart chip (V-Chip). In the V-Chip, Au@PtNPs catalyzes the oxidation of H2O2 to generate O2, which induces movement of an ink bar to a concentration-dependent distance for visual quantitative readout. Furthermore, to improve the detection limit in complex real samples, we introduced an immunoaffinity column (IAC) of OTA to enrich OTA from beer. After the enrichment, as low as 1.27 nM (0.51 ppb) OTA can be detected by the V-Chip, which satisfies the test requirement (2.0 ppb) by the European Commission. The integration of a target-responsive hydrogel with portable enrichment by IAC, as well as signal amplification and quantitative readout by a simple microfluidic device, offers a new method for portable detection of food safety hazard toxin OTA.

[Preventive effects of 4 Se-enriched plants on rat stomach cancer induced by MNNG--1. inhibitary effects of different selenium resources on rat aneuploid cell incidence in mucosal epithelium of gastric antrum].

PubMed

Yang, Wenjie; Li, Weidong; Chen, Jing; Chen, Xiaobin

2007-09-01

To obtain new Se resources with high healthy value (both high activity and low toxicity), the preventive efficacies of three Se-enriched higher plants on stomach cancer were compared with selenite and Se-enriched garlic. Ninety weanling male Wistar rats were fed the basal diet for a week, divided equally into nine groups, control, MNNG,Se 75 and 150 microg/kg bw of selenite, Se 150 and 300 microg/kg bw of Se-enriched garlic, Se 150 microg/kg bw of Se-enriched broccoli, Se 300 microg/kg bw of Se-enriched red kales and green kales group. Rats in MNNG and Se supplementation groups were daily given 15 mg/kg bw of MNNG (solved in 1 ml distilled water) and the rats of control group were given 1 ml distilled water by gavage for ten days. Meanwhile, the rats of the control and MNNG group were daily given 1 ml distilled water and the rats of other groups were given 1 ml water suspension of Se-enriched garlic, red kavas, green kavas, broccoli or 1 ml solution of sodium selenite by gavage for seventeen weeks. All rats were freely fed the basal diet and water during the period of the experiment. At the end of 18th week, the rats were sacrificed, the incidence of aneuploid cells (IAC) in mucosal epithelium of the gastric antrum was detected, and the IAC data were analyzed by SPSS 12.0. The results showed that the IACs were 25% and 30%, respectively, in the Se 150 microg/kg bw of Se-enriched garlic and -broccoli group, and were in turn 22%, 50% and 30% in the 300 microg/kg bw of Se-enriched garlic, -red kale and -green kale. No significant differences of IACs were found in the same level of Se supplementation groups by Se-enriched plants. The data showed that Se-enriched broccoli, red kale and green kale had high activities similar to Se-enriched garlic in stomach cancer prevention and lower toxicity than selenite.

Prevalence and long-term clinical significance of intracranial atherosclerosis after ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack: a cohort study.

PubMed

Ovesen, Christian; Abild, Annemette; Christensen, Anders Fogh; Rosenbaum, Sverre; Hansen, Christine Krarup; Havsteen, Inger; Nielsen, Jens Kellberg; Christensen, Hanne

2013-10-21

We investigated the prevalence and long-term risk associated with intracranial atherosclerosis identified during routine evaluation. This study presents data from a prospective cohort of patients admitted to our stroke unit for thrombolysis evaluation. We included 652 with a final diagnosis of ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) from April 2009 to December 2011. All patients were acutely evaluated with cerebral CT and CT angiography (CTA). Acute radiological examinations were screened for intracranial arterial stenosis (IAS) or intracranial arterial calcifications (IAC). Intracranial stenosis was grouped into 30-50%, 50-70% and >70% lumen reduction. The extent of IAC was graded as number of vessels affected. Patients were followed until July 2013. Recurrence of an ischaemic event (stroke, ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and TIA) was documented through the national chart system. Poor outcome was defined as death or recurrence of ischaemic event. 101 (15.5%) patients showed IAS (70: 30-50%, 29: 50-70% and 16: >70%). Two-hundred and fifteen (33%) patients had no IAC, 339 (52%) in 1-2 vessels and 102 (16%) in >2 vessels. During follow-up, 53 strokes, 20 TIA and 14 IHD occurred, and 95 patients died. The risk of poor outcome was significantly different among different extents of IAS as well as IAC (log-rank test p<0.01 for both). In unadjusted analysis IAS and IAC predicted poor outcome and recurrent ischaemic event. When adjusted, IAS and IAC independently increased the risk of a recurrent ischaemic event (IAS: HR 1.67; CI 1.04 to 2.64 and IAC: HR 1.22; CI 1.02 to 1.47). Intracranial atherosclerosis detected during acute evaluation predicts an increased risk of recurrent stroke.

Development of microparticles for oral administration of the non-conventional radical scavenger IAC and testing in an inflammatory rat model.

PubMed

Passerini, Nadia; Albertini, Beatrice; Sabatino, Marcello Di; Corace, Giuseppe; Luppi, Barbara; Canistro, Donatella; Vivarelli, Fabio; Cirillo, Silvia; Soleti, Antonio; Merizzi, Giulia; Paolini, Moreno

2016-10-15

The bis (1-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)-decandioate (IAC), is an innovative non- radical scavenger used with success in numerous disease models such as inflammation, neurological disorders, hepatitis and diabetes. The pharmacological treatments have been performed by the intraperitoneal route of administration, representing to date, the main limit for the drug use. The aim of this study was to develop a delivery system that allows the oral administration of IAC while maintaining its therapeutic efficacy. Solid Lipid Microparticles (SLMs) containing a theoretical 18% (w/w) of IAC have been produced by the spray congealing technology; three formulations have been tested (A, B and C) using different low melting point carriers (stearic acid, Compritol(®) HD5ATO and carnauba wax) alone or in combination. All IAC loaded SLMs exhibited a spherical shape, encapsulation efficiency higher than 94% and particle size suitable for the oral route. Administered per os at different dosages in an inflammation rat model, all SLMs demonstrated their efficacy in reducing oedema and alleviating pain, compared to the gold standards Indomethacin and Paracetamol. These results suggested that the SLMs are an efficacious delivery system for the oral administration of IAC, potentially useful for the treatment of others diseases related to an over production of free radicals. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Industrial Assessment Centers - Small Manufacturers Reduce Energy & Increase Productivity

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

None

Since 1976, the Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs), administered by the US Department of Energy, have supported small and medium-sized American manufacturers to reduce energy use and increase their productivity and competitiveness. The 24 IACs, located at premier engineering universities around the country (see below), send faculty and engineering students to local small and medium-sized manufacturers to provide no-cost assessments of energy use, process performance and waste and water flows. Under the direction of experienced professors, IAC engineering students analyze the manufacturer’s facilities, energy bills and energy, waste and water systems, including compressed air, motors/pumps, lighting, process heat and steam. Themore » IACs then follow up with written energy-saving and productivity improvement recommendations, with estimates of related costs and payback periods.« less

Immunization Action Coalition

MedlinePlus

... Email CDC: nipinfo@cdc.gov Contact: State Immunization Managers Email IAC: admin@immunize.org This page was ... STATE INFORMATION State Websites State Laws State Immunization Managers >> view all SUBSCRIBE SUPPORT IAC TECHNICALLY SPEAKING TRANSLATE ...

40 CFR 52.797 - Control strategy: Lead.(a)-(b) [Reserved

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Control strategy: Lead.(a)-(b...: Lead.(a)-(b) [Reserved] (c) On January 12, 1988, Indiana'a Office of Air Management (OAM), Indiana... provisions in 326 IAC 15-1 for Quemetco, Inc., and Refined Metals. Because these efficiencies are closely...

40 CFR 52.797 - Control strategy: Lead.(a)-(b) [Reserved

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Control strategy: Lead.(a)-(b...: Lead.(a)-(b) [Reserved] (c) On January 12, 1988, Indiana'a Office of Air Management (OAM), Indiana... provisions in 326 IAC 15-1 for Quemetco, Inc., and Refined Metals. Because these efficiencies are closely...

First-line intra-arterial versus intravenous chemotherapy in unilateral sporadic group D retinoblastoma: evidence of better visual outcomes, ocular survival and shorter time to success with intra-arterial delivery from retrospective review of 20 years of treatment.

PubMed

Munier, Francis L; Mosimann, Pascal; Puccinelli, Francesco; Gaillard, Marie-Claire; Stathopoulos, Christina; Houghton, Susan; Bergin, Ciara; Beck-Popovic, Maja

2017-08-01

The introduction of intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) as salvage treatment has improved the prognosis for eye conservation in group D retinoblastoma. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of consecutive patients with advanced unilateral disease treated with either first-line intravenous chemotherapy (IVC) or first-line IAC. This is a retrospective mono-centric comparative review of consecutive patients. Sporadic unilateral retinoblastoma group D cases treated conservatively at Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital and CHUV between 1997 and 2014. From January 1997 to August 2008, IVC, combined with focal treatments, was the primary treatment approach. From September 2008 to October 2014, IAC replaced IVC as first-line therapy. 48 patients met the inclusion criteria, receiving only either IAC or IVC as primary treatment modality. Outcomes of 23 patients treated by IVC were compared with those of 25 treated by IAC; mean follow-up was 105.3 months (range 29.2-218.6) and 41.7 months (range 19.6-89.5), respectively. Treatment duration was significantly shorter in the IAC group (p<0.001). Ten eyes in the IVC group underwent enucleation. Recordable visual acuity of the salvaged eyes was significantly better in the IAC group (0.9 vs 1.4 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, p<0.01). No extraocular disease, metastases or long-term systemic complications were observed in either group. The difference in the time frame between treatment groups had an impact on the availability of intravitreal chemotherapy treatment. Despite this, the results reported here imply that eyes treated with first-line IAC will have shorter treatment period, better ocular survival and visual acuity than first-line IVC. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Evaluation of the performance of quantitative detection of the Listeria monocytogenes prfA locus with droplet digital PCR.

PubMed

Witte, Anna Kristina; Fister, Susanne; Mester, Patrick; Schoder, Dagmar; Rossmanith, Peter

2016-11-01

Fast and reliable pathogen detection is an important issue for human health. Since conventional microbiological methods are rather slow, there is growing interest in detection and quantification using molecular methods. The droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) is a relatively new PCR method for absolute and accurate quantification without external standards. Using the Listeria monocytogenes specific prfA assay, we focused on the questions of whether the assay was directly transferable to ddPCR and whether ddPCR was suitable for samples derived from heterogeneous matrices, such as foodstuffs that often included inhibitors and a non-target bacterial background flora. Although the prfA assay showed suboptimal cluster formation, use of ddPCR for quantification of L. monocytogenes from pure bacterial cultures, artificially contaminated cheese, and naturally contaminated foodstuff was satisfactory over a relatively broad dynamic range. Moreover, results demonstrated the outstanding detection limit of one copy. However, while poorer DNA quality, such as resulting from longer storage, can impair ddPCR, internal amplification control (IAC) of prfA by ddPCR, that is integrated in the genome of L. monocytogenes ΔprfA, showed even slightly better quantification over a broader dynamic range. Graphical Abstract Evaluating the absolute quantification potential of ddPCR targeting Listeria monocytogenes prfA.

A novel multiplex PCR for the simultaneous detection of Salmonella enterica and Shigella species.

PubMed

Radhika, M; Saugata, Majumder; Murali, H S; Batra, H V

2014-01-01

Salmonella enterica and Shigella species are commonly associated with food and water borne infections leading to gastrointestinal diseases. The present work was undertaken to develop a sensitive and reliable PCR based detection system for simultaneous detection of Salmonella enterica and Shigella at species level. For this the conserved regions of specific genes namely ipaH1, ipaH, wbgZ, wzy and invA were targeted for detection of Shigella genus, S. flexneri, S. sonnei, S. boydii and Salmonella enterica respectively along with an internal amplification control (IAC). The results showed that twenty Salmonella and eleven Shigella spp., were accurately identified by the assay without showing non-specificity against closely related other Enterobacteriaceae organisms and also against other pathogens. Further evaluation of multiplex PCR was undertaken on 50 natural samples of chicken, eggs and poultry litter and results compared with conventional culture isolation and identification procedure. The multiplex PCR identified the presence of Salmonella and Shigella strains with a short pre-enrichment step of 5 h in peptone water and the same samples were processed by conventional procedures for comparison. Therefore, this reported multiplex PCR can serve as an alternative to the tedious time-consuming procedure of culture and identification in food safety laboratories.

The use of immunoaffinity columns connected in tandem for selective and cost-effective mycotoxin clean-up prior to multi-mycotoxin liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric analysis in food matrices.

PubMed

Wilcox, Joyce; Donnelly, Carol; Leeman, David; Marley, Elaine

2015-06-26

This paper describes the use of two immunoaffinity columns (IACs) coupled in tandem, providing selective clean-up, based on targeted mycotoxins known to co-occur in specific matrices. An IAC for aflatoxins+ochratoxin A+fumonisins (AOF) was combined with an IAC for deoxynivalenol+zearalenone+T-2/HT-2 toxins (DZT); an IAC for ochratoxin A (O) was combined with a DZT column; and an aflatoxin+ochratoxin (AO) column was combined with a DZT column. By combining pairs of columns it was demonstrated that specific clean-up can be achieved as required for different matrices. Samples of rye flour, maize, breakfast cereal and wholemeal bread were analysed for mycotoxins regulated in the EU, by spiking at levels close to EU limits for adult and infant foods. After IAC clean-up extracts were analysed by LC-MS/MS with quantification using multiple reaction monitoring. Recoveries were found to be in range from 60 to 108%, RSDs below 10% depending on the matrix and mycotoxin combination and LOQs ranged from 0.1n g/g for aflatoxin B1 to 13.0 ng/g for deoxynivalenol. Surplus cereal proficiency test materials (FAPAS(®)) were also analysed with found levels of mycotoxins falling within the satisfactory range of concentrations (Z score ≤ ± 2), demonstrating the accuracy of the proposed multi-mycotoxin IAC methods. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of an immunoaffinity column method using broad-specificity monoclonal antibodies for simultaneous extraction and cleanup of quinolone and sulfonamide antibiotics in animal muscle tissues.

PubMed

Li, Cun; Wang, Zhanhui; Cao, Xingyuan; Beier, Ross C; Zhang, Suxia; Ding, Shuangyang; Li, Xiaowei; Shen, Jianzhong

2008-10-31

This paper describes a novel mixed-bed immunoaffinity column (IAC) method. The IAC was produced by coupling anti-quinolone and anti-sulfonamide broad-specificity monoclonal antibodies to Sepharose 4B for simultaneously isolating 13 quinolones (QNs) and 6 sulfonamides (SAs) from swine and chicken muscle tissues, followed by antibiotic determination using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A new broad-specificity Mab (B1A4E8) toward sulfonamides was produced using sulfamethoxazole as hapten that demonstrated cross-reactivities to 6 SAs in the range of 31-112%. IAC optimized conditions were found that allowed the IAC to be reused for selective binding of both SAs and QNs. Recoveries of all 19 antibiotics from animal muscle ranged from 72.6 to 107.6%, with RSDs below 11.3% and 15.4% for intra-day and inter-day experiments, respectively. The limit of quantification ranged from 0.5 to 3.0ng/g. The strategy used here for a mixed-bed IAC may be used to study other compounds and more than two classes of analytes simultaneously.

A New Experimental Design for Bacterial Microleakage Investigation at the Implant-Abutment Interface: An In Vitro Study.

PubMed

Zipprich, Holger; Miatke, Sven; Hmaidouch, Rim; Lauer, Hans-Christoph

2016-01-01

This study aimed to test bacterial microleakage at the implant-abutment interface (IAI) before and after dynamic loading using a new chewing simulation. Fourteen implant systems (n = 5 samples of each) were divided into two groups: (1) systems with conical implant-abutment connections (IACs), and (2) systems with flat IACs. For collecting samples without abutment disconnection, channels (Ø = 0.3 mm) were drilled into implants perpendicularly to their axes, and stainless-steel cannulas were adhesively glued inside these channels to allow a sterilized rinsing solution to enter the implant interior and to exit with potential contaminants for testing. Implants were embedded in epoxy resin matrices, which were supported by titanium cylinders with lateral openings for inward and outward cannulas. Abutments were tightened and then provided with vertically adjustable, threaded titanium balls, which were cemented using composite cement. Specimens were immersed in a bacterial liquid and after a contact time of 15 minutes, the implant interior was rinsed prior to chewing simulation (0 N ≘ static seal testing). Specimens were exposed to a Frankfurt chewing simulator. Two hundred twenty force cycles per power level (110 in ± X-axis) were applied to simulate a daily masticatory load of 660 chewing cycles (equivalent to 1,200,000 cycles/5 years). The applied load was gradually increased from 0 N to a maximum load of 200 N in 25-N increments. The implant interior was rinsed to obtain samples before each new power level. All samples were tested using fluorescence microscopy; invading microorganisms could be counted and evaluated. No bacterial contamination was detected under static loading conditions in both groups. After loading, bacterial contamination was detected in one sample from one specimen in group 1 and in two samples from two specimens in group 2. Controlled dynamic loading applied in this study simulated a clinical situation and enabled time-dependent analysis regarding the bacterial seal of different implant systems. Conical IACs offer a better bacterial seal compared with flat IACs, which showed increased microleakage after dynamic loading. IAC design plays a crucial role in terms of bacterial colonization. Taking samples of the implant interior without abutment disconnection eliminates an error source.

Sludge Biochar Amendment and Alfalfa Revegetation Improve Soil Physicochemical Properties and Increase Diversity of Soil Microbes in Soils from a Rare Earth Element Mining Wasteland

PubMed Central

Inubushi, Kazuyuki; Liang, Jian; Zhu, Sipin; Wei, Zhenya; Guo, Xiaobin; Luo, Xianping

2018-01-01

Long-term unregulated mining of ion-adsorption clays (IAC) in China has resulted in severe ecological destruction and created large areas of wasteland in dire need of rehabilitation. Soil amendment and revegetation are two important means of rehabilitation of IAC mining wasteland. In this study, we used sludge biochar prepared by pyrolysis of municipal sewage sludge as a soil ameliorant, selected alfalfa as a revegetation plant, and conducted pot trials in a climate-controlled chamber. We investigated the effects of alfalfa revegetation, sludge biochar amendment, and their combined amendment on soil physicochemical properties in soil from an IAC mining wasteland as well as the impact of sludge biochar on plant growth. At the same time, we also assessed the impacts of these amendments on the soil microbial community by means of the Illumina Miseq sequences method. Results showed that alfalfa revegetation and sludge biochar both improved soil physicochemical properties and microbial community structure. When alfalfa revegetation and sludge biochar amendment were combined, we detected additive effects on the improvement of soil physicochemical properties as well as increases in the richness and diversity of bacterial and fungal communities. Redundancy analyses suggested that alfalfa revegetation and sludge biochar amendment significantly affected soil microbial community structure. Critical environmental factors consisted of soil available K, pH, organic matter, carbon–nitrogen ratio, bulk density, and total porosity. Sludge biochar amendment significantly promoted the growth of alfalfa and changed its root morphology. Combining alfalfa the revegetation with sludge biochar amendment may serve to not only achieve the revegetation of IAC mining wasteland, but also address the challenge of municipal sludge disposal by making the waste profitable. PMID:29751652

Adherence and competence in two manual-guided therapies for co-occurring substance use and posttraumatic stress disorders: clinician factors and patient outcomes.

PubMed

Meier, Andrea; McGovern, Mark P; Lambert-Harris, Chantal; McLeman, Bethany; Franklin, Anna; Saunders, Elizabeth C; Xie, Haiyi

2015-01-01

The challenges of implementing and sustaining evidence-based therapies into routine practice have been well-documented. This study examines the relationship among clinician factors, quality of therapy delivery, and patient outcomes. Within a randomized controlled trial, 121 patients with current co-occurring substance use and posttraumatic stress disorders were allocated to receive either manualized Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) or Individual Addiction Counseling (IAC). Twenty-two clinicians from seven addiction treatment programs were trained and supervised to deliver both therapies. Clinician characteristics were assessed at baseline; clinician adherence and competence were assessed over the course of delivering both therapies; and patient outcomes were measured at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Although ICBT was delivered at acceptable levels, clinicians were significantly more adherent to IAC (p < 0.05). At session 1, clinical female gender (p < 0.05) and lower education level (p < 0.05) were predictive of increased clinician adherence and competence across both therapies. Adherence and competence at session 1 in either therapy were significantly predictive of positive patient outcomes. ICBT adherence (p < 0.05) and competence (p < 0.01) were predictive of PTSD symptom reduction, whereas IAC adherence (p < 0.01) and competence (p < 0.01) were associated with decreased drug problem severity. The differential impact of adherence and competence for both therapy types is consistent with their purported primary target: ICBT for PTSD and IAC for substance use. These findings also suggest the benefits of considering clinician factors when implementing manual-guided therapies. Future research should focus on diverse clinician samples, randomization of clinicians to therapy type, and prospective designs to evaluate models of supervision and quality monitoring.

Sludge Biochar Amendment and Alfalfa Revegetation Improve Soil Physicochemical Properties and Increase Diversity of Soil Microbes in Soils from a Rare Earth Element Mining Wasteland.

PubMed

Luo, Caigui; Deng, Yangwu; Inubushi, Kazuyuki; Liang, Jian; Zhu, Sipin; Wei, Zhenya; Guo, Xiaobin; Luo, Xianping

2018-05-11

Long-term unregulated mining of ion-adsorption clays (IAC) in China has resulted in severe ecological destruction and created large areas of wasteland in dire need of rehabilitation. Soil amendment and revegetation are two important means of rehabilitation of IAC mining wasteland. In this study, we used sludge biochar prepared by pyrolysis of municipal sewage sludge as a soil ameliorant, selected alfalfa as a revegetation plant, and conducted pot trials in a climate-controlled chamber. We investigated the effects of alfalfa revegetation, sludge biochar amendment, and their combined amendment on soil physicochemical properties in soil from an IAC mining wasteland as well as the impact of sludge biochar on plant growth. At the same time, we also assessed the impacts of these amendments on the soil microbial community by means of the Illumina Miseq sequences method. Results showed that alfalfa revegetation and sludge biochar both improved soil physicochemical properties and microbial community structure. When alfalfa revegetation and sludge biochar amendment were combined, we detected additive effects on the improvement of soil physicochemical properties as well as increases in the richness and diversity of bacterial and fungal communities. Redundancy analyses suggested that alfalfa revegetation and sludge biochar amendment significantly affected soil microbial community structure. Critical environmental factors consisted of soil available K, pH, organic matter, carbon⁻nitrogen ratio, bulk density, and total porosity. Sludge biochar amendment significantly promoted the growth of alfalfa and changed its root morphology. Combining alfalfa the revegetation with sludge biochar amendment may serve to not only achieve the revegetation of IAC mining wasteland, but also address the challenge of municipal sludge disposal by making the waste profitable.

Surface Control of Actuated Hybrid Space Mirrors

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-10-01

precision Nanolaminate foil facesheet and Silicon Carbide ( SiC ) substrate embedded with electroactive ceramic actuators. Wavefront sensors are used to...integrate precision Nanolaminate foil facesheet with Silicon Carbide ( SiC ) substrate equipped with embedded electroactive ceramic actuators...IAC-10.C2.5.8 SURFACE CONTROL OF ACTUATED HYBRID SPACE MIRRORS Brij. N. Agrawal Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, 93943, agrawal

Cortical integrity of the inferior alveolar canal as a predictor of paresthesia after third-molar extraction.

PubMed

Park, Wonse; Choi, Ji-Wook; Kim, Jae-Young; Kim, Bong-Chul; Kim, Hyung Jun; Lee, Sang-Hwy

2010-03-01

Paresthesia is a well-known complication of extraction of mandibular third molars (MTMs). The authors evaluated the relationship between paresthesia after MTM extraction and the cortical integrity of the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) by using computed tomography (CT). The authors designed a retrospective cohort study involving participants considered, on the basis of panoramic imaging, to be at high risk of experiencing injury of the inferior alveolar nerve who subsequently underwent CT imaging and extraction of the MTMs. The primary predictor variable was the contact relationship between the IAC and the MTM as viewed on a CT image, classified into three groups: group 1, no contact; group 2, contact between the MTM and the intact IAC cortex; group 3, contact between the MTM and the interrupted IAC cortex. The secondary predictor variable was the number of CT image slices showing the cortical interruption around the MTM. The outcome variable was the presence or absence of postoperative paresthesia after MTM extraction. The study sample comprised 179 participants who underwent MTM extraction (a total of 259 MTMs). Their mean age was 23.6 years, and 85 (47.5 percent) were male. The overall prevalence of paresthesia was 4.2 percent (11 of 259 teeth). The prevalence of paresthesia in group 3 (involving an interrupted IAC cortex) was 11.8 percent (10 of 85 cases), while for group 2 (involving an intact IAC cortex) and group 1 (involving no contact) it was 1.0 percent (1 of 98 cases) and 0.0 percent (no cases), respectively. The frequency of nerve damage increased with the number of CT image slices showing loss of cortical integrity (P=.043). The results of this study indicate that loss of IAC cortical integrity is associated with an increased risk of experiencing paresthesia after MTM extraction.

An inhibitor of oxidative phosphorylation exploits cancer vulnerability.

PubMed

Molina, Jennifer R; Sun, Yuting; Protopopova, Marina; Gera, Sonal; Bandi, Madhavi; Bristow, Christopher; McAfoos, Timothy; Morlacchi, Pietro; Ackroyd, Jeffrey; Agip, Ahmed-Noor A; Al-Atrash, Gheath; Asara, John; Bardenhagen, Jennifer; Carrillo, Caroline C; Carroll, Christopher; Chang, Edward; Ciurea, Stefan; Cross, Jason B; Czako, Barbara; Deem, Angela; Daver, Naval; de Groot, John Frederick; Dong, Jian-Wen; Feng, Ningping; Gao, Guang; Gay, Jason; Do, Mary Geck; Greer, Jennifer; Giuliani, Virginia; Han, Jing; Han, Lina; Henry, Verlene K; Hirst, Judy; Huang, Sha; Jiang, Yongying; Kang, Zhijun; Khor, Tin; Konoplev, Sergej; Lin, Yu-Hsi; Liu, Gang; Lodi, Alessia; Lofton, Timothy; Ma, Helen; Mahendra, Mikhila; Matre, Polina; Mullinax, Robert; Peoples, Michael; Petrocchi, Alessia; Rodriguez-Canale, Jaime; Serreli, Riccardo; Shi, Thomas; Smith, Melinda; Tabe, Yoko; Theroff, Jay; Tiziani, Stefano; Xu, Quanyun; Zhang, Qi; Muller, Florian; DePinho, Ronald A; Toniatti, Carlo; Draetta, Giulio F; Heffernan, Timothy P; Konopleva, Marina; Jones, Philip; Di Francesco, M Emilia; Marszalek, Joseph R

2018-06-11

Metabolic reprograming is an emerging hallmark of tumor biology and an actively pursued opportunity in discovery of oncology drugs. Extensive efforts have focused on therapeutic targeting of glycolysis, whereas drugging mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) has remained largely unexplored, partly owing to an incomplete understanding of tumor contexts in which OXPHOS is essential. Here, we report the discovery of IACS-010759, a clinical-grade small-molecule inhibitor of complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Treatment with IACS-010759 robustly inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in models of brain cancer and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) reliant on OXPHOS, likely owing to a combination of energy depletion and reduced aspartate production that leads to impaired nucleotide biosynthesis. In models of brain cancer and AML, tumor growth was potently inhibited in vivo following IACS-010759 treatment at well-tolerated doses. IACS-010759 is currently being evaluated in phase 1 clinical trials in relapsed/refractory AML and solid tumors.

A multicenter multinational study of abdominal candidiasis: epidemiology, outcomes and predictors of mortality.

PubMed

Bassetti, Matteo; Righi, Elda; Ansaldi, Filippo; Merelli, Maria; Scarparo, Claudio; Antonelli, Massimo; Garnacho-Montero, Jose; Diaz-Martin, Ana; Palacios-Garcia, Inmaculada; Luzzati, Roberto; Rosin, Chiara; Lagunes, Leonel; Rello, Jordi; Almirante, Benito; Scotton, Pier Giorgio; Baldin, Gianmaria; Dimopoulos, George; Nucci, Marcio; Munoz, Patricia; Vena, Antonio; Bouza, Emilio; de Egea, Viviana; Colombo, Arnaldo Lopes; Tascini, Carlo; Menichetti, Francesco; Tagliaferri, Enrico; Brugnaro, Pierluigi; Sanguinetti, Maurizio; Mesini, Alessio; Sganga, Gabriele; Viscoli, Claudio; Tumbarello, Mario

2015-09-01

Clinical data on patients with intra-abdominal candidiasis (IAC) is still scarce. We collected data from 13 hospitals in Italy, Spain, Brazil, and Greece over a 3-year period (2011-2013) including patients from ICU, medical, and surgical wards. A total of 481 patients were included in the study. Of these, 27% were hospitalized in ICU. Mean age was 63 years and 57% of patients were male. IAC mainly consisted of secondary peritonitis (41%) and abdominal abscesses (30%); 68 (14%) cases were also candidemic and 331 (69%) had concomitant bacterial infections. The most commonly isolated Candida species were C. albicans (n = 308 isolates, 64%) and C. glabrata (n = 76, 16%). Antifungal treatment included echinocandins (64%), azoles (32%), and amphotericin B (4%). Septic shock was documented in 40.5% of patients. Overall 30-day hospital mortality was 27% with 38.9% mortality in ICU. Multivariate logistic regression showed that age (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.07, P < 0.001), increments in 1-point APACHE II scores (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.08, P = 0.028), secondary peritonitis (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.02-2.89, P = 0.019), septic shock (OR 3.29, 95% CI 1.88-5.86, P < 0.001), and absence of adequate abdominal source control (OR 3.35, 95% CI 2.01-5.63, P < 0.001) were associated with mortality. In patients with septic shock, absence of source control correlated with mortality rates above 60% irrespective of administration of an adequate antifungal therapy. Low percentages of concomitant candidemia and high mortality rates are documented in IAC. In patients presenting with septic shock, source control is fundamental.

Ophthalmic Vascular Events after Primary Unilateral Intra-arterial Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma in Early and Recent Eras.

PubMed

Dalvin, Lauren A; Ancona-Lezama, David; Lucio-Alvarez, J Antonio; Masoomian, Babak; Jabbour, Pascal; Shields, Carol L

2018-06-16

To assess risk factors for ophthalmic vascular events after intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) for retinoblastoma. Retrospective cohort study. Patients who received unilateral IAC as primary treatment for retinoblastoma from January 1, 2009, to November 30, 2017, at a single center. Records were reviewed for patient demographics, tumor features, IAC parameters, and treatment-related vascular events in the early IAC era (2009-2011) compared with the recent era (2012-2017) using the t test and Fisher exact test. Change in event rates over time was assessed using Poisson regression analysis, with Spearman's rho used to test correlation. Rate of IAC-induced ophthalmic vascular events. There were 243 chemotherapy infusions in 76 eyes of 76 patients, divided into early (22 eyes, 57 infusions) and recent (54 eyes, 186 infusions) eras. Intra-arterial chemotherapy consisted of melphalan (243 infusions), topotecan (124 infusions), and carboplatin (9 infusions). A comparison (early vs. recent era) revealed fewer mean number of infusions (2.6 vs. 3.4, P = 0.02) with similar mean patient age and presenting tumor features. Event rates decreased over time (P < 0.01), with fewer ophthalmic vascular events (early era vs. recent era) in the recent era (59% vs. 9% per eye, 23% vs. 3% per infusion, P < 0.01), including peripheral retinal nonperfusion (5% vs. 2% per eye, P = 0.50), vitreous hemorrhage (9% vs. 2%, P = 0.20), subretinal hemorrhage (0% vs. 2%, P = 0.99), branch retinal vein occlusion (5% vs. 0%, P = 0.29), choroidal ischemia (14% vs. 4%, P = 0.14), and ophthalmic artery spasm/occlusion (27% vs. 0%, P < 0.01). Events did not correlate to patient age (P = 0.75), tumor diameter (P = 0.32), tumor thickness (P = 0.59), or cumulative dosage of melphalan (P = 0.13) or topotecan (P = 0.59). There were no IAC-induced vascular events in 72 infusions of 21 consecutively treated eyes in 2016 to 2017. Ophthalmic vascular events after IAC have decreased from the early era (2009-2011) through the current era (2012-2017) at this center. Experience performing this highly specialized procedure could be an important factor predicting IAC-related vascular events. Copyright © 2018 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Improvement of Interoceptive Processes after an 8-Week Body Scan Intervention

PubMed Central

Fischer, Dana; Messner, Matthias; Pollatos, Olga

2017-01-01

Objective: Interoceptive processes are defined as ability to detect sensations arising within the body. There is a growing body of research investigating ways of improving interoceptive processes. One promising approach increasing the attention to bodily sensations is the body scan (BS), a method stemming from mindfulness-based stress reduction. Research so far revealed only heterogenous findings of meditational practice and mindfulness-based stress reduction on interoceptive processes. Even more importantly, there is no study considering the effect of an 8-week BS intervention on interoceptive processes and the distinguishable subdomains of interoception. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to examine the effects of a BS intervention on different interoceptive subdomains over 8 weeks of training in two different samples. Methods: In study 1, healthy participants executed a 20 min standardized audiotaped BS in the BS intervention group (n = 25) each day over 8 weeks. The control group (n = 24) listened to an audio book for the same amount of time. In study 2, the BS group (n = 18) was compared to an inactive control group (n = 18). In both studies, three measurement points were realized and interoceptive accuracy (IAc) – using a heartbeat perception task – as well as interoceptive sensibility (IS) – using confidence ratings for the heartbeat perception task and the subscale ‘interoceptive awareness’ of the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2) – were assessed. Results: In study 1, we found, as a descriptive trend, IAc and confidence ratings to be increased irrespective of the condition. However, post hoc analysis revealed a significant improvement of IAc between T1 and T3 in the BS intervention only. IS revealed to be unaffected by the interventions. In study 2, we observed a significant positive effect of the BS intervention on IAc and confidence ratings compared to the inactive controls. As in study 1, IS (EDI-2) was unaffected by the intervention. Discussion: The results highlight the fact that interoception can be improved by long-term interventions focusing on bodily signals. Further studies might focus on clinical samples showing deficits in interoceptive processes and could use other bodily systems for measurement (e.g., respiratory signals) as well methods manipulating body ownership. PMID:28955213

Adsorption of low concentration ceftazidime from aqueous solutions using impregnated activated carbon promoted by Iron, Copper and Aluminum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Xiang; Zhang, Hua; Sun, Zhirong

2017-01-01

In this paper, three impregnated activated carbon IAC (AC-Cu, AC-Fe, and AC-Al) promoted by Iron, Copper and Aluminum were used for adsorption of ceftazidime. Iron(III), Copper(II) and Aluminum(III) nitrate were used as an impregnant. The IACs were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analyzer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).The influence of factors, such as ion strength, pH, temperature, initial concentration, and concentration of natural organic matter organic matter on the adsorption process were studied. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms of ceftazidime were studied for the three IACs. The results showed that the adsorption was accurately represented by pseudo-second order model. Under different temperature, the maximum adsorption quantity of ceftazidime on AC-Cu calculated by pseudo-second order kinetic model were 200.0 mg g-1 (298 K), 196.1 mg g-1 (303 K) and 185.2 mg g-1 (308 K). It was much higher than that of AC-Fe and AC-Al. And the process was controlled by both film diffusion and intra particle mass transport. The results also showed that, the Freundlich and Temkin isotherm fit the adsorption well.

Protocol for Removal of Third Molar Root Tips from the Inferior Alveolar Canal-Crossing the line.

PubMed

Punga, Rohit; Keswani, Kiran

2014-12-01

The safe removal of third molars involved with the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) has been an area of concern since long. Many times we hesitate for the removal of third molars, fearing injury to the inferior alveolar nerve. The authors here describe a simple technique which can be used to remove third molars showing evidence of proximity to IAC on presurgical radiographic evaluation, as well as those root tips which, during removal, accidentally enter the IAC space. A step-by-step protocol is presented along with necessary precautions during the operative procedure.

Development and Application of Immunoaffinity Chromatography for Coplanar PCBs in Soil and Sediment

EPA Science Inventory

An immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) column was developed as a simple cleanup procedure for preparing environmental samples for analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Soil and sediment samples were prepared using pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), followed by the IAC c...

Treatment fidelity instrument to measure a brief opportunistic intervention for prenatal substance use.

PubMed

Torrey, Antonia Rae

2012-01-01

To develop and psychometrically evaluate an instrument designed to measure the treatment fidelity associated with implementation of the I Am Concerned (IAC) brief opportunistic intervention by frontline, prenatal, primary care staff. A methodologic approach framed development of the IAC Treatment Fidelity Instrument in a six-phase protocol. A simulated prenatal clinic with standardized patients portraying substance-using pregnant women. Prenatal, primary care, frontline staff (N = 6), experienced in IAC implementation. Following development of the IAC treatment fidelity instrument, independent raters used the instrument to evaluate audio recordings (N = 49) of frontline staff implementing the IAC brief opportunistic intervention with standardized patients representing substance-using pregnant women. Psychometric analysis provided evidence of content validity. Intraclass correlation coefficients calculated for inter-rater reliability were satisfactory for subscales (0.64) and (0.62) and ranged from -0.07 to 0.81 for individual items. Internal consistency alpha coefficients were satisfactory for the total scale (0.72) and lower than acceptable for adherence (0.54) and competence (0.56) subscales. Overall high rater percentage agreement and negatively skewed ratings distribution indicated reliability results were paradoxically low due to the base rate problem. Results support revision and ongoing testing of the IAC treatment fidelity instrument. The impact on reliability statistics exerted by this study's skewed data distribution has implications for nursing research as low variance can be anticipated when measuring care provided to homogenous patient populations. It is important to recognize the resulting influence on inter-rater agreement to avoid making inaccurate interpretations about the reliability of an instrument's measurements. © 2012 AWHONN, the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.

Quantitative Inspection Technologies for Aging Military Aircraft

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-11-01

Continue exploring the application of THz/FTIR for advanced aerospace materials, e.g., Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs) and Ceramic Matrix Composites...With On-Board Impedance- Matching Buffers ...Specimen. The Inverted Foil Conductivity Of 1.348%IACS Agrees With The DCPD Value Of 1.342%IACS

40 CFR 52.770 - Identification of plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... and Cabinet Coating. (i) Incorporation by reference. (A) Title 326 Air Pollution Control Board...-Photochemically Reactive Hydrocarbon Defined; 326 IAC 8-2-5 Paper Coating Operations. (3) Effective May 18, 1990... March 16, 1972. (2) The Governor submitted Pub. L. 100, Regulation APC 12-R and 13 through 17 on April...

Modeling the Frozen-In Anticyclone in the 2005 Arctic Summer Stratosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, D. R.; Douglass, A. R.; Manney, G. L.; Strahan, S. E.; Krosschell, J. C.; Trueblood, J.

2010-01-01

Immediately following the breakup of the 2005 Arctic spring stratospheric vortex, a tropical air mass, characterized by low potential vorticity (PV) and high nitrous oxide (N2O), was advected poleward and became trapped in the easterly summer polar vortex. This feature, known as a "Frozen-In Anticyclone (FrIAC)", was observed in Earth Observing System (EOS) Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) data to span the potential temperature range from approximately 580 to 1100 K (approximately 25 to 40 km altitude) and to persist from late March to late August 2005. This study compares MLS N2O observations with simulations from the Global Modeling Initiative (GMI) chemistry and transport model, the GEOS-5/MERRA Replay model, and the VanLeer Icosahedral Triangular Advection isentropic transport model to elucidate the processes involved in the lifecycle of the FrIAC which is here divided into three distinct phases. During the "spin-up phase" (March to early April), strong poleward flow resulted in a tight isolated anticyclonic vortex at approximately 70-90 deg N, marked with elevated N2O. GMI, Replay, and VITA all reliably simulted the spin-up of the FrIAC, although the GMI and Replay peak N2O values were too low. The FrIAC became trapped in the developing summer easterly flow and circulated around the polar region during the "anticyclonic phase" (early April to the end of May). During this phase, the FrIAC crossed directly over the pole between the 7th and 14th of April. The VITA and Replay simulations transported the N2O anomaly intact during this crossing, in agreement with MLS, but unrealistic dispersion of the anomaly occurred in the GMI simulation due to excessive numerical mixing of the polar cap. The vortex associated with the FrIAC was apparently resistant to the weak vertical hear during the anticyclonic phase, and it thereby protected the embedded N20 anomaly from stretching. The vortex decayed in late May due to diabatic processes, leaving the N2O anomaly exposed to horizontal and vertical wind shears during the "shearing phase" (June to August). The observed lifetime of the FrIAC during this phase is consistent with time-scales calculated from the ambient horizontal and vertical wind shear. Replay maintained the horizontal structure of the N2O anomaly similar to NILS well into August. The VITA simulation also captured the horizontal structure of the FrIAC during this phase, but VITA eventually developed fine-scale N2O structure not observed in MLS data.

Biological and metabolic effects of IACS-010759, an OxPhos inhibitor, on chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells

PubMed Central

Vangapandu, Hima V.; Alston, Brandon; Morse, Joshua; Ayres, Mary L.; Wierda, William G.; Keating, Michael J.; Marszalek, Joseph R.; Gandhi, Varsha

2018-01-01

Blood cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are replicationally quiescent but transcriptionally, translationally, and metabolically active. Recently, we demonstrated that oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) is a predominant pathway in CLL for energy production and is further augmented in the presence of the stromal microenvironment. Importantly, CLL cells from patients with poor prognostic markers showed increased OxPhos. From these data, we theorized that OxPhos can be targeted to treat CLL. IACS-010759, currently in clinical development, is a small-molecule, orally bioavailable OxPhos inhibitor that targets mitochondrial complex I. Treatment of primary CLL cells with IACS-010759 greatly inhibited OxPhos but caused only minor cell death at 24 and 48 h. In the presence of stroma, the drug successfully inhibited OxPhos and diminished intracellular ribonucleotide pools. However, glycolysis and glucose uptake were induced as compensatory mechanisms. To mitigate the upregulated glycolytic flux, we used 2-deoxy-D-glucose in combination with IACS-010759. This combination reduced both OxPhos and glycolysis and induced cell death. Consistent with these data, low-glucose culture conditions sensitized CLL cells to IACS-010759. Collectively, these data suggest that CLL cells adapt to use a different metabolic pathway when OxPhos is inhibited and that targeting both OxPhos and glycolysis pathways is necessary for biological effect. PMID:29861847

The interplay between siderophore secretion and coupled iron and copper transport in the heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120.

PubMed

Nicolaisen, Kerstin; Hahn, Alexander; Valdebenito, Marianne; Moslavac, Suncana; Samborski, Anastazia; Maldener, Iris; Wilken, Corinna; Valladares, Ana; Flores, Enrique; Hantke, Klaus; Schleiff, Enrico

2010-11-01

Iron uptake is essential for Gram-negative bacteria including cyanobacteria. In cyanobacteria, however, the iron demand is higher than in proteobacteria due to the function of iron as a cofactor in photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation, but our understanding of iron uptake by cyanobacteria stands behind the knowledge in proteobacteria. Here, two genes involved in this process in the heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 were identified. ORF all4025 encodes SchE, a putative cytoplasmic membrane-localized transporter involved in TolC-dependent siderophore secretion. Inactivation of schE resulted in an enhanced sensitivity to high metal concentrations and decreased secretion of hydroxamate-type siderophores. ORF all4026 encodes a predicted outer membrane-localized TonB-dependent iron transporter, IacT. Inactivation of iacT resulted in decreased sensitivity to elevated iron and copper levels. Expression of iacT from the artificial trc promoter (P(trc)) resulted in sensitization against tested metals. Further analysis showed that iron and copper effects are synergistic because a decreased supply of iron induced a significant decrease of copper levels in the iacT insertion mutant but an increase of those levels in the strain carrying P(trc)-iacT. Our results unravel a link between iron and copper homeostasis in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Staff Profiles | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Renewable Energy Optimization NREL researcher Andy Walker sits down to discuss a new role as research fellow Integrated Applications Center (IAC), discusses IAC's new role in ESI research, and the center's focus for Storage Chief Engineer Ahmad Pesaran has been honored with a DOE Assistant Secretary's 2017 EERE

49 CFR 1515.9 - Appeal of security threat assessment based on other analyses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., foreign air carriers, indirect air carriers (IACs), certified cargo screening facilities, or validation...'s reply and any accompanying information, and any other materials or information available to him or... operators, foreign air carriers, IACs, certified cargo screening facilities, or validation firms. [72 FR...

Underreporting in alcohol surveys: whose drinking is underestimated?

PubMed

Livingston, Michael; Callinan, Sarah

2015-01-01

Population surveys typically produce underestimates of alcohol consumption of approximately 40%-50%. Researchers often undertake a uniform adjustment of survey data to weight estimates such that they match measures of consumption based on sales or tax data. This study explored whether there are differential rates of underestimation in self-reported consumption data by comparing data from two major population surveys in Australia. The study compared survey estimates of consumption for population subgroups from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS, using graduated-frequency questions, coverage = 55%) and the Australian arm of the International Alcohol Control Study (IAC, using within-location beverage-specific questions, coverage = 86%). Analyses examined age- and sex-based subgroups as well as subgroups based on rates of heavy episodic drinking. The graduated-frequency questions (NDSHS) underestimated consumption by 33% compared with the beverage-specific within-location questions (IAC). Underestimates were more marked for young males (40%) and middle-aged females (49%) and less marked for young females (15%) and older females (NDSHS estimates were 19% higher than IAC). Respondents who engaged infrequently or not at all in heavy episodic drinking underestimated their consumption by more (proportionally) than those who did (43% vs. 22%). Underreporting of alcohol consumption in population surveys using standard graduated-frequency questions is not uniform across either demographic or consumption-based subgroups of the population. More robust approaches to adjusting survey data to match objective measures of consumption are required.

Proceedings of the NASTRAN (Tradename) Users’ Colloquium (14th) Held in San Diego, California on 5-9 May 1986

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-05-01

4. Bossi, J. A., Price, G. A., and Winkleblack, S. A., " Flexible Spacecraft Controller Design Using the Integrated Analysis Capability (IAC)," AIAA...P., "Integrated Control System Design Capabilities at the Goddard Space Flight Center," Pro- ceedings of the 2nd IEEE Control Systems Society...Symposium on Computer- Aided Control System Design (CACSD), Santa Barbara, California, March, 13-15 1985. 6. Frisch, H. P. "Integrated Analysis Capability

Effects of gamma-irradiation before and after cooking on bacterial population and sensory quality of Dakgalbi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Young Min; Park, Jong-Heum; Lee, Ji-Hye; Park, Jae-Nam; Park, Jin-Kyu; Sung, Nak-Yun; Song, Beom-Seok; Kim, Jae-Hun; Yoon, Yohan; Gao, Meixu; Yook, Hong-Sun; Lee, Ju-Woon

2012-08-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of gamma irradiation on the total bacterial population and the sensory quality of Dakgalbi irradiated before and after cooking. Fresh chicken meat was cut into small pieces and used to prepare Dakgalbi. For the preparation of Dakgalbi cooked with gamma-irradiated chicken meat and sauce (IBC), raw chicken meat and Dakgalbi sauce were irradiated and then stir-fried. For the preparation of Dakgalbi irradiated after cooking with raw chicken meat and sauce (IAC), raw chicken meat and Dakgalbi sauce were first cooked and subsequently irradiated. Under the accelerated storage condition of 35 °C for 7 days, bacteria in IBC were below the detection limit (1 log CFU/g) on day 1 but were detected on day 2 and gradually increased hereafter. In IAC, on the other hand, bacteria were not detected at all. Evaluation of sensory quality also decreased on both samples. However, IAC showed a better trend. Our results indicate that IAC protocol was a more effective method for reducing bacterial growth in Dakgalbi.

A climatology of frozen-in anticyclones in the spring arctic stratosphere over the period 1960-2011

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

ThiéBlemont, RéMi; Orsolini, Yvan J.; Hauchecorne, Alain; Drouin, Marc-Antoine; Huret, Nathalie

2013-02-01

During springtime, following the stratospheric final warming, intrusions from low latitudes can become trapped at polar latitudes in long-lived anticyclones. Such "frozen-in" anticyclones (FrIACs) have occasionally been observed to persist as late as August, advected by summer easterlies. In this study, the high-resolution advection contour model MIMOSA is used to advect a pseudo-potential vorticity tracer. The model is driven by ERA-40 and the ERA-Interim reanalyses over the period 1960-2011. We first identify a remarkable FrIAC event in spring 2011. In addition, we developed a method to detect the characteristic size of low-latitude intrusions into the polar region at the time of the spring transition, over the period 1960-2011. Years are classified as either Type-A when the intrusions are small or as Type-B when intrusions are large, potentially evolving into FrIACs. For a FrIAC to occur, we require an additional criterion based on the in-phase character of the core of the intrusions and the anticyclone. During the 52 analyzed years, 9 events have been identified: 1 in the 1960s, 1 in the 1980s, 2 in the 1990s, and 5 from 2002. FrIAC are predominantly long-lived intrusions, which occur in association with abrupt and early reversal to summer easterlies with a large heat flux pulse around the date of this wind reversal. Finally, the results are discussed in a climatological context.

A Climatology of Frozen-In Anticyclones in the Spring Arctic Stratosphere over the Period 1960-2011

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thiéblemont, Rémi; Orsolini, Yvan J.; Huret, Nathalie; Hauchecorne, Alain; Drouin, Marc-Antoine

2013-04-01

During springtime, following the stratospheric final warming, intrusions from low latitudes can become trapped at polar latitudes in long-lived anticyclones. Such "frozen-in" anticyclones (FrIACs) have occasionally been observed to persist as late as August, advected by summer easterlies. In this study, the high-resolution advection contour model MIMOSA is used to advect a pseudo-potential vorticity tracer. The model is driven by ERA-40 and the ERA-Interim reanalyses over the period 1960-2011. We first identify a remarkable FrIAC event in spring 2011. In addition, we developed a method to detect the characteristic size of low-latitude intrusions into the polar region at the time of the spring transition, over the period 1960-2011. Years are classified as either Type-A when the intrusions are small, or as Type-B when intrusions are large, potentially evolving into FrIACs. For a FrIAC to occur, we require an additional criterion based on the in-phase character of the core of the intrusions and the anticyclone. During the 52 analysed years, 9 events have been identified: 1 in the 1960s, 1 in the 1980s, 2 in the 1990s and 5 from 2002. FrIAC are predominantly long-lived intrusions, which occur in association with abrupt and early reversal to summer easterlies with a large heat flux pulse around the date of this wind reversal. Finally, the results are discussed in a climatological context.

Use of piezosurgery for internal auditory canal drilling in acoustic neuroma surgery.

PubMed

Grauvogel, Juergen; Scheiwe, Christian; Kaminsky, Jan

2011-10-01

Piezosurgery is based on microvibrations generated by the piezoelectrical effect and has a selective bone-cutting ability with preservation of soft tissue. This study examined the applicability of Piezosurgery compared to rotating drills (RD) for internal auditory canal (IAC) opening in acoustic neuroma (AN) surgery. Piezosurgery was used in eight patients for IAC drilling in AN surgery. After exposition of the IAC and tumor, the posterior wall of the IAC was drilled using Piezosurgery instead of RD. Piezosurgery was evaluated with respect to practicability, safety, preciseness of bone cutting, preservation of cranial nerves, influences on neurophysiological monitoring, and facial nerve and hearing outcome. Piezosurgery was successfully used for selective bone cutting, while cranial nerves were structurally and functionally preserved, which could be measured by means of neuromonitoring. Piezosurgery guaranteed a safe and precise cut by removing bone layer by layer in a shaping way. Compared to RD, limited influence on neurophysiological monitoring attributable to Piezosurgery was noted, allowing for continuous neuromonitoring. No disadvantage due to microvibrations was noticed concerning hearing function. The angled tip showed better handling in right-sided than in left-sided tumors in the hands of a right-handed surgeon. The short, thick handpiece may be improved for more convenient handling. Piezosurgery is a safe tool for selective bone cutting for opening of the IAC with preservation of facial nerve and hearing function in AN surgery. Piezosurgery has the potential to replace RD for this indication because of its safe and precise bone-cutting properties.

Value of intracochlear electrically evoked auditory brainstem response after cochlear implantation in patients with narrow internal auditory canal.

PubMed

Song, Mee Hyun; Bae, Mi Ran; Kim, Hee Nam; Lee, Won-Sang; Yang, Won Sun; Choi, Jae Young

2010-08-01

Cochlear implantation in patients with narrow internal auditory canal (IAC) can result in variable outcomes; however, preoperative evaluations have limitations in accurately predicting outcomes. In this study, we analyzed the outcomes of cochlear implantation in patients with narrow IAC and correlated the intracochlear electrically evoked auditory brainstem response (EABR) findings to postoperative performance to determine the prognostic significance of intracochlear EABR. Retrospective case series at a tertiary hospital. Thirteen profoundly deaf patients with narrow IAC who received cochlear implantation from 2002 to 2008 were included in this study. Postoperative performance was evaluated after at least 12 months of follow-up, and postoperative intracochlear EABR was measured to determine its correlation with outcome. The clinical significance of electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) was also analyzed. Patients with narrow IAC showed postoperative auditory performances ranging from CAP 0 to 4 after cochlear implantation. Intracochlear EABR measured postoperatively demonstrated prognostic value in the prediction of long-term outcomes, whereas ECAP measurements failed to show a significant correlation with outcome. Consistent with the advantages of intracochlear EABR over extracochlear EABR, this study demonstrates that intracochlear EABR has prognostic significance in predicting long-term outcomes in patients with narrow IAC. Intracochlear EABR measured either intraoperatively or in the early postoperative period may play an important role in deciding whether to continue with auditory rehabilitation using a cochlear implant or to switch to an auditory brainstem implant so as not to miss the optimal timing for language development.

Dynamics and control of DNA sequence amplification

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

Marimuthu, Karthikeyan; Chakrabarti, Raj, E-mail: raj@pmc-group.com, E-mail: rajc@andrew.cmu.edu; Division of Fundamental Research, PMC Advanced Technology, Mount Laurel, New Jersey 08054

2014-10-28

DNA amplification is the process of replication of a specified DNA sequence in vitro through time-dependent manipulation of its external environment. A theoretical framework for determination of the optimal dynamic operating conditions of DNA amplification reactions, for any specified amplification objective, is presented based on first-principles biophysical modeling and control theory. Amplification of DNA is formulated as a problem in control theory with optimal solutions that can differ considerably from strategies typically used in practice. Using the Polymerase Chain Reaction as an example, sequence-dependent biophysical models for DNA amplification are cast as control systems, wherein the dynamics of the reactionmore » are controlled by a manipulated input variable. Using these control systems, we demonstrate that there exists an optimal temperature cycling strategy for geometric amplification of any DNA sequence and formulate optimal control problems that can be used to derive the optimal temperature profile. Strategies for the optimal synthesis of the DNA amplification control trajectory are proposed. Analogous methods can be used to formulate control problems for more advanced amplification objectives corresponding to the design of new types of DNA amplification reactions.« less

Superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy in the primary management of advanced intra-ocular retinoblastoma: first 4-year experience from a single institution in Turkey.

PubMed

Tuncer, Samuray; Sencer, Serra; Kebudi, Rejin; Tanyıldız, Burak; Cebeci, Zafer; Aydın, Kubilay

2016-11-01

To report our 4-year experience in Turkey, with advanced intra-ocular retinoblastoma managed primarily with intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC). From October 2011 to September 2015, 26 group D eyes of 24 treatment-naïve retinoblastoma patients managed primarily with IAC were evaluated in this prospective study. Of 76 procedures, ophthalmic artery cannulation failed in two patients with unilateral involvement. In the remaining 22 patients (24 eyes), the mean age at diagnosis was 18 months (range, 6-55 months). Each eye received a mean of 3 IAC sessions/eye (range, 2-5 sessions). After a median follow-up of 29 months (range, 6-55 months), complete regression of the main tumour was achieved in 23 of 24 eyes. One eye with partial regression required enucleation due to ciliary body involvement by the tumour. Overall, 16 eyes (66.6%) were salvaged with primary IAC with or without additional local treatments, and eight (33.3%) required enucleation. The main IAC-related periocular complications included transient eyelid oedema (n = 13), ptosis (n = 6) and forehead hyperpigmentation (n = 3), each resolving in 2 weeks to 4 months. Intra-ocular complications included chorioretinal atrophy (n = 9), newly noted retinal detachment (n = 5) and vitreous haemorrhage (n = 1). Kaplan-Meier eye estimates of enucleation-free survival rates were 83.3% (95% CI, 68.4-98.1%), 69.1% (95% CI, 49.8-88.3%) and 62.9 (95% CI, 41.9-83.8%) at 6 months, 1 and 2 years, respectively, and stable thereafter. Our first 4-year experience in Turkey showed that enucleation or external-beam radiotherapy could be avoided in two-thirds of eyes with advanced intra-ocular retinoblastoma managed primarily with IAC. © 2016 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

75 FR 72956 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Indiana; Clean Air Interstate Rule

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-29

... ``biomass'' was added so that cogeneration units could exclude biomass energy input in efficiency... the cogeneration unit definition to exclude energy input from biomass. At 326 IAC 24-1-2 (8), 326 IAC... ``Biomass'' in Reference to ``Cogeneration Unit'' H. The State's Complete CAIR Regulations I. NO X Reduction...

Correlation between auditory function and internal auditory canal pressure in patients with vestibular schwannomas.

PubMed

Lapsiwala, Samir B; Pyle, G Mark; Kaemmerle, Ann W; Sasse, Frank J; Badie, Behnam

2002-05-01

Hearing loss is the most common presenting symptom in patients who harbor a vestibular schwannoma (VS). Although mechanical injury to the cochlear nerve and vascular compromise of the auditory apparatus have been proposed, the exact mechanism of this hearing loss remains unclear. To test whether pressure on the cochlear nerve from tumor growth in the internal auditory canal (IAC) is responsible for this clinical finding, the authors prospectively evaluated intracanalicular pressure (ICaP) in patients with VS and correlated this with preoperative brainstem response. In 40 consecutive patients undergoing a retrosigmoid-transmeatal approach for tumor excision, ICaP was measured by inserting a pressure microsensor into the IAC before any tumor manipulation. Pressure recordings were correlated with tumor size and preoperative auditory evoked potential (AEP) recordings. The ICaP, which varied widely among patients (range 0-45 mm Hg), was significantly elevated in most patients (median 16 mm Hg). Although these pressure measurements directly correlated to the extension of tumor into the IAC (p = 0.001), they did not correlate to total tumor size (p = 0.2). In 20 patients in whom baseline AEP recordings were available, the ICaP directly correlated to wave V latency (p = 0.0001), suggesting that pressure from tumor growth in the IAC may be responsible for hearing loss in these patients. Tumor growth into the IAC results in elevation of ICaP and may play a role in hearing loss in patients with VS. The relevance of these findings to the surgical treatment of these tumors is discussed.

Hearing loss and enlarged internal auditory canal in children.

PubMed

Santos, Saturnino; Domínguez, M Jesús; Cervera, Javier; Suárez, Alicia; Bueno, Antonio; Bartolomé, Margarita; López, Rafael

2014-01-01

Among the temporal bone abnormalities that can be found in the etiological study of paediatric sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) by imaging techniques, those related to the internal auditory canal (IAC) are the least frequent. The most prevalent of these abnormalities that is associated with SNHL is stenotic IAC due to its association with cochlear nerve deficiencies. Less frequent and less concomitant with SNHL is the finding of an enlarged IAC (>8mm). Retrospective and descriptive review of clinical associations, imaging, audiological patterns and treatment of 9 children with hearing loss and enlarged IAC in the period 1999 to 2012. Two groups of patients are described. The first, without association with vestibulocochlear dysplasias, consisted of: 2 patients with SNHL without other temporal bone or systemic abnormalities, one with bilateral mixed HL from chromosome 18q deletion, one with a genetic X-linked DFN3 hearing loss, one with unilateral hearing loss in neurofibromatosis type 2 with bilateral acoustic neuroma, and one with unilateral hearing loss with cochlear nerve deficiency. The second group, with association with vestibulocochlear dysplasias, was comprised of: one patient with moderate bilateral mixed hearing loss in branchio-oto-renal syndrome, one with profound unilateral SNHL with recurrent meningitis, and another with profound bilateral SNHL with congenital hypothyroidism. The presence of an enlarged IAC in children can be found in different clinical and audiological settings with relevancies that can range from life-threatening situations, such as recurrent meningitis, to isolated hearing loss with no other associations. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

Monoclonal IgA Antibodies for Aflatoxin Immunoassays

PubMed Central

Ertekin, Özlem; Pirinçci, Şerife Şeyda; Öztürk, Selma

2016-01-01

Antibody based techniques are widely used for the detection of aflatoxins which are potent toxins with a high rate of occurrence in many crops. We developed a murine monoclonal antibody of immunoglobulin A (IgA) isotype with a strong binding affinity to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), aflatoxin G2 (AFG2) and aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). The antibody was effectively used in immunoaffinity column (IAC) and ELISA kit development. The performance of the IACs was compatible with AOAC performance standards for affinity columns (Test Method: AOAC 991.31). The total binding capacity of the IACs containing our antibody was 111 ng, 70 ng, 114 ng and 73 ng for AFB1, AFB2, and AFG1 andAFG2, respectively. Furthermore, the recovery rates of 5 ng of each AF derivative loaded to the IACs were determined as 104.9%, 82.4%, 85.5% and 70.7% for AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2, respectively. As for the ELISA kit developed using non-oriented, purified IgA antibody, we observed a detection range of 2–50 µg/L with 40 min total test time. The monoclonal antibody developed in this research is hitherto the first presentation of quadruple antigen binding IgA monoclonal antibodies in mycotoxin analysis and also the first study of their utilization in ELISA and IACs. IgA antibodies are valuable alternatives for immunoassay development, in terms of both sensitivity and ease of preparation, since they do not require any orientation effort. PMID:27187470

Relationship between CT densitometry with a slice thickness of 0.5 mm and audiometry in otosclerosis.

PubMed

Kawase, Setsuko; Naganawa, Shinji; Sone, Michihiko; Ikeda, Mitsuru; Ishigaki, Takeo

2006-06-01

The appropriate cutoff Hounsfield unit (HU) value for the diagnosis of otosclerosis was determined and the correlation between the bone conduction threshold and the findings of computed tomography (CT) densitometry investigated. CT images, 0.5-mm thick, were evaluated in 24 ears with otosclerosis and 19 control ears. Eight regions of interest were set around the otic capsule. The mean HU values in the area anterior to the oval window (A-OW) and anterior to the internal auditory canal (A-IAC) were significantly lower in otosclerosis than in controls. Based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the cutoff HU value in A-OW was determined to be 2,187.3 HU. The mean HU value in retrofenestral otosclerosis was significantly lower in the area A-OW, A-IAC and around the cochlea than in controls. Based on ROC analysis, the cutoff HU value in the latter was determined to be 2,045 HU. A statistically significant correlation was found between the density of the area A-OW and the hearing level at 500 and 1,000 Hz, and between the density of the area around the cochlea and the hearing level at most frequencies. These results suggest the semi-automated diagnosis of otosclerosis may be possible.

MASTER-IAC: bright PSN in PGC1030654

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balanutsa, P.; Lipunov, V.; Lopez, R. Rebolo; Serra-Ricart, M.; Gorbovskoy, E.; Kornilov, V.; Tiurina, N.; Kuznetsov, A.; Gress, O.; Shumkov, V.; Vetrov, K.; Vladimirov, V.; Gorbunov, I.; Zimnukhov, D.; Vlasenko, D.; Kuvshinov, D.

2018-01-01

MASTER-IAC auto-detection system ( Lipunov et al., "MASTER Global Robotic Net", Advances in Astronomy, 2010, 30L ) discovered OT source at (RA, Dec) = 14h 21m 17.5s -06d 37m 36.1s on 2018-01-26.1918UT . The OT unfiltered magnitude is (mlim=19.8) This PSN is in 7.8" from PGC 1030654 (Btc=15.7, also GALEX source).

How to Get It: A Guide to Defense - Related Information Resources (Librarians’ Edition, July 1998)

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-07-01

Objective (ADO), Navy (No Longer Published) See: Operational Requirements (OR), Navy Advanced Materials And Process Technology Information Analysis ...Center (AMPTIAC) See also: Information Analysis Centers (IAC) Originator: AMPTIAC 201 Mill Street Rome, NY 13440-6916 Order from: Originator Cost: Yes...Structures Information and Analysis Center (ASIAC) See also: Information Analysis Centers (IAC) Originator: Aerospace Structures Information and

30 CFR 915.15 - Approval of Iowa regulatory program amendments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Bill. August 12, 1986 December 11, 1986 IAC 4.522(15)c, g. April 28, 1987 October 7, 1987 I.C. 83.7. June 9, 1988. December 9, 1988 I.C. 83.26. December 26, 1990 November 6, 1991 IAC 27-40.1 through .7, .11, .12, .13, .21, .22, .23, .30 through .39, .41, .51, .61 through .68, .71 through .74, .81, .82...

30 CFR 915.15 - Approval of Iowa regulatory program amendments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Bill. August 12, 1986 December 11, 1986 IAC 4.522(15)c, g. April 28, 1987 October 7, 1987 I.C. 83.7. June 9, 1988. December 9, 1988 I.C. 83.26. December 26, 1990 November 6, 1991 IAC 27-40.1 through .7, .11, .12, .13, .21, .22, .23, .30 through .39, .41, .51, .61 through .68, .71 through .74, .81, .82...

30 CFR 915.15 - Approval of Iowa regulatory program amendments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Bill. August 12, 1986 December 11, 1986 IAC 4.522(15)c, g. April 28, 1987 October 7, 1987 I.C. 83.7. June 9, 1988. December 9, 1988 I.C. 83.26. December 26, 1990 November 6, 1991 IAC 27-40.1 through .7, .11, .12, .13, .21, .22, .23, .30 through .39, .41, .51, .61 through .68, .71 through .74, .81, .82...

30 CFR 915.15 - Approval of Iowa regulatory program amendments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Bill. August 12, 1986 December 11, 1986 IAC 4.522(15)c, g. April 28, 1987 October 7, 1987 I.C. 83.7. June 9, 1988. December 9, 1988 I.C. 83.26. December 26, 1990 November 6, 1991 IAC 27-40.1 through .7, .11, .12, .13, .21, .22, .23, .30 through .39, .41, .51, .61 through .68, .71 through .74, .81, .82...

30 CFR 915.15 - Approval of Iowa regulatory program amendments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Bill. August 12, 1986 December 11, 1986 IAC 4.522(15)c, g. April 28, 1987 October 7, 1987 I.C. 83.7. June 9, 1988. December 9, 1988 I.C. 83.26. December 26, 1990 November 6, 1991 IAC 27-40.1 through .7, .11, .12, .13, .21, .22, .23, .30 through .39, .41, .51, .61 through .68, .71 through .74, .81, .82...

Pathogenic properties of enterohepatic Helicobacter spp. isolated from rhesus macaques with intestinal adenocarcinoma

PubMed Central

Lertpiriyapong, Kvin; Handt, Laurence; Feng, Yan; Mitchell, Thomas W.; Lodge, Kenneth E.; Shen, Zeli; Dewhirst, Floyd E.; Muthupalani, Sureshkumar

2014-01-01

Considerable progress has been made in understanding the roles of Helicobacter pylori in inflammation and gastric cancer; however, far less is known about the roles of enterohepatic Helicobacter species (EHS) in carcinogenesis and their zoonotic or pathogenic potential. We determined the prevalence of EHS infection in a cohort of geriatric rhesus monkeys in which intestinal adenocarcinoma (IAC) is common and investigated the association between EHS infection and IAC. The cohort consisted of 36 animals, 14 of which (age 26–35 years) had IAC. Of the 36 rhesus, 35 (97 %) were positive for EHS using PCR or bacterial isolation from faeces, colonic or tumour tissues. Only a single rhesus, which had IAC, was negative for EHS by all detection methods. The EHS identified by 16S rRNA sequencing in this study were from three Helicobacter taxa: Helicobacter macacae (previously rhesus monkey taxon 1), Helicobacter sp. rhesus monkey taxon 2, previously described from strain MIT 99-5507, and Helicobacter sp. rhesus monkey taxon 4, related to Helicobacter fennelliae. Thirteen of 14 monkeys with IAC were positive for either H. macacae (7/13, 54 %), EHS rhesus monkey taxon 4 (4/13, 31 %) or a mixture of the two EHS (2/13, 15 %). These results indicate that EHS are prevalent among aged rhesus macaques with IAC. Using Helicobacter genus-specific florescent in situ hybridization, EHS were detected on the surface of colonic epithelia of infected monkeys. All Helicobacter isolates, including H. macacae, effectively adhered to, invaded, and significantly induced proinflammatory genes, including IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α and iNOS, while downregulating genes involved in the function of inflammasomes, particularly IL-1β, CASPASE-1, NRLP3, NLRP6 and NLRC4 in the human colonic T84 cell line (P<0.0001). These results suggest that EHS may represent an aetiological agent mediating diarrhoea, chronic inflammation, and possibly intestinal cancer in non-human primates, and may play a role in similar disease syndromes in humans. Downregulation of inflammasome function may represent an EHS strategy for long-term persistence in the host and play a role in inducing pathological changes in the host’s lower bowel. PMID:24696515

Accreditation status and geographic location of outpatient vascular testing facilities among Medicare beneficiaries: the VALUE (Vascular Accreditation, Location & Utilization Evaluation) study.

PubMed

Rundek, Tatjana; Brown, Scott C; Wang, Kefeng; Dong, Chuanhui; Farrell, Mary Beth; Heller, Gary V; Gornik, Heather L; Hutchisson, Marge; Needleman, Laurence; Benenati, James F; Jaff, Michael R; Meier, George H; Perese, Susana; Bendick, Phillip; Hamburg, Naomi M; Lohr, Joann M; LaPerna, Lucy; Leers, Steven A; Lilly, Michael P; Tegeler, Charles; Alexandrov, Andrei V; Katanick, Sandra L

2014-10-01

There is limited information on the accreditation status and geographic distribution of vascular testing facilities in the US. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provide reimbursement to facilities regardless of accreditation status. The aims were to: (1) identify the proportion of Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) accredited vascular testing facilities in a 5% random national sample of Medicare beneficiaries receiving outpatient vascular testing services; (2) describe the geographic distribution of these facilities. The VALUE (Vascular Accreditation, Location & Utilization Evaluation) Study examines the proportion of IAC accredited facilities providing vascular testing procedures nationally, and the geographic distribution and utilization of these facilities. The data set containing all facilities that billed Medicare for outpatient vascular testing services in 2011 (5% CMS Outpatient Limited Data Set (LDS) file) was examined, and locations of outpatient vascular testing facilities were obtained from the 2011 CMS/Medicare Provider of Services (POS) file. Of 13,462 total vascular testing facilities billing Medicare for vascular testing procedures in a 5% random Outpatient LDS for the US in 2011, 13% (n=1730) of facilities were IAC accredited. The percentage of IAC accredited vascular testing facilities in the LDS file varied significantly by US region, p<0.0001: 26%, 12%, 11%, and 7% for the Northeast, South, Midwest, and Western regions, respectively. Findings suggest that the proportion of outpatient vascular testing facilities that are IAC accredited is low and varies by region. Increasing the number of accredited vascular testing facilities to improve test quality is a hypothesis that should be tested in future research. © The Author(s) 2014.

Intracanal temperature changes during bone preparations close to and penetrating the inferior alveolar canal: Drills versus piezosurgery.

PubMed

Szalma, József; Vajta, László; Lempel, Edina; Tóth, Ákos; Jeges, Sára; Olasz, Lajos

2017-10-01

The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate temperature increases in the inferior alveolar canal (IAC), when different bone preparation methods approximate and penetrate the IAC. In pig mandible, buccal bone removals were performed until the neurovascular bundle became visible. Temperatures were registered with thermocouple probes and with infrared thermometer. Preparations were performed with diamond drills (DD), tungsten carbide drills (TCD), piezoelectric diamond sphere (PT_D) and saw (PT_S) tips, and a combined preparation method was also performed whereby the superficial three-fourths of the bone was removed with TCD and the deepest one-fourth of the bone with PT_D (TCD + PT_D_7 °C) or PT_S (TCD + PT_S_7 °C), using cooled irrigation (7 °C). Preparations using room temperature irrigation caused significantly less heat on the bone surface than in the IAC. Piezosurgery in the IAC produced significantly higher temperatures (>13 °C) than the drills (<4 °C). Heat productions of the piezoelectric tips were reduced significantly by applying the combined bone removal methods. The speed of PT_S and TCD + PT_S_7 °C were comparable to the speed of TCD, whereas TCD + PT_D_7 °C was found to be significantly slower. The speed of piezosurgery is comparable to that of the drills; however, it produces the highest, potentially nerve-harming temperatures. To eliminate the heat consequences during piezosurgery in the IAC, the use of cooled irrigation at 7 °C and predrilling is recommended. Copyright © 2017 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

EMIR electronics AIV and commisioning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Núñez, Miguel; Joven, Enrique; Fernandez, Patricia; Garzón, Francisco; Barreto, Carmen M.; Patrón, Jesús; Mato, Ángel; Moreno, Heidy; Tubio, Oscar; Vega, Nauzet

2016-08-01

EMIR is the NIR imager and multi-object spectrograph common user instrument for the GTC and it has recently passed its first light on sky. EMIR was built by a Consortium of Spanish and French institutes led by the IAC. EMIR has finished its AIV phase at IAC facilities and it is now in commissioning on sky at GTC telescope, having completed the first run. During previous cool downs the EMIR subsystems have been integrated in the instrument progressively for verifying its functionality and performance. In order to fulfil the requirements, prepare the instrument to be in the best conditions for installation in the telescope and to solve unexpected electronics drawbacks, some changes in the implementation have been accomplished during AIV. In this paper it is described the adjustments, modifications and lessons learned related to electronics along AIV stages and the commissioning in the GTC. This includes actions in different subsystems: Hawaii2 detector and its controller electronics, Detector translation Unit, Multi object slit, wheels for filters and grisms, automatisms, vacuum, cryogenics and general electronics.

Cochlear implantation using a custom guide catheter in fourteen patients with incomplete partition type III.

PubMed

Tian, Hao; Wang, Line; Gao, Fenqi; Liang, Wenqi; Peng, Kevin A

2018-05-22

Incomplete partition type III (IP-III), also termed X-linked deafness with stapes gusher, is a heterogeneous condition that predominantly affects males; however, females demonstrating the phenotype also exist. The absence of a bony partition between the fundus of the internal auditory canal (IAC) and cochlea predisposes these patients to cerebrospinal fluid leak or electrode passage into the IAC when performing cochlear implantation. We describe a surgeon-fabricated guide catheter, made intraoperatively from a 16-gauge intravenous catheter, that helps avoid electrode passage into the IAC during CI for patients with IP-III. Acceptable cochlear implant outcomes were attainable in IP-III patients, but these patients scored worse than matched CI patients with normal inner ear structures. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Riemann solvers and Alfven waves in black hole magnetospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Punsly, Brian; Balsara, Dinshaw; Kim, Jinho; Garain, Sudip

2016-09-01

In the magnetosphere of a rotating black hole, an inner Alfven critical surface (IACS) must be crossed by inflowing plasma. Inside the IACS, Alfven waves are inward directed toward the black hole. The majority of the proper volume of the active region of spacetime (the ergosphere) is inside of the IACS. The charge and the totally transverse momentum flux (the momentum flux transverse to both the wave normal and the unperturbed magnetic field) are both determined exclusively by the Alfven polarization. Thus, it is important for numerical simulations of black hole magnetospheres to minimize the dissipation of Alfven waves. Elements of the dissipated wave emerge in adjacent cells regardless of the IACS, there is no mechanism to prevent Alfvenic information from crossing outward. Thus, numerical dissipation can affect how simulated magnetospheres attain the substantial Goldreich-Julian charge density associated with the rotating magnetic field. In order to help minimize dissipation of Alfven waves in relativistic numerical simulations we have formulated a one-dimensional Riemann solver, called HLLI, which incorporates the Alfven discontinuity and the contact discontinuity. We have also formulated a multidimensional Riemann solver, called MuSIC, that enables low dissipation propagation of Alfven waves in multiple dimensions. The importance of higher order schemes in lowering the numerical dissipation of Alfven waves is also catalogued.

Immunoaffinity column as clean-up tool for determination of trace amounts of microcystins in tap water.

PubMed

Tsutsumi, T; Nagata, S; Hasegawa, A; Ueno, Y

2000-07-01

Trace amounts of microcystins (MCs) in drinking water should be monitored because of their potential hazard for human health as an environmental tumor promoter. We describe here a new clean-up tool with immunoaffinity column (IAC) for determination of trace amounts of MCs (from pg to microg/litre) in tap water. The water samples were concentrated with IAC clean-up and MCs levels were determined by HPLC with UV detection or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the combination with HPLC analysis, mean recovery of microcystin-LR (MCLR),-RR and-YR spiked to tap water were 91.8%, 77.3% and 86.4%, respectively, in the range 2.5-100 microg/litre. The chromatogram of MCs-spiked tap water sample cleaned up with IAC showed effective elimination of the impurities compared to that with octadecyl silanized cartridge, which had been cleaned up with a conventional method. Also, in the combination with highly sensitive ELISA, mean recovery of MCLR spiked to tap water was 80% in the range 0.1-1000 ng/litre. The combined methods developed here can detect pg to microg/litre of MCs in tap water. The overall results indicated that IAC will be suitable as a clean-up tool for trace amounts of MCs in tap water.

Data and Analysis Center for Software: An IAC in Transition.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-06-01

reviewed and is approved for publication. * APPROVEDt Proj ect Engineer . JOHN J. MARCINIAK, Colonel, USAF Chief, Command and Control Division . FOR THE CO...SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES RADC Project Engineer : John Palaimo (COEE) It. KEY WORDS (Conilnuo n rever*e aide if necessary and identify by block numober...Software Engineering Software Technology Information Analysis Center Database Scientific and Technical Information 20. ABSTRACT (Continue on reverse side It

VizieR Online Data Catalog: MASCARA-2 b (HD185603) light curves and spectra (Talens+, 2018)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talens, G. J. J.; Justesen, A. B.; Albrecht, S.; McCormac, J.; van Eylen, V.; Otten, G. P. P. L.; Murgas, F.; Palle, E.; Pollacco, D.; Stuik, R.; Spronck, J. F. P.; Lesage, A.-L.; Grundahl, F.; Fredslund Andersen, M.; Antoci, V.; Snellen, I. A. G.

2018-02-01

Photometric time-series and radial velocities obtained for MASCARA-2 using the MASCARA, NITES, IAC80 and SONG telescopes. The MASCARA photometry covers the period from February 2015 to December 2016 and utilizes no filter. The NITES and IAC80 photometry was obtained during the night of 4 June 2017 utilizing the R filter. The SONG RVs cover the period from May-June 2017. (26 data files).

Impact of Frozen Storage on the Anthocyanin and Polyphenol Content of American Elderberry Fruit Juice

PubMed Central

Johnson, Mitch C.; Thomas, Andrew L.; Greenlief, C. Michael

2015-01-01

The effects of frozen storage on the anthocyanin and polyphenol content of elderberry fruit juice are investigated. Juice from three genotypes of American elderberry (Adams II, Bob Gordon, and Wyldewood) was screened for total phenolic (TP) and total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA) content with spectrophotometric methods. The individual anthocyanin content (IAC) of the juice was tested by coupling solid phase extraction with ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Juice samples were tested initially upon harvest, then again after 3, 6, and 9 months of frozen storage. Juice from the three different genotypes had significantly different TP, TMA, and IAC profiles initially (p<0.05). The TP,, TMA, and IAC content of the juice from different genotypes were significantly affected (p<0.05) by the frozen storage time, suggesting that both genotype and length of frozen storage time can affect the anthocyanin content of elderberry fruit juice. PMID:26028422

A system of IAC neural networks as the basis for self-organization in a sociological dynamical system simulation.

PubMed

Duong, D V; Reilly, K D

1995-10-01

This sociological simulation uses the ideas of semiotics and symbolic interactionism to demonstrate how an appropriately developed associative memory in the minds of individuals on the microlevel can self-organize into macrolevel dissipative structures of societies such as racial cultural/economic classes, status symbols and fads. The associative memory used is based on an extension of the IAC neural network (the Interactive Activation and Competition network). Several IAC networks act together to form a society by virtue of their human-like properties of intuition and creativity. These properties give them the ability to create and understand signs, which lead to the macrolevel structures of society. This system is implemented in hierarchical object oriented container classes which facilitate change in deep structure. Graphs of general trends and an historical account of a simulation run of this dynamical system are presented.

30 CFR 914.15 - Approval of Indiana regulatory program amendments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., -118; 12-5-6, -34, -35, -36, -38, -40; 12-5-73, -100, -100.5, -101, -103. February 7, 1985 May 13, 1985... 310 IAC 12-0.5-78.7, -91.5, -109; 12-3-30, -32, -33, -34, -41, -47, -49, -55, -55.1, -68, -70, -71... reclamation fees had been paid. December 9, 1982 March 4, 1983 310 IAC 12-2-7, -9; 12-3-1, -12(c)(2), -21(b)(4...

30 CFR 914.15 - Approval of Indiana regulatory program amendments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., -118; 12-5-6, -34, -35, -36, -38, -40; 12-5-73, -100, -100.5, -101, -103. February 7, 1985 May 13, 1985... 310 IAC 12-0.5-78.7, -91.5, -109; 12-3-30, -32, -33, -34, -41, -47, -49, -55, -55.1, -68, -70, -71... reclamation fees had been paid. December 9, 1982 March 4, 1983 310 IAC 12-2-7, -9; 12-3-1, -12(c)(2), -21(b)(4...

30 CFR 914.15 - Approval of Indiana regulatory program amendments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

..., -118; 12-5-6, -34, -35, -36, -38, -40; 12-5-73, -100, -100.5, -101, -103. February 7, 1985 May 13, 1985... 310 IAC 12-0.5-78.7, -91.5, -109; 12-3-30, -32, -33, -34, -41, -47, -49, -55, -55.1, -68, -70, -71... reclamation fees had been paid. December 9, 1982 March 4, 1983 310 IAC 12-2-7, -9; 12-3-1, -12(c)(2), -21(b)(4...

30 CFR 914.15 - Approval of Indiana regulatory program amendments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

..., -118; 12-5-6, -34, -35, -36, -38, -40; 12-5-73, -100, -100.5, -101, -103. February 7, 1985 May 13, 1985... 310 IAC 12-0.5-78.7, -91.5, -109; 12-3-30, -32, -33, -34, -41, -47, -49, -55, -55.1, -68, -70, -71... reclamation fees had been paid. December 9, 1982 March 4, 1983 310 IAC 12-2-7, -9; 12-3-1, -12(c)(2), -21(b)(4...

30 CFR 914.15 - Approval of Indiana regulatory program amendments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

..., -118; 12-5-6, -34, -35, -36, -38, -40; 12-5-73, -100, -100.5, -101, -103. February 7, 1985 May 13, 1985... 310 IAC 12-0.5-78.7, -91.5, -109; 12-3-30, -32, -33, -34, -41, -47, -49, -55, -55.1, -68, -70, -71... reclamation fees had been paid. December 9, 1982 March 4, 1983 310 IAC 12-2-7, -9; 12-3-1, -12(c)(2), -21(b)(4...

Operation of Reliability Analysis Center (FY88)

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-10-01

4.1 Current Projects 16 4.2 Completed Projects 22 6.0 FINANCIAL SUMMARY FY󈨜 23 7.0 INFORMATION FROM IAC USERS 24 7.1 User Feedback on IAC Services...22 6.0 FINANCIAL SUMMARY FY󈨜 Operating expenditures for carrying out the Reliability Analysis Center’s on-going operational functions and satisfying...Because the RAC does n~ot stand to benefit from either a favorable or unfavorable appraisal of any contractors design, an unbiased analysis can result

Genetic divergence in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in the Cerrado-Pantanal ecotone.

PubMed

da Silva, F A; Corrêa, A M; Teodoro, P E; Lopes, K V; Corrêa, C C G

2017-03-30

Evaluating genetic diversity among genotypes is important for providing parameters for the identification of superior genotypes, because the choice of parents that form segregating populations is crucial. Our objectives were to i) evaluate agronomic performance; ii) compare clustering methods; iii) ascertain the relative contributions of the variables evaluated; and iv) identify the most promising hybrids to produce superior segregating populations. The trial was conducted in 2015 at the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. We used a randomized block design with three replications, and recorded the days to emergence, days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of branches, number of pods, number of seeds per pod, weight of 100 grains, and productivity. The genetic diversity of the genotypes was determined by cluster analysis using two dissimilarity measures: the Euclidean distance and the standardized mean Mahalanobis distance using the Ward hierarchical method. The genotypes 'CNFC 10762', 'IAC Dawn', and 'BRS Style' had the highest grain yields, and clusters that were based on the Euclidean distance differed from those based on the Mahalanobis distance, the second being more precise. The yield grain character has greater relevance to the dispute. Hybrids with a high heterotic effect can be obtained by crossing 'IAC Alvorada' with 'CNFC 10762', 'IAC Alvorada' with 'CNFC 10764', and 'BRS Style' with 'IAC Alvorada'.

The prognostic value of panoramic radiography of inferior alveolar nerve damage after mandibular third molar removal: retrospective study of 400 cases.

PubMed

Szalma, József; Lempel, Edina; Jeges, Sára; Szabó, Gyula; Olasz, Lajos

2010-02-01

The aim of the study was to estimate the accuracy of panoramic radiographic signs predicting inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) paresthesia after lower third molar removal. In a case-control study the sample was composed of 41 cases with postoperative IAN paresthesia and 359 control cases without it. The collected data included "classic" specific signs indicating a close spatial relationship between third molar root and inferior alveolar canal (IAC), root curvatures, and the extent of IAC-root tip overlap. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were completed to estimate the association between radiographic findings and IAN paresthesia. The multivariate logistic analysis identified 3 signs significantly associated with IAN paresthesia (P < .001): interruption of the superior cortex of the canal wall, diversion of the canal, and darkening of the root. The sensitivities and specificities ranged from 14.6% to 68.3% and from 85.5% to 96.9%, respectively. The positive predictive values, calculated to factor a 1.1% prevalence of paresthesia, ranged from 3.6% to 10.9%, whereas the negative predictive values >99%. Panoramic radiography is an inadequate screening method for predicting IAN paresthesia after mandibular third molar removal. Copyright (c) 2010 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Characterization of the Origin of DNA Replication of the Coxiella burnetii Chromosome

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-26

chromosomal DNAs (FIG. IB): the 19.4-kb EcoR I fragment of Salmonella typhimurium DNA (lane 4),9 the 17.5-kb Sal I fragment of Enterobacter aerogenes ...IacZYA-argF) U 1694680d IacZAM15 Salmonella typhimurium Wild type WVUd Kiebsiella pneumoniae Wild type WVUd Enterobacter aero genes Wild type WVUd... aerogenes and K. pneumoniae were digested with appropriate restriction enzymes. The restriction fragments were separated on a 0.9% agarose gel, transferred to

Integrated analysis of large space systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, J. P.

1980-01-01

Based on the belief that actual flight hardware development of large space systems will necessitate a formalized method of integrating the various engineering discipline analyses, an efficient highly user oriented software system capable of performing interdisciplinary design analyses with tolerable solution turnaround time is planned Specific analysis capability goals were set forth with initial emphasis given to sequential and quasi-static thermal/structural analysis and fully coupled structural/control system analysis. Subsequently, the IAC would be expanded to include a fully coupled thermal/structural/control system, electromagnetic radiation, and optical performance analyses.

Adaptive capacity of fishing communities at marine protected areas: a case study from the Colombian Pacific.

PubMed

Moreno-Sánchez, Rocío del Pilar; Maldonado, Jorge Higinio

2013-12-01

Departing from a theoretical methodology, we estimate empirically an index of adaptive capacity (IAC) of a fishing community to the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs). We carried out household surveys, designed to obtain information for indicators and sub-indicators, and calculated the IAC. Moreover, we performed a sensitivity analysis to check for robustness of the results. Our findings show that, despite being located between two MPAs, the fishing community of Bazán in the Colombian Pacific is highly vulnerable and that the socioeconomic dimension of the IAC constitutes the most binding dimension for building adaptive capacity. Bazán is characterized by extreme poverty, high dependence on resources, and lack of basic public infrastructure. Notwithstanding, social capital and local awareness about ecological conditions may act as enhancers of adaptive capacity. The establishment of MPAs should consider the development of strategies to confer adaptive capacity to local communities highly dependent on resource extraction.

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

ASFAW BEYENE

Since its establishment in 1990, San Diego State University’s Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) has served close to 400 small and medium-sized manufacturing plants in Southern California. SDSU/IAC’s efforts to transfer state-of-the-art technologies to industry have increased revenues, cultivated creativity, improved efficiencies, and benefited the environment. A substantial benefit from the program has been the ongoing training of engineering faculty and students. During this funding cycle, SDSU/IAC has trained 31 students, 7 of the graduate. A total of 92 assessments and 108 assessment days were completed, resulting in 638 assessment recommendations.

Effects of dairy factory, milk casein content and titratable acidity on coagulation properties in Trentingrana dairy industry.

PubMed

Penasa, Mauro; Toffanin, Valentina; Cologna, Nicola; Cassandro, Martino; De Marchi, Massimo

2016-05-01

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of environmental factors, milk casein content and titratable acidity on milk coagulation properties (MCP) of samples routinely collected in the Trento province (northeast Italy) under field conditions. Rennet coagulation time (RCT, min), curd-firming time (k20, min) and curd firmness (a30, mm) were determined by Formagraph on 14 971 samples from 635 herds associated to 17 dairy factories. Besides MCP, fat, protein, and casein percentages, titratable acidity (TA), and somatic cell and bacterial counts were available. A standardised index of milk aptitude to coagulate (IAC) was derived using information of RCT and a30. An analysis of variance was conducted on MCP and IAC using a fixed effects linear model. Approximately 3% of milk samples did not form a curd within the testing time (30 min) and k20 was missing for 26% of milks. The percentage of samples without information on k20 largely differed among dairy factories (1·7-20·9%). Significant differences were estimated between the best and the worst dairy factory for RCT (-2 min), k20 (-1·2 min), a30 (+3·4 mm) and IAC (+2·6 points). Milk casein content and TA were important factors in explaining the variation of MCP and IAC, supporting the central role of these two traits on technological properties. The Trento province is heterogeneous in terms of dairy systems and this could explain the differences among dairy factories.

Review of the Fire Control System.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-11-18

TIE FIRE CONTROL SYSTEM Final Report;, CDRL #A005 a weaa . 1 VItdbu!i A UaR11.d Gy 8.Ic.80 12 05 028 W Unclassified. Uf e C’ L V A’ N ON -A iAC’ , 14 n...ta FI..Ie d) REPORT DOCUMENTATON PAREAD INSTRU-TION. PR--PAGE FRE COMPLETING FORM W 4E,’ 1 - " r ’ i:!VBE i 2 GOVT ACESSION NO. 3 RECIPIENT’S...enhancements of old applications. (continued on next page) DD 1 FAM , 1473 E ITON OF I NOV 65IS OBSOLETES.IN 0102-LF.014-6601 Unclassified SECUAITY

Image-interactive orientation in the middle cranial fossa approach to the internal auditory canal: an experimental study.

PubMed

Vrionis, F D; Robertson, J H; Foley, K T; Gardner, G

1997-01-01

Approaches through the middle cranial fossa directed at reaching the internal auditory canal (IAC) invariably employ exposure of the geniculate ganglion, the superior semicircular canal (SSC) or the epitympanum. This involves risk to the facial nerve and hearing apparatus. To minimize this risk, we conducted a laboratory study on 9 cadaver temporal bones by using an image-interactive guidance system (StealthStation) to provide topographic orientation in the middle fossa approach. Surface anatomic fiducials such as the umbo of the tympanic membrane, Henle's spine, the root of the zygoma and various sutures were used as fiducials for registration of CT-images of the temporal bone. Accurate localization of the IAC was achieved in every specimen. Mean target localization error varied from 1.20 to 1.38 mm for critical structures in the temporal bone such as the apex of the cochlea, crus commune, ampula of the SSC and facial hiatus. Our results suggest that frameless stereotaxy may be used as an alternative to current methods in localizing the IAC in patients with small vestibular schwannomas or intractable vertigo undergoing middle fossa surgery.

Classroom Acoustics: The Problem, Impact, and Solution.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berg, Frederick S.; And Others

1996-01-01

This article describes aspects of classroom acoustics that interfere with the ability of listeners to understand speech. It considers impacts on students and teachers and offers four possible solutions: noise control, signal control without amplification, individual amplification systems, and sound field amplification systems. (Author/DB)

The integrated analysis capability (IAC Level 2.0)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frisch, Harold P.; Vos, Robert G.

1988-01-01

The critical data management issues involved in the development of the integral analysis capability (IAC), Level 2, to support the design analysis and performance evaluation of large space structures, are examined. In particular, attention is given to the advantages and disadvantages of the formalized data base; merging of the matrix and relational data concepts; data types, query operators, and data handling; sequential versus direct-access files; local versus global data access; programming languages and host machines; and data flow techniques. The discussion also covers system architecture, recent system level enhancements, executive/user interface capabilities, and technology applications.

Auditory changes in acromegaly.

PubMed

Tabur, S; Korkmaz, H; Baysal, E; Hatipoglu, E; Aytac, I; Akarsu, E

2017-06-01

The aim of this study is to determine the changes involving auditory system in cases with acromegaly. Otological examinations of 41 cases with acromegaly (uncontrolled n = 22, controlled n = 19) were compared with those of age and gender-matched 24 healthy subjects. Whereas the cases with acromegaly underwent examination with pure tone audiometry (PTA), speech audiometry for speech discrimination (SD), tympanometry, stapedius reflex evaluation and otoacoustic emission tests, the control group did only have otological examination and PTA. Additionally, previously performed paranasal sinus-computed tomography of all cases with acromegaly and control subjects were obtained to measure the length of internal acoustic canal (IAC). PTA values were higher (p < 0.001 for right ears and p = 0.001 for left ears), and SD scores were (p = 0.002 for right ears and p = 0.002 for left ears) lower in acromegalic patients. IAC width in acromegaly group was narrower compared to that in control group (p = 0.03 for right ears and p = 0.02 for left ears). When only cases with acromegaly were taken into consideration, PTA values in left ears had positive correlation with growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels (r = 0.4, p = 0.02 and r = 0.3, p = 0.03). Of all cases with acromegaly 13 (32%) had hearing loss in at least one ear, 7 (54%) had sensorineural type and 6 (46%) had conductive type hearing loss. Acromegaly may cause certain changes in the auditory system in cases with acromegaly. The changes in the auditory system may be multifactorial causing both conductive and sensorioneural defects.

The International Alcohol Control (IAC) study-evaluating the impact of alcohol policies.

PubMed

Casswell, Sally; Meier, Petra; MacKintosh, Anne M; Brown, Abraham; Hastings, Gerard; Thamarangsi, Thaksaphon; Chaiyasong, Surasak; Chun, Sungsoo; Huckle, Taisia; Wall, Martin; You, Ru Q

2012-08-01

This paper describes a new multicountry collaborative project to assess the impact of alcohol control policy. Longitudinal surveys of drinkers in a number of participating countries and analysis of the policy context allow for the assessment of change over time within countries and comparison between countries. The design of the study is modeled on the International Tobacco Control study and aims to assess the impact of alcohol policies in different cultural contexts on policy-related behaviors and alcohol consumption. A survey instrument and protocol for policy analysis have been developed by the initial participating countries: England, Scotland, Thailand, South Korea, and New Zealand. The first round of data collection is scheduled for 2011-2012. The survey instrument (International Alcohol Control [IAC] survey) measures key policy relevant behaviors: place and time of purchase, amounts purchased and price paid; ease of access to alcohol purchase; alcohol marketing measures; social supply; perceptions of alcohol affordability and availability and salience of price; perceptions of enforcement; people's experiences with specific alcohol restrictions; support for policy and consumption (typical quantity, frequency using beverage and location-specific measures). The Policy Analysis Protocol (PoLAP) assesses relevant aspects of the policy environment including regulation and implementation. It has proved feasible to design instruments to collect detailed data on behaviors relevant to alcohol policy change and to assess the policy environment in different cultural settings. In a policy arena in which the interest groups and stakeholders have different perceptions of appropriate policy responses to alcohol-related harm, a robust methodology to assess the impact of policy will contribute to the debate. Copyright © 2012 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

Quality control for quantitative PCR based on amplification compatibility test.

PubMed

Tichopad, Ales; Bar, Tzachi; Pecen, Ladislav; Kitchen, Robert R; Kubista, Mikael; Pfaffl, Michael W

2010-04-01

Quantitative qPCR is a routinely used method for the accurate quantification of nucleic acids. Yet it may generate erroneous results if the amplification process is obscured by inhibition or generation of aberrant side-products such as primer dimers. Several methods have been established to control for pre-processing performance that rely on the introduction of a co-amplified reference sequence, however there is currently no method to allow for reliable control of the amplification process without directly modifying the sample mix. Herein we present a statistical approach based on multivariate analysis of the amplification response data generated in real-time. The amplification trajectory in its most resolved and dynamic phase is fitted with a suitable model. Two parameters of this model, related to amplification efficiency, are then used for calculation of the Z-score statistics. Each studied sample is compared to a predefined reference set of reactions, typically calibration reactions. A probabilistic decision for each individual Z-score is then used to identify the majority of inhibited reactions in our experiments. We compare this approach to univariate methods using only the sample specific amplification efficiency as reporter of the compatibility. We demonstrate improved identification performance using the multivariate approach compared to the univariate approach. Finally we stress that the performance of the amplification compatibility test as a quality control procedure depends on the quality of the reference set. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

MASTER OT J015539.85+485955.6 was detected during Fermi alert inspection 3.5h after the trigger time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rebolo, R.; Lipunov, V.; Gorbovskoy, E.; Serra, M.; Lodieu, N.; Israelian, G.; Suarez-Andres, L.; Shumkov, V.; Tyurina, N.; Kornilov, V.; Balanutsa, P.; Kuznetsov, A.; Vlasenko, D.; Gorbunov, I.; Vladimirov, V.; Popova, E.; Buckley, D.; Potter, S.; Kniazev, A.; Kotze, M.; Tlatov, A.; Parhomenko, A. V.; Dormidontov, D.; Senik, V.; Gress, O.; Ivanov, K.; Budnev, N. M.; Yurkov, V.; Sergienko, Yu.; Gabovich, A.; Sinyakov, E.; Krushinski, V.; Zalozhnih, I.; Shurpakov, S.

2015-11-01

MASTER-IAC, MASTER-Kislovodsk and MASTER-SAAO was pointed to the FERMI GBM GRB151107B (Stanbro, Meegan, GCN #18570 ) at 2015-11-07 20:25:52(/59s/58s) UT (R.Rebolo et al., GCN #18576 ). There were the prompt pointing observations because duration of the GRB was ~140s . After 5 minutes of the alert observations of the error-box center, MASTER telescopes in IAC and Kislovodsk started the inspect survey inside large Fermi error box (ra=00 42 28 dec=+48 48 58 r=4.533300) obtained by GCN socket.

Finite area combustor theoretical rocket performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gordon, Sanford; Mcbride, Bonnie J.

1988-01-01

Previous to this report, the computer program of NASA SP-273 and NASA TM-86885 was capable of calculating theoretical rocket performance based only on the assumption of an infinite area combustion chamber (IAC). An option was added to this program which now also permits the calculation of rocket performance based on the assumption of a finite area combustion chamber (FAC). In the FAC model, the combustion process in the cylindrical chamber is assumed to be adiabatic, but nonisentropic. This results in a stagnation pressure drop from the injector face to the end of the chamber and a lower calculated performance for the FAC model than the IAC model.

QUIJOTE Experiment: status of telescopes and instrumentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pérez-de-Taoro, M. R.; Aguiar-González, M.; Cózar-Castellano, J.; Génova-Santos, R.; Gómez-Reñasco, F.; Hoyland, R.; Peláez-Santos, A.; Poidevin, F.; Tramonte, D.; Rebolo-López, R.; Rubiño-Martín, J. A.; Sánchez-de-la-Rosa, V.; Vega-Moreno, A.; Viera-Curbelo, T.; Vignaga, R.; Casas, F. J.; Martinez-Gonzalez, E.; Ortiz, D.; Aja, B.; Artal, E.; Cano-de-Diego, J. L.; de-la-Fuente, L.; Mediavilla, A.; Terán, J. V.; Villa, E.; Harper, S.; McCulloch, M.; Melhuish, S.; Piccirillo, L.; Lasenby, A.

2016-07-01

The QUIJOTE Experiment (Q-U-I JOint TEnerife) is a combined operation of two telescopes and three instruments working in the microwave band to measure the polarization of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) from the northern hemisphere, at medium and large angular scales. The experiment is located at the Teide Observatory in Tenerife, one of the seven Canary Islands (Spain). The project is a consortium maintained by several institutions: the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), the Instituto de Física de Cantabria (IFCA), the Communications Engineering Department (DICOM) at Universidad de Cantabria, and the Universities of Manchester and Cambridge. The consortium is led by the IAC.

Recent developments with microchannel-plate PMTs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lehmann, A.; Böhm, M.; Britting, A.; Eyrich, W.; Pfaffinger, M.; Uhlig, F.; Belias, A.; Dzhygadlo, R.; Gerhardt, A.; Götzen, K.; Kalicy, G.; Krebs, M.; Lehmann, D.; Nerling, F.; Patsyuk, M.; Peters, K.; Schepers, G.; Schmitt, L.; Schwarz, C.; Schwiening, J.; Traxler, M.; Zühlsdorf, M.; Düren, M.; Etzelmüller, E.; Föhl, K.; Hayrapetyan, A.; Kröck, B.; Merle, O.; Rieke, J.; Schmidt, M.; Wasem, T.; Cowie, E.; Keri, T.; Achenbach, P.; Cardinali, M.; Hoek, M.; Lauth, W.; Schlimme, S.; Sfienti, C.; Thiel, M.

2017-12-01

Microchannel-plate (MCP) PMTs are the favored photon sensors for the DIRC detectors of the PANDA experiment at FAIR. Until recently the main drawback of MCP-PMTs were serious aging effects which led to a limited lifetime due to a rapidly decreasing quantum efficiency (QE) of the photo cathode (PC) as the integrated anode charge (IAC) increased. In the latest models of PHOTONIS and Hamamatsu an innovative atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique is applied to overcome these limitations. During the last five years comprehensive aging tests with ALD coated MCP-PMTs were performed and the results were compared to tubes treated with other techniques. The QE in dependence of the IAC was measured as a function of the wavelength and the position across the PC. For the best performing tubes the lifetime improvement in comparison to the older MCP-PMTs is a factor of > 50 based on an IAC of meanwhile > 10 C /cm2 . In addition, the performance results of a new 2-in. ALD coated MCP-PMT prototype from Hamamatsu with a very high position resolution (128×6 anode pixels) is presented and the first conclusions from investigations concerning the PC aging mechanism will be discussed.

Microstructure and Precipitate's Characterization of the Cu-Ni-Si-P Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yi; Tian, Baohong; Volinsky, Alex A.; Sun, Huili; Chai, Zhe; Liu, Ping; Chen, Xiaohong; Liu, Yong

2016-04-01

Microstructure of the Cu-Ni-Si-P alloy was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The alloy had 551 MPa tensile strength, 226 HV hardness, and 36% IACS electrical conductivity after 80% cold rolling and aging at 450 °C for 2 h. Under the same aging conditions, but without the cold rolling, the strength, hardness, and electrical conductivity were 379 MPa, 216 HV, and 32% IACS, respectively. The precipitates identified by TEM characterization were δ-Ni2Si. Some semi-coherent spherical precipitates with a typical coffee bean contrast were found after aging for 48 h at 450 °C. The average diameter of the observed semi-coherent precipitates is about 5 nm. The morphology of the fracture surface was observed by scanning electron microscopy. All samples showed typical ductile fracture. The addition of P refined the grain size and increased the nucleation rate of the precipitates. The precipitated phase coarsening was inhibited by the small additions of P. After aging, the Cu-Ni-Si-P alloy can gain excellent mechanical properties with 804 MPa strength and 49% IACS conductivity. This study aimed to optimize processing conditions of the Cu-Ni-Si-P alloys.

A language based on analogy to communicate cultural concepts in SETI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Musso, Paolo

2011-02-01

The present paper is a synthesis of three presentation given by myself at the Toulouse IAC 2001 ( Analogy as a tool to communicate abstract concepts in SETI), the Bremen IAC 2003 ( From maths to culture: towards an effective message), and the Vancouver IAC 2004 ( Philosophical and religious implications of extraterrestrial intelligent life). Its aim is to find a way to make our cultural concepts understandable to hypothetical extraterrestrials (ETs) in a SETI communication. First of all, I expose the reasons why I think that analogy could be a good tool for this purpose. Then, I try to show that this is possible only in the context of an integrated language, using both abstract symbols and pictures, also sketching two practical examples about some basic concepts of our moral and religious tradition. Further studies are required to determine whether this method could be extended to the higher-level abstract concepts in the other fields of our culture. Finally, I discuss the possible role of mathematics, logic and natural science in the construction of an analogy-based language for interstellar messages with a cultural content and a possible way of managing this matter from a social point of view.

External and semi-internal controls for PCR amplification of homologous sequences in mixed templates.

PubMed

Kalle, Elena; Gulevich, Alexander; Rensing, Christopher

2013-11-01

In a mixed template, the presence of homologous target DNA sequences creates environments that almost inevitably give rise to artifacts and biases during PCR. Heteroduplexes, chimeras, and skewed template-to-product ratios are the exclusive attributes of mixed template PCR and never occur in a single template assay. Yet, multi-template PCR has been used without appropriate attention to quality control and assay validation, in spite of the fact that such practice diminishes the reliability of results. External and internal amplification controls became obligatory elements of good laboratory practice in different PCR assays. We propose the inclusion of an analogous approach as a quality control system for multi-template PCR applications. The amplification controls must take into account the characteristics of multi-template PCR and be able to effectively monitor particular assay performance. This study demonstrated the efficiency of a model mixed template as an adequate external amplification control for a particular PCR application. The conditions of multi-template PCR do not allow implementation of a classic internal control; therefore we developed a convenient semi-internal control as an acceptable alternative. In order to evaluate the effects of inhibitors, a model multi-template mix was amplified in a mixture with DNAse-treated sample. Semi-internal control allowed establishment of intervals for robust PCR performance for different samples, thus enabling correct comparison of the samples. The complexity of the external and semi-internal amplification controls must be comparable with the assumed complexity of the samples. We also emphasize that amplification controls should be applied in multi-template PCR regardless of the post-assay method used to analyze products. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modular System Control Development Model (MSCDM). Design Specification.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-08-01

with power supply and ¶ can be used independently of the loop. The PDU can be used as a general purpose processor. The loop is contained in a separate...inputs to nodes 22 (VSQC), 23 (DSQC ) , and 26 (BWBSA) will be generated by a LSI—ll microprocessor used as a simulated input generator (SIG). The SIG...who c o b m n u n i — cate tau lt - s to the FIAC module. F~IAC generates even t reports to the OCRI and DBMS. The PDP1I/40 in loop 2 generates

Internal amplification control of PCR for the Glu1-Dx5 allele in wheat.

PubMed

Heim, H N; Vieira, E S N; Polo, L R T; Lima, N K; Silva, G J; Linde, G A; Colauto, N B; Schuster, I

2017-08-17

One of the limiting factors in using dominant markers is the unique amplification of the target fragment. Therefore, failures in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or non-amplifications can be interpreted as an absence of the allele. The possibility of false negatives implies in reduced efficiency in the selection process in genetic breeding programs besides the loss of valuable genetic material. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the viability of a microsatellite marker as an internal amplification control with a dominant marker for the wheat Glu1-Dx5 gene. A population of 77 wheat cultivars/breeding lines was analyzed. Fourteen microsatellite markers were analyzed in silico regarding the formation of dimers and clamps. The biplex reaction conditions were optimized, and the Xbarc117 marker was selected as the internal amplification control with a Glu1-Dx5 marker in wheat. It was concluded that the Xbarc117 microsatellite marker was effective in the simultaneous amplification with a dominant Glu1-Dx5 marker, making biplex PCR viable in wheat for the studied markers.

Reduction of low frequency ac losses in coaxial cables of type II superconductors by a steady bias current

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LeBlanc, M. A. R.; Cameron, Daniel S. M.; LeBlanc, David; Meng, Jinglei

1996-01-01

Hysteresis losses, Wac, in the core of a monolithic coaxial cable carrying an alternating current of fixed amplitude Iac are predicted to trace a valley as a steady bias current Ibias is superimposed on Iac, when (a) the critical current density jc diminishes with increasing magnetic field H, and/or (b) a Meissner current IM or a surface barrier current ISB opposing flux entry play a role. The predicted Ibias,min where the valley minimum occurs and the value of Wac at the minima are displayed for various IM≥0 and ISB≥0 when jc=α (Bean) and jc=α/H (Kim approximation).

ZnOEP based phototransistor: signal amplification and light-controlled switch.

PubMed

Ji, Heng-Xing; Hu, Jin-Song; Wan, Li-Jun

2008-06-21

A phototransistor with a field-effect transistor configuration was fabricated using a single zinc octaethylporphyrin (ZnOEP) nanorod; the device showed ability in signal amplification and reversible light-controlled switching.

Active control of noise amplification in the flow over a square leading-edge flat plate utilizing DBD plasma actuator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadong, HUANG; Benmou, ZHOU

2018-05-01

Perturbation is generally considered as the flow noise, and its energy can gain transient growth in the separation bubble. The amplified perturbations may cause unstable Kelvin–Helmohltz vortices which induce the three-dimensional transition. Active control of noise amplification via dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator in the flow over a square leading-edge flat plate is numerically studied. The actuator is installed near the plate leading-edge where the separation bubble is formed. The maximum energy amplification of perturbations is positively correlated with the separation bubble scale which decreases with the increasing control parameters. As the magnitude of noise amplification is reduced, the laminar-turbulent transition is successfully suppressed.

Flow Characteristics and Robustness of an Inclined Quad-vortex Range Hood

PubMed Central

CHEN, Jia-Kun; HUANG, Rong Fung

2014-01-01

A novel design of range hood, which was termed the inclined quad-vortex (IQV) range hood, was examined for its flow and containment leakage characteristics under the influence of a plate sweeping across the hood face. A flow visualization technique was used to unveil the flow behavior. Three characteristic flow modes were observed: convex, straight, and concave modes. A tracer gas detection method using sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) was employed to measure the containment leakage levels. The results were compared with the test data reported previously in the literature for a conventional range hood and an inclined air curtain (IAC) range hood. The leakage SF6 concentration of the IQV range hood under the influence of the plate sweeping was 0.039 ppm at a suction flow rate of 9.4 m3/min. The leakage concentration of the conventional range hood was 0.768 ppm at a suction flow rate of 15.0 m3/min. For the IAC range hood, the leakage concentration was 0.326 ppm at a suction flow rate of 10.9 m3/min. The IQV range hood presented a significantly lower leakage level at a smaller suction flow rate than the conventional and IAC range hoods due to its aerodynamic design for flow behavior. PMID:24583513

Variations in the buccal-lingual alveolar bone thickness of impacted mandibular third molar: our classification and treatment perspectives

PubMed Central

Ge, Jing; Zheng, Jia-Wei; Yang, Chi; Qian, Wen-Tao

2016-01-01

Selecting either buccal or lingual approach for the mandibular third molar surgical extraction has been an intense debate for years. The aim of this observational retrospective study was to classify the molar based on the proximity to the external cortical bone, and analyze the position of inferior alveolar canal (IAC) of each type. Cone-beam CT (CBCT) data of 110 deeply impacted mandibular third molars from 91 consecutive patients were analyzed. A new classification based on the mean deduction value (MD) of buccal-lingual alveolar bone thickness was proposed: MD≥1 mm was classified as buccal position, 1 mm>MD>−1 mm was classified as central position, MD≤−1 mm was classified as lingual position. The study samples were distributed as: buccal position (1.8%) in 2 subjects, central position (10.9%) in 12 and lingual position (87.3%) in 96. Ninety-six molars (87.3%) contacted the IAC. The buccal and inferior IAC course were the most common types in impacted third molar, especially in lingually positioned ones. Our study suggested that amongst deeply impacted mandibular third molars, lingual position occupies the largest proportion, followed by the central, and then the buccal type. PMID:26759181

In situ microradioscopy and microtomography of fatigue-loaded dental two-piece implants.

PubMed

Wiest, Wolfram; Zabler, Simon; Rack, Alexander; Fella, Christian; Balles, Andreas; Nelson, Katja; Schmelzeisen, Rainer; Hanke, Randolf

2015-11-01

Synchrotron real-time radioscopy and in situ microtomography are the only techniques providing direct visible information on a micrometre scale of local deformation in the implant-abutment connection (IAC) during and after cyclic loading. The microgap formation at the IAC has been subject to a number of studies as it has been proposed to be associated with long-term implant success. The next step in this scientific development is to focus on the in situ fatigue procedure of two-component dental implants. Therefore, an apparatus has been developed which is optimized for the in situ fatigue analysis of dental implants. This report demonstrates both the capability of in situ radioscopy and microtomography at the ID19 beamline for the study of cyclic deformation in dental implants. The first results show that it is possible to visualize fatigue loading of dental implants in real-time radioscopy in addition to the in situ fatigue tomography. For the latter, in situ microtomography is applied during the cyclic loading cycles in order to visualize the opening of the IAC microgap. These results concur with previous ex situ studies on similar systems. The setup allows for easily increasing the bending force, to simulate different chewing situations, and is, therefore, a versatile tool for examining the fatigue processes of dental implants and possibly other specimens.

Time-resolved photometry of the nova remnants DM Gem, CP Lac, GI Mon, V400 Per, CT Ser and XX Tau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez-Gil, P.; Torres, M. A. P.

2005-02-01

We present the first results of a photometric survey of poorly studied nova remnants in the Northern Hemisphere. The main results are as follows: DM Gem shows a modulation at 0.123 d (probably linked to the orbit) and rapid variations at ˜ 22 min. A moderate resolution spectrum taken at the time of the photometric observations shows intense He II 4686 and Bowen emission, characteristic of an intermediate polar or a SW Sex star. Variability at 0.127 d and intense flickering (or quasi-periodic oscillations) are the main features of the light curve of CP Lac. A 0.1-mag dip lasting for ˜ 45 min is observed in GI Mon, which could be an eclipse. A clear modulation (probably related to the orbital motion) either at 0.179 d or 0.152 d is observed in the B-band light curve of V400 Per. The results for CT Ser point to an orbital period close to 0.16 d. Intense flickering is also characteristic of this old nova. Finally, XX Tau shows a possible periodic signal near 0.14 d and displays fast variability at ˜ 24 min. Its brightness seems to be modulated at ˜ 5 d. We relate this long periodicity to the motion of an eccentric/tilted accretion disc in the binary. Based in part on observations made with the Jacobus Kapteyn Telescope, which was operated on the island of La Palma by the Isaac Newton Group in the Spanish Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), and on observations made with the IAC80 telescope, operated on the island of Tenerife by the IAC in the Spanish Observatorio del Teide of the IAC. Observations were also obtained at the FLWO Observatory, a facility of the Smithsonian Institution.

Stability and adaptability of popcorn genotypes in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

PubMed

Pena, G F; do Amaral, A T; Gonçalves, L S A; Candido, L S; Vittorazzi, C; Ribeiro, R M; Freitas, S P

2012-08-31

This study aimed to obtain estimates of stability and adaptability of phase launched materials and materials recommended in the country, for the northern and northwestern regions of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, and made a comparative analysis of different methods to evaluate stability and adaptability of grain yield and popping expansion. To this end, 10 genotypes were evaluated (UNB2U-C3, UNB2U-C4, BRS Angela, Viçosa, Beija-Flor, IAC 112, IAC 125, Zélia, Jade, and UFVM2 Barão de Viçosa) in five environments. The Yates and Cochran method revealed that genotypes UFV2M Barão de Viçosa, BRS Angela and UNB2U-C3 were the most stable for grain yield. This method also indicated superiority of genotypes UNB2U-C3, UNB2U-C4, BRS Angela, Viçosa, IAC 125, and Zélia for popping expansion. The Plaisted and Peterson and Wricke methods demonstrated that genotypes Zélia and UNB2U-C4 were the most productive and stable. These methods indicated genotypes UNB2U-C3 and BRS Angela as the most stable for popping expansion. The Kang and Phan ranking system uses methods based on analysis of variance and classified population UNB2U-C4 as the genotype with the highest stability of grain production and confirmed cultivar BRS Angela as the most stable for popping expansion. Genotypes IAC 112 and UNB2U-C4 were the most stable and adapted for grain yield, according to the Lin and Binns method. The P(i) statistics also ranked UNB2U-C3 and UNB2U-C4 as the genotypes with the best predictability and capacity for popping expansion.

Characterization of Antixenosis in Soybean Genotypes to Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Biotype B.

PubMed

Baldin, E L L; Cruz, P L; Morando, R; Silva, I F; Bentivenha, J P F; Tozin, L R S; Rodrigues, T M

2017-08-01

Bemisia tabaci biotype B (Gennadius) is one of the most important soybean pest worldwide. Herein, 15 soybean genotypes were evaluated, to characterize the occurrence of antixenosis to B. tabaci biotype B. Initially, a multiple-choice test with all genotypes was carried out, evaluating the settling and oviposition preference at 3 d after infestation, and the colonization by nymphs after 48 d of infestation. Subsequently, a no-choice test, using 14 genotypes, was conducted with infested plants individually, and the number of eggs was counted after 72 h. Then, 10 genotypes were selected (indicative of resistance and susceptibility), which were evaluated for whitefly settling 24, 48, and 72 h after infestation and for oviposition 72 h after infestation. The trichomes of the leaflets were characterized for density, size, and inclination to establish possible correlations with the settling and oviposition in the genotypes. In the first multiple-choice test, involving 15 genotypes, 'IAC-17,' 'IAC-19,' and UX-2569-159 expressed antixenosis against B. tabaci. 'Jackson,' 'P98Y11,' and PI-229358 exhibited the same behavior in the no-choice test. In the multiple-choice test, 'Jackson,' 'P98Y11,' and 'TMG1176 RR' were the least attractive and least used for oviposition. The antixenosis shown by 'Jackson,' 'P98Y11,' and PI-229358 may be related to the characteristics of the trichomes (lower density and inclined). Based on the experiments carried out, 'IAC-17,' 'IAC-19,' 'Jackson,' 'P98Y11,' PI-229358, TMG1176 RR, and UX-2569-159 are considered promising for resistance to B. tabaci biotype B and may be exploited in soybean breeding programs for resistance to insects. © The Authors 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The responsiveness of novel, dynamic, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance measures of total knee synovitis after intra-articular corticosteroid for painful osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Wenham, C Y J; Balamoody, S; Grainger, A J; Hensor, E M A; Draycott, S; Hodgson, R; Conaghan, P G

2014-10-01

Sensitive biomarkers are needed to understand synovial response to therapy in osteoarthritis (OA). Dynamic, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE MRI) provides quantitative, novel measures of synovial inflammation. This exploratory study examined DCE-assessed synovial response to intra-articular corticosteroid (IACS). People with ACR clinical criteria OA knee underwent 3 T MRI pre- and 2 weeks post-IACS. Five MRI variables were assessed blindly: total synovial volume (semi-automated computer program), early enhancement rate (EER) and late enhancement ratio of the entire knee, synovial volume × late enhancement and a semi-quantitative (SQ) score (six sites scored 0-3). Clinical symptoms were assessed using pain visual analogue score (VAS) and WOMAC. 13 participants (5 male, mean age 63, mean pain VAS 66 mm mean body mass index (BMI) 31.3 kg/m(2)) were included. The majority of MRIs demonstrated no change in SQ score although the DCE variables changed to some extent in all. There was generally a reduction in synovial volume ((Wilcoxon test) median (interquartile range (IQR)) reduction 14 cm(3) (-1, 29)), EER (0.2% (-0.3, 0.6)) and late enhancement ratio (8% (-0.5, 41)). Synovial volume × late enhancement ratio demonstrated a substantive reduction (2250 (-930, 5630)) as well as the largest effect size, r = 0.45. There was a median 26% reduction in EER in participants with good symptomatic response to IACS, contrasting with a 23% increase in those who responded poorly. DCE MRI may be more sensitive than a SQ score at detecting post-therapy synovial changes. The association between EER and symptomatic response to IACS may reflect a closer relation of this biomarker to synovial inflammation than with volumetric assessment. Copyright © 2014 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias: 30 years of Research and Communication in Astronomy.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Del Puerto, Carmen; Rodriguez, Nayra; Rosenberg, Alfred; Beckman, John Etienne

2015-08-01

1985 was a year of inauguration for the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC). In that year its two observatories, the Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos, on the island of La Palma, (where its 10.4m optical-NIR telescope vies with the world´s major instruments), and the Observatorio del Teide, on the island of Tenerife, as well as its headquarters in La Laguna, Tenerife, were all inaugurated. This young institution has rapidly become the leading research centre for astronomy in Spain and achieved research standards at a European and world level. The 30th anniversary celebrations this year give an opportunity to maximize its already very active outreach programmes. In February two shows, featuring IAC researchers, and with astronomical themes, were shown in the main theatre of the city of La Laguna, and during the year further entertainment, collaborating with Canarian musicians and artists, is planned. Two exhibitions have been designed combining the anniversary with celebrations of the International Year of Light: “Listen to the Universe”, in Tenerife, and “Thirty Journeys around the Sun”, in La Palma, which will be open to the public for most of the year. A new outreach magazine “Parallaxes” will be launched by the IAC, in both paper and digital editions, and will complement the current blog, and news websites of the institute, as well as its communications on Facebook and Twitter. Among the activities being organized in Tenerife will be the formal naming of traffic circles with names of the telescopes at the Observatories. In conjunction with the municipal wine cellars of the local city of Tegueste a new Canarian wine produced by innovative methods and with an astronomical motif on its label, is to be launched during the year. All of these activities are in addition to the somewhat more routine productions of videos on the research lines of the IAC, including exoplanets, solar stellar, and interstellar physics, galaxies, and cosmology.

Sensitive Detection Using Microfluidics and Nonlinear Amplification

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-07-22

Quantification of Nucleic Acids via Simultaneous Chemical Initiation of Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Reactions on SlipChip" 2011, 83, 3533... Amplification 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER N00014-08-1-0936 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Rustem F. Ismagilov 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e...concentrations by combining controlled chemical autocatalytic amplification and stochastic confinement of small particles with the microfluidic

International alcohol control study: pricing data and hours of purchase predict heavier drinking.

PubMed

Casswell, Sally; Huckle, Taisia; Wall, Martin; Yeh, Li Chia

2014-05-01

This study reports findings from the International Alcohol Control (IAC) study that assesses the impact of alcohol control policy on consumption and policy-related behaviors. Modeled on the International Tobacco Control study that uses longitudinal surveys with comparison between countries, the baseline survey was carried out in New Zealand. This study reports analysis of the purchasing behavior respondents report separately for on- and off-premise outlets, providing validation data for both alcohol consumption and reported prices. New Zealand is a high-income country with an adult per capita alcohol consumption (as of 2011) of 9.5 l. The survey was carried out among a nationally representative sample of drinkers. Interview data on place and time of purchase, amounts purchased, price paid, and consumption (beverage and location specific) was collected. Relationships between policy relevant variables and consumption were modeled taking into account demographic variables. Validation was provided by government data on alcohol available for consumption, aggregate expenditure and prices from the Consumer Price Index. Drinkers paying low prices at on- or off-licensed premises had higher odds of consuming 6+ drinks on a typical occasion, as did drinkers purchasing alcohol at later times. Regarding frequency, drinkers purchasing at later times were more likely to be daily drinkers. Lower price in off licenses but not on licenses predicted daily drinking. The data collected accounted for approximately 96% of alcohol available for consumption and the prices accounted for 98% of aggregate expenditure. Valid survey data were collected to give an accurate picture of alcohol consumption and prices paid by drinkers. Heavy drinkers were more likely to buy cheaper alcohol and purchase at later times; 2 policy issues under discussion in many settings. This analysis suggests the IAC study that has the potential to provide data to contribute to the debate on appropriate policy responses to reduce alcohol-related harm. Copyright © 2014 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

Diphtheria Photos

MedlinePlus

... safe and effective immunization services. IAC also facilitates communication about the safety, efficacy, and use of vaccines within the broad immunization community of patients, parents, healthcare organizations, and government health agencies.

Correlation of Federal Test Method Standard 791B Method 354 with Army 240-Hour Tracked Vehicle Test Cycle Method 355T.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-09-30

8217i APPENDICES AYA -17 " %%%’. % % - ’ ’. ,’ ,, ".: ’ #’.’ . ’. - ; . . ., ’ .* " ’ ., . . - %- % ’w APPENDIX A V)% =5 C) C) C,) = D - ) IacF C-) C.D LL...unless so designated by other authorized documents. Trade names cited in this report do not constitute an official endorsement or appro- .*e val of the...UNIT NUMBERS Southwest Research Institute San Antonio, TX 78284 11. CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS 12. REPORT DATE 4. U.S. Army Belvoir R& D

Differential interactions between Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens and common bean.

PubMed

Valdo, S C D; Wendland, A; Araújo, L G; Melo, L C; Pereira, H S; Melo, P G; Faria, L C

2016-11-21

Bacterial wilt of common bean caused by Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens is an important disease in terms of economic importance. It reduces grain yield by colonizing xylem vessels, subsequently impeding the translocation of water and nutrients to the superior plant parts. The existence of physiological races in C. flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens has not so far been reported. The objective of the present investigation was to identify physiological races, evaluate differential interaction, and select resistant genotypes of common bean. Initially, 30 genotypes of common bean were inoculated with eight isolates exhibiting different levels of aggressiveness, under controlled greenhouse conditions. Disease was assessed 15 days after inoculation. The existence of differential interactions between C. flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens isolates and common bean genotypes were identified by utilizing partial diallel analysis. The most aggressive isolates were BRM 14939 and BRM 14942 and the least aggressive isolates were BRM 14941 and BRM 14946. The genotypes IPA 9, Ouro Branco, and Michelite were selected as more resistant among the test isolates. The genotypes IAC Carioca Akytã, BRS Notável, Pérola, IAC Carioca Aruã, and Coquinho contributed more to the isolate x genotype interaction according to the ecovalence method of estimation, and were, therefore, indicated as differentials. Based on these results, it was possible to conclude that physiological races of the pathogen exist, to select resistant genotypes, and to propose a set of differentials.

Role of Frequency Chirp and Energy Flow Directionality in the Strong Coupling Regime of Brillouin-Based Plasma Amplification.

PubMed

Chiaramello, M; Amiranoff, F; Riconda, C; Weber, S

2016-12-02

A detailed analysis is presented of the various stages of strong coupling Brillouin plasma amplification, emphasizing the importance of the chirp which can be of threefold origin: the intrinsic one driven by the amplification process, the one originating from the chirped-pulse-generated laser pulses, and the one associated with the plasma profile. Control of the overall chirp can optimize or quench the energy transfer. The time-dependent phase relation explains the energy flow direction during amplification and is characteristic for this strong coupling process. The study is also of potential importance to understand and maybe control cross-beam-energy transfer in inertial confinement fusion.

Construction and Evaluation of Internal Control DNA for PCR Amplification of Chlamydia trachomatis DNA from Urine Samples

PubMed Central

Betsou, Fotini; Beaumont, Katy; Sueur, Jean Marie; Orfila, Jeanne

2003-01-01

An internal control DNA (ICD) with the same primer binding sequences as the target Chlamydia trachomatis DNA was constructed and evaluated in a PCR assay with immunoenzymatic detection. One hundred urine specimens were tested, and 23 were found to contain inhibitors of the PCR, if not subjected to DNA extraction prior to amplification. Coamplification and detection of the ICD appeared to be a useful method for estimating the effects of inhibitors on C. trachomatis DNA amplification. PMID:12624066

Grain Refinement and Mechanical Properties of Cu–Cr–Zr Alloys with Different Nano-Sized TiCp Addition

PubMed Central

Zhang, Dongdong; Bai, Fang; Wang, Yong; Wang, Jinguo; Wang, Wenquan

2017-01-01

The TiCp/Cu master alloy was prepared via thermal explosion reaction. Afterwards, the nano-sized TiCp/Cu master alloy was dispersed by electromagnetic stirring casting into the melting Cu–Cr–Zr alloys to fabricate the nano-sized TiCp-reinforced Cu–Cr–Zr composites. Results show that nano-sized TiCp can effectively refine the grain size of Cu–Cr–Zr alloys. The morphologies of grain in Cu–Cr–Zr composites changed from dendritic grain to equiaxed crystal because of the addition and dispersion of nano-sized TiCp. The grain size decreased from 82 to 28 μm with the nano-sized TiCp content. Compared with Cu–Cr–Zr alloys, the ultimate compressive strength (σUCS) and yield strength (σ0.2) of 4 wt% TiCp-reinforced Cu–Cr–Zr composites increased by 6.7% and 9.4%, respectively. The wear resistance of the nano-sized TiCp-reinforced Cu–Cr–Zr composites increased with the increasing nano-sized TiCp content. The wear loss of the nano-sized TiCp-reinforced Cu–Cr–Zr composites decreased with the increasing TiCp content under abrasive particles. The eletrical conductivity of Cu–Cr–Zr alloys, 2% and 4% nano-sized TiCp-reinforced Cu–Cr–Zr composites are 64.71% IACS, 56.77% IACS and 52.93% IACS, respectively. PMID:28786937

Silicon influence on resistance induction against Bemisia tabaci biotype B (Genn.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and on vegetative development in two soybean cultivars.

PubMed

Ferreira, R S; Moraes, J C; Antunes, C S

2011-01-01

The potential of populations of Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) to become resistant to insecticides has stimulated research into alternative tactics of integrated pest management such as the induction of host-plant resistance. Recent data have shown that silicon can increase the degree of resistance of host plants to insect pests. Therefore the aim of our work was to study the effects of silicon application on the vegetative development of soybean plants and on the induction of resistance to the silverleaf whitefly, B. tabaci biotype B. We performed choice and no-choice tests of oviposition preference on two soybean cultivars, IAC-19 (moderately resistant to B. tabaci biotype B) and MONSOY-8001 (susceptible), with and without application of silicon. Silicon did not affect silverleaf whitefly oviposition preferences, but caused significant mortality in nymphs. Thus, silicon increased the degree of resistance to silverleaf whitefly. Silicon decreased the production of phenolic compounds, but did not affect lignin production. However, when applied to cultivar IAC-19, it increased the production of non-protein organic nitrogen. Silicon had no effect on the vegetative development of soybean plants, but it increased the degree of resistance to the silverleaf whitefly. We conclude that silicon applications combined with cultivar IAC-19 can significantly decrease silverleaf whitefly populations, having a positive impact both on the soybean plant and on the environment.

75 FR 39089 - Shipping Coordinating Committee; Notice of Committee Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-07

... for updating shipborne navigation and communications equipment --International Telecommunication Union... Classification Societies (IACS) unified interpretations Members of the public may attend this meeting up to the...

Development and Comparison of a Rapid Isothermal Nucleic Acid Amplification Test for Typing of Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 and 2 on a Portable Fluorescence Detector

PubMed Central

Tong, Yanhong; McCarthy, Kaitlin; Kong, Huimin; Lemieux, Bertrand

2013-01-01

We have developed a rapid and simple molecular test, the IsoGlow HSV Typing assay, for the detection and typing of herpes simplex virus (type 1 and 2) from genital or oral lesions. Clinical samples suspended in viral transport mediums are simply diluted and then added to a helicase-dependent amplification master mix. The amplification and detection were performed on a portable fluorescence detector called the FireFly instrument. Detection of amplification products is based on end-point analysis using cycling probe technology. An internal control nucleic acid was included in the amplification master mix to monitor the presence of amplification inhibitors in the samples. Because the device has only two fluorescence detection channels, two strategies were developed and compared to detect the internal control template: internal control detected by melting curve analysis using a dual-labeled probe, versus internal control detection using end-point fluorescence release by a CPT probe at a lower temperature. Both have a total turnaround time of about 1 hour. Clinical performance relative to herpes viral culture was evaluated using 176 clinical specimens. Both formats of the IsoGlow HSV typing assay had sensitivities comparable to that of the Food and Drug Administration–cleared IsoAmp HSV (BioHelix Corp., Beverly MA) test and specificity for the two types of HSV comparable to that of ELVIS HSV (Diagnostic Hybrids, Athens, OH). PMID:22951487

CSER 98-003: Criticality safety evaluation report for PFP glovebox HC-21A with button can opening

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

ERICKSON, D.G.

1999-02-23

Glovebox HC-21A is an enclosure where cans containing plutonium metal buttons or other plutonium bearing materials are prepared for thermal stabilization in the muffle furnaces. The Inert Atmosphere Confinement (IAC), a new feature added to Glovebox HC-21A, allows the opening of containers suspected of containing hydrided plutonium metal. The argon atmosphere in the IAC prevents an adverse reaction between oxygen and the hydride. The hydride is then stabilized in a controlled manner to prevent glovebox over pressurization. After removal from the containers, the plutonium metal buttons or plutonium bearing materials will be placed into muffle furnace boats and then bemore » sent to one of the muffle furnace gloveboxes for stabilization. The materials allowed to be brought into GloveboxHC-21 A are limited to those with a hydrogen to fissile atom ratio (H/X) {le} 20. Glovebox HC-21A is classified as a DRY glovebox, meaning it has no internal liquid lines, and no free liquids or solutions are allowed to be introduced. The double contingency principle states that designs shall incorporate sufficient factors of safety to require at least two unlikely, independent, and concurrent changes in process conditions before a criticality accident is possible. This criticality safety evaluation report (CSER) shows that the operations to be performed in this glovebox are safe from a criticality standpoint. No single identified event that causes criticality controls to be lost exceeded the criticality safety limit of k{sub eff} = 0.95. Therefore, this CSER meets the requirements for a criticality analysis contained in the Hanford Site Nuclear Criticality Safety Manual, HNF-PRO-334, and meets the double contingency principle.« less

Computerized screening devices and performance assessment: development of a policy towards automation. International Academy of Cytology Task Force summary. Diagnostic Cytology Towards the 21st Century: An International Expert Conference and Tutorial.

PubMed

Bartels, P H; Bibbo, M; Hutchinson, M L; Gahm, T; Grohs, H K; Gwi-Mak, E; Kaufman, E A; Kaufman, R H; Knight, B K; Koss, L G; Magruder, L E; Mango, L J; McCallum, S M; Melamed, M R; Peebles, A; Richart, R M; Robinowitz, M; Rosenthal, D L; Sauer, T; Schenck, U; Tanaka, N; Topalidis, T; Verhest, A P; Wertlake, P T; Wilbur, D C

1998-01-01

The extension of automation to the diagnostic assessment of clinical materials raises issues of professional responsibility, on the part of both the medical professional and designer of the device. The International Academy of Cytology (IAC) and other professional cytology societies should develop a policy towards automation in the diagnostic assessment of clinical cytologic materials. The following summarizes the discussion of the initial position statement at the International Expert Conference on Diagnostic Cytology Towards the 21st Century, Hawaii, June 1997. 1. The professional in charge of a clinical cytopathology laboratory continues to bear the ultimate medical responsibility for diagnostic decisions made at the facility, whether automated devices are involved or not. 2. The introduction of automated procedures into clinical cytology should under no circumstances lead to a lowering of standards of performance. A prime objective of any guidelines should be to ensure that an automated procedure, in principle, does not expose any patient to new risks, nor should it increase already-existing, inherent risks. 3. Automated devices should provide capabilities for the medical professional to conduct periodic tests of the appropriate performance of the device. 4. Supervisory personnel should continue visual quality control screening of a certain percentage of slides dismissed at primary screening as within normal limits (WNL), even when automated procedures are employed in the laboratory. 5. Specifications for the design of primary screening devices for the detection of cervical cancer issued by the IAC in 1984 were reaffirmed. 6. The setting of numeric performance criteria is the proper charge of regulatory agencies, which also have the power of enforcement. 7. Human expert verification of results represents the "gold standard" at this time. Performance characteristics of computerized cytology devices should be determined by adherence to defined and well-considered protocols. Manufacturers should not claim a new standard of care; this is the responsibility of the medical community and professional groups. 8. Cytology professionals should support the development of procedures that bring about an improvement in diagnostic decision making. Advances in technology should be adopted if they can help solve problems in clinical cytology. The introduction of automated procedures into diagnostic decision making should take place strictly under the supervision and with the active participation and critical evaluation by the professional cytology community. Guidelines should be developed for the communication of technical information about the performance of automated screening devices by the IAC to governmental agencies and national societies. Also, guidelines are necessary for the official communication of IAC concerns to industry, medicolegal entities and the media. Procedures and guidelines for the evaluation of studies pertaining to the performance of automated devices, performance metrics and definitions for evaluation criteria should be established.

Instrument-free exothermic heating with phase change temperature control for paper microfluidic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singleton, Jered; Zentner, Chris; Buser, Josh; Yager, Paul; LaBarre, Paul; Weigl, Bernhard H.

2013-03-01

Many infectious diseases, as well as some cancers, that affect global health are most accurately diagnosed through nucleic acid amplification and detection. There is a great need to simplify nucleic acid-based assay systems for use in global health in low-resource settings as well as in settings that do not have convenient access to laboratory staff and equipment such as doctors' offices and home care settings. In developing countries, unreliable electric power, inadequate supply chains, and lack of maintenance for complex diagnostic instruments are all common infrastructure shortfalls. Many elements of instrument-free, disposable, nucleic acid amplification assays have been demonstrated in recent years. However, the problem of instrument-free,1 low-cost, temperature-controlled chemical heating remains unsolved. In this paper we present the current status and results of work towards developing disposable, low-cost, temperature-controlled heaters designed to support isothermal nucleic acid amplification assays that are integrated with a two-dimensional paper network. Our approach utilizes the heat generated through exothermic chemical reactions and controls the heat through use of engineered phase change materials to enable sustained temperatures required for nucleic acid amplification. By selecting appropriate exothermic and phase change materials, temperatures can be controlled over a wide range, suitable for various isothermal amplification methods, and maintained for over an hour at an accuracy of +/- 1°C.

Instrument-free exothermic heating with phase change temperature control for paper microfluidic devices.

PubMed

Singleton, Jered; Zentner, Chris; Buser, Josh; Yager, Paul; LaBarre, Paul; Weigl, Bernhard H

2013-03-09

Many infectious diseases, as well as some cancers, that affect global health are most accurately diagnosed through nucleic acid amplification and detection. There is a great need to simplify nucleic acid-based assay systems for use in global health in low-resource settings as well as in settings that do not have convenient access to laboratory staff and equipment such as doctors' offices and home care settings. In developing countries, unreliable electric power, inadequate supply chains, and lack of maintenance for complex diagnostic instruments are all common infrastructure shortfalls. Many elements of instrument-free, disposable, nucleic acid amplification assays have been demonstrated in recent years. However, the problem of instrument-free, low-cost, temperature-controlled chemical heating remains unsolved. In this paper we present the current status and results of work towards developing disposable, low-cost, temperature-controlled heaters designed to support isothermal nucleic acid amplification assays that are integrated with a two-dimensional paper network. Our approach utilizes the heat generated through exothermic chemical reactions and controls the heat through use of engineered phase change materials to enable sustained temperatures required for nucleic acid amplification. By selecting appropriate exothermic and phase change materials, temperatures can be controlled over a wide range, suitable for various isothermal amplification methods, and maintained for over an hour at an accuracy of +/- 1°C.

Instrument-free exothermic heating with phase change temperature control for paper microfluidic devices

PubMed Central

Singleton, Jered; Zentner, Chris; Buser, Josh; Yager, Paul; LaBarre, Paul; Weigl, Bernhard H.

2014-01-01

Many infectious diseases, as well as some cancers, that affect global health are most accurately diagnosed through nucleic acid amplification and detection. There is a great need to simplify nucleic acid-based assay systems for use in global health in low-resource settings as well as in settings that do not have convenient access to laboratory staff and equipment such as doctors' offices and home care settings. In developing countries, unreliable electric power, inadequate supply chains, and lack of maintenance for complex diagnostic instruments are all common infrastructure shortfalls. Many elements of instrument-free, disposable, nucleic acid amplification assays have been demonstrated in recent years. However, the problem of instrument-free,1 low-cost, temperature-controlled chemical heating remains unsolved. In this paper we present the current status and results of work towards developing disposable, low-cost, temperature-controlled heaters designed to support isothermal nucleic acid amplification assays that are integrated with a two-dimensional paper network. Our approach utilizes the heat generated through exothermic chemical reactions and controls the heat through use of engineered phase change materials to enable sustained temperatures required for nucleic acid amplification. By selecting appropriate exothermic and phase change materials, temperatures can be controlled over a wide range, suitable for various isothermal amplification methods, and maintained for over an hour at an accuracy of +/- 1°C. PMID:25426269

Self-optimizing Pitch Control for Large Scale Wind Turbine Based on ADRC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Anjun; Hu, Guoqing; Li, Zheng; Huang, Dongxiao; Wang, Fengxiang

2018-01-01

Since wind turbine is a complex nonlinear and strong coupling system, traditional PI control method can hardly achieve good control performance. A self-optimizing pitch control method based on the active-disturbance-rejection control theory is proposed in this paper. A linear model of the wind turbine is derived by linearizing the aerodynamic torque equation and the dynamic response of wind turbine is transformed into a first-order linear system. An expert system is designed to optimize the amplification coefficient according to the pitch rate and the speed deviation. The purpose of the proposed control method is to regulate the amplification coefficient automatically and keep the variations of pitch rate and rotor speed in proper ranges. Simulation results show that the proposed pitch control method has the ability to modify the amplification coefficient effectively, when it is not suitable, and keep the variations of pitch rate and rotor speed in proper ranges

Comparison of RNA extraction kits for the purification and detection of an enteric virus surrogate on green onions via RT-PCR.

PubMed

Xu, Ruoyang; Shieh, Y Carol; Stewart, Diana S

2017-01-01

Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) offers a rapid and sensitive molecular method for detection of enteric viruses. Unfortunately, these assays are often hampered by the low virus titre found in foods and PCR inhibition due to matrix carryover during RNA extraction. Four commercial RNA extraction kits (Qiagen's QIAamp Viral RNA Mini and UltraSens Virus kits, MoBio UltraClean Tissue & Cells RNA Isolation kit, and Ambion MagMAX Viral RNA Isolation kit) were evaluated for their ability to extract and purify MS2 bacteriophage RNA, an enteric virus surrogate, from inoculated green onions, a food which has been associated with viral gastroenteritis outbreaks. Inoculated green onion wash concentrates and green onion pieces with and without Qiagen QIAshredder homogenization were assayed in the kit comparison. MS2 detection and PCR inhibition were evaluated using a duplex real-time RT-PCR for MS2 and an exogenous internal amplification control (IAC) assay. Without homogenization, MS2 inoculated at 40pfu/g was detected in at least 4 lots of green onion wash concentrates using the silica-membrane spin-column kits. Inhibition was a factor for the magnetic silica-based MagMAX kit, which resulted in detection of MS2 in 1 of 5. Addition of QIAshredder homogenization prior to extraction did not adversely affect the silica-membrane kit results but improved the MS2 detection by MagMAX to 5 of 5 lots. Use of a 1:10 dilution of primary RNA extracts also improved detection. The QIAamp Viral RNA Mini and MagMAX kits were further compared for detection of MS2 from green onion pieces inoculated at 20 and 5pfu/g. Using homogenization, the MagMAX kit detected 20pfu/g in only 1 of 2 green onion lots, whereas the QIAamp Viral RNA kit detected 2 of 2 lots at 5 pfu/g without homogenization. Published by Elsevier B.V.

76 FR 36613 - Shipping Coordinating Committee; Notice of Committee Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-22

... IACS unified interpretations. --Development of amendments to the criterion for maximum angle of heel in... request reasonable accommodation, those who plan to attend should contact the meeting coordinator, LCDR...

Development and comparison of a rapid isothermal nucleic acid amplification test for typing of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 on a portable fluorescence detector.

PubMed

Tong, Yanhong; McCarthy, Kaitlin; Kong, Huimin; Lemieux, Bertrand

2012-11-01

We have developed a rapid and simple molecular test, the IsoGlow HSV Typing assay, for the detection and typing of herpes simplex virus (type 1 and 2) from genital or oral lesions. Clinical samples suspended in viral transport mediums are simply diluted and then added to a helicase-dependent amplification master mix. The amplification and detection were performed on a portable fluorescence detector called the FireFly instrument. Detection of amplification products is based on end-point analysis using cycling probe technology. An internal control nucleic acid was included in the amplification master mix to monitor the presence of amplification inhibitors in the samples. Because the device has only two fluorescence detection channels, two strategies were developed and compared to detect the internal control template: internal control detected by melting curve analysis using a dual-labeled probe, versus internal control detection using end-point fluorescence release by a CPT probe at a lower temperature. Both have a total turnaround time of about 1 hour. Clinical performance relative to herpes viral culture was evaluated using 176 clinical specimens. Both formats of the IsoGlow HSV typing assay had sensitivities comparable to that of the Food and Drug Administration-cleared IsoAmp HSV (BioHelix Corp., Beverly MA) test and specificity for the two types of HSV comparable to that of ELVIS HSV (Diagnostic Hybrids, Athens, OH). Copyright © 2012 American Society for Investigative Pathology and the Association for Molecular Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

BrainIACS: a system for web-based medical image processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kishore, Bhaskar; Bazin, Pierre-Louis; Pham, Dzung L.

2009-02-01

We describe BrainIACS, a web-based medical image processing system that permits and facilitates algorithm developers to quickly create extensible user interfaces for their algorithms. Designed to address the challenges faced by algorithm developers in providing user-friendly graphical interfaces, BrainIACS is completely implemented using freely available, open-source software. The system, which is based on a client-server architecture, utilizes an AJAX front-end written using the Google Web Toolkit (GWT) and Java Servlets running on Apache Tomcat as its back-end. To enable developers to quickly and simply create user interfaces for configuring their algorithms, the interfaces are described using XML and are parsed by our system to create the corresponding user interface elements. Most of the commonly found elements such as check boxes, drop down lists, input boxes, radio buttons, tab panels and group boxes are supported. Some elements such as the input box support input validation. Changes to the user interface such as addition and deletion of elements are performed by editing the XML file or by using the system's user interface creator. In addition to user interface generation, the system also provides its own interfaces for data transfer, previewing of input and output files, and algorithm queuing. As the system is programmed using Java (and finally Java-script after compilation of the front-end code), it is platform independent with the only requirements being that a Servlet implementation be available and that the processing algorithms can execute on the server platform.

Development of a sperm cryopreservation protocol for the Argentine black and white tegu (Tupinambis merianae).

PubMed

Young, Carly; Ravida, Nicole; Curtis, Michelle; Mazzotti, Frank; Durrant, Barbara

2017-01-01

Of the 934 lizard species evaluated by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), at least one-third is threatened with extinction. However, there are no reports of semen cryopreservation efforts for lizards. Invasive Argentine black and white tegus were captured in the Florida Everglades, and sperm was collected postmortem. Initial motility score (IMS; % motile × speed of progression 2 × 100), plasma membrane integrity (IPL), and acrosome integrity (IAC) were recorded. Sperm was diluted in TEST-yolk buffer with a final glycerol or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)concentration of 8%, 12%, or 16%, and frozen at 0.3 °C, 1.0 °C, or 6.3 °C/min. At thaw, all variables were expressed as the percentage of initial (%IMS, %IPL, and %IAC). The 0.3 °C freeze rate was more successful than 1.0 °C and 6.3 °C/min in preserving %IMS and %IPL. DMSO preserved %IMS, %IPL, and %IAC better than glycerol. To determine the best overall cryopreservation protocol, a sperm quality index was calculated, giving equal weight to each of the three indicators of cryosurvival. Because there were significant interactions between freeze rate and cryoprotectant concentration, each treatment was compared with all others. The sperm quality index analysis revealed that tegu sperm frozen at 0.3 °C/min with 12% DMSO exhibited the highest postthaw viability compared with all other treatments. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the SO(2) and NH(3) gas adsorption properties of CuO/ZnO/Mn(3)O(4) and CuO/ZnO/NiO ternary impregnated activated carbon using combinatorial materials science methods.

PubMed

Romero, Jennifer V; Smith, Jock W H; Sullivan, Braden M; Macdonald, Landan; Croll, Lisa M; Dahn, J R

2013-02-11

Impregnated activated carbons (IAC) are widely used materials for the removal of toxic gases in personal respiratory protection applications. The combinatorial method has been employed to prepare IACs containing different types of metal oxides in various proportions and evaluate their adsorption performance for low molecular weight gases, such as SO(2) and NH(3), under dry conditions. Among the metal oxides used for the study, Mn(3)O(4) was found to have the highest capacity for retaining SO(2) gas under dry conditions. NiO and ZnO were found to have similar NH(3) adsorption capacities which are higher than the NH(3) capacities observed for the other metal oxide impregnants used in the study. Although Cu- or Zn-based impregnants and their combinations have been extensively studied and used as gas adsorbents, neither Mn(3)O(4) nor NiO have been incorporated in the formulations used. In this study, ternary libraries of IACs with various combinations of CuO/ZnO/Mn(3)O(4) and CuO/ZnO/NiO were studied and evaluated for their adsorption of SO(2) and NH(3) gases. Combinations of CuO, ZnO, and Mn(3)O(4) were found to have the potential to be multigas adsorbents compared to formulations that contain NiO.

Outcome and predicting factors of single and multiple intra-articular corticosteroid injections in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

PubMed

Lanni, Stefano; Bertamino, Marta; Consolaro, Alessandro; Pistorio, Angela; Magni-Manzoni, Silvia; Galasso, Roberta; Lattanzi, Bianca; Calvo-Aranda, Enrique; Martini, Alberto; Ravelli, Angelo

2011-09-01

To investigate the efficacy of IA CS (IAC) therapy in single and multiple joints in children with JIA and to seek for predictors of synovitis flare. The clinical charts of patients who received their first IAC injection between January 2002 and December 2008 were reviewed. The CS used was triamcinolone hexacetonide for large joints and methylprednisolone acetate for small or difficult to access joints. Patients were stratified as follows: one joint injected; two joints injected; and three or more joints injected. Predictors included sex, age at disease onset, JIA category, age and disease duration, ANA status, iridocyclitis, general anaesthesia, number and type of injected joints, acute-phase reactants and concomitant MTX therapy. The cumulative probability of survival without synovitis flare for patients injected in one, two, or three or more joints was 70, 45 and 44%, respectively, at 1 year; 61, 32 and 30%, respectively, at 2 years; and 37, 22 and 19%, respectively, at 3 years. On Cox regression analysis, positive CRP, negative ANA and injection in the ankle were the strongest predictors for synovitis flare. The only significant side effect was skin hypopigmentation or s.c. atrophy, which occurred in <2% of patients. IAC therapy-induced sustained remission of synovitis in a substantial proportion of patients injected either in single or multiple joints, with a good safety profile. The risk of synovitis flare was higher in patients who had positive CRP, negative ANA and were injected in the ankle.

Grain Refinement and Mechanical Properties of Cu-Cr-Zr Alloys with Different Nano-Sized TiCp Addition.

PubMed

Zhang, Dongdong; Bai, Fang; Wang, Yong; Wang, Jinguo; Wang, Wenquan

2017-08-08

The TiC p /Cu master alloy was prepared via thermal explosion reaction. Afterwards, the nano-sized TiC p /Cu master alloy was dispersed by electromagnetic stirring casting into the melting Cu-Cr-Zr alloys to fabricate the nano-sized TiC p -reinforced Cu-Cr-Zr composites. Results show that nano-sized TiC p can effectively refine the grain size of Cu-Cr-Zr alloys. The morphologies of grain in Cu-Cr-Zr composites changed from dendritic grain to equiaxed crystal because of the addition and dispersion of nano-sized TiC p . The grain size decreased from 82 to 28 μm with the nano-sized TiC p content. Compared with Cu-Cr-Zr alloys, the ultimate compressive strength (σ UCS ) and yield strength (σ 0.2 ) of 4 wt% TiC p -reinforced Cu-Cr-Zr composites increased by 6.7% and 9.4%, respectively. The wear resistance of the nano-sized TiCp-reinforced Cu-Cr-Zr composites increased with the increasing nano-sized TiCp content. The wear loss of the nano-sized TiC p -reinforced Cu-Cr-Zr composites decreased with the increasing TiC p content under abrasive particles. The eletrical conductivity of Cu-Cr-Zr alloys, 2% and 4% nano-sized TiCp-reinforced Cu-Cr-Zr composites are 64.71% IACS, 56.77% IACS and 52.93% IACS, respectively.

N-Myc knockdown and apigenin treatment controlled growth of malignant neuroblastoma cells having N-Myc amplification

PubMed Central

Hossain, Md. Motarab; Banik, Naren L.; Ray, Swapan K.

2013-01-01

Malignant neuroblastomas mostly occur in children and are frequently associated with N-Myc amplification. Oncogene amplification, which is selective increase in copy number of the oncogene, provides survival advantages in solid tumors including malignant neuroblastoma. We have decreased expression of N-Myc oncogene using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) plasmid to increase anti-tumor efficacy of the isoflavonoid apigenin (APG) in human malignant neuroblastoma SK-N-DZ and SK-N-BE2 cell lines that harbor N-Myc amplification. N-Myc knockdown induced morphological and biochemical features of neuronal differentiation. Combination of N-Myc knockdown and APG most effectively induced morphological and biochemical features of apoptotic death. This combination therapy also prevented cell migration and decreased N-Myc driven survival, angiogenic, and invasive factors. Collectively, N-Myc knockdown and APG treatment is a promising strategy for controlling the growth of human malignant neuroblastoma cell lines that harbor N-Myc amplification. PMID:23941992

N-Myc knockdown and apigenin treatment controlled growth of malignant neuroblastoma cells having N-Myc amplification.

PubMed

Hossain, Md Motarab; Banik, Naren L; Ray, Swapan K

2013-10-15

Malignant neuroblastomas mostly occur in children and are frequently associated with N-Myc amplification. Oncogene amplification, which is selective increase in copy number of the oncogene, provides survival advantages in solid tumors including malignant neuroblastoma. We have decreased expression of N-Myc oncogene using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) plasmid to increase anti-tumor efficacy of the isoflavonoid apigenin (APG) in human malignant neuroblastoma SK-N-DZ and SK-N-BE2 cell lines that harbor N-Myc amplification. N-Myc knockdown induced morphological and biochemical features of neuronal differentiation. Combination of N-Myc knockdown and APG most effectively induced morphological and biochemical features of apoptotic death. This combination therapy also prevented cell migration and decreased N-Myc driven survival, angiogenic, and invasive factors. Collectively, N-Myc knockdown and APG treatment is a promising strategy for controlling the growth of human malignant neuroblastoma cell lines that harbor N-Myc amplification. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Control of Brillouin short-pulse seed amplification by chirping the pump pulse

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

Lehmann, G.; Spatschek, K. H.

Seed amplification via Brillouin backscattering of a long pump pulse is considered. Similar to Raman amplification, several obstructive effects may occur during short-pulse Brillouin amplification. One is the spontaneous Raman backscattering of the pump before interacting with the seed. Preforming the plasma and/or chirping the pump will reduce unwanted pump backscattering. Optimized regions for low-loss pump propagation were proposed already in conjunction with Raman seed amplification. Hence, the influence of the chirp of the pump during Brillouin interaction with the seed becomes important and will be considered here. Both, the linear as well as the nonlinear evolution phases of themore » seed caused by Brillouin amplification under the action of a chirped pump are investigated. The amplification rate as well as the seed profiles are presented as function of the chirping rate. Also the dependence of superradiant scaling rates on the chirp parameter is discussed.« less

Development of PCR internal controls for DNA profiling with the AmpFℓSTR® SGM Plus® amplification kit.

PubMed

Nathalie, Zahra; Hadi, Sibte; Goodwin, William

2012-09-01

Forensic DNA profiling uses a series of commercial kits that co-amplify several loci in one reaction; the products of the PCR are fluorescently labelled and analysed using CE. Before CE, an aliquot of the PCR is mixed with formamide and an internal lane size standard. Using the SGM Plus amplification kit, we have developed two internal non-amplified controls of 80 bp and 380 bp that are labelled with ROX fluorescent dye and added to the PCR. Combined with two internal amplification controls of 90 bp and 410 bp, they provide additional controls for the PCR, electrokinetic injection, and CE and also function as an internal size standard. © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

'Mitominis': multiplex PCR analysis of reduced size amplicons for compound sequence analysis of the entire mtDNA control region in highly degraded samples.

PubMed

Eichmann, Cordula; Parson, Walther

2008-09-01

The traditional protocol for forensic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analyses involves the amplification and sequencing of the two hypervariable segments HVS-I and HVS-II of the mtDNA control region. The primers usually span fragment sizes of 300-400 bp each region, which may result in weak or failed amplification in highly degraded samples. Here we introduce an improved and more stable approach using shortened amplicons in the fragment range between 144 and 237 bp. Ten such amplicons were required to produce overlapping fragments that cover the entire human mtDNA control region. These were co-amplified in two multiplex polymerase chain reactions and sequenced with the individual amplification primers. The primers were carefully selected to minimize binding on homoplasic and haplogroup-specific sites that would otherwise result in loss of amplification due to mis-priming. The multiplexes have successfully been applied to ancient and forensic samples such as bones and teeth that showed a high degree of degradation.

Tdap Booster Requirements for Secondary Schools

MedlinePlus

... HPV Rubella Influenza Smallpox Measles Tetanus MenACWY Varicella (chickenpox) MenB Zoster (shingles) Mumps View All Pertussis Talking ... TRANSLATE FOR IAC TRAVEL (INTERNATIONAL) UNPROTECTED PEOPLE REPORTS Chickenpox Diphtheria Hepatitis A Hepatitis B >> view all VACCINATING ...

Carboxylesterase gene amplifications associated with insecticide resistance in Aedes albopictus: Geographical distribution and evolutionary origin

PubMed Central

Grigoraki, Linda; Pipini, Dimitra; Labbé, Pierrick; Chaskopoulou, Alexandra; Weill, Mylene; Vontas, John

2017-01-01

Background Aedes albopictus is one of the most invasive human disease vectors. Its control has been largely based on insecticides, such as the larvicide temephos. Temephos resistance has been associated with the up-regulation, through gene amplification, of two carboxylesterase (CCE) genes closely linked on the genome, capable of sequestering and metabolizing temephos oxon, the activated form of temephos. Principal findings Here, we investigated the occurrence, geographical distribution and origin of the CCE amplicon in Ae. albopictus populations from several geographical regions worldwide. The haplotypic diversity at the CCEae3a locus revealed high polymorphism, while phylogenetic analysis showed an absence of correlation between haplotype similarity and geographic origin. Two types of esterase amplifications were found, in two locations only (Athens and Florida): one, previously described, results in the amplification of both CCEae3a and CCEae6a; the second is being described for the first time and results in the amplification of CCEae3a only. The two amplification events are independent, as confirmed by sequence analysis. All individuals from Athens and Florida carrying the CCEae3a-CCEae6a co-amplicon share a common haplotype, indicating a single amplification event, which spread between the two countries. Significance The importance of passive transportation of disease vectors, including individuals carrying resistance mechanisms, is discussed in the light of efficient and sustainable vector control strategies. PMID:28394886

Development and Use of an Internal Positive Control for Detection of Bordetella pertussis by PCR

PubMed Central

Herwegh, Stéphanie; Carnoy, Christophe; Wallet, Frédéric; Loïez, Caroline; Courcol, René J.

2005-01-01

An internal control of amplification was constructed by recombinant PCR to detect PCR inhibitors. This exogenous DNA was included in the reaction mixture and coamplified with the target gene. This detection was successfully applied to the diagnosis of whooping cough by amplification of a fragment of Bordetella pertussis IS481. PMID:15872283

49 CFR 1548.21 - Screening of cargo.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CIVIL AVIATION SECURITY INDIRECT AIR CARRIER SECURITY § 1548.21 Screening of cargo. An IAC may only screen cargo for transport on a passenger aircraft under §§ 1544.205 and 1546.205...

Multiplex Allele-Specific Amplification from Whole Blood for Detecting Multiple Polymorphisms Simultaneously

PubMed Central

Zhu, Jianjie; Chen, Lanxin; Mao, Yong; Zhou, Huan

2013-01-01

Allele-specific amplification on the basis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been widely used for single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping. However, the extraction of PCR-compatible genomic DNA from whole blood is usually required. This process is complicated and tedious, and is prone to cause cross-contamination between samples. To facilitate direct PCR amplification from whole blood without the extraction of genomic DNA, we optimized the pH value of PCR solution and the concentrations of magnesium ions and facilitator glycerol. Then, we developed multiplex allele-specific amplifications from whole blood and applied them to a case–control study. In this study, we successfully established triplex, five-plex, and eight-plex allele-specific amplifications from whole blood for determining the distribution of genotypes and alleles of 14 polymorphisms in 97 gastric cancer patients and 141 healthy controls. Statistical analysis results showed significant association of SNPs rs9344, rs1799931, and rs1800629 with the risk of gastric cancer. This method is accurate, time-saving, cost-effective, and easy-to-do, especially suitable for clinical prediction of disease susceptibility. PMID:23072573

Development of a Quantitative Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assay with an Internal Positive Control

PubMed Central

Richards-Kortum, Rebecca

2015-01-01

It was recently demonstrated that recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), an isothermal amplification platform for pathogen detection, may be used to quantify DNA sample concentration using a standard curve. In this manuscript, a detailed protocol for developing and implementing a real-time quantitative recombinase polymerase amplification assay (qRPA assay) is provided. Using HIV-1 DNA quantification as an example, the assembly of real-time RPA reactions, the design of an internal positive control (IPC) sequence, and co-amplification of the IPC and target of interest are all described. Instructions and data processing scripts for the construction of a standard curve using data from multiple experiments are provided, which may be used to predict the concentration of unknown samples or assess the performance of the assay. Finally, an alternative method for collecting real-time fluorescence data with a microscope and a stage heater as a step towards developing a point-of-care qRPA assay is described. The protocol and scripts provided may be used for the development of a qRPA assay for any DNA target of interest. PMID:25867513

Development of a quantitative recombinase polymerase amplification assay with an internal positive control.

PubMed

Crannell, Zachary A; Rohrman, Brittany; Richards-Kortum, Rebecca

2015-03-30

It was recently demonstrated that recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), an isothermal amplification platform for pathogen detection, may be used to quantify DNA sample concentration using a standard curve. In this manuscript, a detailed protocol for developing and implementing a real-time quantitative recombinase polymerase amplification assay (qRPA assay) is provided. Using HIV-1 DNA quantification as an example, the assembly of real-time RPA reactions, the design of an internal positive control (IPC) sequence, and co-amplification of the IPC and target of interest are all described. Instructions and data processing scripts for the construction of a standard curve using data from multiple experiments are provided, which may be used to predict the concentration of unknown samples or assess the performance of the assay. Finally, an alternative method for collecting real-time fluorescence data with a microscope and a stage heater as a step towards developing a point-of-care qRPA assay is described. The protocol and scripts provided may be used for the development of a qRPA assay for any DNA target of interest.

The Prevalence of Human Papilloma Virus in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PubMed Central

Noori, Sadat; Monabati, Ahmad; Ghaderi, Abbasali

2012-01-01

Background: Carcinomas of esophagus, mostly squamous cell carcinomas, occur throughout the world. There are a number of suspected genetic or environmental etiologies. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is said to be a major etiology in areas with high incidence of esophageal carcinoma, while it is hardly detectable in low incidence regions. This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of HPV in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cases diagnosed in Pathology Department, Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Methods: DNA material for PCR amplification of HPV genome was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of 92 cases of ESCC, diagnosed during 20 years from 1982 to 2002. Polymerase chain reaction was performed for amplification and detection of common HPV and type specific HPV-16 and HPV-18 genomic sequences in the presence of positive control (HPV-18 and HPV positive biopsies of uterine exocervix) and additional internal controls i.e. beta-globin and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4). Result: Good amplification of positive control and internal controls was observed. However, no amplification of HPV genome was observed. Conclusion: There is no association between HPV infection and the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in the cases evaluated. PMID:23115442

Agrometeorological parameters for prediction of the maturation period of Arabica coffee cultivars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pezzopane, José Ricardo Macedo; Salva, Terezinha de Jesus Garcia; de Lima, Valéria Bittencourt; Fazuoli, Luiz Carlos

2012-09-01

The objective of this study was to determine the harvest period of coffee fruits based on the relationship between agrometeorological parameters and sucrose accumulation in the seeds. Over the crop years 2004/2005 and 2006/2007, from 150 days after flowering (DAF) onwards, samples of 50 fruits of cultivars Mundo Novo IAC 376-4, Obatã IAC 1669-20 and Catuaí Vermelho IAC 144 were collected from coffee trees located in Campinas, Brazil. The endosperm of the fruits was freeze-dried, ground and analyzed for sucrose content by high-performance liquid chromatography. A weather station provided data to calculate the accumulated growing degree-day (GDD) units, and the reference (ETo) and actual (ETr) evapotranspiration rates. The results showed that the highest rates of sucrose accumulation occurred at the transition from the cane-green to the cherry phenological stage. Models for the estimation of sucrose content during maturation based on meteorological variables exhibited similar or better performance than the DAF variable, with better results for the variables GDD and ETo. The Mundo Novo cultivar reached the highest sucrose level in the endosperm after 2,790 GDD, while cultivar Catuaí attained its maximum sucrose concentration after the accumulated evapotranspiration rate has reached a value of 870 mm. As for cultivar Obatã, the maximum sucrose concentration was predicted with the same degree of accuracy using any of the parameters investigated. For the Obatã cultivar, the values of the variables calculated for the maximum sucrose concentration to be reached were 249 DAF, 3,090 GDD, 1,020 ETo and 900 ETr.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 1.5 Tesla With a Cochlear Implant Magnet in Place: Image Quality and Usability.

PubMed

Sharon, Jeffrey D; Northcutt, Benjamin G; Aygun, Nafi; Francis, Howard W

2016-10-01

To study the quality and usability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) obtained with a cochlear implant magnet in situ. Retrospective chart review. Tertiary care center. All patients who underwent brain MRI with a cochlear implant magnet in situ from 2007 to 2016. None. Grade of view of the ipsilateral internal auditory canal (IAC) and cerebellopontine angle (CPA). Inclusion criteria were met by 765 image sequences in 57 MRI brain scans. For the ipsilateral IAC, significant predictors of a grade 1 (normal) view included: absence of fat saturation algorithm (p = 0.001), nonaxial plane of imaging (p = 0.01), and contrast administration (p = 0.001). For the ipsilateral CPA, significant predictors of a grade 1 view included: absence of fat saturation algorithm (p = 0.001), high-resolution images (p = 0.001), and nonaxial plane of imaging (p = 0.001). Overall, coronal T1 high-resolution images produced the highest percentage of grade 1 views (89%). Fat saturation also caused a secondary ring-shaped distortion artifact, which impaired the view of the contralateral CPA 52.7% of the time, and the contralateral IAC 42.8% of the time. MRI scans without any usable (grade 1) sequences had fewer overall sequences (N = 4.3) than scans with at least one usable sequence (N = 7.1, p = 0.001). MRI image quality with a cochlear implant magnet in situ depends on several factors, which can be modified to maximize image quality in this unique patient population.

46 CFR 298.11 - Vessel requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... with accepted commercial experience and practice. (g) Metric Usage. Our preferred system of measurement and weights for Vessels and Shipyard Projects is the metric system. ...), classification societies to be ISO 9000 series registered or Quality Systems Certificate Scheme qualified IACS...

46 CFR 298.11 - Vessel requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... with accepted commercial experience and practice. (g) Metric Usage. Our preferred system of measurement and weights for Vessels and Shipyard Projects is the metric system. ...), classification societies to be ISO 9000 series registered or Quality Systems Certificate Scheme qualified IACS...

46 CFR 298.11 - Vessel requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... with accepted commercial experience and practice. (g) Metric Usage. Our preferred system of measurement and weights for Vessels and Shipyard Projects is the metric system. ...), classification societies to be ISO 9000 series registered or Quality Systems Certificate Scheme qualified IACS...

46 CFR 298.11 - Vessel requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... with accepted commercial experience and practice. (g) Metric Usage. Our preferred system of measurement and weights for Vessels and Shipyard Projects is the metric system. ...), classification societies to be ISO 9000 series registered or Quality Systems Certificate Scheme qualified IACS...

46 CFR 298.11 - Vessel requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... with accepted commercial experience and practice. (g) Metric Usage. Our preferred system of measurement and weights for Vessels and Shipyard Projects is the metric system. ...), classification societies to be ISO 9000 series registered or Quality Systems Certificate Scheme qualified IACS...

Integrated microfluidic systems for cell lysis, mixing/pumping and DNA amplification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Chia-Yen; Lee, Gwo-Bin; Lin, Jr-Lung; Huang, Fu-Chun; Liao, Chia-Sheng

2005-06-01

The present paper reports a fully automated microfluidic system for the DNA amplification process by integrating an electroosmotic pump, an active micromixer and an on-chip temperature control system. In this DNA amplification process, the cell lysis is initially performed in a micro cell lysis reactor. Extracted DNA samples, primers and reagents are then driven electroosmotically into a mixing region where they are mixed by the active micromixer. The homogeneous mixture is then thermally cycled in a micro-PCR (polymerase chain reaction) chamber to perform DNA amplification. Experimental results show that the proposed device can successfully automate the sample pretreatment operation for DNA amplification, thereby delivering significant time and effort savings. The new microfluidic system, which facilitates cell lysis, sample driving/mixing and DNA amplification, could provide a significant contribution to ongoing efforts to miniaturize bio-analysis systems by utilizing a simple fabrication process and cheap materials.

Microfluidic "Pouch" Chips for Immunoassays and Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests.

PubMed

Mauk, Michael G; Liu, Changchun; Qiu, Xianbo; Chen, Dafeng; Song, Jinzhao; Bau, Haim H

2017-01-01

Microfluidic cassettes ("chips") for processing and analysis of clinical specimens and other sample types facilitate point-of-care (POC) immunoassays and nucleic acid based amplification tests. These single-use test chips can be self-contained and made amenable to autonomous operation-reducing or eliminating supporting instrumentation-by incorporating laminated, pliable "pouch" and membrane structures for fluid storage, pumping, mixing, and flow control. Materials and methods for integrating flexible pouch compartments and diaphragm valves into hard plastic (e.g., acrylic and polycarbonate) microfluidic "chips" for reagent storage, fluid actuation, and flow control are described. We review several versions of these pouch chips for immunoassay and nucleic acid amplification tests, and describe related fabrication techniques. These protocols thus offer a "toolbox" of methods for storage, pumping, and flow control functions in microfluidic devices.

Controlled membrane translocation provides a mechanism for signal transduction and amplification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Langton, Matthew J.; Keymeulen, Flore; Ciaccia, Maria; Williams, Nicholas H.; Hunter, Christopher A.

2017-05-01

Transmission and amplification of chemical signals across lipid bilayer membranes is of profound significance in many biological processes, from the development of multicellular organisms to information processing in the nervous system. In biology, membrane-spanning proteins are responsible for the transmission of chemical signals across membranes, and signal transduction is often associated with an amplified signalling cascade. The ability to reproduce such processes in artificial systems has potential applications in sensing, controlled drug delivery and communication between compartments in tissue-like constructs of synthetic vesicles. Here we describe a mechanism for transmitting a chemical signal across a membrane based on the controlled translocation of a synthetic molecular transducer from one side of a lipid bilayer membrane to the other. The controlled molecular motion has been coupled to the activation of a catalyst on the inside of a vesicle, which leads to a signal-amplification process analogous to the biological counterpart.

Portable nucleic acid thermocyclers.

PubMed

Almassian, David R; Cockrell, Lisa M; Nelson, William M

2013-11-21

A nucleic acid thermal cycler is considered to be portable if it is under ten pounds, easily carried by one individual, and battery powered. Nucleic acid amplification includes both polymerase chain reaction (e.g. PCR, RT-PCR) and isothermal amplification (e.g. RPA, HDA, LAMP, NASBA, RCA, ICAN, SMART, SDA). There are valuable applications for portable nucleic acid thermocyclers in fields that include clinical diagnostics, biothreat detection, and veterinary testing. A system that is portable allows for the distributed detection of targets at the point of care and a reduction of the time from sample to answer. The designer of a portable nucleic acid thermocycler must carefully consider both thermal control and the detection of amplification. In addition to thermal control and detection, the designer may consider the integration of a sample preparation subsystem with the nucleic acid thermocycler. There are a variety of technologies that can achieve accurate thermal control and the detection of nucleic acid amplification. Important evaluation criteria for each technology include maturity, power requirements, cost, sensitivity, speed, and manufacturability. Ultimately the needs of a particular market will lead to user requirements that drive the decision between available technologies.

Optically Controlled Signal Amplification for DNA Computation.

PubMed

Prokup, Alexander; Hemphill, James; Liu, Qingyang; Deiters, Alexander

2015-10-16

The hybridization chain reaction (HCR) and fuel-catalyst cycles have been applied to address the problem of signal amplification in DNA-based computation circuits. While they function efficiently, these signal amplifiers cannot be switched ON or OFF quickly and noninvasively. To overcome these limitations, a light-activated initiator strand for the HCR, which enabled fast optical OFF → ON switching, was developed. Similarly, when a light-activated version of the catalyst strand or the inhibitor strand of a fuel-catalyst cycle was applied, the cycle could be optically switched from OFF → ON or ON → OFF, respectively. To move the capabilities of these devices beyond solution-based operations, the components were embedded in agarose gels. Irradiation with customizable light patterns and at different time points demonstrated both spatial and temporal control. The addition of a translator gate enabled a spatially activated signal to travel along a predefined path, akin to a chemical wire. Overall, the addition of small light-cleavable photocaging groups to DNA signal amplification circuits enabled conditional control as well as fast photocontrol of signal amplification.

Duplex recombinase polymerase amplification assays incorporating competitive internal controls for bacterial meningitis detection.

PubMed

Higgins, Owen; Clancy, Eoin; Forrest, Matthew S; Piepenburg, Olaf; Cormican, Martin; Boo, Teck Wee; O'Sullivan, Nicola; McGuinness, Claire; Cafferty, Deirdre; Cunney, Robert; Smith, Terry J

2018-04-01

Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is an isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology that provides rapid and robust infectious disease pathogen detection, ideal for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics in disease-prevalent low-resource countries. We have developed and evaluated three duplex RPA assays incorporating competitive internal controls for the detection of leading bacterial meningitis pathogens. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae singleplex RPA assays were initially developed and evaluated, demonstrating 100% specificity with limits of detection of 4.1, 8.5 and 3.9 genome copies per reaction, respectively. Each assay was further developed into internally controlled duplex RPA assays via the incorporation of internal amplification control templates. Clinical performance of each internally controlled duplex RPA assay was evaluated by testing 64 archived PCR-positive clinical samples. Compared to real-time PCR, all duplex RPA assays demonstrated 100% diagnostic specificity, with diagnostic sensitivities of 100%, 86.3% and 100% for the S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis and H. influenzae assays, respectively. This study details the first report of internally controlled duplex RPA assays for the detection of bacterial meningitis pathogens: S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis and H. influenzae. We have successfully demonstrated the clinical diagnostic utility of each duplex RPA assay, introducing effective diagnostic technology for POC bacterial meningitis identification in disease-prevalent developing countries. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Optical pulse synthesis using brillouin selective sideband amplification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yao, X. Steve (Inventor)

2002-01-01

Techniques for producing optical pulses based on Brillouin selective sideband amplification by using a common modulation control signal to modulate both a signal beam to produce multiple sideband signals and a single pump beam to produce multiple pump beams.

75 FR 21212 - Approval of Classification Societies

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-23

...-AB35 Approval of Classification Societies AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. SUMMARY: Congress requires that classification societies conducting certain work in the United States must either be full members of International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) or...

Drastic disorder-induced reduction of signal amplification in scale-free networks.

PubMed

Chacón, Ricardo; Martínez, Pedro J

2015-07-01

Understanding information transmission across a network is a fundamental task for controlling and manipulating both biological and manmade information-processing systems. Here we show how topological resonant-like amplification effects in scale-free networks of signaling devices are drastically reduced when phase disorder in the external signals is considered. This is demonstrated theoretically by means of a starlike network of overdamped bistable systems, and confirmed numerically by simulations of scale-free networks of such systems. The taming effect of the phase disorder is found to be sensitive to the amplification's strength, while the topology-induced amplification mechanism is robust against this kind of quenched disorder in the sense that it does not significantly change the values of the coupling strength where amplification is maximum in its absence.

[Application of recombinase polymerase amplification in the detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa].

PubMed

Jin, X J; Gong, Y L; Yang, L; Mo, B H; Peng, Y Z; He, P; Zhao, J N; Li, X L

2018-04-20

Objective: To establish an optimized method of recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) to rapidly detect Pseudomonas aeruginosa in clinic. Methods: (1) The DNA templates of one standard Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain was extracted and detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and RPA. Time of sample loading, time of amplification, and time of detection of the three methods were recorded. (2) One standard Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain was diluted in 7 concentrations of 1×10(7,) 1×10(6,) 1×10(5,) 1×10(4,) 1×10(3,) 1×10(2,) and 1×10(1) colony forming unit (CFU)/mL after recovery and cultivation. The DNA templates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and negative control strain Pseudomonas putida were extracted and detected by PCR, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and RPA separately. The sensitivity of the three methods in detecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa was analyzed. (3) The DNA templates of one standard Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain and four negative control strains ( Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumanii, Candida albicans, and Pseudomonas putida ) were extracted separately, and then they were detected by PCR, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and RPA. The specificity of the three methods in detecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa was analyzed. (4) The DNA templates of 28 clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa preserved in glycerin, 1 clinical strain of which was taken by cotton swab, and negative control strain Pseudomonas putida were extracted separately, and then they were detected by RPA. Positive amplification signals of the clinical strains were observed, and the detection rate was calculated. All experiments were repeated for 3 times. Sensitivity results were analyzed by GraphPad Prism 5.01 statistical software. Results: (1) The loading time of RPA, PCR, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR for detecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa were all 20 minutes. In PCR, time of amplification was 98 minutes, time of gel detection was 20 minutes, and the total time was 138 minutes. In real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, amplification and detection could be completed simultaneously, which took 90 minutes, and the total time was 110 minutes. In RPA, amplification and detection could also be completed simultaneously, which took 15 minutes, and the total time was 35 minutes. (2) Pseudomonas putida did not show positive amplification signals or gel positive results in any of the three detection methods. The detection limit of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and PCR was 1×10(1) CFU/mL, and that of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in RPA was 1×10(2) CFU/mL. In RPA and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, the higher the concentration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the shorter threshold time and smaller the number of cycles, namely shorter time for detecting the positive amplified signal. In real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, all positive amplification signal could be detected when the concentration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 1×10(1)-1×10(7) CFU/mL. In RPA, the detection rate of positive amplification signal was 0 when the concentration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 1×10(1) CFU/mL, while the detection rate of positive amplification signal was 67% when the concentration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 1×10(2) CFU/mL, and the detection rate of positive amplification signal was 100% when the concentration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 1×10(3)-1×10(7) CFU/mL. (3) In RPA, PCR, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed positive amplification signals and gel positive results, but there were no positive amplification signals or gel positive results in four negative control strains of Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Pseudomonas putida . (4) In RPA, 28 clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa preserved in glycerin and 1 clinical strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa taken by cotton swab showed positive amplification signals, while Pseudomonas putida did not show positive amplification signal. The detection rate of positive amplification signal of 29 clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in RPA was 100%. Conclusions: The established optimized RPA technology for fast detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa requires shorter time, with high sensitivity and specificity. It was of great value in fast detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in clinic.

Estimate of genetic gain in popcorn after cycles of phenotypic recurrent selection.

PubMed

Ematné, H J; Nunes, J A R; Dias, K O G; Prado, P E R; Souza, J C

2016-05-20

Popcorn is widely consumed in Brazil, yet there are few breeding programs for this crop. Recurrent selection (RS) is a viable breeding alternative for popcorn; however, the gains achieved must be frequently checked. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of selection for grain type (round and pointed) after four cycles of phenotypic RS on the main agronomic traits of popcorn, to estimate the genetic gain achieved for the trait of expansion volume (EV), and to obtain estimates of phenotypic correlations for the main traits of the crop in the UFLA E and UFLA R populations. The zero, one, two, and three cycles of the UFLA E and UFLA R populations, the fourth cycle, and the controls IAC-112 and IAC-125 were used. The experiments were conducted at the experimental farm of Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA; Environment 1) and at the experimental area of the Genetics and Plant Breeding Sector of the Department of Biology at UFLA (Environment 2) in the 2010/11 crop season. Nine agronomic traits were evaluated, including EV and grain yield (GY). The UFLA R and UFLA E populations showed similar behavior for all evaluated traits. The type of grain did not affect the genetic gain for EV, which was 5 and 3.7% in each cycle carried out in the UFLA E and UFLA R population, respectively. Phenotypic selection carried out during recombination for EV is an effective method for increasing expression of the trait. EV and GY did not show a linear association.

Magnetic vortex based transistor operations.

PubMed

Kumar, D; Barman, S; Barman, A

2014-02-17

Transistors constitute the backbone of modern day electronics. Since their advent, researchers have been seeking ways to make smaller and more efficient transistors. Here, we demonstrate a sustained amplification of magnetic vortex core gyration in coupled two and three vortices by controlling their relative core polarities. This amplification is mediated by a cascade of antivortex solitons travelling through the dynamic stray field. We further demonstrated that the amplification can be controlled by switching the polarity of the middle vortex in a three vortex sequence and the gain can be controlled by the input signal amplitude. An attempt to show fan-out operation yielded gain for one of the symmetrically placed branches which can be reversed by switching the core polarity of all the vortices in the network. The above observations promote the magnetic vortices as suitable candidates to work as stable bipolar junction transistors (BJT).

Magnetic Vortex Based Transistor Operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, D.; Barman, S.; Barman, A.

2014-02-01

Transistors constitute the backbone of modern day electronics. Since their advent, researchers have been seeking ways to make smaller and more efficient transistors. Here, we demonstrate a sustained amplification of magnetic vortex core gyration in coupled two and three vortices by controlling their relative core polarities. This amplification is mediated by a cascade of antivortex solitons travelling through the dynamic stray field. We further demonstrated that the amplification can be controlled by switching the polarity of the middle vortex in a three vortex sequence and the gain can be controlled by the input signal amplitude. An attempt to show fan-out operation yielded gain for one of the symmetrically placed branches which can be reversed by switching the core polarity of all the vortices in the network. The above observations promote the magnetic vortices as suitable candidates to work as stable bipolar junction transistors (BJT).

A Strategy for Minimizing Background Signal in Autoinductive Signal Amplification Reactions for Point-of-Need Assays.

PubMed

Brooks, Adam D; Yeung, Kimy; Lewis, Gregory G; Phillips, Scott T

2015-09-07

Rapid point-of-need assays are used to detect abundant biomarkers. The development of in situ signal amplification reactions could extend these assays to screening and triaging of patients for trace levels of biomarkers, even in resource-limited settings. We, and others, have developed small molecule-based in situ signal amplification reactions that eventually may be useful in this context. Herein we describe a design strategy for minimizing background signal that may occur in the absence of the target analyte, thus moving this in situ signal amplification approach one step closer to practical applications. Specifically, we describe allylic ethers as privileged connectors for linking detection and propagating functionality in a small molecule signal amplification reagent. Allylic ethers minimize background reactions while still enabling controlled release of a propagating signal in order to continue the signal amplification reaction. This paper characterizes the ability of allylic ethers to provide an amplified response, and offers insight into additional design considerations that are needed before in situ small molecule-based signal amplification becomes a viable strategy for point-of-need diagnostics.

A Strategy for Minimizing Background Signal in Autoinductive Signal Amplification Reactions for Point-of-Need Assays

PubMed Central

Brooks, Adam D.; Yeung, Kimy; Lewis, Gregory G.

2015-01-01

Rapid point-of-need assays are used to detect abundant biomarkers. The development of in situ signal amplification reactions could extend these assays to screening and triaging of patients for trace levels of biomarkers, even in resource-limited settings. We, and others, have developed small molecule-based in situ signal amplification reactions that eventually may be useful in this context. Herein we describe a design strategy for minimizing background signal that may occur in the absence of the target analyte, thus moving this in situ signal amplification approach one step closer to practical applications. Specifically, we describe allylic ethers as privileged connectors for linking detection and propagating functionality in a small molecule signal amplification reagent. Allylic ethers minimize background reactions while still enabling controlled release of a propagating signal in order to continue the signal amplification reaction. This paper characterizes the ability of allylic ethers to provide an amplified response, and offers insight into additional design considerations that are needed before in situ small molecule-based signal amplification becomes a viable strategy for point-of-need diagnostics. PMID:26604988

Reversible Gating of Plasmonic Coupling for Optical Signal Amplification.

PubMed

Khoury, Christopher G; Fales, Andrew M; Vo-Dinh, Tuan

2016-07-20

Amplification of optical signals is useful for a wide variety of applications, ranging from data signal transmission to chemical sensing and biomedical diagnostics. One such application in chemical sensing is surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), an important technique for increasing the Raman signal using the plasmonic effect of enhanced electromagnetic fields associated with metallic nanostructures. One of the most important limitations of SERS-based amplification is the difficulty to reproducibly control the SERS signal. Here, we describe the design and implementation of a unique hybrid system capable of producing reversible gating of plasmonic coupling for Raman signal amplification. The hybrid system is composed of two subsystems: (1) colloidal magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles for SERS enhancement and (2) a micromagnet substrate with an externally applied magnetic field to modulate the colloidal nanoparticles. For this proof of concept demonstration, the nanoparticles were labeled with a Raman-active dye, and it was shown that the detected SERS signal could be reproducibly modulated by controlling the externally applied magnetic field. The developed system provides a simple, robust, inexpensive, and reusable device for SERS signal modulation. These properties will open up new possibilities for optical signal amplification and gating as well for high-throughput, reproducible SERS detection.

76 FR 40649 - Indiana Regulatory Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-11

... at 312 IAC 25-6-30 Surface mining; explosives; general requirements. The full text of the program... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement 30 CFR Part 914... Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior. ACTION: Proposed rule; public comment period on proposed...

First results of the wind evaluation breadboard for ELT primary mirror design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reyes García-Talavera, Marcos; Viera, Teodora; Núñez, Miguel

2010-07-01

The Wind Evaluation Breadboard (WEB) is a primary mirror and telescope simulator formed by seven aluminium segments, including position sensors, electromechanical support systems and support structures. WEB has been developed to evaluate technologies for primary mirror wavefront control and to evaluate the performance of the control of wind buffeting disturbance on ELT segmented mirrors. For this purpose WEB electro-mechanical set-up simulates the real operational constrains applied to large segmented mirrors. This paper describes the WEB assembly, integration and verification, the instrument characterisation and close loop control design, including the dynamical characterization of the instrument and the control architecture. The performance of the new technologies developed for position sensing, acting and controlling is evaluated. The integration of the instrument in the observatory and the results of the first experiments are summarised, with different wind conditions, elevation and azimuth angles of incidence. Conclusions are extracted with respect the wind rejection performance and the control strategy for an ELT. WEB has been designed and developed by IAC, ESO, ALTRAN and JUPASA, with the integration of subsystems of FOGALE and TNO.

The Value of Quality Improvement Process in the Detection and Correction of Common Errors in Echocardiographic Hemodynamic Parameters in a Busy Echocardiography Laboratory

PubMed Central

Fanari, Zaher; Choudhry, Usman I; Reddy, Vivek K; Eze-Nliam, Chete; Hammami, Sumaya; Kolm, Paul; Weintraub, William S.; Marshall, Erik S

2015-01-01

Background Accurate assessment of cardiac structures, ventricular function, and hemodynamics are essential for any echocardiographic laboratory. Quality Improvement (QI) processes described by the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) and the Intersocietal Commission (IAC) should be instrumental in reaching this goal. Methods All patients undergoing transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) followed by cardiac catheterization within 24 hours at Christiana Care Health System in 2011 and 2012 were identified, with 126 and 133 cases respectively. Hemodynamic parameters of diastolic function, Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressure (PASP) on TTE correlated poorly with catheterization in 2011. An educational process was developed and implemented at quarterly QI meetings based on ASE and IAC recommendations to target frequently encountered errors and provide methods for improved performance. The hemodynamic parameters were then re-examined in 2012 post-intervention. Results Following the QI process, there was significant improvement in the correlation between invasive and echocardiographic hemodynamic measurements in both systolic and diastolic function, and PASP. This reflected in significant better correlations between echo and cath LVEF [R = 0.88, ICC=0.87 vs. R = 0.85, ICC=0.85; p <0.001], Average E/E’ and of left Ventricle End Diastolic Pressure (LVEDP) [R = 0.62vs. R = 0.09, p = 0.006] and a better correlation for PASP [R= 0.77, ICC=0.77 vs. R = 0.30, ICC=0.31; p = 0.05] in 2012 compared to 2011. Conclusion The QI process, as recommended by ASE and IAC, can allow for identification as well as rectification of quality issues in a large regional academic medical center hospital. PMID:26033297

Pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone following intra-articular, intravenous, intramuscular, and oral administration in horses and its effects on endogenous hydrocortisone.

PubMed

Soma, L R; Uboh, C E; Liu, Y; Li, X; Robinson, M A; Boston, R C; Colahan, P T

2013-04-01

This study investigated and compared the pharmacokinetics of intra-articular (IA) administration of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP) into three equine joints, femoropatellar (IAS), radiocarpal (IAC), and metacarpophalangeal (IAF), and the intramuscular (IM), oral (PO) and intravenous (IV) administrations. No significant differences in the pharmacokinetic estimates between the three joints were observed with the exception of maximum concentration (Cmax ) and time to maximum concentration (Tmax ). Median (range) Cmax for the IAC, IAF, and IAS were 16.9 (14.6-35.4), 23.4 (13.5-73.0), and 46.9 (24.0-72.1) ng/mL, respectively. The Tmax for IAC, IAF, and IAS were 1.0 (0.75-4.0), 0.62 (0.5-1.0), and 0.25 (0.08-0.25) h, respectively. Median (range) elimination half-lives for IA and IM administrations were 3.6 (3.0-4.6) h and 3.4 (2.9-3.7) h, respectively. A 3-compartment model was fitted to the plasma dexamethasone concentration-time curve following the IV administration of DSP; alpha, beta, and gamma half-lives were 0.03 (0.01-0.05), 1.8 (0.34-2.3), and 5.1 (3.3-5.6) h, respectively. Following the PO administration, the median absorption and elimination half-lives were 0.34 (0.29-1.6) and 3.4 (3.1-4.7) h, respectively. Endogenous hydrocortisone plasma concentrations declined from a baseline of 103.8 ± 29.1-3.1 ± 1.3 ng/mL at 20.0 ± 2.7 h following the administration of DSP and recovered to baseline values between 96 and 120 h for IV, IA, and IM administrations and at 72 h for the PO. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Atlas instrumentation guided by the medial edge of the posterior arch: An anatomic and radiologic study.

PubMed

Al-Habib, Amro F; Al-Rabie, Abdulkarim; Aleissa, Sami; Albakr, Abdulrahman; Abobotain, Abdulaziz

2017-01-01

This was an interventional human cadaver study and radiological study. Atlas instrumentation is frequently involved in fusion procedures involving the craniocervical junction area. Identification of the entry point at the center of atlas lateral mass (ALM) is challenging because of its rounded posterior surface and the surrounding venous plexus. This report examines using the medial edge of atlas posterior arch (MEC1) as a fixed and reliable anatomic reference to guide the entry point of ALM screws. Fifty, normal, cervical spine computed tomography studies were reviewed. ALM screw trajectories were planned at one point along MEC1 and another point 2 mm lateral to MEC1. Free-hand ALM instrumentation was performed in ten fresh human cadavers using the 2 mm entry point, with a sagittal trajectory parallel to atlas inferior arch (IAC1); three-dimensional imaging was then performed to confirm instrumentation accuracy. The average ALM diameter was 12.35 mm. Inserting a screw using the entry point 2 mm lateral to MEC1 was closer to ALM midpoint than using the entry point along MEC1 ( P < 0.0001). Twenty ALM screws were successfully inserted in the ten cadavers. No encroachments into the spinal canal or foramen transversarium occurred. However, two screws were superiorly directed and violated the occipitocervical joint; they were not parallel to IAC1. MEC1 provides a fixed and reliable landmark for ALM instrumentation. An entry point 2 mm point lateral to MEC1 is close to ALM midpoint. IAC1 also provides a guide for the sagittal trajectory. Attention to anatomic landmarks may help reduce complications associated with atlas instrumentation but should be verified in future clinical studies.

The Value of Quality Improvement Process in the Detection and Correction of Common Errors in Echocardiographic Hemodynamic Parameters in a Busy Echocardiography Laboratory.

PubMed

Fanari, Zaher; Choudhry, Usman I; Reddy, Vivek K; Eze-Nliam, Chete; Hammami, Sumaya; Kolm, Paul; Weintraub, William S; Marshall, Erik S

2015-12-01

Accurate assessment of cardiac structures, ventricular function, and hemodynamics is essential for any echocardiographic laboratory. Quality improvement (QI) processes described by the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) and the Intersocietal Commission (IAC) should be instrumental in reaching this goal. All patients undergoing transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) followed by cardiac catheterization within 24 hours at Christiana Care Health System in 2011 and 2012 were identified, with 126 and 133 cases, respectively. Hemodynamic parameters of diastolic function and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) on TTE correlated poorly with catheterization in 2011. An educational process was developed and implemented at quarterly QI meetings based on ASE and IAC recommendations to target frequently encountered errors and provide methods for improved performance. The hemodynamic parameters were then reexamined in 2012 postintervention. Following the QI process, there was significant improvement in the correlation between invasive and echocardiographic hemodynamic measurements in both systolic and diastolic function, and PASP. This reflected in significant better correlations between echo and cath LVEF [R = 0.88, ICC = 0.87 vs. R = 0.85, ICC = 0.85; P < 0.001], average E/E' and of left ventricle end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) [R = 0.62 vs. R = 0.09, P = 0.006] and a better correlation for PASP [R = 0.77, ICC = 0.77 vs. R = 0.30, ICC = 0.31; P = 0.05] in 2012 compared to 2011. The QI process, as recommended by ASE and IAC, can allow for identification as well as rectification of quality issues in a large regional academic medical center hospital. © 2015, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Determination of the Avogadro constant by the XRCD method using a 28Si-enriched sphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuramoto, Naoki; Mizushima, Shigeki; Zhang, Lulu; Fujita, Kazuaki; Azuma, Yasushi; Kurokawa, Akira; Okubo, Sho; Inaba, Hajime; Fujii, Kenichi

2017-10-01

To determine the Avogadro constant N A by the x-ray crystal density method, the density of a 28Si-enriched crystal was determined by absolute measurements of the mass and volume of a 1 kg sphere manufactured from the crystal. The mass and volume were determined by an optical interferometer and a vacuum mass comparator, respectively. The sphere surface was characterized by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry to derive the mass and volume of the Si core of the sphere excluding the surface layers. From the mass and volume, the density of the Si core was determined with a relative standard uncertainty of 2.3  ×  10-8. By combining the Si core density with the lattice constant and the molar mass of the sphere reported by the International Avogadro Coordination (IAC) project in 2015, a new value of 6.022 140 84(15)  ×  1023 mol-1 was obtained for N A with a relative standard uncertainty of 2.4  ×  10-8. To make the N A value determined in this work usable for a future adjustment of the fundamental constants by the CODATA Task Group on Fundamental Constants, the correlation of the new N A value with the N A values determined in our previous works was examined. The correlation coefficients with the values of N A determined by IAC in 2011 and 2015 were estimated to be 0.07 and 0.28, respectively. The correlation of the new N A value with the N A value determined by IAC in 2017 using a different 28Si-enriched crystal was also examined, and the correlation coefficient was estimated to be 0.21.

Signal amplification of microRNAs with modified strand displacement-based cycling probe technology.

PubMed

Jia, Huning; Bu, Ying; Zou, Bingjie; Wang, Jianping; Kumar, Shalen; Pitman, Janet L; Zhou, Guohua; Song, Qinxin

2016-10-24

Micro ribose nucleic acids (miRNAs) play an important role in biological processes such as cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Therefore, miRNAs are potentially a powerful marker for monitoring cancer and diagnosis. Here, we present sensitive signal amplification for miRNAs based on modified cycling probe technology with strand displacement amplification. miRNA was captured by the template coupled with beads, and then the first cycle based on SDA was repeatedly extended to the nicking end, which was produced by the extension reaction of miRNA. The products generated by SDA are captured by a molecular beacon (MB), which is designed to initiate the second amplification cycle, with a similar principle to the cycling probe technology (CPT), which is based on repeated digestion of the DNA-RNA hybrid by the RNase H. After one sample enrichment and two steps of signal amplification, 0.1 pM of let-7a can be detected. The miRNA assay exhibits a great dynamic range of over 100 orders of magnitude and high specificity to clearly discriminate a single base difference in miRNA sequences. This isothermal amplification does not require any special temperature control instrument. The assay is also about signal amplification rather than template amplification, therefore minimising contamination issues. In addition, there is no need for the reverse transcription (RT) process. Thus the amplification is suitable for miRNA detection.

EGFR amplification and expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma in young adults.

PubMed

Costa, V; Kowalski, L P; Coutinho-Camillo, C M; Begnami, M D; Calsavara, V F; Neves, J I; Kaminagakura, E

2018-07-01

The aim of this study was to investigate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene alterations in two groups of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) (a test group of subjects aged ≤40 years and a control group of subjects aged ≥50 years) and to associate the results with EGFR immunostaining, clinicopathological features, and the prognosis. Sixty cases of OSCC were selected (test group, n=21; control group, n=39). The tissue microarray technique was applied to ensure the uniformity of results. Gene amplification was analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and immunohistochemical staining for EGFR was analyzed using an automated imaging system. EGFR amplification was higher in the test group than in the control group (P=0.018) and was associated with advanced clinical stage (P=0.013), regardless of age. Patients with EGFR overexpression had worse survival rates, as did patients who had T3-T4 tumours and positive margins. EGFR overexpression has a negative impact on disease progression. Despite the higher amplification of EGFR in young adults, it does not significantly impact the survival rates of affected patients. Copyright © 2018 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Telemedicine information analysis center.

PubMed

Zajtchuk, Joan T; Zajtchuk, Russ; Petrovic, Joseph J; Gutz, Ryan P; Walrath, Benjamin D

2004-01-01

Congress mandated a pilot project to demonstrate the feasibility of establishing a Department of Defense (DoD) telemedicine information analysis center (TIAC). The project developed a medical information support system to show the core capabilities of a TIAC. The productivity and effectiveness of telemedicine researchers and clinical practitioners can be enhanced by the existence of an information analysis center (IACs) devoted to the collection, analysis, synthesis, and dissemination of worldwide scientific and technical information related to the field of telemedicine. The work conducted under the TIAC pilot project establishes the basic IAC functions and assesses the utility of the TIAC to the military medical departments. The pilot project capabilities are Web-based and include: (1) applying the science of classification (taxonomy) to telemedicine to identify key words; (2) creating a relational database of this taxonomy to a bibliographic database using these key words; (3) developing and disseminating information via a public TIAC Web site; (4) performing a specific baseline technical area task for the U.S. Army Medical Command; and (5) providing analyses by subject matter experts.

Magnetic Vortex Based Transistor Operations

PubMed Central

Kumar, D.; Barman, S.; Barman, A.

2014-01-01

Transistors constitute the backbone of modern day electronics. Since their advent, researchers have been seeking ways to make smaller and more efficient transistors. Here, we demonstrate a sustained amplification of magnetic vortex core gyration in coupled two and three vortices by controlling their relative core polarities. This amplification is mediated by a cascade of antivortex solitons travelling through the dynamic stray field. We further demonstrated that the amplification can be controlled by switching the polarity of the middle vortex in a three vortex sequence and the gain can be controlled by the input signal amplitude. An attempt to show fan–out operation yielded gain for one of the symmetrically placed branches which can be reversed by switching the core polarity of all the vortices in the network. The above observations promote the magnetic vortices as suitable candidates to work as stable bipolar junction transistors (BJT). PMID:24531235

Quantitative control of CaCO3 growth on quartz crystal microbalance sensors as a signal amplification method.

PubMed

Wu, Congcong; Sun, Zhaomei; Liu, Li-Shang

2017-07-10

The surface crystallization of CaCO 3 on gold was monitored by a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Quantitative control of the grown crystals was realized by adjusting the ratio of two functional groups, -N(CH 3 ) 3 and -COOH, on SAMs. Crystals with uniform size, morphology and polymorphism were obtained. The amount of crystals formed was found to increase with an increase in the -COOH group. The proposed quantitative control of crystallization can be an effective mass amplification strategy for QCM to enhance its assay sensitivity.

Significance of HER2 and C-MYC oncogene amplifications in breast cancer in atomic bomb survivors: associations with radiation exposure and histologic grade.

PubMed

Miura, Shiro; Nakashima, Masahiro; Ito, Masahiro; Kondo, Hisayoshi; Meirmanov, Serik; Hayashi, Tomayoshi; Soda, Midori; Matsuo, Takeshi; Sekine, Ichiro

2008-05-15

It has been postulated that radiation induces breast cancers in atomic bomb (A-bomb) survivors. Oncogene amplification is an important mechanism during breast carcinogenesis and also serves as an indicator of genomic instability (GIN). The objective of this study was to clarify the association of oncogene amplification in breast cancer in A-bomb survivors with radiation exposure. In total, 593 breast cancers were identified in A-bomb survivors from 1968 to 1999, and the association between breast cancer incidence and A-bomb radiation exposure was evaluated. Invasive ductal cancers from 67 survivors and 30 nonsurvivors were analyzed for amplification of the HER2 and C-MYC genes by fluorescence in situ hybridization, and expression levels of hormone receptors were analyzed by immunostaining. The incidence rate increased significantly as exposure distance decreased from the hypocenter (hazard ratio per 1-km decrement, 1.47; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.30-1.66). The incidence of HER2 and C-MYC amplification was increased significantly in the order of the control group, the distal group (P = .0238), and the proximal group (P = .0128). Multivariate analyses revealed that distance was a risk factor for the coamplification of C-MYC and HER2 in breast cancer in survivors (odds ratio per 1-km increment, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.01-0.63). The histologic grade of breast cancers became significantly higher in the order of the control group, the distal group, and the proximal group and was associated with oncogene amplifications. The current results suggested that A-bomb radiation may affect the development of oncogene amplification by inducing GIN and may be associated with a higher histologic grade in breast cancer among A-bomb survivors. (c) 2008 American Cancer Society.

HARMONI instrument control electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gigante, José V.; Rodríguez Ramos, Luis F.; Zins, Gerard; Schnetler, Hermine; Pecontal, Arlette; Herreros, José Miguel; Clarke, Fraser; Bryson, Ian; Thatte, Niranjan

2014-07-01

HARMONI is an integral field spectrograph working at visible and near-infrared wavelengths over a range of spatial scales from ground layer corrected to fully diffraction-limited. The instrument has been chosen to be part of the first-light complement at the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT). This paper describes the instrument control electronics to be developed at IAC. The large size of the HARMONI instrument, its cryogenic operation, and the fact that it must operate with enhanced reliability is a challenge from the point of view of the control electronics design. The present paper describes a design proposal based on the current instrument requirements and intended to be fully compliant with the ESO E-ELT standards, as well as with the European EMC and safety standards. The modularity of the design and the use of COTS standard hardware will benefit the project in several aspects, as reduced costs, shorter schedule by the use of commercially available components, and improved quality by the use of well proven solutions.

Can Anomalous Amplification be Attained without Postselection?

PubMed

Martínez-Rincón, Julián; Liu, Wei-Tao; Viza, Gerardo I; Howell, John C

2016-03-11

We present a parameter estimation technique based on performing joint measurements of a weak interaction away from the weak-value-amplification approximation. Two detectors are used to collect full statistics of the correlations between two weakly entangled degrees of freedom. Without discarding of data, the protocol resembles the anomalous amplification of an imaginary-weak-value-like response. The amplification is induced in the difference signal of both detectors allowing robustness to different sources of technical noise, and offering in addition the advantages of balanced signals for precision metrology. All of the Fisher information about the parameter of interest is collected. A tunable phase controls the strength of the amplification response. We experimentally demonstrate the proposed technique by measuring polarization rotations in a linearly polarized laser pulse. We show that in the presence of technical noise the effective sensitivity and precision of a split detector is increased when compared to a conventional continuous-wave balanced detection technique.

Can Anomalous Amplification be Attained without Postselection?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martínez-Rincón, Julián; Liu, Wei-Tao; Viza, Gerardo I.; Howell, John C.

2016-03-01

We present a parameter estimation technique based on performing joint measurements of a weak interaction away from the weak-value-amplification approximation. Two detectors are used to collect full statistics of the correlations between two weakly entangled degrees of freedom. Without discarding of data, the protocol resembles the anomalous amplification of an imaginary-weak-value-like response. The amplification is induced in the difference signal of both detectors allowing robustness to different sources of technical noise, and offering in addition the advantages of balanced signals for precision metrology. All of the Fisher information about the parameter of interest is collected. A tunable phase controls the strength of the amplification response. We experimentally demonstrate the proposed technique by measuring polarization rotations in a linearly polarized laser pulse. We show that in the presence of technical noise the effective sensitivity and precision of a split detector is increased when compared to a conventional continuous-wave balanced detection technique.

The Defense Technical Information Center: Acquiring Information and Imparting Knowledge.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Molholm, Kurt N.; And Others

1988-01-01

This overview of the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) discusses how DTIC fits into the Department of Defense Scientific and Technical Information Program; its history, organization, users, and operations; types of information handled; subject classification; cataloging standards; Information Analysis Centers (IACs); and research and…

Studies of the latex of Brazilian IAC series clones from Hevea brasiliensis

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Natural rubber is an important commodity industrial crop that mainly derives from Hevea brasiliensis. Most natural rubber production is in Southeast Asia, but significant cultivar development takes place in Brazil, the original origin of current commercial H. brasiliensis cultivars. Thus it is criti...

Natural genomic amplification of cholinesterase genes in animals.

PubMed

Chatonnet, Arnaud; Lenfant, Nicolas; Marchot, Pascale; Selkirk, Murray E

2017-08-01

Tight control of the concentration of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses requires precise regulation of the number and state of the acetylcholine receptors, and of the synthesis and degradation of the neurotransmitter. In particular, the cholinesterase activity has to be controlled exquisitely. In the genome of the first experimental models used (man, mouse, zebrafish and drosophila), there are only one or two genes coding for cholinesterases, whereas there are more genes for their closest relatives the carboxylesterases. Natural amplification of cholinesterase genes was first found to occur in some cancer cells and in insect species subjected to evolutionary pressure by insecticides. Analysis of the complete genome sequences of numerous representatives of the various metazoan phyla show that moderate amplification of cholinesterase genes is not uncommon in molluscs, echinoderms, hemichordates, prochordates or lepidosauria. Amplification of acetylcholinesterase genes is also a feature of parasitic nematodes or ticks. In these parasites, over-production of cholinesterase-like proteins in secreted products and the saliva are presumed to have effector roles related to host infection. These amplification events raise questions about the role of the amplified gene products, and the adaptation processes necessary to preserve efficient cholinergic transmission. This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms. © 2017 International Society for Neurochemistry.

Highly simplified lateral flow-based nucleic acid sample preparation and passive fluid flow control

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

Cary, Robert E.

2015-12-08

Highly simplified lateral flow chromatographic nucleic acid sample preparation methods, devices, and integrated systems are provided for the efficient concentration of trace samples and the removal of nucleic acid amplification inhibitors. Methods for capturing and reducing inhibitors of nucleic acid amplification reactions, such as humic acid, using polyvinylpyrrolidone treated elements of the lateral flow device are also provided. Further provided are passive fluid control methods and systems for use in lateral flow assays.

Highly simplified lateral flow-based nucleic acid sample preparation and passive fluid flow control

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

Cary, Robert B.

Highly simplified lateral flow chromatographic nucleic acid sample preparation methods, devices, and integrated systems are provided for the efficient concentration of trace samples and the removal of nucleic acid amplification inhibitors. Methods for capturing and reducing inhibitors of nucleic acid amplification reactions, such as humic acid, using polyvinylpyrrolidone treated elements of the lateral flow device are also provided. Further provided are passive fluid control methods and systems for use in lateral flow assays.

On spatial spillover in feedforward and feedback noise control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Antai; Bernstein, Dennis

2017-03-01

Active feedback noise control for rejecting broadband disturbances must contend with the Bode integral constraint, which implies that suppression over some frequency range gives rise to amplification over another range at the performance microphone. This is called spectral spillover. The present paper deals with spatial spillover, which refers to the amplification of noise at locations where no microphone is located. A spatial spillover function is defined, which is valid for both feedforward and feedback control with scalar and vector control inputs. This function is numerically analyzed and measured experimentally. Obstructions are introduced in the acoustic space to investigate their effect on spatial spillover.

U.S. EPA, Pesticide Product Label, SPARKLE EMULSION BOWL CLEANER, 02/26/1970

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2011-04-14

... '11,,,".111,. I.,... 11 fllIllI .,11. Tllil ClEANEI il "'.II'a'otI wi.1I ." 1"lIllti .. , •• w."I", ... i' ,.",ra'" ."d .lIac" ."c",.IO.iatt •• "' • tI ""III IIlIiell',. It", It ... . ...

Molecules in Living Systems: A Biochemistry Module.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martin, David; Sampugna, Joseph

This book is one in a series of Interdisciplinary Approaches to Chemistry (IAC). The purpose of this guide is to familiarize students with chemistry and its everyday applications around the world using inquiry and investigations. Contents include: (1) "Considering Life Processes"; (2) "Understanding the Structure of Biomolecules"; (3) "Properties…

Accelerating Electronic Tag Development for Tracking Free-Ranging Marine Animals at Sea

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-08-01

for the best in Internet marketing. The IAC Awards are the first and only industry - based advertising award competition dedicated exclusively to...Bioenergetics and diving activity of internesting leatherback turtles Dermochelys coriacea at Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas, Costa Rica. J. Exp. BioL 208

Polishing and parboiling effect on the nutritional and technological properties of pigmented rice

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study aims to evaluate the effects of polishing and parboiling on proximate composition, structure, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, cooking time and hardness of IAC-600 black rice cultivar and MPB-10 red rice lineage. Proximate analysis and light micrographs revealed higher migration ...

Review of Techniques for In-Flight Transfer Alignment

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-06-01

Measurements, IEEE Trans. on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, Vol. AES-16. No. 1, Jan. 1980 , pp.53-64. 23. Bar-ltzhack, I.Y., Porat, B.. Azitnuth...WViley 1988. Hlaykin, S. M.-odern F’ilters. .. Iac~lillan Publishers 1989. Hyslop ). C., Geri It. D).. Kraemer, J., GPS/INS Integration -,- the Standoff

40 CFR 52.719 - Identification of plan-Conditional approval.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... limits listed for aerosol- and non aerosol-based antiperspirants and deodorants. 35 IAC 233.205(a)(6)(A) erroneously provides two high-volatility VOC limits for aerosol-based antiperspirants when there should be... provides two medium-volatility VOC limits for non aerosol-based antiperspirants when there should be both a...

40 CFR 52.719 - Identification of plan-Conditional approval.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... aerosol-based antiperspirants and deodorants. 35 IAC 233.205(a)(6)(A) erroneously provides two high-volatility VOC limits for aerosol-based antiperspirants when there should be both a high- and medium... limits for non aerosol-based antiperspirants when there should be both a high- and medium-volatility...

Sheila Hayter | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Hayter Photo of Sheila Hayter Sheila Hayter Group Manager - Strategy, Policy, & Implementation Group Sheila.Hayter@nrel.gov | 303-384-7519 Sheila has been with NREL for more than 25 years and is presently a group manager within the Integrated Application Center (IAC) leading a team of technical and

The Marketing of Information Analysis Center Products and Services.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Veazie, Walter H., Jr.; Connolly, Thomas F.

Information analysis centers (IACs) represent a valuable national resource which has not been fully utilized, often because their products and services are not widely known. Recent Government economy measures demand consideration of increased marketability of these products and services and the institution of service charges as a possible source…

Soya isoflavone-enriched cereal bars affect markers of endothelial function in postmenopausal women.

PubMed

Hallund, J; Bügel, S; Tholstrup, T; Ferrari, M; Talbot, D; Hall, W L; Reimann, M; Williams, C M; Wiinberg, N

2006-06-01

Soya isoflavones are thought to be cardioprotective due to their structural similarity to oestrogen. In order to investigate the effect of soya isoflavones on markers of endothelial function we conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study with thirty healthy postmenopausal women. The women consumed cereal bars, with or without soya isoflavones (50 mg/d), for 8 weeks, separated by an 8-week washout period. Systemic arterial compliance (SAC), isobaric arterial compliance (IAC), flow-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation (FMD) and nitroglycerine-mediated endothelium-independent vasodilation (NMD) were measured at the beginning of the study and after each intervention period. Blood pressure (BP) and plasma concentrations of nitrite and nitrate (NOx) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were measured at the beginning and end of each intervention period. NMD was 13.4 (SEM 2.0)% at baseline and 15.5 (SEM 1.1) % after isoflavone treatment compared with 12.4 (SEM 1.0)% after placebo treatment (P=0.03). NOx increased from 27.7 (SEM 2.7) to 31.1 (SEM 3.2) microM after isoflavones treatment compared with 25.4 (SEM 1.5) to 20.4 (SEM 1.1) microM after placebo treatment (P=0.003) and a significant increase in the NOx:ET-1 ratio (P=0.005) was observed after the isoflavone treatment compared with placebo. A significant difference in SAC after the isoflavone and placebo treatment was observed (P=0.04). No significant difference was found in FMD, IAC, BP and ET-1. In conclusion, 8 weeks' consumption of cereals bars enriched with 50 mg soya isoflavones/d increased plasma NOx concentrations and improved endothelium-independent vasodilation in healthy postmenopausal women.

The MicroActive project: automatic detection of disease-related molecular cell activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furuberg, Liv; Mielnik, Michal; Johansen, Ib-Rune; Voitel, Jörg; Gulliksen, Anja; Solli, Lars; Karlsen, Frank; Bayer, Tobias; Schönfeld, Friedhelm; Drese, Klaus; Keegan, Helen; Martin, Cara; O'Leary, John; Riegger, Lutz; Koltay, Peter

2007-05-01

The aim of the MicroActive project is to develop an instrument for molecular diagnostics. The instrument will first be tested for patient screening for a group of viruses causing cervical cancer. Two disposable polymer chips with reagents stored on-chip will be inserted into the instrument for each patient sample. The first chip performs sample preparation of the epithelial cervical cells while mRNA amplification and fluorescent detection takes place in the second chip. More than 10 different virus markers will be analysed in one chip. We report results on sub-functions of the amplification chip. The sample is split into smaller droplets, and the droplets move in parallel channels containing different dried reagents for the different analyses. We report experimental results on parallel droplet movement control using one external pump only, combined with hydrophobic valves. Valve burst pressures are controlled by geometry. We show droplet control using valves with burst pressures between 800 and 4500 Pa. We also monitored the re-hydration times for two necessary dried reagents. After sample insertion, uniform concentration of the reagents in the droplet was reached after respectively 60 s and 10 min. These times are acceptable for successful amplification. Finally we have shown positive amplification of HPV type 16 using dried enzymes stored in micro chambers.

Use of APTIMA Combo 2: The Experience of a Child Advocacy Center

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leder, M. Ranee; Leber, Amy L.; Marcon, Mario J.; Scribano, Philip V.

2013-01-01

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends nucleic acid amplification testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea in sexually abused girls. No studies describe performance of APTIMA Combo 2 Assay with second target confirmation on the same testing platform. This nucleic acid amplification testing is evaluated within a large child advocacy…

Control of the amplifications of large-band amplitude-modulated pulses in an Nd-glass amplifier chain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Videau, Laurent; Bar, Emmanuel; Rouyer, Claude; Gouedard, Claude; Garnier, Josselin C.; Migus, Arnold

1999-07-01

We study nonlinear effects in amplification of partially coherent pulses in a high power laser chain. We compare statistical models with experimental results for temporal and spatial effects. First we show the interplay between self-phase modulation which broadens spectrum bandwidth and gain narrowing which reduces output spectrum. Theoretical results are presented for spectral broadening and energy limitation in case of time-incoherent pulses. In a second part, we introduce spatial incoherence with a multimode optical fiber which provides a smoothed beam. We show with experimental result that spatial filter pinholes are responsible for additive energy losses in the amplification. We develop a statistical model which takes into account the deformation of the focused beam as a function of B integral. We estimate the energy transmission of the spatial filter pinholes and compare this model with experimental data. We find a good agreement between theory and experiments. As a conclusion, we present an analogy between temporal and spatial effects with spectral broadening and spectral filter. Finally, we propose some solutions to control energy limitations in smoothed pulses amplification.

Coherent signal amplification in bistable nanomechanical oscillators by stochastic resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badzey, Robert L.; Mohanty, Pritiraj

2005-10-01

Stochastic resonance is a counterintuitive concept: the addition of noise to a noisy system induces coherent amplification of its response. First suggested as a mechanism for the cyclic recurrence of ice ages, stochastic resonance has been seen in a wide variety of macroscopic physical systems: bistable ring lasers, superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), magnetoelastic ribbons and neurophysiological systems such as the receptors in crickets and crayfish. Although fundamentally important as a mechanism of coherent signal amplification, stochastic resonance has yet to be observed in nanoscale systems. Here we report the observation of stochastic resonance in bistable nanomechanical silicon oscillators. Our nanomechanical systems consist of beams that are clamped at each end and driven into transverse oscillation with the use of a radiofrequency source. Modulation of the source induces controllable switching of the beams between two stable, distinct states. We observe that the addition of white noise causes a marked amplification of the signal strength. Stochastic resonance in nanomechanical systems could have a function in the realization of controllable high-speed nanomechanical memory cells, and paves the way for exploring macroscopic quantum coherence and tunnelling.

Carrier-envelope phase stabilization and control using a transmission grating compressor and an AOPDF.

PubMed

Canova, Lorenzo; Chen, Xiaowei; Trisorio, Alexandre; Jullien, Aurélie; Assion, Andreas; Tempea, Gabriel; Forget, Nicolas; Oksenhendler, Thomas; Lopez-Martens, Rodrigo

2009-05-01

Carrier-envelope phase (CEP) stabilization of a femtosecond chirped-pulse amplification system featuring a compact transmission grating compressor is demonstrated. The system includes two amplification stages and routinely generates phase-stable (approximately 250 mrad rms) 2 mJ, 25 fs pulses at 1 kHz. Minimizing the optical pathway in the compressor enables phase stabilization without feedback control of the grating separation or beam pointing. We also demonstrate for the first time to the best of our knowledge, out-of-loop control of the CEP using an acousto-optic programmable dispersive filter inside the laser chain.

An isothermal amplification reactor with an integrated isolation membrane for point-of-care detection of infectious diseases

PubMed Central

Liu, Changchun; Geva, Eran; Mauk, Michael; Qiu, Xianbo; Abrams, William R.; Malamud, Daniel; Curtis, Kelly; Owen, S. Michele; Bau, Haim H.

2015-01-01

A simple, point of care, inexpensive, disposable cassette for the detection of nucleic acids extracted from pathogens was designed, constructed, and tested. The cassette utilizes a single reaction chamber for isothermal amplification of nucleic acids. The chamber is equipped with an integrated, flow-through, Flinders Technology Associates (Whatman FTA®) membrane for the isolation, concentration, and purification of DNA and/or RNA. The nucleic acids captured by the membrane are used directly as templates for amplification without elution, thus simplifying the cassette’s flow control. The FTA membrane also serves another critical role—enabling the removal of inhibitors that dramatically reduce detection sensitivity. Thermal control is provided with a thin film heater external to the cassette. The amplification process was monitored in real time with a portable, compact fluorescent reader. The utility of the integrated, single-chamber cassette was demonstrated by detecting the presence of HIV-1 in oral fluids. The HIV RNA was reverse transcribed and subjected to loop-mediated, isothermal amplification (LAMP). A detection limit of less than 10 HIV particles was demonstrated. The cassette is particularly suitable for resource poor regions, where funds and trained personnel are in short supply. The cassette can be readily modified to detect nucleic acids associated with other pathogens borne in saliva, urine, and other body fluids as well as in water and food. PMID:21455542

An isothermal amplification reactor with an integrated isolation membrane for point-of-care detection of infectious diseases.

PubMed

Liu, Changchun; Geva, Eran; Mauk, Michael; Qiu, Xianbo; Abrams, William R; Malamud, Daniel; Curtis, Kelly; Owen, S Michele; Bau, Haim H

2011-05-21

A simple, point of care, inexpensive, disposable cassette for the detection of nucleic acids extracted from pathogens was designed, constructed, and tested. The cassette utilizes a single reaction chamber for isothermal amplification of nucleic acids. The chamber is equipped with an integrated, flow-through, Flinders Technology Associates (Whatman FTA®) membrane for the isolation, concentration, and purification of DNA and/or RNA. The nucleic acids captured by the membrane are used directly as templates for amplification without elution, thus simplifying the cassette's flow control. The FTA membrane also serves another critical role-enabling the removal of inhibitors that dramatically reduce detection sensitivity. Thermal control is provided with a thin film heater external to the cassette. The amplification process was monitored in real time with a portable, compact fluorescent reader. The utility of the integrated, single-chamber cassette was demonstrated by detecting the presence of HIV-1 in oral fluids. The HIV RNA was reverse transcribed and subjected to loop-mediated, isothermal amplification (LAMP). A detection limit of less than 10 HIV particles was demonstrated. The cassette is particularly suitable for resource poor regions, where funds and trained personnel are in short supply. The cassette can be readily modified to detect nucleic acids associated with other pathogens borne in saliva, urine, and other body fluids as well as in water and food.

A self-heating cartridge for molecular diagnostics.

PubMed

Liu, Changchun; Mauk, Michael G; Hart, Robert; Qiu, Xianbo; Bau, Haim H

2011-08-21

A disposable, water-activated, self-heating, easy-to-use, polymeric cartridge for isothermal nucleic acid amplification and visual fluorescent detection of the amplification products is described. The device is self-contained and does not require any special instruments to operate. The cartridge integrates chemical, water-triggered, exothermic heating with temperature regulation facilitated with a phase-change material (PCM) and isothermal nucleic acid amplification. The water flows into the exothermic reactor by wicking through a porous paper. The porous paper's characteristics control the rate of water supply, which in turn controls the rate of exothermic reaction. The PCM material enables the cartridge to maintain a desired temperature independent of ambient temperatures in the range between 20 °C and 40 °C. The utility of the cartridge is demonstrated by amplifying and detecting Escherichia coli DNA with loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The device can detect consistently as few as 10 target molecules in the sample. With proper modifications, the cartridge also can work with other isothermal nucleic acid amplification technologies for detecting nucleic acids associated with various pathogens borne in blood, saliva, urine, and other body fluids as well as in water and food. The device is suitable for use at home, in the field, and in poor-resource settings, where access to sophisticated laboratories is impractical, unaffordable, or nonexistent. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011

Nuclease-resistant double-stranded DNA controls or standards for hepatitis B virus nucleic acid amplification assays

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Background Identical blood samples tested using different kits can give markedly different hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels, which can cause difficulty in the interpretation of viral load. A universal double-stranded DNA control or standard that can be used in all commercial HBV DNA nucleic acid amplification assay kits is urgently needed. By aligning all HBV genotypes (A-H), we found that the surface antigen gene and precore-core gene regions of HBV are the most conserved regions among the different HBV genotypes. We constructed a chimeric fragment by overlapping extension polymerase chain reaction and obtained a 1,349-bp HBVC+S fragment. We then packaged the fragment into lambda phages using a traditional lambda phage cloning procedure. Results The obtained armored DNA was resistant to DNase I digestion and was stable, noninfectious to humans, and could be easily extracted using commercial kits. More importantly, the armored DNA may be used with all HBV DNA nucleic acid amplification assay kits. Conclusions The lambda phage packaging system can be used as an excellent expression platform for armored DNA. The obtained armored DNA possessed all characteristics of an excellent positive control or standard. In addition, this armored DNA is likely to be appropriate for all commercial HBV DNA nucleic acid amplification detection kits. Thus, the constructed armored DNA can probably be used as a universal positive control or standard in HBV DNA assays. PMID:20025781

Tiny Grains Give Huge Gains: Nanocrystal–Based Signal Amplification for Biomolecule Detection

PubMed Central

Tong, Sheng; Ren, Binbin; Zheng, Zhilan; Shen, Han; Bao, Gang

2013-01-01

Nanocrystals, despite their tiny sizes, contain thousands to millions of atoms. Here we show that the large number of atoms packed in each metallic nanocrystal can provide a huge gain in signal amplification for biomolecule detection. We have devised a highly sensitive, linear amplification scheme by integrating the dissolution of bound nanocrystals and metal-induced stoichiometric chromogenesis, and demonstrated that signal amplification is fully defined by the size and atom density of nanocrystals, which can be optimized through well-controlled nanocrystal synthesis. Further, the rich library of chromogenic reactions allows implementation of this scheme in various assay formats, as demonstrated by the iron oxide nanoparticle linked immunosorbent assay (ILISA) and blotting assay developed in this study. Our results indicate that, owing to the inherent simplicity, high sensitivity and repeatability, the nanocrystal based amplification scheme can significantly improve biomolecule quantification in both laboratory research and clinical diagnostics. This novel method adds a new dimension to current nanoparticle-based bioassays. PMID:23659350

The present situation and forecasts of semiconductor elements performance within the microwave range, 1970-1985

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peterson, B.

1978-01-01

The present situation and possible developments over the period 1970-1985 for active semiconductor elements in the microwave range are outlined. After a short historical survey of FT techniques, the following are discussed: Generation, power amplification, amplification of small signals, frequency conversion, detection, electronic signal control and integrated microwave circuits.

Coherent Spin Amplification Using a Beam Splitter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Chengyu; Kumar, Sanjeev; Thomas, Kalarikad; See, Patrick; Farrer, Ian; Ritchie, David; Griffiths, Jonathan; Jones, Geraint; Pepper, Michael

2018-03-01

We report spin amplification using a capacitive beam splitter in n -type GaAs where the spin polarization is monitored via a transverse electron focusing measurement. It is shown that partially spin-polarized current injected by the emitter can be precisely controlled, and the spin polarization associated with it can be amplified by the beam splitter, such that a considerably high spin polarization of around 50% can be obtained. Additionally, the spin remains coherent as shown by the observation of quantum interference. Our results illustrate that spin-polarization amplification can be achieved in materials without strong spin-orbit interaction.

Generating ultra wide low-frequency gap for transverse wave isolation via inertial amplification effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jingru; Li, Sheng

2018-02-01

Low-frequency transverse wave propagation plays a significant role in the out-of-plane vibration control. To efficiently attenuate the propagation of transverse waves at low-frequency range, this letter proposed a new type phononic beam by attaching inertial amplification mechanisms on it. The wave propagation of the beam with enhanced effective inertia is analyzed using the transfer matrix method. It is demonstrated that the low-frequency gap within inertial amplification effects can possess much wider bandwidth than using the local resonance method, thus is more suitable for designing applications to suppress transverse wave propagation.

Communities of Molecules: A Physical Chemistry Module.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeVoe, Howard

This book is one in the series of Interdisciplinary Approaches to Chemistry (IAC) designed to help students discover that chemistry is a lively science and actively used to pursue solutions to the important problems of today. It is expected for students to see how chemistry takes place continuously all around and to readily understand the daily…

Identifying Energy Savings in Water and Wastewater Plants - Indiana

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

None

Since 1976, Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs) administered by the U.S. Department of Energy have supported small and medium-sized American manufacturers to reduce their energy use and improve their productivity and competitiveness. DOE is now offering up to 50 assessments per year at no cost to industrial or municipal water and wastewater plants.

International Advisory Councils and Internationalization of Governance: A Qualitative Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mihut, Georgiana; Altbach, Philip G.; Salmi, Jamil

2016-01-01

This paper discusses the emergence of international advisory councils (IACs) at universities around the world and introduces the concept of internationalization of governance. Global trends in the field of higher education, such as the quest to create world-class universities and advance in global rankings, the rise of new public management, and…

Improving Memory after Interruption: Exploiting Soft Constraints and Manipulating Information Access Cost

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morgan, Phillip L.; Patrick, John; Waldron, Samuel M.; King, Sophia L.; Patrick, Tanya

2009-01-01

Forgetting what one was doing prior to interruption is an everyday problem. The recent soft constraints hypothesis (Gray, Sims, Fu, & Schoelles, 2006) emphasizes the strategic adaptation of information processing strategy to the task environment. It predicts that increasing information access cost (IAC: the time, and physical and mental effort…

75 FR 73026 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Indiana; Clean Air Interstate Rule

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-29

... Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Indiana; Clean Air Interstate Rule AGENCY: Environmental... State Implementation Plan (SIP) under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The State has submitted amendments to the Indiana Administrative Code (IAC), which supplement Indiana's Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR), for which...

Diversity and Periodicity: An Inorganic Chemistry Module.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huheey, James

This book is one in a series of Interdisciplinary Approaches to Chemistry (IAC) designed to help students discover that chemistry is a lively science and actively used to pursue solutions to the important problems of today. It is expected for students to see how chemistry takes place continuously all around and to readily understand the daily…

Identifying Energy Savings in Water and Wastewater Plants - Illinois

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

None

2016-03-01

Since 1976, Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs) administered by the U.S. Department of Energy have supported small and medium-sized American manufacturers to reduce their energy use and improve their productivity and competitiveness. DOE is now offering up to 50 assessments per year at no cost to industrial or municipal water and wastewater plants.

77 FR 73480 - Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-10

... Florence, AZ 85232. 85132. Yavapai Town of Camp Verde The Honorable Bob Town Clerk's http://www.r9map.org... Camp Main Street, Room 040131-102IAC.pdf. Verde, 473 South 102, Camp Verde, Main Street, AZ 86322. Suite 102, Camp Verde, AZ 86322. California: Orange City of Irvine (12- The Honorable 1 Civic Center...

Identifying Energy Savings in Water and Wastewater Plants - Wisconsin

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

None

2016-03-01

Since 1976, Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs) administered by the U.S. Department of Energy have supported small and medium-sized American manufacturers to reduce their energy use and improve their productivity and competitiveness. DOE is now offering up to 50 assessments per year at no cost to industrial or municipal water and wastewater plants.

Identifying Energy Savings in Water and Wastewater Plants - Iowa

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

None

2016-03-01

Since 1976, Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs) administered by the U.S. Department of Energy have supported small and medium-sized American manufacturers to reduce their energy use and improve their productivity and competitiveness. DOE is now offering up to 50 assessments per year at no cost to industrial or municipal water and wastewater plants.

Form and Function: An Organic Chemistry Module.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jarvis, Bruce; Mazzocchi, Paul

This book is one in the series of Interdisciplinary Approaches to Chemistry (IAC) designed to help students discover that chemistry is a lively science and actively used to pursue solutions to the important problems of today. It is expected for students to see how chemistry takes place continuously all around and to readily understand the daily…

[Characterisation of Candida sp. isolated from patients after abdominal surgery].

PubMed

Adámková, V; Vaňková, A; Ulrych, J; Matek, K

2017-01-01

Intraabdominal candidiasis (IAC) is the predominant type of invasive candidiasis after candidemia. The majority of epidemiological studies on Candida are focused only on bloodstream infections. Nevertheless, the role of blood cultures has limited application in patients with abdominal candidiasis. IAC, which includes peritonitis and intraabdominal abscesses, may occur in around 40% of patients following repeat gastrointestinal (GI) surgery or GI perforation. Retrospective analysis of culture isolates of Candida sp. from clinical specimens of patients after abdominal surgery. The study period was from January 1 to October 31, 2016. Our study of 33 patients with findings of Candida sp. from the abdominal cavity found a mortality of 15.2%, the most frequent strain being C. albicans and C. glabrata. All strains of Candida sp. were susceptible to echinocandins. Candida sp. is part of normal microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract and its isolation is often difficult to interpret. Unfortunately, the pathophysiologic importance of Candida isolation from the abdominal space is not completely clear in many clinical situations.Key words: invasive candidiasis intra-abdominal candidiasis laboratory diagnostics.

Interest of the attenuation coefficient in multiparametric high frequency ultrasound investigation of whole blood coagulation process.

PubMed

Callé, Rachel; Plag, Camille; Patat, Frédéric; Ossant, Frédéric

2009-01-01

Previous studies [R. Libgot, F. Ossant, Y. Gruel, P. Lermusiaux, and F. Patat, Proc.-IEEE Utrason. Symp. 4, 2259-2262 (2005); R. Libgot-Calle, F. Ossant, Y. Gruel, P. Lermusiaux, and F. Patat, Ultrasound Med. Biol. 34, 252-264 (2008); F. Ossant, R. Libgot, P. Coupe, P. Lermusiaux, and F. Patat, Proc.-IEEE Ultrason. Symp. 2, 846-849 (2004)] showed the potential of an in vitro high frequency ultrasound (beyond 20 MHz) device to describe the blood clotting process. The parameters were simultaneously estimated in double transmission (DT) with the calculation of the velocity of longitudinal waves and in backscattering (BS) modes with the estimation of the integrated BS coefficient and the effective scatterer size. The aim of the present study was to show how the integrated attenuation coefficient (IAC) assessed in DT mode could provide additional information on this process, especially regarding the fibrin polymerization which is an important part of the coagulation process. A characteristic time t(a) of the variations in IAC that could be linked to fibrin formation was identified.

IAC Standardized Reporting of Breast Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy Cytology.

PubMed

Field, Andrew S; Schmitt, Fernando; Vielh, Philippe

2017-01-01

There have been many changes in the roles of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and core needle biopsy (CNB) in the diagnostic workup of breast lesions in routine breast clinics and in mammographic breast screening programs, as well as changes in the management algorithms utilized and the treatments available, since the NCI consensus on breast FNAB cytology in 1996. A standardized approach will improve training and performance of FNAB and smear-making techniques, and structured reporting will improve the quality and reproducibility of reports across departments, cities and countries providing a basis for quality assurance measures and improving patient care and facilitating research. Linking cytology reports to management algorithms will increase the clinicians' use of FNAB cytology and where appropriate CNB, and enhance the use of ancillary tests for prognostic testing. The IAC recognizes that the local medical infrastructure and resources for breast imaging, biopsy and treatment will influence the diagnostic workup and management of breast disease, but best practice guidelines should be established and modified as required. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Interfacial polymerization for colorimetric labeling of protein expression in cells.

PubMed

Lilly, Jacob L; Sheldon, Phillip R; Hoversten, Liv J; Romero, Gabriela; Balasubramaniam, Vivek; Berron, Brad J

2014-01-01

Determining the location of rare proteins in cells typically requires the use of on-sample amplification. Antibody based recognition and enzymatic amplification is used to produce large amounts of visible label at the site of protein expression, but these techniques suffer from the presence of nonspecific reactivity in the biological sample and from poor spatial control over the label. Polymerization based amplification is a recently developed alternative means of creating an on-sample amplification for fluorescence applications, while not suffering from endogenous labels or loss of signal localization. This manuscript builds upon polymerization based amplification by developing a stable, archivable, and colorimetric mode of amplification termed Polymer Dye Labeling. The basic concept involves an interfacial polymer grown at the site of protein expression and subsequent staining of this polymer with an appropriate dye. The dyes Evans Blue and eosin were initially investigated for colorimetric response in a microarray setting, where both specifically stained polymer films on glass. The process was translated to the staining of protein expression in human dermal fibroblast cells, and Polymer Dye Labeling was specific to regions consistent with desired protein expression. The labeling is stable for over 200 days in ambient conditions and is also compatible with modern mounting medium.

Sensory gain control (amplification) as a mechanism of selective attention: electrophysiological and neuroimaging evidence.

PubMed Central

Hillyard, S A; Vogel, E K; Luck, S J

1998-01-01

Both physiological and behavioral studies have suggested that stimulus-driven neural activity in the sensory pathways can be modulated in amplitude during selective attention. Recordings of event-related brain potentials indicate that such sensory gain control or amplification processes play an important role in visual-spatial attention. Combined event-related brain potential and neuroimaging experiments provide strong evidence that attentional gain control operates at an early stage of visual processing in extrastriate cortical areas. These data support early selection theories of attention and provide a basis for distinguishing between separate mechanisms of attentional suppression (of unattended inputs) and attentional facilitation (of attended inputs). PMID:9770220

[Immuno-affinity chromatographic purification: the study of methods to test citrinin in monascus products by high performance liquid chromatography].

PubMed

Qiu, Wen-qian; Liu, Xiao-xia; Zheng, Kui-cheng; Fu, Wu-sheng

2012-08-01

To establish a method to test citrinin (CIT) in monascus products by immuno-affinity chromatography (IAC)-high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and to detect the content of CIT in monascus products in Fujian province. IAC-HPLC was applied to detect the CIT content in monascus products. The conditions to use HPLC were as follows: C(18) reversed-phase chromatographic column, 150.0 mm×4.6mm×3 µm; mobile phase: the volume ratio of acetonitrile and 0.1% phosphoric acid solution at 65:35; isocratic elution; column temperature: 28°C; flow velocity: 0.8 ml/min; fluorescence detector, excitation wavelength (λ(ex)) was 331 nm and emission wavelength (λ(em)) was 500 nm. The standard curved was established by the linear regression of peak area (Y) to CIT content (X, ng/ml). The accuracy and precision of the method would then be verified. And 32 kinds of monascus products were determined and their color values were compared by this method. The standard curve established in this study was Y = 4634.8X-136.42, r = 1.000; whose limits of detection was 20 µg/kg and the limits of qualification was 64 µg/kg. In the range between 200 and 800 µg/kg, the standard recovery rate was 98.9% - 110.0% (n = 3), and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 0.51% - 1.76%. Out of the 32 samples, CIT was detected from 11 samples of monascus rice, 9 samples of monascus powder and 5 samples of monascus pigments, the content was around 0.212 - 14.500 mg/kg. 4 out of 7 functional monascus samples were detected out CIT, whose content at 0.142 - 0.275 mg/kg. The method to detect CIT in monascus products by IAC-HPLC has been established.

Stereotactic radiosurgery planning of vestibular schwannomas: Is MRI at 3 Tesla geometrically accurate?

PubMed

Schmidt, M A; Wells, E J; Davison, K; Riddell, A M; Welsh, L; Saran, F

2017-02-01

MRI is a mandatory requirement to accurately plan Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) for Vestibular Schwannomas. However, MRI may be distorted due not only to inhomogeneity of the static magnetic field and gradients but also due to susceptibility-induced effects, which are more prominent at higher magnetic fields. We assess geometrical distortions around air spaces and consider MRI protocol requirements for SRS planning at 3 T. Hardware-related distortion and the effect of incorrect shimming were investigated with structured test objects. The magnetic field was mapped over the head on five volunteers to assess susceptibility-related distortion in the naso-oro-pharyngeal cavities (NOPC) and around the internal ear canal (IAC). Hardware-related geometric displacements were found to be less than 0.45 mm within the head volume, after distortion correction. Shimming errors can lead to displacements of up to 4 mm, but errors of this magnitude are unlikely to arise in practice. Susceptibility-related field inhomogeneity was under 3.4 ppm, 2.8 ppm, and 2.7 ppm for the head, NOPC region and IAC region, respectively. For the SRS planning protocol (890 Hz/pixel, approximately 1 mm 3 isotropic), susceptibility-related displacements were less than 0.5 mm (head), and 0.4 mm (IAC and NOPC). Large displacements are possible in MRI examinations undertaken with lower receiver bandwidth values, commonly used in clinical MRI. Higher receiver bandwidth makes the protocol less vulnerable to sub-optimal shimming. The shimming volume and the CT-MR co-registration must be considered jointly. Geometric displacements can be kept under 1 mm in the vicinity of air spaces within the head at 3 T with appropriate setting of the receiver bandwidth, correct shimming and employing distortion correction. © 2017 The Authors. Medical Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Electricity-free amplification and detection for molecular point-of-care diagnosis of HIV-1.

PubMed

Singleton, Jered; Osborn, Jennifer L; Lillis, Lorraine; Hawkins, Kenneth; Guelig, Dylan; Price, Will; Johns, Rachel; Ebels, Kelly; Boyle, David; Weigl, Bernhard; LaBarre, Paul

2014-01-01

In resource-limited settings, the lack of decentralized molecular diagnostic testing and sparse access to centralized medical facilities can present a critical barrier to timely diagnosis, treatment, and subsequent control and elimination of infectious diseases. Isothermal nucleic acid amplification methods, including reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), are well-suited for decentralized point-of-care molecular testing in minimal infrastructure laboratories since they significantly reduce the complexity of equipment and power requirements. Despite reduced complexity, however, there is still a need for a constant heat source to enable isothermal nucleic acid amplification. This requirement poses significant challenges for laboratories in developing countries where electricity is often unreliable or unavailable. To address this need, we previously developed a low-cost, electricity-free heater using an exothermic reaction thermally coupled with a phase change material. This heater achieved acceptable performance, but exhibited considerable variability. Furthermore, as an enabling technology, the heater was an incomplete diagnostic solution. Here we describe a more precise, affordable, and robust heater design with thermal standard deviation <0.5°C at operating temperature, a cost of approximately US$.06 per test for heater reaction materials, and an ambient temperature operating range from 16°C to 30°C. We also pair the heater with nucleic acid lateral flow (NALF)-detection for a visual readout. To further illustrate the utility of the electricity-free heater and NALF-detection platform, we demonstrate sensitive and repeatable detection of HIV-1 with a ß-actin positive internal amplification control from processed sample to result in less than 80 minutes. Together, these elements are building blocks for an electricity-free platform capable of isothermal amplification and detection of a variety of pathogens.

Electricity-Free Amplification and Detection for Molecular Point-of-Care Diagnosis of HIV-1

PubMed Central

Singleton, Jered; Osborn, Jennifer L.; Lillis, Lorraine; Hawkins, Kenneth; Guelig, Dylan; Price, Will; Johns, Rachel; Ebels, Kelly; Boyle, David; Weigl, Bernhard; LaBarre, Paul

2014-01-01

In resource-limited settings, the lack of decentralized molecular diagnostic testing and sparse access to centralized medical facilities can present a critical barrier to timely diagnosis, treatment, and subsequent control and elimination of infectious diseases. Isothermal nucleic acid amplification methods, including reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), are well-suited for decentralized point-of-care molecular testing in minimal infrastructure laboratories since they significantly reduce the complexity of equipment and power requirements. Despite reduced complexity, however, there is still a need for a constant heat source to enable isothermal nucleic acid amplification. This requirement poses significant challenges for laboratories in developing countries where electricity is often unreliable or unavailable. To address this need, we previously developed a low-cost, electricity-free heater using an exothermic reaction thermally coupled with a phase change material. This heater achieved acceptable performance, but exhibited considerable variability. Furthermore, as an enabling technology, the heater was an incomplete diagnostic solution. Here we describe a more precise, affordable, and robust heater design with thermal standard deviation <0.5°C at operating temperature, a cost of approximately US$.06 per test for heater reaction materials, and an ambient temperature operating range from 16°C to 30°C. We also pair the heater with nucleic acid lateral flow (NALF)-detection for a visual readout. To further illustrate the utility of the electricity-free heater and NALF-detection platform, we demonstrate sensitive and repeatable detection of HIV-1 with a ß-actin positive internal amplification control from processed sample to result in less than 80 minutes. Together, these elements are building blocks for an electricity-free platform capable of isothermal amplification and detection of a variety of pathogens. PMID:25426953

A fully disposable and integrated paper-based device for nucleic acid extraction, amplification and detection.

PubMed

Tang, Ruihua; Yang, Hui; Gong, Yan; You, MinLi; Liu, Zhi; Choi, Jane Ru; Wen, Ting; Qu, Zhiguo; Mei, Qibing; Xu, Feng

2017-03-29

Nucleic acid testing (NAT) has been widely used for disease diagnosis, food safety control and environmental monitoring. At present, NAT mainly involves nucleic acid extraction, amplification and detection steps that heavily rely on large equipment and skilled workers, making the test expensive, time-consuming, and thus less suitable for point-of-care (POC) applications. With advances in paper-based microfluidic technologies, various integrated paper-based devices have recently been developed for NAT, which however require off-chip reagent storage, complex operation steps and equipment-dependent nucleic acid amplification, restricting their use for POC testing. To overcome these challenges, we demonstrate a fully disposable and integrated paper-based sample-in-answer-out device for NAT by integrating nucleic acid extraction, helicase-dependent isothermal amplification and lateral flow assay detection into one paper device. This simple device allows on-chip dried reagent storage and equipment-free nucleic acid amplification with simple operation steps, which could be performed by untrained users in remote settings. The proposed device consists of a sponge-based reservoir and a paper-based valve for nucleic acid extraction, an integrated battery, a PTC ultrathin heater, temperature control switch and on-chip dried enzyme mix storage for isothermal amplification, and a lateral flow test strip for naked-eye detection. It can sensitively detect Salmonella typhimurium, as a model target, with a detection limit of as low as 10 2 CFU ml -1 in wastewater and egg, and 10 3 CFU ml -1 in milk and juice in about an hour. This fully disposable and integrated paper-based device has great potential for future POC applications in resource-limited settings.

Targeting helicase-dependent amplification products with an electrochemical genosensor for reliable and sensitive screening of genetically modified organisms.

PubMed

Moura-Melo, Suely; Miranda-Castro, Rebeca; de-Los-Santos-Álvarez, Noemí; Miranda-Ordieres, Arturo J; Dos Santos Junior, J Ribeiro; da Silva Fonseca, Rosana A; Lobo-Castañón, Maria Jesús

2015-08-18

Cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their use in food and feed is constantly expanding; thus, the question of informing consumers about their presence in food has proven of significant interest. The development of sensitive, rapid, robust, and reliable methods for the detection of GMOs is crucial for proper food labeling. In response, we have experimentally characterized the helicase-dependent isothermal amplification (HDA) and sequence-specific detection of a transgene from the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus 35S Promoter (CaMV35S), inserted into most transgenic plants. HDA is one of the simplest approaches for DNA amplification, emulating the bacterial replication machinery, and resembling PCR but under isothermal conditions. However, it usually suffers from a lack of selectivity, which is due to the accumulation of spurious amplification products. To improve the selectivity of HDA, which makes the detection of amplification products more reliable, we have developed an electrochemical platform targeting the central sequence of HDA copies of the transgene. A binary monolayer architecture is built onto a thin gold film where, upon the formation of perfect nucleic acid duplexes with the amplification products, these are enzyme-labeled and electrochemically transduced. The resulting combined system increases genosensor detectability up to 10(6)-fold, allowing Yes/No detection of GMOs with a limit of detection of ∼30 copies of the CaMV35S genomic DNA. A set of general utility rules in the design of genosensors for detection of HDA amplicons, which may assist in the development of point-of-care tests, is also included. The method provides a versatile tool for detecting nucleic acids with extremely low abundance not only for food safety control but also in the diagnostics and environmental control areas.

System for portable nucleic acid testing in low resource settings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Hsiang-Wei; Roskos, Kristina; Hickerson, Anna I.; Carey, Thomas; Niemz, Angelika

2013-03-01

Our overall goal is to enable timely diagnosis of infectious diseases through nucleic acid testing at the point-of-care and in low resource settings, via a compact system that integrates nucleic acid sample preparation, isothermal DNA amplification, and nucleic acid lateral flow (NALF) detection. We herein present an interim milestone, the design of the amplification and detection subsystem, and the characterization of thermal and fluidic control and assay execution within this system. Using an earlier prototype of the amplification and detection unit, comprised of a disposable cartridge containing flexible pouches, passive valves, and electrolysis-driven pumps, in conjunction with a small heater, we have demonstrated successful execution of an established and clinically validated isothermal loop-mediated amplification (LAMP) reaction targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) DNA, coupled to NALF detection. The refined design presented herein incorporates miniaturized and integrated electrolytic pumps, novel passive valves, overall design changes to facilitate integration with an upstream sample preparation unit, and a refined instrument design that automates pumping, heating, and timing. Nucleic acid amplification occurs in a two-layer pouch that facilitates fluid handling and appropriate thermal control. The disposable cartridge is manufactured using low-cost and scalable techniques and forms a closed system to prevent workplace contamination by amplicons. In a parallel effort, we are developing a sample preparation unit based on similar design principles, which performs mechanical lysis of mycobacteria and DNA extraction from liquefied and disinfected sputum. Our next step is to combine sample preparation, amplification, and detection in a final integrated cartridge and device, to enable fully automated sample-in to answer-out diagnosis of active tuberculosis in primary care facilities of low-resource and high-burden countries.

Influence of spatial beam inhomogeneities on the parameters of a petawatt laser system based on multi-stage parametric amplification

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

Frolov, S A; Trunov, V I; Pestryakov, Efim V

2013-05-31

We have developed a technique for investigating the evolution of spatial inhomogeneities in high-power laser systems based on multi-stage parametric amplification. A linearised model of the inhomogeneity development is first devised for parametric amplification with the small-scale self-focusing taken into account. It is shown that the application of this model gives the results consistent (with high accuracy and in a wide range of inhomogeneity parameters) with the calculation without approximations. Using the linearised model, we have analysed the development of spatial inhomogeneities in a petawatt laser system based on multi-stage parametric amplification, developed at the Institute of Laser Physics, Siberianmore » Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ILP SB RAS). (control of laser radiation parameters)« less

Error amplification to promote motor learning and motivation in therapy robotics.

PubMed

Shirzad, Navid; Van der Loos, H F Machiel

2012-01-01

To study the effects of different feedback error amplification methods on a subject's upper-limb motor learning and affect during a point-to-point reaching exercise, we developed a real-time controller for a robotic manipulandum. The reaching environment was visually distorted by implementing a thirty degrees rotation between the coordinate systems of the robot's end-effector and the visual display. Feedback error amplification was provided to subjects as they trained to learn reaching within the visually rotated environment. Error amplification was provided either visually or through both haptic and visual means, each method with two different amplification gains. Subjects' performance (i.e., trajectory error) and self-reports to a questionnaire were used to study the speed and amount of adaptation promoted by each error amplification method and subjects' emotional changes. We found that providing haptic and visual feedback promotes faster adaptation to the distortion and increases subjects' satisfaction with the task, leading to a higher level of attentiveness during the exercise. This finding can be used to design a novel exercise regimen, where alternating between error amplification methods is used to both increase a subject's motor learning and maintain a minimum level of motivational engagement in the exercise. In future experiments, we will test whether such exercise methods will lead to a faster learning time and greater motivation to pursue a therapy exercise regimen.

Amplification of the EGFR gene can be maintained and modulated by variation of EGF concentrations in in vitro models of glioblastoma multiforme

PubMed Central

Mokri, Poroshista; Lamp, Nora; Linnebacher, Michael; Classen, Carl Friedrich; Erbersdobler, Andreas; Schneider, Björn

2017-01-01

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and lethal brain tumor in adults. It is known that amplification of the epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR) occurs in approximately 40% of GBM, leading to enhanced activation of the EGFR signaling pathway and promoting tumor growth. Although GBM mutations are stably maintained in GBM in vitro models, rapid loss of EGFR gene amplification is a common observation during cell culture. To maintain EGFR amplification in vitro, heterotopic GBM xenografts with elevated EGFR copy number were cultured under varying serum conditions and EGF concentrations. EGFR copy numbers were assessed over several passages by quantitative PCR and chromogenic in situ hybridization. As expected, in control assays with 10% FCS, cells lost EGFR amplification with increasing passage numbers. However, cells cultured under serum free conditions stably maintained elevated copy numbers. Furthermore, EGFR protein expression positively correlated with genomic amplification levels. Although elevated EGFR copy numbers could be maintained over several passages in vitro, levels of EGFR amplification were variable and dependent on the EGF concentration in the medium. In vitro cultures of GBM cells with elevated EGFR copy number and corresponding EGFR protein expression should prove valuable preclinical tools to gain a better understanding of EGFR driven glioblastoma and assist in the development of new improved therapies. PMID:28934307

Spin noise amplification and giant noise in optical microcavity

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

Ryzhov, I. I.; Poltavtsev, S. V.; Kozlov, G. G.

2015-06-14

When studying the spin-noise-induced fluctuations of Kerr rotation in a quantum-well microcavity, we have found a dramatic increase of the noise signal (by more than two orders of magnitude) in the vicinity of anti-crossing of the polariton branches. The effect is explained by nonlinear optical instability of the microcavity giving rise to the light-power-controlled amplification of the polarization noise signal. In the framework of the developed model of built-in amplifier, we also interpret the nontrivial spectral and intensity-related properties of the observed noise signal below the region of anti-crossing of polariton branches. The discovered effect of optically controllable amplification ofmore » broadband polarization signals in microcavities in the regime of optical instability may be of interest for detecting weak oscillations of optical anisotropy in fundamental research and for other applications in optical information processing.« less

The Las Vegas Valley Seismic Response Project: Ground Motions in Las Vegas Valley from Nuclear Explosions at the Nevada Test Site

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

Rodgers, A; Tkalcic, H; McCallen, D

2005-03-18

Between 2001-2004 the Las Vegas Seismic Response Project has sought to understand the response of Las Vegas Valley (LVV) to seismic excitation. In this study, the author report the findings of this project with an emphasis on ground motions in LVV from nuclear explosions at the Nevada Test Site (NTS). These ground motions are used to understand building structural response and damage as well as human perception. Historical nuclear explosion observations are augmented with earthquake recordings from a temporary deployment of seismometers to improve spatial coverage of LVV. The nuclear explosions were conducted between 1968 and 1989 and were recordedmore » at various sites within Las Vegas. The data from past nuclear tests were used to constrain ground motions in LVV and to gain a predictive capability of ground motions for possible future nuclear tests at NTS. Analysis of ground motion data includes peak ground motions (accelerations and velocities) and amplification of basin sites relative to hard rock sites (site response). Site response was measured with the Standard Spectral Ratios (SSR) technique relative to hard rock reference sites on the periphery of LVV. The site response curves indicate a strong basin amplification of up to a factor of ten at frequencies between 0.5-2 Hz. Amplifications are strongest in the central and northern portions of LVV, where the basin is deeper than 1 km based on the reported basin depths of Langenheim et al (2001a). They found a strong correlation between amplification and basin depth and shallow shear wave velocities. Amplification below 1 Hz is strongly controlled by slowness-averaged shear velocities to depths of 30 and 100 meters. Depth averaged shear velocities to 10 meters has modest control of amplifications between 1-3 Hz. Modeling reveals that low velocity material in the shallow layers (< 200 m) effectively controls amplification. They developed a method to scale nuclear explosion ground motion time series to sites around LVV that have no historical record of explosions. The method is also used to scale nuclear explosion ground motions to different yields. They also present a range of studies to understand basin structure and response performed on data from the temporary deployment.« less

chipPCR: an R package to pre-process raw data of amplification curves.

PubMed

Rödiger, Stefan; Burdukiewicz, Michał; Schierack, Peter

2015-09-01

Both the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and quantitative isothermal amplification (qIA) are standard methods for nucleic acid quantification. Numerous real-time read-out technologies have been developed. Despite the continuous interest in amplification-based techniques, there are only few tools for pre-processing of amplification data. However, a transparent tool for precise control of raw data is indispensable in several scenarios, for example, during the development of new instruments. chipPCR is an R: package for the pre-processing and quality analysis of raw data of amplification curves. The package takes advantage of R: 's S4 object model and offers an extensible environment. chipPCR contains tools for raw data exploration: normalization, baselining, imputation of missing values, a powerful wrapper for amplification curve smoothing and a function to detect the start and end of an amplification curve. The capabilities of the software are enhanced by the implementation of algorithms unavailable in R: , such as a 5-point stencil for derivative interpolation. Simulation tools, statistical tests, plots for data quality management, amplification efficiency/quantification cycle calculation, and datasets from qPCR and qIA experiments are part of the package. Core functionalities are integrated in GUIs (web-based and standalone shiny applications), thus streamlining analysis and report generation. http://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/chipPCR. Source code: https://github.com/michbur/chipPCR. stefan.roediger@b-tu.de Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

A generalized leaky FxLMS algorithm for tuning the waterbed effect of feedback active noise control systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Lifu; Qiu, Xiaojun; Guo, Yecai

2018-06-01

To tune the noise amplification in the feedback system caused by the waterbed effect effectively, an adaptive algorithm is proposed in this paper by replacing the scalar leaky factor of the leaky FxLMS algorithm with a real symmetric Toeplitz matrix. The elements in the matrix are calculated explicitly according to the noise amplification constraints, which are defined based on a simple but efficient method. Simulations in an ANC headphone application demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can adjust the frequency band of noise amplification more effectively than the FxLMS algorithm and the leaky FxLMS algorithm.

The Heart of Matter: A Nuclear Chemistry Module.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Viola, Vic

This book is one in a series of Interdisciplinary Approaches to Chemistry (IAC) designed to help students discover that chemistry is a lively science and actively used to pursue solutions to the important problems of today. It is expected for students to see how chemistry takes place continuously all around and to readily understand the daily…

Feasibility Survey of Pilot Prevention and Health Intervention Strategies Management Information Analysis Center (PRHISM-IAC)

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-01

Health Last Name: Belk City: San Diego First Name: William F. Col State: CA Phone Number: (208)526-1596 Zip: 92182 Address: 2619 Balboa Dr. City: Idaho ...Lowell A. Col Last Name: Santana Address: 1365 Tammany Creek Road First Name: Frederick Dr. City: Lewiston Phone Number: 202-427-5365 State: ID Company

Analysis of electricity consumption: a study in the wood products industry

Treesearch

Henry Quesada-Pineda; Jan Wiedenbeck; Brian Bond

2016-01-01

This paper evaluates the effect of industry segment, year, and US region on electricity consumption per employee, per dollar sales, and per square foot of plant area for wood products industries. Data was extracted from the Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) database and imported into MS Excel. The extracted dataset was examined for outliers and abnormalities with...

77 FR 33659 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Illinois; Consumer Products and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-07

....205 contain errors in the VOC limits listed for aerosol- and non aerosol-based antiperspirants and... antiperspirants when there should be both a high- and medium-volatility limit for this category. 35 IAC 233.205(a)(6)(B) erroneously provides two medium-volatility VOC limits for non aerosol-based antiperspirants...

Development System for Flexible Assembly System.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-02-01

in( tho .Iho Iacli: that is, the estimated so’arae hows extrene senisitivity t Ihe t’rr ,f ,rii It: input angles in the vacinity of a pole. These...investigating is to prerotate the world frame so that none of the uncertain transformations have nominal angles in the vacinity of a pole. 17 %% ’ ,’f

Heritability of agronomic traits correlated with reduced stink bug damage in an F2:3 soybean population derived from IAC-100

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In Brazil, some of the most important insect pests causing damage to soybean (Glycine max) are stink bugs. Soybean production would increase if varieties with enhanced resistance were developed. The aim of this work was to examine different traits associated with plant development, and yield-related...

Buildings News | Buildings | NREL

Science.gov Websites

contributions to NREL and the larger scientific community. March 30, 2018 Q&A with Sheila Hayter: Laying the Applications Center (IAC), leading a team of experts who support international, federal, state, and local Release: NREL Research Determines Integration of Plug-in Electric Vehicles Should Play a Big Role in

MDM2 copy numbers in well-differentiated and dedifferentiated liposarcoma: characterizing progression to high-grade tumors.

PubMed

Ware, Patrick L; Snow, Anthony N; Gvalani, Maya; Pettenati, Mark J; Qasem, Shadi A

2014-03-01

MDM2 gene amplification is associated with well-differentiated (WDL) and dedifferentiated liposarcomas (DDL). Using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), we sought to characterize various patterns of MDM2 amplification among the morphologic spectrum of liposarcoma. Forty-six cases of liposarcoma in various sites were examined and included 22 WDLs, 14 DLLs, and 10 negative control subjects. The MDM2 amplification ratio (MDM2/CEP12) was lower in WDL (10.2) compared with DDL (18.3) cases (P = .0000002). An amplification ratio of 16 showed optimal sensitivity (0.86) and specificity (0.96) as a cutoff point for progression to DDL. Borderline areas, defined as tumors with increased cellularity and atypia but with preserved lipomatous differentiation, showed a significantly higher MDM2 ratio (17.5; P = .0007) compared with WDL. Central (retroperitoneal and intra-abdominal) tumors also showed a significantly higher MDM2 ratio than peripheral ones (P = .02). Differences in MDM2 amplification profiles among liposarcomas could help further define and predict progression to high-grade neoplasia.

Multi-chamber nucleic acid amplification and detection device

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

Dugan, Lawrence

A nucleic acid amplification and detection device includes an amplification cartridge with a plurality of reaction chambers for containing an amplification reagent and a visual detection reagent, and a plurality of optically transparent view ports for viewing inside the reaction chambers. The cartridge also includes a sample receiving port which is adapted to receive a fluid sample and fluidically connected to distribute the fluid sample to the reaction chamber, and in one embodiment, a plunger is carried by the cartridge for occluding fluidic communication to the reaction chambers. The device also includes a heating apparatus having a heating element whichmore » is activated by controller to generate heat when a trigger event is detected. The heating apparatus includes a cartridge-mounting section which positioned a cartridge in thermal communication with the heating element so that visual changes to the contents of the reaction chambers are viewable through the view ports.« less

Simple Approaches to Minimally-Instrumented, Microfluidic-Based Point-of-Care Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests

PubMed Central

Mauk, Michael G.; Song, Jinzhao; Liu, Changchun; Bau, Haim H.

2018-01-01

Designs and applications of microfluidics-based devices for molecular diagnostics (Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests, NAATs) in infectious disease testing are reviewed, with emphasis on minimally instrumented, point-of-care (POC) tests for resource-limited settings. Microfluidic cartridges (‘chips’) that combine solid-phase nucleic acid extraction; isothermal enzymatic nucleic acid amplification; pre-stored, paraffin-encapsulated lyophilized reagents; and real-time or endpoint optical detection are described. These chips can be used with a companion module for separating plasma from blood through a combined sedimentation-filtration effect. Three reporter types: Fluorescence, colorimetric dyes, and bioluminescence; and a new paradigm for end-point detection based on a diffusion-reaction column are compared. Multiplexing (parallel amplification and detection of multiple targets) is demonstrated. Low-cost detection and added functionality (data analysis, control, communication) can be realized using a cellphone platform with the chip. Some related and similar-purposed approaches by others are surveyed. PMID:29495424

Detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) using isothermal amplification of target DNA sequences.

PubMed

Lee, David; La Mura, Maurizio; Allnutt, Theo R; Powell, Wayne

2009-02-02

The most common method of GMO detection is based upon the amplification of GMO-specific DNA amplicons using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Here we have applied the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method to amplify GMO-related DNA sequences, 'internal' commonly-used motifs for controlling transgene expression and event-specific (plant-transgene) junctions. We have tested the specificity and sensitivity of the technique for use in GMO studies. Results show that detection of 0.01% GMO in equivalent background DNA was possible and dilutions of template suggest that detection from single copies of the template may be possible using LAMP. This work shows that GMO detection can be carried out using LAMP for routine screening as well as for specific events detection. Moreover, the sensitivity and ability to amplify targets, even with a high background of DNA, here demonstrated, highlights the advantages of this isothermal amplification when applied for GMO detection.

Interfacial Polymerization for Colorimetric Labeling of Protein Expression in Cells

PubMed Central

Lilly, Jacob L.; Sheldon, Phillip R.; Hoversten, Liv J.; Romero, Gabriela; Balasubramaniam, Vivek; Berron, Brad J.

2014-01-01

Determining the location of rare proteins in cells typically requires the use of on-sample amplification. Antibody based recognition and enzymatic amplification is used to produce large amounts of visible label at the site of protein expression, but these techniques suffer from the presence of nonspecific reactivity in the biological sample and from poor spatial control over the label. Polymerization based amplification is a recently developed alternative means of creating an on-sample amplification for fluorescence applications, while not suffering from endogenous labels or loss of signal localization. This manuscript builds upon polymerization based amplification by developing a stable, archivable, and colorimetric mode of amplification termed Polymer Dye Labeling. The basic concept involves an interfacial polymer grown at the site of protein expression and subsequent staining of this polymer with an appropriate dye. The dyes Evans Blue and eosin were initially investigated for colorimetric response in a microarray setting, where both specifically stained polymer films on glass. The process was translated to the staining of protein expression in human dermal fibroblast cells, and Polymer Dye Labeling was specific to regions consistent with desired protein expression. The labeling is stable for over 200 days in ambient conditions and is also compatible with modern mounting medium. PMID:25536421

Helicase-dependent isothermal amplification: a novel tool in the development of molecular-based analytical systems for rapid pathogen detection.

PubMed

Barreda-García, Susana; Miranda-Castro, Rebeca; de-Los-Santos-Álvarez, Noemí; Miranda-Ordieres, Arturo J; Lobo-Castañón, María Jesús

2018-01-01

Highly sensitive testing of nucleic acids is essential to improve the detection of pathogens, which pose a major threat for public health worldwide. Currently available molecular assays, mainly based on PCR, have a limited utility in point-of-need control or resource-limited settings. Consequently, there is a strong interest in developing cost-effective, robust, and portable platforms for early detection of these harmful microorganisms. Since its description in 2004, isothermal helicase-dependent amplification (HDA) has been successfully applied in the development of novel molecular-based technologies for rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of viruses and bacteria. In this review, we highlight relevant analytical systems using this simple nucleic acid amplification methodology that takes place at a constant temperature and that is readily compatible with microfluidic technologies. Different strategies for monitoring HDA amplification products are described. In addition, we present technological advances for integrating sample preparation, HDA amplification, and detection. Future perspectives and challenges toward point-of-need use not only for clinical diagnosis but also in food safety testing and environmental monitoring are also discussed. Graphical Abstract Expanding the analytical toolbox for the detection of DNA sequences specific of pathogens with isothermal helicase dependent amplification (HDA).

Identification of Genetic Elements Associated with EPSPS Gene Amplification

PubMed Central

Gaines, Todd A.; Wright, Alice A.; Molin, William T.; Lorentz, Lothar; Riggins, Chance W.; Tranel, Patrick J.; Beffa, Roland; Westra, Philip; Powles, Stephen B.

2013-01-01

Weed populations can have high genetic plasticity and rapid responses to environmental selection pressures. For example, 100-fold amplification of the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene evolved in the weed species Amaranthus palmeri to confer resistance to glyphosate, the world’s most important herbicide. However, the gene amplification mechanism is unknown. We sequenced the EPSPS gene and genomic regions flanking EPSPS loci in A. palmeri, and searched for mobile genetic elements or repetitive sequences. The EPSPS gene was 10,229 bp, containing 8 exons and 7 introns. The gene amplification likely proceeded through a DNA-mediated mechanism, as introns exist in the amplified gene copies and the entire amplified sequence is at least 30 kb in length. Our data support the presence of two EPSPS loci in susceptible (S) A. palmeri, and that only one of these was amplified in glyphosate-resistant (R) A. palmeri. The EPSPS gene amplification event likely occurred recently, as no sequence polymorphisms were found within introns of amplified EPSPS copies from R individuals. Sequences with homology to miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements (MITEs) were identified next to EPSPS gene copies only in R individuals. Additionally, a putative Activator (Ac) transposase and a repetitive sequence region were associated with amplified EPSPS genes. The mechanism controlling this DNA-mediated amplification remains unknown. Further investigation is necessary to determine if the gene amplification may have proceeded via DNA transposon-mediated replication, and/or unequal recombination between different genomic regions resulting in replication of the EPSPS gene. PMID:23762434

Cellular and Tumor Radiosensitivity is Correlated to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Protein Expression Level in Tumors Without EGFR Amplification;Epidermal growth factor receptor; Radiotherapy; Squamous cell carcinoma; Biomarker; Local tumor control

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

Kasten-Pisula, Ulla; Saker, Jarob; Eicheler, Wolfgang

2011-07-15

Purpose: There is conflicting evidence for whether the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor in human tumors can be used as a marker of radioresponse. Therefore, this association was studied in a systematic manner using squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines grown as cell cultures and xenografts. Methods and Materials: The study was performed with 24 tumor cell lines of different tumor types, including 10 SCC lines, which were also investigated as xenografts on nude mice. Egfr gene dose and the length of CA-repeats in intron 1 were determined by polymerase chain reaction, protein expression in vitro by Western blotmore » and in vivo by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and radiosensitivity in vitro by colony formation. Data were correlated with previously published tumor control dose 50% data after fractionated irradiation of xenografts of the 10 SCC. Results: EGFR protein expression varies considerably, with most tumor cell lines showing moderate and only few showing pronounced upregulation. EGFR upregulation could only be attributed to massive gene amplification in the latter. In the case of little or no amplification, in vitro EGFR expression correlated with both cellular and tumor radioresponse. In vivo EGFR expression did not show this correlation. Conclusions: Local tumor control after the fractionated irradiation of tumors with little or no gene amplification seems to be dependent on in vitro EGFR via its effect on cellular radiosensitivity.« less

Identification of Clinical Coryneform Bacterial Isolates: Comparison of Biochemical Methods and Sequence Analysis of 16S rRNA and rpoB Genes▿

PubMed Central

Adderson, Elisabeth E.; Boudreaux, Jan W.; Cummings, Jessica R.; Pounds, Stanley; Wilson, Deborah A.; Procop, Gary W.; Hayden, Randall T.

2008-01-01

We compared the relative levels of effectiveness of three commercial identification kits and three nucleic acid amplification tests for the identification of coryneform bacteria by testing 50 diverse isolates, including 12 well-characterized control strains and 38 organisms obtained from pediatric oncology patients at our institution. Between 33.3 and 75.0% of control strains were correctly identified to the species level by phenotypic systems or nucleic acid amplification assays. The most sensitive tests were the API Coryne system and amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene using primers optimized for coryneform bacteria, which correctly identified 9 of 12 control isolates to the species level, and all strains with a high-confidence call were correctly identified. Organisms not correctly identified were species not included in the test kit databases or not producing a pattern of reactions included in kit databases or which could not be differentiated among several genospecies based on reaction patterns. Nucleic acid amplification assays had limited abilities to identify some bacteria to the species level, and comparison of sequence homologies was complicated by the inclusion of allele sequences obtained from uncultivated and uncharacterized strains in databases. The utility of rpoB genotyping was limited by the small number of representative gene sequences that are currently available for comparison. The correlation between identifications produced by different classification systems was poor, particularly for clinical isolates. PMID:18160450

The role of black rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the control of hypercholesterolemia in rats.

PubMed

Salgado, Jocelem Mastrodi; Oliveira, Anderson Giovanni Candido de; Mansi, Débora Niero; Donado-Pestana, Carlos M; Bastos, Candido Ricardo; Marcondes, Fernanda Klein

2010-12-01

Cardiovascular disease is a serious public health problem; it is the first "cause of death" in Brazil and in developed countries. Thus, it is essential to search for alternative sources such as some functional foods to prevent and control the risks of this disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the lipidemic parameters in hypercholesterolemic rats fed diets containing black rice variety IAC 600 or unrefined rice. Adult male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus var. albinos) were used, weighing about 200-220 g. The animals were divided into four groups: the first received a control casein diet, the second received hypercholesterolemic diet, and the other two groups, after induction of hypercholesterolemia, received the test diets, the first containing 20% black rice and the second 20% unrefined, for 30 days. It was observed that diet containing black rice reduced the level of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein. For high-density lipoprotein values, the diet that provided an increase in the levels was the black rice. The diet containing black rice was more effective in controlling the lipidemia in rats compared with the whole rice diet.

Standardisation of polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Salmonella typhi in typhoid fever.

PubMed Central

Chaudhry, R; Laxmi, B V; Nisar, N; Ray, K; Kumar, D

1997-01-01

To improve the diagnosis of Salmonella typhi infection, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed for the amplification of the dH flagellin gene of S typhi. Primers were designed from dH flagellin gene sequence which will give an amplification product of 486 base pairs. In tests to study the specificity of the assay, no amplification was seen in non-salmonella strains or salmonella strains with flagellar gene other than "d". Sensitivity tests determined that 28 pg of S typhi target DNA or 3 x 10(2) target bacteria could be detected by the PCR assay. Subsequently, the PCR technique was used for detection of S typhi in blood or clot cultures from 84 patients clinically suspected of having typhoid fever, and from 20 healthy control subjects. Twenty five of 84 samples from clinically suspected cases were positive by PCR; four of which were culture negative. No amplification was seen in samples from patients who were culture positive for organisms other than S typhi or from controls. The time taken for each sample for PCR analysis was less than 48 hours compared with three to five days for blood or clot culture. PCR appeared to be a promising diagnostic test for typhoid fever. Images PMID:9215131

Thermally multiplexed polymerase chain reaction.

PubMed

Phaneuf, Christopher R; Pak, Nikita; Saunders, D Curtis; Holst, Gregory L; Birjiniuk, Joav; Nagpal, Nikita; Culpepper, Stephen; Popler, Emily; Shane, Andi L; Jerris, Robert; Forest, Craig R

2015-07-01

Amplification of multiple unique genetic targets using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is commonly required in molecular biology laboratories. Such reactions are typically performed either serially or by multiplex PCR. Serial reactions are time consuming, and multiplex PCR, while powerful and widely used, can be prone to amplification bias, PCR drift, and primer-primer interactions. We present a new thermocycling method, termed thermal multiplexing, in which a single heat source is uniformly distributed and selectively modulated for independent temperature control of an array of PCR reactions. Thermal multiplexing allows amplification of multiple targets simultaneously-each reaction segregated and performed at optimal conditions. We demonstrate the method using a microfluidic system consisting of an infrared laser thermocycler, a polymer microchip featuring 1 μl, oil-encapsulated reactions, and closed-loop pulse-width modulation control. Heat transfer modeling is used to characterize thermal performance limitations of the system. We validate the model and perform two reactions simultaneously with widely varying annealing temperatures (48 °C and 68 °C), demonstrating excellent amplification. In addition, to demonstrate microfluidic infrared PCR using clinical specimens, we successfully amplified and detected both influenza A and B from human nasopharyngeal swabs. Thermal multiplexing is scalable and applicable to challenges such as pathogen detection where patients presenting non-specific symptoms need to be efficiently screened across a viral or bacterial panel.

A FISH-based method for assessment of HER-2 amplification status in breast cancer circulating tumor cells following CellSearch isolation.

PubMed

Frithiof, Henrik; Aaltonen, Kristina; Rydén, Lisa

2016-01-01

Amplification of the HER-2/neu ( HER-2 ) proto-oncogene occurs in 10%-15% of primary breast cancer, leading to an activated HER-2 receptor, augmenting growth of cancer cells. Tumor classification is determined in primary tumor tissue and metastatic biopsies. However, malignant cells tend to alter their phenotype during disease progression. Circulating tumor cell (CTC) analysis may serve as an alternative to repeated biopsies. The Food and Drug Administration-approved CellSearch system allows determination of the HER-2 protein, but not of the HER-2 gene. The aim of this study was to optimize a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)-based method to quantitatively determine HER-2 amplification in breast cancer CTCs following CellSearch-based isolation and verify the method in patient samples. Using healthy donor blood spiked with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2)-positive breast cancer cell lines, SKBr-3 and BT-474, and a corresponding negative control (the HER-2-negative MCF-7 cell line), an in vitro CTC model system was designed. Following isolation in the CellSearch system, CTC samples were further enriched and fixed on microscope slides. Immunocytochemical staining with cytokeratin and 4',6-diamidino-2'-phenylindole dihydrochloride identified CTCs under a fluorescence microscope. A FISH-based procedure was optimized by applying the HER2 IQFISH pharmDx assay for assessment of HER-2 amplification status in breast cancer CTCs. A method for defining the presence of HER-2 amplification in single breast cancer CTCs after CellSearch isolation was established using cell lines as positive and negative controls. The method was validated in blood from breast cancer patients showing that one out of six patients acquired CTC HER-2 amplification during treatment against metastatic disease. HER-2 amplification status of CTCs can be determined following CellSearch isolation and further enrichment. FISH is superior to protein assessment of HER-2 status in predicting response to HER-2-targeted immunotherapy in breast cancer patients. This assay has the potential of identifying patients with a shift in HER-2 status who may benefit from treatment adjustments.

Metals and Ceramics Information Center.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-07-01

Continue on revrse side if necessary and identify by block number) Technical Information Center Ceramics DoD Information Analysis Center Information...Metals and Ceramics Information Center (MCIC) is one of the technical Information Analysis Centers (IACs) chartered and sponsored by the Department of...engineering programs for the DoD. The Center is responsible for the collection, review, analysis , appraisal, and summary of the available scientific and

78 FR 16412 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Indiana; Consent Decree Requirements

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-15

....regulations.gov Web site is an ``anonymous access'' system, which means EPA will not know your identity or...: Throughout this document whenever ``we,'' ``us,'' or ``our'' is used, we mean EPA. This supplementary... Title V of the Clean Air Act (CAA). EPA is also approving 326 IAC 2-7-10.5(k), which requires public...

75 FR 21364 - Investigations Regarding Certifications of Eligibility to Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-23

.../10 73845 Ryder Integrated Logistics Georgetown, KY........ 04/05/10 03/05/10 (State/One-Stop). 73846... Marketing (Company). Monroe, LA 04/06/10 03/30/10 73857 The Marlin Firearms North Haven, CT....... 04/06/10...). 73884 Integrated Silicon San Jose, CA 04/08/10 04/07/10 Solution, Inc. (ISSI) (Company). 73885 IAC...

The Effect of Aging on the Microstructure of Selective Laser Melted Cu-Ni-Si

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ventura, Anthony P.; Marvel, Christopher J.; Pawlikowski, Gregory; Bayes, Martin; Watanabe, Masashi; Vinci, Richard P.; Misiolek, Wojciech Z.

2017-12-01

Precipitation hardening copper alloy C70250 was selectively laser melted to successfully produce components around 98 pct dense with high mechanical strength and electrical conductivity. Aging heat treatments were carried out at 723 K (450 °C) directly on as-printed samples up to 128 hours. Mechanical testing found that peak yield strength of around 590 MPa could be attained with an electrical conductivity of 34.2 pct IACS after 8 hours of aging. Conductivity continues to increase with further aging while the peak strength appears to be less sensitive to aging time exhibiting a broad range of time where near-peak properties exist. After aging for 128 hours, there is a drop in yield strength to 546 MPa with an increase in conductivity to 43.2 pct IACS. Electron microscopy analysis revealed nanometer-scale silicon-rich oxide particles throughout the material that persist during aging. Deformation twinning is observed in the peak-age condition after tensile testing and several strengthening mechanisms appear to be active to varying degrees throughout aging which account for the broad range of aging time where nearly the peak mechanical properties exist.

In vivo quantitative analysis of Talin turnover in response to force

PubMed Central

Hákonardóttir, Guðlaug Katrín; López-Ceballos, Pablo; Herrera-Reyes, Alejandra Donají; Das, Raibatak; Coombs, Daniel; Tanentzapf, Guy

2015-01-01

Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) allows cells to form and maintain three-dimensional tissue architecture. Cell–ECM adhesions are stabilized upon exposure to mechanical force. In this study, we used quantitative imaging and mathematical modeling to gain mechanistic insight into how integrin-based adhesions respond to increased and decreased mechanical forces. A critical means of regulating integrin-based adhesion is provided by modulating the turnover of integrin and its adhesion complex (integrin adhesion complex [IAC]). The turnover of the IAC component Talin, a known mechanosensor, was analyzed using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. Experiments were carried out in live, intact flies in genetic backgrounds that increased or decreased the force applied on sites of adhesion. This analysis showed that when force is elevated, the rate of assembly of new adhesions increases such that cell–ECM adhesion is stabilized. Moreover, under conditions of decreased force, the overall rate of turnover, but not the proportion of adhesion complex components undergoing turnover, increases. Using point mutations, we identify the key functional domains of Talin that mediate its response to force. Finally, by fitting a mathematical model to the data, we uncover the mechanisms that mediate the stabilization of ECM-based adhesion during development. PMID:26446844

Effects of SiC on Properties of Cu-SiC Metal Matrix Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Efe, G. Celebi; Altinsoy, I.; Ipek, M.; Zeytin, S.; Bindal, C.

2011-12-01

This paper was focused on the effects of particle size and distribution on some properties of the SiC particle reinforced Cu composites. Copper powder produced by cementation method was reinforced with SiC particles having 1 and 30 μm particle size and sintered at 700 °C. SEM studies showed that SiC particles dispersed in copper matrix homogenously. The presence of Cu and SiC components in composites were verified by XRD analysis technique. The relative densities of Cu-SiC composites determined by Archimedes' principle are ranged from 96.2% to 90.9% for SiC with 1 μm particle size, 97.0 to 95.0 for SiC with 30 μm particle size. Measured hardness of sintered compacts varied from 130 to 155 HVN for SiC having 1 μm particle size, 188 to 229 HVN for SiC having 1 μm particle size. Maximum electrical conductivity of test materials was obtained as 80.0% IACS (International annealed copper standard) for SiC with 1 μm particle size and 83.0% IACS for SiC with 30 μm particle size.

Antibiosis in Soybean Genotypes and the Resistance Levels to Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

PubMed

Souza, B H S; Silva, A G; Janini, J C; Boica Júnior, A L

2014-12-01

The southern armyworm (SAW) Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) is one of the most common armyworm species defoliating soybeans. Preliminary screening trials have indicated that some soybean genotypes exhibit resistance to SAW. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the development of SAW larvae fed on ten soybean genotypes in order to identify genotypes with antibiosis-type resistance. Neonate SAW larvae were daily fed with young leaves collected from plants at the vegetative growth stages V4-V5. Larval development and survival were recorded. Genotypes PI 227687 and PI 227682 delayed larval, pupal, and larva-adult development and yielded larvae with the lowest weight and survival and pupae with the lowest weight. Genotypes IAC 100 and DM 339 also negatively affected larval and pupal development and larval survival but at a lower level. Based on our results, the soybean lines PI 227687 and PI 227682 could be used as sources of genes for soybean breeding programs aiming to develop high yield, SAW-resistant cultivars. Moreover, further trials must be carried out under field conditions to validate if the commercial cultivars IAC 100 and DM 339, which expressed moderate levels of antibiosis-type resistance in the laboratory, are effective in suppressing SAW larvae populations.

Sex and PRNP genotype determination in preimplantation caprine embryos.

PubMed

Guignot, F; Perreau, C; Cavarroc, C; Touzé, J-L; Pougnard, J-L; Dupont, F; Beckers, J-F; Rémy, B; Babilliot, J-M; Bed'Hom, B; Lamorinière, J M; Mermillod, P; Baril, G

2011-08-01

The objective of this study was to test the accuracy of genotype diagnosis after whole amplification of DNA extracted from biopsies obtained by trimming goat embryos and to evaluate the viability of biopsied embryos after vitrification/warming and transfer. Whole genome amplification (WGA) was performed using Multiple Displacement Amplification (MDA). Sex and prion protein (PRNP) genotypes were determined. Sex diagnosis was carried out by PCR amplification of ZFX/ZFY and Y chromosome-specific sequences. Prion protein genotype determination was performed on codons 142, 154, 211, 222 and 240. Embryos were collected at day 7 after oestrus and biopsied either immediately after collection (blastocysts and expanded blastocysts) or after 24 h of in vitro culture (compacted morulae). Biopsied embryos were frozen by vitrification. Vitrified whole embryos were kept as control. DNA of biopsies was extracted and amplified using MDA. Sex diagnosis was efficient for 97.4% of biopsies and PRNP genotyping was determined in 78.7% of biopsies. After embryo transfer, no significant difference was observed in kidding rate between biopsied and vitrified control embryos, whereas embryo survival rate was different between biopsied and whole vitrified embryos (p = 0.032). At birth, 100% of diagnosed sex and 98.2% of predetermined codons were correct. Offspring PRNP profiles were in agreement with parental genotype. Whole genome amplification with MDA kit coupled with sex diagnosis and PRNP genotype predetermination are very accurate techniques to genotype goat embryos before transfer. These novel results allow us to plan selection of scrapie-resistant genotypes and kid sex before transfer of cryopreserved embryo. © 2010 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Quantification and clinical relevance of gene amplification at chromosome 17q12-q21 in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-amplified breast cancers

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Introduction Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-amplified breast cancers represent a tumor subtype with chromosome 17q rearrangements that lead to frequent gene amplifications. The aim of this study was to quantify the amplification of genes located on chromosome 17q and to analyze the relations between the pattern of gene amplifications and the patients' characteristics and survival. Methods Patients with HER2-positive breast tumors (HER2 score of 3+ by immunohistochemistry or positive for HER2 amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)) (n = 86) and with HER2-negative breast tumors (n = 40) (negative controls) were included in this study. Using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction method and DNA extracted from frozen tumor specimens, 11 genes (MED1, STARD3, HER2, GRB7, THRA, RARA, TOP2A, IGFBP4, CCR7, KRT20, KRT19 and GAS), which are localized within Chr17q12-q21 and have a putative role in breast cancer development, were quantified. Relapse-free and overall survival rates were estimated from the date of surgery to the date of the event of interest (recurrence or death) using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results Gene amplification was observed only in HER2-positive tumors, and the frequency of amplification decreased with the distance of the gene from HER2. HER2 presented the highest level of amplification. TOP2A was not included in the smallest region of amplification involving HER2. Amplification of RARA, KRT20 and KRT19 was significantly associated with node-positive breast cancer (P = 0.030, P = 0.002 and P = 0.033, respectively). During a median follow-up period of 55 months (range, 6 to 81 months), the subgroup of patients with hormone receptor-negative cancer and without TOP2A amplification showed the worst survival (relapse-free survival: hazard ratio (HR) = 0.29, 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.13 to 0.65, P = 0.001; and overall survival: HR = 0.28, 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.76, P = 0.008). Conclusions HER2 amplification seems to drive genomic instability along chromosome 17q, leading to different patterns of gene amplification. This study confirms the clinical importance of identifying, among patients with HER2-positive breast tumors, the subgroup of patients with hormone receptor-negative and nonamplified TOP2A cancers as they have the worst prognosis. PMID:21288332

Real-time isothermal RNA amplification of toxic marine microalgae using preserved reagents on an integrated microfluidic platform.

PubMed

Tsaloglou, Maria-Nefeli; Laouenan, Florian; Loukas, Christos-Moritz; Monsalve, Lisandro Gabriel; Thanner, Christine; Morgan, Hywel; Ruano-López, Jesus M; Mowlem, Matthew C

2013-01-21

Quantitation of specific RNA sequences is a useful technique in marine biology that can elucidate cell abundance, speciation and viability, especially for early detection of harmful algal blooms. We are thus developing an integrated microfluidic system for cell concentration and lysis, RNA extraction/purification and quantitative RNA detection for environmental applications. The portable system is based on a microfluidic cartridge, or "lab-card", using a low-cost injection moulded device, with a laminated lid. Here we present real-time isothermal RNA amplification using reagent master-mixes preserved on-chip in a gel at 4 °C for up to eight months. We demonstrate quantitation by reference to an internal control in a competitive assay with 500 cell equivalents of the toxic microalga Karenia brevis. Annealing of primers, amplification at 41 °C and real-time fluorescence detection of the internal control and target using sequence-specific molecular beacons were all performed on-chip.

Opposing effects of pericentrin and microcephalin on the pericentriolar material regulate CHK1 activation in the DNA damage response.

PubMed

Antonczak, A K; Mullee, L I; Wang, Y; Comartin, D; Inoue, T; Pelletier, L; Morrison, C G

2016-04-14

Genotoxic stresses lead to centrosome amplification, a frequently-observed feature in cancer that may contribute to genome instability and to tumour cell invasion. Here we have explored how the centrosome controls DNA damage responses. For most of the cell cycle, centrosomes consist of two centrioles embedded in the proteinaceous pericentriolar material (PCM). Recent data indicate that the PCM is not an amorphous assembly of proteins, but actually a highly organised scaffold around the centrioles. The large coiled-coil protein, pericentrin, participates in PCM assembly and has been implicated in the control of DNA damage responses (DDRs) through its interactions with checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) and microcephalin (MCPH1). CHK1 is required for DNA damage-induced centrosome amplification, whereas MCPH1 deficiency greatly increases the amplification seen after DNA damage. We found that the PCM showed a marked expansion in volume and a noticeable change in higher-order organisation after ionising radiation treatment. PCM expansion was dependent on CHK1 kinase activity and was potentiated by MCPH1 deficiency. Furthermore, pericentrin deficiency or mutation of a separase cleavage site blocked DNA damage-induced PCM expansion. The extent of nuclear CHK1 activation after DNA damage reflected the level of PCM expansion, with a reduction in pericentrin-deficient or separase cleavage site mutant-expressing cells, and an increase in MCPH1-deficient cells that was suppressed by the loss of pericentrin. Deletion of the nuclear export signal of CHK1 led to its hyperphosphorylation after irradiation and reduced centrosome amplification. Deletion of the nuclear localisation signal led to low CHK1 activation and low centrosome amplification. From these data, we propose a feedback loop from the PCM to the nuclear DDR in which CHK1 regulates pericentrin-dependent PCM expansion to control its own activation.

Amplification of the Gp41 gene for detection of mutations conferring resistance to HIV-1 fusion inhibitors on genotypic assay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanumihardja, J.; Bela, B.

2017-08-01

Fusion inhibitors have potential for future use in HIV control programs in Indonesia, so the capacity to test resistance to such drugs needs to be developed. Resistance-detection with a genotypic assay began with amplification of the target gene, gp41. Based on the sequence of the two most common HIV subtypes in Indonesia, AE and B, a primer pair was designed. Plasma samples containing both subtypes were extracted to obtain HIV RNA. Using PCR, the primer pair was used to produce the amplification product, the identity of which was checked based on length under electrophoresis. Eleven plasma samples were included in this study. One-step PCR using the primer pair was able to amplify gp41 from 54.5% of the samples, and an unspecific amplification product was seen in 1.1% of the samples. Amplification failed in 36.4% of the samples, which may be due to an inappropriate primer sequence. It was also found that the optimal annealing temperature for producing the single expected band was 57.2 °C. With one-step PCR, the designed primer pair amplified the HIV-1 gp41 gene from subtypes AE and B. However, further research should be done to determine the conditions that will increase the sensitivity and specificity of the amplification process.

A Study of Experience Credit for Professional Engineering Licensure

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

Martin, M.A.

2003-08-11

Oak Ridge National Laboratory performed a study of experience credit for professional engineering licensure for the Department of Energy's Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) Program. One of the study's goals was to determine how state licensure boards grant experience credit for engineering licensure, particularly in regards to IAC experience and experience prior to graduation. Another goal involved passing IAC information to state licensure boards to allow the boards to become familiar with the program and determine if they would grant credit to IAC graduates. The National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (NCEES) has adopted a document, the ''Model Law''.more » This document empowers states to create state engineering boards and oversee engineering licensure. The board can also interpret and adopt rules and regulations. The Model Law also gives a general ''process'' for engineering licensure, the ''Model Law Engineer''. The Model Law Engineer requires that an applicant for professional licensure, or professional engineering (PE) licensure, obtain a combination of formal education and professional experience and successfully complete the fundamentals of engineering (FE) and PE exams. The Model Law states that a PE applicant must obtain four years of ''acceptable'' engineering experience after graduation to be allowed to sit for the PE exam. Although the Model Law defines ''acceptable experience,'' it is somewhat open to interpretation, and state boards decide whether applicants have accumulated the necessary amount of experience. The Model Law also allows applicants one year of credit for postgraduate degrees as well as experience credit for teaching courses in engineering. The Model Law grants states the power to adopt and amend the bylaws and rules of the Model Law licensure process. It allows state boards the freedom to modify the experience requirements for professional licensure. This power has created variety in experience requirements, and licensure requirements can differ from state to state. Before this study began, six questions were developed to help document how state boards grant experience credit. Many of the questions were formulated to determine how states deal with teaching experience, postgraduate credit, experience prior to graduation, PE and FE waivers, and the licensure process in general. Data were collected from engineering licensure boards for each of the fifty states and the District of Columbia. Telephone interviews were the primary method of data collection, while email correspondence was also used to a lesser degree. Prior to contacting each board, the researchers attempted to review each state's licensure web site. Based on the data collected, several trends and patterns were identified. For example, there is a general trend away from offering credit for experience prior to graduation. The issue becomes a problem when a PE from one state attempts to gain a license in another state by comity or endorsement. Tennessee and Kansas have recently stopped offering this credit and Mississippi cautions applicants that it could be difficult to obtain licensure in other states.« less

Tunable Fano resonance using weak-value amplification with asymmetric spectral response as a natural pointer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Ankit K.; Ray, Subir K.; Chandel, Shubham; Pal, Semanti; Gupta, Angad; Mitra, P.; Ghosh, N.

2018-05-01

Weak measurement enables faithful amplification and high-precision measurement of small physical parameters and is under intensive investigation as an effective tool in metrology and for addressing foundational questions in quantum mechanics. Here we demonstrate weak-value amplification using the asymmetric spectral response of Fano resonance as the pointer arising naturally in precisely designed metamaterials, namely, waveguided plasmonic crystals. The weak coupling between the polarization degree of freedom and the spectral response of Fano resonance arises due to a tiny shift in the asymmetric spectral response between two orthogonal linear polarizations. By choosing the preselected and postselected polarization states to be nearly mutually orthogonal, we observe both real and imaginary weak-value amplifications manifested as a spectacular shift of the Fano-resonance peak and narrowing (or broadening) of the resonance linewidth, respectively. The remarkable control and tunability of Fano resonance in a single device enabled by weak-value amplification may enhance active Fano-resonance-based applications in the nano-optical domain. In general, weak measurements using Fano-type spectral response broadens the domain of applicability of weak measurements using natural spectral line shapes as a pointer in a wide range of physical systems.

Coherent state amplification using frequency conversion and a single photon source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasture, Sachin

2017-11-01

Quantum state discrimination lies at the heart of quantum communication and quantum cryptography protocols. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) using coherent states and homodyne detection has been shown to be a feasible method for quantum communication over long distances. However, this method is still limited because of optical losses. Noiseless coherent state amplification has been proposed as a way to overcome this. Photon addition using stimulated Spontaneous Parametric Down-conversion followed by photon subtraction has been used as a way to implement amplification. However, this process occurs with very low probability which makes it very difficult to implement cascaded stages of amplification due to dark count probability in the single photon detectors used to herald the addition and subtraction of single photons. We discuss a scheme using the χ (2) and χ (3) optical non-linearity and frequency conversion (sum and difference frequency generation) along with a single photon source to implement photon addition. Unlike the photon addition scheme using SPDC, this scheme allows us to tune the success probability at the cost of reduced amplification. The photon statistics of the converted field can be controlled using the power of the pump field and the interaction time.

Comparison of HER2 gene amplification and KRAS alteration in eyelid sebaceous carcinomas with that in other eyelid tumors.

PubMed

Kwon, Mi Jung; Shin, Hyung Sik; Nam, Eun Sook; Cho, Seong Jin; Lee, Min Joung; Lee, Samuel; Park, Hye-Rim

2015-05-01

Eyelid sebaceous carcinoma (SC) represents a highly aggressive malignancy. Despite the poor prognosis, genetic alterations as potential molecular targets are not available. KRAS mutation and HER2 gene amplification may be candidates related to their genetic alterations. We examined the HER2 and KRAS alteration status in eyelid SCs and compared it with that in other eyelid tumors. The controversial topics of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and p16 expression were also investigated. HER2 amplification was determined by silver in situ hybridization, while immunohistochemistry was performed to study protein expressions in 14 SCs and controls, including 23 other eyelid malignancies and 14 benign tumors. Peptide nucleic acid-mediated PCR clamping and direct sequencing were used to detect KRAS mutations. HER2 protein overexpression was observed in 85.7% (12/14) of the SCs, of which two-thirds showed HER2 gene amplification. HER2 protein overexpression and HER2 amplification were found more frequently in eyelid SCs than in other eyelid tumors. All SCs harbored wild type KRAS genes. No HPV infections were identified in the SCs. Nevertheless, p16 overexpression was found in 71.4% (10/14) of SCs, irrespective of the status of HPV infection. Furthermore, p16 overexpression in eyelid SCs was also significantly higher than that in other eyelid tumors. HER2 protein overexpression, HER2 gene amplifications, and wild type KRAS genes are common in eyelid SCs. HER2 gene amplification may represent potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of eyelid SCs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Recombinants from the crosses between amphidiploid and cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea) for pest-resistance breeding programs.

PubMed

de Paula, Ailton Ferreira; Dinato, Naiana Barbosa; Vigna, Bianca Baccili Zanotto; Fávero, Alessandra Pereira

2017-01-01

Peanut is a major oilseed crop worldwide. In the Brazilian peanut production, silvering thrips and red necked peanut worm are the most threatening pests. Resistant varieties are considered an alternative to pest control. Many wild diploid Arachis species have shown resistance to these pests, and these can be used in peanut breeding by obtaining hybrid of A and B genomes and subsequent polyploidization with colchicine, resulting in an AABB amphidiploid. This amphidiploid can be crossed with cultivated peanut (AABB) to provide genes of interest to the cultivar. In this study, the sterile diploid hybrids from A. magna V 13751 and A. kempff-mercadoi V 13250 were treated with colchicine for polyploidization, and the amphidiploids were crossed with A. hypogaea cv. IAC OL 4 to initiate the introgression of the wild genes into the cultivated peanut. The confirmation of the hybridity of the progenies was obtained by: (1) reproductive characterization through viability of pollen, (2) molecular characterization using microsatellite markers and (3) morphological characterization using 61 morphological traits with principal component analysis. The diploid hybrid individual was polyploidized, generating the amphidiploid An 13 (A. magna V 13751 x A. kempff-mercadoi V 13250)4x. Four F1 hybrid plants were obtained from IAC OL 4 × An 13, and 51 F2 seeds were obtained from these F1 plants. Using reproductive, molecular and morphological characterizations, it was possible to distinguish hybrid plants from selfed plants. In the cross between A. hypogaea and the amphidiploid, as the two parents are polyploid, the hybrid progeny and selves had the viability of the pollen grains as high as the parents. This fact turns the use of reproductive characteristics impossible for discriminating, in this case, the hybrid individuals from selfing. The hybrids between A. hypogaea and An 13 will be used in breeding programs seeking pest resistance, being subjected to successive backcrosses until recovering all traits of interest of A. hypogaea, keeping the pest resistance.

Recombinants from the crosses between amphidiploid and cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea) for pest-resistance breeding programs

PubMed Central

de Paula, Ailton Ferreira; Dinato, Naiana Barbosa

2017-01-01

Peanut is a major oilseed crop worldwide. In the Brazilian peanut production, silvering thrips and red necked peanut worm are the most threatening pests. Resistant varieties are considered an alternative to pest control. Many wild diploid Arachis species have shown resistance to these pests, and these can be used in peanut breeding by obtaining hybrid of A and B genomes and subsequent polyploidization with colchicine, resulting in an AABB amphidiploid. This amphidiploid can be crossed with cultivated peanut (AABB) to provide genes of interest to the cultivar. In this study, the sterile diploid hybrids from A. magna V 13751 and A. kempff-mercadoi V 13250 were treated with colchicine for polyploidization, and the amphidiploids were crossed with A. hypogaea cv. IAC OL 4 to initiate the introgression of the wild genes into the cultivated peanut. The confirmation of the hybridity of the progenies was obtained by: (1) reproductive characterization through viability of pollen, (2) molecular characterization using microsatellite markers and (3) morphological characterization using 61 morphological traits with principal component analysis. The diploid hybrid individual was polyploidized, generating the amphidiploid An 13 (A. magna V 13751 x A. kempff-mercadoi V 13250)4x. Four F1 hybrid plants were obtained from IAC OL 4 × An 13, and 51 F2 seeds were obtained from these F1 plants. Using reproductive, molecular and morphological characterizations, it was possible to distinguish hybrid plants from selfed plants. In the cross between A. hypogaea and the amphidiploid, as the two parents are polyploid, the hybrid progeny and selves had the viability of the pollen grains as high as the parents. This fact turns the use of reproductive characteristics impossible for discriminating, in this case, the hybrid individuals from selfing. The hybrids between A. hypogaea and An 13 will be used in breeding programs seeking pest resistance, being subjected to successive backcrosses until recovering all traits of interest of A. hypogaea, keeping the pest resistance. PMID:28423007

High-power parametric amplification of 11.8-fs laser pulses with carrier-envelope phase control.

PubMed

Zinkstok, R Th; Witte, S; Hogervorst, W; Eikema, K S E

2005-01-01

Phase-stable parametric chirped-pulse amplification of ultrashort pulses from a carrier-envelope phase-stabilized mode-locked Ti:sapphire oscillator (11.0 fs) to 0.25 mJ/pulse at 1 kHz is demonstrated. Compression with a grating compressor and a LCD shaper yields near-Fourier-limited 11.8-fs pulses with an energy of 0.12 mJ. The amplifier is pumped by 532-nm pulses from a synchronized mode-locked laser, Nd:YAG amplifier system. This approach is shown to be promising for the next generation of ultrafast amplifiers aimed at producing terawatt-level phase-controlled few-cycle laser pulses.

Quantum Privacy Amplification and the Security of Quantum Cryptography over Noisy Channels

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

Deutsch, D.; Ekert, A.; Jozsa, R.

1996-09-01

Existing quantum cryptographic schemes are not, as they stand, operable in the presence of noise on the quantum communication channel. Although they become operable if they are supplemented by classical privacy-amplification techniques, the resulting schemes are difficult to analyze and have not been proved secure. We introduce the concept of quantum privacy amplification and a cryptographic scheme incorporating it which is provably secure over a noisy channel. The scheme uses an {open_quote}{open_quote}entanglement purification{close_quote}{close_quote} procedure which, because it requires only a few quantum controlled-not and single-qubit operations, could be implemented using technology that is currently being developed. {copyright} {ital 1996 Themore » American Physical Society.}« less

30 CFR 913.25 - Approval of Illinois abandoned mine land reclamation plan amendments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 14, 1993 Ch. 961/2, par. 8001.03; 8002.13. July 2, 1993 September 21, 1993 20 ILCS 1920 §§ 2.11, .13; 62 IAC 2501.37. April 10, 1995 July 11, 1995 Executive Order No. 2 (1995), part I(C); part II(D..., 1989 February 14, 1990 Non-coal reclamation. June 29, 1990 November 2, 1990 Procedures for public...

30 CFR 913.25 - Approval of Illinois abandoned mine land reclamation plan amendments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 14, 1993 Ch. 961/2, par. 8001.03; 8002.13. July 2, 1993 September 21, 1993 20 ILCS 1920 §§ 2.11, .13; 62 IAC 2501.37. April 10, 1995 July 11, 1995 Executive Order No. 2 (1995), part I(C); part II(D..., 1989 February 14, 1990 Non-coal reclamation. June 29, 1990 November 2, 1990 Procedures for public...

30 CFR 913.25 - Approval of Illinois abandoned mine land reclamation plan amendments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 14, 1993 Ch. 961/2, par. 8001.03; 8002.13. July 2, 1993 September 21, 1993 20 ILCS 1920 §§ 2.11, .13; 62 IAC 2501.37. April 10, 1995 July 11, 1995 Executive Order No. 2 (1995), Part I(C); Part II(D..., 1989 February 14, 1990 Non-coal reclamation. June 29, 1990 November 2, 1990 Procedures for public...

30 CFR 913.25 - Approval of Illinois abandoned mine land reclamation plan amendments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 14, 1993 Ch. 961/2, par. 8001.03; 8002.13. July 2, 1993 September 21, 1993 20 ILCS 1920 §§ 2.11, .13; 62 IAC 2501.37. April 10, 1995 July 11, 1995 Executive Order No. 2 (1995), part I(C); part II(D..., 1989 February 14, 1990 Non-coal reclamation. June 29, 1990 November 2, 1990 Procedures for public...

30 CFR 913.25 - Approval of Illinois abandoned mine land reclamation plan amendments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 14, 1993 Ch. 961/2, par. 8001.03; 8002.13. July 2, 1993 September 21, 1993 20 ILCS 1920 §§ 2.11, .13; 62 IAC 2501.37. April 10, 1995 July 11, 1995 Executive Order No. 2 (1995), part I(C); part II(D..., 1989 February 14, 1990 Non-coal reclamation. June 29, 1990 November 2, 1990 Procedures for public...

Gateway: Volume 3 Number 4

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-01-01

applications are described, including windshield, symbols dancing trans- high- flight -time pilots (and big bud- an automobile system that permits driv...ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER Human Systems JAC 2261 Monahan Way, Bldg. 196 GWIII4 WPAFB OH> 45433-7022 9...release; distribution is unlimited. Free to public by contacting the Human Systems IAC. A 13. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 Words) This issue contains articles

Annual Report of the Metals and Ceramics Information Center, 1 May 1979-30 April 1980.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-07-01

MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS DEPT. * Computer and Information SyslemsiD. C Operations 1 Battelle Technical Inputs to Planning * Computer Systems 0...Biomass Resources * Education 0 Business Planning * Information Systems * Economics , Planning and Policy Analysis * Statistical and Mathematical Modelrng...Metals and Ceramics Information Center (MCIC) is one of several technical information analysis centers (IAC’s) chartered and sponsored by the

Metals and Ceramics Information Center.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-07-01

Systems RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS a Ordnance Technology a Space Systems and Applications a Biomass Resources 6 Business Planning • Economics ...r 19 KEY WORDS (Cwintince on reverse side 4 neressery and identify by block numnber) Technical Information Center Composites DoD Information Analysis ...The Metals and Ceramics Information Center (MCIC) is one of the technical Information Analysis Centers (IAC’s) chartered and sponsored by the

MASTER Optical Flare Detection from the Fastes Accretor in Our Galaxy - IGR J00291+5934.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lipunov, V.; Rebolo, R.; Serra-Ricart, M.; Lodieu, N.; Israelian, G.; Lipunov, V.; Gorbovskoy, E.; Kornilov, V.; Balanutsa, P.; Tiurina, N.; Kuznetsov, A.; Chazov, V.; Vlasenko, D.; Gorbunov, I.; Buckley, D.; Potter, S.; Kotze, M.; Gress, O.; Budnev, N. M.; Ivanov, K.; Tlatov, A.; Dormidontov, D.; Senik, V.; Parhomenko, A. V.; Krushinski, V.; Zalozhnykh, I.; Sergienko, Yu.; Gabovich, A.; Yurkov, V.

2015-07-01

MASTER II robotic telescope (MASTER-Net: http://observ.pereplet.ru, Lipunov et al., Advances in Astronomy, MASTER Global Robotic Net, 2010) located in IAC was pointed to the Swift IGR J00291+5934 (Cummings et al., GCN 18051) 24 sec after notice time and 1103 sec after trigger time at 2015-07-24 05:42:03 UT.

Electrophysiological and psychophysical asymmetries in sensitivity to interaural correlation gaps and implications for binaural integration time.

PubMed

Lüddemann, Helge; Kollmeier, Birger; Riedel, Helmut

2016-02-01

Brief deviations of interaural correlation (IAC) can provide valuable cues for detection, segregation and localization of acoustic signals. This study investigated the processing of such "binaural gaps" in continuously running noise (100-2000 Hz), in comparison to silent "monaural gaps", by measuring late auditory evoked potentials (LAEPs) and perceptual thresholds with novel, iteratively optimized stimuli. Mean perceptual binaural gap duration thresholds exhibited a major asymmetry: they were substantially shorter for uncorrelated gaps in correlated and anticorrelated reference noise (1.75 ms and 4.1 ms) than for correlated and anticorrelated gaps in uncorrelated reference noise (26.5 ms and 39.0 ms). The thresholds also showed a minor asymmetry: they were shorter in the positive than in the negative IAC range. The mean behavioral threshold for monaural gaps was 5.5 ms. For all five gap types, the amplitude of LAEP components N1 and P2 increased linearly with the logarithm of gap duration. While perceptual and electrophysiological thresholds matched for monaural gaps, LAEP thresholds were about twice as long as perceptual thresholds for uncorrelated gaps, but half as long for correlated and anticorrelated gaps. Nevertheless, LAEP thresholds showed the same asymmetries as perceptual thresholds. For gap durations below 30 ms, LAEPs were dominated by the processing of the leading edge of a gap. For longer gap durations, in contrast, both the leading and the lagging edge of a gap contributed to the evoked response. Formulae for the equivalent rectangular duration (ERD) of the binaural system's temporal window were derived for three common window shapes. The psychophysical ERD was 68 ms for diotic and about 40 ms for anti- and uncorrelated noise. After a nonlinear Z-transform of the stimulus IAC prior to temporal integration, ERDs were about 10 ms for reference correlations of ±1 and 80 ms for uncorrelated reference. Hence, a physiologically motivated peripheral nonlinearity changed the rank order of ERDs across experimental conditions in a plausible manner. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Point of care diagnosis of multiple schistosome parasites: Species-specific DNA detection in urine by loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP).

PubMed

Lodh, Nilanjan; Mikita, Kei; Bosompem, Kwabena M; Anyan, William K; Quartey, Joseph K; Otchere, Joseph; Shiff, Clive J

2017-09-01

Schistosomes are easily transmitted and high chance of repeat infection, so if control strategies based on targeted mass drug administration (MDA) are to succeed it is essential to have a test that is sensitive, accurate and simple to use. It is known and regularly demonstrated that praziquantel does not always eliminate an infection so in spite of the successes of control programs a residual of the reservoir survives to re-infect snails. The issue of diagnostic sensitivity becomes more critical in the assessment of program effectiveness. While serology, such as antigen capture tests might improve sensitivity, it has been shown that the presence of species-specific DNA fragments will indicate, most effectively, the presence of active parasites. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can amplify and detect DNA from urine residue captured on Whatman No. 3 filter paper that is dried after filtration. Previously we have detected S. mansoni and S. haematobium parasite-specific small repeat DNA fragment from filtered urine on filter paper by PCR. In the current study, we assessed the efficacy of detection of 86 urine samples for either or both schistosome parasites by PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) that were collected from a low to moderate transmission area in Ghana. Two different DNA extraction methods, standard extraction kit and field usable LAMP-PURE kit were also evaluated by PCR and LAMP amplification. With S. haematobium LAMP amplification for both extractions showed similar sensitivity and specificity when compared with PCR amplification (100%) verified by gel electrophoresis. For S. mansoni sensitivity was highest for LAMP amplification (100%) for standard extraction than PCR and LAMP with LAMP-PURE (99% and 94%). The LAMP-PURE extraction produced false negatives, which require further investigation for this field usable extraction kit. Overall high positive and negative predictive values (90% - 100%) for both species demonstrated a highly robust approach. The LAMP approach is close to point of care use and equally sensitive and specific to detection of species-specific DNA by PCR. LAMP can be an effective means to detect low intensity infection due to its simplicity and minimal DNA extraction requirement. This will enhance the effectiveness of surveillance and MDA control programs of schistosomiasis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An integrated microfluidic sensor for real-time detection of RNA in seawater using preserved reagents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsaloglou, M.-N.; Loukas, C. M.; Ruano-López, J. M.; Morgan, H.; Mowlem, M. C.

2012-04-01

Quantitation of RNA sequences coding either for key metabolic proteins or highly conserved ribosomal subunits can provide insight on cell abundance, speciation and viability. Nucleic sequence-based amplification (NASBA) is an isothermal alternative to traditional nucleic acid amplification methods, such as quantitative PCR. We present here an integrated microfluidic sensor for cell concentration and lysis, RNA extraction/purification and quantitative RNA detection for environmental applications. The portable system uses pre-loaded reagents, stored as a gel on a disposable microfluidic cartridge, which is manufactured using low-cost injection moulding. The NASBA reaction is monitored real-time using a bespoke control unit which includes: an external fluorescence detector, three peristaltic micro-pumps, two heaters and temperature sensors, a battery, seven pin actuated micro-motors (or valve actuators), and an automatic cartridge insertion mechanism. The system has USB connectivity and none of the expensive components require replacing between reactions. Long-term storage of reagents is critically important for any diagnostic tool that will be used in the field, whether for medical or environmental analysis and has not been previously demonstrated for NASBA reagents on-chip. We have shown effective amplification, for as little as 500 cells of the toxic microalga Karenia brevis using reagents which had been preserved as a gel for 45 days. This is the first reported real-time isothermal RNA amplification using with on-chip preservation. Annealing of primers, amplification at 41 °C and real-time fluorescence detection using, also for the first time, an internal control and sequence-specific molecular beacons was all performed on our microfluidic sensor. Our results show excellent promise as a future quantitative tool of in situ phytoplankton analysis and other environmental applications, where long-term reagent storage and low power consumption is essential.

Disinhibition of the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase restores the amplification of circadian rhythms by lithium in cells from bipolar disorder patients.

PubMed

McCarthy, Michael J; Wei, Heather; Landgraf, Dominic; Le Roux, Melissa J; Welsh, David K

2016-08-01

Bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by depression, mania, and circadian rhythm abnormalities. Lithium, a treatment for BD stabilizes mood and increases circadian rhythm amplitude. However, in fibroblasts grown from BD patients, lithium has weak effects on rhythm amplitude compared to healthy controls. To understand the mechanism by which lithium differentially affects rhythm amplitude in BD cells, we investigated the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and related signaling molecules linked to BD and circadian rhythms. In fibroblasts from BD patients, controls and mice, we assessed the contribution of the ERK pathway to lithium-induced circadian rhythm amplification. Protein analyses revealed low phospho-ERK1/2 (p-ERK) content in fibroblasts from BD patients vs. Pharmacological inhibition of ERK1/2 by PD98059 attenuated the rhythm amplification effect of lithium, while inhibition of two related kinases, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and P38 did not. Knockdown of the transcription factors CREB and EGR-1, downstream effectors of ERK1/2, reduced baseline rhythm amplitude, but did not alter rhythm amplification by lithium. In contrast, ELK-1 knockdown amplified rhythms, an effect that was not increased further by the addition of lithium, suggesting this transcription factor may regulate the effect of lithium on amplitude. Augmentation of ERK1/2 signaling through DUSP6 knockdown sensitized NIH3T3 cells to rhythm amplification by lithium. In BD fibroblasts, DUSP6 knockdown reversed the BD rhythm phenotype, restoring the ability of lithium to increase amplitude in these cells. We conclude that the inability of lithium to regulate circadian rhythms in BD may reflect reduced ERK activity, and signaling through ELK-1. Published by Elsevier B.V.

SALLY LEVEL II- COMPUTE AND INTEGRATE DISTURBANCE AMPLIFICATION RATES ON SWEPT AND TAPERED LAMINAR FLOW CONTROL WINGS WITH SUCTION

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Srokowski, A. J.

1994-01-01

The computer program SALLY was developed to compute the incompressible linear stability characteristics and integrate the amplification rates of boundary layer disturbances on swept and tapered wings. For some wing designs, boundary layer disturbance can significantly alter the wing performance characteristics. This is particularly true for swept and tapered laminar flow control wings which incorporate suction to prevent boundary layer separation. SALLY should prove to be a useful tool in the analysis of these wing performance characteristics. The first step in calculating the disturbance amplification rates is to numerically solve the compressible laminar boundary-layer equation with suction for the swept and tapered wing. A two-point finite-difference method is used to solve the governing continuity, momentum, and energy equations. A similarity transformation is used to remove the wall normal velocity as a boundary condition and place it into the governing equations as a parameter. Thus the awkward nonlinear boundary condition is avoided. The resulting compressible boundary layer data is used by SALLY to compute the incompressible linear stability characteristics. The local disturbance growth is obtained from temporal stability theory and converted into a local growth rate for integration. The direction of the local group velocity is taken as the direction of integration. The amplification rate, or logarithmic disturbance amplitude ratio, is obtained by integration of the local disturbance growth over distance. The amplification rate serves as a measure of the growth of linear disturbances within the boundary layer and can serve as a guide in transition prediction. This program is written in FORTRAN IV and ASSEMBLER for batch execution and has been implemented on a CDC CYBER 70 series computer with a central memory requirement of approximately 67K (octal) of 60 bit words. SALLY was developed in 1979.

Absorption, Transmission and Amplification in a Double-Cavity Optomechanical System with Coulomb-Interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geng, H.; Liu, H. D.

2018-04-01

We explore three interesting phenomena in a double-cavity optomechanical system: coherent perfect absorption, coherent perfect transmission and output signal amplification, and find that these phenomena can be realized and controlled by the coulomb-interaction between the dissipative oscillator locates in the cavity and the gain oscillator locates outside. They originate from the efficient hybrid coupling of optical and mechanical modes, and can be used for realizing novel photonic devices in quantum information networks.

Neuromotor Noise Is Malleable by Amplifying Perceived Errors

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zhaoran; Abe, Masaki O.; Sternad, Dagmar

2016-01-01

Variability in motor performance results from the interplay of error correction and neuromotor noise. This study examined whether visual amplification of error, previously shown to improve performance, affects not only error correction, but also neuromotor noise, typically regarded as inaccessible to intervention. Seven groups of healthy individuals, with six participants in each group, practiced a virtual throwing task for three days until reaching a performance plateau. Over three more days of practice, six of the groups received different magnitudes of visual error amplification; three of these groups also had noise added. An additional control group was not subjected to any manipulations for all six practice days. The results showed that the control group did not improve further after the first three practice days, but the error amplification groups continued to decrease their error under the manipulations. Analysis of the temporal structure of participants’ corrective actions based on stochastic learning models revealed that these performance gains were attained by reducing neuromotor noise and, to a considerably lesser degree, by increasing the size of corrective actions. Based on these results, error amplification presents a promising intervention to improve motor function by decreasing neuromotor noise after performance has reached an asymptote. These results are relevant for patients with neurological disorders and the elderly. More fundamentally, these results suggest that neuromotor noise may be accessible to practice interventions. PMID:27490197

Improving Mobile Phone Speech Recognition by Personalized Amplification: Application in People with Normal Hearing and Mild-to-Moderate Hearing Loss.

PubMed

Kam, Anna Chi Shan; Sung, John Ka Keung; Lee, Tan; Wong, Terence Ka Cheong; van Hasselt, Andrew

In this study, the authors evaluated the effect of personalized amplification on mobile phone speech recognition in people with and without hearing loss. This prospective study used double-blind, within-subjects, repeated measures, controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of applying personalized amplification based on the hearing level captured on the mobile device. The personalized amplification settings were created using modified one-third gain targets. The participants in this study included 100 adults of age between 20 and 78 years (60 with age-adjusted normal hearing and 40 with hearing loss). The performance of the participants with personalized amplification and standard settings was compared using both subjective and speech-perception measures. Speech recognition was measured in quiet and in noise using Cantonese disyllabic words. Subjective ratings on the quality, clarity, and comfortableness of the mobile signals were measured with an 11-point visual analog scale. Subjective preferences of the settings were also obtained by a paired-comparison procedure. The personalized amplification application provided better speech recognition via the mobile phone both in quiet and in noise for people with hearing impairment (improved 8 to 10%) and people with normal hearing (improved 1 to 4%). The improvement in speech recognition was significantly better for people with hearing impairment. When the average device output level was matched, more participants preferred to have the individualized gain than not to have it. The personalized amplification application has the potential to improve speech recognition for people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, as well as people with normal hearing, in particular when listening in noisy environments.

Internal validation of the GlobalFiler™ Express PCR Amplification Kit for the direct amplification of reference DNA samples on a high-throughput automated workflow.

PubMed

Flores, Shahida; Sun, Jie; King, Jonathan; Budowle, Bruce

2014-05-01

The GlobalFiler™ Express PCR Amplification Kit uses 6-dye fluorescent chemistry to enable multiplexing of 21 autosomal STRs, 1 Y-STR, 1 Y-indel and the sex-determining marker amelogenin. The kit is specifically designed for processing reference DNA samples in a high throughput manner. Validation studies were conducted to assess the performance and define the limitations of this direct amplification kit for typing blood and buccal reference DNA samples on various punchable collection media. Studies included thermal cycling sensitivity, reproducibility, precision, sensitivity of detection, minimum detection threshold, system contamination, stochastic threshold and concordance. Results showed that optimal amplification and injection parameters for a 1.2mm punch from blood and buccal samples were 27 and 28 cycles, respectively, combined with a 12s injection on an ABI 3500xL Genetic Analyzer. Minimum detection thresholds were set at 100 and 120RFUs for 27 and 28 cycles, respectively, and it was suggested that data from positive amplification controls provided a better threshold representation. Stochastic thresholds were set at 250 and 400RFUs for 27 and 28 cycles, respectively, as stochastic effects increased with cycle number. The minimum amount of input DNA resulting in a full profile was 0.5ng, however, the optimum range determined was 2.5-10ng. Profile quality from the GlobalFiler™ Express Kit and the previously validated AmpFlSTR(®) Identifiler(®) Direct Kit was comparable. The validation data support that reliable DNA typing results from reference DNA samples can be obtained using the GlobalFiler™ Express PCR Amplification Kit. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Power amplification in an isolated muscle–tendon unit is load dependent

PubMed Central

Sawicki, Gregory S.; Sheppard, Peter; Roberts, Thomas J.

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT During rapid movements, tendons can act like springs, temporarily storing work done by muscles and then releasing it to power body movements. For some activities, such as frog jumping, energy is released from tendon much more rapidly than it is stored, thus amplifying muscle power output. The period during which energy is loaded into a tendon by muscle work may be aided by a catch mechanism that restricts motion, but theoretical studies indicate that power can be amplified in a muscle–tendon load system even in the absence of a catch. To explore the limits of power amplification with and without a catch, we studied the bullfrog plantaris muscle–tendon during in vitro contractions. A novel servomotor controller allowed us to measure muscle–tendon unit (MTU) mechanical behavior during contractions against a variety of simulated inertial-gravitational loads, ranging from zero to 1× the peak isometric force of the muscle. Power output of the MTU system was load dependent and power amplification occurred only at intermediate loads, reaching ∼1.3× the peak isotonic power output of the muscle. With a simulated anatomical catch mechanism in place, the highest power amplification occurred at the lowest loads, with a maximum amplification of more than 4× peak isotonic muscle power. At higher loads, the benefits of a catch for MTU performance diminished sharply, suggesting that power amplification >2.5× may come at the expense of net mechanical work delivered to the load. PMID:26449973

Electrically controlled microvalves to integrate microchip polymerase chain reaction and capillary electrophoresis.

PubMed

Kaigala, Govind V; Hoang, Viet N; Backhouse, Christopher J

2008-07-01

Microvalves are key in realizing portable miniaturized diagnostic platforms. We present a scalable microvalve that integrates well with standard lab on a chip (LOC) implementations, yet which requires essentially no external infrastructure for its operation. This electrically controlled, phase-change microvalve is used to integrate genetic amplification and analysis via capillary electrophoresis--the basis of many diagnostics. The microvalve is actuated using a polymer (polyethylene glycol, PEG) that exhibits a large volumetric change between its solid and liquid phases. Both the phase change of the PEG and the genetic amplification via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are thermally controlled using thin film resistive elements that are patterned using standard microfabrication methods. By contrast with many other valve technologies, these microvalves and their control interface scale down in size readily. The novelty here lies in the use of fully integrated microvalves that require only electrical connections to realize a portable and inexpensive genetic analysis platform.

Basilar membrane vibration after targeted removal of the third row of OHCs and Deiters cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Anping; Udagawa, Tomokatsu; Raphael, Patrick D.; Cheng, Alan G.; Steele, Charles R.; Applegate, Brian E.; Oghalai, John S.

2018-05-01

The mammalian cochlea has three rows of outer hair cells (OHCs) that amplify the basilar membrane (BM) traveling wave with high gain and exquisite sharpness. However, it is unclear why three rows of OHCs are needed to achieve this. We used a novel transgenic mouse with the diphtheria toxin receptor in Lgr5-positive cells (Lgr5DTR-EGFP/+ mouse) that allowed us to ablate the third row of OHCs and Deiters cells (D) in adulthood via DT injection, after normal cochlear function had developed. We then used volumetric optical coherence tomography (VOCTV) to investigate the impacts of this manipulation of cochlear amplification in the apical turn. As expected, Lgr5DTR-EGFP/+ control mice had sharply-tuned vibratory responses. However, Lgr5DTR-EGFP/+ mice had broad tuning with a 20 dB increase in vibratory thresholds. The Q10dB was ˜1 in Lgr5DTR-EGFP/+ mice, whereas it was ˜3 in control mice. The characteristic frequency was lower in Lgr5DTR-EGFP/+ mice compared to controls (7.5 vs. 9.0 kHz). The gain of cochlear amplification was substantially lower in Lgr5DTR-EGFP/+ mice compared to controls (22 vs. 50). In the post-mortem period, the vibratory responses in Lgr5DTR-EGFP/+ mice were identical to controls. Together, these results demonstrate the substantial importance of the third row of OHCs and Deiters cells to normal cochlear amplification.

Digital LAMP in a sample self-digitization (SD) chip

PubMed Central

Herrick, Alison M.; Dimov, Ivan K.; Lee, Luke P.; Chiu, Daniel T.

2012-01-01

This paper describes the realization of digital loop-mediated DNA amplification (dLAMP) in a sample self-digitization (SD) chip. Digital DNA amplification has become an attractive technique to quantify absolute concentrations of DNA in a sample. While digital polymerase chain reaction is still the most widespread implementation, its use in resource—limited settings is impeded by the need for thermal cycling and robust temperature control. In such situations, isothermal protocols that can amplify DNA or RNA without thermal cycling are of great interest. Here, we showed the successful amplification of single DNA molecules in a stationary droplet array using isothermal digital loop-mediated DNA amplification. Unlike most (if not all) existing methods for sample discretization, our design allows for automated, loss-less digitization of sample volumes on-chip. We demonstrated accurate quantification of relative and absolute DNA concentrations with sample volumes of less than 2 μl. We assessed the homogeneity of droplet size during sample self-digitization in our device, and verified that the size variation was small enough such that straightforward counting of LAMP-active droplets sufficed for data analysis. We anticipate that the simplicity and robustness of our SD chip make it attractive as an inexpensive and easy-to-operate device for DNA amplification, for example in point-of-care settings. PMID:22399016

Reverse transcription strand invasion based amplification (RT-SIBA): a method for rapid detection of influenza A and B.

PubMed

Eboigbodin, Kevin; Filén, Sanna; Ojalehto, Tuomas; Brummer, Mirko; Elf, Sonja; Pousi, Kirsi; Hoser, Mark

2016-06-01

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of influenza viruses plays an important role in infection control, as well as in preventing the misuse of antibiotics. Isothermal nucleic acid amplification methods offer significant advantages over the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), since they are more rapid and do not require the sophisticated instruments needed for thermal cycling. We previously described a novel isothermal nucleic acid amplification method, 'Strand Invasion Based Amplification' (SIBA®), with high analytical sensitivity and specificity, for the detection of DNA. In this study, we describe the development of a variant of the SIBA method, namely, reverse transcription SIBA (RT-SIBA), for the rapid detection of viral RNA targets. The RT-SIBA method includes a reverse transcriptase enzyme that allows one-step reverse transcription of RNA to complementary DNA (cDNA) and simultaneous amplification and detection of the cDNA by SIBA under isothermal reaction conditions. The RT-SIBA method was found to be more sensitive than PCR for the detection of influenza A and B and could detect 100 copies of influenza RNA within 15 min. The development of RT-SIBA will enable rapid and accurate diagnosis of viral RNA targets within point-of-care or central laboratory settings.

Optimization of multiplexed PCR on an integrated microfluidic forensic platform for rapid DNA analysis.

PubMed

Estes, Matthew D; Yang, Jianing; Duane, Brett; Smith, Stan; Brooks, Carla; Nordquist, Alan; Zenhausern, Frederic

2012-12-07

This study reports the design, prototyping, and assay development of multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on a plastic microfluidic device. Amplification of 17 DNA loci is carried out directly on-chip as part of a system for continuous workflow processing from sample preparation (SP) to capillary electrophoresis (CE). For enhanced performance of on-chip PCR amplification, improved control systems have been developed making use of customized Peltier assemblies, valve actuators, software, and amplification chemistry protocols. Multiple enhancements to the microfluidic chip design have been enacted to improve the reliability of sample delivery through the various on-chip modules. This work has been enabled by the encapsulation of PCR reagents into a solid phase material through an optimized Solid Phase Encapsulating Assay Mix (SPEAM) bead-based hydrogel fabrication process. SPEAM bead technology is reliably coupled with precise microfluidic metering and dispensing for efficient amplification and subsequent DNA short tandem repeat (STR) fragment analysis. This provides a means of on-chip reagent storage suitable for microfluidic automation, with the long shelf-life necessary for point-of-care (POC) or field deployable applications. This paper reports the first high quality 17-plex forensic STR amplification from a reference sample in a microfluidic chip with preloaded solid phase reagents, that is designed for integration with up and downstream processing.

Amplification and Attenuation Across USArray Using Ambient Noise Wavefront Tracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bowden, Daniel C.; Tsai, Victor C.; Lin, Fan-Chi

2017-12-01

As seismic traveltime tomography continues to be refined using data from the vast USArray data set, it is advantageous to also exploit the amplitude information carried by seismic waves. We use ambient noise cross correlation to make observations of surface wave amplification and attenuation at shorter periods (8-32 s) than can be observed with only traditional teleseismic earthquake sources. We show that the wavefront tracking approach can be successfully applied to ambient noise correlations, yielding results quite similar to those from earthquake observations at periods of overlap. This consistency indicates that the wavefront tracking approach is viable for use with ambient noise correlations, despite concerns of the inhomogeneous and unknown distribution of noise sources. The resulting amplification and attenuation maps correlate well with known tectonic and crustal structure; at the shortest periods, our amplification and attenuation maps correlate well with surface geology and known sedimentary basins, while our longest period amplitudes are controlled by crustal thickness and begin to probe upper mantle materials. These amplification and attenuation observations are sensitive to crustal materials in different ways than traveltime observations and may be used to better constrain temperature or density variations. We also value them as an independent means of describing the lateral variability of observed Rayleigh wave amplitudes without the need for 3-D tomographic inversions.

Isothermal Recombinase Polymerase amplification (RPA) of Schistosoma haematobium DNA and oligochromatographic lateral flow detection.

PubMed

Rosser, A; Rollinson, D; Forrest, M; Webster, B L

2015-09-04

Accurate diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis is vital for surveillance/control programs. Amplification of schistosome DNA in urine by PCR is sensitive and specific but requires infrastructure, financial resources and skilled personnel, often not available in endemic areas. Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) is an isothermal DNA amplification/detection technology that is simple, rapid, portable and needs few resources. Here a Schistosoma haematobium RPA assay was developed and adapted so that DNA amplicons could be detected using oligochromatographic Lateral Flow (LF) strips. The assay successfully amplified S. haematobium DNA at 30-45 °C in 10 mins and was sensitive to a lower limit of 100 fg of DNA. The assay was also successful with the addition of crude urine, up to 5% of the total reaction volume. Cross amplification occurred with other schistosome species but not with other common urine microorganisms. The LF-RPA assay developed here can amplify and detect low levels of S. haematobium DNA. Reactions are rapid, require low temperatures and positive reactions are interpreted using lateral flow strips, reducing the need for infrastructure and resources. This together with an ability to withstand inhibitors within urine makes RPA a promising technology for further development as a molecular diagnostic tool for urogenital schistosomiasis.

Diverse Roles of Axonemal Dyneins in Drosophila Auditory Neuron Function and Mechanical Amplification in Hearing.

PubMed

Karak, Somdatta; Jacobs, Julie S; Kittelmann, Maike; Spalthoff, Christian; Katana, Radoslaw; Sivan-Loukianova, Elena; Schon, Michael A; Kernan, Maurice J; Eberl, Daniel F; Göpfert, Martin C

2015-11-26

Much like vertebrate hair cells, the chordotonal sensory neurons that mediate hearing in Drosophila are motile and amplify the mechanical input of the ear. Because the neurons bear mechanosensory primary cilia whose microtubule axonemes display dynein arms, we hypothesized that their motility is powered by dyneins. Here, we describe two axonemal dynein proteins that are required for Drosophila auditory neuron function, localize to their primary cilia, and differently contribute to mechanical amplification in hearing. Promoter fusions revealed that the two axonemal dynein genes Dmdnah3 (=CG17150) and Dmdnai2 (=CG6053) are expressed in chordotonal neurons, including the auditory ones in the fly's ear. Null alleles of both dyneins equally abolished electrical auditory neuron responses, yet whereas mutations in Dmdnah3 facilitated mechanical amplification, amplification was abolished by mutations in Dmdnai2. Epistasis analysis revealed that Dmdnah3 acts downstream of Nan-Iav channels in controlling the amplificatory gain. Dmdnai2, in addition to being required for amplification, was essential for outer dynein arms in auditory neuron cilia. This establishes diverse roles of axonemal dyneins in Drosophila auditory neuron function and links auditory neuron motility to primary cilia and axonemal dyneins. Mutant defects in sperm competition suggest that both dyneins also function in sperm motility.

Exploiting evanescent-wave amplification for subwavelength low-contrast particle detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, S.; Pereira, S. F.; Urbach, H. P.; Wei, Xukang; El Gawhary, O.

2017-07-01

The classical problem of subwavelength particle detection on a flat surface is especially challenging when the refractive index of the particle is close to that of the substrate. We demonstrate a method to improve the detection ability several times for such a situation, by enhancing the "forbidden" evanescent waves in the substrate using the principle of super-resolution with evanescent waves amplification. The working mechanism of the system and experimental validation from a design with a thin single dielectric layer is presented. The resulting system is a simple but complete example of evanescent-wave generation, amplification, and the consequent modulation of the far field. This principle can have far reaching impact in the field of particle detection in several applications ranging from contamination control to interferometric scattering microscopy for biological samples.

Experimental demonstration of spatially coherent beam combining using optical parametric amplification.

PubMed

Kurita, Takashi; Sueda, Keiichi; Tsubakimoto, Koji; Miyanaga, Noriaki

2010-07-05

We experimentally demonstrated coherent beam combining using optical parametric amplification with a nonlinear crystal pumped by random-phased multiple-beam array of the second harmonic of a Nd:YAG laser at 10-Hz repetition rate. In the proof-of-principle experiment, the phase jump between two pump beams was precisely controlled by a motorized actuator. For the demonstration of multiple-beam combining a random phase plate was used to create random-phased beamlets as a pump pulse. Far-field patterns of the pump, the signal, and the idler indicated that the spatially coherent signal beams were obtained on both cases. This approach allows scaling of the intensity of optical parametric chirped pulse amplification up to the exa-watt level while maintaining diffraction-limited beam quality.

Impulse-induced optimum signal amplification in scale-free networks.

PubMed

Martínez, Pedro J; Chacón, Ricardo

2016-04-01

Optimizing information transmission across a network is an essential task for controlling and manipulating generic information-processing systems. Here, we show how topological amplification effects in scale-free networks of signaling devices are optimally enhanced when the impulse transmitted by periodic external signals (time integral over two consecutive zeros) is maximum. This is demonstrated theoretically by means of a star-like network of overdamped bistable systems subjected to generic zero-mean periodic signals and confirmed numerically by simulations of scale-free networks of such systems. Our results show that the enhancer effect of increasing values of the signal's impulse is due to a correlative increase of the energy transmitted by the periodic signals, while it is found to be resonant-like with respect to the topology-induced amplification mechanism.

Digital Microfluidics for Nucleic Acid Amplification

PubMed Central

Veigas, Bruno; Fortunato, Elvira; Martins, Rodrigo; Águas, Hugo; Igreja, Rui; Baptista, Pedro V.

2017-01-01

Digital Microfluidics (DMF) has emerged as a disruptive methodology for the control and manipulation of low volume droplets. In DMF, each droplet acts as a single reactor, which allows for extensive multiparallelization of biological and chemical reactions at a much smaller scale. DMF devices open entirely new and promising pathways for multiplex analysis and reaction occurring in a miniaturized format, thus allowing for healthcare decentralization from major laboratories to point-of-care with accurate, robust and inexpensive molecular diagnostics. Here, we shall focus on DMF platforms specifically designed for nucleic acid amplification, which is key for molecular diagnostics of several diseases and conditions, from pathogen identification to cancer mutations detection. Particular attention will be given to the device architecture, materials and nucleic acid amplification applications in validated settings. PMID:28672827

Respiratory system loop gain in normal men and women measured with proportional-assist ventilation.

PubMed

Wellman, Andrew; Malhotra, Atul; Fogel, Robert B; Edwards, Jill K; Schory, Karen; White, David P

2003-01-01

We hypothesized that increased chemical control instability (CCI) in men could partially explain the male predominance in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). CCI was assessed by sequentially increasing respiratory control system loop gain (LG) with proportional-assist ventilation (PAV) in 10 men (age 24-48 yr) and 9 women (age 22-36 yr) until periodic breathing or awakening occurred. Women were studied in both the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. The amount by which PAV amplified LG was quantified from the tidal volume amplification factor [(VtAF) assisted tidal volume/unassisted tidal volume]. LG was calculated as the inverse of the VtAF occurring at the assist level immediately preceding the emergence of periodic breathing (when LG x VtAF = 1). Only 1 of 10 men and 2 of 9 women developed periodic breathing with PAV. The rest were resistant to periodic breathing despite moderately high levels of PAV amplification. We conclude that LG is low in the majority of normal men and women and that higher volume amplification factors are needed to determine whether gender differences exist in this low range.

Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report. Rules of Engagement - 1 January 1966 - 1 November 1969

DTIC Science & Technology

1969-08-31

O.owngrading of Project CIIECO Report TO: AAC ADC AFAFC AFLC ( Historian ) AFRES AFSC ATC All t-IAC PACAF SAC TAC USA FE USAFSS...k. , ~. t ~ s ipso [aoto a moto ¥>ab?.~ road or· naH. Sc.. an!:fpt-:.~.-.:r,: th:..tt !fOU find a veh-;.cle~ d .;·( .~a’l a5JIOI~ th:u 1..t ~-;f

Rules of Engagement - 1 January 1966 - 1 November 1969

DTIC Science & Technology

1969-08-31

1976 auanc:T: O.owngrading of Project CIIECO Report TO: AAC ADC AFAFC AFLC ( Historian ) AFRES AFSC ATC All t-IAC PACAF SAC TAC USA FE...Z. p󈧙·•k. , ~. t ~ s ipso [aoto a moto ¥>ab?.~ road or· naH. Sc.. an!:fpt-:.~.-.:r,: th:..tt !fOU find a veh-;.cle~ d .;·( .~a’l a5JIOI~ th:u 1

Mode-Selective Amplification in a Large Mode Area Yb-Doped Fiber Using a Photonic Lantern

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-15

in a few mode, double- clad Yb-doped large mode area (LMA) fiber, utilizing an all-fiber photonic lantern. Amplification to multi-watt output power is...that could enable dynamic spatial mode control in high power fiber lasers . © 2016 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: (060.2320) Fiber optics...amplifiers and oscillators; (060.2340) Fiber optics components. http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OL.41.002157 The impressive growth experienced by fiber lasers and

Clinical study on mandibular fracture after marginal resection of the mandible.

PubMed

Okuyama, Kohei; Michi, Yasuyuki; Mizutani, Miho; Yamashiro, Masashi; Kaida, Atsushi; Harada, Kiyoshi

2016-05-01

Postoperative mandibular fracture (PMF) after marginal resection (MR) of the mandible remains an unresolved issue, and it has been reported that at least 10 mm of postoperative mandibular body height (PMBH) is required to prevent PMF. This study evaluated the clinical, physical, and structural risk factors for PMF in MR patients and determined appropriate preventive measures for PMF. This retrospective study included 44 patients with lower gingival carcinoma who underwent MR. PMF occurred in four of these patients. Thirteen associated factors identified from medical records and radiographs were statistically analyzed. Mandibular body height (MBH) preservation ratio originally evaluated as less than 0.3, more than 20 remaining teeth after surgery, and inferior alveolar canal (IAC) exposure were significant risk factors for PMF. Prostheses and number of remaining teeth were also correlated with PMF. The preserved mandibular bone should be reinforced in patients with an MBH preservation ratio of less than 0.3, more than 20 remaining teeth after surgery, and intraoperative IAC exposure. Patients with prostheses are at an increased risk of PMF compared with those without because of stable occlusion and a strong occlusal force. Our novel findings provide useful reference standards for PMF prevention in MR patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lettuce and rhizosphere microbiome responses to growth promoting Pseudomonas species under field conditions.

PubMed

Cipriano, Matheus A P; Lupatini, Manoeli; Lopes-Santos, Lucilene; da Silva, Márcio J; Roesch, Luiz F W; Destéfano, Suzete A L; Freitas, Sueli S; Kuramae, Eiko E

2016-12-01

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria are well described and recommended for several crops worldwide. However, one of the most common problems in research into them is the difficulty in obtaining reproducible results. Furthermore, few studies have evaluated plant growth promotion and soil microbial community composition resulting from bacterial inoculation under field conditions. Here we evaluated the effect of 54 Pseudomonas strains on lettuce (Lactuca sativa) growth. The 12 most promising strains were phylogenetically and physiologically characterized for plant growth-promoting traits, including phosphate solubilization, hormone production and antagonism to pathogen compounds, and their effect on plant growth under farm field conditions. Additionally, the impact of beneficial strains on the rhizospheric bacterial community was evaluated for inoculated plants. The strains IAC-RBcr4 and IAC-RBru1, with different plant growth promoting traits, improved lettuce plant biomass yields up to 30%. These two strains also impacted rhizosphere bacterial groups including Isosphaera and Pirellula (phylum Planctomycetes) and Acidothermus, Pseudolabrys and Singusphaera (phylum Actinobacteria). This is the first study to demonstrate consistent results for the effects of Pseudomonas strains on lettuce growth promotion for seedlings and plants grown under tropical field conditions. © FEMS 2016. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Impact of pH on the stability and the cross-reactivity of ochratoxin A and citrinin.

PubMed

Bazin, Ingrid; Faucet-Marquis, Virginie; Monje, Marie-Carmen; El Khoury, Micheline; Marty, Jean-Louis; Pfohl-Leszkowicz, Annie

2013-11-28

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by several fungi contaminating crops. In several countries, the maximum permitted levels of mycotoxins are found in foodstuffs and feedstuffs. The common strategy of mycotoxin analysis involves extraction, clean-up and quantification by chromatography. In this paper, we analyzed the reasons of underestimation of ochratoxin A (OTA) content in wine, and overestimation of OTA in wheat, depending on the pH of the clean-up step and the simultaneous presence of citrinin (CIT). We demonstrated that the increase of pH by adding polyethylene glycol (PEG) to wine led to an underestimation of OTA by conversion of OTA into open ring ochratoxin A OP-OA. In comparing three methods of extraction and clean-up for the determination of OTA and CIT in wheat--(i) an inter-laboratory validated method for OTA in cereals using immunoaffinity column clean-up (IAC) and extraction by acetonitrile/water; (ii) a validated method using IAC and extraction with 1% bicarbonate Na; and (iii) an in-house validated method based on acid liquid/liquid extraction--we observed an overestimation of OTA after immunoaffinity clean-up when CIT is also present in the sample, whereas an underestimation was observed when OTA was alone. Under neutral and alkaline conditions, CIT was partially recognized by OTA antibodies.

Changes in interoceptive processes following brain stimulation

PubMed Central

Mai, Sandra

2016-01-01

The processing and perception of individual internal bodily signals (interoception) has been differentiated to comprise different levels and processes involved. The so-called heartbeat-evoked potential (HEP) offers an additional possibility to examine automatic processing of cardiac signals. Knowledge on neural structures potentially supporting different facets of interoception is still sparse. One way to get insights into neuroanatomical function is to manipulate the activity of different brain structures. In this study, we used repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and a continuous theta-burst protocol to inhibit specific central locations of the interoceptive network including the right anterior insula and the right somatosensory cortices and assessed effects on interoceptive facets and the HEP in 18 male participants. Main results were that inhibiting anterior insula resulted in a significant decline in cardiac and respiratory interoceptive accuracy (IAc) and in a consistent decrease in perception confidence. Continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) over somatosensory cortices reduced only cardiac IAc and affected perception confidence. Inhibiting right anterior insula and right somatosensory cortices increased interoceptive sensibility and reduced the HEP amplitude over frontocentral locations. Our findings strongly suggest that cTBS is an effective tool to investigate the neural network supporting interoceptive processes. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Interoception beyond homeostasis: affect, cognition and mental health’. PMID:28080973

Improved compliance with reporting standards: A retrospective analysis of Intersocietal Accreditation Commission Nuclear Cardiology Laboratories.

PubMed

Maddux, P Tim; Farrell, Mary Beth; Ewing, Joseph A; Tilkemeier, Peter L

2018-06-01

In 2011, Tilkemeier et al reported significant nuclear cardiology laboratory noncompliance with reporting standards. The aim of this study was to identify and examine noncompliant reporting elements with the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission Nuclear/PET (IAC) Reporting Standards and to compare compliance between 2008 and 2014. This was a retrospective study of compliance with 18 reporting elements utilizing accreditation findings from all laboratories applying for accreditation in 2008 and 2014. 1816 labs applying for initial or subsequent accreditation were analyzed for compliance. The mean reporting noncompliance per lab decreased from 2008 to 2014 (2.48 ± 2.67 to 1.24 ± 1.79, P < .001). Noncompliance decreased across lab types, labs with Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology physicians on staff, and by geographic region (P < .001). Overall severity of reporting issues decreased. Facilities with compliant reports increased from 35.0% in 2008 to 57.1% in 2014 (P < .001). Continuing medical education, accreditation, and other instructional activities aimed at improving nuclear cardiology reporting appear to have made a positive impact over time with the number and severity of noncompliance decreased. More labs are now compliant with the IAC Standards and, thus, reporting guidelines. However, the need for continued educational efforts remains.

Impact of pH on the Stability and the Cross-Reactivity of Ochratoxin A and Citrinin

PubMed Central

Bazin, Ingrid; Faucet-Marquis, Virginie; Monje, Marie-Carmen; El Khoury, Micheline; Marty, Jean-Louis; Pfohl-Leszkowicz, Annie

2013-01-01

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by several fungi contaminating crops. In several countries, the maximum permitted levels of mycotoxins are found in foodstuffs and feedstuffs. The common strategy of mycotoxin analysis involves extraction, clean-up and quantification by chromatography. In this paper, we analyzed the reasons of underestimation of ochratoxin A (OTA) content in wine, and overestimation of OTA in wheat, depending on the pH of the clean-up step and the simultaneous presence of citrinin (CIT). We demonstrated that the increase of pH by adding polyethylene glycol (PEG) to wine led to an underestimation of OTA by conversion of OTA into open ring ochratoxin A OP-OA. In comparing three methods of extraction and clean-up for the determination of OTA and CIT in wheat—(i) an inter-laboratory validated method for OTA in cereals using immunoaffinity column clean-up (IAC) and extraction by acetonitrile/water; (ii) a validated method using IAC and extraction with 1% bicarbonate Na; and (iii) an in-house validated method based on acid liquid/liquid extraction—we observed an overestimation of OTA after immunoaffinity clean-up when CIT is also present in the sample, whereas an underestimation was observed when OTA was alone. Under neutral and alkaline conditions, CIT was partially recognized by OTA antibodies. PMID:24287570

Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for Detection of Endogenous Sad1 Gene in Cotton: An Internal Control for Rapid Onsite GMO Testing.

PubMed

Singh, Monika; Bhoge, Rajesh K; Randhawa, Gurinderjit

2018-04-20

Background : Confirming the integrity of seed samples in powdered form is important priorto conducting a genetically modified organism (GMO) test. Rapid onsite methods may provide a technological solution to check for genetically modified (GM) events at ports of entry. In India, Bt cotton is the commercialized GM crop with four approved GM events; however, 59 GM events have been approved globally. GMO screening is required to test for authorized GM events. The identity and amplifiability of test samples could be ensured first by employing endogenous genes as an internal control. Objective : A rapid onsite detection method was developed for an endogenous reference gene, stearoyl acyl carrier protein desaturase ( Sad1 ) of cotton, employing visual and real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). Methods : The assays were performed at a constant temperature of 63°C for 30 min for visual LAMP and 62ºC for 40 min for real-time LAMP. Positive amplification was visualized as a change in color from orange to green on addition of SYBR ® Green or detected as real-time amplification curves. Results : Specificity of LAMP assays was confirmed using a set of 10 samples. LOD for visual LAMP was up to 0.1%, detecting 40 target copies, and for real-time LAMP up to 0.05%, detecting 20 target copies. Conclusions : The developed methods could be utilized to confirm the integrity of seed powder prior to conducting a GMO test for specific GM events of cotton. Highlights : LAMP assays for the endogenous Sad1 gene of cotton have been developed to be used as an internal control for onsite GMO testing in cotton.

Construction of Genetically Engineered Streptococcus gordonii Strains to Provide Control in QPCR Assays for Assessing Microbiological Quality in Recreational Water.

EPA Science Inventory

Quantitative PCR (QPCR) methods for beach monitoring by estimating abundance of Enterococcus spp. in recreational waters use internal, positive controls which address only the amplification of target DNA. In this study two internal, positive controls were developed to control for...

Centrifugal LabTube platform for fully automated DNA purification and LAMP amplification based on an integrated, low-cost heating system.

PubMed

Hoehl, Melanie M; Weißert, Michael; Dannenberg, Arne; Nesch, Thomas; Paust, Nils; von Stetten, Felix; Zengerle, Roland; Slocum, Alexander H; Steigert, Juergen

2014-06-01

This paper introduces a disposable battery-driven heating system for loop-mediated isothermal DNA amplification (LAMP) inside a centrifugally-driven DNA purification platform (LabTube). We demonstrate LabTube-based fully automated DNA purification of as low as 100 cell-equivalents of verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) in water, milk and apple juice in a laboratory centrifuge, followed by integrated and automated LAMP amplification with a reduction of hands-on time from 45 to 1 min. The heating system consists of two parallel SMD thick film resistors and a NTC as heating and temperature sensing elements. They are driven by a 3 V battery and controlled by a microcontroller. The LAMP reagents are stored in the elution chamber and the amplification starts immediately after the eluate is purged into the chamber. The LabTube, including a microcontroller-based heating system, demonstrates contamination-free and automated sample-to-answer nucleic acid testing within a laboratory centrifuge. The heating system can be easily parallelized within one LabTube and it is deployable for a variety of heating and electrical applications.

DNA Replication Control During Drosophila Development: Insights into the Onset of S Phase, Replication Initiation, and Fork Progression

PubMed Central

Hua, Brian L.; Orr-Weaver, Terry L.

2017-01-01

Proper control of DNA replication is critical to ensure genomic integrity during cell proliferation. In addition, differential regulation of the DNA replication program during development can change gene copy number to influence cell size and gene expression. Drosophila melanogaster serves as a powerful organism to study the developmental control of DNA replication in various cell cycle contexts in a variety of differentiated cell and tissue types. Additionally, Drosophila has provided several developmentally regulated replication models to dissect the molecular mechanisms that underlie replication-based copy number changes in the genome, which include differential underreplication and gene amplification. Here, we review key findings and our current understanding of the developmental control of DNA replication in the contexts of the archetypal replication program as well as of underreplication and differential gene amplification. We focus on the use of these latter two replication systems to delineate many of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the developmental control of replication initiation and fork elongation. PMID:28874453

High-frequency response and the possibilities of frequency-tunable narrow-band terahertz amplification in resonant tunneling nanostructures

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

Kapaev, V. V., E-mail: kapaev@sci.lebedev.ru; Kopaev, Yu. V.; Savinov, S. A.

2013-03-15

The characteristics of the high-frequency response of single- and double-well resonant tunneling structures in a dc electric field are investigated on the basis of the numerical solution of a time-dependent Schroedinger equation with open boundary conditions. The frequency dependence of the real part of high frequency conductivity (high-frequency response) in In{sub 0.53}Ga{sub 0.47}As/AlAs/InP structures is analyzed in detail for various values of the dc voltage V{sub dc} in the negative differential resistance (NDR) region. It is shown that double-well three-barrier structures are promising for the design of terahertz-band oscillators. The presence of two resonant states with close energies in suchmore » structures leads to a resonant (in frequency) response whose frequency is determined by the energy difference between these levels and can be controlled by varying the parameters of the structure. It is shown that, in principle, such structures admit narrow-band amplification, tuning of the amplification frequency, and a fine control of the amplification (oscillation) frequency in a wide range of terahertz frequencies by varying a dc electric voltage applied to the structure. Starting from a certain width of the central intermediate barrier in double-well structures, one can observe a collapse of resonances, where the structure behaves like a single-well system. This phenomenon imposes a lower limit on the oscillation frequency in three-barrier resonant tunneling structures.« less

Frequent amplification of PTP1B is associated with poor survival of gastric cancer patients.

PubMed

Wang, Na; She, Junjun; Liu, Wei; Shi, Jing; Yang, Qi; Shi, Bingyin; Hou, Peng

2015-01-01

The protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), a non-transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatase, has been implicated in gastric pathogenesis. Several lines of recent evidences have shown that PTP1B is highly amplified in breast and prostate cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate PTP1B amplification in gastric cancer and its association with poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients, and further determine the role of PTP1B in gastric tumorigenesis. Our data demonstrated that PTP1B was significantly up-regulated in gastric cancer tissues as compared with matched normal gastric tissues by using quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) assay. In addition, copy number analysis showed that PTP1B was amplified in 68/131 (51.9%) gastric cancer cases, whereas no amplification was found in the control subjects. Notably, PTP1B amplification was positively associated with its protein expression, and was significantly related to poor survival of gastric cancer patients. Knocking down PTP1B expression in gastric cancer cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion, and induced cell cycle arrested and apoptosis. Mechanically, PTP1B promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation, survival and invasiveness through modulating Src-related signaling pathways, such as Src/Ras/MAPK and Src/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathways. Collectively, our data demonstrated frequent overexpression and amplification PTP1B in gastric cancer, and further determined the oncogenic role of PTP1B in gastric carcinogenesis. Importantly, PTP1B amplification predicts poor survival of gastric cancer patients.

Association between somatic amplification, anxiety, depression, stress and migraine

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The aim of this study is to investigate the associations between migraine related disability and somatosensory amplification, depression, anxiety, and stress. Method Fifty-five migraine patients who applied to the outpatient unit of the Neurology Department of Acibadem University School of Medicine, Maslak Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, and twenty-eight subjects without migraine were recruited for the study. The participants were asked to complete a sociodemographic form, Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS). Results Somatosensory amplification scores were significantly higher in the migraineurs than in the control group (29.85+/−6.63 vs 26.07+/−7.1; p=0.027). Somatosensory amplification scores and depression scores were significantly higher in migraineurs with moderate and severe disability than in patients with minimal and mild disability (31.7+/−6.4 vs 27.71+/−5.49; p=0.01, 11.27+/−8.7 vs 7.38+/−8.11; p=0.04, respectively). A significant positive correlation was found between the frequency of migraine attacks for at least three consecutive months (MIDAS A scores) and the SSAS scores (r=0.363, p=0.007) in migraineurs. The MIDAS total scores were also significantly correlated with the DASS depression subcale scores (r=0.267, p=0.04), and the DASS stress subscale scores (r=0.268, p=0.05). Conclusion Psychological factors, and vulnerability to bodily sensations may incease the burden of migraine. We point out that the timely assessing of somatic amplification and the evaluation of mental status would help improve the quality of life of in migraineurs. PMID:23799958

Magnetic micro/nanoparticle flocculation-based signal amplification for biosensing

PubMed Central

Mzava, Omary; Taş, Zehra; İçöz, Kutay

2016-01-01

We report a time and cost efficient signal amplification method for biosensors employing magnetic particles. In this method, magnetic particles in an applied external magnetic field form magnetic dipoles, interact with each other, and accumulate along the magnetic field lines. This magnetic interaction does not need any biomolecular coating for binding and can be controlled with the strength of the applied magnetic field. The accumulation can be used to amplify the corresponding pixel area that is obtained from an image of a single magnetic particle. An application of the method to the Escherichia coli 0157:H7 bacteria samples is demonstrated in order to show the potential of the approach. A minimum of threefold to a maximum of 60-fold amplification is reached from a single bacteria cell under a magnetic field of 20 mT. PMID:27354793

[Applying competitive polymerase chain reaction to the detection of hepatitis B virus DNA].

PubMed

Wang, Ling; Yang, Peng; Li, Shuang-qing; Xu, Shu-hui; Cao, Gui-qun; Zhang, Fa-qiang; Zhang, Mei-xia; Chen, Qing-ying; Xia, Qing-jie; Liu, Kai; Tang, Fang; Zhang, Yuan-zheng

2004-11-01

To reduce the rate of accidental false negative result in the HBV DNA PCR test on clinical serum samples. A competitive polymerase chain reaction (C-PCR) was used to decrease the false negative ratio. In the C-PCR, a constructed inner control DNA was added for co-amplification with the HBV target DNA. In a 20 microl C-PCR system, about 60 to 200 copies of inner control DNA could give apparent co-amplification signal band after electrophoresis on a 2% agarose gel. Five of 120 samples of clinical serum (4.2%) could not be amplified. C-PCR has the advantage of yielding information on false negative in the HBV DNA PCR assay of clinical serum samples.

Diffraction Effects in Directed Radiation Beams

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-04-03

cosP acosO )/sin a sinJ], 0 / ’V< a , and Oga cos’ j (a-ct)/Yj, ()< 13 a < Rt/2, and where (r, t) is ident ical to t (I- t ) e:.:cep• that a i1 IepIac ed...Toraldo di Francia , NuoVo Cimento, Suppl. 9, 426 (1952)> 3. W T. Welford, Qptics, (Onfordi University Press, New York, 1981), chap. 3. 4. C.. J. Bouwkarnp

Use of Bacteriophage MS2 as an Internal Control in Viral Reverse Transcription-PCR Assays

PubMed Central

Dreier, Jens; Störmer, Melanie; Kleesiek, Knut

2005-01-01

Diagnostic systems based on reverse transcription (RT)-PCR are widely used for the detection of viral genomes in different human specimens. The application of internal controls (IC) to monitor each step of nucleic acid amplification is necessary to prevent false-negative results due to inhibition or human error. In this study, we designed various real-time RT-PCRs utilizing the coliphage MS2 replicase gene, which differ in detection format, amplicon size, and efficiency of amplification. These noncompetitive IC assays, using TaqMan, hybridization probe, or duplex scorpion probe techniques, were tested on the LightCycler and Rotorgene systems. In our approach, clinical specimens were spiked with the control virus to monitor the efficiency of extraction, reverse transcription, and amplification steps. The MS2 RT-PCR assays were applied for internal control when using a second target hepatitis C virus RNA in duplex PCR in blood donor screening. The 95% detection limit was calculated by probit analysis to 44.9 copies per PCR (range, 38.4 to 73.4). As demonstrated routinely, application of MS2 IC assays exhibits low variability and can be applied in various RT-PCR assays. MS2 phage lysates were obtained under standard laboratory conditions. The quantification of phage and template RNA was performed by plating assays to determine PFU or via real-time RT-PCR. High stability of the MS2 phage preparations stored at −20°C, 4°C, and room temperature was demonstrated. PMID:16145106

Strand displacement amplification as an in vitro model for rolling-circle replication: deletion formation and evolution during serial transfer.

PubMed Central

Walter, N G; Strunk, G

1994-01-01

Strand displacement amplification is an isothermal DNA amplification reaction based on a restriction endonuclease nicking its recognition site and a polymerase extending the nick at its 3' end, displacing the downstream strand. The reaction resembles rolling-circle replication of single-stranded phages and small plasmids. The displaced sense strand serves as target for an antisense reaction and vice versa, resulting in exponential growth and the autocatalytic nature of this in vitro reaction as long as the template is the limiting agent. We describe the optimization of strand displacement amplification for in vitro evolution experiments under serial transfer conditions. The reaction was followed and controlled by use of the fluorescent dye thiazole orange binding to the amplified DNA. We were able to maintain exponential growth conditions with a doubling time of 3.0 min throughout 100 transfers or approximately 350 molecular generations by using an automatic handling device. Homology of in vitro amplification with rolling-circle replication was mirrored by the occurring evolutionary processes. Deletion events most likely caused by a slipped mispairing mechanism as postulated for in vivo replication took place. Under our conditions, the mutation rate was high and a molecular quasi-species formed with a mutant lacking internal hairpin formation ability and thus outgrowing all other species under dGTP/dCTP deficiency. Images PMID:8058737

Caught in the middle with multiple displacement amplification: the myth of pooling for avoiding multiple displacement amplification bias in a metagenome.

PubMed

Marine, Rachel; McCarren, Coleen; Vorrasane, Vansay; Nasko, Dan; Crowgey, Erin; Polson, Shawn W; Wommack, K Eric

2014-01-30

Shotgun metagenomics has become an important tool for investigating the ecology of microorganisms. Underlying these investigations is the assumption that metagenome sequence data accurately estimates the census of microbial populations. Multiple displacement amplification (MDA) of microbial community DNA is often used in cases where it is difficult to obtain enough DNA for sequencing; however, MDA can result in amplification biases that may impact subsequent estimates of population census from metagenome data. Some have posited that pooling replicate MDA reactions negates these biases and restores the accuracy of population analyses. This assumption has not been empirically tested. Using mock viral communities, we examined the influence of pooling on population-scale analyses. In pooled and single reaction MDA treatments, sequence coverage of viral populations was highly variable and coverage patterns across viral genomes were nearly identical, indicating that initial priming biases were reproducible and that pooling did not alleviate biases. In contrast, control unamplified sequence libraries showed relatively even coverage across phage genomes. MDA should be avoided for metagenomic investigations that require quantitative estimates of microbial taxa and gene functional groups. While MDA is an indispensable technique in applications such as single-cell genomics, amplification biases cannot be overcome by combining replicate MDA reactions. Alternative library preparation techniques should be utilized for quantitative microbial ecology studies utilizing metagenomic sequencing approaches.

Systematic evaluation of bias in microbial community profiles induced by whole genome amplification.

PubMed

Direito, Susana O L; Zaura, Egija; Little, Miranda; Ehrenfreund, Pascale; Röling, Wilfred F M

2014-03-01

Whole genome amplification methods facilitate the detection and characterization of microbial communities in low biomass environments. We examined the extent to which the actual community structure is reliably revealed and factors contributing to bias. One widely used [multiple displacement amplification (MDA)] and one new primer-free method [primase-based whole genome amplification (pWGA)] were compared using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method as control. Pyrosequencing of an environmental sample and principal component analysis revealed that MDA impacted community profiles more strongly than pWGA and indicated that this related to species GC content, although an influence of DNA integrity could not be excluded. Subsequently, biases by species GC content, DNA integrity and fragment size were separately analysed using defined mixtures of DNA from various species. We found significantly less amplification of species with the highest GC content for MDA-based templates and, to a lesser extent, for pWGA. DNA fragmentation also interfered severely: species with more fragmented DNA were less amplified with MDA and pWGA. pWGA was unable to amplify low molecular weight DNA (< 1.5 kb), whereas MDA was inefficient. We conclude that pWGA is the most promising method for characterization of microbial communities in low-biomass environments and for currently planned astrobiological missions to Mars. © 2013 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Calcium Channel Genes Associated with Bipolar Disorder Modulate Lithium's Amplification of Circadian Rhythms

PubMed Central

McCarthy, Michael J.; LeRoux, Melissa; Wei, Heather; Beesley, Stephen; Kelsoe, John R.; Welsh, David K.

2015-01-01

Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with mood episodes and low amplitude circadian rhythms. Previously, we demonstrated that fibroblasts grown from BD patients show weaker amplification of circadian rhythms by lithium compared to control cells. Since calcium signals impact upon the circadian clock, and L-type calcium channels (LTCC) have emerged as genetic risk factors for BD, we examined whether loss of function in LTCCs accounts for the attenuated response to lithium in BD cells. We used fluorescent dyes to measure Ca2+ changes in BD and control fibroblasts after lithium treatment, and bioluminescent reporters to measure Per2∷luc rhythms in fibroblasts from BD patients, human controls, and mice while pharmacologically or genetically manipulating calcium channels. Longitudinal expression of LTCC genes (CACNA1C, CACNA1D and CACNB3) was then measured over 12-24 hr in BD and control cells. Our results indicate that independently of LTCCs, lithium stimulated intracellular Ca2+ less effectively in BD vs. control fibroblasts. In longitudinal studies, pharmacological inhibition of LTCCs or knockdown of CACNA1A, CACNA1C, CACNA1D and CACNB3 altered circadian rhythm amplitude. Diltiazem and knockdown of CACNA1C or CACNA1D eliminated lithium's ability to amplify rhythms. Knockdown of CACNA1A or CACNB3 altered baseline rhythms, but did not affect rhythm amplification by lithium. In human fibroblasts, CACNA1C genotype predicted the amplitude response to lithium, and the expression profiles of CACNA1C, CACNA1D and CACNB3 were altered in BD vs. controls. We conclude that in cells from BD patients, calcium signaling is abnormal, and that LTCCs underlie the failure of lithium to amplify circadian rhythms. PMID:26476274

Is it time to move to nucleic acid amplification tests screening for pharyngeal and rectal gonorrhoea in men who have sex with men to improve gonorrhoea control?

PubMed

Fairley, Christopher K; Chen, Marcus Y; Bradshaw, Catriona S; Tabrizi, Sepehr N

2011-03-01

The use of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), as well as or in preference to culture for non-genital sites is now recommended both in Australia and overseas because of their greater sensitivity and improved specificity. A survey of 22 Australian sexual health clinics who each year test over 14500 men who have sex with men (MSM) show that culture remains the predominate method for detecting gonorrhoea at pharyngeal (64%) and rectal (73%) sites. This editorial discusses the potential disadvantages of using culture over NAAT in relation to optimal gonorrhoea control among MSM and advocates that significantly improved control would be achieved by moving to NAAT with the proviso that culture samples are taken wherever possible on NAAT-positive samples and from clients with urethritis to ensure continued surveillance for antimicrobial resistance.

Comparison of four DNA extraction methods for the detection of Mycobacterium leprae from Ziehl-Neelsen-stained microscopic slides.

PubMed

Ruiz-Fuentes, Jenny Laura; Díaz, Alexis; Entenza, Anayma Elena; Frión, Yahima; Suárez, Odelaisy; Torres, Pedro; de Armas, Yaxsier; Acosta, Lucrecia

2015-12-01

The diagnosis of leprosy has been a challenge due to the low sensibility of the conventional methods and the impossibility of culturing the causative organism. In this study, four methods for Mycobacterium leprae nucleic-acid extraction from Ziehl-Neelsen-stained slides (ZNS slides) were compared: Phenol/chloroform, Chelex 100 resin, and two commercial kits (Wizard Genomic DNA Purification Kit and QIAamp DNA Mini Kit). DNA was extracted from four groups of slides: a high-codification-slide group (bacteriological index [BI]⩾4), a low-codification-slide group (BI=1), a negative-slide group (BI=0), and a negative-control-slide group (BI=0). Quality DNA was evidenced by the amplification of specific repetitive element present in M. leprae genomic DNA (RLEP) using a nested polymerase chain reaction. This is the first report comparing four different extraction methods for obtaining M. leprae DNA from ZNS slides in Cuban patients, and applied in molecular diagnosis. Good-quality DNA and positive amplification were detected in the high-codification-slide group with the four methods, while from the low-codification-slide group only the QIAGEN and phenol-chloroform methods obtained amplification of M. leprae. In the negative-slide group, only the QIAGEN method was able to obtain DNA with sufficient quality for positive amplification of the RLEP region. No amplification was observed in the negative-control-slide group by any method. Patients with ZNS negative slides can still transmit the infection, and molecular methods can help identify and treat them, interrupting the chain of transmission and preventing the onset of disabilities. The ZNS slides can be sent easily to reference laboratories for later molecular analysis that can be useful not only to improve the diagnosis, but also for the application of other molecular techniques. Copyright © 2015 Asian-African Society for Mycobacteriology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Competitive Reporter Monitored Amplification (CMA) - Quantification of Molecular Targets by Real Time Monitoring of Competitive Reporter Hybridization

PubMed Central

Ullrich, Thomas; Ermantraut, Eugen; Schulz, Torsten; Steinmetzer, Katrin

2012-01-01

Background State of the art molecular diagnostic tests are based on the sensitive detection and quantification of nucleic acids. However, currently established diagnostic tests are characterized by elaborate and expensive technical solutions hindering the development of simple, affordable and compact point-of-care molecular tests. Methodology and Principal Findings The described competitive reporter monitored amplification allows the simultaneous amplification and quantification of multiple nucleic acid targets by polymerase chain reaction. Target quantification is accomplished by real-time detection of amplified nucleic acids utilizing a capture probe array and specific reporter probes. The reporter probes are fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides that are complementary to the respective capture probes on the array and to the respective sites of the target nucleic acids in solution. Capture probes and amplified target compete for reporter probes. Increasing amplicon concentration leads to decreased fluorescence signal at the respective capture probe position on the array which is measured after each cycle of amplification. In order to observe reporter probe hybridization in real-time without any additional washing steps, we have developed a mechanical fluorescence background displacement technique. Conclusions and Significance The system presented in this paper enables simultaneous detection and quantification of multiple targets. Moreover, the presented fluorescence background displacement technique provides a generic solution for real time monitoring of binding events of fluorescently labelled ligands to surface immobilized probes. With the model assay for the detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and 2 (HIV 1/2), we have been able to observe the amplification kinetics of five targets simultaneously and accommodate two additional hybridization controls with a simple instrument set-up. The ability to accommodate multiple controls and targets into a single assay and to perform the assay on simple and robust instrumentation is a prerequisite for the development of novel molecular point of care tests. PMID:22539973

Biomass changes and trophic amplification of plankton in a warmer ocean.

PubMed

Chust, Guillem; Allen, J Icarus; Bopp, Laurent; Schrum, Corinna; Holt, Jason; Tsiaras, Kostas; Zavatarelli, Marco; Chifflet, Marina; Cannaby, Heather; Dadou, Isabelle; Daewel, Ute; Wakelin, Sarah L; Machu, Eric; Pushpadas, Dhanya; Butenschon, Momme; Artioli, Yuri; Petihakis, George; Smith, Chris; Garçon, Veronique; Goubanova, Katerina; Le Vu, Briac; Fach, Bettina A; Salihoglu, Baris; Clementi, Emanuela; Irigoien, Xabier

2014-07-01

Ocean warming can modify the ecophysiology and distribution of marine organisms, and relationships between species, with nonlinear interactions between ecosystem components potentially resulting in trophic amplification. Trophic amplification (or attenuation) describe the propagation of a hydroclimatic signal up the food web, causing magnification (or depression) of biomass values along one or more trophic pathways. We have employed 3-D coupled physical-biogeochemical models to explore ecosystem responses to climate change with a focus on trophic amplification. The response of phytoplankton and zooplankton to global climate-change projections, carried out with the IPSL Earth System Model by the end of the century, is analysed at global and regional basis, including European seas (NE Atlantic, Barents Sea, Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Bay of Biscay, Adriatic Sea, Aegean Sea) and the Eastern Boundary Upwelling System (Benguela). Results indicate that globally and in Atlantic Margin and North Sea, increased ocean stratification causes primary production and zooplankton biomass to decrease in response to a warming climate, whilst in the Barents, Baltic and Black Seas, primary production and zooplankton biomass increase. Projected warming characterized by an increase in sea surface temperature of 2.29 ± 0.05 °C leads to a reduction in zooplankton and phytoplankton biomasses of 11% and 6%, respectively. This suggests negative amplification of climate driven modifications of trophic level biomass through bottom-up control, leading to a reduced capacity of oceans to regulate climate through the biological carbon pump. Simulations suggest negative amplification is the dominant response across 47% of the ocean surface and prevails in the tropical oceans; whilst positive trophic amplification prevails in the Arctic and Antarctic oceans. Trophic attenuation is projected in temperate seas. Uncertainties in ocean plankton projections, associated to the use of single global and regional models, imply the need for caution when extending these considerations into higher trophic levels. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Development of Local Amplification Factors in the NEAM Region for Production of Regional Tsunami Hazard Maps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harbitz, C. B.; Glimsdal, S.; Løvholt, F.; Orefice, S.; Romano, F.; Brizuela, B.; Lorito, S.; Hoechner, A.; Babeyko, A. Y.

2016-12-01

The standard way of estimating tsunami inundation is by applying numerical depth-averaged shallow-water run-up models. However, for a regional Probabilistic Tsunami Hazard Assessment (PTHA), applying such inundation models may be too time-consuming. A faster, yet less accurate procedure, is to relate the near-shore surface elevations at offshore points to maximum shoreline water levels by using a set of amplification factors based on the characteristics of the incident wave and the bathymetric slope. The surface elevation at the shoreline then acts as a rough approximation for the maximum inundation height or run-up height along the shoreline. An amplification-factor procedure based on a limited set of idealized broken shoreline segments has previously been applied to estimate the maximum inundation heights globally. Here, we present a study where this technique is developed further, by taking into account the local bathymetric profiles. We extract a large number of local bathymetric transects over a significant part of the North East Atlantic, the Mediterranean and connected seas (NEAM) region. For each bathymetric transect, we compute the wave amplification from an offshore control point to points close to the shoreline using a linear shallow-water model for waves of different period and polarity with a sinusoidal pulse wave as input. The amplification factors are then tabulated. We present maximum water levels from the amplification factor method, and compare these with results from conventional inundation models. Finally, we demonstrate how the amplification factor method can be convolved with PTHA results to provide regional tsunami hazard maps. This work has been supported by the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement 603839 (Project ASTARTE), and the TSUMAPS-NEAM Project (http://www.tsumapsneam.eu/), co-financed by the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, Agreement Number: ECHO/SUB/2015/718568/PREV26.

Development of Local Amplification Factors in the NEAM Region for Production of Regional Tsunami Hazard Maps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glimsdal, Sylfest; Løvholt, Finn; Bonnevie Harbitz, Carl; Orefice, Simone; Romano, Fabrizio; Brizuela, Beatriz; Lorito, Stefano; Hoechner, Andreas; Babeyko, Andrey

2017-04-01

The standard way of estimating tsunami inundation is by applying numerical depth-averaged shallow-water run-up models. However, for a regional Probabilistic Tsunami Hazard Assessment (PTHA), applying such inundation models may be too time-consuming. A faster, yet less accurate procedure, is to relate the near-shore surface elevations at offshore points to maximum shoreline water levels by using a set of amplification factors based on the characteristics of the incident wave and the bathymetric slope. The surface elevation at the shoreline then acts as a rough approximation for the maximum inundation height or run-up height along the shoreline. An amplification-factor procedure based on a limited set of idealized broken shoreline segments has previously been applied to estimate the maximum inundation heights globally. Here, we present a study where this technique is developed further, by taking into account the local bathymetric profiles. We extract a large number of local bathymetric transects over a significant part of the North East Atlantic, the Mediterranean and connected seas (NEAM region). For each bathymetric transect, we compute the wave amplification from an offshore control point to points close to the shoreline using a linear shallow-water model for waves of different period and polarity with a sinusoidal pulse wave as input. The amplification factors are then tabulated. We present maximum water levels from the amplification factor method, and compare these with results from conventional inundation models. Finally, we demonstrate how the amplification factor method can be convolved with PTHA results to provide regional tsunami hazard maps. This work has been supported by the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement 603839 (Project ASTARTE), and the TSUMAPS-NEAM Project (http://www.tsumapsneam.eu/), co-financed by the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, Agreement Number: ECHO/SUB/2015/718568/PREV26.

The problems and promise of DNA barcodes for species diagnosis of primate biomaterials

PubMed Central

Lorenz, Joseph G; Jackson, Whitney E; Beck, Jeanne C; Hanner, Robert

2005-01-01

The Integrated Primate Biomaterials and Information Resource (www.IPBIR.org) provides essential research reagents to the scientific community by establishing, verifying, maintaining, and distributing DNA and RNA derived from primate cell cultures. The IPBIR uses mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences to verify the identity of samples for quality control purposes in the accession, cell culture, DNA extraction processes and prior to shipping to end users. As a result, IPBIR is accumulating a database of ‘DNA barcodes’ for many species of primates. However, this quality control process is complicated by taxon specific patterns of ‘universal primer’ failure, as well as the amplification or co-amplification of nuclear pseudogenes of mitochondrial origins. To overcome these difficulties, taxon specific primers have been developed, and reverse transcriptase PCR is utilized to exclude these extraneous sequences from amplification. DNA barcoding of primates has applications to conservation and law enforcement. Depositing barcode sequences in a public database, along with primer sequences, trace files and associated quality scores, makes this species identification technique widely accessible. Reference DNA barcode sequences should be derived from, and linked to, specimens of known provenance in web-accessible collections in order to validate this system of molecular diagnostics. PMID:16214744

Harnessing polarisation transfer to indazole and imidazole through signal amplification by reversible exchange to improve their NMR detectability

PubMed Central

Fekete, Marianna; Rayner, Peter J.; Green, Gary G. R.

2017-01-01

The signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) approach has been used to hyperpolarise the substrates indazole and imidazole in the presence of the co‐ligand acetonitrile through the action of the precataysts [IrCl(COD)(IMes)] and [IrCl(COD)(SIMes)]. 2H‐labelled forms of these catalysts were also examined. Our comparison of the two precatalysts [IrCl(COD)(IMes)] and [IrCl(COD)(SIMes)], coupled with 2H labelling of the N‐heterocyclic carbene and associated relaxation and polarisation field variation studies, demonstrates the critical and collective role these parameters play in controlling the efficiency of signal amplification by reversible exchange. Ultimately, with imidazole, a 700‐fold1H signal gain per proton is produced at 400 MHz, whilst for indazole, a 90‐fold increase per proton is achieved. The co‐ligand acetonitrile proved to optimally exhibit a 190‐fold signal gain per proton in these measurements, with the associated studies revealing the importance the substrate plays in controlling this value. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Chemistry published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. PMID:28497481

Recovering star formation histories: Integrated-light analyses vs. stellar colour-magnitude diagrams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruiz-Lara, T.; Pérez, I.; Gallart, C.; Alloin, D.; Monelli, M.; Koleva, M.; Pompei, E.; Beasley, M.; Sánchez-Blázquez, P.; Florido, E.; Aparicio, A.; Fleurence, E.; Hardy, E.; Hidalgo, S.; Raimann, D.

2015-11-01

Context. Accurate star formation histories (SFHs) of galaxies are fundamental for understanding the build-up of their stellar content. However, the most accurate SFHs - those obtained from colour-magnitude diagrams (CMDs) of resolved stars reaching the oldest main-sequence turnoffs (oMSTO) - are presently limited to a few systems in the Local Group. It is therefore crucial to determine the reliability and range of applicability of SFHs derived from integrated light spectroscopy, as this affects our understanding of unresolved galaxies from low to high redshift. Aims: We evaluate the reliability of current full spectral fitting techniques in deriving SFHs from integrated light spectroscopy by comparing SFHs from integrated spectra to those obtained from deep CMDs of resolved stars. Methods: We have obtained a high signal-to-noise (S/N ~ 36.3 per Å) integrated spectrum of a field in the bar of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) using EFOSC2 at the 3.6-metre telescope at La Silla Observatory. For this same field, resolved stellar data reaching the oMSTO are available. We have compared the star formation rate (SFR) as a function of time and the age-metallicity relation (AMR) obtained from the integrated spectrum using STECKMAP, and the CMD using the IAC-star/MinnIAC/IAC-pop set of routines. For the sake of completeness we also use and discuss other synthesis codes (STARLIGHT and ULySS) to derive the SFR and AMR from the integrated LMC spectrum. Results: We find very good agreement (average differences ~4.1%) between the SFR (t) and the AMR obtained using STECKMAP on the integrated light spectrum, and the CMD analysis. STECKMAP minimizes the impact of the age-metallicity degeneracy and has the advantage of preferring smooth solutions to recover complex SFHs by means of a penalized χ2. We find that the use of single stellar populations (SSPs) to recover the stellar content, using for instance STARLIGHT or ULySS codes, hampers the reconstruction of the SFR (t) and AMR shapes, yielding larger discrepancies with respect to the CMD results. These discrepancies can be reduced if spectral templates based on known and complex SFHs are employed rather than SSPs. Based on observations obtained at the 3.6 m ESO telescope on La Silla (Chile) and with the Hubble Space Telescope, operated by NASA.Appendices are available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org

The Swedish Interplanetary Society (1950-1969) and the formation of IAF and IAA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ingemar Skoog, A.

2011-06-01

With a growing interest for rocket technology and space travel after WW II a number of new "space societies" were formed in the period 1948-1951 in addition to the ones already existing in Germany, the UK and the US since before WW II. Soon came the need for a common international platform for exchange of information and experience, and the concept of an international federation of astronautical societies emerged. Sweden was one of the 8 countries to sign the original declaration to create an International Astronautical Federation on October 2, 1950 in Paris at the 1st International Astronautical Congress. The Swedish Society for Space Research (Svenska Sällskapet för Rymdforskning) was formed a few days after the historical event in Paris. The name was soon to be changed to the Swedish Interplanetary Society (Svenska Interplanetariska Sällskapet, SIS). Sweden was one of the 10 countries to sign the IAF foundation in 1951 in London and in the following year the first Constitution of IAF in Stuttgart. The SIS quickly grow to a membership of several hundred persons and its membership in IAF promoted an intensive exchange of journals, and the annual participation at the IAC gave growth to start study projects on spacecraft and sounding rockets, and the publication of astronautical journals in Swedish. In 1957 the first Swede was elected vice-president of IAF. Not too long after the IAF foundation the idea of an international body of distinguished individuals emerged, in addition to the body of "member societies" (IAF). Upon the initiative of Theodor von Karman, Eugen Sänger and Andrew Haley the IAF council approval of an International Academy of Astronautical was given on August 15, 1960 during the 11th IAC in Stockholm. This IAC in Stockholm gave a large publicity to space research and astronautics in Sweden, and put the activities of the SIS in the focus of the general public. This paper presents the Swedish involvement in the foundation of IAF and IAA. It also gives an overview on the positive influence of these two organisations on the work and progress of the Swedish Interplanetary Society and the diffusion of astronautics to the general public in Sweden.

Sistemas Correctores de Campo Para EL Telescopio Cassegrain IAC80

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galan, M. J.; Cobos, F. J.

1987-05-01

El proyecto de instrumentación de mayor importancia que ha tenido el Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias en los últimos afios ha sido el diseflo y construcción del te1escopio IAC8O. Este requería del esfuerzo con junto en mec´nica, óptica y electrónica, lo que facilitó la estructuración y el crecimiento de los respectivos grupos de trabajo, que posteriormente se integraron en departamentos En su origen (1977), el telescopio IAC80 fue concebido como un sistema clásico tipo Cassegrain, con una razón focal F/i 1.3 para el sistema Casse grain y una razón focal F/20 para el sistema Coudé. Posteriormente, aunque se mantuvo la filosofia de que el sistema básico fuera el F/11.3, se consideró conveniente el diseño de secundarios para razones focales F/16 y F/32, y se eliminó el de F/20. Sin embargo, dada la importancia relativa que un foco estrictamente fotográfico tiene en un telescopio moderno, diseñado básicamente para fotometría fotoeléctrica y con un campo util mínimamente de 40 minutos de arco, se decídió Ilevar a cabo el diseño de un secundario F/8 con un sistema corrector de campo, pero que estuviera formado únicamente por lentes con superficies esféricas para que asl su construcción fuera posible en España ó en México. La creciente utilización de detectores bidimensionales para fines de investigación astron6mica y la viabilidad de que en un futuro cercano éstos tengan un área sensible cada vez mayor, hicieron atractiva la idea de tener diseñado un sistema corrector de campo para el foco primario (F/3), con un campo útil mínimo de un grado, y también con la limitante de que sus componentes tuvieron sólamente supérficies esféricas. Ambos diseños de los sis-temas correctores de campo se llevaron a cabo, en gran medida, como parte de un proyecto de colaboración e intercambio en el área de diseño y evaluación de sistemas ópticos.

36 CFR 1193.43 - Output, display, and control functions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... functions. 1193.43 Section 1193.43 Parks, Forests, and Public Property ARCHITECTURAL AND TRANSPORTATION... and Usability § 1193.43 Output, display, and control functions. All information necessary to operate... amplification, increased signal-to-noise ratio, or combination). For transmitted voice signals, provide a gain...

36 CFR 1193.43 - Output, display, and control functions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... functions. 1193.43 Section 1193.43 Parks, Forests, and Public Property ARCHITECTURAL AND TRANSPORTATION... and Usability § 1193.43 Output, display, and control functions. All information necessary to operate... amplification, increased signal-to-noise ratio, or combination). For transmitted voice signals, provide a gain...

36 CFR 1193.43 - Output, display, and control functions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... functions. 1193.43 Section 1193.43 Parks, Forests, and Public Property ARCHITECTURAL AND TRANSPORTATION... and Usability § 1193.43 Output, display, and control functions. All information necessary to operate... amplification, increased signal-to-noise ratio, or combination). For transmitted voice signals, provide a gain...

36 CFR 1193.43 - Output, display, and control functions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... functions. 1193.43 Section 1193.43 Parks, Forests, and Public Property ARCHITECTURAL AND TRANSPORTATION... and Usability § 1193.43 Output, display, and control functions. All information necessary to operate... amplification, increased signal-to-noise ratio, or combination). For transmitted voice signals, provide a gain...

Evaluation of an Internally Controlled Multiplex Tth Endonuclease Cleavage Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (TEC-LAMP) Assay for the Detection of Bacterial Meningitis Pathogens

PubMed Central

Clancy, Eoin; Cormican, Martin; Boo, Teck Wee; Cunney, Robert

2018-01-01

Bacterial meningitis infection is a leading global health concern for which rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential to reduce associated morbidity and mortality. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) offers an effective low-cost diagnostic approach; however, multiplex LAMP is difficult to achieve, limiting its application. We have developed novel real-time multiplex LAMP technology, TEC-LAMP, using Tth endonuclease IV and a unique LAMP primer/probe. This study evaluates the analytical specificity, limit of detection (LOD) and clinical application of an internally controlled multiplex TEC-LAMP assay for detection of leading bacterial meningitis pathogens: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae. Analytical specificities were established by testing 168 bacterial strains, and LODs were determined using Probit analysis. The TEC-LAMP assay was 100% specific, with LODs for S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis and H. influenzae of 39.5, 17.3 and 25.9 genome copies per reaction, respectively. Clinical performance was evaluated by testing 65 archived PCR-positive samples. Compared to singleplex real-time PCR, the multiplex TEC-LAMP assay demonstrated diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 92.3% and 100%, respectively. This is the first report of a single-tube internally controlled multiplex LAMP assay for bacterial meningitis pathogen detection, and the first report of Tth endonuclease IV incorporation into nucleic acid amplification diagnostic technology. PMID:29425124

Evaluation of an Internally Controlled Multiplex Tth Endonuclease Cleavage Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (TEC-LAMP) Assay for the Detection of Bacterial Meningitis Pathogens.

PubMed

Higgins, Owen; Clancy, Eoin; Cormican, Martin; Boo, Teck Wee; Cunney, Robert; Smith, Terry J

2018-02-09

Bacterial meningitis infection is a leading global health concern for which rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential to reduce associated morbidity and mortality. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) offers an effective low-cost diagnostic approach; however, multiplex LAMP is difficult to achieve, limiting its application. We have developed novel real-time multiplex LAMP technology, TEC-LAMP, using Tth endonuclease IV and a unique LAMP primer/probe. This study evaluates the analytical specificity, limit of detection (LOD) and clinical application of an internally controlled multiplex TEC-LAMP assay for detection of leading bacterial meningitis pathogens: Streptococcus pneumoniae , Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae . Analytical specificities were established by testing 168 bacterial strains, and LODs were determined using Probit analysis. The TEC-LAMP assay was 100% specific, with LODs for S. pneumoniae , N. meningitidis and H. influenzae of 39.5, 17.3 and 25.9 genome copies per reaction, respectively. Clinical performance was evaluated by testing 65 archived PCR-positive samples. Compared to singleplex real-time PCR, the multiplex TEC-LAMP assay demonstrated diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 92.3% and 100%, respectively. This is the first report of a single-tube internally controlled multiplex LAMP assay for bacterial meningitis pathogen detection, and the first report of Tth endonuclease IV incorporation into nucleic acid amplification diagnostic technology.

Detection of mycobacterium tuberculosis in paraffin-embedded pleural biopsy specimens by commercial ribosomal RNA and DNA amplification kits.

PubMed

Ruiz-Manzano, J; Manterola, J M; Gamboa, F; Calatrava, A; Monsó, E; Martínez, C; Ausina, V

2000-09-01

To evaluate the utility of two gene amplification systems in historical paraffin-embedded pleural biopsy (PEB) tissues from patients with pleural tuberculosis, and to compare the results to those obtained with conventional histologic and microbiological methods. A retrospective study. Seventy-four formalin-fixed PEB tissues collected and stored over 12 years (1984 through 1995) were retrieved. Gene amplifications were performed in 57 tissues from patients with diagnoses of pleural tuberculosis and in 17 from patients with carcinoma as controls, using the first version of the Amplified Mycobacterium tuberculosis Direct Test (AMTDT; Gen-Probe; San Diego, CA) and the LCx Mycobacterium tuberculosis Assay (LCxMTB; Abbott Laboratories; Abbott Park, IL). The sensitivities of the AMTDT and LCxMTB were 52.6% and 63.2%, respectively (p = not statistically significant). The specificity of both tests was 100%. Twenty tissue samples (35.1%) were positive by both systems, and 10 tissues (17.5%) were positive only by the AMTDT, while 16 tissues (28.1%) were positive only by the LCxMTB. Both tests gave negative results for 11 specimens (19.3%). When both tests were used, a positive diagnosis was achieved in 80.7% of the samples. Diagnosis of 73.7% of patient conditions had previously been made by smear examination of pleural biopsy and sputum, pleural liquid, or biopsy culture. The overall diagnostic yield with both culture and amplification techniques was 96.5% (55 of 57 patients) for pleural tuberculosis, with amplification techniques adding 22.8% of the diagnoses. Amplification techniques are useful in archival PEB tissues, providing additional diagnoses beyond culturing, although the sensitivity should be improved, possibly by standardizing protocols.

Relationship between Fosfomycin Exposure and Amplification of Escherichia coli Subpopulations with Reduced Susceptibility in a Hollow-Fiber Infection Model.

PubMed

VanScoy, Brian; McCauley, Jennifer; Bhavnani, Sujata M; Ellis-Grosse, Evelyn J; Ambrose, Paul G

2016-09-01

Understanding the relationship between antibiotic exposure and amplification of bacterial subpopulations with reduced drug susceptibility over time is important for evaluating the adequacy of dosing regimens. We utilized a hollow-fiber infection model to identify the fosfomycin intravenous dosing regimens that prevented the amplification of Escherichia coli bacterial subpopulations with reduced fosfomycin susceptibility. The challenge isolate was E. coli ATCC 25922 (agar MIC with glucose-6-phosphate, 1 mg/liter; agar MIC without glucose-6-phosphate, 32 mg/liter). The fosfomycin dosing regimens studied were 1 to 12 g every 8 h for 10 days to approximate that planned for clinical use. The studies included a no-treatment control regimen. Two bacterial subpopulations were identified, one with reduced susceptibility with agar MIC values ranging from 32 to 128 mg/liter and the other resistant with agar MIC values of 256 to >1,024 mg/liter on plates containing 5× and 256× the baseline MIC value, respectively. An inverted-U-shaped function best described the relationship between the amplification of the two bacterial subpopulations and drug exposure. The lowest fosfomycin dosing regimen that did not amplify a bacterial subpopulation with reduced susceptibility was 4 g administered every 8 h. Nearly immediate amplification of bacterial subpopulations with reduced susceptibility was observed with fosfomycin dosing regimens consisting of 1 to 2 g every 8 h. These data will be useful to support the selection of fosfomycin dosing regimens that minimize the potential for on-therapy amplification of bacterial subpopulations with reduced susceptibility. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Integrating DNA strand displacement circuitry to the nonlinear hybridization chain reaction.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhuo; Fan, Tsz Wing; Hsing, I-Ming

2017-02-23

Programmable and modular attributes of DNA molecules allow one to develop versatile sensing platforms that can be operated isothermally and enzyme-free. In this work, we present an approach to integrate upstream DNA strand displacement circuits that can be turned on by a sequence-specific microRNA analyte with a downstream nonlinear hybridization chain reaction for a cascading hyperbranched nucleic acid assembly. This system provides a two-step amplification strategy for highly sensitive detection of the miRNA analyte, conducive for multiplexed detection. Multiple miRNA analytes were tested with our integrated circuitry using the same downstream signal amplification setting, showing the decoupling of nonlinear self-assembly with the analyte sequence. Compared with the reported methods, our signal amplification approach provides an additional control module for higher-order DNA self-assembly and could be developed into a promising platform for the detection of critical nucleic-acid based biomarkers.

Amplification of Emerging Viruses in a Bat Colony

PubMed Central

Drexler, Jan Felix; Corman, Victor Max; Wegner, Tom; Tateno, Adriana Fumie; Zerbinati, Rodrigo Melim; Gloza-Rausch, Florian; Seebens, Antje; Müller, Marcel A.

2011-01-01

Bats host noteworthy viral pathogens, including coronaviruses, astroviruses, and adenoviruses. Knowledge on the ecology of reservoir-borne viruses is critical for preventive approaches against zoonotic epidemics. We studied a maternity colony of Myotis myotis bats in the attic of a private house in a suburban neighborhood in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, during 2008, 2009, and 2010. One coronavirus, 6 astroviruses, and 1 novel adenovirus were identified and monitored quantitatively. Strong and specific amplification of RNA viruses, but not of DNA viruses, occurred during colony formation and after parturition. The breeding success of the colony was significantly better in 2010 than in 2008, in spite of stronger amplification of coronaviruses and astroviruses in 2010, suggesting that these viruses had little pathogenic influence on bats. However, the general correlation of virus and bat population dynamics suggests that bats control infections similar to other mammals and that they may well experience epidemics of viruses under certain circumstances. PMID:21392436

Directional amplifier in an optomechanical system with optical gain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Cheng; Song, L. N.; Li, Yong

2018-05-01

Directional amplifiers are crucial nonreciprocal devices in both classical and quantum information processing. Here we propose a scheme for realizing a directional amplifier between optical and microwave fields based on an optomechanical system with optical gain, where an active optical cavity and two passive microwave cavities are coupled to a common mechanical resonator via radiation pressure. The two passive cavities are coupled via hopping interaction to facilitate the directional amplification between the active and passive cavities. We obtain the condition of achieving optical directional amplification and find that the direction of amplification can be controlled by the phase differences between the effective optomechanical couplings. The effects of the gain rate of the active cavity and the effective coupling strengths on the maximum gain of the amplifier are discussed. We show that the noise added to this amplifier can be greatly suppressed in the large cooperativity limit.

Biochip for Real-Time Monitoring of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) by Combined Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification and Solution-Phase Electrochemical Detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tien, Bui Quang; Ngoc, Nguyen Thy; Loc, Nguyen Thai; Thu, Vu Thi; Lam, Tran Dai

2017-06-01

Accurate in situ diagnostic tests play a key role in patient management and control of most infectious diseases. To achieve this, use of handheld biochips that implement sample handling, sample analysis, and result readout together is an ideal approach. We present herein a fluid-handling biochip for real-time electrochemical monitoring of nucleic acid amplification based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification and real-time electrochemical detection on a microfluidic platform. Intercalation between amplifying DNA and free redox probe in solution phase was used to monitor the number of DNA copies. The whole diagnostic process is completed within 70 min. Our platform offers a fast and easy tool for quantification of viral pathogens in shorter time and with limited risk of all potential forms of cross-contamination. Such diagnostic tools have potential to make a huge difference to the lives of millions of people worldwide.

Quantification of HIV-1 DNA using real-time recombinase polymerase amplification.

PubMed

Crannell, Zachary Austin; Rohrman, Brittany; Richards-Kortum, Rebecca

2014-06-17

Although recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) has many advantages for the detection of pathogenic nucleic acids in point-of-care applications, RPA has not yet been implemented to quantify sample concentration using a standard curve. Here, we describe a real-time RPA assay with an internal positive control and an algorithm that analyzes real-time fluorescence data to quantify HIV-1 DNA. We show that DNA concentration and the onset of detectable amplification are correlated by an exponential standard curve. In a set of experiments in which the standard curve and algorithm were used to analyze and quantify additional DNA samples, the algorithm predicted an average concentration within 1 order of magnitude of the correct concentration for all HIV-1 DNA concentrations tested. These results suggest that quantitative RPA (qRPA) may serve as a powerful tool for quantifying nucleic acids and may be adapted for use in single-sample point-of-care diagnostic systems.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Optical ident. and redshifts of Planck SZ sources (Planck+, 2016)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Planck Collaboration; Ade, P. A. R.; Aghanim, N.; Arnaud, M.; Ashdown, M.; Aumont, J.; Baccigalupi, C.; Banday, A. J.; Barreiro, R. B.; Barrena, R.; Bartolo, N.; Battaner, E.; Benabed, K.; Benoit-Levy, A.; Bernard, J.-P.; Bersanelli, M.; Bielewicz, P.; Bikmaev, I.; Boehringer, H.; Bonaldi, A.; Bonavera, L.; Bond, J. R.; Borrill, J.; Bouchet, F. R.; Burenin, R.; Burigana, C.; Calabrese, E.; Cardoso, J.-F.; Catalano, A.; Chamballu, A.; Chary, R.-R.; Chiang, H. C.; Chon, G.; Christensen, P. R.; Clements, D. L.; Colombo, L. P. L.; Combet, C.; Comis, B.; Crill, B. P.; Curto, A.; Cuttaia, F.; Dahle, H.; Danese, L.; Davies, R. D.; Davis, R. J.; de Bernardis, P.; De Rosa, A.; de Zotti, G.; Delabrouille, J.; Diego, J. M.; Dole, H.; Donzelli, S.; Dore, O.; Douspis, M.; Dupac, X.; Efstathiou, G.; Elsner, F.; Ensslin, T. A.; Eriksen, H. K.; Ferragamo, A.; Finelli, F.; Forni, O.; Frailis, M.; Fraisse, A. A.; Franceschi, E.; Fromenteau, S.; Galeotta, S.; Galli, S.; Ganga, K.; Genova-Santos, R. T.; Giard, M.; Gjerlow, E.; Gonzalez-Nuevo, J.; Gorski, K. M.; Gruppuso, A.; Hansen, F. K.; Harrison, D. L.; Hempel, A.; Hernandez-Monteagudo, C.; Herranz, D.; Hildebrandt, S. R.; Hivon, E.; Hornstrup, A.; Hovest, W.; Huffenberger, K. M.; Hurier, G.; Jaffe, T. R.; Keihaenen, E.; Keskitalo, R.; Khamitov, I.; Kisner, T. S.; Kneissl, R.; Knoche, J.; Kunz, M.; Kurki-Suonio, H.; Lamarre, J.-M.; Lasenby, A.; Lattanzi, M.; Lawrence, C. R.; Leonardi, R.; Leon-Tavares, J.; Levrier, F.; Lietzen, H.; Liguori, M.; Lilje, P. B.; Linden-Vornle, M.; Lopez-Caniego, M.; Lubin, P. M.; Macias-Perez, J. F.; Maffei, B.; Maino, D.; Mandolesi, N.; Maris, M.; Martin, P. G.; Martinez-Gonzalez, E.; Masi, S.; Matarrese, S.; McGehee, P.; Melchiorri, A.; Mennella, A.; Migliaccio, M.; Miville-Deschenes, M.-A.; Moneti, A.; Montier, L.; Morgante, G.; Mortlock, D.; Munshi, D.; Murphy, J. A.; Naselsky, P.; Nati, F.; Natoli, P.; Novikov, D.; Novikov, I.; Oxborrow, C. A.; Pagano, L.; Pajot, F.; Paoletti, D.; Pasian, F.; Perdereau, O.; Pettorino, V.; Piacentini, F.; Piat, M.; Pierpaoli, E.; Plaszczynski, S.; Pointecouteau, E.; Polenta, G.; Pratt, G. W.; Prunet, S.; Puget, J.-L.; Rachen J. P.; Rebol, O. R.; Reinecke, M.; Remazeilles, M.; Renault, C.; Renzi, A.; Ristorcelli, I.; Rocha, G.; Rosset, C.; Rossetti, M.; Roudier, G.; Rubino-Martin, J. A.; Rusholme, B.; Sandri, M.; Santos, D.; Savelainen, M.; Savini, G.; Scott, D.; Stolyarov, V.; Streblyanska, A.; Sudiwala, R.; Sunyaev, R.; Suur-Uski, A.-S.; Sygnet, J.-F.; Tauber, J. A.; Terenzi, L.; Toffolatti, L.; Tomasi, M.; Tramonte, D.; Tristram, M.; Tucci, M.; Valenziano, L.; Valiviita, J.; van Tent, B.; Vielva, P.; Villa, F.; Wade, L. A.; Wandelt, B. D.; Wehus, I. K.; Yvon, D.; Zacchei, A.; Zonca, A.

2016-04-01

This article is a companion paper to the Planck catalogue of SZ sources (PSZ1) published in Planck Collaboration XXIX (2014, Cat. J/A+A/581/A14). It contains the results of approximately three years of observations with telescopes at the Canary Islands observatories (IAC80, NOT, INT, TNG, WHT, and GTC), as part of the general optical follow-up programme undertaken by the Planck Collaboration. (2 data files).

GSFC Supplier Surveillance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kelly, Michael P.

2011-01-01

Topics covered include: Develop Program/Project Quality Assurance Surveillance Plans The work activities performed by the developer and/or his suppliers are subject to evaluation and audit by government-designated representatives. CSO supports project by selecting on-site supplier representative s by one of several methods: (1) a Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) person via a Letter Of Delegation (LOD), (2) an independent assurance contractor (IAC) via a contract Audits, Assessments, and Assurance (A3) Contract Code 300 Mission Assurance Support Contract (MASC)

A Report to the President of the United States [from the] Intergovernmental Advisory Council on Education, National Networking Conference [on] The Absent Parent (Washington, D.C. May 9-10, 1988).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Intergovernmental Advisory Council on Education (ED), Washington, DC.

This report on child care and the Federal government's role in child care is based on the National Networking Conference on the Absent Parent which was held May 9-10, 1988 under the sponsorship of the President's Intergovernmental Advisory Council on Education (IACE). The report begins with 12 recommendations concerning day care and latchkey…

MASTER follow up observation of MAXIJ1727-203

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lipunov, V.; Buckley, D.; Rebolo, R.; Serra-Ricart, M.; Kornilov, V.; Gorbovskoy, E.; Tiurina, N.; Balanutsa, P.; Gorbunov, I.; Kuznetsov, A.; Vladimirov, V.; Gress, O.; Pogrosheva, T.; Vlasenko, D.

2018-06-01

MASTER Global Robotic Net observed MAXI X-ray transient source ( T. Yoneyama et al. ATEL #11683) RA,Dec(2000)=17 27 53, -20 23 20 +-0.33d. We confirm GROND OT ( Arne Rau et al. ATEL #11690) MASTER-IAC auto-detection system ( Lipunov et al., "MASTER Global Robotic Net", Advances in Astronomy, 2010, 30L ) detected MASTER OT J172829.90-202255.91 (1sigma 0.7arcsec) on 2018-06-05 21:52:53.344 (10exp.

Fingerprinting of Non-resolved Three-axis Stabilized Space Objects Using a Two-Facet Analytical Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

Crawford, K., " Time - Resolved Infrared Spectrophotometric Observations of IRIDIUM satellites and related Resident Space Objects", IAC-09-A6.1.17...Figure 10 for a geosynchronous (GEO) satellite . The figure shows three sets of multi-spectral signatures were collected at different times of the...provides a simple method to determine suitable observation conditions for the cluster of satellites . For instance, on Day 0, the times of the

Exponential isothermal amplification of nucleic acids and amplified assays for proteins, cells, and enzyme activities.

PubMed

Reid, Michael S; Le, X Chris; Zhang, Hongquan

2018-04-27

Isothermal exponential amplification techniques, such as strand-displacement amplification (SDA), rolling circle amplification (RCA), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), helicase-dependent amplification (HDA), and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), have great potential for on-site, point-of-care, and in-situ assay applications. These amplification techniques eliminate the need for temperature cycling required for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) while achieving comparable amplification yield. We highlight here recent advances in exponential amplification reaction (EXPAR) for the detection of nucleic acids, proteins, enzyme activities, cells, and metal ions. We discuss design strategies, enzyme reactions, detection techniques, and key features. Incorporation of fluorescence, colorimetric, chemiluminescence, Raman, and electrochemical approaches enables highly sensitive detection of a variety of targets. Remaining issues, such as undesirable background amplification resulting from non-specific template interactions, must be addressed to further improve isothermal and exponential amplification techniques. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Diallel analysis of corn for special use as corn grits: determining the main genetic effects for corn gritting ability.

PubMed

Conrado, T V; Scapim, C A; Bignotto, L S; Pinto, R J B; Freitas, I L J; Amaral, A T; Pinheiro, A C

2014-08-26

Corn grits are used for various purposes such as flakes, snacks, livestock feed, hominy, extruded products, beer, etc. The grit size proportion varies according to the hybrid, and thus, once the use of the grits is linked to the particle size, determining the genetic effects is essential to develop hybrids for any specific use. For this purpose a complete diallel series of crosses, involving eight parents, was performed near Maringá, PR, Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities of 28 progeny for selection of hybrids for breeding programs and extraction of inbred lines for hybrid development. The response variables, such as plant height, ear insertion height, crop stand, grain yield, and grits, small grits and bran production, were gauged and appraised for each of the 28 progeny. The trait effects and GCA were significant for all response variables, while for SCA, only grain yield and crop stand showed significance (P < 0.05), according to Griffing (1955) analysis. A significant weak negative partial correlation was found between grain yield and grits conversion. In relation to the hybrid selection for breeding programs, the parent IAC Nelore was highly recommended for recurrent selection and the hybrids IPR 119 x HT 392 and IAC Nelore x HD 332 for the extraction of pure lines for hybrid development.

Comparison of Clean-Up Methods for Ochratoxin A on Wine, Beer, Roasted Coffee and Chili Commercialized in Italy

PubMed Central

Prelle, Ambra; Spadaro, Davide; Denca, Aleksandra; Garibaldi, Angelo; Gullino, Maria Lodovica

2013-01-01

The most common technique used to detect ochratoxin A (OTA) in food matrices is based on extraction, clean-up, and chromatography detection. Different clean-up cartridges, such as immunoaffinity columns (IAC), molecular imprinting polymers (MIP), Mycosep™ 229, Mycospin™, and Oasis® HLB (Hydrophilic Lipophilic balance) as solid phase extraction were tested to optimize the purification for red wine, beer, roasted coffee and chili. Recovery, reproducibility, reproducibility, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were calculated for each clean-up method. IAC demonstrated to be suitable for OTA analysis in wine and beer with recovery rate >90%, as well as Mycosep™ for wine and chili. On the contrary, MIP columns were the most appropriate to clean up coffee. A total of 120 samples (30 wines, 30 beers, 30 roasted coffee, 30 chili) marketed in Italy were analyzed, by applying the developed clean-up methods. Twenty-seven out of 120 samples analyzed (22.7%: two wines, five beers, eight coffees, and 12 chili) resulted positive to OTA. A higher incidence of OTA was found in chili (40.0%) more than wine (6.6%), beers (16.6%) and coffee (26.6%). Moreover, OTA concentration in chili was the highest detected, reaching 47.8 µg/kg. Furthermore, three samples (2.5%), two wines and one chili, exceeded the European threshold. PMID:24152987

[Psychosocial care following the firework disaster in Enschede; the lessons from the Bijlmer airline disaster].

PubMed

Gersons, B P R; Huijsman-Rubingh, R R R; Olff, M

2004-07-17

When the psychosocial-care scheme for victims of the firework explosion in Enschede, the Netherlands (2000) was set up, lessons learned from the Bijlmer airline disaster (Amsterdam 1992) were put into practice. The aftermath of this incident showed that psychological and physical health problems can still occur many years later. The main failure of the aftercare of the Bijlmer disaster lay in the coordination of aid and the monitoring of health problems. In Enschede steps were taken to redress these problems. An information and advice centre (IAC) was set up to monitor the well-being of the victims, and to provide them with information and, where necessary, assistance. It is responsible for limiting the effects of the disaster. A total of 13,000 people have consulted the IAC. A residents' association was formed. This gave the victims a common voice during the process of attempting to restore normality in their lives. A specialized mental health-care unit was founded to treat disaster-related disorders using evidence-based treatments. So far approximately 1,300 people have consulted this body. A longitudinal study has been set up to map the consequences of the disaster and to advise aid organizations. This will also give information on the extent to which these methods have been able to limit the long-term consequences.

AGO3 Slicer activity regulates mitochondria-nuage localization of Armitage and piRNA amplification.

PubMed

Huang, Haidong; Li, Yujing; Szulwach, Keith E; Zhang, Guoqiang; Jin, Peng; Chen, Dahua

2014-07-21

In Drosophila melanogaster the reciprocal "Ping-Pong" cycle of PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA)-directed RNA cleavage catalyzed by the endonuclease (or "Slicer") activities of the PIWI proteins Aubergine (Aub) and Argonaute3 (AGO3) has been proposed to expand the secondary piRNA population. However, the role of AGO3/Aub Slicer activity in piRNA amplification remains to be explored. We show that AGO3 Slicer activity is essential for piRNA amplification and that AGO3 inhibits the homotypic Aub:Aub Ping-Pong process in a Slicer-independent manner. We also find that expression of an AGO3 Slicer mutant causes ectopic accumulation of Armitage, a key component in the primary piRNA pathway, in the Drosophila melanogaster germline granules known as nuage. AGO3 also coexists and interacts with Armitage in the mitochondrial fraction. Furthermore, AGO3 acts in conjunction with the mitochondria-associated protein Zucchini to control the dynamic subcellular localization of Armitage between mitochondria and nuage in a Slicer-dependent fashion. Collectively, our findings uncover a new mechanism that couples mitochondria with nuage to regulate secondary piRNA amplification. © 2014 Huang et al.

A Digital Microfluidics Platform for Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Detection

PubMed Central

Veigas, Bruno; Águas, Hugo; Fortunato, Elvira; Martins, Rodrigo; Baptista, Pedro Viana; Igreja, Rui

2017-01-01

Digital microfluidics (DMF) arises as the next step in the fast-evolving field of operation platforms for molecular diagnostics. Moreover, isothermal schemes, such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), allow for further simplification of amplification protocols. Integrating DMF with LAMP will be at the core of a new generation of detection devices for effective molecular diagnostics at point-of-care (POC), providing simple, fast, and automated nucleic acid amplification with exceptional integration capabilities. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the role of coupling DMF and LAMP, in a dedicated device that allows straightforward mixing of LAMP reagents and target DNA, as well as optimum temperature control (reaction droplets undergo a temperature variation of just 0.3 °C, for 65 °C at the bottom plate). This device is produced using low-temperature and low-cost production processes, adaptable to disposable and flexible substrates. DMF-LAMP is performed with enhanced sensitivity without compromising reaction efficacy or losing reliability and efficiency, by LAMP-amplifying 0.5 ng/µL of target DNA in just 45 min. Moreover, on-chip LAMP was performed in 1.5 µL, a considerably lower volume than standard bench-top reactions. PMID:29144379

Diagnosis and follow-up of Whipple's disease by amplification of the 16S rRNA gene of Tropheryma whippelii.

PubMed

Pron, B; Poyart, C; Abachin, E; Fest, T; Belanger, C; Bonnet, C; Capelle, P; Bretagne, J F; Fabianek, A; Girard, L; Hagège, H; Berche, P

1999-01-01

Amplification of the 16S rRNA gene of Tropheryma whippelii was performed in eight patients with Whipple's disease and 34 control patients to confirm a diagnosis of Whipple's disease and to monitor the course of disease. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were positive before treatment in 13 of 15 tissue samples from Whipple's disease patients (gut 8/8; lymph nodes 2/2; bone marrow 1/2; peripheral blood 2/3), in contrast to none of 54 tissue samples from controls. PCR tests converted to negative within 4-6 months in six of the Whipple's disease patients undergoing therapy. These results show that PCR is a reliable and useful tool for diagnosis of Whipple's disease and for monitoring bacterial elimination during antibiotic therapy.

Impacts of crop rotations on soil organic carbon sequestration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gobin, Anne; Vos, Johan; Joris, Ingeborg; Van De Vreken, Philippe

2013-04-01

Agricultural land use and crop rotations can greatly affect the amount of carbon sequestered in the soil. We developed a framework for modelling the impacts of crop rotations on soil carbon sequestration at the field scale with test case Flanders. A crop rotation geo-database was constructed covering 10 years of crop rotation in Flanders using the IACS parcel registration (Integrated Administration and Control System) to elicit the most common crop rotation on major soil types in Flanders. In order to simulate the impact of crop cover on carbon sequestration, the Roth-C model was adapted to Flanders' environment and coupled to common crop rotations extracted from the IACS geodatabases and statistical databases on crop yield. Crop allometric models were used to calculate crop residues from common crops in Flanders and subsequently derive stable organic matter fluxes to the soil (REGSOM). The REGSOM model was coupled to Roth-C model was run for 30 years and for all combinations of seven main arable crops, two common catch crops and two common dosages of organic manure. The common crops are winter wheat, winter barley, sugar beet, potato, grain maize, silage maize and winter rapeseed; the catch crops are yellow mustard and Italian ryegrass; the manure dosages are 35 ton/ha cattle slurry and 22 ton/ha pig slurry. Four common soils were simulated: sand, loam, sandy loam and clay. In total more than 2.4 million simulations were made with monthly output of carbon content for 30 years. Results demonstrate that crop cover dynamics influence carbon sequestration for a very large percentage. For the same rotations carbon sequestration is highest on clay soils and lowest on sandy soils. Crop residues of grain maize and winter wheat followed by catch crops contribute largely to the total carbon sequestered. This implies that agricultural policies that impact on agricultural land management influence soil carbon sequestration for a large percentage. The framework is therefore suited for further scenario analysis and impact assessment in order to support agri-environmental policy decisions.

Image Algebra Matlab language version 2.3 for image processing and compression research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmalz, Mark S.; Ritter, Gerhard X.; Hayden, Eric

2010-08-01

Image algebra is a rigorous, concise notation that unifies linear and nonlinear mathematics in the image domain. Image algebra was developed under DARPA and US Air Force sponsorship at University of Florida for over 15 years beginning in 1984. Image algebra has been implemented in a variety of programming languages designed specifically to support the development of image processing and computer vision algorithms and software. The University of Florida has been associated with development of the languages FORTRAN, Ada, Lisp, and C++. The latter implementation involved a class library, iac++, that supported image algebra programming in C++. Since image processing and computer vision are generally performed with operands that are array-based, the Matlab™ programming language is ideal for implementing the common subset of image algebra. Objects include sets and set operations, images and operations on images, as well as templates and image-template convolution operations. This implementation, called Image Algebra Matlab (IAM), has been found to be useful for research in data, image, and video compression, as described herein. Due to the widespread acceptance of the Matlab programming language in the computing community, IAM offers exciting possibilities for supporting a large group of users. The control over an object's computational resources provided to the algorithm designer by Matlab means that IAM programs can employ versatile representations for the operands and operations of the algebra, which are supported by the underlying libraries written in Matlab. In a previous publication, we showed how the functionality of IAC++ could be carried forth into a Matlab implementation, and provided practical details of a prototype implementation called IAM Version 1. In this paper, we further elaborate the purpose and structure of image algebra, then present a maturing implementation of Image Algebra Matlab called IAM Version 2.3, which extends the previous implementation of IAM to include polymorphic operations over different point sets, as well as recursive convolution operations and functional composition. We also show how image algebra and IAM can be employed in image processing and compression research, as well as algorithm development and analysis.

Quantitative analysis of N-glycans from human alfa-acid-glycoprotein using stable isotope labeling and zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction capillary liquid chromatography electrospray mass spectrometry as tool for pancreatic disease diagnosis.

PubMed

Giménez, Estela; Balmaña, Meritxell; Figueras, Joan; Fort, Esther; de Bolós, Carme; Sanz-Nebot, Victòria; Peracaula, Rosa; Rizzi, Andreas

2015-03-25

In this work we demonstrate the potential of glycan reductive isotope labeling (GRIL) using [(12)C]- and [(13)C]-coded aniline and zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction capillary liquid chromatography electrospray mass spectrometry (μZIC-HILIC-ESI-MS) for relative quantitation of glycosylation variants in selected glycoproteins present in samples from cancer patients. Human α1-acid-glycoprotein (hAGP) is an acute phase serum glycoprotein whose glycosylation has been described to be altered in cancer and chronic inflammation. However, it is not clear yet whether some particular glycans in hAGP can be used as biomarker for differentiating between these two pathologies. In this work, hAGP was isolated by immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) from serum samples of healthy individuals and from those suffering chronic pancreatitis and different stages of pancreatic cancer, respectively. After de-N-glycosylation, relative quantitation of the hAGP glycans was carried out using stable isotope labeling and μZIC-HILIC-ESI-MS analysis. First, protein denaturing conditions prior to PNGase F digestion were optimized to achieve quantitative digestion yields, and the reproducibility of the established methodology was evaluated with standard hAGP. Then, the proposed method was applied to the analysis of the clinical samples (control vs. pathological). Pancreatic cancer samples clearly showed an increase in the abundance of fucosylated glycans as the stage of the disease increases and this was unlike to samples from chronic pancreatitis. The results gained here indicate the mentioned glycan in hAGP as a candidate structure worth to be corroborated by an extended study including more clinical cases; especially those with chronic pancreatitis and initial stages of pancreatic cancer. Importantly, the results demonstrate that the presented methodology combining an enrichment of a target protein by IAC with isotope coded relative quantitation of N-glycans can be successfully used for targeted glycomics studies. The methodology is assumed being suitable as well for other such studies aimed at finding novel cancer associated glycoprotein biomarkers. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Introduction to EGU session "Lunar Science and Exploration Towards Moon Village"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foing, Bernard

2017-04-01

The EGU PS2.2 session "Lunar Science and Exploration" Towards Moon Village" will address: - Recent lunar results: geochemistry, geophysics in the context of open planetary science and exploration - Synthesis of results from SMART-1, Kaguya, Chang'e 1, 2 and 3, Chandrayaan-1, LCROSS, LADEE, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and, Artemis and GRAIL - Goals and Status of missions under preparation: orbiters, Luna-Glob, Google Lunar X Prize, Luna Resurs polar lander, SLIM, Chandrayaan2, Chang'E 4 & 5, Lunar Resource Prospector, Future landers, Lunar sample return missions - Precursor missions, instruments and investigations for landers, rovers, sample return, and human cis-lunar activities and human lunar surface sorties - Preparation for International Lunar Decade: databases, instruments, missions, terrestrial field campaigns, support studies - ILEWG and Global Exploration roadmaps towards a global robotic/human Moon village - Strategic Knowledge Gaps, and key science Goals relevant to Lunar Global Exploration Lunar science and exploration are developing further with new and exciting missions being developed by China, the US, Japan, India, Russia, Korea and Europe, and with new stakeholders. The Moon Village is an open concept proposed by ESA DG with the goal of a sustainable human and robotic presence on the lunar surface as an ensemble where multiple users can carry out multiple activities. Multiple goals of the Moon Village include planetary science, life sciences, astronomy, fundamental research, resources utilisation, human spaceflight, peaceful cooperation, economical development, inspiration, training and capacity building. ESA director general has revitalized and enhanced the original concept of MoonVillage discussed in the last decade. Space exploration builds on international collaboration. COSPAR and its ILEWG International Lunar Exploration Working Group (created in 1994) have fostered collaboration between lunar missions [4-8]. A flotilla of lunar orbiters has flown in the last international lunar decade (SMART-1, Kaguya, Chang'Eal1 &2, Chandrayaan-1, LCROSS, LRO, GRAIL, LADEE). Chinese Chang'E 3 lander and Yutu rover, and upcoming 2017 other landers from 2017 (GLXP, Chang'E 4 & 5, SLIM, Luna , LRP) will constitute a Robotic Village on the Moon. A number of MoonVillage talks and/or interactive jam sessions have been conducted at International workshops and symposia 2016. Moon Village Workshops were held at ESA centres: they were held with senior experts as well as Young ESA professionals to discuss general topics and specific issues ( habitat design, technology, science and precursor missions; public and stakeholder engagement) . Many workshops were complemented with ILEWG EuroMoonMars simulation campaigns. Moon Village Workshops or Jam sessions were also conducted at international symposia or in collaboration with specific universities or institutes. The PS2.2 session will include invited and contributed talks as well as a panel discussion and interactive posters with short oral introduction. Acknowledgements We thank Prof J. Woerner (ESA DG) for energizing the concept of MoonVillage. We thank co-conveners of MoonVillage Workshops and ILEWG EuroMoonMars field campaigns in 2016 (including C. Jonglez, V.Guinet, M.Monnerie, A. Kleinschneider, A. Kapoglou, A. Kolodziejczyk, M. Harasymczuk, I. Schlacht, C. Heinicke, D. Esser, M.Grulich, T. Siruguet, H.Vos, M.Mirino, D.Sokolsky, J.Blamont) and participants to these events. We thank A.Cowley, C. Haigneré, P. Messina, G. Ortega, S.Cristoforetti, ESA colleagues involved in MoonVillage related activities. We thank colleagues from ILEWG, Young Lunar Explorers, the International Lunar Decade Group, the Moon Village Association and Moon Village Support Groups and "MoonVillagers" at large. [1] Jan Wörner, Driving #MoonVillage http://www.iafastro.org/events/iac/iac-2015/plenaryprogramme/the-moon-a-continent-and-a-gateway-for-ourfuture/ (IAC 2015, Jerusalem); [2]http://www.iafastro.org/events/iac/iac2016/globalnetworking-forum/making-the-moon-village-and-marsjourney-accessible-and-affordable-for-all/ (IAC 2016) ; [3] B. Foing et al , Highlights from Moon Village Workshop, held at ESTEC in December 2015, http://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2016/pdf/2719.pdf, http://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2016/pdf/2798.pdf [4] P. Ehrenfreund et al. "Toward a Global Space Exploration Program: A Stepping Stone Approach" (Advances in Space Research, 49, n°1, January 2012), prepared by COSPAR Panel on Exploration (PEX) [5] http://www.lpi.usra.edu/leag/GER_2011.pdf; [6] http://sci.esa.int/ilewg/47170-gluc-iceum11- beijing-2010lunar-declaration/; [7] http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/leagilewg2008/ [8] http://sci.esa.int/ilewg/41506-iceum9-sorrento- 2007-lunar-declaration/ [9] National Research Council (2007), The Scientific Context for Exploration of the Moon [10] P. Ehrenfreund , B.H. Foing, A. Cellino Editors, The Moon and Near Earth Objects), Advances in Space Research, Volume 37, Issue 1, pp 1-192, 2006 [11] http://sci.esa.int/ilewg/38863-iceum8-beijing- 2006declaration/ [12] W. Huntress, D. Stetson, R. Farquhar, J. Zimmerman, B. Clark, W. O'Neil, R. Bourke& B. Foing,'The next steps in exploring deep space - A cosmic study by the IAA', Acta Astronautica, Vol 58, Issues 6-7, 2006, p302-377 [13]http://sci.esa.int/ilewg/38178-iceum7-toronto-2005-declaration/ [14] H. Balsiger et al. Eds, International Lunar Workshop, 1994 May 31-June 3, Beatenberg, Switzerland. Proceedings. Ed. European Space Agency, 1994. ESA-SP-1170 [15] R.M. Bonnet et al, 'Mission to the Moon, Europe's Priorities for Scientific Exploration and Utilisation of the Moon', European Space Agency, ESA SP-1150, June 1992 [16] http://www.iafastro.org/events/iaf-spring-meetings/spring-meetings-2016/ [17] https://www.spacesymposium.org/ [18] http://www.egu2016.eu/ http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2016/session/20378 [19] https://els2016.arc.nasa.gov/ [20] https://nesf2016.arc.nasa.gov/ [21] https://www.cospar-assembly.org/abstractcd/COSPAR-16/ [22] https://www.iac2016.org/, [23] http://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/leag2016/presentations/ [24] http://newworlds2016.space/ [25] http://www.stx.ox.ac.uk/happ/events/history-moon [26] https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/events/events-2016/manufacturing-2075#

RPA using a multiplexed cartridge for low cost point of care diagnostics in the field.

PubMed

Ereku, Luck Tosan; Mackay, Ruth E; Craw, Pascal; Naveenathayalan, Angel; Stead, Thomas; Branavan, Manorharanehru; Balachandran, Wamadeva

2018-04-15

A point of care device utilising Lab-on-a-Chip technologies that is applicable for biological pathogens was designed, fabricated and tested showing sample in to answer out capabilities. The purpose of the design was to develop a cartridge with the capability to perform nucleic acid extraction and purification from a sample using a chitosan membrane at an acidic pH. Waste was stored within the cartridge with the use of sodium polyacrylate to solidify or gelate the sample in a single chamber. Nucleic acid elution was conducted using the RPA amplification reagents (alkaline pH). Passive valves were used to regulate the fluid flow and a multiplexer was designed to distribute the fluid into six microchambers for amplification reactions. Cartridges were produced using soft lithography of silicone from 3D printed moulds, bonded to glass substrates. The isothermal technique, RPA is employed for amplification. This paper shows the results from two separate experiments: the first using the RPA control nucleic acid, the second showing successful amplification from Chlamydia Trachomatis. Endpoint analysis conducted for the RPA analysis was gel electrophoresis that showed 143 base pair DNA was amplified successfully for positive samples whilst negative samples did not show amplification. End point analysis for Chlamydia Trachomatis samples was fluorescence detection that showed successful detection of 1 copy/μL and 10 copies/μL spiked in a MES buffer. Crown Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Optimization of HAART with genetic algorithms and agent-based models of HIV infection.

PubMed

Castiglione, F; Pappalardo, F; Bernaschi, M; Motta, S

2007-12-15

Highly Active AntiRetroviral Therapies (HAART) can prolong life significantly to people infected by HIV since, although unable to eradicate the virus, they are quite effective in maintaining control of the infection. However, since HAART have several undesirable side effects, it is considered useful to suspend the therapy according to a suitable schedule of Structured Therapeutic Interruptions (STI). In the present article we describe an application of genetic algorithms (GA) aimed at finding the optimal schedule for a HAART simulated with an agent-based model (ABM) of the immune system that reproduces the most significant features of the response of an organism to the HIV-1 infection. The genetic algorithm helps in finding an optimal therapeutic schedule that maximizes immune restoration, minimizes the viral count and, through appropriate interruptions of the therapy, minimizes the dose of drug administered to the simulated patient. To validate the efficacy of the therapy that the genetic algorithm indicates as optimal, we ran simulations of opportunistic diseases and found that the selected therapy shows the best survival curve among the different simulated control groups. A version of the C-ImmSim simulator is available at http://www.iac.cnr.it/~filippo/c-ImmSim.html

Voice amplification versus vocal hygiene instruction for teachers with voice disorders: a treatment outcomes study.

PubMed

Roy, Nelson; Weinrich, Barbara; Gray, Steven D; Tanner, Kristine; Toledo, Sue Walker; Dove, Heather; Corbin-Lewis, Kim; Stemple, Joseph C

2002-08-01

Voice problems are common among schoolteachers. This prospective, randomized clinical trial used patient-based treatment outcomes measures combined with acoustic analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of two treatment programs. Forty-four voice-disordered teachers were randomly assigned to one of three groups: voice amplification using the ChatterVox portable amplifier (VA, n = 15), vocal hygiene (VH, n = 15), and a nontreatment control group (n = 14). Before and after a 6-week treatment phase, all teachers completed: (a) the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), an instrument designed to appraise the self-perceived psychosocial consequences of voice disorders; (b) a voice severity self-rating scale; and (c) an audiorecording for later acoustic analysis. Based on pre- and posttreatment comparisons, only the amplification group experienced significant reductions on mean VHI scores (p = .045), voice severity self-ratings (p = .012), and the acoustic measures of percent jitter (p = .031) and shimmer (p = .008). The nontreatment control group reported a significant increase in level of vocal handicap as assessed by the VHI (p = .012). Although most pre- to posttreatment changes were in the desired direction, no significant improvements were observed within the VH group on any of the dependent measures. Between-group comparisons involving the three possible pairings of the groups revealed a pattern of results to suggest that: (a) compared to the control group, both treatment groups (i.e., VA and VH) experienced significantly more improvement on specific outcomes measures and (b) there were no significant differences between the VA and VH groups to indicate superiority of one treatment over another. Results, however, from a posttreatment questionnaire regarding the perceived benefits of treatment revealed that, compared to the VH group, the VA group reported more clarity of their speaking and singing voice (p = .061), greater ease of voice production (p = .001), and greater compliance with the treatment program (p = .045). These findings clearly support the clinical utility of voice amplification as an alternative for the treatment of voice problems in teachers.

36 CFR § 1193.43 - Output, display, and control functions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... functions. § 1193.43 Section § 1193.43 Parks, Forests, and Public Property ARCHITECTURAL AND... Accessibility and Usability § 1193.43 Output, display, and control functions. All information necessary to... amplification, increased signal-to-noise ratio, or combination). For transmitted voice signals, provide a gain...

Lack of evidence for retroviral infections formerly related to chronic fatigue in Spanish Fibromyalgia patients

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The etiology of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (FM/CFS) is currently unknown. A recurrent viral infection is an attractive hypothesis repeatedly found in the literature since it would explain the persistent pain and tiredness these patients suffer from. The initial striking link of two distinct orphan retroviruses: the gamma retroviruses murine leukemia virus (MLV)-related virus and the delta retrovirus T-lymphotropic virus type 2 (HTLV-2) to chronic fatigue have not been confirmed to date. Results Genomic DNA (gDNA) from 75 fibromyalgia patients suffering from chronic fatigue and 79 age-matched local healthy controls were screened for the presence of MLV-related and HTLV-2 related proviral sequences. The XMRV env gene was amplified in 20% of samples tested (24% patients/15% healthy controls). Unexpectedly, no PCR amplifications from independent gDNA preparations of the same individuals were obtained. None of the positive samples showed presence of contaminating murine sequences previously reported by other investigators, neither contained additional regions of the virus making us conclude that the initial env amplification came from spurious air-driven amplicon contaminants. No specific HTLV-2 sequences were obtained at any time from any of the 154 quality-controlled gDNA preparations screened. Conclusions Previous associations between MLV-related or HTLV-2 retrovirus infection with chronic fatigue must be discarded. Thus, studies showing positive amplification of HTLV-2 sequences from chronic fatigue participants should be revised for possible undetected technical problems. To avoid false positives of viral infection, not only extreme precautions should be taken when nested-PCR reactions are prepared and exhaustive foreign DNA contamination controls performed, but also consistent amplification of diverse regions of the virus in independent preparations from the same individual must be demanded. The fact that our cohort of patients did not present evidence of any of the two types of retroviral infection formerly associated to chronic fatigue does not rule out the possibility that other viruses are involved in inciting or maintaining fibromyalgia and/or chronic fatigue conditions. PMID:24216038

Three-wave interaction solitons in optical parametric amplification.

PubMed

Ibragimov, E; Struthers, A A; Kaup, D J; Khaydarov, J D; Singer, K D

1999-05-01

This paper applies three-wave interaction (TWI)-soliton theory to optical parametric amplification when the signal, idler, and pump wave can all contain TWI solitons. We use an analogy between two different velocity regimes to compare the theory with output from an experimental synchronously pumped optical parametric amplifier. The theory explains the observed inability to compress the intermediate group-velocity wave and 20-fold pulse compression in this experiment. The theory and supporting numerics show that one can effectively control the shape and energy of the optical pulses by shifting the TWI solitons in the pulses.

Performance of nucleic acid amplification following extraction of 5 milliliters of whole blood for diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteremia.

PubMed

Crump, John A; Tuohy, Marion J; Morrissey, Anne B; Ramadhani, Habib O; Njau, Boniface N; Maro, Venance P; Reller, L Barth; Procop, Gary W

2012-01-01

To investigate the performance of a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteremia, 5-ml aliquots of blood were inoculated into bioMérieux mycobacterial (MB) bottles and incubated, and 5-ml aliquots of blood were extracted and tested by real-time PCR. Of 25 samples from patients with M. tuberculosis bacteremia, 9 (36.0%) were positive and 1 (1.5%) of 66 control samples was positive by NAAT. The NAAT shows promise, but modifications should focus on improving sensitivity.

Performance of Nucleic Acid Amplification following Extraction of 5 Milliliters of Whole Blood for Diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Bacteremia

PubMed Central

Tuohy, Marion J.; Morrissey, Anne B.; Ramadhani, Habib O.; Njau, Boniface N.; Maro, Venance P.; Reller, L. Barth; Procop, Gary W.

2012-01-01

To investigate the performance of a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteremia, 5-ml aliquots of blood were inoculated into bioMérieux mycobacterial (MB) bottles and incubated, and 5-ml aliquots of blood were extracted and tested by real-time PCR. Of 25 samples from patients with M. tuberculosis bacteremia, 9 (36.0%) were positive and 1 (1.5%) of 66 control samples was positive by NAAT. The NAAT shows promise, but modifications should focus on improving sensitivity. PMID:22031703

Development and evaluation of a rapid recombinase polymerase amplification assay for detection of coxsackievirus A6.

PubMed

Wang, Kaifeng; Wu, Yue; Yin, Dan; Tang, Shixing; Hu, Guifang; He, Yaqing

2017-01-01

Coxsackievirus A6 (CV-A6) is an important pathogen causing hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a rapid real-time reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) assay for detection of CV-A6. The sensitivity of this assay was 202 copies/reaction, with 100 % specificity. Furthermore, this assay yielded consistent results comparable with a commercial qRT-PCR diagnostic kit. This assay is therefore potentially useful for surveillance of CV-A6 infections and outbreak control.

The Impact of Contemporary Conflicts Between Latin American Nations on Regional Stability and Cooperation

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-02-12

of Interamerican Studies and World Affairs, Winter 88-89, pp 139-170. 20. " Bogota y Caracas Acuerdan Med iac ion, " Nuevo Heral1d (Miami), 29 March...Banco Central del Ecuador. El Ecuadur in La OPEP. Quito: Ediciones Bancentral, 1979. 8. "Bogota y Caracas Acuerdan Mediacion." Nuevo Herald (Miami...Sur. Revista Chileno de Geooolitica, Vol. 3, April 1989, pp 59-98. 69. Porse, Ernesto G. "El Conflicto de los Grandes Proyectos Hidroelectricos

Construction of New Campylobacter Cloning Vectors and a New Mutational Cat Cassette

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-01

mutational cat cassette PE - 61102A PR - 3M161102 6. AUTHOR(S) TA - BS13AK Yao R, Aim RA, Trust TJ, Guerry P WU- 1291 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND...mutational cat cassette %~ccesion For (Site-specific mutagenesis; recombinant DNA; multiple cloning site; PCR; shuttle vectors) NTIS CRA&I OTIC TAB E...campylobacter portion of these vectors, only three CAT , Cm acetyllraaseriase; car, gene encoding CAT , Cm, restriction sites in the IacZ MCS remain unique

Study to Evaluate the Safety and Tolerability of IACS-010759 in Subjects With Advanced Solid Tumors and Lymphoma

ClinicalTrials.gov

2018-05-25

Malignant Neoplasm of Breast; Malignant Neoplasms of Bone and Articular Cartilage; Malignant Neoplasms of Digestive Organs; Malignant Neoplasms of Female Genital Organs; Malignant Neoplasms of Lip Oral Cavity and Pharynx; Malignant Neoplasms of Male Genital Organs; Malignant Neoplasms of Mesothelial and Soft Tissue; Malignant Neoplasms of Respiratory and Intrathoracic Organs; Malignant Neoplasms of Thyroid and Other Endocrine Glands; Malignant Neoplasms of Urinary Tract; Malignant Neoplasms Stated as Primary Lymphoid Haematopoietic

Optical spectroscopy of SN2014J

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotak, R.

2014-01-01

Authors: J. Polshaw, R. Kotak, J. R. Maund, S. J. Smartt (QUB), M. Fraser, N. Walton (IoA), J. M. Abreu (IAC), M. Balcells, C. Benn, J. Mendez, A. Oscoz, O. Zamora, C. Zurita (ING) A spectrum of the supernova SN 2014J in the nearby galaxy M82 was obtained on Jan. 23.2 2014 (UT) at the 2.54m Isaac Newton Telescope (INT) with IDS and the grating R1200R (approximate wavelength range 5600 - 7500A, at 2A resolution).

A Comprehensive Modeling Approach Towards Understanding and Prediction of the Alaskan Coastal System Response to Changes in an Ice-diminished Arctic

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

to generate the 3 member ensembles). In total we’ve run 120 months of simulations as part of the pan-Arctic WRF evaluation. Results from the...2009: Polar atmospheric modeling in an Arctic system model, IAMAS-IAPSO-IACS MOCA-09 Joint Assembly , Montreal, Canada. Higgins, M.E. and J.J...W., and J. Clement Kinney, 2009: Oceanic Heat Contribution to Arctic Sea Ice Melt, EGU , Vienna, Austria. Maslowski, W., 2009: State of Arctic

The Coast Artillery Journal. Volume 64, Number 3, March 1926

DTIC Science & Technology

1926-03-01

Admiral William .L. Rodgers . 298 THE COAST ARTILLERY JOURNAL ANTUrBCJlAFT :\\IAcBINE Cu~u Il’f AcrJOl’f r I I EDITORIALS The Chief of Coast Artillerv ON...Jefferson and Hamilton. Therein lies the theme of this story. In our childhood histories we read extracts from the stirring speeches of Pat- rick ...made Pies a Specialty PHOEBUS, VA. FORT MONROE, ’VIRGINIA Telephone 315 Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. Everything in Season. Fresh Killed Chicken a

Simulation of Edge Effects in Electroanalytical Experiments by Orthogonal Collocation. Part I. Two Dimensional Collocation and Theory for Chronoamperometry.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-08-18

cselixataan has been shown to Pro, imonedimie. FIN SMCS10 tam we m Vp assuma threry. In lacd. it has been shown lor difeent oide a pouwerful method to simulate...Afortd meaden 11. ’by)W~itl 116.ttousol =odimra She delade Ia~c Ul - by she Oa SWISS INaolder 10 wAce shem. re’te" s s m rnb -bute r~ 6 X-06 CSc a I

Evaluation of DoD Information Analysis Centers Program: Representative Sample Study - Benefits to DoD from Use of DoD Information Analysis Centers

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-06-01

RAC asserted in general terms that the results of IAC special tasks were general increases in the productivity of their owi organization . In...Linda H. Berkhouse 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8.PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMSER Institute for Defense Analyses 1801 N...In still other instances, we were able to obtain firm estimates from users regarding improvements in their organizations ’ productivity, labor

Displacement energy of the surface layers of tungsten

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Longtao; Krstic, Predrag

2015-11-01

A molecular dynamics study with BOP potential is used to calculate the threshold displacement energy (ED) of primary knock-on atoms in the surface layers of the tungsten bcc crystal lattice at 300 K and at various crystallographic directions. Depending on the direction, ED is 10% to 75% smaller from the bulk value at the first layer, interfacing vacuum, while it reaches close to the bulk value already at the third tungsten layer. Supported by IACS of SBU and LDRD of PPPL.

A Printed Organic Circuit System for Wearable Amperometric Electrochemical Sensors.

PubMed

Shiwaku, Rei; Matsui, Hiroyuki; Nagamine, Kuniaki; Uematsu, Mayu; Mano, Taisei; Maruyama, Yuki; Nomura, Ayako; Tsuchiya, Kazuhiko; Hayasaka, Kazuma; Takeda, Yasunori; Fukuda, Takashi; Kumaki, Daisuke; Tokito, Shizuo

2018-04-23

Wearable sensor device technologies, which enable continuous monitoring of biological information from the human body, are promising in the fields of sports, healthcare, and medical applications. Further thinness, light weight, flexibility and low-cost are significant requirements for making the devices attachable onto human tissues or clothes like a patch. Here we demonstrate a flexible and printed circuit system consisting of an enzyme-based amperometric sensor, feedback control and amplification circuits based on organic thin-film transistors. The feedback control and amplification circuits based on pseudo-CMOS inverters were successfuly integrated by printing methods on a plastic film. This simple system worked very well like a potentiostat for electrochemical measurements, and enabled the quantitative and real-time measurement of lactate concentration with high sensitivity of 1 V/mM and a short response time of a hundred seconds.

Improving enrichment of circulating fetal DNA for genetic testing: size fractionation followed by whole gene amplification.

PubMed

Jorgez, Carolina J; Bischoff, Farideh Z

2009-01-01

Among the pitfalls of using cell-free fetal DNA in plasma for prenatal diagnosis is quality of the recovered DNA fragments and concomitant presence of maternal DNA (>95%). Our objective is to provide alternative methods for achieving enrichment and high-quality fetal DNA from plasma. Cell-free DNA from 31 pregnant women and 18 controls (10 males and 8 females) were size separated using agarose gel electrophoresis. DNA fragments of 100-300, 500-700 and 1,500-2,000 bp were excised and extracted, followed by whole genome amplification (WGA) of recovered fragments. Levels of beta-globin and DYS1 were measured. Distribution of beta-globin size fragments was similar among pregnant women and controls. Among control male cases, distribution of size fragments was the same for both beta-globin and DYS1. Among maternal cases confirmed to be male, the smallest size fragment (100-300 bp) accounted for nearly 50% (39.76 +/- 17.55%) of the recovered DYS1-DNA (fetal) and only 10% (10.40 +/- 6.49%) of beta-globin (total) DNA. After WGA of plasma fragments from pregnant women, DYS1 sequence amplification was best observed when using the 100-300 bp fragments as template. Combination of electrophoresis for size separation and WGA led to enriched fetal DNA from plasma. This novel combination of strategies is more likely to permit universal clinical applications of cell-free fetal DNA. Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Adult hearing-aid users with cochlear dead regions restricted to high frequencies: Implications for amplification.

PubMed

Pepler, Anna; Lewis, Kathryn; Munro, Kevin J

2016-01-01

Cochlear dead regions (DR) are common in adult hearing-aid users, but are usually restricted to high frequencies. The aim was to determine the benefit of high-frequency amplification for ears with and without high-frequency DRs. Participants were fitted with the study hearing aid and tested under four conditions: unfiltered (NAL-NL2 prescription), and low-pass filtered at 1.5, 2, and 3 kHz. VCV stimuli were presented at 65 dB (A) in quiet and in 20-talker babble at a signal-to-babble ratio of 0 dB. Experienced adult hearing-aid users: one group of 18 with a DR edge frequency above 1.5 kHz, and a group of 18 matched controls. Overall performance was best in the unfiltered condition. There was no significant difference in mean performance between the two groups when tested in quiet. However, the DR group obtained less benefit from high-frequency amplification when tested in babble: the mean difference between the unfiltered and 3-kHz filtered condition was 6% and 13% for the DR group and controls, respectively. In adults with a moderate hearing loss and a restricted DR, speech recognition was always best in the unfiltered condition, although mean performance in babble was lower for the DR group.

A novel, integrated forensic microdevice on a rotation-driven platform: Buccal swab to STR product in less than 2 h.

PubMed

Cox, Jordan O; DeCarmen, Teresa Sikes; Ouyang, Yiwen; Strachan, Briony; Sloane, Hillary; Connon, Cathey; Gibson, Kemper; Jackson, Kimberly; Landers, James P; Cruz, Tracey Dawson

2016-12-01

This work describes the development of a novel microdevice for forensic DNA processing of reference swabs. This microdevice incorporates an enzyme-based assay for DNA preparation, which allows for faster processing times and reduced sample handling. Infrared-mediated PCR (IR-PCR) is used for STR amplification using a custom reaction mixture, allowing for amplification of STR loci in 45 min while circumventing the limitations of traditional block thermocyclers. Uniquely positioned valves coupled with a simple rotational platform are used to exert fluidic control, eliminating the need for bulky external equipment. All microdevices were fabricated using laser ablation and thermal bonding of PMMA layers. Using this microdevice, the enzyme-mediated DNA liberation module produced DNA yields similar to or higher than those produced using the traditional (tube-based) protocol. Initial microdevice IR-PCR experiments to test the amplification module and reaction (using Phusion Flash/SpeedSTAR) generated near-full profiles that suffered from interlocus peak imbalance and poor adenylation (significant -A). However, subsequent attempts using KAPA 2G and Pfu Ultra polymerases generated full STR profiles with improved interlocus balance and the expected adenylated product. A fully integrated run designed to test microfluidic control successfully generated CE-ready STR amplicons in less than 2 h (<1 h of hands-on time). Using this approach, high-quality STR profiles were developed that were consistent with those produced using conventional DNA purification and STR amplification methods. This method is a smaller, more elegant solution than current microdevice methods and offers a cheaper, hands-free, closed-system alternative to traditional forensic methods. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Simultaneous identification and DNA barcoding of six Eimeria species infecting turkeys using PCR primers targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) locus.

PubMed

Hafeez, Mian A; Shivaramaiah, Srichaitanya; Dorsey, Kristi Moore; Ogedengbe, Mosun E; El-Sherry, Shiem; Whale, Julia; Cobean, Julie; Barta, John R

2015-05-01

Species-specific PCR primers targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) locus were generated that allow for the specific identification of the most common Eimeria species infecting turkeys (i.e., Eimeria adenoeides, Eimeria meleagrimitis, Eimeria gallopavonis, Eimeria meleagridis, Eimeria dispersa, and Eimeria innocua). PCR reaction chemistries were optimized with respect to divalent cation (MgCl2) and dNTP concentrations, as well as PCR cycling conditions (particularly anneal temperature for primers). Genomic DNA samples from single oocyst-derived lines of six Eimeria species were tested to establish specificity and sensitivity of these newly designed primer pairs. A mixed 60-ng total DNA sample containing 10 ng of each of the six Eimeria species was used as DNA template to demonstrate specific amplification of the correct product using each of the species-specific primer pairs. Ten nanograms of each of the five non-target Eimeria species was pooled to provide a non-target, control DNA sample suitable to test the specificity of each primer pair. The amplifications of the COI region with species-specific primer pairs from pooled samples yielded products of expected sizes (209 to 1,012 bp) and no amplification of non-target Eimeria sp. DNA was detected using the non-target, control DNA samples. These primer pairs specific for Eimeria spp. of turkeys did not amplify any of the seven Eimeria species infecting chickens. The newly developed PCR primers can be used as a diagnostic tool capable of specifically identifying six turkey Eimeria species; additionally, sequencing of the PCR amplification products yields sequence-based genotyping data suitable for identification and molecular phylogenetics.

Ecological multiplex interactions determine the role of species for parasite spread amplification

PubMed Central

Stella, Massimo; Selakovic, Sanja; Antonioni, Alberto

2018-01-01

Despite their potential interplay, multiple routes of many disease transmissions are often investigated separately. As a unifying framework for understanding parasite spread through interdependent transmission paths, we present the ‘ecomultiplex’ model, where the multiple transmission paths among a diverse community of interacting hosts are represented as a spatially explicit multiplex network. We adopt this framework for designing and testing potential control strategies for Trypanosoma cruzi spread in two empirical host communities. We show that the ecomultiplex model is an efficient and low data-demanding method to identify which species enhances parasite spread and should thus be a target for control strategies. We also find that the interplay between predator-prey and host-parasite interactions leads to a phenomenon of parasite amplification, in which top predators facilitate T. cruzi spread, offering a mechanistic interpretation of previous empirical findings. Our approach can provide novel insights in understanding and controlling parasite spreading in real-world complex systems. PMID:29683427

Modified midi- and mini-multiplex PCR systems for mitochondrial DNA control region sequence analysis in degraded samples.

PubMed

Kim, Na Young; Lee, Hwan Young; Park, Sun Joo; Yang, Woo Ick; Shin, Kyoung-Jin

2013-05-01

Two multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) systems (Midiplex and Miniplex) were developed for the amplification of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region, and the efficiencies of the multiplexes for amplifying degraded DNA were validated using old skeletal remains. The Midiplex system consisted of two multiplex PCRs to amplify six overlapping amplicons ranging in length from 227 to 267 bp. The Miniplex system consisted of three multiplex PCRs to amplify 10 overlapping short amplicons ranging in length from 142 to 185 bp. Most mtDNA control region sequences of several 60-year-old and 400-500-year-old skeletal remains were successfully obtained using both PCR systems and consistent with those previously obtained by monoplex amplification. The multiplex system consisting of smaller amplicons is effective for mtDNA sequence analyses of ancient and forensic degraded samples, saving time, cost, and the amount of DNA sample consumed during analysis. © 2013 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Miniature reaction chamber and devices incorporating same

DOEpatents

Mathies, Richard A.; Woolley, Adam T.

2000-10-17

The present invention generally relates to miniaturized devices for carrying out and controlling chemical reactions and analyses. In particular, the present invention provides devices which have miniature temperature controlled reaction chambers for carrying out a variety of synthetic and diagnostic applications, such as PCR amplification, nucleic acid hybridization, chemical labeling, nucleic acid fragmentation and the like.

The Effect of Storage and Extraction Methods on Amplification of Plasmodium falciparum DNA from Dried Blood Spots.

PubMed

Schwartz, Alanna; Baidjoe, Amrish; Rosenthal, Philip J; Dorsey, Grant; Bousema, Teun; Greenhouse, Bryan

2015-05-01

Extraction and amplification of DNA from dried blood spots (DBS) collected in field studies is commonly used for detection of Plasmodium falciparum. However, there have been few systematic efforts to determine the effects of storage and extraction methods on the sensitivity of DNA amplification. We investigated the effects of storage conditions, length of storage, and DNA extraction methods on amplification via three PCR-based assays using field samples and laboratory controls. Samples stored as DBS for 2 or more years at ambient temperature showed a significant loss of sensitivity that increased with time; after 10 years only 10% samples with parasite densities > 1,000 parasites/μL were detectable by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Conversely, DBS and extracted DNA stored at -20°C showed no loss of sensitivity with time. Samples with low parasite densities amplified more successfully with saponin/Chelex compared with spin-column-based extraction, though the latter method performed better on samples with higher parasite densities stored for 2 years at ambient temperature. DNA extracted via both methods was stable after 20 freeze-thaw cycles. Our results suggest that DBS should be stored at -20°C or extracted immediately, especially if anticipating 2 or more years of storage. © The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

The Effect of Storage and Extraction Methods on Amplification of Plasmodium falciparum DNA from Dried Blood Spots

PubMed Central

Schwartz, Alanna; Baidjoe, Amrish; Rosenthal, Philip J.; Dorsey, Grant; Bousema, Teun; Greenhouse, Bryan

2015-01-01

Extraction and amplification of DNA from dried blood spots (DBS) collected in field studies is commonly used for detection of Plasmodium falciparum. However, there have been few systematic efforts to determine the effects of storage and extraction methods on the sensitivity of DNA amplification. We investigated the effects of storage conditions, length of storage, and DNA extraction methods on amplification via three PCR-based assays using field samples and laboratory controls. Samples stored as DBS for 2 or more years at ambient temperature showed a significant loss of sensitivity that increased with time; after 10 years only 10% samples with parasite densities > 1,000 parasites/μL were detectable by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Conversely, DBS and extracted DNA stored at −20°C showed no loss of sensitivity with time. Samples with low parasite densities amplified more successfully with saponin/Chelex compared with spin-column-based extraction, though the latter method performed better on samples with higher parasite densities stored for 2 years at ambient temperature. DNA extracted via both methods was stable after 20 freeze-thaw cycles. Our results suggest that DBS should be stored at −20°C or extracted immediately, especially if anticipating 2 or more years of storage. PMID:25758652

Point of care nucleic acid detection of viable pathogenic bacteria with isothermal RNA amplification based paper biosensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hongxing; Xing, Da; Zhou, Xiaoming

2014-09-01

Food-borne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes have been recognized as a major cause of human infections worldwide, leading to substantial health problems. Food-borne pathogen identification needs to be simpler, cheaper and more reliable than the current traditional methods. Here, we have constructed a low-cost paper biosensor for the detection of viable pathogenic bacteria with the naked eye. In this study, an effective isothermal amplification method was used to amplify the hlyA mRNA gene, a specific RNA marker in Listeria monocytogenes. The amplification products were applied to the paper biosensor to perform a visual test, in which endpoint detection was performed using sandwich hybridization assays. When the RNA products migrated along the paper biosensor by capillary action, the gold nanoparticles accumulated at the designated Test line and Control line. Under optimized experimental conditions, as little as 0.5 pg/μL genomic RNA from Listeria monocytogenes could be detected. The whole assay process, including RNA extraction, amplification, and visualization, can be completed within several hours. The developed method is suitable for point-of-care applications to detect food-borne pathogens, as it can effectively overcome the false-positive results caused by amplifying nonviable Listeria monocytogenes.

Development of a real-world direct interface for integrated DNA extraction and amplification in a microfluidic device.

PubMed

Shaw, Kirsty J; Joyce, Domino A; Docker, Peter T; Dyer, Charlotte E; Greenway, Gillian M; Greenman, John; Haswell, Stephen J

2011-02-07

Integrated DNA extraction and amplification have been carried out in a microfluidic device using electro-osmotic pumping (EOP) for fluidic control. All the necessary reagents for performing both DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification were pre-loaded into the microfluidic device following encapsulation in agarose gel. Buccal cells were collected using OmniSwabs [Whatman™, UK] and manually added to a chaotropic binding/lysis solution pre-loaded into the microfluidic device. The released DNA was then adsorbed onto a silica monolith contained within the DNA extraction chamber and the microfluidic device sealed using polymer electrodes. The washing and elution steps for DNA extraction were carried out using EOP, resulting in transfer of the eluted DNA into the PCR chamber. Thermal cycling, achieved using a Peltier element, resulted in amplification of the Amelogenin locus as confirmed using conventional capillary gel electrophoresis. It was demonstrated that the PCR reagents could be stored in the microfluidic device for at least 8 weeks at 4 °C with no significant loss of activity. Such methodology lends itself to the production of 'ready-to-use' microfluidic devices containing all the necessary reagents for sample processing, with many obvious applications in forensics and clinical medicine.

A lab-on-a-chip system with integrated sample preparation and loop-mediated isothermal amplification for rapid and quantitative detection of Salmonella spp. in food samples.

PubMed

Sun, Yi; Quyen, Than Linh; Hung, Tran Quang; Chin, Wai Hoe; Wolff, Anders; Bang, Dang Duong

2015-04-21

Foodborne disease is a major public health threat worldwide. Salmonellosis, an infectious disease caused by Salmonella spp., is one of the most common foodborne diseases. Isolation and identification of Salmonella by conventional bacterial culture or molecular-based methods are time consuming and usually take a few hours to days to complete. In response to the demand for rapid on line or on site detection of pathogens, in this study, we describe for the first time an eight-chamber lab-on-a-chip (LOC) system with integrated magnetic bead-based sample preparation and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for rapid and quantitative detection of Salmonella spp. in food samples. The whole diagnostic procedures including DNA isolation, isothermal amplification, and real-time detection were accomplished in a single chamber. Up to eight samples could be handled simultaneously and the system was capable to detect Salmonella at concentration of 50 cells per test within 40 min. The simple design, together with high level of integration, isothermal amplification, and quantitative analysis of multiple samples in short time, will greatly enhance the practical applicability of the LOC system for rapid on-site screening of Salmonella for applications in food safety control, environmental surveillance, and clinical diagnostics.

Performance of different mono- and multiplex nucleic acid amplification tests on a multipathogen external quality assessment panel.

PubMed

Loens, K; van Loon, A M; Coenjaerts, F; van Aarle, Y; Goossens, H; Wallace, P; Claas, E J C; Ieven, M

2012-03-01

An external quality assessment (EQA) panel consisting of a total of 48 samples in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid or transport medium was prepared in collaboration with Quality Control for Molecular Diagnostics (QCMD) (www.qcmd.org). The panel was used to assess the proficiency of the three laboratories that would be responsible for examining the 6,000 samples to be collected in the GRACE Network of Excellence (www.grace-lrti.org). The main objective was to decide on the best-performing testing approach for the detection of influenza viruses A and B, parainfluenza virus types 1 to 3, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, adenovirus, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila by nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAATs). Two approaches were chosen: (i) laboratories testing samples using their in-house procedures for extraction and amplification and (ii) laboratories using their in-house amplification procedures on centrally extracted samples. Furthermore, three commercially available multiplex NAAT tests-the ResPlex (Qiagen GmbH, Hilden, Germany), RespiFinder plus (PathoFinder, Maastricht, The Netherlands), and RespiFinder Smart 21 (PathoFinder) tests-were evaluated by examination of the same EQA panel by the manufacturer. No large differences among the 3 laboratories were noticed when the performances of the assays developed in-house in combination with the in-house extraction procedures were compared. Also, the extraction procedure (central versus local) had little effect on performance. However, large differences in amplification efficacy were found between the commercially available tests; acceptable results were obtained by using the PathoFinder assays.

Telomerase Repeated Amplification Protocol (TRAP).

PubMed

Mender, Ilgen; Shay, Jerry W

2015-11-20

Telomeres are found at the end of eukaryotic linear chromosomes, and proteins that bind to telomeres protect DNA from being recognized as double-strand breaks thus preventing end-to-end fusions (Griffith et al. , 1999). However, due to the end replication problem and other factors such as oxidative damage, the limited life span of cultured cells (Hayflick limit) results in progressive shortening of these protective structures (Hayflick and Moorhead, 1961; Olovnikov, 1973). The ribonucleoprotein enzyme complex telomerase-consisting of a protein catalytic component hTERT and a functional RNA component hTR or hTERC - counteracts telomere shortening by adding telomeric repeats to the end of chromosomes in ~90% of primary human tumors and in some transiently proliferating stem-like cells (Shay and Wright, 1996; Shay and Wright, 2001). This results in continuous proliferation of cells which is a hallmark of cancer. Therefore, telomere biology has a central role in aging, cancer progression/metastasis as well as targeted cancer therapies. There are commonly used methods in telomere biology such as Telomere Restriction Fragment (TRF) (Mender and Shay, 2015b), Telomere Repeat Amplification Protocol (TRAP) and Telomere dysfunction Induced Foci (TIF) analysis (Mender and Shay, 2015a). In this detailed protocol we describe Telomere Repeat Amplification Protocol (TRAP). The TRAP assay is a popular method to determine telomerase activity in mammalian cells and tissue samples (Kim et al. , 1994). The TRAP assay includes three steps: extension, amplification, and detection of telomerase products. In the extension step, telomeric repeats are added to the telomerase substrate (which is actually a non telomeric oligonucleotide, TS) by telomerase. In the amplification step, the extension products are amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers (TS upstream primer and ACX downstream primer) and in the detection step, the presence or absence of telomerase is analyzed by electrophoresis. TSNT is, an internal standard control, amplified by TS primer. NT is its own reverse primer, which is not a substrate for telomerase. These primers are used to identify false-negative results by if the gel lacks internal control bands.

Miniaturized isothermal nucleic acid amplification, a review.

PubMed

Asiello, Peter J; Baeumner, Antje J

2011-04-21

Micro-Total Analysis Systems (µTAS) for use in on-site rapid detection of DNA or RNA are increasingly being developed. Here, amplification of the target sequence is key to increasing sensitivity, enabling single-cell and few-copy nucleic acid detection. The several advantages to miniaturizing amplification reactions and coupling them with sample preparation and detection on the same chip are well known and include fewer manual steps, preventing contamination, and significantly reducing the volume of expensive reagents. To-date, the majority of miniaturized systems for nucleic acid analysis have used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for amplification and those systems are covered in previous reviews. This review provides a thorough overview of miniaturized analysis systems using alternatives to PCR, specifically isothermal amplification reactions. With no need for thermal cycling, isothermal microsystems can be designed to be simple and low-energy consuming and therefore may outperform PCR in portable, battery-operated detection systems in the future. The main isothermal methods as miniaturized systems reviewed here include nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), helicase-dependent amplification (HDA), rolling circle amplification (RCA), and strand displacement amplification (SDA). Also, important design criteria for the miniaturized devices are discussed. Finally, the potential of miniaturization of some new isothermal methods such as the exponential amplification reaction (EXPAR), isothermal and chimeric primer-initiated amplification of nucleic acids (ICANs), signal-mediated amplification of RNA technology (SMART) and others is presented.

Designing a Micromixer for Rolling Circle Amplification in Cancer Biomarker Detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altural, Hayriye

2015-03-01

Rolling circle amplification (RCA) is an alternative method to the Polymerase Chain Reaction based amplification for point-of-care (POC) diagnosis. In future personalized cancer diagnostic for POC applications, smaller, faster and cheaper methods are needed instead of costly and time-consuming laboratory tests. Microfluidic chips can perform the detection of cancer biomarkers within less analysis time, and provide for improvement in the sensitivity and specificity required for biochemical analysis as well. Rapid mixing is essential in the chips used in cancer diagnostic. The goal of this study is to design a micromixer for rapid RCA-based analysis and develop the assay time in cancer biomarker detection. By combining assays with micromixers, multi-step bioreactions in microfluidic chips may be achieved with minimal external control. Here, simulation results related to the micromixer are obtained by COMSOL software. The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) is acknowledged for granting of H. Altural postdoctoral study in the framework of TUBITAK-BIDEB 2219-International Postdoctoral Research Scholarship Program.

Optomechanical transistor with mechanical gain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, X. Z.; Tian, Lin; Li, Yong

2018-04-01

We study an optomechanical transistor, where an input field can be transferred and amplified unidirectionally in a cyclic three-mode optomechanical system. In this system, the mechanical resonator is coupled simultaneously to two cavity modes. We show that it only requires a finite mechanical gain to achieve the nonreciprocal amplification. Here the nonreciprocity is caused by the phase difference between the linearized optomechanical couplings that breaks the time-reversal symmetry of this system. The amplification arises from the mechanical gain, which provides an effective phonon bath that pumps the mechanical mode coherently. This effect is analogous to the stimulated emission of atoms, where the probe field can be amplified when its frequency is in resonance with that of the anti-Stokes transition. We show that by choosing optimal parameters, this optomechanical transistor can reach perfect unidirectionality accompanied with strong amplification. In addition, the presence of the mechanical gain can result in ultralong delay in the phase of the probe field, which provides an alternative to controlling light transport in optomechanical systems.

Guidelines for cytopathologic diagnosis of epithelioid and mixed type malignant mesothelioma. Complementary statement from the International Mesothelioma Interest Group, also endorsed by the International Academy of Cytology and the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology

PubMed Central

Hjerpe, Anders; Ascoli, Valeria; Bedrossian, Carlos; Boon, Mathilde; Creaney, Jenette; Davidson, Ben; Dejmek, Annika; Dobra, Katalin; Fassina, Ambrogio; Field, Andrew; Firat, Pinar; Kamei, Toshiaki; Kobayashi, Tadao; Michael, Claire W.; Önder, Sevgen; Segal, Amanda; Vielh, Philippe

2015-01-01

To provide practical guidelines for the cytopathologic diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma (MM). Cytopathologists involved in the International Mesothelioma Interest Group (IMIG) and the International Academy of Cytology (IAC), who have an interest in the field contributed to this update. Reference material includes peer-reviewed publications and textbooks. This article is the result of discussions during and after the IMIG 2012 conference in Boston, followed by thorough discussions during the 2013 IAC meeting in Paris. Additional contributions have been obtained from cytopathologists and scientists, who could not attend these meetings, with final discussions and input during the IMIG 2014 conference in cape town. During the previous IMIG biennial meetings, thorough discussions have resulted in published guidelines for the pathologic diagnosis of MM. However, previous recommendations have stated that the diagnosis of MM should be based on histological material only.[12] Accumulating evidence now indicates that the cytological diagnosis of MM supported by ancillary techniques is as reliable as that based on histopathology, although the sensitivity with cytology may be somewhat lower.[345] Recognizing that noninvasive diagnostic modalities benefit both the patient and the health system, future recommendations should include cytology as an accepted method for the diagnosis of this malignancy.[67] The article describes the consensus of opinions of the authors on how cytology together with ancillary testing can be used to establish a reliable diagnosis of MM. PMID:26681974

Evaluation of extraction methods for ochratoxin A detection in cocoa beans employing HPLC.

PubMed

Mishra, Rupesh K; Catanante, Gaëlle; Hayat, Akhtar; Marty, Jean-Louis

2016-01-01

Cocoa is an important ingredient for the chocolate industry and for many food products. However, it is prone to contamination by ochratoxin A (OTA), which is highly toxic and potentially carcinogenic to humans. In this work, four different extraction methods were tested and compared based on their recoveries. The best protocol was established which involves an organic solvent-free extraction method for the detection of OTA in cocoa beans using 1% sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) in water within 30 min. The extraction method is rapid (as compared with existing methods), simple, reliable and practical to perform without complex experimental set-ups. The cocoa samples were freshly extracted and cleaned-up using immunoaffinity column (IAC) for HPLC analysis using a fluorescence detector. Under the optimised condition, the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for OTA were 0.62 and 1.25 ng ml(-1) respectively in standard solutions. The method could successfully quantify OTA in naturally contaminated samples. Moreover, good recoveries of OTA were obtained up to 86.5% in artificially spiked cocoa samples, with a maximum relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.7%. The proposed extraction method could determine OTA at the level 1.5 µg kg(-)(1), which surpassed the standards set by the European Union for cocoa (2 µg kg(-1)). In addition, an efficiency comparison of IAC and molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) column was also performed and evaluated.

[Simultaneous determination of zeranols and chloramphenicol in foodstuffs of animal origin by combination immunoaffinity column clean-up and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry].

PubMed

Wang, Qing; Wang, Guomin; Xi, Cunxian; Li, Xianliang; Chen, Dongdong; Tang, Bobin; Zhang, Lei; Zhao, Hua

2014-06-01

A combination immunoaffinity column (IAC-CZ) clean-up and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analytical method was successfully developed for zearalenol, beta-zearalenol and zearalenone) and chloramphenicol (CAP) in foodstuffs of animal origin. The samples (fish, liver, milk and honey) were enzymatically digested by beta-glucuronidase/sulfatase for about 16 h and then extracted with ether. The extracts were evaporated to dryness and then the residues were dissolved by 1.0 mL of 50% acetonitrile solution. After filtered and diluted with PBS buffer, the reconstituted solution were cleaned-up with a IAC-CZ and then analyzed by LC-MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The chromatographic separation was performed on a Shimadzu Shim-pack VP-ODS column with gradient elution by acetonitrile and 2 mmol/L ammonium acetate solution. The detection was carried out by electrospray negative ionization mass spectrometry in MRM mode. The proposed method was validated by the limit of detection (0.04-0.10 microg/kg), linearity (R2 > or = 0.999 0), average recoveries (70.9%-95.6%) and precisions (2.0% - 11.8%). The developed method is reliable, sensitive and has good applicability. The combination immunoaffinity column was proved to be an effective pretreatment technique to decrease the matrix effect, and it met the requirements of residue analysis of co-occurring zeranols and chloramphenicol.

French chemists and the international reorganisation of chemistry after World War I.

PubMed

Fauque, Danielle M E

2011-07-01

Founded in 1919, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) was successor to the International Association of Chemical Societies (IACS), which had been founded eight years earlier at the initiative of Albin Haller. The statutes of the IUPAC (like those of the IACS) were written in French, and it was agreed that the IUPAC's administrative headquarters should be in Paris. With these arrangements in place, the role of French chemists generally, and of Haller and Charles Moureu in particular, assumed crucial importance. In 1927, on the occasion of the centenary of Marcelin Berthelot's birth, plans were laid for an international centre for chemistry in Paris, soon to be known as the Maison de la Chimie. From the start, the Maison de la Chimie project was led by the French, most conspicuously by Jean Gérard, general secretary of the Société de chimie industrielle and of the IUPAC. Gérard's contribution to a number of national and international committees, notably for scientific documentation, left an enduring legacy. The years between 1918 and 1927, especially 1918-1919, were decisive for the rebuilding, on many fronts, of international networks embracing individuals and institutions recently separated by war. This article examines the particular case of chemistry, with reference to this wider context and to the widely shared determination to fashion an organisation that would transcend national boundaries and embrace both the pure and the applied aspects of the discipline.

Fatigue induced changes in conical implant-abutment connections.

PubMed

Blum, Kai; Wiest, Wolfram; Fella, Christian; Balles, Andreas; Dittmann, Jonas; Rack, Alexander; Maier, Dominik; Thomann, Ralf; Spies, Benedikt Christopher; Kohal, Ralf Joachim; Zabler, Simon; Nelson, Katja

2015-11-01

Based on the current lack of data and understanding of the wear behavior of dental two-piece implants, this study aims for evaluating the microgap formation and wear pattern of different implants in the course of cyclic loading. Several implant systems with different conical implant-abutment interfaces were purchased. The implants were first evaluated using synchrotron X-ray high-resolution radiography (SRX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The implant-abutment assemblies were then subjected to cyclic loading at 98N and their microgap was evaluated after 100,000, 200,000 and 1 million cycles using SRX, synchrotron micro-tomography (μCT). Wear mechanisms of the implant-abutment connection (IAC) after 200,000 cycles and 1 million cycles were further characterized using SEM. All implants exhibit a microgap between the implant and abutment prior to loading. The gap size increased with cyclic loading with its changes being significantly higher within the first 200,000 cycles. Wear was seen in all implants regardless of their interface design. The wear pattern comprised adhesive wear and fretting. Wear behavior changed when a different mounting medium was used (brass vs. polymer). A micromotion of the abutment during cyclic loading can induce wear and wear particles in conical dental implant systems. This feature accompanied with the formation of a microgap at the IAC is highly relevant for the longevity of the implants. Copyright © 2015 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Magnetic resonance imaging of facial nerve schwannoma.

PubMed

Thompson, Andrew L; Aviv, Richard I; Chen, Joseph M; Nedzelski, Julian M; Yuen, Heng-Wai; Fox, Allan J; Bharatha, Aditya; Bartlett, Eric S; Symons, Sean P

2009-12-01

This study characterizes the magnetic resonance (MR) appearances of facial nerve schwannoma (FNS). We hypothesize that the extent of FNS demonstrated on MR will be greater compared to prior computed tomography studies, that geniculate involvement will be most common, and that cerebellar pontine angle (CPA) and internal auditory canal (IAC) involvement will more frequently result in sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Retrospective study. Clinical, pathologic, and enhanced MR imaging records of 30 patients with FNS were analyzed. Morphologic characteristics and extent of segmental facial nerve involvement were documented. Median age at initial imaging was 51 years (range, 28-76 years). Pathologic confirmation was obtained in 14 patients (47%), and the diagnosis reached in the remainder by identification of a mass, thickening, and enhancement along the course of the facial nerve. All 30 lesions involved two or more contiguous segments of the facial nerve, with 28 (93%) involving three or more segments. The median segments involved per lesion was 4, mean of 3.83. Geniculate involvement was most common, in 29 patients (97%). CPA (P = .001) and IAC (P = .02) involvement was significantly related to SNHL. Seventeen patients (57%) presented with facial nerve dysfunction, manifesting in 12 patients as facial nerve weakness or paralysis, and/or in eight with involuntary movements of the facial musculature. This study highlights the morphologic heterogeneity and typical multisegment involvement of FNS. Enhanced MR is the imaging modality of choice for FNS. The neuroradiologist must accurately diagnose and characterize this lesion, and thus facilitate optimal preoperative planning and counseling.

Design, modeling and simulations of a Cabinet Safe System for a linear particle accelerator of intermediate-low energy by optimization of the beam optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maidana, Carlos Omar

As part of an accelerator based Cargo Inspection System, studies were made to develop a Cabinet Safe System by Optimization of the Beam Optics of Microwave Linear Accelerators of the IAC-Varian series working on the S-band and standing wave pi/2 mode. Measurements, modeling and simulations of the main subsystems were done and a Multiple Solenoidal System was designed. This Cabinet Safe System based on a Multiple Solenoidal System minimizes the radiation field generated by the low efficiency of the microwave accelerators by optimizing the RF waveguide system and by also trapping secondaries generated in the accelerator head. These secondaries are generated mainly due to instabilities in the exit window region and particles backscattered from the target. The electron gun was also studied and software for its right mechanical design and for its optimization was developed as well. Besides the standard design method, an optimization of the injection process is accomplished by slightly modifying the gun configuration and by placing a solenoid on the waist position while avoiding threading the cathode with the magnetic flux generated. The Multiple Solenoidal System and the electron gun optimization are the backbone of a Cabinet Safe System that could be applied not only to the 25 MeV IAC-Varian microwave accelerators but, by extension, to machines of different manufacturers as well. Thus, they constitute the main topic of this dissertation.

Resection planning for robotic acoustic neuroma surgery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McBrayer, Kepra L.; Wanna, George B.; Dawant, Benoit M.; Balachandran, Ramya; Labadie, Robert F.; Noble, Jack H.

2016-03-01

Acoustic neuroma surgery is a procedure in which a benign mass is removed from the Internal Auditory Canal (IAC). Currently this surgical procedure requires manual drilling of the temporal bone followed by exposure and removal of the acoustic neuroma. This procedure is physically and mentally taxing to the surgeon. Our group is working to develop an Acoustic Neuroma Surgery Robot (ANSR) to perform the initial drilling procedure. Planning the ANSR's drilling region using pre-operative CT requires expertise and around 35 minutes' time. We propose an approach for automatically producing a resection plan for the ANSR that would avoid damage to sensitive ear structures and require minimal editing by the surgeon. We first compute an atlas-based segmentation of the mastoid section of the temporal bone, refine it based on the position of anatomical landmarks, and apply a safety margin to the result to produce the automatic resection plan. In experiments with CTs from 9 subjects, our automated process resulted in a resection plan that was verified to be safe in every case. Approximately 2 minutes were required in each case for the surgeon to verify and edit the plan to permit functional access to the IAC. We measured a mean Dice coefficient of 0.99 and surface error of 0.08 mm between the final and automatically proposed plans. These preliminary results indicate that our approach is a viable method for resection planning for the ANSR and drastically reduces the surgeon's planning effort.

Development and Evaluation of a Novel Multicopy-Element-Targeting Triplex PCR for Detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Feces

PubMed Central

Garrido, Joseba M.; Molina, Elena; Geijo, María V.; Elguezabal, Natalia; Vázquez, Patricia; Juste, Ramón A.

2014-01-01

The enteropathy called paratuberculosis (PTB), which mainly affects ruminants and has a worldwide distribution, is caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. This disease significantly reduces the cost-effectiveness of ruminant farms, and therefore, reliable and rapid detection methods are needed to control the spread of the bacterium in livestock and in the environment. The aim of this study was to identify a specific and sensitive combination of DNA extraction and amplification to detect M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis in feces. Negative bovine fecal samples were inoculated with increasing concentrations of two different bacterial strains (field and reference) to compare the performance of four extraction and five amplification protocols. The best results were obtained using the JohnePrep and MagMax extraction kits combined with an in-house triplex real-time PCR designed to detect IS900, ISMap02 (an insertion sequence of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis present in 6 copies per genome), and an internal amplification control DNA simultaneously. These combinations detected 10 M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis cells/g of spiked feces. The triplex PCR detected 1 fg of genomic DNA extracted from the reference strain K10. The performance of the robotized version of the MagMax extraction kit combined with the IS900 and ISMap02 PCR was further evaluated using 615 archival fecal samples from the first sampling of nine Friesian cattle herds included in a PTB control program and followed up for at least 4 years. The analysis of the results obtained in this survey demonstrated that the diagnostic method was highly specific and sensitive for the detection of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis in fecal samples from cattle and a very valuable tool to be used in PTB control programs. PMID:24727272

Amplified crossflow disturbances in the laminar boundary layer on swept wings with suction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dagenhart, J. R.

1981-01-01

Solution charts of the Orr-Sommerfeld equation for stationary crossflow disturbances are presented for 10 typical velocity profiles on a swept laminar flow control wing. The critical crossflow Reynolds number is shown to be a function of a boundary layer shape factor. Amplification rates for crossflow disturbances are shown to be proportional to the maximum crossflow velocity. A computer stability program called MARIA, employing the amplification rate data for the 10 crossflow velocity profiles, is constructed. This code is shown to adequately approximate more involved computer stability codes using less than two percent as much computer time while retaining the essential physical disturbance growth model.

Periodic Assembly of Nanospecies on Repetitive DNA Sequences Generated on Gold Nanoparticles by Rolling Circle Amplification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Weian; Brook, Michael A.; Li, Yingfu

Periodical assembly of nanospecies is desirable for the construction of nanodevices. We provide a protocol for the preparation of a gold nanoparticle (AuNP)/DNA scaffold on which nanospecies can be assembled in a periodical manner. AuNP/DNA scaffold is prepared by growing long single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) molecules (typically hundreds of nanometers to a few microns in length) on AuNPs via rolling circle amplification (RCA). Since these long ssDNA molecules contain many repetitive sequence units, complementary DNA-attached nanospecies can be assembled through specific hybridization in a controllable and periodical manner.

A loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for a differential identification of Taenia tapeworms from human: application to a field survey.

PubMed

Nkouawa, Agathe; Sako, Yasuhito; Li, Tiaoying; Chen, Xingwang; Nakao, Minoru; Yanagida, Tetsuya; Okamoto, Munehiro; Giraudoux, Patrick; Raoul, Francis; Nakaya, Kazuhiro; Xiao, Ning; Qiu, Jiamin; Qiu, Dongchuan; Craig, Philip S; Ito, Akira

2012-12-01

In this study, we applied a loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for identification of human Taenia tapeworms in Tibetan communities in Sichuan, China. Out of 51 proglottids recovered from 35 carriers, 9, 1, and 41 samples were identified as Taenia solium, Taenia asiatica and Taenia saginata, respectively. Same results were obtained afterwards in the laboratory, except one sample. These results demonstrated that the LAMP method enabled rapid identification of parasites in the field surveys, which suggested that this method would contribute to the control of Taenia infections in endemic areas. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prospective Clinical Evaluation of the Serologic Tuberculous Glycolipid Test in Combination with the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test

PubMed Central

Maekura, Ryoji; Kohno, Hiroaki; Hirotani, Atsushi; Okuda, Yoshinari; Ito, Masami; Ogura, Takeshi; Yano, Ikuya

2003-01-01

We have conducted a prospective controlled multicenter study to evaluate differences in the levels of clinical utility of the tuberculous glycolipid (TBGL) serodiagnostic test and the nucleic acid amplification test in patients with smear-negative active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). The TBGL test and the PCR test were individually not so useful for the rapid diagnosis of smear-negative active pulmonary TB. However, clinical utility was considerably improved by using the TBGL test and the PCR test in combination, especially in patients with smear-negative and culture-negative active pulmonary TB and in patients with minimally advanced lesions. PMID:12624077

RATIO COMPUTER

DOEpatents

Post, R.F.

1958-11-11

An electronic computer circuit is described for producing an output voltage proportional to the product or quotient of tbe voltages of a pair of input signals. ln essence, the disclosed invention provides a computer having two channels adapted to receive separate input signals and each having amplifiers with like fixed amplification factors and like negatlve feedback amplifiers. One of the channels receives a constant signal for comparison purposes, whereby a difference signal is produced to control the amplification factors of the variable feedback amplifiers. The output of the other channel is thereby proportional to the product or quotient of input signals depending upon the relation of input to fixed signals in the first mentioned channel.

HER2 and TOP2A amplification in a hospital-based cohort of breast cancer patients: associations with patient and tumor characteristics.

PubMed

Fasching, Peter A; Weihbrecht, Sebastian; Haeberle, Lothar; Gasparyan, Armen; Villalobos, Ivonne E; Ma, Yanling; Ekici, Arif B; Wachter, David L; Hartmann, Arndt; Beckmann, Matthias W; Slamon, Dennis J; Press, Michael F

2014-05-01

Gene amplification is an important factor for altered gene expression in breast cancers. TOP2A-amplification often occurs concomitantly with HER2 amplification, and it has been suggested to be predictive for the response to anthracycline chemotherapy. This study assessed the correlation between HER2 status and TOP2A co-amplification, the possible association of TOP2A single-nucleotide polymorphisms with the frequency of this co-amplification as well as confirmation of association with outcome. HER2 and TOP2A amplification were analyzed in a tissue microarray from a clinical cohort study. Additionally, a common genetic variant (rs13695) in the TOP2A gene was genotyped in germline DNA. HER2 gene amplification was compared with HER2-IHC findings assessed during clinical routine work, and the association between all the biomarkers analyzed and the clinical outcome was determined. As an exploratory aim, rs13695 genotypes were compared with TOP2A amplification status. HER2 amplification was seen in 101 of 628 (16.1 %) and TOP2A amplification in 32 (5.1 %) cancers. No TOP2A amplification occurred without HER2 co-amplification. HER2 amplification was found in 8, 13.6, and 55.1 % of patients with HER2-IHC 0/1+, 2+, and 3+ tumors, respectively. HER2-IHC was not associated with an effect on the prognosis, but HER2-FISH was. There was an association between the rs13695 genotype and TOP2A amplification status (P = 0.03). Although there was a significant correlation between HER2 status determined by IHC and HER2 by FISH, only HER2 gene amplification status by FISH was correlated with outcome indicating greater utility for FISH in routine clinical settings.

Low-cost humic acid-bonded silica as an effective solid-phase extraction sorbent for convenient determination of aflatoxins in edible oils.

PubMed

Zhou, Neng-Zhi; Liu, Ping; Su, Xiao-Chuan; Liao, Yan-Hua; Lei, Ning-Sheng; Liang, Yong-Hong; Zhou, Shao-Huan; Lin, Wen-Si; Chen, Jie; Feng, Yu-Qi; Tang, Yang

2017-06-01

Aflatoxins (AFs) are highly toxic, mutagenic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic secondary metabolites produced by the toxigenic fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. AFs tend to contaminate a wide range of foods which is a serious and recurring food safety problem worldwide. Currently, immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) has become the most conventional sample clean-up method for determining AFs in foodstuffs. However, IAC method is limited in the large-scale food analysis because it requires the use of expensive disposable cartridges and the IA procedure is time-consuming. Herein, to achieve the cost-effective determination of AFs in edible oils, we developed a promising solid-phase extraction (SPE) method based on commercially available humic acid-bonded silica (HAS) sorbent, followed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) analysis. In HAS-SPE, AFs can be captured by the HAS sorbent with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions, whereas the oil matrix was captured only with the hydrophobic interactions. The oil matrix can be sufficiently washed off with isopropanol, while the AFs were still retained on the SPE packing, thus achieving selective extraction of AFs and clean-up of oil matrices. Under the optimal conditions of HAS-SPE, satisfactory recoveries ranging from 82% to 106% for four AFs (B 1 , B 2 , G 1 , and G 2 ) were achieved in various oil matrices, containing blended oil, tea oil, rapeseed oil, peanut oil, sunflower seed oil, corn oil, blended olive oil, rice oil, soybean oil, and sesame oil. Only minor matrix effects ranging from 99% to 105% for four AFs were observed. Moreover, the LODs of AFs between 0.012 and 0.035 μg/kg completely meet the regulatory levels fixed by the EU, China or other countries. The methodology was further validated for assaying the naturally contaminated peanut oils, and consistent results between the HAS-SPE and the referenced IAC were obtained. In addition, HAS-SPE can directly treat diluted oil sample without liquid-liquid extraction and is automatable, thus making it simple and convenient for the large-scale determination of AFs in edible oils. Using this method, we successfully detected four AFs in the naturally contaminated peanut oils, which is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report about the determination of AFs in edible oils using HA-based SPE. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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

Hidalgo, Sebastian L.; Aparicio, Antonio; MartInez-Delgado, David

We present the star formation history (SFH) and its variations with galactocentric distance for the Local Group dwarf galaxy of Phoenix. They have been derived from a (F555W, F814W) color-magnitude diagram obtained from WFPC2-HST data, which reaches the oldest main-sequence turnoffs. The IAC-star and IAC-pop codes and the MinnIAC suite have been used to obtain the star formation rate as a function of time and metallicity, psi(t, z). We find that Phoenix has had ongoing but gradually decreasing star formation over nearly a Hubble time. The highest level of star formation occurred from the formation of the galaxy till 10.5more » Gyr ago, when 50% of the total star formation had already taken place. From that moment, star formation continues at a significant level until 6 Gyr ago (an additional 35% of the stars are formed in this time interval), and at a very low level till the present time. The chemical enrichment law shows a trend of slowly increasing metallicity as a function of time until 6-8 Gyr ago, when metallicity starts to increase steeply to the current value. We have paid particular attention to the study of the variations of the SFH as a function of radius. Young stars are found in the inner region of the galaxy only, but intermediate-age and old stars can be found at all galactocentric distances. The distribution of mass density in alive stars and its evolution with time has been studied. This study shows that star formation started at all galactocentric distances in Phoenix at an early epoch. If stars form in situ in Phoenix, the star formation onset took place all over the galaxy (up to a distance of about 400 pc from the center), but preferentially out of center regions. After that, our results are compatible with a scenario in which the star formation region envelope slowly shrinks as time goes on, possibly as a natural result of pressure support reduction as gas supply diminishes. As a consequence, the star formation stopped first (about 7-8 Gyr ago) in outer regions and the scale length of the stellar mass density distribution decreased with time. Finally, no traces of a true, old halo are apparent in Phoenix either in its stellar age distribution or in the stellar mass density distribution, at least out to 0.5 kpc (about 2.5 scale length) from the center.« less

Ground-based follow-up in relation to Kepler asteroseismic investigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uytterhoeven, K.; Briquet, M.; Bruntt, H.; De Cat, P.; Frandsen, S.; Gutiérrez-Soto, J.; Kiss, L.; Kurtz, D. W.; Marconi, M.; Molenda-Żakowicz, J.; Østensen, R.; Randall, S.; Southworth, J.; Szabó, R.

2010-12-01

The Kepler space mission, successfully launched in March 2009, is providing continuous and high-precision photometry of thousands of stars simultaneously. The uninterrupted time-series of stars of all known pulsation types are a precious source for asteroseismic studies. The Kepler data do not provide information on the physical parameters, such as T_eff, log g, metallicity, and v sin i, which are crucial for successful asteroseismic modelling. Additional ground-based time-series data are needed to characterize mode parameters in several types of pulsating stars. Therefore, ground-based multi-colour photometry and mid/high-resolution spectroscopy are needed to complement the space data. We present ground-based activities within KASC on selected asteroseismic Kepler targets of several pulsation types. Based on observations made with the Isaac Newton Telescope and William Herschel Telescope operated by the Isaac Newton Group, with the Nordic Optical Telescope, operated jointly by Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, with the Italian Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG) operated by the Fundación Galileo Galilei of the INAF (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica), and with the Mercator telescope, operated by the Flemish Community, all on the island of La Palma at the Spanish Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC). Based on observations made with the IAC-80 operated on the island of Tenerife by the IAC at the Spanish Observatorio del Teide. Also based on observations taken at the observatories of Sierra Nevada, San Pedro Mártir, Vienna, Xinglong, Apache Point, Lulin, Tautenburg, McDonald, Skinakas, Pic du Midi, Mauna Kea, Steward Observatory, Mt. Wilson, Białków Observatory of the Wrocław University, Piszkésteto Mountain Station, and Observatoire de Haute Provence. Based on spectra taken at the Loiano (INAF - OA Bologna), Serra La Nave (INAF - OA Catania) and Asiago (INAF - OA Padova) observatories. Also based on observations collected at the Centro Astronómico Hispano Alemán (CAHA) at Calar Alto, operated jointly by the Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie and the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (CSIC). We acknowledge with thanks the variable star observations from the AAVSO International Database contributed by observers worldwide and used in this research. Funding for the Kepler mission is provided by NASA's Science Mission Directorate. We thank the entire Kepler team for the development and operations of this outstanding mission.