Application of the Program Profile for the Design of Low-Speed, Low- Observable Configuration Airfoils

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-12-01

112 61 . Airfoil T503 - t/c = 3.79% .... ........... .. 113 62. Airfoil T503 Leading-Edge - t/c = 3.79% ..... ... 114 63. Pressure...points on C unit circle, 6 slope of airfoil surface near trailing edge 61 boundary-layer displacement thickness 62 boundary-layer momentum thickness 63...equivalent thickness NACA 4-digit airfoils . 4 II. Theory Potential-Flow Design Method This section will overview the basic theory used in PROFILE. Eppler

Influence of longitudinal spin fluctuations on the phase transition features in chiral magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belemuk, A. M.; Stishov, S. M.

2018-04-01

Using the classical Monte Carlo calculations, we investigate the effects of longitudinal spin fluctuations on the helimagnetic transition in a Heisenberg magnet with the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. We use variable spin amplitudes in the framework of the spin-lattice Hamiltonian. It is this kind of fluctuations that naturally occur in an itinerant system. We show that the basic features of the helical phase transition are not changed much by the longitudinal spin fluctuations though the transition temperature Tc and the fluctuation hump seen in specific heat at T >Tc is significantly affected. We report thermodynamic and structural effects of these fluctuations. By increasing the system size in the Monte Carlo modeling, we are able to reproduce the ring shape scattering intensity above the helimagnetic transition temperature Tc, which transforms into the spiral spots seen below Tc in the neutron scattering experiments.

Optimizing MR imaging-guided navigation for focused ultrasound interventions in the brain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Werner, B.; Martin, E.; Bauer, R.; O'Gorman, R.

2017-03-01

MR imaging during transcranial MR imaging-guided Focused Ultrasound surgery (tcMRIgFUS) is challenging due to the complex ultrasound transducer setup and the water bolus used for acoustic coupling. Achievable image quality in the tcMRIgFUS setup using the standard body coil is significantly inferior to current neuroradiologic standards. As a consequence, MR image guidance for precise navigation in functional neurosurgical interventions using tcMRIgFUS is basically limited to the acquisition of MR coordinates of salient landmarks such as the anterior and posterior commissure for aligning a stereotactic atlas. Here, we show how improved MR image quality provided by a custom built MR coil and optimized MR imaging sequences can support imaging-guided navigation for functional tcMRIgFUS neurosurgery by visualizing anatomical landmarks that can be integrated into the navigation process to accommodate for patient specific anatomy.

Experimental Study on GFRP Surface Cracks Detection Using Truncated-Correlation Photothermal Coherence Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Fei; Liu, Junyan; Mohummad, Oliullah; Wang, Yang

2018-04-01

In this paper, truncated-correlation photothermal coherence tomography (TC-PCT) was used as a nondestructive inspection technique to evaluate glass-fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite surface cracks. Chirped-pulsed signal that combines linear frequency modulation and pulse excitation was proposed as an excitation signal to detect GFRP composite surface cracks. The basic principle of TC-PCT and extraction algorithm of the thermal wave signal feature was described. The comparison experiments between lock-in thermography, thermal wave radar imaging and chirped-pulsed photothermal radar for detecting GFRP artificial surface cracks were carried out. Experimental results illustrated that chirped-pulsed photothermal radar has the merits of high signal-to-noise ratio in detecting GFRP composite surface cracks. TC-PCT as a depth-resolved photothermal imaging modality was employed to enable three-dimensional visualization of GFRP composite surface cracks. The results showed that TC-PCT can effectively evaluate the cracks depth of GFRP composite.

Technetium-99m: basic nuclear physics and chemical properties.

PubMed

Castronovo, F P

1975-05-01

The nuclear physics and chemical properties of technetium-99m are reviewed. The review of basic nuclear physics includes: classification of nuclides, nuclear stability, production of radionuclides, artificial production of molybdenum-99, production of technetium 99m and -99Mo-99mTc generators. The discussion of the chemistry of technetium includes a profile of several -99mCc-labeled radiopharmaceuticals.

The potential role of telocytes in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine.

PubMed

Boos, Anja M; Weigand, Annika; Brodbeck, Rebekka; Beier, Justus P; Arkudas, Andreas; Horch, Raymund E

2016-07-01

Research and ideas for potential applications in the field of Tissue Engineering (TE) and Regenerative Medicine (RM) have been constantly increasing over recent years, basically driven by the fundamental human dream of repairing and regenerating lost tissue and organ functions. The basic idea of TE is to combine cells with putative stem cell properties with extracellular matrix components, growth factors and supporting matrices to achieve independently growing tissue. As a side effect, in the past years, more insights have been gained into cell-cell interaction and how to manipulate cell behavior. However, to date the ideal cell source has still to be found. Apart from commonly known various stem cell sources, telocytes (TC) have recently attracted increasing attention because they might play a potential role for TE and RM. It becomes increasingly evident that TC provide a regenerative potential and act in cellular communication through their network-forming telopodes. While TE in vitro experiments can be the first step, the key for elucidating their regenerative role will be the investigation of the interaction of TC with the surrounding tissue. For later clinical applications further steps have to include an upscaling process of vascularization of engineered tissue. Arteriovenous loop models to vascularize such constructs provide an ideal platform for preclinical testing of future therapeutic concepts in RM. The following review article should give an overview of what is known so far about the potential role of TC in TE and RM. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

78 FR 15358 - DOE's Preferred Alternative for Certain Tanks Evaluated in the Final Tank Closure and Waste...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-11

... SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.) \\1\\ Transuranic (TRU) waste is waste that contains alpha particle-emitting... available on the DOE NEPA Web site at http://energy.gov/nepa . Additional information on the Final TC & WM... INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on the Final TC & WM EIS, contact Ms. Burandt as listed in...

Volatile species of technetium and rhenium during waste vitrification

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

Kim, Dongsang; Kruger, Albert A.

Volatile loss of technetium (Tc) during vitrification of low-activity wastes is a technical challenge for treating and immobilizing the large volumes of radioactive and hazardous wastes stored at the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Site. There are various research efforts being pursued to develop technologies that can be implemented for cost effective management of Tc, including studies to understand the behavior of Tc during vitrification, with the goal of eventually increasing Tc retention in glass. Furthermore, one of these studies has focused on identifying the form or species of Tc and Re (surrogate for Tc) that evolve during the waste-to-glassmore » conversion process. This information is important for understanding the mechanism of Tc volatilization. In this paper, available information collected from the literature is critically evaluated to clarify the volatile species of Tc and Re and, more specifically, whether they volatilize as alkali pertechnetate and perrhenate or as technetium and rhenium oxides after decomposition of alkali pertechnetate and perrhenate. The evaluated data ranged from mass spectrometric identification of species volatilized from pure and binary alkali pertechnetate and perrhenate salts to structural and chemical analyses of volatilized materials during crucible melting and scaled melter processing of simulated wastes.« less

Volatile species of technetium and rhenium during waste vitrification

DOE PAGES

Kim, Dongsang; Kruger, Albert A.

2017-10-26

Volatile loss of technetium (Tc) during vitrification of low-activity wastes is a technical challenge for treating and immobilizing the large volumes of radioactive and hazardous wastes stored at the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Site. There are various research efforts being pursued to develop technologies that can be implemented for cost effective management of Tc, including studies to understand the behavior of Tc during vitrification, with the goal of eventually increasing Tc retention in glass. Furthermore, one of these studies has focused on identifying the form or species of Tc and Re (surrogate for Tc) that evolve during the waste-to-glassmore » conversion process. This information is important for understanding the mechanism of Tc volatilization. In this paper, available information collected from the literature is critically evaluated to clarify the volatile species of Tc and Re and, more specifically, whether they volatilize as alkali pertechnetate and perrhenate or as technetium and rhenium oxides after decomposition of alkali pertechnetate and perrhenate. The evaluated data ranged from mass spectrometric identification of species volatilized from pure and binary alkali pertechnetate and perrhenate salts to structural and chemical analyses of volatilized materials during crucible melting and scaled melter processing of simulated wastes.« less

Tactile acuity in experienced Tai Chi practitioners: evidence for use dependent plasticity as an effect of sensory-attentional training

PubMed Central

Kerr, Catherine E.; Shaw, Jessica R; Wasserman, Rachel H.; Chen, Vanessa W; Kanojia, Alok; Bayer, Thomas; Kelley, John M.

2008-01-01

The scientific discovery of novel training paradigms has yielded better understanding of basic mechanisms underlying cortical plasticity, learning and development. This study is a first step in evaluating Tai Chi (TC), the Chinese slow-motion meditative exercise, as a training paradigm that, while not engaging in direct tactile stimulus training, elicits enhanced tactile acuity in long-term practitioners, The rationale for this study comes from the fact that, unlike previously studied direct-touch tactile training paradigms, TC practitioners focus specific mental attention on the body’s extremities including the fingertips and hands as they perform their slow routine. To determine whether TC is associated with enhanced tactile acuity, experienced adult TC practitioners were recruited and compared to age-gender matched controls. A blinded assessor used a validated method (Van Boven, Hamilton, Kauffman, Keenan, & Pascual-Leone, 2000) to compare TC practitioners’ and controls’ ability to discriminate between two different orientations (parallel and horizontal) across different grating widths at the fingertip. Study results showed TC practitioners’ tactile spatial acuity was superior to that of the matched controls (p<.04). There was a trend showing TC may have an enhanced effect on older practitioners (p<.066), suggesting TC may slow age related decline in this measure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate a long-term attentional practice’s effects on a perceptual measure. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine whether TC initiates or is merely correlated with perceptual changes and whether it elicits long-term plasticity in primary sensory cortical maps. Further studies should also assess whether related somatosensory attentional practices (such as Yoga, mindfulness meditation and Qigong) achieve similar effects. PMID:18512052

Coordination modes of multidentate ligands in fac-[Re(CO)(3)(polyaminocarboxylate)] analogues of (99m)Tc radiopharmaceuticals. dependence on aqueous solution reaction conditions.

PubMed

Lipowska, Malgorzata; He, Haiyang; Xu, Xiaolong; Taylor, Andrew T; Marzilli, Patricia A; Marzilli, Luigi G

2010-04-05

We study Re analogues of (99m)Tc renal agents to interpret previous results at the (99m)Tc tracer level. The relative propensities of amine donors versus carboxylate oxygen donors of four L = polyaminocarboxylate ligands to coordinate in fac-[Re(I)(CO)(3)L](n) complexes were assessed by examining the reaction of fac-[Re(I)(CO)(3)(H(2)O)(3)](+) under conditions differing in acidity and temperature. All four L [N,N-bis-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (DTGH), N,N-ethylenediaminediacetic acid, diethylenetriamine-N-malonic acid, and diethylenetriamine-N-acetic acid] can coordinate as tridentate ligands while creating a dangling chain terminated in a carboxyl group. Dangling carboxyl groups facilitate renal clearance in fac-[(99m)Tc(I)(CO)(3)L](n) agents. Under neutral conditions, the four ligands each gave two fac-[Re(I)(CO)(3)L](n) products with HPLC traces correlating well with known traces of the fac-[(99m)Tc(I)(CO)(3)L](n) mixtures. Such mixtures are common in renal agents because the needed dangling carboxyl group can compete for a coordination site. However, the HPLC separations needed to assess the biodistribution of a single tracer are impractical in a clinical setting. One goal in investigating this Re chemistry is to identify conditions for avoiding this problem of mixtures in preparations of fac-[(99m)Tc(I)(CO)(3)L](n) renal tracers. After separation and isolation of the fac-[Re(I)(CO)(3)L](n) products, NMR analysis of all products and single crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis of both DTGH products, as well as one product each from the other L, allowed us to establish coordination mode unambiguously. The product favored in acidic conditions has a dangling amine chain and more bound oxygen. The product favored in basic conditions has a dangling carboxyl chain and more bound nitrogen. At the elevated temperatures used for simulating tracer preparation, equilibration was facile (ca. 1 h or less), allowing selective formation of one product by utilizing acidic or basic conditions. The results of this fundamental study offer protocols and guidance useful for the design and preparation of fac-[(99m)Tc(I)(CO)(3)L](n) agents consisting of a single tracer.

High T(c) superconductors: Technical and commercial challenge

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kirschner, I.; Horvath, E.; Vajda, I.; Bencze, L.; Goebl, N.

1995-01-01

Some basic questions of the way which leads from the discovery of high-T(c) superconductors to their applications is surveyed. The influence of high-T(c) superconducting technology on the industrial and social development is also briefly analyzed.

Real-time new satellite product demonstration from microwave sensors and GOES-16 at NRL TC web

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cossuth, J.; Richardson, K.; Surratt, M. L.; Bankert, R.

2017-12-01

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Tropical Cyclone (TC) satellite webpage (https://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/TC.html) provides demonstration analyses of storm imagery to benefit operational TC forecast centers around the world. With the availability of new spectral information provided by GOES-16 satellite data and recent research into improved visualization methods of microwave data, experimental imagery was operationally tested to visualize the structural changes of TCs during the 2017 hurricane season. This presentation provides an introduction into these innovative satellite analysis methods, NRL's next generation satellite analysis system (the Geolocated Information Processing System, GeoIPSTM), and demonstration the added value of additional spectral frequencies when monitoring storms in near-realtime.

Photoreduction of 99Tc Pertechnetate by Nanometer-Sized Metal Oxides: New Strategies for Formation and Sequestration of Low-Valent Technetium

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

Burton-Pye, Benjamin P.; Radivojevic, Ivana; McGregor, Donna

2011-11-23

Technetium-99 ( 99Tc)(β - max: 293.7 keV; t 1/2: 2.1 x 10 5 years) is a byproduct of uranium-235 fission and comprises a large component of radioactive waste. Under aerobic conditions and in a neutral- basic environment, the pertechnetate anion ( 99TcO 4 -) is stable. 99TcO 4 - is very soluble, migrates easily through the environment and does not sorb well onto mineral surfaces, soils or sediments. This study moves forward a new strategy for the reduction of TcO 4 - and chemical incorporation of the reduced 99Tc into a metal oxide material. This strategy employs a single material,more » a polyoxometalate (POM), α 2-[P 2W 17O 61] 10-, that can be photoactivated in the presence of 2-propanol to transfer electrons to TcO 4 - and incorporate the reduced 99Tc covalently into the α 2 - framework to form the Tc VO species, Tc VO(α 2-P 2W 17O 61) 7-. This occurs via the formation of an intermediate species that slowly converts to Tc VO(α 2-P 2W 17O 61) 7-. EXAFS and XANES analysis and preliminary EPR analysis, suggests that the intermediate consists of a Tc(IV) α 2- species where the 99Tc is likely bound to only 2 of the 4 W-O oxygen atoms in the α 2-[P 2W 17O 61] 10- defect. This intermediate then oxidizes and converts to the 99Tc VO(α 2-P 2W 17O 61) 7- product. The reduction and incorporation of 99TcO 4- was accomplished in a ''one pot'' reaction using both sunlight and UV irradiation, and monitored as a function of time using multinuclear NMR and radio TLC. The process was further probed by the ''step-wise'' generation of reduced α 2-P 2W 17O 61 12- through bulk electrolysis followed by the addition of TcO 4 -. The reduction and incorporation of ReO 4 -, as a non-radioactive surrogate for 99Tc, does not proceed through the intermediate species, and Re VO is incorporated quickly into the α 2-[P 2W 17O 61] 10- defect. These observations are consistent with the periodic trends of 99Tc and Re. Specifically, 99Tc is more easily reduced compared to Re. In addition to serving as models for metal oxides, POMs may also provide a suitable platform to study the molecular level dynamics and mechanisms of the reduction and incorporation of Tc into a material.« less

Assimilation of Tropical Cyclone Track and Wind Radius Data with an Ensemble Kalman Filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kunii, M.

2014-12-01

Improving tropical cyclone (TC) forecasts is one of the most important issues in meteorology, but TC intensity forecasts are a challenging task. Because the lack of observations near TCs usually results in degraded accuracy of initial fields, utilizing TC advisory data in data assimilation typically has started with an ensemble Kalman filtering (EnKF). In this study, TC intensity and position information was directly assimilated using the EnKF, and the impact of these observations was investigated by comparing different assimilation strategies. Another experiment with TC wind radius data was carried out to examine the influence of TC shape parameters. Sensitivity experiments indicated that the assimilation of TC intensity and position data yielded results that were superior to those based on conventional assimilation of TC minimum sea level pressure as a standard surface pressure observation. Assimilation of TC radius data modified TC outer circulations closer to observations. The impacts of these TC parameters were also evaluated using the case of Typhoon Talas in 2011. The TC intensity, position, and wind radius data led to improved TC track forecasts and thence to improved precipitation forecasts. These results imply that initialization with these TC-related observations benefits TC forecasts, offering promise for the prevention and mitigation of natural disasters caused by TCs.

Geochemistry of highly basic calcium hydroxide groundwater in Jordan

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barnes, I.; Presser, T.S.; Saines, M.; Dickson, P.; Van Groos, A. F. K.

1982-01-01

Highly-alkaline (pH > 12.5) meteoric waters of a Ca2+OH--type issue from naturally calcined bituminous marl. The cold (16.5 ??? T(??C) ??? 19.1) waters are super-saturated with minerals thought to be of high-temperature origin. ?? 1982.

Tropical cyclone warm core analyses with FY-3 microwave temperature sounder data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhe; Bai, Jie; Zhang, Wenjun; Yan, Jun; Zhou, Zhuhua

2014-05-01

Space-borne microwave instruments are well suited to analyze Tropical Cyclone (TC) warm core structure, because certain wavelengths of microwave energy are able to penetrate the cirrus above TC. With the vector discrete-ordinate microwave radiative transfer model, the basic atmospheric parameters of Hurricane BOB are used to simulate the upwelling brightness temperatures on each channel of the Microwave Temperature Sounder (MWTS) onboard FY-3A/3B observation. Based on the simulation, the characteristic of 1109 super typhoon "Muifa" warm core structure is analyzed with the MWTS channel 3. Through the radiative and hydrostatic equation, TC warm core brightness temperature anomalies are related to surface pressure anomalies. In order to correct the radiation attenuation caused by MWTS scan geometric features, and improve the capability in capturing the relatively complete warm core radiation, a proposed algorithm is devised to correct the bias from receiving warm core microwave radiation, shows similar time-variant tendency with "Muifa" minimal sea level pressure as described by TC best track data. As the next generation of FY-3 satellite will be launched in 2012, this method will be further verified

Growth of EuO Single Crystals at Reduced Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Besara, Tiglet; Ramirez, Daniel; Whalen, Jeffrey; Siegrist, Theo

Single crystals of Eu1-xBaxO have been grown in a barium-magnesium flux at moderate temperatures up to 1000°C, producing single crystals with barium doping levels ranging from x = 0 . 03 to x = 0 . 25 . Magnetic measurements show that the ferromagnetic Curie temperature TC correlates with the Ba doping levels, and a modified Heisenberg model is employed to describe the TC dependence on the stoichiometry. The decrease in TC is dominated by the Ba substitution on the Eu lattice with a small contribution arising from the lattice strain. Extrapolation of results indicates that a sample at x = 0 . 72 should have a TC = 0 K, potentially producing a quantum phase transition in this material. DOE SC-0008832, NSF DMR-1157490. This work was supported by the Department of Energy, Office of Basic Science, under contract DOE SC-0008832. This work has been performed at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, which is supported by the National Science Foundation Cooperative Agreement DMR-1157490, the State of Florida, and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Another HISA--the new standard: health informatics--service architecture.

PubMed

Klein, Gunnar O; Sottile, Pier Angelo; Endsleff, Frederik

2007-01-01

In addition to the meaning as Health Informatics Society of Australia, HISA is the acronym used for the new European Standard: Health Informatics - Service Architecture. This EN 12967 standard has been developed by CEN - the federation of 29 national standards bodies in Europe. This standard defines the essential elements of a Service Oriented Architecture and a methodology for localization particularly useful for large healthcare organizations. It is based on the Open Distributed Processing (ODP) framework from ISO 10746 and contains the following parts: Part 1: Enterprise viewpoint. Part 2: Information viewpoint. Part 3: Computational viewpoint. This standard is now also the starting point for the consideration for an International standard in ISO/TC 215. The basic principles with a set of health specific middleware services as a common platform for various applications for regional health information systems, or large integrated hospital information systems, are well established following a previous prestandard. Examples of large scale deployments in Sweden, Denmark and Italy are described.

Cardiometabolic risk in US Army recruits and the effects of basic combat training.

PubMed

Pasiakos, Stefan M; Karl, J Philip; Lutz, Laura J; Murphy, Nancy E; Margolis, Lee M; Rood, Jennifer C; Cable, Sonya J; Williams, Kelly W; Young, Andrew J; McClung, James P

2012-01-01

Cardiometabolic disease risk in US military recruits and the effects of military training have not been determined. This study examined lifestyle factors and biomarkers associated with cardiometabolic risk in US Army recruits (209; 118 male, 91 female, 23 ± 5 yr) before, during, and after basic combat training (BCT). Anthropometrics; fasting total (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol; triglycerides (TG); glucose; and insulin were measured at baseline and every 3 wks during the 10 wk BCT course. At baseline, 14% of recruits were obese (BMI>30 kg/m(2)), 27% were cigarette smokers, 37% were sedentary, and 34% reported a family history of cardiometabolic disease. TC was above recommended levels in 8%, LDL in 39%, TG in 5%, and glucose in 8% of recruits, and HDL was below recommended levels in 33% of recruits at baseline. By week 9, TC decreased 8%, LDL 10%, TG 13%, glucose 6% and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) 40% in men (P<0.05). In women, TC, LDL, glucose and HOMA-IR were decreased from baseline at weeks 3 and 6 (P<0.05), but were not different from baseline levels at week 9. During BCT, body weight declined in men but not women, while body fat percentage declined in both men and women (P<0.05). At the start of military service, the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk in US military recruits is comparable to that reported in similar, college-aged populations. Military training appears to be an effective strategy that may mitigate risk in young people through improvements in lipid profiles and glycemic control.

Cardiometabolic Risk in US Army Recruits and the Effects of Basic Combat Training

PubMed Central

Lutz, Laura J.; Murphy, Nancy E.; Margolis, Lee M.; Rood, Jennifer C.; Cable, Sonya J.; Williams, Kelly W.; Young, Andrew J.; McClung, James P.

2012-01-01

Background Cardiometabolic disease risk in US military recruits and the effects of military training have not been determined. This study examined lifestyle factors and biomarkers associated with cardiometabolic risk in US Army recruits (209; 118 male, 91 female, 23±5 yr) before, during, and after basic combat training (BCT). Methodology/Principal Findings Anthropometrics; fasting total (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol; triglycerides (TG); glucose; and insulin were measured at baseline and every 3 wks during the 10 wk BCT course. At baseline, 14% of recruits were obese (BMI>30 kg/m2), 27% were cigarette smokers, 37% were sedentary, and 34% reported a family history of cardiometabolic disease. TC was above recommended levels in 8%, LDL in 39%, TG in 5%, and glucose in 8% of recruits, and HDL was below recommended levels in 33% of recruits at baseline. By week 9, TC decreased 8%, LDL 10%, TG 13%, glucose 6% and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) 40% in men (P<0.05). In women, TC, LDL, glucose and HOMA-IR were decreased from baseline at weeks 3 and 6 (P<0.05), but were not different from baseline levels at week 9. During BCT, body weight declined in men but not women, while body fat percentage declined in both men and women (P<0.05). Conclusions/Significance At the start of military service, the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk in US military recruits is comparable to that reported in similar, college-aged populations. Military training appears to be an effective strategy that may mitigate risk in young people through improvements in lipid profiles and glycemic control. PMID:22384004

Vortex Loops at the Superfluid Lambda Transition: An Exact Theory?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Gary A.

2003-01-01

A vortex-loop theory of the superfluid lambda transition has been developed over the last decade, with many results in agreement with experiments. It is a very simple theory, consisting of just three basic equations. When it was first proposed the main uncertainty in the theory was the use Flory scaling to find the fractal dimension of the random-walking vortex loops. Recent developments in high-resolution Monte Carlo simulations have now made it possible to verify the accuracy of this Flory-scaling assumption. Although the loop theory is not yet rigorously proven to be exact, the Monte Carlo results show at the least that it is an extremely good approximation. Recent loop calculations of the critical Casimir effect in helium films in the superfluid phase T < Tc will be compared with similar perturbative RG calculations in the normal phase T > Tc; the two calculations are found to match very nicely right at Tc.

Report on a fundamental chromaticity diagram with physiologically significant axes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vienot, Francoise

2002-06-01

The scope of TC 1-36 is to supplement the CIE colorimetric observers with color matching data that make a clear connection between the color specification and the underlying physiology. After careful examination of color matching data, TC 1- 36 has agreed on proposing a continuous fundamental observer with data from 10° to 1°. The 10° color matching measurements of Stiles and Burch (1959) will provide the basic data for this continuous fundamental observer. Fundamental response curves will be derived as a function of field size, taking into account the macular pigment, the ocular media and the photopigment optical densities.

From dry to saturated thermal conductivity: mixing-model correction charts and new conversion equations for sedimentary rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuchs, Sven; Schütz, Felina; Förster, Andrea; Förster, Hans-Jürgen

2013-04-01

The thermal conductivity (TC) of a rock is, in collaboration with the temperature gradient, the basic parameter to determine the heat flow from the Earth interior. Moreover, it forms the input into models targeted on temperature prognoses for geothermal reservoirs at those depths not yet reached by boreholes. Thus, rock TC is paramount in geothermal exploration and site selection. Most commonly, TC of a rock is determined in the laboratory on samples that are either dry or water-saturated. Because sample saturation is time-consuming, it is desirable, especially if large numbers of samples need to be assessed, to develop an approach that quickly and reliably converts dry-measured bulk TC into the respective saturated value without applying the saturation procedure. Different petrophysical models can be deployed to calculate the matrix TC of a rock from the bulk TC and vice versa, if the effective porosity is known (e.g., from well logging data) and the TC of the saturation fluid (e.g., gas, oil, water) is considered. We have studied for a large suite of different sedimentary rocks the performance of two-component (rock matrix, porosity) models that are widely used in geothermics (arithmetic mean, geometric mean, harmonic mean, Hashin and Shtrikman mean, and effective medium theory mean). The data set consisted of 1147 TC data from three different sedimentary basins (North German Basin, Molasse Basin, Mesozoic platform sediments of the northern Sinai Microplate in Israel). Four lithotypes (sandstone, mudstone, limestone, dolomite) were studied exhibiting bulk TC in the range between 1.0 and 6.5 W/(mK). The quality of fit between measured (laboratory) and calculated bulk TC values was studied separately for the influence of lithotype, saturation fluid (water and isooctane), and rock anisotropy (parallel and perpendicular to bedding). The geometric mean model displays the best correspondence between calculated and measured bulk TC, however, the relation is not satisfying. To improve the fit of the models, correction equations are calculated based on the statistical data. In addition, the application of correction equations allows a significant improvement of the accuracy of bulk TC data calculated. However, the "corrected" geometric mean constitutes the only model universally applicable to different types of sedimentary rocks and, thus, is recommended for the calculation of bulk TC. Finally, the statistical analysis also resulted in lithotype-specific conversion equations, which permit a calculation of the water-saturated bulk TC from dry-measured TC and porosity (e.g., well-log-derived porosity). This approach has the advantage that the saturated bulk TC could be calculated readily without application of any mixing model. The expected errors with this approach are in the range between 5 and 10 % (Fuchs et al., 2013).

CO, CH4 and H2O total contents: long-term Russian and Chinese spectroscopic datasets, seasonal, weekly and diurnal variations and temporal tendencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rakitin, Vadim; Grechko, Eugeny; Wang, Gengchen; Dzhola, Anatoly; Fokeeva, Ekaterina; Safronov, Alexandr

2016-04-01

Analysis of the CO total column (TC) long-term measurements in Moscow and Beijing for period from 1992 to 2015 years is presented. Similar data of CO, CH4 and H2O columns for Zvenigorod Scientific Station (ZSS) in 1970-2015 years are analyzed. The rate of decrease of anthropogenic portion in CO TC over Moscow was equal to 1.4 % per year for 1992-2015 years in spite of multiple increase of the motor vehicles number. CO TC decrease was observed in Beijing in 1992 - 2015 years with the rate 1.1% per year. Typical levels of atmospheric CO and aerosols pollution in Beijing is 2-5 times stronger in comparison with Moscow ones. Reasonably typical events for Beijing with extreme values of CO TC and aerosols concentrations were observed in Moscow during wild fires of 2002 and 2010 years only. Trajectory cluster analysis using has allowed an investigation of CO and aerosols emissions sources location. Relatively stronger atmospheric pollution of Beijing partially due to the atmospheric transportation from distant industry regions of China located at 100-500 km from Beijing toward south, south-east and east directions. Satellite observations (AIRS v6) have demonstrated the CO TC slow decrease in Moscow rural region and the significant decrease of CO TC over Beijing (2002-2014). Rate of CH4 TC increase in Moscow region is 0.5% per year for 1972-2015. This work was supported by the Russian Scientific Foundation under grant №14-47-00049 and partially by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (grant № 16-05-00287).

Opposite effects of ketamine and deep brain stimulation on rat thalamocortical information processing.

PubMed

Kulikova, Sofya P; Tolmacheva, Elena A; Anderson, Paul; Gaudias, Julien; Adams, Brendan E; Zheng, Thomas; Pinault, Didier

2012-11-01

Sensory and cognitive deficits are common in schizophrenia. They are associated with abnormal brain rhythms, including disturbances in γ frequency (30-80 Hz) oscillations (GFO) in cortex-related networks. However, the underlying anatomofunctional mechanisms remain elusive. Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that these deficits result from a hyporegulation of glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Here we modeled these deficits in rats with ketamine, a non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist and a translational psychotomimetic substance at subanesthetic doses. We tested the hypothesis that ketamine-induced sensory deficits involve an impairment of the ability of the thalamocortical (TC) system to discriminate the relevant information from the baseline activity. Furthermore, we wanted to assess whether ketamine disrupts synaptic plasticity in TC systems. We conducted multisite network recordings in the rat somatosensory TC system, natural stimulation of the vibrissae and high-frequency electrical stimulation (HFS) of the thalamus. A single systemic injection of ketamine increased the amount of baseline GFO, reduced the amplitude of the sensory-evoked TC response and decreased the power of the sensory-evoked GFO. Furthermore, cortical application of ketamine elicited local and distant increases in baseline GFO. The ketamine effects were transient. Unexpectedly, HFS of the TC pathway had opposite actions. In conclusion, ketamine and thalamic HFS have opposite effects on the ability of the somatosensory TC system to discriminate the sensory-evoked response from the baseline GFO during information processing. Investigating the link between the state and function of the TC system may conceptually be a key strategy to design innovative therapies against neuropsychiatric disorders. © 2012 The Authors. European Journal of Neuroscience © 2012 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Tobacco consumption and positive mental health: an epidemiological study from a positive psychology perspective.

PubMed

Bazo-Alvarez, Juan Carlos; Peralta-Alvarez, Frank; Bernabé-Ortiz, Antonio; Alvarado, Germán F; Miranda, J Jaime

2016-05-04

Positive mental health (PMH) is much more than the absence of mental illnesses. For example, PMH explains that to be happy or resilient can drive us to live a full life, giving us a perception of well-being and robustness against everyday problems. Moreover, PMH can help people to avoid risky behaviours like tobacco consumption (TC). Our hypothesis was that PMH is negatively associated with TC, and this association differs across rural, urban and migrant populations. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the PERU MIGRANT Study's dataset, including rural population from the Peruvian highlands (n = 201), urban population from the capital city Lima (n = 199) and migrants who were born in highlands but had to migrated because of terrorism (n = 589). We used an adapted version of the 12-item Global Health Questionnaire to measure PMH. The outcome was TC, measured as lifetime and recent TC. Log-Poisson robust regression, performed with a Maximum Likelihood method, was used to estimate crude prevalence ratios (PR) and 95 % confidence intervals (95%CI), adjusted by sex, age, family income and education which were the confounders. The modelling procedure included the use of LR Test, Akaike information criteria (AIC) and Bayesian information criteria (BIC). Cumulative occurrence of tobacco use (lifetime TC) was 61.7 % in the rural group, 78 % in the urban group and 76.2 % in rural-to-urban migrants. Recent TC was 35.3 % in the rural group, 30.7 % in the urban group and 20.5 % in rural-to-urban migrants. After adjusting for confounders, there was evidence of a negative association between PMH and lifetime TC in the rural group (PR = 0.93; 95%CI: 0.87-0.99), and a positive association between PMH and recent TC in migrants (PR = 1.1; 95%CI: 1.0-1.3). PMH was negatively associated with TC in rural participants only. Urbans exhibited just a similar trend, while migrants exhibited the opposite one. This evidence represents the first step in the route of knowing the potential of PMH for fighting against TC. For rural populations, this study supplies new information that could support decisions about prevention programmes and psychotherapy for smoking cessation. However, more research in the topic is needed.

Towards a solution of the puzzle posed by superconducting SrTiO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malik, G. P.

2015-09-01

Suitably doped SrTiO3 was found in 1964 to undergo a superconducting transition below 1 K with a dome-like Tc versus n (electron concentration) plot. The apex of the dome — a point of inflection — corresponds to the point (n≈9 ×1019cm-3, Tc≈0.30 K). On either side of it, Tc goes down to ≈0.1 K for the extreme values between which n was varied. A single value of Tc is thus observed for two different values of n. The puzzle for the theory has been to explain this result. Treating the problem in all its generality, we present here three equations: the μ1-incorporated BCS equation for Tc, the μ0-incorporated equation for the T = 0 gap Δ0, where μ1 and μ0 are the chemical potentials at T = Tc and T = 0 respectively, and an equation that relates the interaction parameters λ1 and λ0 at these temperatures. Because there are five unknowns in the problem, we tackle these equations via an approximation scheme that includes setting μ1 = μ0 and λ1 = λ0. The latter of these is factually a basic tenet of the BCS theory. Salient features of our findings are: (i) the solutions for Tc and Δ0 on the RHS (LHS) of the dome correspond to μ> kBθD(μ < kBθD); kB = Boltzmann constant, θD = Debye temperature, (ii) for solutions on the LHS the limits of the integrals in the equations need to be curtailed to obtain real solutions and (iii) the point μ = kBθD is a point of inflection in the Tc versus μ plot. Since the puzzle has remained unsolved for a long time, we also offer here a purely mathematical model for λ(μ) — sans physical justification — which leads to a Tc versus μ plot qualitatively in agreement with experiment.

Characterization of Technetium Speciation in Cast Stone

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

Um, Wooyong; Jung, Hun Bok; Wang, Guohui

2013-11-11

This report describes the results from laboratory tests performed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) EM-31 Support Program (EMSP) subtask, “Production and Long-Term Performance of Low Temperature Waste Forms” to provide additional information on technetium (Tc) speciation characterization in the Cast Stone waste form. To support the use of Cast Stone as an alternative to vitrification for solidifying low-activity waste (LAW) and as the current baseline waste form for secondary waste streams at the Hanford Site, additional understanding of Tc speciation in Cast Stone is needed to predict the long-term Tc leachability frommore » Cast Stone and to meet the regulatory disposal-facility performance requirements for the Integrated Disposal Facility (IDF). Characterizations of the Tc speciation within the Cast Stone after leaching under various conditions provide insights into how the Tc is retained and released. The data generated by the laboratory tests described in this report provide both empirical and more scientific information to increase our understanding of Tc speciation in Cast Stone and its release mechanism under relevant leaching processes for the purpose of filling data gaps and to support the long-term risk and performance assessments of Cast Stone in the IDF at the Hanford Site.« less

Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 gene (TcAANAT1) is required for cuticle morphology and pigmentation of the adult red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum.

PubMed

Noh, Mi Young; Koo, Bonwoo; Kramer, Karl J; Muthukrishnan, Subbaratnam; Arakane, Yasuyuki

2016-12-01

In the insect cuticle tanning pathway (sclerotization and pigmentation), the enzyme arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) catalyzes the acetylation of dopamine to form N-acetyldopamine (NADA), which is one of the major precursors for quinone-mediated tanning. In this study we characterized and investigated the function of TcAANAT1 in cuticle pigmentation of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. We isolated a full length TcAANAT1 cDNA that encodes a protein of 256 amino acid residues with a predicted GCN5-related acetyltransferase domain containing an acetyl-CoA binding motif. TcAANAT1 transcripts were detected at all stages of development with lowest expressions at the embryonic and pharate pupal stages. We expressed and purified the encoded recombinant TcAANAT1 protein (rTcAANAT1) that exhibited highest activity at slightly basic pH values (for example, pH 7.5 to 8.5 using dopamine as the substrate). In addition, rTcAANAT1 acts on a wide range of substrates including tryptamine, octopamine and norepinephrine with similar substrate affinities with K m values in the range of 0.05-0.11 mM except for tyramine (K m  = 0.56 mM). Loss of function of TcAANAT1 caused by RNAi had no effect on larval and pupal development. The tanning of pupal setae, gin traps and urogomphi proceeded normally. However, the resulting adults (∼70%) exhibited a roughened exoskeletal surface, separated elytra and improperly folded hindwings. The body wall, elytra and veins of the hindwing of the mature adults were significantly darker than those of control insects probably due to the accumulation of dopamine melanin. A dark pigmentation surrounding the bristles located on the inter-veins of the elytron was evident primarily because of the underlying darkly pigmented trabeculae that partition the dorsal and ventral layers of the elytron. These results support the hypothesis that TcAANAT1 acetylates dopamine and plays a role in development of the morphology and pigmentation of T. castaneum adult cuticle. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Spectroscopic Properties of Tc(I) Tricarbonyl Species Relevant to the Hanford Tank Waste

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

Levitskaia, Tatiana G.; Andersen, Amity; Chatterjee, Sayandev

2015-12-04

Technetium-99 (Tc) exists predominately in soluble forms in the liquid supernatant and salt cake fractions of the nuclear tank waste stored at the U.S. DOE Hanford Site. In the strongly alkaline environments prevalent in the tank waste, its dominant chemical form is pertechnetate (TcO4-, oxidation state +7). However, attempts to remove Tc from the Hanford tank waste using ion-exchange processes specific to TcO 4 - only met with limited success, particularly processing tank waste samples containing elevated concentrations of organic complexants. This suggests that a significant fraction of the soluble Tc can be present as non-pertechnetate low-valent Tc (oxidation statemore » < +7) (non-pertechnetate). The chemical identities of these non-pertechnetate species are poorly understood. Previous analysis of the SY-101 and SY-103 tank waste samples provided strong evidence that non-pertechnetate can be comprised of [Tc(CO) 3] + complexes containing Tc in oxidation state +1 (Lukens et al. 2004). During the last two years, our team has expanded this work and demonstrated that high-ionic-strength solutions typifying tank waste supernatants promote oxidative stability of the [Tc(CO) 3] + species (Rapko et al. 2013; Levitskaia et al. 2014). It also was observed that high-ionic-strength alkaline matrices stabilize Tc(VI) and potentially Tc(IV) oxidation states, particularly in presence organic chelators, suggesting that the relevant Tc compounds can serve as important redox intermediates facilitating the reduction of Tc(VII) to Tc(I). Designing strategies for effective Tc processing, including separation and immobilization, necessitates understanding the molecular structure of these non-pertechnetate species and their identification in the actual tank waste samples. To-date, only limited information exists regarding the nature and characterization of the Tc(I), Tc(IV), and Tc(VI) species. One objective of this project is to identify the form of non-pertechnetate in the Hanford waste. To do this, we are developing a spectral library of reference non-pertechnetate compounds that can be compared against actual waste samples. The emphasis of the fiscal year 2015 work was Tc(I) tricarbonyl [Tc(CO) 3] + compounds. The key findings are summarized below.« less

Historical Roots of International Biomedical and Health Informatics: The Road to IFIP-TC4 and IMIA through Cybernetic Medicine and the Elsinore Meetings.

PubMed

Kulikowski, C A

2017-08-01

Background: It is 50 years since the International Federation of Information Processing (IFIP) Societies approved the formation of a new Technical Committee (TC) 4 on Medical Information Processing under the leadership of Professor Francois Grémy, which was the direct precursor of the International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA). Objectives: The goals of this paper are to give a very brief overview of early international developments leading to informatics in medicine, with the origins of the applications of computers to medicine in the USA and Europe, and two meetings - of the International Society of Cybernetic Medicine, and the Elsinore Meetings on Hospital Information Systems-that took place in 1966. These set the stage for the formation of IFIP-TC4 the following year, with later sponsorship of the first MEDINFO in 1974, setting the path for the evolution to IMIA. Methods: This paper reviews and analyzes some of the earliest research and publications, together with two critical contrasting meetings in 1966 involving international activities in what evolved into biomedical and health informatics in terms of their probable influence on the formation of IFIP-TC4. Conclusion: The formation of IFIP-TC 4 in 1967 by Francois Grémy arose out of his concerns for merging, at an international level, the diverse strands from the more abstract work on cybernetic medicine and its basis in biophysical and neural modeling, with the more concrete and health-oriented medical information processing that was developing at the time for hospitals and clinical decision-making. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart.

Design of Co/Pd multilayer system with antiferromagnetic-to-ferromagnetic phase transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thiele, Jan-Ulrich

2009-03-01

Among the known magnetic material systems there are only very few examples of materials that undergo a temperature dependent antiferromagnetic-to-ferromagnetic phase transition, and of these only the chemically ordered alloy FeRh exhibits this transition near room temperature [1, 2]. Here we present a perpendicular anisotropy multilayer structure that mimics FeRh. The basic idea is to use two stacks of Co/Pd multilayers with large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and high Curie temperature, TC, separated by a layer providing antiferromagnetic coupling, and a CoNi/Pd multilayer with perpendicular anisotropy with a lower TC, interlayer, in the range of the desired AF-FM transition temperature, TAF-FM. At room temperature this system behaves as two antiferromagnetically coupled layers with a low perpendicular remanent magnetic moment. As the temperature is raised to approach TC, interlayer the magnetization of the interlayer is gradually reduced to zero, and consequently its coupling strength is reduced. Eventually, the effective coupling between the two high-KU, high-TC layers becomes dominated by their dipolar fields, resulting in a parallel alignment of their moments and a net remanent magnetic moment equal to the sum of the moments of the two high-TC layers [2]. [4pt] [1] J. S. Kouvel and C. C. Hartelius, J. Appl. Phys. 33 (1962) p1343 [0pt] [2] J.-U. Thiele, E. E. Fullerton, S. Maat, Appl. Phys. Lett. 82 (2003) p2859 [0pt] [3] J.-U. Thiele. T. Hauet. O. Hellwig, Appl. Phys. Lett. 92 (2008) 242502.

The importance of waist circumference and body mass index in cross-sectional relationships with risk of cardiovascular disease in Vietnam.

PubMed

Tran, Nga Thi Thu; Blizzard, Christopher Leigh; Luong, Khue Ngoc; Truong, Ngoc Le Van; Tran, Bao Quoc; Otahal, Petr; Nelson, Mark; Magnussen, Costan; Gall, Seana; Bui, Tan Van; Srikanth, Velandai; Au, Thuy Bich; Ha, Son Thai; Phung, Hai Ngoc; Tran, Mai Hoang; Callisaya, Michele

2018-01-01

Waist circumference (WC) is an indicator of intra-abdominal adipose tissue, high levels of which confer an increased risk of cardiometabolic disease. Population data on WC should be more informative than data on body mass index (BMI), which is a general indicator of body size. This study aimed to evaluate the importance of WC relative to BMI in cross-sectional relationships with blood pressure (BP), glucose, and total cholesterol (TC) in the adult population of Vietnam. The data were collected in a population-based survey conducted during 2009-10 using the "WHO STEPwise approach to surveillance of risk factors for non-communicable disease" (STEPS) methodology. The survey participants (n = 14 706 aged 25 to 64 years) were selected by multi-stage stratified cluster sampling from eight provinces representative of the eight geographical regions of Vietnam. All measurements were performed in accordance with the STEPS protocols. All analyses were performed using complex survey methods. The measurements of WC and BMI were highly correlated (men r = 0.80, women r = 0.77). For men, the strongest and predominant associations with BP, glucose, and TC were for WC or an index based on WC. For women, this was true for glucose but BMI was more important for BP and TC. WC or an index based on WC provided better discrimination than BMI of hypertension and elevated glucose, and of raised TC for men. Information on four new anthropometric indices did not improve model fit or subject discrimination. For BP/hypertension, glucose/elevated glucose, and TC/raised TC, WC was more informative than BMI for Vietnamese men, but both WC and BMI were important for Vietnamese women. Both WC and BMI need to be assessed for estimation of CVD risk in Vietnam.

Objective estimation of tropical cyclone innercore surface wind structure using infrared satellite images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Changjiang; Dai, Lijie; Ma, Leiming; Qian, Jinfang; Yang, Bo

2017-10-01

An objective technique is presented for estimating tropical cyclone (TC) innercore two-dimensional (2-D) surface wind field structure using infrared satellite imagery and machine learning. For a TC with eye, the eye contour is first segmented by a geodesic active contour model, based on which the eye circumference is obtained as the TC eye size. A mathematical model is then established between the eye size and the radius of maximum wind obtained from the past official TC report to derive the 2-D surface wind field within the TC eye. Meanwhile, the composite information about the latitude of TC center, surface maximum wind speed, TC age, and critical wind radii of 34- and 50-kt winds can be combined to build another mathematical model for deriving the innercore wind structure. After that, least squares support vector machine (LSSVM), radial basis function neural network (RBFNN), and linear regression are introduced, respectively, in the two mathematical models, which are then tested with sensitivity experiments on real TC cases. Verification shows that the innercore 2-D surface wind field structure estimated by LSSVM is better than that of RBFNN and linear regression.

Performance of innovative textile biofilters for domestic wastewater treatment.

PubMed

Spychała, Marcin; Błazejewski, Ryszard; Nawrot, Tadeusz

2013-01-01

Two types of geotextile, TS 50 and TC/PP 300, were investigated as experimental filters. The raw wastewater, pre-treated in a septic tank, was intermittently dosed and filtered under hydrostatic pressure. At the beginning, the filter reactor comprised nine filters made of geotextiles (of three types: TS 10, TS 50 and TC/PP 300). At the end of the start-up period the TS 10 filters were removed due to their high outflow instability. After four months of working, the hydraulic capacities of the remaining filters were: 3.23 cm3/cm2/d for TS 50 and 4.14 cm3/cm2/d for TC/PP 300. The efficiencies of COD and BOD5 removal were similar for both types of geotextile (COD: 64%, BOD5: 80%). A small but statistically significant difference between ammonium nitrogen removal was observed (40% for TS 50 and 35% for TC/PP 300), most probably due to their different structure. Biological removal of P(tot) was relatively poor and similar for both geotextile types. The mean concentration of matter accumulated on the geotextiles was over one order of magnitude higher than conventional activated sludge concentrations. During the last weeks of the experiments the values of basic pollution indicators in the effluent were lower than the maximum permissible values (according to Polish law).

The Transcorrelated Method Combined with the Variational Monte Carlo Calculation: Application to Atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umezawa, Naoto; Tsuneyuki, Shinji; Ohno, Takahisa; Shiraishi, Kenji; Chikyow, Toyohiro

2005-03-01

The transcorrelated (TC) method is a useful approach to optimize the Jastrow-Slater-type many-body wave function FD. The basic idea of the TC method [1] is based on the similarity transformation of a many-body Hamiltonian H with respect to the Jastrow factor F: HTC=frac1F H F in order to incorporate the correlation effect into HTC. Both the F and D are optimized by minimizing the variance ^2=|Hrm TCD - E D |^2 d^3N x. The optimization for F is implemented by the variational Monte Carlo calculation, and D is determined by the TC self-consistent-field equation for the one-body wave functions φμ(x), which is derived from the functional derivative of ^2 with respect to φmu(x). In this talk, we will present the results given by the transcorrelated variational Monte Carlo (TC-VMC) method for the ground state [2] and the excited states of atoms [3]. [1]S. F. Boys and N. C. Handy, Proc. Roy. Soc. A, 309, 209; 310, 43; 310, 63; 311, 309 (1969). [2]N. Umezawa and S. Tsuneyuki, J. Chem. Phys. 119, 10015 (2003). [3]N. Umezawa and S. Tsuneyuki, J. Chem. Phys. 121, 7070 (2004).

Influence of bidentate ligand donor types on the formation and stability in 2 + 1 fac-[MI(CO)3]+ (M = Re, 99mTc) complexes.

PubMed

Hayes, Thomas R; Bottorff, Shalina C; Slocumb, Winston S; Barnes, Charles L; Clark, Aurora E; Benny, Paul D

2017-01-24

In the last two decades, a number of chelate strategies have been proposed for the fac-[M I (CO) 3 ] + (M = Re, 99m Tc) core in radiopharmaceutical applications. However, the development of new ligands/complexes with improved function and in vivo performance has been limited in recent years. Expanding on our previous studies using the 2 + 1 labeling strategy, a series of bidentate ligands (neutral vs. anionic) containing an aromatic amine in combination with monodentate pyridine analogs or imidazole were explored to determine the influence of the bidentate and monodentate ligands on the formation and stability of the respective complexes. The 2 + 1 complexes with Re and 99m Tc were synthesized in two steps and characterized by standard radio/chemical methods. X-ray characterization and density functional theory analysis of the Re 2 + 1 complexes with the complete bidentate series with 4-dimethylaminopyridine were conducted, indicating enhanced ligand binding energies of the neutral over anionic ligands. In the 99m Tc studies, anionic bidentate ligands had significantly higher formation yields of the 2 + 1 product, but neutral ligands appear to have increased stability in an amino acid challenge assay. Both bidentate series exhibited improved stability by increasing the basicity of the pyridine ligands.

Influence of Bidentate Ligand Donor Types on the Formation and Stability in 2+1 fac-[MI(CO)3]+ (M = Re, 99mTc) Complexes

PubMed Central

Hayes, Thomas R.; Bottorff, Shalina C.; Slocumb, Winston S.; Barnes, Charles L.; Clark, Aurora E.; Benny, Paul D.

2017-01-01

In the last two decades, a number of chelate strategies have been proposed for the fac-[MI(CO)3]+ (M = Re, 99mTc) core in radiopharmaceutical applications. However, the development of new ligands/complexes with improved function and in vivo performance has been limited in recent years. Expanding on our previous studies using the 2+1 labeling strategy, a series of bidentate ligands (neutral vs. anionic) containing an aromatic amine in combination with monodentate pyridine analogs or imidazole were explored to determine the influence of the bidentate and monodentate ligands on the formation and stability of the respective complexes. The 2+1 complexes with Re and 99mTc were synthesized in two steps and characterized by standard radio/chemical methods. X-ray characterization and density functional theory analysis of the Re 2+1 complexes with the complete bidentate series with 4-dimethylaminopyridine were conducted, indicating enhanced ligand binding energies of the neutral over anionic ligands. In the 99mTc studies, anionic bidentate ligands had significantly higher formation yields of the 2+1 product, but neutral ligands appear to have increased stability in an amino acid challenge assay. Both bidentate series exhibited improved stability by increasing the basicity of the pyridine ligands. PMID:28045466

Standards for Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) Techniques within Manufacturing Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-02

SOCIETY 2014 3 International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the Machinery Information Management Open Standards Alliance ( MIMOSA ), SAE...X X X X ISO TC 184/SC 4 X ISO TC 184/SC 5 X X ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 7 X MIMOSA —— X SAE International AQPIC X SAE...THE PROGNOSTICS AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT SOCIETY 2014 4 HDBK is supported by the Machinery Information Management Open Standards Alliance ( MIMOSA ), a

Synthesis and Characterization of Tc(I) Carbonyl Nitrosyl Species Relevant to the Hanford Tank Waste: FY 2016 Status Report

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

Hall, Gabriel B.; Chatterjee, Sayandev; Levitskaia, Tatiana G.

Among long-lived radioactive constituents in the Hanford tank waste, Tc presents a unique challenge in that it exists predominantly in the liquid phase, generally in the anionic form of pertechnetate, TcO 4 -, which is highly volatile at low-activity waste (LAW) vitrification melter temperatures and mobile in the Hanford site’s subsurface environment. The complex behavior of Tc under storage, treatment, and immobilization conditions significantly affects its management options, which to-date remain uncertain. In strongly alkaline environments, Tc exists as pertechnetate, TcO 4 - (oxidation state +7), and in the reduced forms (oxidation state < +7) collectively known as non-pertechnetate species.more » Pertechnetate is a well-characterized, anionic Tc species that can be removed from LAW by anion exchange or solvent extraction methods. There is no definitive information on the origin of the non-pertechnetate Tc species, nor is there a comprehensive description of their composition and behavior. It has been recently proposed that the non-pertechnetate species can comprise Tc(I) metal center and carbonyl or mixed carbonyl nitrosyl ligands stabilizing low-valent Tc. Recent work by our group has significantly expanded this previous work, generating a series of Tc(I) carbonyl compounds and demonstrating that they can be generated from reduction of TcO 4 - in the simulated Hanford tank waste in presence of CO at elevated temperature (Levitskaia et al. 2014). These results are consistent with the previous proposal that [Tc(CO) 3] + species can be present in the Hanford tank waste and suggest that the low Tc(I) oxidation state is stabilized by the π-accepting ability of the CO ligands. The continuation work has been initiated to develop model Tc carbonyl nitrosyl compounds and investigate their potential presence in the Hanford tank wastes. This report summarizes our to-date results.« less

Exercise-induced cardiac remodeling in non-elite endurance athletes: Comparison of 2-tiered and 4-tiered classification of left ventricular hypertrophy

PubMed Central

De Marchi, Stefano; Seiler, Christian; Brugger, Nicolas; Eser, Prisca

2018-01-01

Background Long-term endurance sport practice leads to eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). We aimed to compare the new 4-tiered classification (4TC) for LVH with the established 2-tiered classification (2TC) in a cohort of normotensive non-elite endurance athletes. Methods Male participants of a 10-mile race were recruited and included when blood pressure (BP) was normal (<140/90 mmHg). Phenotypic characterization of LVH was based on relative wall thickness (2TC), and on LV concentricity2/3 (LV mass/end-diastolic volume [LVM/EDV]2/3) plus LVEDV index (4TC). Parameters of LV geometry, BP, cumulative training hours, and race time were compared between 2TC and 4TC by analysis of variance, and post-hoc analysis. Results Of 198 athletes recruited, 174 were included. Mean age was 41.6±7.5 years. Forty-two (24%) athletes had LVH. Allocation in the 2TC was: 32 (76%) eccentric LVH and 10 (24%) concentric LVH. Using the 4TC 12 were reclassified to concentric LVH, and 2 to eccentric LVH, resulting in 22 (52%) eccentric LVH (7 non-dilated, 15 dilated), and 20 (48%) concentric LVH (all non-dilated). Based on the 2TC, markers of endurance training did not differ between eccentric and concentric LVH. Based on the 4TC, athletes with eccentric LVH had more cumulative training hours and faster race times, with highest values thereof in athletes with eccentric dilated LVH. Conclusions In our cohort of normotensive endurance athletes, the new 4TC demonstrated a superior discrimination of exercise-induced LVH patterns, compared to the established 2TC, most likely because it takes three-dimensional information of the ventricular geometry into account. PMID:29462182

A Practical Application Combining Wireless Sensor Networks and Internet of Things: Safety Management System for Tower Crane Groups

PubMed Central

Zhong, Dexing; Lv, Hongqiang; Han, Jiuqiang; Wei, Quanrui

2014-01-01

The so-called Internet of Things (IoT) has attracted increasing attention in the field of computer and information science. In this paper, a specific application of IoT, named Safety Management System for Tower Crane Groups (SMS-TC), is proposed for use in the construction industry field. The operating status of each tower crane was detected by a set of customized sensors, including horizontal and vertical position sensors for the trolley, angle sensors for the jib and load, tilt and wind speed sensors for the tower body. The sensor data is collected and processed by the Tower Crane Safety Terminal Equipment (TC-STE) installed in the driver's operating room. Wireless communication between each TC-STE and the Local Monitoring Terminal (LMT) at the ground worksite were fulfilled through a Zigbee wireless network. LMT can share the status information of the whole group with each TC-STE, while the LMT records the real-time data and reports it to the Remote Supervision Platform (RSP) through General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). Based on the global status data of the whole group, an anti-collision algorithm was executed in each TC-STE to ensure the safety of each tower crane during construction. Remote supervision can be fulfilled using our client software installed on a personal computer (PC) or smartphone. SMS-TC could be considered as a promising practical application that combines a Wireless Sensor Network with the Internet of Things. PMID:25196106

A practical application combining wireless sensor networks and Internet of Things: Safety Management System for Tower Crane Groups.

PubMed

Zhong, Dexing; Lv, Hongqiang; Han, Jiuqiang; Wei, Quanrui

2014-07-30

The so-called Internet of Things (IoT) has attracted increasing attention in the field of computer and information science. In this paper, a specific application of IoT, named Safety Management System for Tower Crane Groups (SMS-TC), is proposed for use in the construction industry field. The operating status of each tower crane was detected by a set of customized sensors, including horizontal and vertical position sensors for the trolley, angle sensors for the jib and load, tilt and wind speed sensors for the tower body. The sensor data is collected and processed by the Tower Crane Safety Terminal Equipment (TC-STE) installed in the driver's operating room. Wireless communication between each TC-STE and the Local Monitoring Terminal (LMT) at the ground worksite were fulfilled through a Zigbee wireless network. LMT can share the status information of the whole group with each TC-STE, while the LMT records the real-time data and reports it to the Remote Supervision Platform (RSP) through General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). Based on the global status data of the whole group, an anti-collision algorithm was executed in each TC-STE to ensure the safety of each tower crane during construction. Remote supervision can be fulfilled using our client software installed on a personal computer (PC) or smartphone. SMS-TC could be considered as a promising practical application that combines a Wireless Sensor Network with the Internet of Things.

Characterization of the superconducting state in hafnium hydride under high pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duda, A. M.; Szewczyk, K. A.; Jarosik, M. W.; Szcześniak, K. M.; Sowińska, M. A.; Szcześniak, D.

2018-05-01

The hydrogen-rich compounds at high pressure may exhibit notably high superconducting transition temperatures. In the paper, we have calculated the basic thermodynamic parameters of the superconducting state in two selected phases of HfH2 hydride under high-pressure respectively at 180 GPa for Cmma and 260 GPa for P21 / m . Calculations has been conducted in the framework of the Eliashberg formalism. In particular, we have determined the values of the critical temperature (TC) to be equal to 8 K and 13 K for the Cmma and P21 / m phases, respectively. Moreover, we have estimated other thermodynamic properties such as the order parameter (Δ (T)) , the thermodynamic critical field (HC (T)) , and the specific heat for the normal (CN) and superconducting (CS) state. Finally, we have shown that the characteristic ratios: RΔ = 2 Δ (0) /kBTC and RC = ΔC (TC) /CN (TC) , which are related to the above thermodynamic functions, slightly differ from the predictions of the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer theory due to the strong-coupling and retardation effects.

Characteristic parameters of superconductor-coolant interaction including high Tc current density limits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frederking, T. H. K.

1989-01-01

In the area of basic mechanisms of helium heat transfer and related influence on super-conducting magnet stability, thermal boundary conditions are important constraints. Characteristic lengths are considered along with other parameters of the superconducting composite-coolant system. Based on helium temperature range developments, limiting critical current densities are assessed at low fields for high transition temperature superconductors.

Evidence for a π junction in Nb/Ni 0.96V0.04/Nb trilayers revealed by superfluid density measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hinton, M. J.; Steers, Stanley; Peters, Bryan; Yang, F. Y.; Lemberger, T. R.

2016-07-01

We report measurements of the superfluid density, λ-2(T ) , in ferromagnet-on-superconductor (F/S) bilayers and S/F/S' trilayers comprising Nb with Ni, Py, CoFe, and NiV ferromagnets. Bilayers provide information about F/S interface transparency and the T dependence of λ-2 that inform interpretation of trilayer data. The Houzet-Meyer theory accounts well for the measured dependence of λ-2(0 ) and Tc of F/S bilayers on thickness of F layer, dF, except that λ-2(0 ) is slightly under expectations for CoFe/Nb bilayers. For Nb/F/Nb' trilayers, we are able to extract Tc and and λ-2 for both Nb layers when F is thick enough to weaken interlayer coupling. The lower "Tc" is actually a crossover identified by onset of superfluid in the lower-Tc Nb layer. For Nb/NiV/Nb' trilayers, λ-2(0 ) versus dF for both Nb layers has a minimum followed by a recovery, suggestive of a π junction.

Tc-99m-galactosyl-neoglycoalbumin (Tc-NGA) liver imaging: Potential application in liver transplantation

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

Woodle, E.S.; Vera, D.R.; Ward, R.E.

1984-01-01

Tc-NGA is a hepatocyte receptor-specific imaging agent whose uptake by the liver has been shown to be dependent upon blood flow and receptor concentration. The combination of anatomic and physiologic information obtained with Tc-NGA may provide a new tool for studying hepatic function in liver transplant recipients. To evaluate the potential role of Tc-NGA in liver transplant recipients, studies were performed in four groups of pigs: controls (n=18); common bile duct (CBD) ligation (n=8); orthotopic liver transplant (n=9); and acute hepatic artery ligation (n=1). Serial studies performed in two animals with CBD ligation demonstrated normal imaging anatomy with minor changesmore » in the hepatic time-activity curves when compared to control studies. Studies in liver-transplanted animals showed significant changes in the hepatic time-activity curves during acute rejection and in preservation-related ischemic injury. Tc-NGA also demonstrated focal areas of hepatic infarction in a hepatic allograft within 24 hours of transplantation. The hepatic artery ligation study showed massive changes in the hepatic time-activity curve within two hours after ligation, with a diffuse decrease in hepatic activity. These results indicate that: (1) extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction causes only minor changes in Tc-NGA uptake; (2) Tc-NGA uptake by the liver is very sensitive to acute hepatic ischemia; (3) Tc-NGA may indicate the presence of preservation damage in the early postoperative period; and (4) Tc-NGA hepatic time-activity curves demonstrate significant changes during acute rejection.« less

Superfluidity and BCS-BEC crossover of ultracold atomic Fermi gases in mixed dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Leifeng; Chen, Qijin

Atomic Fermi gases have been under active investigation in the past decade. Here we study the superfluid and pairing phenomena of a two-component ultracold atomic Fermi gas in the presence of mixed dimensionality, in which one component is confined on a 1D optical lattice whereas the other is free in the 3D continuum. We assume a short-range pairing interaction and determine the superfluid transition temperature Tc and the phase diagram for the entire BCS-BEC crossover, using a pairing fluctuation theory which includes self-consistently the contributions of finite momentum pairs. We find that, as the lattice depth increases and the lattice spacing decreases, the behavior of Tc becomes very similar to that of a population imbalance Fermi gas in a simple 3D continuum. There is no superfluidity even at T = 0 below certain threshold of pairing strength in the BCS regime. Nonmonotonic Tc behavior and intermediate temperature superfluidity emerge, and for deep enough lattice, the Tc curve will split into two parts. Implications for experiment will be discussed. References: 1. Q.J. Chen, Ioan Kosztin, B. Janko, and K. Levin, Phys. Rev. B 59, 7083 (1999). 2. Chih-Chun Chien, Qijin Chen, Yan He, and K. Levin, Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 090402(2006). Work supported by NSF of China and the National Basic Research Program of China.

Dose calibrator linearity test: 99mTc versus 18F radioisotopes*

PubMed Central

Willegaignon, José; Sapienza, Marcelo Tatit; Coura-Filho, George Barberio; Garcez, Alexandre Teles; Alves, Carlos Eduardo Gonzalez Ribeiro; Cardona, Marissa Anabel Rivera; Gutterres, Ricardo Fraga; Buchpiguel, Carlos Alberto

2015-01-01

Objective The present study was aimed at evaluating the viability of replacing 18F with 99mTc in dose calibrator linearity testing. Materials and Methods The test was performed with sources of 99mTc (62 GBq) and 18F (12 GBq) whose activities were measured up to values lower than 1 MBq. Ratios and deviations between experimental and theoretical 99mTc and 18F sources activities were calculated and subsequently compared. Results Mean deviations between experimental and theoretical 99mTc and 18F sources activities were 0.56 (± 1.79)% and 0.92 (± 1.19)%, respectively. The mean ratio between activities indicated by the device for the 99mTc source as measured with the equipment pre-calibrated to measure 99mTc and 18F was 3.42 (± 0.06), and for the 18F source this ratio was 3.39 (± 0.05), values considered constant over the measurement time. Conclusion The results of the linearity test using 99mTc were compatible with those obtained with the 18F source, indicating the viability of utilizing both radioisotopes in dose calibrator linearity testing. Such information in association with the high potential of radiation exposure and costs involved in 18F acquisition suggest 99mTc as the element of choice to perform dose calibrator linearity tests in centers that use 18F, without any detriment to the procedure as well as to the quality of the nuclear medicine service. PMID:25798005

Carbon disulfide-modified magnetic ion-imprinted chitosan-Fe(III): A novel adsorbent for simultaneous removal of tetracycline and cadmium.

PubMed

Chen, Anwei; Shang, Cui; Shao, Jihai; Lin, Yiqing; Luo, Si; Zhang, Jiachao; Huang, Hongli; Lei, Ming; Zeng, Qingru

2017-01-02

A novel composite of carbon disulfide-modified magnetic ion-imprinted chitosan-Fe(III), i.e., MMIC-Fe(III) composite, was prepared as an efficient adsorbent for the simultaneous removal of tetracycline (TC) and Cd(II). This adsorbent showed excellent performance in removing TC and Cd(II) due to its rapid kinetics, high adsorption capacity, good reusability, and was well suited for use with real water samples. Kinetics studies demonstrated that the adsorption proceeded according to a pseudo-second order model. The adsorption isotherms were well described by the Langmuir model, with maximum adsorption capacity for TC and Cd(II) being 516.29 and 194.31mg/g, respectively. The synergistic effect of TC and Cd(II) adsorption might be due to the formation of TC-Cd(II) complex bridging the adsorbate and adsorbent. These properties demonstrate the potential application of MMIC-Fe(III) for the simultaneous removal of TC and Cd(II), and may provide some information for the synergistic removal of antibiotics and heavy metals from aquatic environments. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A preliminary feasibility study of simultaneous dual-isotope imaging with a solid-state dedicated cardiac camera for evaluating myocardial perfusion and fatty acid metabolism.

PubMed

Ko, Toshiyuki; Utanohara, Yuko; Suzuki, Yasuhiro; Kurihara, Makiko; Iguchi, Nobuo; Umemura, Jun; Sumiyoshi, Tetsuya; Tomoike, Hitonobu

2016-01-01

Simultaneous dual-isotope SPECT imaging with 201Tl and (123)I-β-methyl-p-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) is used to study the perfusion-metabolism mismatch. It predicts post-ischemic functional recovery by detecting stunned myocardium. On the other hand, (99m)Tc-MIBI is another radioisotope widely used in myocardial perfusion imaging because of its better image quality and lower radiation exposure than 201Tl. However, since the photopeak energies of (99m)Tc and (123)I are very similar, crosstalk hampers the simultaneous use of these two radioisotopes. To overcome this problem, we conducted simultaneous dual-isotope imaging study using the D-SPECT scanner (Spectrum-Dynamics, Israel) which has a novel detector design and excellent energy resolution. We first conducted a basic experiment using cardiac phantom to simulate the condition of normal perfusion and impaired fatty acid metabolism. Subsequently, we prospectively recruited 30 consecutive patients who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction, and performed (99m)Tc-MIBI/(123)I-BMIPP dual-isotope imaging within 5 days after reperfusion. Images were interpreted by two experienced cardiovascular radiologists to identify the infarcted and stunned areas based on the coronary artery territories. As a result, cardiac phantom experiment revealed no significant crosstalk between (99m)Tc and (123)I. In the subsequent clinical study, (99m)Tc-MIBI/(123)I-BMIPP dual-isotope imaging in all participant yielded excellent image quality and detected infarcted and stunned areas correctly when compared with coronary angiographic findings. Furthermore, we were able to reduce radiation exposure to significantly approximately one-eighth. In conclusion, we successfully demonstrated the practical application of simultaneous assessment of myocardial perfusion and fatty acid metabolism by (99m)Tc-MIBI and (123)I-BMIPP using a D-SPECT cardiac scanner. Compared with conventional (201)TlCl/(123)I-BMIPP dual-isotope imaging, the use of (99m)Tc-MIBI instead of (201)TlCl improves image quality as well as lowers radiation exposure.

Comparison results of MOPITT, AIRS and IASI data with ground-based spectroscopic measurements of CO and CH4 total contents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rakitin, Vadim; Elansky, Nikolai; Shtabkin, Yury; Skorokhod, Andrey; Grechko, Eugeny; Pankratova, Natalia; Safronov, Alexandr

2016-04-01

A comparative analysis of satellite and ground-based spectroscopic measurements of CO and CH4 total content (CO TC) in the atmosphere in the background and polluted conditions (stations of OIAP RAS and NDACC) for the 2010-2015 time-period. The significant correlation between satellite and ground-based CO TC data for all satellite sensors in background conditions was obtained. Also the empirical private transient relationships between satellite CO MOPITT v6 Joint, AIRS v6, IASI MeTop-A products and the data of solar-tracking ground-based spectrometers are analyzed. Significant correlation between satellite and ground-based data of CO TC was obtained for all satellite sensors if measurements were carried out over unpolluted areas (2010-2014). It was shown that for polluted areas IASI MetOp-A and AIRSv6 data underestimate the actual value of CO TC by the factor of 1.5÷ 2.8. The average correlation between satellite and ground-based data increased significantly for the case if the measurement days, when the height of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) was less than 400-500 meters, were excluded from the comparison. This result was obtained for all of the selected sensors and observational sites. To improve the representativeness of the satellite CO TC data for polluted areas it could be recommended to exclude the days with low height of the PBL from the analysis of spatio-temporal variations and subsequent data assimilation (as example for the CO emissions estimating from powerful surface sources). Best correlation (R2≥0.5) in diurnal CH4 TC with ground-based data was found for AIRS v6. This work has supported by the Russian Scientific Foundation under grant №14-47-00049 and partially by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (grant № 13-05-41395).

Psychological impact of providing women with personalised 10-year breast cancer risk estimates.

PubMed

French, David P; Southworth, Jake; Howell, Anthony; Harvie, Michelle; Stavrinos, Paula; Watterson, Donna; Sampson, Sarah; Evans, D Gareth; Donnelly, Louise S

2018-05-08

The Predicting Risk of Cancer at Screening (PROCAS) study estimated 10-year breast cancer risk for 53,596 women attending NHS Breast Screening Programme. The present study, nested within the PROCAS study, aimed to assess the psychological impact of receiving breast cancer risk estimates, based on: (a) the Tyrer-Cuzick (T-C) algorithm including breast density or (b) T-C including breast density plus single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), versus (c) comparison women awaiting results. A sample of 2138 women from the PROCAS study was stratified by testing groups: T-C only, T-C(+SNPs) and comparison women; and by 10-year risk estimates received: 'moderate' (5-7.99%), 'average' (2-4.99%) or 'below average' (<1.99%) risk. Postal questionnaires were returned by 765 (36%) women. Overall state anxiety and cancer worry were low, and similar for women in T-C only and T-C(+SNPs) groups. Women in both T-C only and T-C(+SNPs) groups showed lower-state anxiety but slightly higher cancer worry than comparison women awaiting results. Risk information had no consistent effects on intentions to change behaviour. Most women were satisfied with information provided. There was considerable variation in understanding. No major harms of providing women with 10-year breast cancer risk estimates were detected. Research to establish the feasibility of risk-stratified breast screening is warranted.

Appreciation of concentration of lipoproteins and apolipoproteins in serum of male rats under the influence of diet change composition and its supplementation with group B vitamins.

PubMed

Goluch-Koniuszy, Zuzanna; Wierzbicka, Aldona

2011-01-01

This study was aimed at exploring, on animal model, how the diet changes, which results in exceeding 5 times the amount of deficit of group B vitamins after diet change, which up to a certain extent imitates supplementation method in people, influences the concentration of apolipoprotein A-I and apolipoprotein B – the components of lipoprotein HDL-C and LDL-C. The research was conducted on 24 WISTAR male rats, aged ca 5 months. The animals were divided into 3 feeding groups: I was fed with basic compound which contained among others full wheat grain and corn grain, group II and III with modified compound in which part of the full wheat grain, from basic compound, was substituted for wheat flour, and 50% of corn with saccharose. Group I and II animals were drinking pure tap water which was left to stand for some time beforehand, group III animals vitamins dissolved in water: B(1), B(2), B(6), and PP – five times exceeded the difference between the amount of basic and modified feed, which in a certain way imitated the supplementation in human food. After one week of animals conditioning, the experiment was conducted for 6 weeks. In their blood serum were determined concentration of glucose (GL), triacyloglycerols (TG), total cholesterol (TC), fraction of HDL-cholesterol (HDLC), fraction of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoproteins A-I (apo A-I) and apolipoproteins B (apoB). In the dissected muscles and in the animals' livers the amount of fat was determined with Soxhlet's method. The obtained results were analysed with one factor variance by use of statistic computer program Statistica® with application of Duncan test. Analysing the influence of diet change and its supplementation with chosen group B vitamins on the amount of consumed feed, it was ascertained that in spite of the same calorific value of the used feed, significantly less, compared to other groups, was consumed by the animals from the supplemented group. However, there was no significant gain of body mass in male rats and higher accumulation of pericardial and periintestinal fat tissue. Significantly lower amount of fat, in comparison to animals fed with basic feed, was observed in muscles of animals fed with modified and supplemented feed, however significantly higher amount of fat was found in liver. In animals fed with modified feed compared with animals fed with basic feed higher GL, TG, TC its LDL-C fraction and apoB and decrease of fraction HDL-C concentration was noticed. The applied supplementation with group B vitamins statistically significantly lowered concentration of GL, TG, LDL-C fraction, apoB and increased concentration of TC. Observed decrease concentration of HDL-C fraction, apoA-I, apoB and increased TC in serum of supplemented animals it was statistically insignificant. Analysis of the obtained results allowed stating that supplementation of diet with chosen group B vitamins in which full grains were exchanged for wheat flour and saccharose, was favourable to returning to original state of disadvantageous effects brought by change of diet content. It was demonstrated by decrease of glucose, triacyloglycerols, lipoprotein LDL-C and apoB concentration while lipoproteins HDL-C and apoA-I were decreased and increase of total cholesterol in blood of rats under research, although not all changes were statistically significant.

Electronic Phase Separation in Iron Selenide (Li,Fe)OHFeSe Superconductor System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Yiyuan; Li, Jun; Huan, Yulong; Yuan, Jie; Li, Zi-an; Chai, Ke; Ma, Mingwei; Ni, Shunli; Tian, Jinpeng; Liu, Shaobo; Zhou, Huaxue; Zhou, Fang; Li, Jianqi; Zhang, Guangming; Jin, Kui; Dong, Xiaoli; Zhao, Zhongxian

2018-05-01

The phenomenon of phase separation into antiferromagnetic (AFM) and superconducting (SC) or normal-state regions has great implication for the origin of high-temperature (high-Tc) superconductivity. However, the occurrence of an intrinsic antiferromagnetism above the Tc of (Li, Fe)OHFeSe superconductor is questioned. Here we report a systematic study on a series of (Li, Fe)OHFeSe single crystal samples with Tc up to ~41 K. We observe an evident drop in the static magnetization at Tafm ~125 K, in some of the SC (Tc < ~38 K, cell parameter c < ~9.27 {\\AA}) and non-SC samples. We verify that this AFM signal is intrinsic to (Li, Fe)OHFeSe. Thus, our observations indicate mesoscopic-to-macroscopic coexistence of an AFM state with the normal (below Tafm) or SC (below Tc) state in (Li, Fe)OHFeSe. We explain such coexistence by electronic phase separation, similar to that in high-Tc cuprates and iron arsenides. However, such an AFM signal can be absent in some other samples of (Li, Fe)OHFeSe, particularly it is never observed in the SC samples of Tc > ~38 K, owing to a spatial scale of the phase separation too small for the macroscopic magnetic probe. For this case, we propose a microscopic electronic phase separation. It is suggested that the microscopic static phase separation reaches vanishing point in high-Tc (Li, Fe)OHFeSe, by the occurrence of two-dimensional AFM spin fluctuations below nearly the same temperature as Tafm reported previously for a (Li, Fe)OHFeSe (Tc ~42 K) single crystal. A complete phase diagram is thus established. Our study provides key information of the underlying physics for high-Tc superconductivity.

Overexpression of LncRNA HOTAIR is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Thyroid Carcinoma: A Study Based on TCGA and GEO Data.

PubMed

Li, Hong-Mei; Yang, Hong; Wen, Dong-Yue; Luo, Yi-Huan; Liang, Chun-Yan; Pan, Deng-Hua; Ma, Wei; Chen, Gang; He, Yun; Chen, Jun-Qiang

2017-05-01

The role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) in thyroid carcinoma (TC) remains unclear. The current study was aimed to assess the clinical value of HOTAIR expression levels in TC based on publically available data and to evaluate its potential signaling pathways. The expression data of HOTAIR and clinical information concerning TC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), respectively. Furthermore, 3 online biological databases, Starbase, Cbioportal, and Multi Experiment Matrix, were used to identify HOTAIR-related genes in TC. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Panther pathway analyses were then undertaken to study the most enriched signaling pathways in TC (EASE score<0.1, Bonferroni<0.05). The TCGA results demonstrated that the expression level of HOTAIR in TC tissues was significantly increased compared with non-cancerous tissues (p<0.001). HOTAIR over-expression was significantly associated with poor survival in TC patients (p=0.03). Meta-analyses of GEO datasets revealed a trend consistent with the above results on HOTAIR expression levels in TC (SMD=0.23; 95%CI, 0.00-0.45; p=0.047). Finally, the results of functional analysis for HOTAIR-related genes indicated that HOTAIR might participate in tumorigenesis via the Wnt signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that HOTAIR may be involved in thyroid carcinogenesis, and the over-expression of HOTAIR could act as a biomarker associated with a poor outcome in TC patients. Moreover, the Wnt signaling pathway may be the key pathway regulated by HOTAIR in TC. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

HiTC: exploration of high-throughput ‘C’ experiments

PubMed Central

Servant, Nicolas; Lajoie, Bryan R.; Nora, Elphège P.; Giorgetti, Luca; Chen, Chong-Jian; Heard, Edith; Dekker, Job; Barillot, Emmanuel

2012-01-01

Summary: The R/Bioconductor package HiTC facilitates the exploration of high-throughput 3C-based data. It allows users to import and export ‘C’ data, to transform, normalize, annotate and visualize interaction maps. The package operates within the Bioconductor framework and thus offers new opportunities for future development in this field. Availability and implementation: The R package HiTC is available from the Bioconductor website. A detailed vignette provides additional documentation and help for using the package. Contact: nicolas.servant@curie.fr Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. PMID:22923296

Prevention of maternal bacterial transmission on children's dental-caries-development: 4-year results of a pilot study in a rural-child population.

PubMed

Ercan, Ertuğrul; Dülgergil, C Türksel; Yildirim, Işil; Dalli, Mehmet

2007-08-01

Dental caries with its bacterial agent is an infectious disease, and shows a vertical transmission. The control of bacterial transmission of Mutans streptococci (MS) from mother to child has been studied, and its results on their children's caries development, and on their siblings' bacterial levels, have been analysed in a field-trial (for 4 years) in rural area. In the same tribe, 8 mothers and their 11 children (test children [TC]), and then (following years) their 9 siblings (test sibling [TSb]), were followed for 4 years. The study started when the TC group had just started to erupt. Test mothers were subjected to a preventive regime. Examination of caries development as well as determination of plaque levels of MS in TC and TSb were carried out annually and at 6-month intervals. At the end of 4 years, two control groups (control children [CC] and control siblings [CSb]) resembling TC and TSb were selected from the other tribe living in the same village, and bacterial data and caries status were compared to both test groups. Microbial data demonstrated that the test children (p<0.01) and test siblings (p<0.05) had significantly low bacterial level in plaque samples. Accordingly, TC had significantly low dmf-t and -s number compared to corresponding control group (p<0.001 for dmf-t, p<0.0001 for dmf-s). The preventive regimen was applicable in rural southeastern Anatolia, where an introverted life style with a great tribal system is prevailing, any other preventive measures may have been practical or available, and babies are basically cared by mothers.

Upper-tropospheric environment-tropical cyclone interactions over the western North Pacific: A statistical study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Yu-Kun; Liang, Chang-Xia; Yuan, Zhuojian; Peng, Shiqiu; Wu, Junjie; Wang, Sihua

2016-05-01

Based on 25-year (1987-2011) tropical cyclone (TC) best track data, a statistical study was carried out to investigate the basic features of upper-tropospheric TC-environment interactions over the western North Pacific. Interaction was defined as the absolute value of eddy momentum flux convergence (EFC) exceeding 10 m s-1 d-1. Based on this definition, it was found that 18% of all six-hourly TC samples experienced interaction. Extreme interaction cases showed that EFC can reach ~120 m s-1 d-1 during the extratropical-cyclone (EC) stage, an order of magnitude larger than reported in previous studies. Composite analysis showed that positive interactions are characterized by a double-jet flow pattern, rather than the traditional trough pattern, because it is the jets that bring in large EFC from the upper-level environment to the TC center. The role of the outflow jet is also enhanced by relatively low inertial stability, as compared to the inflow jet. Among several environmental factors, it was found that extremely large EFC is usually accompanied by high inertial stability, low SST and strong vertical wind shear (VWS). Thus, the positive effect of EFC is cancelled by their negative effects. Only those samples during the EC stage, whose intensities were less dependent on VWS and the underlying SST, could survive in extremely large EFC environments, or even re-intensify. For classical TCs (not in the EC stage), it was found that environments with a moderate EFC value generally below ~25 m s-1 d-1 are more favorable for a TC's intensification than those with extremely large EFC.

Current situation of International Organization for Standardization/Technical Committee 249 international standards of traditional Chinese medicine.

PubMed

Liu, Yu-Qi; Wang, Yue-Xi; Shi, Nan-Nan; Han, Xue-Jie; Lu, Ai-Ping

2017-05-01

To review the current situation and progress of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) international standards, standard projects and proposals in International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/ technical committee (TC) 249. ISO/TC 249 standards and standard projects on the ISO website were searched and new standard proposals information were collected from ISO/TC 249 National Mirror Committee in China. Then all the available data were summarized in 5 closely related items, including proposed time, proposed country, assigned working group (WG), current stage and classifification. In ISO/TC 249, there were 2 international standards, 18 standard projects and 24 new standard proposals proposed in 2014. These 44 standard subjects increased year by year since 2011. Twenty-nine of them were proposed by China, 15 were assigned to WG 4, 36 were in preliminary and preparatory stage and 8 were categorized into 4 fifields, 7 groups and sub-groups based on International Classifification Standards. A rapid and steady development of international standardization in TCM can be observed in ISO/TC 249.

Instrument for evaluating the electrical resistance and wavelength-resolved transparency of stretchable electronics during strain.

PubMed

Azar, A D; Finley, E; Harris, K D

2015-01-01

A complete analysis of strain tolerance in a stretchable transparent conductor (TC) should include tracking of both electrical conductivity and transparency during strain; however, transparency is generally neglected in contemporary analyses. In this paper, we describe an apparatus that tracks both parameters while TCs of arbitrary composition are deformed under stretching-mode strain. We demonstrate the tool by recording the electrical resistance and light transmission spectra for indium tin oxide-coated plastic substrates under both linearly increasing strain and complex cyclic strain processes. The optics are sensitive across the visible spectrum and into the near-infrared region (∼400-900 nm), and without specifically optimizing for sampling speed, we achieve a time resolution of ∼200 ms. In our automated analysis routine, we include a calculation of a common TC figure of merit (FOM), and because solar cell electrodes represent a key TC application, we also weigh both our transparency and FOM results against the solar power spectrum to determine "solar transparency" and "solar FOM." Finally, we demonstrate how the apparatus may be adapted to measure the basic performance metrics for complete solar cells under uniaxial strain.

Imaging discordance between hepatic angiography versus Tc-99m-MAA SPECT/CT: a case series, technical discussion and clinical implications.

PubMed

Kao, Yung Hsiang; Tan, Eik Hock; Teo, Terence Kiat Beng; Ng, Chee Eng; Goh, Soon Whatt

2011-11-01

During pre-therapy evaluation for yttrium-90 (Y-90) radioembolization, it is uncommon to find severe imaging discordance between hepatic angiography versus technetium-99m-macroaggregated albumin (Tc-99m-MAA) single photon emission computed tomography with integrated low-dose CT (SPECT/CT). The reasons for severe imaging discordance are unclear, and literature is scarce. We describe 3 patients with severe imaging discordance, whereby tumor angiographic contrast hypervascularity was markedly mismatched to the corresponding Tc-99m-MAA SPECT/CT, and its clinical impact. The incidence of severe imaging discordance at our institution was 4% (3 of 74 cases). We postulate that imaging discordance could be due to a combination of 3 factors: (1) different injection rates between soluble contrast molecules versus Tc-99m-MAA; (2) different arterial flow hemodynamics between soluble contrast molecules versus Tc-99m-MAA; (3) eccentric release position of Tc-99m-MAA due to microcatheter tip location, inadvertently selecting non-target microparticle trajectories. Tc-99m-MAA SPECT/CT more accurately represents hepatic microparticle biodistribution than soluble contrast hepatic angiography and should be a key criterion in patient selection for Y-90 radioembolization. Tc-99m-MAA SPECT/CT provides more information than planar scintigraphy to guide radiation planning and clinical decision making. Severe imaging discordance at pre-therapy evaluation is ominous and should be followed up by changes to the final vascular approach during Y-90 radioembolization.

Tip-Pressure-Induced Incoherent Energy Gap in CaFe2As2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia-Xin, Yin; Ji-Hui, Wang; Zheng, Wu; Ang, Li; Xue-Jin, Liang; Han-Qing, Mao; Gen-Fu, Chen; Bing, Lv; Ching-Wu, Chu; Hong, Ding; Shu-Heng, Pan

2016-06-01

Not Available Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No 11227903, the National Basic Research Program of China under Grant Nos 2015CB921300 and 2012CB933000, the State of Texas through TcSUH, and the Strategic Priority Research Program B of Chinese Academy of Sciences under Grant Nos XDB07030000, XDB04040300 and Y4VX092X81.

Tai Chi for Reducing Dual-task Gait Variability, a Potential Mediator of Fall Risk in Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Vergara-Diaz, Gloria; Osypiuk, Kamila; Hausdorff, Jeffrey M; Bonato, Paolo; Gow, Brian J; Miranda, Jose Gv; Sudarsky, Lewis R; Tarsy, Daniel; Fox, Michael D; Gardiner, Paula; Thomas, Cathi A; Macklin, Eric A; Wayne, Peter M

2018-01-01

To assess the feasibility and inform design features of a fully powered randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effects of Tai Chi (TC) in Parkinson's disease (PD) and to select outcomes most responsive to TC assessed during off-medication states. Two-arm, wait-list controlled RCT. Tertiary care hospital. Thirty-two subjects aged 40-75 diagnosed with idiopathic PD within 10 years. Six-month TC intervention added to usual care (UC) versus UC alone. Primary outcomes were feasibility-related (recruitment rate, adherence, and compliance). Change in dual-task (DT) gait stride-time variability (STV) from baseline to 6 months was defined, a priori, as the clinical outcome measure of primary interest. Other outcomes included: PD motor symptom progression (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [UPDRS]), PD-related quality of life (PDQ-39), executive function (Trail Making Test), balance confidence (Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, ABC), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG). All clinical assessments were made in the off-state for PD medications. Thirty-two subjects were enrolled into 3 sequential cohorts over 417 days at an average rate of 0.08 subjects per day. Seventy-five percent (12/16) in the TC group vs 94% (15/16) in the UC group completed the primary 6-month follow-up assessment. Mean TC exposure hours overall: 52. No AEs occurred during or as a direct result of TC exercise. Statistically nonsignificant improvements were observed in the TC group at 6 months in DT gait STV (TC [20.1%] vs UC [-0.1%] group [effect size 0.49; P = .47]), ABC, TUG, and PDQ-39. UPDRS progression was modest and very similar in TC and UC groups. Conducting an RCT of TC for PD is feasible, though measures to improve recruitment and adherence rates are needed. DT gait STV is a sensitive and logical outcome for evaluating the combined cognitive-motor effects of TC in PD.

An efficient HPLC method for the analysis of isomeric purity of technetium-99m-exametazime and identity confirmation using LC-MS.

PubMed

Vanderghinste, D; Van Eeckhoudt, M; Terwinghe, C; Mortelmans, L; Bormans, G M; Verbruggen, A M; Vanbilloen, H P

2003-08-08

99mTc-exametazime (99mTc-d,l-HMPAO, 99mTc-d,l-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime) is a neutral rather unstable complex of short-lived 99mTc (t(1/2)=6 h) with the d,l-isomer (mixture of D,D- and L,L-isomers) of a bis-amine bis-oxime tetraligand. It is widely used for measurement of regional cerebral perfusion in nuclear medicine. The meso-isomer (D,L-form) should not be present in a preparation as it is not retained in brain and thus does not provide clinically useful information. Meso-HMPAO is removed from the ligand during the synthesis procedure by repeated recrystallization, but can still be present as impurity in d,l-isomer. Due to the lack of a suitable chromatographic method for analysis of the isomeric purity of 99mTc-exametazime preparations, United States Pharmacopoeia 25 (USP 25) prescribes a biological test in rats for quality control purpose. In this study, we developed a suitable high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method which allows to demonstrate the relative amounts of d,l- and meso-isomer in 99mTc-exametazime and so obviates the need for a biodistribution test in animals as part of the quality control. Due to the low concentrations in which 99mTc-d,l-HMPAO is obtained (typically 2-6 ng/ml), confirmation of the identity of 99mTc-d,l-HMPAO in the monograph of the European Pharmacopoeia is now performed only indirectly by TLC and assessment of its retention time on RP-HPLC. To investigate the potential of radio-LC-MS for assessment of the identity of 99mTc-exametazime, 99mTc-d,l-HMPAO and 99mTc-meso-HMPAO prepared using a Tc-rich eluate were analyzed using a radio-LC-MS system equipped with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization. The main peak in the radiometric channel coincided with the molecular ion mass of 99mTc-d,l-HMPAO in the mass spectrometer channel and the measured accurate mass differed only by 0.26 ppm from the theoretical mass. The identity of 99mTc-meso-HMPAO was also confirmed. Thus, radio-LC-MS allowed to obtain strong evidence for the structure of 99mTc-d,l-HMPAO and 99mTc-meso-HMPAO at nanomolar concentration. It is concluded that radio-LC-MS can become a sensitive aid in quality control of "no carrier added" radiopharmaceutical preparations.

Complexity-Based Measures Inform Effects of Tai Chi Training on Standing Postural Control: Cross-Sectional and Randomized Trial Studies

PubMed Central

Wayne, Peter M.; Gow, Brian J.; Costa, Madalena D.; Peng, C.-K.; Lipsitz, Lewis A.; Hausdorff, Jeffrey M.; Davis, Roger B.; Walsh, Jacquelyn N.; Lough, Matthew; Novak, Vera; Yeh, Gloria Y.; Ahn, Andrew C.; Macklin, Eric A.; Manor, Brad

2014-01-01

Background Diminished control of standing balance, traditionally indicated by greater postural sway magnitude and speed, is associated with falls in older adults. Tai Chi (TC) is a multisystem intervention that reduces fall risk, yet its impact on sway measures vary considerably. We hypothesized that TC improves the integrated function of multiple control systems influencing balance, quantifiable by the multi-scale “complexity” of postural sway fluctuations. Objectives To evaluate both traditional and complexity-based measures of sway to characterize the short- and potential long-term effects of TC training on postural control and the relationships between sway measures and physical function in healthy older adults. Methods A cross-sectional comparison of standing postural sway in healthy TC-naïve and TC-expert (24.5±12 yrs experience) adults. TC-naïve participants then completed a 6-month, two-arm, wait-list randomized clinical trial of TC training. Postural sway was assessed before and after the training during standing on a force-plate with eyes-open (EO) and eyes-closed (EC). Anterior-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) sway speed, magnitude, and complexity (quantified by multiscale entropy) were calculated. Single-legged standing time and Timed-Up–and-Go tests characterized physical function. Results At baseline, compared to TC-naïve adults (n = 60, age 64.5±7.5 yrs), TC-experts (n = 27, age 62.8±7.5 yrs) exhibited greater complexity of sway in the AP EC (P = 0.023), ML EO (P<0.001), and ML EC (P<0.001) conditions. Traditional measures of sway speed and magnitude were not significantly lower among TC-experts. Intention-to-treat analyses indicated no significant effects of short-term TC training; however, increases in AP EC and ML EC complexity amongst those randomized to TC were positively correlated with practice hours (P = 0.044, P = 0.018). Long- and short-term TC training were positively associated with physical function. Conclusion Multiscale entropy offers a complementary approach to traditional COP measures for characterizing sway during quiet standing, and may be more sensitive to the effects of TC in healthy adults. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01340365 PMID:25494333

Complexity-Based Measures Inform Effects of Tai Chi Training on Standing Postural Control: Cross-Sectional and Randomized Trial Studies.

PubMed

Wayne, Peter M; Gow, Brian J; Costa, Madalena D; Peng, C-K; Lipsitz, Lewis A; Hausdorff, Jeffrey M; Davis, Roger B; Walsh, Jacquelyn N; Lough, Matthew; Novak, Vera; Yeh, Gloria Y; Ahn, Andrew C; Macklin, Eric A; Manor, Brad

2014-01-01

Diminished control of standing balance, traditionally indicated by greater postural sway magnitude and speed, is associated with falls in older adults. Tai Chi (TC) is a multisystem intervention that reduces fall risk, yet its impact on sway measures vary considerably. We hypothesized that TC improves the integrated function of multiple control systems influencing balance, quantifiable by the multi-scale "complexity" of postural sway fluctuations. To evaluate both traditional and complexity-based measures of sway to characterize the short- and potential long-term effects of TC training on postural control and the relationships between sway measures and physical function in healthy older adults. A cross-sectional comparison of standing postural sway in healthy TC-naïve and TC-expert (24.5±12 yrs experience) adults. TC-naïve participants then completed a 6-month, two-arm, wait-list randomized clinical trial of TC training. Postural sway was assessed before and after the training during standing on a force-plate with eyes-open (EO) and eyes-closed (EC). Anterior-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) sway speed, magnitude, and complexity (quantified by multiscale entropy) were calculated. Single-legged standing time and Timed-Up-and-Go tests characterized physical function. At baseline, compared to TC-naïve adults (n = 60, age 64.5±7.5 yrs), TC-experts (n = 27, age 62.8±7.5 yrs) exhibited greater complexity of sway in the AP EC (P = 0.023), ML EO (P<0.001), and ML EC (P<0.001) conditions. Traditional measures of sway speed and magnitude were not significantly lower among TC-experts. Intention-to-treat analyses indicated no significant effects of short-term TC training; however, increases in AP EC and ML EC complexity amongst those randomized to TC were positively correlated with practice hours (P = 0.044, P = 0.018). Long- and short-term TC training were positively associated with physical function. Multiscale entropy offers a complementary approach to traditional COP measures for characterizing sway during quiet standing, and may be more sensitive to the effects of TC in healthy adults. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01340365.

The effects of environmental conditions on the enrichment of antibiotics on microplastics in simulated natural water column.

PubMed

Shen, Xian-Cheng; Li, De-Chang; Sima, Xiao-Feng; Cheng, Hui-Yuan; Jiang, Hong

2018-06-20

Concerns regarding the release of microplastics (MPs) into the environment led us to explore the relationship between the different environmental factors and physicochemical properties of MPs, as well as the change of interaction between MPs and organic pollutants. In this study, the effects of environmental factors (ageing conditions), such as pH, temperature, ionic strength, ageing time, and humic acid (HA) concentration, on the characteristics of MPs and their adsorption toward tetracycline (TC) were systematically investigated. The results showed that ageing factors such as pH, ionic strength, and temperature were found to have little impact on the adsorptive capacity of MPs for TC. However, MPs aged in HA solution exhibited a significant decreased adsorptive capacity for TC. HA, which has numerous functional groups, can cover the surface of MPs and change their hydrophobicity, thereby reducing the adsorption affinity to TC. The electrostatic repulsion between adsorbed HA and TC molecules may also decrease the adsorption of TC. In addition, the competing effect of HA for adsorption sites on the surface of MPs further reduces the adsorption of TC. The data presented in this work provide useful information for understanding the transfer of antibiotics by aged MPs, which is of fundamental importance to assess the environmental impact of MPs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

e-TC: Development and pilot testing of a web-based intervention to reduce anxiety and depression in survivors of testicular cancer.

PubMed

Heiniger, L E; Smith, A B; Olver, I; Grimison, P; Klein, B; Wootten, A; Abbott, J-A M; Price, M A; McJannett, M; Tran, B; Stockler, M R; Gurney, H; Butow, P N

2017-11-01

e-TC is an online intervention designed to address common psychosocial concerns of testicular cancer survivors. It aims to reduce anxiety, depression and fear of cancer recurrence by providing evidence-based information and psychological intervention. This paper details the development and pilot testing of e-TC. During pilot testing, 25 men (with varying psychological profiles) who had completed treatment for testicular cancer, 6 months to 5 years ago (which had not recurred), used e-TC over a 10-week period and provided quantitative and qualitative feedback on the feasibility and acceptability of the programme. Six men also completed a qualitative interview to provide detailed feedback on their experiences using e-TC. Fourteen men (56%) completed at least 80% of the programme. Participants reported a high level of satisfaction with the programme. Men's limited time was a barrier to programme use and completion, and participants suggested that men with a more recent diagnosis and a higher level of distress may be more likely to engage with the programme. e-TC appears to be a feasible and acceptable online intervention for survivors of testicular cancer. Findings from this study are currently being used to refine e-TC and guide the design of a larger efficacy study. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Mass estimate and close approaches of near-Earth asteroid 2015 TC25

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farnocchia, Davide; Tholen, David J.; Micheli, Marco; Ryan, William; Rivera-Valentin, Edgard G.; Taylor, Patrick A.; Giorgini, Jon D.

2017-10-01

Near-Earth asteroid 2015 TC25 was discovered by the Catalina Sky Survey in October 2015, just two days before an Earth flyby at 0.3 lunar distances. By using ground-based optical, near-infrared, and radar assets during the flyby, Reddy et al. (2016) successfully characterized 2015 TC25. They suggested that the object has a high albedo and a diameter of 2 m, which makes 2015 TC25 one of the smallest asteroids ever detected. Moreover, the orbital information available at the end of the 2015 apparition indicated that 2015 TC25 had a probability of an Earth impact of more than 1 in 10000 from 2070 to 2115. To rule out possible impacts we recovered 2015 TC25 at the end of March 2017 and continued tracking the object through the end of April, when it became too faint to be observable. The recent 2017 astrometry clearly shows the action of solar radiation pressure on the orbit of 2015 TC25 with a 7.6-sigma detection. This solar radiation pressure estimate allows us to put constraints on the density and mass of 2015 TC25 and further suggests that the object is only a couple of meters in size. In particular, the area-to-mass ratio is between 0.6 m^2/t and 0.7 m^2/t and, for a diameter of 2 m, the density is about 1.1 g/cm^3. By accounting for the contribution of non-gravitational perturbations, we analyze the future trajectory of 2015 TC25. Based on the extended data arc, ephemeris predictions are now deterministic until the Earth close approach in 2089 and a Monte Carlo search rules out impacts for the next 100 years.

Cutoff value of thyroid uptake of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate to discriminate between Graves' disease and painless thyroiditis: a single center retrospective study.

PubMed

Uchida, Toyoyoshi; Suzuki, Ruriko; Kasai, Takatoshi; Onose, Hiroyuki; Komiya, Koji; Goto, Hiromasa; Takeno, Kageumi; Ishii, Shinya; Sato, Junko; Honda, Akira; Kawano, Yui; Himuro, Miwa; Yamada, Emiko; Yamada, Tetsu; Watada, Hirotaka

2016-01-01

Thyroid uptake of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate is a useful way to determine the cause of thyrotoxicosis. In daily clinical practice, (99m)Tc-pertechnetate uptake is used to discriminate between Graves' disease and painless thyroiditis when clinical information is not enough to make the distinction. However, since the optimal cutoff value of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate uptake has not yet been elucidated, our aim was to determine this value. We recruited patients with thyrotoxicosis in whom (99m)Tc-pertechnetate uptake was measured in clinical settings between 2009 and 2013. Three experienced endocrinologists (who were blinded to the value of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate uptake and initial treatment) diagnosed the cause of thyrotoxicosis based on thyrotropin, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, and thyrotropin receptor antibody levels, and by ultrasound findings and using images of thyroid uptake of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate without the actual values. Ninety-four patients diagnosed as having Graves' disease or painless thyroiditis were finally included. According to the diagnosis, the optimal cutoff value of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate uptake was determined by receiver operating characteristics analysis. A cutoff value of 1.0% provided optimal sensitivity and specificity of 96.6% and 97.1%, respectively. Then, its validity was confirmed in 78 patients with confirmed Graves' disease or painless thyroiditis diagnosed at another institute. Applying this cutoff value to the patients with thyrotoxicosis revealed positive and negative predictive values for Graves' disease of 100% and 88.9%, respectively. In conclusion, a cutoff value for (99m)Tc-pertechnetate uptake of 1.0% was useful to discriminate between Graves' disease and painless thyroiditis.

Review on factors influencing thermal conductivity of concrete incorporating various type of waste materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Misri, Z.; Ibrahim, M. H. W.; Awal, A. S. M. A.; Desa, M. S. M.; Ghadzali, N. S.

2018-04-01

Concrete is well-known as a construction material which is widely used in building and infrastructure around the world. However, its widespread use has affected the reduction of natural resources. Hence, many approached have been made by researchers to study the incorporation of waste materials in concrete as a substitution for natural resources besides reducing waste disposal problems. Concrete is basically verified by determining its properties; strengths, permeability, shrinkage, durability, thermal properties etc. In various thermal properties of concrete, thermal conductivity (TC) has received a large amount of attention because it is depend upon the composition of concrete. Thermal conductivity is important in building insulation to measure the ability of a material to transfer heat. The aim of this paper is to discuss the methods and influence factors of TC of concrete containing various type of waste materials.

Multi-band Electronic Structure of Ferromagnetic CeRuPO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, Masaya; Ootsuki, Daiki; Horio, Masafumi; Arita, Masashi; Namatame, Hirofumi; Taniguchi, Masaki; Saini, Naurang L.; Sugawara, Hitoshi; Mizokawa, Takashi

2018-04-01

We have studied the multi-band electronic structure of ferromagnetic CeRuPO (TC = 15 K) by means of angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). The ARPES results show that three hole bands exist around the zone center and two of them cross the Fermi level (EF). Around the zone corner, two electron bands are observed and cross EF. These hole and electron bands, which can be assigned to the Ru 4d bands, are basically consistent with the band-structure calculation including their orbital characters. However, one of the electron bands with Ru 4d 3z2 - r2 character is strongly renormalized indicating correlation effect due to hybridization with the Ce 4f orbitals. The Ru 4d 3z2 - r2 band changes across TC suggesting that the out-of-plane 3z2 - r2 orbital channel plays essential roles in the ferromagnetism.

Wave Change of Intraoperative Transcranial Motor-Evoked Potentials During Corrective Fusion for Syndromic and Neuromuscular Scoliosis.

PubMed

Ando, Kei; Kobayashi, Kazuyoshi; Ito, Kenyu; Tsushima, Mikito; Morozumi, Masayoshi; Tanaka, Satoshi; Machino, Masaaki; Ota, Kyotaro; Nishida, Yoshihiro; Ishiguro, Naoki; Imagama, Shiro

2018-03-29

There is little information on intraoperative neuromonitoring during correction fusion surgery for syndromic scoliosis. To investigate intraoperative TcMEPs and conditions (body temperature and blood pressure) for syndromic scoliosis. The subjects were 23 patients who underwent 25 surgeries for corrective fusion using TcMEP. Patients were divided into groups based on a decrease (DA+) or no decrease (DA-) of the amplitude of the TcMEP waveform of ≥70%. The groups were compared for age, sex, disease, type of surgery, fusion area, operation time, estimated blood loss, body temperature, blood pressure, Cobb angle, angular curve (Cobb angle/number of vertebra), bending flexibility, correction rate, and recovery. The mean Cobb angles before and after surgery were 85.2° and 29.1°, giving a correction rate of 68.2%. There were 16 surgeries (64.0%) with intraoperative TcMEP wave changes. The DA+ and DA- groups had similar intraoperative conditions, but the short angular curve differed significantly between these groups. Amplitude deterioration occurred in 4 cases during first rod placement, in 8 during rotation, and in 3 during second rod placement after rotation. Seven patients had complete loss of TcMEP. However, most TcMEP changes recovered after pediclectomy or decreased correction. The preoperative angular curve differed significantly between patients with and without TcMEP changes (P < .05). Intraoperative TcMEP wave changes occurred in 64.0% of surgeries for corrective fusion, and all but one of these changes occurred during the correction procedure. The angular curve was a risk factor for intraoperative motor deficit.

Vortex movement and magnetization of high Tc superconductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roytburd, A. L.; Turchinskaya, M. J.

1991-01-01

The basic characteristics of the thermoactivated vortex mobility in Y1Ba2Cu3O7 are determined by measurement of the kinetics of magnetization in two time regimes. The analysis of the kinetics of the approach of the equilibrium results in the activation energy, while the measurement of the log-creep rate allows determination of the activated moment. It is shown that the movement of vortices can be regarded as the diffusion process.

Identifying Wrist Fracture Patients with High Accuracy by Automatic Categorization of X-ray Reports

PubMed Central

de Bruijn, Berry; Cranney, Ann; O’Donnell, Siobhan; Martin, Joel D.; Forster, Alan J.

2006-01-01

The authors performed this study to determine the accuracy of several text classification methods to categorize wrist x-ray reports. We randomly sampled 751 textual wrist x-ray reports. Two expert reviewers rated the presence (n = 301) or absence (n = 450) of an acute fracture of wrist. We developed two information retrieval (IR) text classification methods and a machine learning method using a support vector machine (TC-1). In cross-validation on the derivation set (n = 493), TC-1 outperformed the two IR based methods and six benchmark classifiers, including Naive Bayes and a Neural Network. In the validation set (n = 258), TC-1 demonstrated consistent performance with 93.8% accuracy; 95.5% sensitivity; 92.9% specificity; and 87.5% positive predictive value. TC-1 was easy to implement and superior in performance to the other classification methods. PMID:16929046

Development of peptide-based lineage-specific serology for chronic Chagas disease: geographical and clinical distribution of epitope recognition.

PubMed

Bhattacharyya, Tapan; Falconar, Andrew K; Luquetti, Alejandro O; Costales, Jaime A; Grijalva, Mario J; Lewis, Michael D; Messenger, Louisa A; Tran, Trang T; Ramirez, Juan-David; Guhl, Felipe; Carrasco, Hernan J; Diosque, Patricio; Garcia, Lineth; Litvinov, Sergey V; Miles, Michael A

2014-05-01

Chagas disease, caused by infection with the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a serious public health issue in Latin America. Genetically diverse, the species is sub-divided into six lineages, known as TcI-TcVI, which have disparate geographical and ecological distributions. TcII, TcV, and TcVI are associated with severe human disease in the Southern Cone countries, whereas TcI is associated with cardiomyopathy north of the Amazon. T. cruzi persists as a chronic infection, with cardiac and/or gastrointestinal symptoms developing years or decades after initial infection. Identifying an individual's history of T. cruzi lineage infection directly by genotyping of the parasite is complicated by the low parasitaemia and sequestration in the host tissues. We have applied here serology against lineage-specific epitopes of the T. cruzi surface antigen TSSA, as an indirect approach to allow identification of infecting lineage. Chagasic sera from chronic patients from a range of endemic countries were tested by ELISA against synthetic peptides representing lineage-specific TSSA epitopes bound to avidin-coated ELISA plates via a biotin labelled polyethylene glycol-glycine spacer to increase rotation and ensure each amino acid side chain could freely interact with their antibodies. 79/113 (70%) of samples from Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina recognised the TSSA epitope common to lineages TcII/TcV/TcVI. Comparison with clinical information showed that a higher proportion of Brazilian TSSApep-II/V/VI responders had ECG abnormalities than non-responders (38% vs 17%; p<0.0001). Among northern chagasic sera 4/20 (20%) from Ecuador reacted with this peptide; 1/12 Venezuelan and 1/34 Colombian samples reacted with TSSApep-IV. In addition, a proposed TcI-specific epitope, described elsewhere, was demonstrated here to be highly conserved across lineages and therefore not applicable to lineage-specific serology. These results demonstrate the considerable potential for synthetic peptide serology to investigate the infection history of individuals, geographical and clinical associations of T. cruzi lineages.

Triple collocation-based estimation of spatially correlated observation error covariance in remote sensing soil moisture data assimilation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Kai; Shu, Hong; Nie, Lei; Jiao, Zhenhang

2018-01-01

Spatially correlated errors are typically ignored in data assimilation, thus degenerating the observation error covariance R to a diagonal matrix. We argue that a nondiagonal R carries more observation information making assimilation results more accurate. A method, denoted TC_Cov, was proposed for soil moisture data assimilation to estimate spatially correlated observation error covariance based on triple collocation (TC). Assimilation experiments were carried out to test the performance of TC_Cov. AMSR-E soil moisture was assimilated with a diagonal R matrix computed using the TC and assimilated using a nondiagonal R matrix, as estimated by proposed TC_Cov. The ensemble Kalman filter was considered as the assimilation method. Our assimilation results were validated against climate change initiative data and ground-based soil moisture measurements using the Pearson correlation coefficient and unbiased root mean square difference metrics. These experiments confirmed that deterioration of diagonal R assimilation results occurred when model simulation is more accurate than observation data. Furthermore, nondiagonal R achieved higher correlation coefficient and lower ubRMSD values over diagonal R in experiments and demonstrated the effectiveness of TC_Cov to estimate richly structuralized R in data assimilation. In sum, compared with diagonal R, nondiagonal R may relieve the detrimental effects of assimilation when simulated model results outperform observation data.

Changes in tetracycline partitioning and bacteria/phage-comediated ARGs in microplastic-contaminated greenhouse soil facilitated by sophorolipid.

PubMed

Sun, Mingming; Ye, Mao; Jiao, Wentao; Feng, Yanfang; Yu, Pingfeng; Liu, Manqiang; Jiao, Jiaguo; He, Xiaojia; Liu, Kuan; Zhao, Yuanchao; Wu, Jun; Jiang, Xin; Hu, Feng

2018-03-05

The emerging mixed contamination of antibiotics and microplastics in greenhouse soil has made the control of antibiotic resistant gene (ARG) transmission a novel challenge. In this work, surfactant sophorolipid was applied to enhance the dissipation of tetracycline (TC) and tet genes in the presence of microplastics in greenhouse soil. During 49days of incubation, soil bacteria and phages were both found to be the crucial reservoirs of ARGs. Meanwhile, microplastic's presence significantly inhibited the dissipation of TC and ARGs in the soil. However, sophorolipid application was proved to outweigh the negative impact caused by microplastic existence, and lead to the highest dissipation of soil TC and ARGs. Significant positive correlation was detected between the dissipation rate of water-soluble and exchangeable TC content and bacteria/phage co-mediated ARG levels. This also held true between the two fractions of soil TC and the ratio of ARG level in the bacteria to that in the phages (B ARGs /P ARGs ). The opposite impacts of microplastic presence and sophorolipid amendment on the TC/ARG dissipation found in this work provides new information for understanding ARG transmission between bacteria and phages in the mixed contaminated greenhouse soil. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ocular and extraocular expression of opsins in the rhopalium of Tripedalia cystophora (Cnidaria: Cubozoa).

PubMed

Bielecki, Jan; Zaharoff, Alexander K; Leung, Nicole Y; Garm, Anders; Oakley, Todd H

2014-01-01

A growing body of work on the neuroethology of cubozoans is based largely on the capabilities of the photoreceptive tissues, and it is important to determine the molecular basis of their light sensitivity. The cubozoans rely on 24 special purpose eyes to extract specific information from a complex visual scene to guide their behavior in the habitat. The lens eyes are the most studied photoreceptive structures, and the phototransduction in the photoreceptor cells is based on light sensitive opsin molecules. Opsins are photosensitive transmembrane proteins associated with photoreceptors in eyes, and the amino acid sequence of the opsins determines the spectral properties of the photoreceptors. Here we show that two distinct opsins (Tripedalia cystophora-lens eye expressed opsin and Tripedalia cystophora-neuropil expressed opsin, or Tc-leo and Tc-neo) are expressed in the Tripedalia cystophora rhopalium. Quantitative PCR determined the level of expression of the two opsins, and we found Tc-leo to have a higher amount of expression than Tc-neo. In situ hybridization located Tc-leo expression in the retinal photoreceptors of the lens eyes where the opsin is involved in image formation. Tc-neo is expressed in a confined part of the neuropil and is probably involved in extraocular light sensation, presumably in relation to diurnal activity.

Knowledge displays: Soliciting clients to fill knowledge gaps and to reconcile knowledge discrepancies in therapeutic interaction.

PubMed

Pino, Marco

2016-06-01

To examine knowledge displays (KDs), a practice by which Therapeutic Community (TC) professionals exhibit previous knowledge about their clients' circumstances and experiences. Conversation analysis is used to examine 12 staff-led meetings recorded in Italy (8 in a drug addiction TC; 4 in a mental health TC). The TC professionals use KDs within broader sequences of talk where they solicit their clients to share personal information and where the clients provide insufficient or inconsistent responses. In these circumstances, the staff members employ KDs to pursue responses that redress emerging knowledge gaps and discrepancies regarding the clients' experiences or circumstances. KDs allow the staff members to achieve a balance between respecting their clients' right to report their own experiences and influencing the ways in which they report them. KDs help to reinforce the culture of openness that is central to many forms of therapeutic interaction, to forward the therapeutic agenda and to expand the staff members' knowledge of the clients' experiences and circumstances. KDs can be used to solicit clients to share personal information. This paper illustrates core features that underlie the function of KDs (where they are used and how they are constructed). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of Aerosol Loading on Ocean Temperature Parameters Affecting the Evolution of Tropical Cyclone Formation Near Northern and Eastern Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhowmick, R.; Trepanier, J. C.

2017-12-01

Australia's northern and eastern coasts are highly affected by tropical cyclones (TC) occurring over the southeast Indian Ocean (SEIO) and southwest Pacific Ocean (SWPO) each year from October to May. TC prediction along the Australian coast is difficult because of the unpredictable nature of the TC tracks. TCs over this region are dependent on many climatological conditions, especially sea surface temperatures (SST) and upper ocean heat content (UOHC). TCs over the SWPO and SEIO are also sensitive to the El Niño Southern Oscillation, which causes seasonal, annual and decadal SST variations and variation in TC formation and strength. The SWPO and SEIO have experienced increasing temperatures in recent decades, and the trend may be related to a variety of atmospheric/oceanic changes, including changes to SST variability induced by changes in atmospheric aerosols. The aim of this paper is to study the influence of aerosol loading, defined by aerosol optical depth (AOD), on infrared SST (IRSST) anomalies, UOHC, and the number of days with named TCs (events with maximum sustained winds at least 17 m s-1) occurring over the SWPO and SEIO from 1985 - 2015.Granger causality is used to study the predictive capacity of ocean temperature variables and AOD for named TC days. Monthly satellite and meteorological data are examined to find spatial and temporal patterns of TC days with the different independent variables. Preliminary results show a positive relationship between AOD and TC days. Other sources of variability besides AOD over a longer time period are included here to provide a robust scenario of SWPO and SEIO's response to aerosol loading ultimately influencing TC formation. This study furthers the understanding of how TC incidence varies as a function of ocean temperature variability due to AOD variability in the SWPO and SEIO regions. This information is useful for the advancement of seasonal TC forecasting and hazard assessment and risk management strategies by incorporating aerosol as a cause for TC variability.

Tai Chi for Reducing Dual-task Gait Variability, a Potential Mediator of Fall Risk in Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Vergara-Diaz, Gloria; Osypiuk, Kamila; Hausdorff, Jeffrey M; Bonato, Paolo; Gow, Brian J; Miranda, Jose GV; Sudarsky, Lewis R; Tarsy, Daniel; Fox, Michael D; Gardiner, Paula; Thomas, Cathi A; Macklin, Eric A; Wayne, Peter M

2018-01-01

Objectives To assess the feasibility and inform design features of a fully powered randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effects of Tai Chi (TC) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and to select outcomes most responsive to TC assessed during off-medication states. Design Two-arm, wait-list controlled RCT. Settings Tertiary care hospital. Subjects Thirty-two subjects aged 40–75 diagnosed with idiopathic PD within 10 years. Interventions Six-month TC intervention added to usual care (UC) versus UC alone. Outcome Measures Primary outcomes were feasibility-related (recruitment rate, adherence, and compliance). Change in dual-task (DT) gait stride-time variability (STV) from baseline to 6 months was defined, a priori, as the clinical outcome measure of primary interest. Other outcomes included: PD motor symptom progression (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale [UPDRS]), PD-related quality of life (PDQ-39), executive function (Trail Making Test), balance confidence (Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, ABC), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG). All clinical assessments were made in the off-state for PD medications. Results Thirty-two subjects were enrolled into 3 sequential cohorts over 417 days at an average rate of 0.08 subjects per day. Seventy-five percent (12/16) in the TC group vs 94% (15/16) in the UC group completed the primary 6-month follow-up assessment. Mean TC exposure hours overall: 52. No AEs occurred during or as a direct result of TC exercise. Statistically nonsignificant improvements were observed in the TC group at 6 months in DT gait STV (TC [20.1%] vs UC [−0.1%] group [effect size 0.49; P = .47]), ABC, TUG, and PDQ-39. UPDRS progression was modest and very similar in TC and UC groups. Conclusions Conducting an RCT of TC for PD is feasible, though measures to improve recruitment and adherence rates are needed. DT gait STV is a sensitive and logical outcome for evaluating the combined cognitive-motor effects of TC in PD.

Molecular characterization and transcriptional analysis of the female-enriched chondroitin proteoglycan 2 of Toxocara canis.

PubMed

Ma, G X; Zhou, R Q; Hu, L; Luo, Y L; Luo, Y F; Zhu, H H

2018-03-01

Toxocara canis is an important but neglected zoonotic parasite, and is the causative agent of human toxocariasis. Chondroitin proteoglycans are biological macromolecules, widely distributed in extracellular matrices, with a great diversity of functions in mammals. However, there is limited information regarding chondroitin proteoglycans in nematode parasites. In the present study, a female-enriched chondroitin proteoglycan 2 gene of T. canis (Tc-cpg-2) was cloned and characterized. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to measure the transcription levels of Tc-cpg-2 among tissues of male and female adult worms. A 485-amino-acid (aa) polypeptide was predicted from a continuous 1458-nuleotide open reading frame and designated as TcCPG2, which contains a 21-aa signal peptide. Conserved domain searching indicated three chitin-binding peritrophin-A (CBM_14) domains in the amino acid sequence of TcCPG2. Multiple alignment with the inferred amino acid sequences of Caenorhabditis elegans and Ascaris suum showed that CBM_14 domains were well conserved among these species. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that TcCPG2 was closely related to the sequence of chondroitin proteoglycan 2 of A. suum. Interestingly, a high level of Tc-cpg-2 was detected in female germline tissues, particularly in the oviduct, suggesting potential roles of this gene in reproduction (e.g. oogenesis and embryogenesis) of adult T. canis. The functional roles of Tc-cpg-2 in reproduction and development in this parasite and related parasitic nematodes warrant further functional studies.

Ayurvedic genomics, constitutional psychology, and endocrinology: the missing connection.

PubMed

Rizzo-Sierra, Carlos V

2011-05-01

A recent methodological approach for human classification, diagnosis, and therapeutics through the combination of current Western constitutional psychology somatotypes and traditional Indian medicine (prakriti) body types and mind (manas) is herein presented. The striking similarities between psychologic somatotypes and Indian medicine body types permits proposal of a finite genopsycho-somatotyping of humans. Genopsycho-somatotyping of humans consists of a set of common physiologic, physical, and psychologic attributes related to a common basic birth constitution that remains somewhat permanent during human lifetime, since it is proposed that this birth constitution is programmed in the person's DNA (genes). This mainly provides a tool for classifying the human population based on broad and finite phenotype clusters across different ethnicity, languages, geographical location, or self-reported ancestry. In spite of any social or environmental traumatic event, I propose for males that every basic constitution has an associated identification organ, a measured property or marker, a soma, and some psyche general tendencies suggesting specific behavior or recurrent conduct. Three (3) basic extreme genopsycho-somatotypes or birth constitutions are enunciated: mesomorphic or andrus (Pitta), endomorphic or thymus (Khapa), and ectomorphic or thyrus (Vata). The method further predicts that male andrus constitution across races shares similarities in androgen (An) nuclear receptor behavior, whereas thymus constitutions are mainly regulated by T-cells (Tc) nuclear receptor behavior. Moreover, it suggests that thyrus constitutions share similarities in thyroxine (Th) nuclear receptor behavior. These proposed nuclear receptors are expected to regulate the expression of specific genes, thereby controlling the embryonic development, adult homeostasis, and metabolism of the human organism in a very profound way. The method finally predicts small differences in measured property (An, Tc, and Th nuclear receptors behavior) within a birth constitution across different races to be expected by modulation effects in melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor behavior.

Characteristics and Preliminary Causes of Tropical Cyclone Extreme Rainfall Events over Hainan Island

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Xianling; Ren, Fumin; Li, Yunjie; Qiu, Wenyu; Ma, Zhuguo; Cai, Qinbo

2018-05-01

The characteristics of tropical cyclone (TC) extreme rainfall events over Hainan Island from 1969 to 2014 are analyzed from the viewpoint of the TC maximum daily rainfall (TMDR) using daily station precipitation data from the Meteorological Information Center of the China Meteorological Administration, TC best-track data from the Shanghai Typhoon Institute, and NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data. The frequencies of the TMDR reaching 50, 100 and 250 mm show a decreasing trend [-0.7 (10 yr)-1], a weak decreasing trend [-0.2 (10 yr)-1] and a weak increasing trend [0.1 (10 yr)-1], respectively. For seasonal variations, the TMDR of all intensity grades mainly occurs from July to October, with the frequencies of TMDR - 50 mm and - 100 mm peaking in September and the frequency of TMDR - 250 mm [TC extreme rainstorm (TCER) events] peaking in August and September. The western region (Changjiang) of the Island is always the rainfall center, independent of the intensity or frequencies of different intensity grades. The causes of TCERs are also explored and the results show that topography plays a key role in the characteristics of the rainfall events. TCERs are easily induced on the windward slopes of Wuzhi Mountain, with the coordination of TC tracks and TC wind structure. A slower speed of movement, a stronger TC intensity and a farther westward track are all conducive to extreme rainfall events. A weaker northwestern Pacific subtropical high is likely to make the 500-hPa steering flow weaker and results in slower TC movement, whereas a stronger South China Sea summer monsoon can carry a higher moisture flux. These two environmental factors are both favorable for TCERs.

Cumulative Impact of Stressful Life Events on the Development of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy.

PubMed

Rosman, Lindsey; Dunsiger, Shira; Salmoirago-Blotcher, Elena

2017-12-01

The role of stressful life events in the onset of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is unclear. This study sought to examine associations between type, timing, and number of stressful life events and onset of TC. A case-control study conducted among consecutive incident female TC cases and myocardial infarction (MI) controls admitted to two emergency departments in New England. Healthy female controls (HC) were recruited from a volunteers' registry. Information about the timing, type, and number of triggers during the 6 months preceding hospitalization was systematically collected using the PERI Life Events Scale about 1 month post-discharge. Group differences were evaluated using ANOVA, chi-square, and Kruskal-Wallis statistics. Generalized linear models were used to adjust for confounding variables. Between March 2013 and October 2015, 107 women were enrolled (45 TC, 32 MI, and 30 HC). Specific stressful events (death of a relative or close friend (p = 0.006); illness or injury to a relative or close friend (p = 0.001) were more prevalent in TC cases than MI and HC controls. The onset of TC was associated with exposure to multiple stressful life events during the 6 months preceding the index hospitalization (p < 0.001) but not with exposure to an acute, recent event (p = 0.96). TC onset was associated with specific life events (death or illness to close relative or friend) and with the number of stressful life events occurring in the 6 months preceding hospitalization. These findings suggest that grief and cumulative stress could play a major role in the onset of TC.

26 CFR 1.1502-94A - Coordination with section 382 and the regulations thereunder when a corporation becomes a member...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... treated under § 1.1502-21(c) or 1.1502-21T(c) in effect prior to June 25, 1999, as contained in 26 CFR.... See section 382(a) and § 1.1502-96A(c) for the continuing effect of an ownership change after a... following examples illustrate the principles of this paragraph (b). Example 1. Basic case. (a) A and P each...

Improved Parameter-Estimation With MRI-Constrained PET Kinetic Modeling: A Simulation Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erlandsson, Kjell; Liljeroth, Maria; Atkinson, David; Arridge, Simon; Ourselin, Sebastien; Hutton, Brian F.

2016-10-01

Kinetic analysis can be applied both to dynamic PET and dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI data. We have investigated the potential of MRI-constrained PET kinetic modeling using simulated [ 18F]2-FDG data for skeletal muscle. The volume of distribution, Ve, for the extra-vascular extra-cellular space (EES) is the link between the two models: It can be estimated by DCE-MRI, and then used to reduce the number of parameters to estimate in the PET model. We used a 3 tissue-compartment model with 5 rate constants (3TC5k), in order to distinguish between EES and the intra-cellular space (ICS). Time-activity curves were generated by simulation using the 3TC5k model for 3 different Ve values under basal and insulin stimulated conditions. Noise was added and the data were fitted with the 2TC3k model and with the 3TC5k model with and without Ve constraint. One hundred noise-realisations were generated at 4 different noise-levels. The results showed reductions in bias and variance with Ve constraint in the 3TC5k model. We calculated the parameter k3", representing the combined effect of glucose transport across the cellular membrane and phosphorylation, as an extra outcome measure. For k3", the average coefficient of variation was reduced from 52% to 9.7%, while for k3 in the standard 2TC3k model it was 3.4%. The accuracy of the parameters estimated with our new modeling approach depends on the accuracy of the assumed Ve value. In conclusion, we have shown that, by utilising information that could be obtained from DCE-MRI in the kinetic analysis of [ 18F]2-FDG-PET data, it is in principle possible to obtain better parameter estimates with a more complex model, which may provide additional information as compared to the standard model.

Understanding the geographic distribution of tropical cyclone formation for applications in climate models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tory, Kevin J.; Ye, H.; Dare, R. A.

2018-04-01

Projections of Tropical cyclone (TC) formation under future climate scenarios are dependent on climate model simulations. However, many models produce unrealistic geographical distributions of TC formation, especially in the north and south Atlantic and eastern south Pacific TC basins. In order to improve confidence in projections it is important to understand the reasons behind these model errors. However, considerable effort is required to analyse the many models used in projection studies. To address this problem, a novel diagnostic is developed that provides compelling insight into why TCs form where they do, using a few summary diagrams. The diagnostic is developed after identifying a relationship between seasonal climatologies of atmospheric variables in 34 years of ECMWF reanalysis data, and TC detection distributions in the same data. Geographic boundaries of TC formation are constructed from four threshold quantities. TCs form where Emanuel's Maximum Potential Intensity, V_{{PI}}, exceeds 40 {ms}^{{ - 1}}, 700 hPa relative humidity, RH_{{700}}, exceeds 40%, and the magnitude of the difference in vector winds between 850 and 200 hPa, V_{{sh}}, is less than 20 {ms}^{{ - 1}}. The equatorial boundary is best defined by a composite quantity containing the ratio of absolute vorticity (η ) to the meridional gradient of absolute vorticity (β ^{*}), rather than η alone. {β ^*} is also identified as a potentially important ingredient for TC genesis indices. A comparison of detected Tropical Depression (TD) and Tropical Storm (TS) climatologies revealed TDs more readily intensify further to TS where {V_{PI}} is elevated and {V_{sh}} is relatively weak. The distributions of each threshold quantity identify the factors that favour and suppress TC formation throughout the tropics in the real world. This information can be used to understand why TC formation is poorly represented in some climate models, and shows potential for understanding anomalous TC formation behaviour in the real world.

Lessons Learned from the Deployment and Integration of a Microwave Sounder Based Tropical Cyclone Intensity and Surface Wind Estimation Algorithm into NOAA/NESDIS Satellite Product Operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Longmore, S. P.; Knaff, J. A.; Schumacher, A.; Dostalek, J.; DeMaria, R.; Chirokova, G.; Demaria, M.; Powell, D. C.; Sigmund, A.; Yu, W.

2014-12-01

The Colorado State University (CSU) Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) has recently deployed a tropical cyclone (TC) intensity and surface wind radii estimation algorithm that utilizes Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) satellite Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) and Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) from the NOAA18, NOAA19 and METOPA polar orbiting satellites for testing, integration and operations for the Product System Development and Implementation (PSDI) projects at NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS). This presentation discusses the evolution of the CIRA NPP/AMSU TC algorithms internally at CIRA and its migration and integration into the NOAA Data Exploitation (NDE) development and testing frameworks. The discussion will focus on 1) the development cycle of internal NPP/AMSU TC algorithms components by scientists and software engineers, 2) the exchange of these components into the NPP/AMSU TC software systems using the subversion version control system and other exchange methods, 3) testing, debugging and integration of the NPP/AMSU TC systems both at CIRA/NESDIS and 4) the update cycle of new releases through continuous integration. Lastly, a discussion of the methods that were effective and those that need revision will be detailed for the next iteration of the NPP/AMSU TC system.

Robotic Telecytology for Remote Cytologic Evaluation without an On-site Cytotechnologist or Cytopathologist: A Tale of Implementation and Review of Constraints

PubMed Central

Sirintrapun, Sahussapont Joseph; Rudomina, Dorota; Mazzella, Allix; Feratovic, Rusmir; Alago, William; Siegelbaum, Robert; Lin, Oscar

2017-01-01

Background: The first satellite center to offer interventional radiology procedures at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center opened in October 2014. Two of the procedures offered, fine needle aspirations and core biopsies, required rapid on-site cytologic evaluation of smears and biopsy touch imprints for cellular content and adequacy. The volume and frequency of such evaluations did not justify hiring on-site cytotechnologists, and therefore, a dynamic robotic telecytology (TC) solution was created. In this technical article, we present a detailed description of our implementation of robotic TC. Methods: Pathology devised the remote robotic TC solution after acknowledging that it would not be cost effective to staff cytotechnologists on-site at the satellite location. Sakura VisionTek was selected as our robotic TC solution. In addition to configuration of the dynamic robotic TC solution, pathology realized integrating the technology solution into operations would require a multidisciplinary effort and reevaluation of existing staffing and workflows. Results: Extensively described are the architectural framework and multidisciplinary process re-design, created to navigate the constraints of our technical, cultural, and organizational environment. Also reviewed are the benefits and challenges associated with available desktop sharing solutions, particularly accounting for information security concerns. Conclusions: Dynamic robotic TC is effective for immediate evaluations performed without on-site cytotechnology staff. Our goal is providing an extensive perspective of the implementation process, particularly technical, cultural, and operational constraints. Through this perspective, our template can serve as an extensible blueprint for other centers interested in implementing robotic TC without on-site cytotechnologists. PMID:28966832

Robotic Telecytology for Remote Cytologic Evaluation without an On-site Cytotechnologist or Cytopathologist: A Tale of Implementation and Review of Constraints.

PubMed

Sirintrapun, Sahussapont Joseph; Rudomina, Dorota; Mazzella, Allix; Feratovic, Rusmir; Alago, William; Siegelbaum, Robert; Lin, Oscar

2017-01-01

The first satellite center to offer interventional radiology procedures at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center opened in October 2014. Two of the procedures offered, fine needle aspirations and core biopsies, required rapid on-site cytologic evaluation of smears and biopsy touch imprints for cellular content and adequacy. The volume and frequency of such evaluations did not justify hiring on-site cytotechnologists, and therefore, a dynamic robotic telecytology (TC) solution was created. In this technical article, we present a detailed description of our implementation of robotic TC. Pathology devised the remote robotic TC solution after acknowledging that it would not be cost effective to staff cytotechnologists on-site at the satellite location. Sakura VisionTek was selected as our robotic TC solution. In addition to configuration of the dynamic robotic TC solution, pathology realized integrating the technology solution into operations would require a multidisciplinary effort and reevaluation of existing staffing and workflows. Extensively described are the architectural framework and multidisciplinary process re-design, created to navigate the constraints of our technical, cultural, and organizational environment. Also reviewed are the benefits and challenges associated with available desktop sharing solutions, particularly accounting for information security concerns. Dynamic robotic TC is effective for immediate evaluations performed without on-site cytotechnology staff. Our goal is providing an extensive perspective of the implementation process, particularly technical, cultural, and operational constraints. Through this perspective, our template can serve as an extensible blueprint for other centers interested in implementing robotic TC without on-site cytotechnologists.

Collection, storage, inspection and quality control of platelet concentrates obtained by apheresis: The situation in Spain.

PubMed

Castrillo, Azucena; Jimenez-Marco, Teresa; Arroyo, José L; Jurado, María L; Larrea, Luis; Maymo, Rosa M; Monge, Jorge; Muñoz, Carmen; Pajares, Ángel; Yáñez, Marta

2017-06-01

Diverse variables are involved in apheresis platelet collection, processing and storage. This survey shows how these are realized in Spain. An analysis of collected data was performed in a questionnaire completed by ten Transfusion Centers (TC) which perform between 50 and 520 apheresis procedures per month. This information comprises the procedures used to collect, inspect and store apheresis platelet concentrates (PC), and quality control data. Macroscopic inspection of PC is performed in all TC, especially during the first few hours post-collection and before distribution. The type of processor, duration of post-collection resting periods and temperature from the time of collection until distribution are similar in all TC. In 80% of TC, PC with small and scarce aggregates are distributed to transfusion services. The presence of clumps is influenced by type of processor, female donor, cold ambient temperature and collection of hyperconcentrated platelets, and is often recurrent in the same donor, although some TC have not found any influential variables. Overall, no objective inspection methods are followed, although there are exceptions. The degree of compliance with quality control parameters, such as the number of units studied, mean platelet yield, residual leukocyte counts and pH at expiry date, is acceptable in all TC. Compliance in terms of number of microbiological culture samples is variable. The usual practice in Spanish TC with respect to the collection, post-collection handling and storage of apheresis PC can be considered uniform, although some specific aspects of analyses should follow more objective methods. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[99mTc] HYNIC-hEGF, a potential agent for imaging of EGF receptors in vivo: preparation and pre-clinical evaluation.

PubMed

Babaei, Mohammad Hossein; Almqvist, Ylva; Orlova, Anna; Shafii, Mohammad; Kairemo, Kalevi; Tolmachev, Vladimir

2005-06-01

Expression of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) has prognostic and predictive value in many kinds of tumors. Imaging of expression of EGFR in vivo may give valuable diagnostic information. The epidermal growth factor (EGF), a natural ligand, is a possible candidate for the targeting of EGFR. The present study describes a method for preparation of (99m)Tc-EGF via the hydrazinopyridine-3-carboxylic acid (HYNIC) conjugation using tricine and ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid (EDDA) as co-ligands. Both conjugates bound EGFR expressing cells with nanomolar affinity, and demonstrated good intracellular retention. The complex with EDDA demonstrated much higher stability in blood serum and during cysteine challenge. Biodistribution of (99m)Tc-EDDA-HYNIC-EGF in normal mice demonstrated fast blood clearance of conjugate, and its ability to bind EGFR in vivo. (99m)Tc-EDDA-HYNIC-EGF is a promising candidate for visualization of EGFR expression in vivo.

Observed ocean waves by tropical cyclones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lin; Oey, Leo

2017-04-01

Ocean waves produced by tropical cyclones (TC) modify air-sea fluxes which in turn are crucial to the storms' intensity and development, yet they are poorly understood. Here we use 24 years (1992-2015) of observed waves, winds and TC-track information to stratify storm-centered composite maps of waves and winds according to TC intensities and translation speeds (Uh). While the wind field is rightward-asymmetric independent of Uh, the wave field is rightward-symmetric in concert with the wind for slow-translating TCs (Uh ≤ 3 m s-1), but right-rear asymmetric with strongest waves in the 4th quadrant for medium to fast-translating TCs (3 < Uh ≤ 7 m s-1), especially for the very fast storms (Uh > 7 m s-1), all independent of TC-intensity. The dominance of the right-rear asymmetry for fast-translating TCs appears to be related to the development of cross swells as the storms move faster, but further research using models are needed to understand the physical mechanisms.

Corrosion mechanisms for metal alloy waste forms: experiment and theory Level 4 Milestone M4FT-14LA0804024 Fuel Cycle Research & Development

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

Liu, Xiang-Yang; Taylor, Christopher D.; Kim, Eunja

2014-07-31

This document meets Level 4 Milestone: Corrosion mechanisms for metal alloy waste forms - experiment and theory. A multiphysics model is introduces that will provide the framework for the quantitative prediction of corrosion rates of metallic waste forms incorporating the fission product Tc. The model requires a knowledge of the properties of not only the metallic waste form, but also the passive oxide films that will be generated on the waste form, and the chemistry of the metal/oxide and oxide/environment interfaces. in collaboration with experimental work, the focus of this work is on obtaining these properties from fundamental atomistic models.more » herein we describe the overall multiphysics model, which is based on MacDonald's point-defect model for passivity. We then present the results of detailed electronic-structure calculations for the determination of the compatibility and properties of Tc when incorporated into intermetallic oxide phases. This work is relevant to the formation of multi-component oxides on metal surfaces that will incorporate Tc, and provide a kinetic barrier to corrosion (i.e. the release of Tc to the environment). Atomistic models that build upon the electronic structure calculations are then described using the modified embedded atom method to simulate metallic dissolution, and Buckingham potentials to perform classical molecular dynamics and statics simulations of the technetium (and, later, iron-technetium) oxide phases. Electrochemical methods were then applied to provide some benchmark information of the corrosion and electrochemical properties of Technetium metal. The results indicate that published information on Tc passivity is not complete and that further investigation is warranted.« less

Dielectric and Insulating Technology 2004 : Review & Forecast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okamoto, Tatsuki

This article reports the state-of-art of DEIS activites. DEIS activiteis are basically based on the activites of 8-10 investigation committees’ under DEIS committee. Recent DEIS activites are categlized into three functions in this article and remarkable activity or trend of each category is mentioned. Those are activities on insulation diagnosis (AI application and asset management), activities on new insulation technology for power tansmission (high Tc super conducting cable insulation and all solid sinulated substation), and activities on new insulating materials (Nanocomposite).

Development and Implementaton of Advanced Materials for Aircraft Engine Applications Development and Implementation of Nanostructure Laminates Final Report CRADA No. TC-0497-93-B

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

Barbee, T. W.; Yee, W.

The objective of this project was to develop engineered nanostructure laminate materials for applications in gas turbine engines. Although the focus of this effort was on developing improved · thermal barrier coatings, the data and experience gained through such project tasks as basic theoretical work and modeling of composition/structure property relationships can be applied. to the development of microscructure laminates for other·applications.

Satellite-based Tropical Cyclone Monitoring Capabilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hawkins, J.; Richardson, K.; Surratt, M.; Yang, S.; Lee, T. F.; Sampson, C. R.; Solbrig, J.; Kuciauskas, A. P.; Miller, S. D.; Kent, J.

2012-12-01

Satellite remote sensing capabilities to monitor tropical cyclone (TC) location, structure, and intensity have evolved by utilizing a combination of operational and research and development (R&D) sensors. The microwave imagers from the operational Defense Meteorological Satellite Program [Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) and the Special Sensor Microwave Imager Sounder (SSMIS)] form the "base" for structure observations due to their ability to view through upper-level clouds, modest size swaths and ability to capture most storm structure features. The NASA TRMM microwave imager and precipitation radar continue their 15+ yearlong missions in serving the TC warning and research communities. The cessation of NASA's QuikSCAT satellite after more than a decade of service is sorely missed, but India's OceanSat-2 scatterometer is now providing crucial ocean surface wind vectors in addition to the Navy's WindSat ocean surface wind vector retrievals. Another Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) onboard EUMETSAT's MetOp-2 satellite is slated for launch soon. Passive microwave imagery has received a much needed boost with the launch of the French/Indian Megha Tropiques imager in September 2011, basically greatly supplementing the very successful NASA TRMM pathfinder with a larger swath and more frequent temporal sampling. While initial data issues have delayed data utilization, current news indicates this data will be available in 2013. Future NASA Global Precipitation Mission (GPM) sensors starting in 2014 will provide enhanced capabilities. Also, the inclusion of the new microwave sounder data from the NPP ATMS (Oct 2011) will assist in mapping TC convective structures. The National Polar orbiting Partnership (NPP) program's VIIRS sensor includes a day night band (DNB) with the capability to view TC cloud structure at night when sufficient lunar illumination exits. Examples highlighting this new capability will be discussed in concert with additional data fusion efforts.

Selective Imaging of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 and Receptor-2 in Atherosclerotic Lesions in Diabetic and Non-diabetic ApoE-/- Mice.

PubMed

Tekabe, Yared; Johnson, Lynne L; Rodriquez, Krissy; Li, Qing; Backer, Marina; Backer, Joseph M

2018-02-01

Plaque vulnerability is associated with inflammation and angiogenesis, processes that rely on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling via two receptors, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2. We have recently reported that enhanced uptake of scVEGF-PEG-DOTA/Tc-99m (scV/Tc) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) tracer that targets both VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2, identifies accelerated atherosclerosis in diabetic relative to non-diabetic ApoE -/- mice. Since VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 may play different roles in atherosclerotic plaques, we reasoned that selective imaging of each receptor can provide more detailed information on plaque biology. Recently described VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 selective mutants of scVEGF, named scVR1 and scVR2, were site-specifically derivatized with Tc-99m chelator DOTA via 3.4 kDa PEG linker, and their selectivity to the cognate receptors was confirmed in vitro. scVR1 and scVR2 conjugates were radiolabeled with Tc-99m to specific activity of 110 ± 11 MBq/nmol, yielding tracers named scVR1/Tc and scVR2/Tc. 34-40 week old diabetic and age-matched non-diabetic ApoE -/- mice were injected with tracers, 2-3 h later injected with x-ray computed tomography (CT) contrast agent and underwent hybrid SPECT/CT imaging. Tracer uptake, localized to proximal aorta and brachiocephalic vessels, was quantified as %ID from. Tracer uptake was also quantified as %ID/g from gamma counting of harvested plaques. Harvested atherosclerotic arterial tissue was used for immunofluorescent analyses of VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 and various lineage-specific markers. Focal, receptor-mediated uptake in proximal aorta and brachiocephalic vessels was detected for both scVR1/Tc and scVR2/Tc tracers. Uptake of scVR1/Tc and scVR2/Tc was efficiently inhibited only by "cold" proteins of the same receptor selectivity. Tracer uptake in this area, expressed as %ID, was higher in diabetic vs. non- diabetic mice for scVR1/Tc (p = 0.01) but not for scVR2/Tc. Immunofluorescent analysis revealed enhanced VEGFR-1 prevalence in and around plaque area in diabetic mice. Selective VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 imaging of atherosclerotic lesions may be useful to explore plaque biology and identify vulnerability.

Scale-invariant feature extraction of neural network and renormalization group flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iso, Satoshi; Shiba, Shotaro; Yokoo, Sumito

2018-05-01

Theoretical understanding of how a deep neural network (DNN) extracts features from input images is still unclear, but it is widely believed that the extraction is performed hierarchically through a process of coarse graining. It reminds us of the basic renormalization group (RG) concept in statistical physics. In order to explore possible relations between DNN and RG, we use the restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM) applied to an Ising model and construct a flow of model parameters (in particular, temperature) generated by the RBM. We show that the unsupervised RBM trained by spin configurations at various temperatures from T =0 to T =6 generates a flow along which the temperature approaches the critical value Tc=2.2 7 . This behavior is the opposite of the typical RG flow of the Ising model. By analyzing various properties of the weight matrices of the trained RBM, we discuss why it flows towards Tc and how the RBM learns to extract features of spin configurations.

David Adler Lectureship Award: A Chance to Grow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Canfield, Paul

2014-03-01

Having a chance to grow has been a vital, key, aspect to my research career. A successful condensed matter, new materials group thrives when it can have multiple make-measure-think cycles running in parallel and series. The ability to explore phase space and design, discover and grow new compounds is the starting point for many research projects and, sometimes, new fields. In this talk I want to provide an overview of several of the motivations that can lead to sample growth and also provide some examples of how new materials can lead to the intellectual / technical growth of a group as well. Examples will be drawn, as time allows, from work on magnetic, non-magnetic, low-Tc, and high Tc superconductors as well as heavy Fermions, spin-glasses and quasicrystals. Much of this work was supported by the US DOE, Office of Basic Energy Science, Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering, under Contract No. DE-AC02-07CH11358.

A new approach to the analysis of radiopharmaceuticals. Final technical report, January 15, 1987--June 30, 1991

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

Jones, A.G.; Davison, A.; Costello, C.E.

The objective of this research was to investigate analytical techniques that could be used in the study of both the basic chemistry and the radiopharmaceutical chemistry of {sup 99m}Tc. First funded in 1981, the work focused initially upon the use of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and various forms of mass spectrometry for the identification of technetium species. This funding allowed the authors to combine HPLC and mass spectrometry to identify radiopharmaceuticals which, although in clinical use, had not previously been characterized. Other techniques that have been examined include resonance Raman spectroscopy and, more significantly, {sup 99}Tc nuclear magnetic resonancemore » spectroscopy (NMR), with the latter not only being used in purely chemical experiments but also in biologic studies. In 1985 a grant to the Department of Chemistry at MIT from DOE allowed the purchase of an X-ray diffractometer and access to this instrument has enabled them to broaden the analytical base with routine structural determinations.« less

The design and characterization of protein based block polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haghpanah, Jennifer Shorah

Over the past decades, protein engineering has provided noteworthy advances in basic science as well as in medicine and industry. Protein engineers are currently focusing their efforts on developing elementary rules to design proteins with a specific structure and function. Proteins derived from natural sources have been used generate a plethora of materials with remarkable structural and functional properties. In the first chapter, we show how we can fabricate protein polymers comprised of two different self-assembling domains (SADs). From our studies, we discover that SADs in different orientations have a large impact on their overall microscopic and macroscopic features. In the second chapter, we explore the impact of cellulose (Tc) on the diblocks EC and CE. We discover that Tc is able to selectively impact the mechanical propertied of CE because CE has smaller particle sizes and more E domain exposed on its surface at RT. In the third chapter, we appended an extra C domain to CE to generate CEC with improved mechanical properties, structure and small molecule recognition.

Comparing virtual consults to traditional consults using an electronic health record: an observational case–control study

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Patients have typically received health care through face-to-face encounters. However, expansion of electronic communication and electronic health records (EHRs) provide alternative means for patient and physicians to interact. Electronic consultations may complement regular healthcare by providing “better, faster, cheaper” processes for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring health conditions. Virtual consultation between physicians may provide a method of streamlining care, potentially saving patients the time and expense of added visits. The purpose of this study was to compare physician usage and patient satisfaction with virtual consultations (VCs) with traditional consultations (TCs) facilitated within an EHR. Methods We conducted an observational case–control survey study within Kaiser Permanente, Colorado. A sample of patients who had VCs requested by physicians (N = 270) were matched with patients who had TCs requested by physicians (N = 270), by patient age, gender, reason for the consult, and specialty department. These patients (VC and TC), were invited to participate in a satisfaction survey. In addition, 205 primary care physicians who submitted a VC or TC were surveyed. Results During the study period, 58,146 VC or TC were requested (TC = 96.3%). Patients who completed a satisfaction survey (267 out of 540 patients, 49.4% response rate) indicated they were satisfied with their care, irrespective of the kind of consult (mean 10-point Likert score of 8.5). 88 of 205 primary care physicians surveyed (42.9%) returned at least one survey; VC and TC survey response rates and consulted departments were comparable (p = 0.13). More TCs than VCs requested transfer of patient care (p = 0.03), assistance with diagnosis (p = 0.04) or initiating treatment (p =0.04). Within 3 weeks of the consultation request, 72.1% of respondents reported receiving information from VCs, compared with 33.9% of the TCs (p < 0.001). Utility of information provided by consultants and satisfaction with consultations did not differ between VCs and TCs. Conclusions Referring physicians received information from consultants more quickly from VCs compared with TCs, but the value and application of information from both types of consultations were similar. VCs may decrease the need for face-to-face specialty encounters without a decrease in the patient’s perception of care. PMID:22769592

Information and complexity measures in the interface of a metal and a superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moustakidis, Ch. C.; Panos, C. P.

2018-06-01

Fisher information, Shannon information entropy and Statistical Complexity are calculated for the interface of a normal metal and a superconductor, as a function of the temperature for several materials. The order parameter Ψ (r) derived from the Ginzburg-Landau theory is used as an input together with experimental values of critical transition temperature Tc and the superconducting coherence length ξ0. Analytical expressions are obtained for information and complexity measures. Thus Tc is directly related in a simple way with disorder and complexity. An analytical relation is found of the Fisher Information with the energy profile of superconductivity i.e. the ratio of surface free energy and the bulk free energy. We verify that a simple relation holds between Shannon and Fisher information i.e. a decomposition of a global information quantity (Shannon) in terms of two local ones (Fisher information), previously derived and verified for atoms and molecules by Liu et al. Finally, we find analytical expressions for generalized information measures like the Tsallis entropy and Fisher information. We conclude that the proper value of the non-extensivity parameter q ≃ 1, in agreement with previous work using a different model, where q ≃ 1.005.

Tc-99m macro aggregated albumin scintigraphy – indications other than pulmonary embolism: A pictorial essay

PubMed Central

Gandhi, Sunny J; Babu, Sanjay; Subramanyam, Padma; Shanmuga Sundaram, Palaniswamy

2013-01-01

Introduction: Tc-99m macro aggregated albumin (MAA) is synonymous for lung perfusion scintigraphy and is part of the study in the evaluation of pulmonary thromboembolism. We wanted to highlight the utilities of Tc-99m MAA other than pulmonary embolism as a pictorial assay. Materials and Methods: Patients referred for Tc-99m MAA scintigraphy under various indications were included in this pictorial essay. Commercially available TechneScan LyoMAA cold kit from Mallinckrodt Medical B.V., Holland was used. Acquisition protocols for different indications are described in this article. Different clinical indications (e.g., pulmonary artery stenosis, hepatopulmonary syndrome, FEV1 calculation in lung surgery planning, selective internal radiation therapy planning, venography for deep venous thrombosis, left to right cardiac shunts, etc.) where Tc-99m MAA scintigraphy was asked for; how it helped in different clinical scenarios and how it can be used clinically is explained with unique and interesting case examples and images. We also reviewed the literature to look for certain remote indications of MAA imaging for the sake of completion like – (shunt scintigraphy, peritoneopleural communication, etc.) Conclusion: Tc-99m MAA is a very useful radiopharmaceutical, which can be used for many other indications apart from the commonly used indication of lung perfusion scan in pulmonary embolism. It can provide useful clinical information in other indications, which we try to highlight in this article. PMID:24250023

Publications as an indicator of increased tobacco control research productivity (quantity and quality) in New Zealand.

PubMed

Kira, Anette; Glover, Marewa; Bullen, Chris; Viehbeck, Sarah

2011-06-01

Tobacco control (TC) research capacity and productivity are critical for developing evidence-informed interventions that will reduce the harmful effects of smoking. The aim of this paper was to investigate New Zealand's (NZ) TC research capacity along with the quantity and quality of publications, following two government initiatives aimed, in part, at improving the quantity and quality of NZ TC research. Scopus was searched for articles with at least one NZ author and where the topic was of primary relevance to TC. Publications were organized into two time periods, following the government initiatives, 1993-2003 and 2004-2009. We analyzed the number of publications, publication journals, type of publications, impact (using the impact factor), and authorship. There has been an increase in number and impact of publications and number of authors. The number of publications has increased from an average of 14 (1994-2003) to 38 per year (2004-2009). The number of journals published increased from 64 to 86. The impact during 2004-2009 was almost threefold than in 1993-2003. The number of authors increased from 212 to 345, and the number of authors who had at least one first-authored publication increased from 80 to 124. These results show an encouraging trend in NZ TC research, with an increase in research productivity, quality, and in research capacity. It is possible that government-initiated and -funded infrastructural support contributed to increasing needed TC research, which supports the worth of such initiatives.

99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC in management of patients with head and neck somatostatin receptor positive tumors.

PubMed

Trogrlic, Mate; Tezak, Stanko

2016-01-01

Aim of this study was to determine the value of technetium-99m-hydrazinonicotinyl-Tyr3-octreotide (99mTc-ED-DA/HYNIC-TOC) in patients with somatostatin receptor (SSR) positive tumors of head and neck region. A total number of 16 patients were enrolled in this study. Planar whole body (WB) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images were acquired at 2 and 4 hours after the injection of approximately 670 MBq of 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC. Additional single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) images of the head and neck region were acquired at 4h post tracer injection. Clinical and imaging follow up were taken as the reference standard. There were 10 female and 6 male patients of age 57.7 ± 12.9 years (58.5; 32-78) years. 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) was TP in 13 patients, TN in two and FP in one. Follow up period for SRS was 31.1 ± 19.4 (29; 2-63) months. 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC scintigraphy provided additional information in 50% of patients, with impact on patient management in the same percentage of patients. Distant metastases were found in nine out of 16 patients (56%). 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC SRS had sensitivity of 100% (75.3-100%), specificity of 66.7% (9.4-99.2%), accuracy of 93.7%, positive predictive value of 92.9% (66.1-99.8%), and negative predictive value of 100% (15.8-100%). Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy using 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC is very useful imaging method in the evalu-ation of patients with SSR positive tumors of head and neck region.

Patient and Genetic Counselor Perceptions of In-person versus Telephone Genetic Counseling for Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer

PubMed Central

Jacobs, Aryana S.; Schwartz, Marc D.; Valdimarsdottir, Heiddis; Nusbaum, Rachel H.; Hooker, Gillian W.; DeMarco, Tiffani A.; Heinzmann, Jessica E.; McKinnon, Wendy; McCormick, Shelley R.; Davis, Claire; Forman, Andrea D.; Lebensohn, Alexandra Perez; Dalton, Emily; Tully, Diana Moglia; Graves, Kristi D.; Similuk, Morgan; Kelly, Scott; Peshkin, Beth N.

2016-01-01

Telephone genetic counseling (TC) for high-risk women interested in BRCA1/2 testing has been shown to yield positive outcomes comparable to usual care (UC; in-person) genetic counseling. However, little is known about how genetic counselors perceive the delivery of these alternate forms of genetic counseling. As part of a randomized trial of TC versus UC, genetic counselors completed a 5-item genetic counselor process questionnaire (GCQ) assessing key elements of pre-test sessions (information delivery, emotional support, addressing questions and concerns, tailoring of session, and facilitation of decision- making) with the 479 female participants (TC, N=236; UC, N=243). The GCQ scores did not differ for TC vs. UC sessions (t (477) = 0.11, p = 0.910). However, multivariate analysis showed that participant race/ethnicity significantly predicted genetic counselor perceptions (β = 0.172, p<0.001) in that the GCQ scores were lower for minorities in TC and UC. Exploratory analyses suggested that GCQ scores may be associated with patient preference for UC versus TC (t (79) = 2.21, p=0.030). Additionally, we found that genetic counselor ratings of session effectiveness were generally concordant with patient perceptions of the session. These data indicate that genetic counselors perceive that key components of TC can be delivered as effectively as UC, and that these elements may contribute to specific aspects of patient satisfaction. However, undefined process differences may be present which account for lower counselor perceptions about the effectiveness of their sessions with minority women (i.e., those other than non-Hispanic Whites). We discuss other potential clinical and research implications of our findings. PMID:26969308

Impact of ozone observations on the structure of a tropical cyclone using coupled atmosphere-chemistry data assimilation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, S.; Park, S. K.; Zupanski, M.

2015-04-01

Since the air quality forecast is related to both chemistry and meteorology, the coupled atmosphere-chemistry data assimilation (DA) system is essential to air quality forecasting. Ozone (O3) plays an important role in chemical reactions and is usually assimilated in chemical DA. In tropical cyclones (TCs), O3 usually shows a lower concentration inside the eyewall and an elevated concentration around the eye, impacting atmospheric as well as chemical variables. To identify the impact of O3 observations on TC structure, including atmospheric and chemical information, we employed the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) with an ensemble-based DA algorithm - the maximum likelihood ensemble filter (MLEF). For a TC case that occurred over the East Asia, our results indicate that the ensemble forecast is reasonable, accompanied with larger background state uncertainty over the TC, and also over eastern China. Similarly, the assimilation of O3 observations impacts atmospheric and chemical variables near the TC and over eastern China. The strongest impact on air quality in the lower troposphere was over China, likely due to the pollution advection. In the vicinity of the TC, however, the strongest impact on chemical variables adjustment was at higher levels. The impact on atmospheric variables was similar in both over China and near the TC. The analysis results are validated using several measures that include the cost function, root-mean-squared error with respect to observations, and degrees of freedom for signal (DFS). All measures indicate a positive impact of DA on the analysis - the cost function and root mean square error have decreased by 16.9 and 8.87%, respectively. In particular, the DFS indicates a strong positive impact of observations in the TC area, with a weaker maximum over northeast China.

Ensemble data assimilation of total column ozone using a coupled meteorology-chemistry model and its impact on the structure of Typhoon Nabi (2005)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, S.; Park, S. K.; Zupanski, M.

2015-09-01

Ozone (O3) plays an important role in chemical reactions and is usually incorporated in chemical data assimilation (DA). In tropical cyclones (TCs), O3 usually shows a lower concentration inside the eyewall and an elevated concentration around the eye, impacting meteorological as well as chemical variables. To identify the impact of O3 observations on TC structure, including meteorological and chemical information, we developed a coupled meteorology-chemistry DA system by employing the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) and an ensemble-based DA algorithm - the maximum likelihood ensemble filter (MLEF). For a TC case that occurred over East Asia, Typhoon Nabi (2005), our results indicate that the ensemble forecast is reasonable, accompanied with larger background state uncertainty over the TC, and also over eastern China. Similarly, the assimilation of O3 observations impacts meteorological and chemical variables near the TC and over eastern China. The strongest impact on air quality in the lower troposphere was over China, likely due to the pollution advection. In the vicinity of the TC, however, the strongest impact on chemical variables adjustment was at higher levels. The impact on meteorological variables was similar in both over China and near the TC. The analysis results are verified using several measures that include the cost function, root mean square (RMS) error with respect to observations, and degrees of freedom for signal (DFS). All measures indicate a positive impact of DA on the analysis - the cost function and RMS error have decreased by 16.9 and 8.87 %, respectively. In particular, the DFS indicates a strong positive impact of observations in the TC area, with a weaker maximum over northeastern China.

Cost-Effectiveness of a Technology-Facilitated Depression Care Management Adoption Model in Safety-Net Primary Care Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

PubMed

Hay, Joel W; Lee, Pey-Jiuan; Jin, Haomiao; Guterman, Jeffrey J; Gross-Schulman, Sandra; Ell, Kathleen; Wu, Shinyi

2018-05-01

The Diabetes-Depression Care-Management Adoption Trial is a translational study of safety-net primary care predominantly Hispanic/Latino patients with type 2 diabetes in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of an information and communication technology (ICT)-facilitated depression care management program. Cost-effectiveness of the ICT-facilitated care (TC) delivery model was evaluated relative to a usual care (UC) and a supported care (SC) model. TC added automated low-intensity periodic depression assessment calls to patients. Patient-reported outcomes included the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey converted into quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and the 9-Item Patient Health Questionnaire-calculated depression-free days (DFDs). Costs and outcomes data were collected over a 24-month period (-6 to 0 months baseline, 0 to 18 months study intervention). A sample of 1406 patients (484 in UC, 480 in SC, and 442 in TC) was enrolled in the nonrandomized trial. TC had a significant improvement in DFDs (17.3; P = 0.011) and significantly greater 12-Item Short Form Health Survey utility improvement (2.1%; P = 0.031) compared with UC. Medical costs were statistically significantly lower for TC (-$2328; P = 0.001) relative to UC but not significantly lower than for SC. TC had more than a 50% probability of being cost-effective relative to SC at willingness-to-pay thresholds of more than $50,000/QALY. An ICT-facilitated depression care (TC) delivery model improved QALYs, DFDs, and medical costs. It was cost-effective compared with SC and dominant compared with UC. Copyright © 2017 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bone scintigraphy of the aged patient. 1. /sup 99m/Tc-polyphosphate bone scintigraphy (in Japanese)

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

Yamamoto, M.; Chiba, K.; Tanno, M.

Application and evaluation of a new bone-seeking radiopharmaceuticai, / sup 99m/Tc-polyphosphate are reported. Analysis of the image by digital color display data analyzer (Phosdac) was performed. The subjects of the study were cases at Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital ranging from 63 to 85 years old with several kinds of bone diseases. Polyphosphate kits (Diagnostic Isotopes, Inc.) were used to prepare /sup 99m/Tc, and a Rho/gamma HP gamma-camera was used for scintigraphy. The images obtained were analyzed by Phosdac to obtain clear image of the bone system. In the final preparation, presence of approximately 30% of free /sup 99m/Tc was noticedmore » by paper chromatography. /sup 99m/Tc- polyphosphate was cleared from the blood with a half time of about 60 min. Urinary excretion proved to be 40 to 60% within 24 hrs. The bone system was visualized rather clearly with high accumulation of the label in the diseased region in spite of the fact that geriatric cases had marked general osteoporotic tendencies. In some cases, ribs were clearly visualized, and different information from that of x-ray was obtained by scanning images. Data processing by Phosdac increased diagnostic accuracy by enhancing the difference of the density of the image as well as eliminating the background caused by free /sup 99m/TcO/sub 4/. In conclusion, /sup 99m/Tc-polyphosphate was proved to be useful for bone scanning in geriatric cases. A digital color display data analyzer was successfully applied for the processing of the original data. (auth)« less

RHENIUM SOLUBILITY IN BOROSILICATE NUCLEAR WASTE GLASS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROCESSING AND IMMOBILIZATION OF TECHNETIUM-99 (AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION WITH GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT)

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

AA KRUGER; A GOEL; CP RODRIGUEZ

2012-08-13

The immobilization of 99Tc in a suitable host matrix has proved a challenging task for researchers in the nuclear waste community around the world. At the Hanford site in Washington State in the U.S., the total amount of 99Tc in low-activity waste (LAW) is {approx} 1,300 kg and the current strategy is to immobilize the 99Tc in borosilicate glass with vitrification. In this context, the present article reports on the solubility and retention of rhenium, a nonradioactive surrogate for 99Tc, in a LAW sodium borosilicate glass. Due to the radioactive nature of technetium, rhenium was chosen as a simulant becausemore » of previously established similarities in ionic radii and other chemical aspects. The glasses containing target Re concentrations varying from 0 to10,000 ppm by mass were synthesized in vacuum-sealed quartz ampoules to minimize the loss of Re by volatilization during melting at 1000 DC. The rhenium was found to be present predominantly as Re7 + in all the glasses as observed by X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES). The solubility of Re in borosilicate glasses was determined to be {approx}3,000 ppm (by mass) using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). At higher rhenium concentrations, some additional material was retained in the glasses in the form of alkali perrhenate crystalline inclusions detected by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and laser ablation-ICP mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Assuming justifiably substantial similarities between Re7 + and Tc 7+ behavior in this glass system, these results implied that the processing and immobilization of 99Tc from radioactive wastes should not be limited by the solubility of 99Tc in borosilicate LAW glasses.« less

Short- and medium-term efficacy of a Web-based computer-tailored nutrition education intervention for adults including cognitive and environmental feedback: randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Springvloet, Linda; Lechner, Lilian; de Vries, Hein; Candel, Math J J M; Oenema, Anke

2015-01-19

Web-based, computer-tailored nutrition education interventions can be effective in modifying self-reported dietary behaviors. Traditional computer-tailored programs primarily targeted individual cognitions (knowledge, awareness, attitude, self-efficacy). Tailoring on additional variables such as self-regulation processes and environmental-level factors (the home food environment arrangement and perception of availability and prices of healthy food products in supermarkets) may improve efficacy and effect sizes (ES) of Web-based computer-tailored nutrition education interventions. This study evaluated the short- and medium-term efficacy and educational differences in efficacy of a cognitive and environmental feedback version of a Web-based computer-tailored nutrition education intervention on self-reported fruit, vegetable, high-energy snack, and saturated fat intake compared to generic nutrition information in the total sample and among participants who did not comply with dietary guidelines (the risk groups). A randomized controlled trial was conducted with a basic (tailored intervention targeting individual cognition and self-regulation processes; n=456), plus (basic intervention additionally targeting environmental-level factors; n=459), and control (generic nutrition information; n=434) group. Participants were recruited from the general population and randomly assigned to a study group. Self-reported fruit, vegetable, high-energy snack, and saturated fat intake were assessed at baseline and at 1- (T1) and 4-months (T2) postintervention using online questionnaires. Linear mixed model analyses examined group differences in change over time. Educational differences were examined with group×time×education interaction terms. In the total sample, the basic (T1: ES=-0.30; T2: ES=-0.18) and plus intervention groups (T1: ES=-0.29; T2: ES=-0.27) had larger decreases in high-energy snack intake than the control group. The basic version resulted in a larger decrease in saturated fat intake than the control intervention (T1: ES=-0.19; T2: ES=-0.17). In the risk groups, the basic version caused larger decreases in fat (T1: ES=-0.28; T2: ES=-0.28) and high-energy snack intake (T1: ES=-0.34; T2: ES=-0.20) than the control intervention. The plus version resulted in a larger increase in fruit (T1: ES=0.25; T2: ES=0.37) and a larger decrease in high-energy snack intake (T1: ES=-0.38; T2: ES=-0.32) than the control intervention. For high-energy snack intake, educational differences were found. Stratified analyses showed that the plus version was most effective for high-educated participants. Both intervention versions were more effective in improving some of the self-reported dietary behaviors than generic nutrition information, especially in the risk groups, among both higher- and lower-educated participants. For fruit intake, only the plus version was more effective than providing generic nutrition information. Although feasible, incorporating environmental-level information is time-consuming. Therefore, the basic version may be more feasible for further implementation, although inclusion of feedback on the arrangement of the home food environment and on availability and prices may be considered for fruit and, for high-educated people, for high-energy snack intake. Netherlands Trial Registry NTR3396; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=3396 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6VNZbdL6w).

Short- and Medium-Term Efficacy of a Web-Based Computer-Tailored Nutrition Education Intervention for Adults Including Cognitive and Environmental Feedback: Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Lechner, Lilian; de Vries, Hein; Candel, Math JJM; Oenema, Anke

2015-01-01

Background Web-based, computer-tailored nutrition education interventions can be effective in modifying self-reported dietary behaviors. Traditional computer-tailored programs primarily targeted individual cognitions (knowledge, awareness, attitude, self-efficacy). Tailoring on additional variables such as self-regulation processes and environmental-level factors (the home food environment arrangement and perception of availability and prices of healthy food products in supermarkets) may improve efficacy and effect sizes (ES) of Web-based computer-tailored nutrition education interventions. Objective This study evaluated the short- and medium-term efficacy and educational differences in efficacy of a cognitive and environmental feedback version of a Web-based computer-tailored nutrition education intervention on self-reported fruit, vegetable, high-energy snack, and saturated fat intake compared to generic nutrition information in the total sample and among participants who did not comply with dietary guidelines (the risk groups). Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted with a basic (tailored intervention targeting individual cognition and self-regulation processes; n=456), plus (basic intervention additionally targeting environmental-level factors; n=459), and control (generic nutrition information; n=434) group. Participants were recruited from the general population and randomly assigned to a study group. Self-reported fruit, vegetable, high-energy snack, and saturated fat intake were assessed at baseline and at 1- (T1) and 4-months (T2) postintervention using online questionnaires. Linear mixed model analyses examined group differences in change over time. Educational differences were examined with group×time×education interaction terms. Results In the total sample, the basic (T1: ES=–0.30; T2: ES=–0.18) and plus intervention groups (T1: ES=–0.29; T2: ES=–0.27) had larger decreases in high-energy snack intake than the control group. The basic version resulted in a larger decrease in saturated fat intake than the control intervention (T1: ES=–0.19; T2: ES=–0.17). In the risk groups, the basic version caused larger decreases in fat (T1: ES=–0.28; T2: ES=–0.28) and high-energy snack intake (T1: ES=–0.34; T2: ES=–0.20) than the control intervention. The plus version resulted in a larger increase in fruit (T1: ES=0.25; T2: ES=0.37) and a larger decrease in high-energy snack intake (T1: ES=–0.38; T2: ES=–0.32) than the control intervention. For high-energy snack intake, educational differences were found. Stratified analyses showed that the plus version was most effective for high-educated participants. Conclusions Both intervention versions were more effective in improving some of the self-reported dietary behaviors than generic nutrition information, especially in the risk groups, among both higher- and lower-educated participants. For fruit intake, only the plus version was more effective than providing generic nutrition information. Although feasible, incorporating environmental-level information is time-consuming. Therefore, the basic version may be more feasible for further implementation, although inclusion of feedback on the arrangement of the home food environment and on availability and prices may be considered for fruit and, for high-educated people, for high-energy snack intake. Trial Registration Netherlands Trial Registry NTR3396; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=3396 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6VNZbdL6w). PMID:25599828

Field induced phase transition in layered honeycomb spin system α-RuCl3 studied by thermal conductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leahy, Ian; Bornstein, Alex; Choi, Kwang-Yong; Lee, Minhyea

α -RuCl3, a quasi -two-dimensional honeycomb lattice is known to be a candidate material to realize the Heisenberg-Kitaev spin model of a highly anisotropic bond-dependent exchange interaction. We investigate in-plane thermal conductivity (κ) as a function of temperature (T) and in-plane applied field (H). At H = 0 , the onset of a strong increase in κ marks the spontaneous long range ordering temperature, Tc = 6 . 5 K , corresponding to ``zigzag'' antiferromagnetic ordering. A broad peak appearing below Tc in κ was found to be suppressed significantly as H increases up to ~ 7 T , implying the system undergoes a field-induced transition from ordered to a new spin-disordered state analogous to the transverse-field Ising model. Further increasing H above 7 . 1 T , the large field seems to begin polarizing spins thus increasing the phonon mean free path, resulting in a significant rise in κ. This tendency is clearly shown in the field dependence of κ below Tc, which has a pronounced minimum at Hmin = 7 . 1 T . We will discuss our scaling analysis to characterize this field-induced phase transition and compare to the transverse-field Ising spin system. Work at the University of Colorado was supported by the US DOE Basic Energy Sciences under Award No. DE-SC0006888.

New superconductor LixFe1+δSe (x ≤ 0.07, Tc up to 44 K) by an electrochemical route

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alekseeva, Anastasia M.; Drozhzhin, Oleg A.; Dosaev, Kirill A.; Antipov, Evgeny V.; Zakharov, Konstantin V.; Volkova, Olga S.; Chareev, Dmitriy A.; Vasiliev, Alexander N.; Koz, Cevriye; Schwarz, Ulrich; Rosner, Helge; Grin, Yuri

2016-05-01

The superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of tetragonal Fe1+δSe was enhanced from 8.5 K to 44 K by chemical structure modification. While insertion of large alkaline cations like K or solvated lithium and iron cations in the interlayer space, the [Fe2Se2] interlayer separation increases significantly from 5.5 Å in native Fe1+δSe to >7 Å in KxFe1-ySe and to >9 Å in Li1-xFex(OH)Fe1-ySe, we report on an electrochemical route to modify the superconducting properties of Fe1+δSe. In contrast to conventional chemical (solution) techniques, the electrochemical approach allows to insert non-solvated Li+ into the Fe1+δSe structure which preserves the native arrangement of [Fe2Se2] layers and their small separation. The amount of intercalated lithium is extremely small (about 0.07 Li+ per f.u.), however, its incorporation results in the enhancement of Tc up to ˜44 K. The quantum-mechanical calculations show that Li occupies the octahedrally coordinated position, while the [Fe2Se2] layers remain basically unmodified. The obtained enhancement of the electronic density of states at the Fermi level clearly exceeds the effect expected on basis of rigid band behavior.

Horizontal Transfer of Tetracycline Resistance Genes in the Subsurface of a Poultry Farm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

You, Y.; Ward, M.; Hilpert, M.

2008-12-01

Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are considered to be important man-made reservoirs of antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes. At a poultry farm, we, together with Mr.~James Doolittle from USDA, measured the apparent subsurface electrical conductivity (ECa) using a EM38 meter. The resulting ECaR) associated with the poultry farm due to the fact that tetracycline (Tc) is one of the most frequently used antibiotics in food animal production and therefore is probably used at this farm. Soil and aquifer samples were taken from the farm. TcR bacteria were detected, with higher concentrations in the top layer of soil than in the aquifer. TcR bacteria were then enriched from a soil sample, and two classes of TcR genes were detected: tet(M) genes encoding ribosomal protection proteins and tet(L) genes encoding tet efflux pumps. Sequences of the PCR products were compared to known tet(M) and tet(L) genes in GenBank using BLASTN. Phylogenetic trees were also built based on the sequence information. The tet(M) genes found in our soil sample were highly similar to those located on transposons. In a soil microcosm experiment, we used the aforementioned soil sample as incubation medium as well as genetic donor (TcR soil bacteria), and a green fluorescent strain of E. coli as a model genetic recipient to study horizontal transfer of TcR genes from soil bacteria to naïve bacteria. Concentrations of inoculated E. coli were continuously monitored for 15 days, TcR E. coli isolated, and colony PCR performed. The tet(M) genes were found to be transferred to naïve E. coli. The highest horizontal transfer ratio, 0.62 transconjugant per recipient, was observed when Tc was supplemented to a soil microcosm at a concentration of 140 μg/kg soil. Modeling is also ongoing to obtain a better understanding of this complex phenomenon.

Accurate prediction of collapse temperature using optical coherence tomography-based freeze-drying microscopy.

PubMed

Greco, Kristyn; Mujat, Mircea; Galbally-Kinney, Kristin L; Hammer, Daniel X; Ferguson, R Daniel; Iftimia, Nicusor; Mulhall, Phillip; Sharma, Puneet; Kessler, William J; Pikal, Michael J

2013-06-01

The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of developing and applying a laboratory tool that can provide three-dimensional product structural information during freeze-drying and which can accurately characterize the collapse temperature (Tc ) of pharmaceutical formulations designed for freeze-drying. A single-vial freeze dryer coupled with optical coherence tomography freeze-drying microscopy (OCT-FDM) was developed to investigate the structure and Tc of formulations in pharmaceutically relevant products containers (i.e., freeze-drying in vials). OCT-FDM was used to measure the Tc and eutectic melt of three formulations in freeze-drying vials. The Tc as measured by OCT-FDM was found to be predictive of freeze-drying with a batch of vials in a conventional laboratory freeze dryer. The freeze-drying cycles developed using OCT-FDM data, as compared with traditional light transmission freeze-drying microscopy (LT-FDM), resulted in a significant reduction in primary drying time, which could result in a substantial reduction of manufacturing costs while maintaining product quality. OCT-FDM provides quantitative data to justify freeze-drying at temperatures higher than the Tc measured by LT-FDM and provides a reliable upper limit to setting a product temperature in primary drying. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Factors affecting temperature variation and habitat use in free-ranging diamondback terrapins.

PubMed

Akins, C D; Ruder, C D; Price, S J; Harden, L A; Gibbons, J W; Dorcas, M E

2014-08-01

Measuring the thermal conditions of aquatic reptiles with temperature dataloggers is a cost-effective way to study their behavior and habitat use. Temperature dataloggers are a particularly useful and informative approach to studying organisms such as the estuarine diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) that inhabits a dynamic environment often inaccessible to researchers. We used carapace-mounted dataloggers to measure hourly carapace temperature (Tc) of free-ranging terrapins in South Carolina from October 2007 to 2008 to examine the effects of month, sex, creek site, and tide on Tc and to determine the effects of month, sex, and time of day on terrapin basking frequency. Simultaneous measurements of environmental temperatures (Te; shallow mud, deep mud, water) allowed us to make inferences about terrapin microhabitat use. Terrapin Tc differed significantly among months and creek and between sexes. Terrapin microhabitat use also varied monthly, with shallow mud temperature being the best predictor of Tc November-March and water temperature being the best predictor of Tc April-October. Terrapins basked most frequently in spring and fall and males basked more frequently than females. Our study contributes to a fuller understanding of terrapin thermal biology and provides support for using dataloggers to investigate behavior and habitat use of aquatic ectotherms inhabiting dynamic environments. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cloning and characterization of a DNA polymerase beta gene from Trypanosoma cruzi.

PubMed

Venegas, Juan A; Aslund, Lena; Solari, Aldo

2009-06-01

A gene coding for a DNA polymerase beta from the Trypanosoma cruzi Miranda clone, belonging to the TcI lineage, was cloned (Miranda Tcpol beta), using the information from eight peptides of the T. cruzi beta-like DNA polymerase purified previously. The gene encodes for a protein of 403 amino acids which is very similar to the two T. cruzi CL Brener (TcIIe lineage) sequences published, but has three different residues in highly conserved segments. At the amino acid level, the identity of TcI-pol beta with mitochondrial pol beta and pol beta-PAK from other trypanosomatids was between 68-80% and 22-30%, respectively. Miranda Tc-pol beta protein has an N-terminal sequence similar to that described in the mitochondrial Crithidia fasciculata pol beta, which suggests that the TcI-pol beta plays a role in the organelle. Northern and Western analyses showed that this T. cruzi gene is highly expressed both in proliferative and non-proliferative developmental forms. These results suggest that, in addition to replication of kDNA in proliferative cells, this enzyme may have another function in non-proliferative cells, such as DNA repair role similar to that which has extensively been described in a vast spectrum of eukaryotic cells.

Detection of cerebral collateral circulation with Tc-99m HMPAO radionuclide angiography in cerebrovascular diseases: Delayed filling-in sign

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

Ueno, K.

1994-05-01

In patients with internal carotid and major cerebral arterial obstructions, it is clinically important to know the presence of collateral circulation. However, this information is not available from Tc-99m HMPAO perfusion SPECT alone. To investigate the usefulness of Tc-99m HMPAO radionuclide angiography (RNA) in the diagnosis of collaterals, we retrospectively studied 39 patients (pts) cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) with HMPAO RNA and SPECT. Contrast angiography was done on all pts. Of these, 11 internal carotid artery (ICA), 1 anterior cerebral artery (ACA), and 3 middle cerebral artery (MCA) obstructions were found angiographically. Non- or decreased visualization of ICA was found inmore » 11 of 11 pts of ICA obstruction. In 1 pt of ICA obstruction, the collaterals were directly visualized with RNA. Early perfusion deficient area with delayed filling-in with Tc-HMPAO was found in 7 of 11 pts of ICA, 1 of 1 pt of ACA, and 2 of 3 pts of MCA obstructions. In all pts with the delayed filling-in sign on RNA, collateral circulations were confirmed angiographically. We conclude that the delayed filling-in of Tc-HMPAO is a useful sign of collateral circulation in the CVD pts.« less

Process-Oriented Diagnostics of Tropical Cyclones in Global Climate Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moon, Y.; Kim, D.; Camargo, S. J.; Wing, A. A.; Sobel, A. H.; Bosilovich, M. G.; Murakami, H.; Reed, K. A.; Vecchi, G. A.; Wehner, M. F.; Zarzycki, C. M.; Zhao, M.

2017-12-01

Simulating tropical cyclone (TC) activity with global climate models (GCMs) remains a challenging problem. While some GCMs are able to simulate TC activity that is in good agreement with the observations, many other models exhibit strong biases. Decreasing horizontal grid spacing of the GCM simulations tends to improve the characteristics of simulated TCs, but this enhancement alone does not necessarily lead to greater skill in simulating TC activity. This study uses process-based diagnostics to identify model characteristics that could explain why some GCM simulations are able to produce more realistic TC activity than others. The diagnostics examine how convection, moisture, clouds and related processes are coupled at individual grid points, which yields useful information into how convective parameterizations interact with resolved model dynamics. These diagnostics share similarities with those originally developed to examine the Madden-Julian Oscillations in climate models. This study will examine TCs in eight different GCM simulations performed at NOAA/GFDL, NCAR and NASA that have different horizontal resolutions and ocean coupling. Preliminary results suggest that stronger TCs are closely associated with greater rainfall - thus greater diabatic heating - in the inner-core regions of the storms, which is consistent with previous theoretical studies. Other storm characteristics that can be used to infer why GCM simulations with comparable horizontal grid spacings produce different TC activity will be examined.

The Teleconnection Between Atlantic Sea Surface Temperature and Eastern Pacific Tropical Cyclones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patricola, C. M.; Saravanan, R.; Chang, P.

2016-12-01

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a major source of seasonal tropical cyclone (TC) predictability, in both local and remote ocean basins. Unusually warm eastern tropical Pacific sea-surface temperature (SST) during El Niño tends not only to enhance local TC activity in the eastern North Pacific (ENP) but also to suppress Atlantic TCs via well-known teleconnections. Here, we demonstrate that Atlantic SST variability likewise exerts a significant influence on remote TC activity in the eastern Pacific basin using observations and 27 km resolution tropical channel model simulations. Observed and simulated accumulated cyclone energy in the ENP is substantially reduced during the positive phase of the Atlantic Meridional Mode (AMM), which is characterized by warm and cool SST anomalies in the northern and southern tropical Atlantic respectively, and vice versa during the cool AMM phase. We find that the observed anti-correlation in seasonal TC activity between the Atlantic and ENP basins is driven by interannual climate variability in both the tropical Pacific (ENSO) and Atlantic (AMM). The physical mechanisms that drive the teleconnection between Atlantic SST and ENP TC activity will also be presented. This work provides information that can be used to improve seasonal forecasts and future projections of ENP tropical cyclone activity.

The diversity of the Chagas parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, infecting the main Central American vector, Triatoma dimidiata, from Mexico to Colombia

PubMed Central

Waleckx, Etienne; Woods, Adrienne S.; Monroy, Maria Carlota; Stevens, Lori

2017-01-01

Little is known about the strains of Trypanosoma cruzi circulating in Central America and specifically in the most important vector in this region, Triatoma dimidiata. Approximately six million people are infected with T. cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, which has the greatest negative economic impact and is responsible for ~12,000 deaths annually in Latin America. By international consensus, strains of T. cruzi are divided into six monophyletic clades called discrete typing units (DTUs TcI-VI) and a seventh DTU first identified in bats called TcBat. TcI shows the greatest geographic range and diversity. Identifying strains present and diversity within these strains is important as different strains and their genotypes may cause different pathologies and may circulate in different localities and transmission cycles, thus impacting control efforts, treatment and vaccine development. To determine parasite strains present in T. dimidiata across its geographic range from Mexico to Colombia, we isolated abdominal DNA from T. dimidiata and determined which specimens were infected with T. cruzi by PCR. Strains from infected insects were determined by comparing the sequence of the 18S rDNA and the spliced-leader intergenic region to typed strains in GenBank. Two DTUs were found: 94% of infected T. dimidiata contained TcI and 6% contained TcIV. TcI exhibited high genetic diversity. Geographic structure of TcI haplotypes was evident by Principal Component and Median-Joining Network analyses as well as a significant result in the Mantel test, indicating isolation by distance. There was little evidence of association with TcI haplotypes and host/vector or ecotope. This study provides new information about the strains circulating in the most important Chagas vector in Central America and reveals considerable variability within TcI as well as geographic structuring at this large geographic scale. The lack of association with particular vectors/hosts or ecotopes suggests the parasites are moving among vectors/hosts and ecotopes therefore a comprehensive approach, such as the Ecohealth approach that makes houses refractory to the vectors will be needed to successfully halt transmission of Chagas disease. PMID:28957315

Computational Studies on Sirtuins from Trypanosoma cruzi: Structures, Conformations and Interactions with Phytochemicals

PubMed Central

Sacconnay, Lionel; Angleviel, Melissa; Randazzo, Giuseppe Marco; Marçal Ferreira Queiroz, Marcos; Ferreira Queiroz, Emerson; Wolfender, Jean-Luc; Carrupt, Pierre-Alain; Nurisso, Alessandra

2014-01-01

Background The silent-information regulator 2 proteins, otherwise called sirtuins, are currently considered as emerging anti-parasitic targets. Nicotinamide, a pan-sirtuin inhibitor, is known to cause kinetoplast alterations and the arrested growth of T. cruzi, the protozoan responsible for Chagas disease. These observations suggested that sirtuins from this parasite (TcSir2rp1 and TcSir2rp3) could play an important role in the regulation of the parasitic cell cycle. Thus, their inhibition could be exploited for the development of novel anti-trypanosomal compounds. Methods Homology modeling was used to determine the three-dimensional features of the sirtuin TcSir2rp1 from T. cruzi. The apo-form of human SIRT2 and the same structure solved in complex with its co-substrate NAD+ allowed the modeling of TcSir2rp1 in the open and closed conformational states. Molecular docking studies were then carried out. A library composed of fifty natural and diverse compounds that are known to be active against this parasite, was established based on the literature and virtually screened against TcSir2rp1 and TcSir2rp3, which was previously modeled by our group. Results In this study, two conformational states of TcSir2rp1 were described for the first time. The molecular docking results of compounds capable of binding sirtuins proved to be meaningful when the closed conformation of the protein was taken into account for calculations. This specific conformation was then used for the virtual screening of antritrypanosomal phytochemicals against TcSir2rp1 and TcSir2rp3. The calculations identified a limited number of scaffolds extracted from Vismia orientalis, Cussonia zimmermannii, Amomum aculeatum and Anacardium occidentale that potentially interact with both proteins. Conclusions The study provided reliable models for future structure-based drug design projects concerning sirtuins from T. cruzi. Molecular docking studies highlighted not only the advantages of performing in silico interaction studies on their closed conformations but they also suggested the potential mechanism of action of four phytochemicals known for their anti-trypanosomal activity in vitro. PMID:24551254

Assessment of functional liver reserve: old and new in 99mTc-sulfur colloid scintigraphy.

PubMed

Matesan, Manuela M; Bowen, Stephen R; Chapman, Tobias R; Miyaoka, Robert S; Velez, James W; Wanner, Michele F; Nyflot, Matthew J; Apisarnthanarax, Smith; Vesselle, Hubert J

2017-07-01

A semiquantitative assessment of hepatic reticuloendothelial system function using colloidal particles scintigraphy has been proposed previously as a surrogate for liver function evaluation. In this article, we present an updated method for the overall assessment of technetium-99m (Tc)-sulfur colloid (SC) biodistribution that combines information from planar and attenuation-corrected Tc-SC single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images. The imaging protocol described here was developed as an easy-to-implement method to assess overall and regional liver function changes associated with chronic liver disease. Thirty patients with chronic liver disease and primary liver cancers underwent Tc-SC whole-body planar imaging and upper-abdomen SPECT/computed tomography (CT) imaging before external beam radiation therapy. Liver plus spleen and bone marrow counts as a fraction of whole-body total counts were calculated from SC planar imaging. Attenuation correction Tc-SC images were rigidly coregistered with treatment planning CT images that contained liver and spleen regions-of-interest. Ratios of total liver counts to total spleen counts were obtained from the aligned Tc-SC SPECT and CT images, and were subsequently used to separate liver plus spleen counts obtained on the planar images. This hybrid SPECT/CT and planar scintigraphy approach yielded an updated estimation of whole-body SC distribution. These biodistribution estimates were compared with historical data for reference. Statistical associations of Tc-SC biodistribution to liver function parameters and liver disease scoring systems (Child-Pugh) were evaluated by Spearman rank correlation. Percentages of Tc-SC uptake ranged from 19.3 to 77.3% for the liver; 3.4 to 40.7% for the spleen; and 19.0 to 56.7% for the bone marrow. Spearman's correlation coefficient showed a significant statistical association between Child-Pugh score and bone marrow uptake at 0.55 (P≤0.05), liver uptake at 0.71 (P≤0.001), spleen uptake at 0.56 (P≤0.05), and spleen plus bone marrow uptake at 0.71 (P≤0.001). There was also a good correlation of SC uptake percentages with individual quantitative liver function components such as albumin and total bilirubin, and qualitative liver function components (varices, portal hypertension, ascites). For albumin: r=0.64 (P<0.001) compared with liver uptake percentage from the whole-body counts, r=0.49 (P<0.001) compared with splenic uptake percentage, and r=0.45 (P≤0.05) compared with bone marrow uptake percentage. We describe a novel liver function quantitative assessment method that combines whole-body planar images and SPECT/CT attenuation-corrected images of Tc-SC distribution. Attenuation-corrected SC images provide valuable regional liver function information, which is a unique feature compared with other imaging methods available. The results of our study indicate that the Tc-SC uptake by the liver, spleen, and bone marrow correlates with liver function parameters in patients with diffuse liver disease and the correlation with liver disease severity is slightly better for liver uptake percentages than for individual values of bone marrow and spleen uptake percentages.

Wireless Telemetry and Command (T and C) Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jiang, Hui; Horan, Stephen

2000-01-01

The Wireless Telemetry and Command (T&C) program is to investigate methods of using commercial telecommunications service providers to support command and telemetry services between a remote user and a base station. While the initial development is based on ground networks, the development is being done with an eye towards future space communications needs. Both NASA and the Air Force have indicated a plan to consider the use of commercial telecommunications providers to support their space missions. To do this, there will need to be an understanding of the requirements and limitations of interfacing with the commercial providers. The eventual payoff will be the reduced operations cost and the ability to tap into commercial services being developed by the commercial networks. This should enable easier realization of EP services to the end points, commercial routing of data, and quicker integration of new services into the space mission operations. Therefore, the ultimate goal of this program is not just to provide wireless radio communications for T&C services but to enhance those services through wireless networking and provider enhancements that come with the networks. In the following chapters, the detailed technical procedure will be showed step by step. Chapter 2 will talk about the general idea of simulation as well as the implementation of data acquisition including sensor array data and GPS data. Chapter 3 will talk about how to use LabVEEW and Component Works to do wireless communication simulation and how to distribute the real-time information over the Internet by using Visual Basic and ActiveX controls. Also talk about the test configuration and validation. Chapter 4 will show the test results both from In-Lab test and Networking Test. Chapter 5 will summarize the whole procedure and give the perspective for the future consideration.

pTcGW plasmid vectors 1.1 version: a versatile tool for Trypanosoma cruzi gene characterisation

PubMed Central

Kugeratski, Fernanda G; Batista, Michel; Inoue, Alexandre Haruo; Ramos, Bruno Dias; Krieger, Marco Aurelio; Marchini/, Fabricio K

2015-01-01

The functional characterisation of thousands of Trypanosoma cruzi genes remains a challenge. Reverse genetics approaches compatible with high-throughput cloning strategies can provide the tool needed to tackle this challenge. We previously published the pTcGW platform, composed by plasmid vectors carrying different options of N-terminal fusion tags based on Gateway® technology. Here, we present an improved 1.1 version of pTcGW vectors, which is characterised by a fully flexible structure allowing an easy customisation of each element of the vectors in a single cloning step. Additionally, both N and C-terminal fusions are available with new tag options for protein complexes purification. Three of the newly created vectors were successfully used to determine the cellular localisation of four T. cruzi proteins. The 1.1 version of pTcGW platform can be used in a variety of assays, such as protein overexpression, identification of protein-protein interaction and protein localisation. This powerful and versatile tool allows adding valuable functional information to T. cruzi genes and is freely available for scientific community. PMID:26200713

[General and ethical considerations for the informed consent process: Guidelines from the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC)].

PubMed

Thibert, Jean-Baptiste; Polomeni, Alice; Yakoub-Agha, Ibrahim; Bordessoule, Dominique

2016-11-01

Informed consent is not restricted to clinical research and must be applied to high-risk care such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. If standardized informed consent might improve inequalities in medical practices between different transplantation centers, it is strongly recommended that it be adapted with an honest dialogue between physicians and patients and physicians and donors. In an attempt to harmonize clinical practices among French hematopoietic stem cell transplantation centers, the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC) held its sixth annual workshop series in September 2015 in Lille. This event brought together practitioners from across the country. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the French law concerning patients' rights and ethical practices for an informed consent process to be applied to care or research. Copyright © 2016 Société Française du Cancer. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Enhanced 99 Tc retention in glass waste form using Tc(IV)-incorporated Fe minerals

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

Um, Wooyong; Luksic, Steven A.; Wang, Guohui

Technetium (99Tc) immobilization by doping into iron oxide mineral phases may alleviate the problems with Tc volatility during vitrification of nuclear waste. Reduced Tc, Tc(IV), substitutes for Fe(III) in the crystal structure by a process of Tc reduction from Tc(VII) to Tc(IV) followed by co-precipitation of Fe oxide minerals. Two Tc-incorporated Fe minerals (Tc-goethite and Tc-magnetite/maghemite) were prepared and tested for Tc retention in glass melt samples at temperatures between 600 – 1,000 oC. After being cooled, the solid glass specimens prepared at different temperatures were analyzed for Tc oxidation state using Tc K-edge XANES. In most samples, Tc wasmore » partially oxidized from Tc(IV) to Tc(VII) as the melt temperature increased. However, Tc retention in glass melt samples prepared using Tc-incorporated Fe minerals were moderately higher than in glass prepared using KTcO4 because of limited and delayed Tc volatilization.« less

Laves phase UTi2 stabilized by hydrogen and its magnetic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buturlim, V.; Havela, L.; Sowa, S.; Kim-Ngan, N.-. T. H.; Paukov, M.; Drozdenko, D.; Dopita, M.; Minarik, P.; Mašková, S.

2018-05-01

We describe basic magnetic properties of uranium-based hydrides UTi2Hx, reported in literature as a cubic Laves phase, although the UTi2 binary phase does not exist. Using a high-temperature hydrogenation, we successfully synthesized two types of such hydrides, presumably with different H concentrations, one with a smaller lattice parameter a = 850.3 pm, which is a paramagnet close to the verge of magnetic ordering, the other with a = 858.8 pm, with a ferromagnetic ground state and ordering temperature TC = 54 K.

REVIEW ARTICLE: Unconventional isotope effects in the high-temperature cuprate superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Guo-meng; Keller, H.; Conder, K.

2001-07-01

We review various isotope effects in the high-Tc cuprate superconductors to assess the role of the electron-phonon interaction in the basic physics of these materials. Of particular interest are the unconventional isotope effects on the supercarrier mass, on the charge-stripe formation temperature, on the pseudogap formation temperature, on the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) linewidth, on the spin-glass freezing temperature and on the antiferromagnetic ordering temperature. The observed unconventional isotope effects strongly suggest that lattice vibrations play an important role in the microscopic pairing mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity.

Automatic Generation of Taylor Series in Pascal-SC: Basic Operations and Applications to Ordinary Differential Equations.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-03-01

facilities built into the language compiler itself can be used to generate _imanchAe-C-d, for the evaluatiomn la ’ fficients.) Examples of such languages...Dy mtt ss. I I I I I I I I I,ase.TC11) - 0 1 I =- M 3 (SM) By Mse rede a• I RA IQ BZ yrcrec Table 4.1. Resolution of Cases for e. Consider a series...von Gudenberg. Gesmte Arithmetik des PASCAL-SC Rechners: Benutzerhandbuch. Institute for Applied Mathematics, University of Karlsruhe, 1981. -33- 4

Cry1F resistance among lepidopteran pests: a model for improved resistance management?

PubMed

Vélez, Ana M; Vellichirammal, Neetha Nanoth; Jurat-Fuentes, Juan Luis; Siegfried, Blair D

2016-06-01

The Cry1Fa protein from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is known for its potential to control lepidopteran pests, especially through transgenic expression in maize and cotton. The maize event TC1507 expressing the cry1Fa toxin gene became commercially available in the United States in 2003 for the management of key lepidopteran pests including the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, and the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. A high-dose/refuge strategy has been widely adopted to delay evolution of resistance to event TC1507 and other transgenic Bt crops. Efficacy of this strategy depends on the crops expressing a high dose of the Bt toxin to targeted pests and adjacent refuges of non-Bt host plants serving as a source of abundant susceptible insects. While this strategy has proved effective in delaying O. nubilalis resistance, field-evolved resistance to event TC1507 has been reported in S. frugiperda populations in Puerto Rico, Brazil, and the southeastern United States. This paper examines available information on resistance to Cry1Fa in O. nubilalis and S. frugiperda and discusses how this information identifies opportunities to refine resistance management recommendations for Bt maize. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Period-mass-loss rate relation of Miras (Uttenthaler, 2013)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uttenthaler, S.

2013-06-01

Table 1 is a collection of information on the technetium (Tc) content, pulsation period, and IR photometry of AGB variables, without claim of completeness, in particular for the semi-regular variables (SRVs). Up to three references on the Tc content are given. The pulsation period is the most up-to-date value possible, for many objects based on an analysis of AAVSO data with the Period04 program (Lenz & Breger, 2005CoAst.146...53L). The spectral (or chemical) type of the star is taken from the same literature as the information on Tc. A mean K magnitude and J-K colour is computed from all available literature, as listed in Sect. 2 of the paper; they are meant to be as close as possible to cycle-averaged values, to average out the variability of the objects. Finally, magnitudes are given in the IRAS 12, 25, and 60 micron bands, Akari 9 and 18 micron bands, and WISE 22 micron bands are given, where fluxes have been converted to magnitudes given the zero-magnitude fluxes as given in the Note to Table 1. (1 data file).

CIS4/403: Design and Implementation of an Intranet-based system for Real-Time Tele-Consultation in Oncology

PubMed Central

Eccher, C; Berloffa, F; Demichelis, F; Larcher, B; Galvagni, M; Sboner, A; Graiff, A; Forti, S

1999-01-01

Introduction This study describes a tele-consultation system (TCS) developed to provide a computing environment over a Wide Area Network (WAN) in North Italy (Province of Trento), that can be used by two or more physicians to share medical data and to work co-operatively on medical records. A pilot study has been carried out in oncology to assess the effectiveness of the system. The aim of this project is to facilitate the management of oncology patients by improving communication among the specialists of central and district hospitals. Methods and Results The TCS is an Intranet-based solution. The Intranet is based on a PC WAN with Windows NT Server, Microsoft SQL Server, and Internet Information Server. TCS is composed of native and custom applications developed in the Microsoft Windows (9x and NT) environment. The basic component of the system is the multimedia digital medical record, structured as a collection of HTML and ASP pages. A distributed relational database will allow users to store and retrieve medical records, accessed by a dedicated Web browser via the Web Server. The medical data to be stored and the presentation architecture of the clinical record had been determined in close collaboration with the clinicians involved in the project. TCS will allow a multi-point tele-consultation (TC) among two or more participants on remote computers, providing synchronized surfing through the clinical report. A set of collaborative and personal tools, whiteboard with drawing tools, point-to-point digital audio-conference, chat, local notepad, e-mail service, are integrated in the system to provide an user friendly environment. TCS has been developed as a client-server architecture. The client part of the system is based on the Microsoft Web Browser control and provides the user interface and the tools described above. The server part, running all the time on a dedicated computer, accepts connection requests and manages the connections among the participants in a TC, allowing multiple TC to run simultaneously. TCS has been developed in Visual C++ environment using MFC library and COM technology; ActiveX controls have been written in Visual Basic to perform dedicated tasks from the inside of the HTML clinical report. Before deploying the system in the hospital departments involved in the project, TCS has been tested in our laboratory by clinicians involved in the project to evaluate the usability of the system. Discussion TCS has the potential to support a "multi-disciplinary distributed virtual oncological meeting". The specialists of different departments and of different hospitals can attend "virtual meetings" and interactively discuss on medical data. An expected benefit of the "virtual meeting" should be the possibility to provide expert remote advice from oncologists to peripheral cancer units in formulating treatment plans, conducting follow-up sessions and supporting clinical research.

Enhanced 99Tc retention in glass waste form using Tc(IV)-incorporated Fe minerals

DOE PAGES

Um, Wooyong; Luksic, Steven A.; Wang, Guohui; ...

2017-09-07

We present that technetium ( 99Tc) immobilization by doping into iron oxide mineral phases may alleviate the problems with Tc volatility during vitrification of nuclear waste. Because reduced Tc, Tc(IV), substitutes for Fe(III) in the crystal structure by a process of Tc reduction from Tc(VII) to Tc(IV) followed by co-precipitation of Fe oxide minerals, two Tc-incorporated Fe minerals (Tc-goethite and Tc-magnetite/maghemite) were prepared and tested for Tc retention in glass melt samples at temperatures between 600 and 1000 °C. After being cooled, the solid glass specimens prepared at different temperatures at 600, 800, and 1000 °C were analyzed for Tcmore » oxidation state using Tc K-edge XANES. In most samples, Tc was partially (<60%) oxidized from Tc(IV) to Tc(VII) as the melt temperature increased up to 600 °C. However, most of Tc(IV) was completely (>95%) oxidized to Tc(VII) at temperature above 800 °C. Tc retention in glass melt samples prepared using Tc-incorporated Fe minerals were slightly higher (~10%) than in glass prepared using KTcO4 because of limited and delayed Tc volatilization.« less

Enhanced 99Tc retention in glass waste form using Tc(IV)-incorporated Fe minerals

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

Um, Wooyong; Luksic, Steven A.; Wang, Guohui

We present that technetium ( 99Tc) immobilization by doping into iron oxide mineral phases may alleviate the problems with Tc volatility during vitrification of nuclear waste. Because reduced Tc, Tc(IV), substitutes for Fe(III) in the crystal structure by a process of Tc reduction from Tc(VII) to Tc(IV) followed by co-precipitation of Fe oxide minerals, two Tc-incorporated Fe minerals (Tc-goethite and Tc-magnetite/maghemite) were prepared and tested for Tc retention in glass melt samples at temperatures between 600 and 1000 °C. After being cooled, the solid glass specimens prepared at different temperatures at 600, 800, and 1000 °C were analyzed for Tcmore » oxidation state using Tc K-edge XANES. In most samples, Tc was partially (<60%) oxidized from Tc(IV) to Tc(VII) as the melt temperature increased up to 600 °C. However, most of Tc(IV) was completely (>95%) oxidized to Tc(VII) at temperature above 800 °C. Tc retention in glass melt samples prepared using Tc-incorporated Fe minerals were slightly higher (~10%) than in glass prepared using KTcO4 because of limited and delayed Tc volatilization.« less

New insights into Trypanosoma cruzi evolution, genotyping and molecular diagnostics from satellite DNA sequence analysis.

PubMed

Ramírez, Juan C; Torres, Carolina; Curto, María de Los A; Schijman, Alejandro G

2017-12-01

Trypanosoma cruzi has been subdivided into seven Discrete Typing Units (DTUs), TcI-TcVI and Tcbat. Two major evolutionary models have been proposed to explain the origin of hybrid lineages, but while it is widely accepted that TcV and TcVI are the result of genetic exchange between TcII and TcIII strains, the origin of TcIII and TcIV is still a matter of debate. T. cruzi satellite DNA (SatDNA), comprised of 195 bp units organized in tandem repeats, from both TcV and TcVI stocks were found to have SatDNA copies type TcI and TcII; whereas contradictory results were observed for TcIII stocks and no TcIV sequence has been analyzed yet. Herein, we have gone deeper into this matter analyzing 335 distinct SatDNA sequences from 19 T. cruzi stocks representative of DTUs TcI-TcVI for phylogenetic inference. Bayesian phylogenetic tree showed that all sequences were grouped in three major clusters, which corresponded to sequences from DTUs TcI/III, TcII and TcIV; whereas TcV and TcVI stocks had two sets of sequences distributed into TcI/III and TcII clusters. As expected, the lowest genetic distances were found between TcI and TcIII, and between TcV and TcVI sequences; whereas the highest ones were observed between TcII and TcI/III, and among TcIV sequences and those from the remaining DTUs. In addition, signature patterns associated to specific T. cruzi lineages were identified and new primers that improved SatDNA-based qPCR sensitivity were designed. Our findings support the theory that TcIII is not the result of a hybridization event between TcI and TcII, and that TcIV had an independent origin from the other DTUs, contributing to clarifying the evolutionary history of T. cruzi lineages. Moreover, this work opens the possibility of typing samples from Chagas disease patients with low parasitic loads and improving molecular diagnostic methods of T. cruzi infection based on SatDNA sequence amplification.

Functional investigation of bone implant viability using radiotracers in a new model of osteonecrosis

PubMed Central

Schiper, Luis; Faintuch, Bluma Linkowski; da Silva Badaró, Roberto José; de Oliveira, Erica Aparecida; Chavez, Victor E. Arana; Chinen, Elisangela; Faintuch, Joel

2016-01-01

OBJECTIVES: Conventional imaging methods are excellent for the morphological characterization of the consequences of osteonecrosis; however, only specialized techniques have been considered useful for obtaining functional information. To explore the affinity of radiotracers for severely devascularized bone, a new mouse model of isolated femur implanted in a subcutaneous abdominal pocket was devised. To maintain animal mobility and longevity, the femur was harvested from syngeneic donors. Two technetium-99m-labeled tracers targeting angiogenesis and bone matrix were selected. METHODS: Medronic acid and a homodimer peptide conjugated with RGDfK were radiolabeled with technetium-99m, and biodistribution was evaluated in Swiss mice. The grafted and control femurs were evaluated after 15, 30 and 60 days, including computed tomography (CT) and histological analysis. RESULTS: Radiolabeling achieved high (>95%) radiochemical purity. The biodistribution confirmed good blood clearance 1 hour after administration. For 99mTc-hydrazinonicotinic acid (HYNIC)-E-[c(RGDfK)2, remarkable renal excretion was observed compared to 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate (MDP), but the latter, as expected, revealed higher bone uptake. The results obtained in the control femur were equal at all time points. In the implanted femur, 99mTc-HYNIC-E-[c(RGDfK)2 uptake was highest after 15 days, consistent with early angiogenesis. Regarding 99mTc-MDP in the implant, similar uptake was documented at all time points, consistent with sustained bone viability; however, the uptake was lower than that detected in the control femur, as confirmed by histology. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Graft viability was successfully diagnosed using radiotracers in severely ischemic bone at all time points. 2) Analogously, indirect information about angiogenesis could be gathered using 999mTc-HYNIC-E-[c(RGDfK)2. 3) These techniques appear promising and warrant further studies to determine their potential clinical applications. PMID:27759852

Differences in vaping topography in relation to adherence to exclusive electronic cigarette use in veterans

PubMed Central

Balestrini, Kira; Holt, Gregory; Mirsaeidi, Mehdi; Calderon-Candelario, Rafael; Whitney, Philip; Salathe, Matthias

2018-01-01

Background Understanding vaping patterns of electronic cigarette (EC) use is important to understand the real-life exposure to EC vapor. Long term information on vaping topography in relation to tobacco cigarette (TC) smoking cessation success has not been explored. Methods Observational non-blinded study where active TC smokers were asked to replace TC with EC over 4 weeks (replacement phase, RP) followed by exclusive EC use for an additional 12 weeks (maintenance phase, MP). TC use and EC compliance was monitored weekly. Subjects were classified as success or failure whether or not they completed the protocol. Vaping information was stored and downloaded directly from the EC device and averaged per calendar day for analysis. Results From 25 subjects that followed the protocol, sixteen succeeded in completing the RP and 8 the MP (32%). No significant differences in baseline characteristics were noted between subjects in the success and failure groups including markers of nicotine addiction, plasma cotinine levels or smoking history. Success subjects showed significantly longer puff duration (seconds per vape) and total overall vapor exposure (number of vapes x average vape duration or vape-seconds) in both study phases. Furthermore, subjects in the success group continued to increase the number of vapes, device voltage and wattage significantly as they transitioned into the MP. After an initial drop, subjects in the success group were able to regain plasma cotinine levels comparable to their TC use while subjects in the failure group could not. Cotinine levels significantly correlated with the average number of daily vapes and vapes-seconds, but not with other vaping parameters. Conclusion The topography of smokers who adhere to exclusive EC use reflects a progressive and dynamic device adaptation over weeks to maintain baseline cotinine levels. The higher inhaled volume over time should be considered when addressing the potential toxic effects of EC and the variable EC adherence when addressing public health policies regarding their use. PMID:29694428

Differences in vaping topography in relation to adherence to exclusive electronic cigarette use in veterans.

PubMed

Guerrero-Cignarella, Andrea; Luna Diaz, Landy V; Balestrini, Kira; Holt, Gregory; Mirsaeidi, Mehdi; Calderon-Candelario, Rafael; Whitney, Philip; Salathe, Matthias; Campos, Michael A

2018-01-01

Understanding vaping patterns of electronic cigarette (EC) use is important to understand the real-life exposure to EC vapor. Long term information on vaping topography in relation to tobacco cigarette (TC) smoking cessation success has not been explored. Observational non-blinded study where active TC smokers were asked to replace TC with EC over 4 weeks (replacement phase, RP) followed by exclusive EC use for an additional 12 weeks (maintenance phase, MP). TC use and EC compliance was monitored weekly. Subjects were classified as success or failure whether or not they completed the protocol. Vaping information was stored and downloaded directly from the EC device and averaged per calendar day for analysis. From 25 subjects that followed the protocol, sixteen succeeded in completing the RP and 8 the MP (32%). No significant differences in baseline characteristics were noted between subjects in the success and failure groups including markers of nicotine addiction, plasma cotinine levels or smoking history. Success subjects showed significantly longer puff duration (seconds per vape) and total overall vapor exposure (number of vapes x average vape duration or vape-seconds) in both study phases. Furthermore, subjects in the success group continued to increase the number of vapes, device voltage and wattage significantly as they transitioned into the MP. After an initial drop, subjects in the success group were able to regain plasma cotinine levels comparable to their TC use while subjects in the failure group could not. Cotinine levels significantly correlated with the average number of daily vapes and vapes-seconds, but not with other vaping parameters. The topography of smokers who adhere to exclusive EC use reflects a progressive and dynamic device adaptation over weeks to maintain baseline cotinine levels. The higher inhaled volume over time should be considered when addressing the potential toxic effects of EC and the variable EC adherence when addressing public health policies regarding their use.

Synthesis and characterization of fac-Re(CO)3-aspartic-N-monoacetic acid, a structural analogue of a potential new renal tracer, fac-99mTc(CO)3(ASMA).

PubMed

Klenc, Jeffrey; Lipowska, Malgorzata; Taylor, Andrew T; Marzilli, Luigi G

2012-09-01

The reaction of an aminopolycarboxylate ligand, as partic- N - m onoacetic a cid (ASMA), with [Re(CO) 3 (H 2 O) 3 ] + was examined. The tridentate coordination of ASMA to this Re I tricarbonyl precursor yielded fac -Re(CO) 3 (ASMA) as a mixture of diastereomers. The chemistry is analogous to that of the Tc I tricarbonyl complex, which yields fac - 99m Tc(CO) 3 (ASMA) under similar conditions. The formation, structure, and isomerization of fac -Re(CO) 3 (ASMA) products were characterized by HPLC, 1 H NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. The two major fac -Re(CO) 3 (ASMA) diastereomeric products each have a linear ONO coordination mode with two adjacent five-membered chelate rings, but they differ in the endo or exo orientation of the uncoordinated acetate group, in agreement with expectations based on previous studies. Conditions have been identified for the expedient isomerization of fac -Re(CO) 3 (ASMA) to a mixture consisting primarily of one major product. Because different isomeric species typically have different pharmacokinetic characteristics, these conditions may provide for the practical isolation of a single 99m Tc(CO) 3 (ASMA) species, thus allowing the isolation of the isomer that has optimal imaging and pharmacokinetic characteristics. This information will aid in the design of future 99m Tc radiopharmaceuticals.

Synthesis and characterization of fac-Re(CO)3-aspartic-N-monoacetic acid, a structural analogue of a potential new renal tracer, fac-99mTc(CO)3(ASMA)

PubMed Central

Klenc, Jeffrey; Lipowska, Malgorzata; Taylor, Andrew T.; Marzilli, Luigi G.

2013-01-01

The reaction of an aminopolycarboxylate ligand, aspartic-N-monoacetic acid (ASMA), with [Re(CO)3(H2O)3]+ was examined. The tridentate coordination of ASMA to this ReI tricarbonyl precursor yielded fac-Re(CO)3(ASMA) as a mixture of diastereomers. The chemistry is analogous to that of the TcI tricarbonyl complex, which yields fac-99mTc(CO)3(ASMA) under similar conditions. The formation, structure, and isomerization of fac-Re(CO)3(ASMA) products were characterized by HPLC, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. The two major fac-Re(CO)3(ASMA) diastereomeric products each have a linear ONO coordination mode with two adjacent five-membered chelate rings, but they differ in the endo or exo orientation of the uncoordinated acetate group, in agreement with expectations based on previous studies. Conditions have been identified for the expedient isomerization of fac-Re(CO)3(ASMA) to a mixture consisting primarily of one major product. Because different isomeric species typically have different pharmacokinetic characteristics, these conditions may provide for the practical isolation of a single 99mTc(CO)3(ASMA) species, thus allowing the isolation of the isomer that has optimal imaging and pharmacokinetic characteristics. This information will aid in the design of future 99mTc radiopharmaceuticals. PMID:24273448

Novel information theory-based measures for quantifying incongruence among phylogenetic trees.

PubMed

Salichos, Leonidas; Stamatakis, Alexandros; Rokas, Antonis

2014-05-01

Phylogenies inferred from different data matrices often conflict with each other necessitating the development of measures that quantify this incongruence. Here, we introduce novel measures that use information theory to quantify the degree of conflict or incongruence among all nontrivial bipartitions present in a set of trees. The first measure, internode certainty (IC), calculates the degree of certainty for a given internode by considering the frequency of the bipartition defined by the internode (internal branch) in a given set of trees jointly with that of the most prevalent conflicting bipartition in the same tree set. The second measure, IC All (ICA), calculates the degree of certainty for a given internode by considering the frequency of the bipartition defined by the internode in a given set of trees in conjunction with that of all conflicting bipartitions in the same underlying tree set. Finally, the tree certainty (TC) and TC All (TCA) measures are the sum of IC and ICA values across all internodes of a phylogeny, respectively. IC, ICA, TC, and TCA can be calculated from different types of data that contain nontrivial bipartitions, including from bootstrap replicate trees to gene trees or individual characters. Given a set of phylogenetic trees, the IC and ICA values of a given internode reflect its specific degree of incongruence, and the TC and TCA values describe the global degree of incongruence between trees in the set. All four measures are implemented and freely available in version 8.0.0 and subsequent versions of the widely used program RAxML.

Preclinical Biokinetic Modelling of Tc-99m Radiophamaceuticals Obtained from Semi-Automatic Image Processing.

PubMed

Cornejo-Aragón, Luz G; Santos-Cuevas, Clara L; Ocampo-García, Blanca E; Chairez-Oria, Isaac; Diaz-Nieto, Lorenza; García-Quiroz, Janice

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to develop a semi automatic image processing algorithm (AIPA) based on the simultaneous information provided by X-ray and radioisotopic images to determine the biokinetic models of Tc-99m radiopharmaceuticals from quantification of image radiation activity in murine models. These radioisotopic images were obtained by a CCD (charge couple device) camera coupled to an ultrathin phosphorous screen in a preclinical multimodal imaging system (Xtreme, Bruker). The AIPA consisted of different image processing methods for background, scattering and attenuation correction on the activity quantification. A set of parametric identification algorithms was used to obtain the biokinetic models that characterize the interaction between different tissues and the radiopharmaceuticals considered in the study. The set of biokinetic models corresponded to the Tc-99m biodistribution observed in different ex vivo studies. This fact confirmed the contribution of the semi-automatic image processing technique developed in this study.

Angular fluctuations of a multi-component order describe the pseudogap regime of the cuprate superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sachdev, Subir

2014-03-01

The hole-doped cuprate high temperature superconductors enter the pseudogap regime as their superconducting critical temperature, Tc, falls with decreasing hole density. Experiments have probed this regime for over two decades, but we argue that decisive new information has emerged from recent X-ray scattering experiments. The experiments observe incommensurate charge density wave fluctuations whose strength rises gradually over a wide temperature range above Tc, but then decreases as the temperature is lowered below Tc. We propose a theory in which the superconducting and charge-density wave orders exhibit angular fluctuations in a 6-dimensional space. The theory provides a natural quantitative fit to the X-ray data, and is consistent with other observed characteristics of the pseudogap. Results will also be presented on the microscopic origins of these order parameters. Work in collaboration with Lauren Hayward, Roger Melko, David Hawthorn, and Jay Sau.

Resonant tunneling of fluctuation Cooper pairs

PubMed Central

Galda, Alexey; Mel'nikov, A. S.; Vinokur, V. M.

2015-01-01

Superconducting fluctuations have proved to be an irreplaceable source of information about microscopic and macroscopic material parameters that could be inferred from the experiment. According to common wisdom, the effect of thermodynamic fluctuations in the vicinity of the superconducting transition temperature, Tc, is to round off all of the sharp corners and discontinuities, which otherwise would have been expected to occur at Tc. Here we report the current spikes due to radiation-induced resonant tunneling of fluctuation Cooper pairs between two superconductors which grow even sharper and more pronounced upon approach to Tc. This striking effect offers an unprecedented tool for direct measurements of fluctuation Cooper pair lifetime, which is key to our understanding of the fluctuation regime, most notably to nature of the pseudogap state in high-temperature superconductors. Our finding marks a radical departure from the conventional view of superconducting fluctuations as a blurring and rounding phenomenon. PMID:25661237

Resonant tunneling of fluctuation Cooper pairs.

PubMed

Galda, Alexey; Mel'nikov, A S; Vinokur, V M

2015-02-09

Superconducting fluctuations have proved to be an irreplaceable source of information about microscopic and macroscopic material parameters that could be inferred from the experiment. According to common wisdom, the effect of thermodynamic fluctuations in the vicinity of the superconducting transition temperature, Tc, is to round off all of the sharp corners and discontinuities, which otherwise would have been expected to occur at Tc. Here we report the current spikes due to radiation-induced resonant tunneling of fluctuation Cooper pairs between two superconductors which grow even sharper and more pronounced upon approach to Tc. This striking effect offers an unprecedented tool for direct measurements of fluctuation Cooper pair lifetime, which is key to our understanding of the fluctuation regime, most notably to nature of the pseudogap state in high-temperature superconductors. Our finding marks a radical departure from the conventional view of superconducting fluctuations as a blurring and rounding phenomenon.

Nutritional assessment of rural villages and estates in peninsular Malaysia: Total blood cholesterol values in children, adolescents and adults.

PubMed

Wai, T N; Lin, K G; Siong, T E; Hashim, N

2000-06-01

The present study is unique in the Malaysian context on two counts; first, it employs for the first time a functional group approach (groups based on occupational or economic activity) in the assessment of community nutritional status. Second, the study provides on a nationwide-sampling basis, information on total blood cholesterol (TC) levels in rural children (7.0-12.9 years; n = 1921) and adolescents (13.0-17.9 years; n = 753) which were hitherto unavailable. Total blood cholesterol measurements were performed on 7184 subjects ranging from 7 to 75-years-old (males = 3151; females = 4033) from households in 69 rural villages and seven estates in peninsular Malaysia, which were based on selected multistage random sampling according to the household's involvement in the following economic activities: rice farming, rubber smallholding, coconut smallholding, fishing and employment in estates. In all functional groups, TC values increased with age and there was a distinct gender effect, namely females had higher TC values than males throughout the age spectrum analyzed. Mean TC levels for children and adolescents were in the range 3.85-4.37 mmol/L, rising markedly during adulthood to an overall mean of 4.91 ± 1.13 mmol/L for men and 5.17 ± 1.11 mmol/L for women. In adults (>= 18.0 years), there was marked disparity in mean TC values among the functional groups; males and females from rice households had the lowest mean TC values (4.58 and 4.99 mmol/L, respectively). Individuals at 'high risk' (TC > 6.20 mmol/L) averaged 16.0% in women and 11.6% in men, with women from the fishing, rubber and coconut households particularly affected (17.1-21.1%). When compared to earlier rural TC data reported for closely similar rural communities in the peninsula, the present findings suggest a 'hypercholesterolemic shift' approximating 0.39 mmol/L (15 mg/dL) in the adult population; however, this was not apparent in the children and adolescents from these rural communities.

Comparison among four commonly used demineralizing agents for root conditioning. A scanning electron microscopy

PubMed Central

do AMARAL, Nathalia Godoy; de REZENDE, Maria Lúcia Rubo; HIRATA, Fabiana; RODRIGUES, Marcus Gustavo Silva; SANT'ANA, Adriana Campos Passanezi; GREGHI, Sebastião Luiz Aguiar; PASSANEZI, Euloir

2011-01-01

Dental roots that have been exposed to the oral cavity and periodontal pocket environment present superficial changes, which can prevent connective tissue reattachment. Demineralizing agents have been used as an adjunct to the periodontal treatment aiming at restoring the biocompatibility of roots. Objective This study compared four commonly used demineralizing agents for their capacity of removing smear layer and opening dentin tubules. Methods Fifty fragments of human dental roots previously exposed to periodontal disease were scaled and randomly divided into the following groups of treatment: 1) CA: demineralization with citric acid for 3 min; 2) TC-HCl: demineralization with tetracycline-HCl for 3 min; 3) EDTA: demineralization with EDTA for 3 min; 4) PA: demineralization with 37% phosphoric acid for 3 min; 5)Control: rubbing of saline solution for 3 min. Scanning electron microscopy was used to check for the presence of residual smear layer and for measuring the number and area of exposed dentin tubules. Results Smear layer was present in 100% of the specimens from the groups PA and control; in 80% from EDTA group; in 33.3% from TC-HCl group and 0% from CA group. The mean numbers of exposed dentin tubules in a standardized area were: TC-HCl=43.8±25.2; CA=39.3±37; PA=12.1±16.3; EDTA=4.4±7.5 and Control=2.3±5.7. The comparison showed significant differences between the following pairs of groups: TC-HCl and Control; TC-HCl and EDTA; CA and Control; and CA and EDTA. The mean percentages of area occupied by exposed dentin tubules were: CA=0.12±0.17%; TC-HCl=0.08±0.06%; PA=0.03±0.05%; EDTA=0.01±0.01% and Control=0±0%. The CA group differed significantly from the others except for the TC-HCl group. Conclusion There was a decreasing ability for smear layer removal and dentin tubule widening as follows: AC>TC-HCl>PA>EDTA. This information can be of value as an extra parameter for choosing one of them for root conditioning. PMID:21986651

Does the Clearance of Inhaled (99m)Tc-Sestamibi Correlate with Multidrug Resistance Protein 1 Expression in the Human Lung?

PubMed

Mohan, Hosahalli K; Routledge, Thomas; Cane, Paul; Livieratos, Lefteris; Ballinger, James R; Peters, Adrien M

2016-09-01

Purpose To examine the relation between the lung elimination rate of inhaled technetium 99m ((99m)Tc)-sestamibi and immunohistochemical expression of bronchopulmonary multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) and permeability glycoprotein (P-gp) and assess the repeatability of the inhaled (99m)Tc-sestamibi clearance technique. Materials and Methods (99m)Tc-sestamibi is a known substrate for P-gp and MRP1, which are established cellular drug efflux transporters. The elimination rate of (99m)Tc-sestamibi from the lungs after inhalation as an aerosol has been hypothesized to be regulated by expression of these transporters. Institutional ethics committee approval was received for this prospective study. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. The clearance of inhaled (99m)Tc-sestamibi from the lungs of 13 patients due to undergo surgery for primary lung cancer (five of 13) or spontaneous pneumothorax (eight of 13) was estimated after dynamic imaging of the lungs during a period of 40 minutes. The time taken to clear 50% of inhaled sestamibi (T1/2) was compared with a semiquantitative immunohistochemical assessment (grade 0-3) of MRP1 and P-gp expression in the lung by using parametric and nonparametric tests. The study was repeated in five participants to assess the repeatability of the technique by using a Bland Altman analysis method. Results MRP1 expression was seen in 12 of 13 patients, while P-gp expression was seen in only two. The mean (99m)Tc-sestamibi elimination rate was faster in patients (n = 6) with low levels of MRP1 expression (grade 0-1) and mean T1/2 of 105 minutes ± 20 (standard deviation), compared with those with higher levels of MRP1 expression (grade 2-3, n = 7) and mean T1/2 of 149 minutes ± 28 (P = .008). Bland-Altman analysis revealed excellent agreement between test and retest values. Conclusion Inhaled (99m)Tc-sestamibi clearance study is a repeatable technique demonstrating significant correlation with MRP1 expression in the lungs. (©) RSNA, 2016.

Characteristics of tropical cyclones in the North Atlantic and East Pacific

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrett, Bradford Scott

In this dissertation, I present a series of investigations to expand our understanding of TCs in the East Pacific and North Atlantic basins. First, I developed and applied a climatological tool that quickly and succinctly displays the spread of historical TC tracks for any point in the North Atlantic basin. This tool is useful in all parts of a basin because it is derived from prior storm motion trajectories and summarily captures the historical synoptic and mesoscale steering patterns. It displays the strength of the climatological signal and allow for rapid qualitative comparison between historical TC tracks and NWP models. Second, I have used a robust statistical technique to quantify the relationships between fifteen different metrics of TC activity in nine ocean basins and twelve climate indices of the leading modes of atmospheric and oceanic variability. In a thorough, encyclopedic manner, over 12,000 Spearman rank correlation coefficients were calculated and examined to identify relationships between TCs and their environment. This investigation was not limited to the East Pacific or North Atlantic, and new climatic associations were found between seasonal levels of TC activity and the major climate indices across the nine basins. This information is critical to forecasters, economists, actuaries, energy traders, and societal planners who apply knowledge of levels of TC activity on intraseasonal to interdecadal timescales. The statistics are also valuable to climatologists seeking to understand how regional TC frequency will change as the global climate warms. Third, I have examined the leading intraseasonal mode of atmospheric and oceanic variability, the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), and discovered statistically significant relationships with the frequency of TC genesis, intensification, and landfall over the nine basins. Like the significance of the longer-period oscillations to the frequency of TC activity on intraseasonal and longer timescales, these results are highly relevant to the problem of short-term (one- to two-week) predictability of TC activity. These three investigations demonstrate the utility of historical datasets across a wide range of applications, from short-term forecasting to climate studies. In this way, the results highlighted in this dissertation represent a significant and positive contribution to meteorology. Collectively, they reveal multiple characteristics of TCs in the East Pacific and North Atlantic and provide greater understanding of the complex interactions between TCs and their surrounding larger-scale environment.

Two peptide receptor ligands (99m)Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-Tyr(3)-octreotide and (99m)Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-(D)Glu-octagastrin for scintigraphy of medullary thyroid carcinoma.

PubMed

Kosowicz, Jerzy; Mikołajczak, Renata; Czepczyński, Rafał; Ziemnicka, Katarzyna; Gryczyńska, Maria; Sowiński, Jerzy

2007-10-01

Somatostatin and gastrin receptors are overexpressed in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) cells; hence, both of them are potential targets for peptide receptor scintigraphy and radiotherapy. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the clinical value of two technetium-99m-labeled peptides, a new gastrin analog, the EDDA/HYNIC-(D)Glu-octagastrin and a somatostatin analog, EDDA/HYNIC-Tyr(3)-octreotide (EDDA/HYNIC-TOC) for scintigraphy in patients with MTC to detect recurrences and metastases and select patients for peptide receptor radiotherapy. Thirty (30) patients, 20 females and 10 males, 22-83 years of age (mean, 52.7) with the diagnosis of MTC in different stages of the disease (preoperative, postsurgery, remission, recurrence, or metastatic disease) were included in this study. Before surgery, in all patients serum calcitonin concentrations were elevated. The diagnosis of MTC was confirmed in all cases by histopathology of the removed tumor and immunohistochemical staining giving positive reactions for calcitonin and chromogranin A. Imaging studies using (99m)Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC and a new minigastrin analog, (99m)Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-(D)Glu-octagastrin, were performed in each patient and the results compared with each other and with other imaging methods. Scans of the whole body, head, neck, and chest were performed 2 and 4 hours after injections of the tracer, 500-600 MBq in each case, using a double-head Varicam (Elscint, Israel) gamma camera. (99m)Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC detected somatostatin receptor-positive lesions in 20 patients with MTC, whereas (99m)Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-(D)Glu-octagastrin displayed gastrin receptors in 11 patients. In 9 cases, the scans were positive in both methods, although in 2 cases different pathologic foci were visualized. In 12 cases, only (99m)Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC scintigraphy was positive, whereas in 3 other cases only (99m)Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-(D)Glu-octagastrin revealed pathologic lesions. Scintigraphy using (99m)Tc-HYNIC-TOC permits the visualization of somatostatin receptor-positive MTC in the majority of cases. The new gastrin analog, (99m)Tc-HYNIC-(D)Glu-octagastrin, is well tolerated, shows no renal retention, and in some cases of MTC, provides additional information on the expression of gastrin receptors. However, inferior quality of octagastrin scans indicates the need for further improvement of this radiopeptide.

Preclinical Evaluation of RYM1, a Matrix Metalloproteinase-Targeted Tracer for Imaging Aneurysm.

PubMed

Toczek, Jakub; Ye, Yunpeng; Gona, Kiran; Kim, Hye-Yeong; Han, Jinah; Razavian, Mahmoud; Golestani, Reza; Zhang, Jiasheng; Wu, Terence L; Jung, Jae-Joon; Sadeghi, Mehran M

2017-08-01

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a key role in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development. Accordingly, MMP-targeted imaging provides important information regarding vessel wall biology in the course of aneurysm development. Given the small size of the vessel wall and its proximity with blood, molecular imaging of aneurysm optimally requires highly sensitive tracers with rapid blood clearance. To this end, we developed a novel hydrosoluble zwitterionic MMP inhibitor, RYM, on the basis of which a pan-MMP tracer, RYM1, was designed. Here, we describe the development and preclinical evaluation of RYM1 in comparison with RP805, a commonly used pan-MMP tracer in murine models of aneurysm. Methods: The macrocyclic hydroxamate-based pan-MMP inhibitor coupled with 6-hydrazinonicotinamide, RYM1, was synthesized and labeled with 99m Tc. Radiochemical stability of 99m Tc-RYM1 was evaluated by radio-high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Tracer blood kinetics and biodistribution were compared with 99m Tc-RP805 in C57BL/6J mice ( n = 10). 99m Tc-RYM1 binding to aneurysm and specificity were evaluated by quantitative autoradiography in apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE -/- ) mice with CaCl 2 -induced carotid aneurysm ( n = 11). Angiotensin II-infused apoE -/- ( n = 16) mice were used for small-animal SPECT/CT imaging. Aortic tissue MMP activity and macrophage marker CD68 expression were assessed by zymography and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: RYM1 showed nanomolar range inhibition constants for several MMPs. 99m Tc-RYM1 was radiochemically stable in mouse blood for 5 h and demonstrated rapid renal clearance and lower blood levels in vivo compared with 99m Tc-RP805. 99m Tc-RYM1 binding to aneurysm and its specificity were shown by autoradiography in carotid aneurysm. Angiotensin II infusion in apoE -/- mice for 4 wk resulted in AAA formation in 36% (4/11) of surviving animals. In vivo 99m Tc-RYM1 small-animal SPECT/CT images showed higher uptake of the tracer in AAA than nondilated aortae. Finally, aortic uptake of 99m Tc-RYM1 in vivo correlated with aortic MMP activity and CD68 expression. Conclusion: The newly developed pan-MMP inhibitor-based tracer 99m Tc-RYM1 displays favorable pharmacokinetics for early vascular imaging and enables specific detection of inflammation and MMP activity in aneurysm. © 2017 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

Micro-SPECT/CT-based pharmacokinetic analysis of 99mTc-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid in rats with blood-brain barrier disruption induced by focused ultrasound.

PubMed

Yang, Feng-Yi; Wang, Hsin-Ell; Lin, Guan-Liang; Teng, Ming-Che; Lin, Hui-Hsien; Wong, Tai-Tong; Liu, Ren-Shyan

2011-03-01

This study evaluated the pharmacokinetics of (99m)Tc-diethylenetriamine pentaacetate acid ((99m)Tc-DTPA) after intravenous administration in healthy and F98 glioma-bearing F344 rats in the presence of blood-brain barrier disruption (BBB-D) induced by focused ultrasound (FUS). The pharmacokinetics of the healthy and tumor-containing brains after BBB-D were compared to identify the optimal time period for combined treatment. Healthy and F98 glioma-bearing rats were injected intravenously with Evans blue (EB) and (99m)Tc-DTPA; these treatments took place with or without BBB-D induced by transcranial FUS of 1 hemisphere of the brain. The permeability of the BBB was quantified by EB extravasation. Twelve rats were scanned for 2 h to estimate uptake of (99m)Tc radioactivity with respect to time for the pharmacokinetic analysis. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining was performed to examine tissue damage. The accumulations of EB and (99m)Tc-DTPA in normal brains or brains with a tumor were significantly elevated after the intravenous injection when BBB-D was induced. The disruption-to-nondisruption ratio of the brains and the tumor-to-ipsilateral brain ratio of the tumors in terms of radioactivity reached a peak at 45 and 60 min, respectively. EB injection followed by sonication showed that there was an increase of about 2-fold in the tumor-to-ipsilateral brain EB ratio of the target tumors (7.36), compared with the control tumors (3.73). TUNEL staining showed no significant differences between the sonicated tumors and control tumors. This study demonstrates that (99m)Tc-DTPA micro-SPECT/CT can be used for the pharmacokinetic analysis of BBB-D induced by FUS. This method should be able to provide important information that will help with establishing an optimal treatment protocol for drug administration after FUS-induced BBB-D in clinical brain disease therapy.

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

Neumann, Scott; Britton, Jay; Devos, Arnold N.

There are many uses for the Common Information Model (CIM), an ontology that is being standardized through Technical Committee 57 of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC TC57). The most common uses to date have included application modeling, information exchanges, information management and systems integration. As one should expect, there are many issues that become apparent when the CIM ontology is applied to any one use. Some of these issues are shortcomings within the current draft of the CIM, and others are a consequence of the different ways in which the CIM can be applied using different technologies. As the CIMmore » ontology will and should evolve, there are several dangers that need to be recognized. One is overall consistency and impact upon applications when extending the CIM for a specific need. Another is that a tight coupling of the CIM to specific technologies could limit the value of the CIM in the longer term as an ontology, which becomes a larger issue over time as new technologies emerge. The integration of systems is one specific area of interest for application of the CIM ontology. This is an area dominated by the use of XML for the definition of messages. While this is certainly true when using Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) products, it is even more true with the movement towards the use of Web Services (WS), Service-Oriented Architectures (SOA) and Enterprise Service Buses (ESB) for integration. This general IT industry trend is consistent with trends seen within the IEC TC57 scope of power system management and associated information exchange. The challenge for TC57 is how to best leverage the CIM ontology using the various XML technologies and standards for integration. This paper will provide examples of how the CIM ontology is used and describe some specific issues that should be addressed within the CIM in order to increase its usefulness as an ontology. It will also describe some of the issues and challenges that will be faced as the CIM ontology is leveraged for integration purposes by IEC TC57 standards.« less

Performance of TcI/TcVI/TcII Chagas-Flow ATE-IgG2a for universal and genotype-specific serodiagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi infection

PubMed Central

Alessio, Glaucia Diniz; de Araújo, Fernanda Fortes; Côrtes, Denise Fonseca; Sales Júnior, Policarpo Ademar; Lima, Daniela Cristina; Gomes, Matheus de Souza; do Amaral, Laurence Rodrigues; Xavier, Marcelo Antônio Pascoal; Teixeira-Carvalho, Andréa; Martins-Filho, Olindo Assis; de Lana, Marta

2017-01-01

Distinct Trypanosoma cruzi genotypes have been considered relevant for patient management and therapeutic response of Chagas disease. However, typing strategies for genotype-specific serodiagnosis of Chagas disease are still unavailable and requires standardization for practical application. In this study, an innovative TcI/TcVI/TcII Chagas Flow ATE-IgG2a technique was developed with applicability for universal and genotype-specific diagnosis of T. cruzi infection. For this purpose, the reactivity of serum samples (percentage of positive fluorescent parasites-PPFP) obtained from mice chronically infected with TcI/Colombiana, TcVI/CL or TcII/Y strain as well as non-infected controls were determined using amastigote-AMA, trypomastigote-TRYPO and epimastigote-EPI in parallel batches of TcI, TcVI and TcII target antigens. Data demonstrated that “α-TcII-TRYPO/1:500, cut-off/PPFP = 20%” presented an excellent performance for universal diagnosis of T. cruzi infection (AUC = 1.0, Se and Sp = 100%). The combined set of attributes “α-TcI-TRYPO/1:4,000, cut-off/PPFP = 50%”, “α-TcII-AMA/1:1,000, cut-off/PPFP = 40%” and “α-TcVI-EPI/1:1,000, cut-off/PPFP = 45%” showed good performance to segregate infections with TcI/Colombiana, TcVI/CL or TcII/Y strain. Overall, hosts infected with TcI/Colombiana and TcII/Y strains displayed opposite patterns of reactivity with “α-TcI TRYPO” and “α-TcII AMA”. Hosts infected with TcVI/CL strain showed a typical interweaved distribution pattern. The method presented a good performance for genotype-specific diagnosis, with global accuracy of 69% when the population/prototype scenario include TcI, TcVI and TcII infections and 94% when comprise only TcI and TcII infections. This study also proposes a receiver operating reactivity panel, providing a feasible tool to classify serum samples from hosts infected with distinct T. cruzi genotypes, supporting the potential of this method for universal and genotype-specific diagnosis of T. cruzi infection. PMID:28333926

Divertor sheath power studies in DIII-D using fixed Langmuir probes and three-dimensional modeling of tile heat flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donovan, D.; Nygren, R.; Buchenauer, D.; Watkins, J.; Rudakov, D.; Leonard, A.; Wong, C. P. C.; Makowski, M.

2014-04-01

Experimental results are presented from the three-Langmuir probe (LP) diagnostic head of the divertor material evaluation system (DiMES) on DIII-D that confirm the size of the projected current collection area of the LPs, which is essential for properly measuring ion saturation current density (Jsat) and the sheath power transmission factor (SPTF). Also using the 3-LP DiMES head, the hypothesis that collisional effects on plasma density occurring in the magnetic sheath of the tile are responsible for a lower than expected SPTF is tested and deemed not to have a significant impact on the SPTF. Three-dimensional thermal modeling of wall tiles is presented that accounts for lateral heat conduction, temperature dependence of tile material properties and radiative heat loss from the tile surface. This modeling was developed to be used in the analysis of temperature profiles of the divertor embedded thermocouple (TC) array to obtain more accurate interpretations of TC temperature profiles to infer divertor surface heat flux than have previously been accomplished using more basic one-dimensional methods.

Characteristics on electodynamic suspension simulator with HTS levitation magnet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, J.; Bae, D. K.; Sim, K.; Chung, Y. D.; Lee, Y.-S.

2009-10-01

High- Tc superconducting (HTSC) electrodynamic suspension (EDS) system basically consists of the HTSC levitation magnet and the ground conductor. The levitation force of EDS system is forms by the interaction between the moving magnetic field produced by the onboard levitation magnet and the induced magnetic field produced by eddy current in the ground conductor. This paper deals with the characteristics of the EDS simulators with high- Tc superconducting (HTS) levitation magnet. Two EDS simulator systems, rotating type EDS simulator and static type EDS simulator, were studied in this paper. The rotating type EDS simulator consists of a HTS levitation magnet and a 1.5 m diameter rotating ground conductor, a motor, the supporting structure and force measuring devices. In the static type EDS simulator, instead of moving magnetic field, AC current was applied to the fixed HTS levitation magnet to induce the eddy current. The static type EDS simulator consists of a HTS levitation magnet, a ground conductor, force measuring devices and supporting structure. The double-pancake type HTSC levitation magnet was designed, manufactured and tested in the EDS simulator.

Comparison of technetium-99m sulfur colloid and technetium-99m albumin colloid labeled solid meals for gastric emptying studies.

PubMed

Taillefer, R; Douesnard, J M; Beauchamp, G; Guimond, J

1987-08-01

A Tc-99m albumin colloid (Tc-AC) kit has been introduced as an alternative to Tc-99m sulfur colloid (Tc-SC) for liver-spleen imaging. Since there is no need for boiling, the use of Tc-AC reduces preparation time and manipulation. Tc-SC is one of the most commonly used radiopharmaceuticals for the labeling of solid-phase markers in gastric emptying studies. In vitro studies were performed to evaluate the labeling efficiency and stability in hydrochloric acid and in human gastric juice of intracellularly labeled chicken liver and scrambled eggs labeled with Tc-SC and Tc-AC. Gastric emptying studies also were performed on 20 healthy volunteers with both Tc-SC and Tc-AC labeled scrambled egg sandwiches. There was no significant difference between Tc-SC and Tc-AC in the labeling efficiency of chicken liver (98% +/- 1% for Tc-SC, 96% +/- 2% for Tc-AC) and scrambled eggs (92% +/- 2% for Tc-SC, 91% +/- 3% for Tc-AC). However, both Tc-SC and Tc-AC labeled scrambled eggs showed a lower stability than chicken liver, particularly in human gastric juice. Gastric emptying curves from both meals in 20 normal subjects were also similar, with a mean half-emptying time of 85 +/- 13 minutes and 87 +/- 16 minutes for the meals containing Tc-SC and Tc-AC respectively. Tc-AC is a reliable alternative to Tc-SC as a radiotracer for solid-phase gastric emptying studies.

Which is the best strategy for diagnosing bronchial carcinoid tumours? The role of dual tracer PET/CT scan.

PubMed

Lococo, Filippo; Treglia, Giorgio

2014-01-01

Bronchial carcinoids (BC) are rare well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours (NET) sub-classified into typical (TC) and atypical carcinoids (AC). A correct pathological identification in the pre-operative setting is a key element for planning the best strategy of care, considering the different biological behavior of TC and AC. Controversial results have been reported on the diagnostic accuracy of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ((18)F-FDG PET/CT) in BC. On the other hand, there is increasing evidence supporting the use of PET with somatostatin analogues (dotanoc, dotatoc or dotatate) labeled with gallium-68 ((68)Ga) in pulmonary NET. Based on information obtained by using different radiopharmaceuticals and different (68)Ga labeled somatostatin analogues in PET and PET/CT studies, we are able to diagnose BC. In conclusion, by using somatostatin receptor imaging and (18)F-FDG PET/CT scan, we can differentiate BC from benign pulmonary lesions and TC from AC by specific diagnostic patterns. Clinical trials on larger groups of patient would allow for a better and "tailored" therapeutic strategy in NET patients using dual-tracer PET/CT to identify BC and distinguish between TC and AC.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Load Response to 2 Antiviral Regimens, Tenofovir/Lamivudine and Lamivudine, in HIV/ HBV-Coinfected Pregnant Women in Guangxi, China: The Tenofovir in Pregnancy (TiP) Study.

PubMed

Wang, Liming; Wiener, Jeffrey; Bulterys, Marc; Wei, Xiaoyu; Chen, Lili; Liu, Wei; Liang, Shujia; Shepard, Colin; Wang, Linhong; Wang, Ailing; Zhang, Fujie; Kourtis, Athena P

2016-12-01

 There is limited information on antiviral therapy for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among pregnant women coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HBV.  A phase 2 randomized, controlled trial of a regimen containing tenofovir (TDF)/lamivudine (3TC) and a regimen containing 3TC in HIV/HBV-coinfected pregnant women in China. The HBV virological response was compared in study arms.  The median decline in the HBV DNA level was 2.60 log 10 copies/mL in the TDF/3TC arm and 2.24 log 10 copies/mL in the 3TC arm (P = .41). All women achieved HBV DNA levels of <6 log 10 copies/mL at delivery.  Initiation of either regimen led to achievement of HBV DNA levels below the threshold associated with perinatal HBV transmission.  NCT01125696. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2016. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

Junior doctor strike model of care: Reduced access block and predominant Fellow of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine staffing improve emergency department performance.

PubMed

Thornton, Vanessa; Hazell, Wayne

2008-10-01

To describe the response and analyse ED performance during a 5-day junior doctor strike. Data were collected via the patient information management computer system. Key performance indicators included percentage seen within maximum waiting times per triage category (TC), ED length of stay, emergency medicine patients who did not wait to be seen, hospital bed occupancy and access block percentage. Comparisons were made for the same 5 days before the strike (BS), during the strike (S) and after the strike. Total doctor's shifts BS were 78.66 with 25% of these shifts being Fellow of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (FACEM) shifts. FACEM shifts were more common during the S period at 75% (P < 0.001). Total attendances (BS 631 vs S 596, P = 0.22) and TC percentages (P-values for TC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, respectively, 1.0, 0.55, 0.88, 0.97, 0.46) in the BS, S and after-the-strike periods were not significantly different. Despite fewer total doctor shifts, the FACEM predominant model of care during the strike resulted in better percentages seen within the maximum waiting times for TC3 (66%), TC4 (78%) and TC5 (86%) (all P < 0.001). There was a reduction in patients who did not wait to be seen (28 BS vs 5 S, P < 0.001), ED length of stay (admissions: BS 451 min vs S 258 min, P < 0.001; discharges: BS 233 min vs S 144 min, P < 0.02) and referrals to inpatient services (P = 0.02). This occurred with reduced bed point occupancy of 66% and a consequent reduction in access block. FACEM staffing and reduced access block were significant factors in improved ED performance.

Visual detection of telomerase activity with a tunable dynamic range by using a gold nanoparticle probe-based hybridization protection strategy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jiasi; Wu, Li; Ren, Jinsong; Qu, Xiaogang

2014-01-01

We developed a novel telomere complementary (TC) oligonucleotide modified AuNP probe (TC-AuNPs) for colorimetric analysis of telomerase activity. The mechanism of this method is that the telomerase reaction products (TRP), which can hybridize with the TC-AuNPs, are able to protect the AuNPs from the aggregation induced by salt. It is demonstrated that the colorimetric method enabled the analysis of the telomerase activity in 1000 HeLa cells with the naked eye, and down to 100 HeLa cells with the aid of UV-Vis spectroscopy. This strategy is not only convenient and sensitive, but also has a tunable dynamic range. The platform is also applicable for the initial screening of a telomerase inhibitor to discover new anticancer drugs.We developed a novel telomere complementary (TC) oligonucleotide modified AuNP probe (TC-AuNPs) for colorimetric analysis of telomerase activity. The mechanism of this method is that the telomerase reaction products (TRP), which can hybridize with the TC-AuNPs, are able to protect the AuNPs from the aggregation induced by salt. It is demonstrated that the colorimetric method enabled the analysis of the telomerase activity in 1000 HeLa cells with the naked eye, and down to 100 HeLa cells with the aid of UV-Vis spectroscopy. This strategy is not only convenient and sensitive, but also has a tunable dynamic range. The platform is also applicable for the initial screening of a telomerase inhibitor to discover new anticancer drugs. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr05185d

Texas highway operations manual

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1992-08-01

This document was developed for the Texas Department of Transportation to serve as a Department manual : addressing highway operations. The information in the manual covers a wide range of operational issues related tc : the planning, design, constru...

ISO Standards Update

EPA Science Inventory

This presentation provides a brief update on activities of ISO (International Organization for Standardization) TC (Technical Committee) 285, Clean Cooking Solutions. Slides include information on: (1) Working Group project status updates, (2) background on laboratory and field ...

Enhanced Ahead-of-Eye TC Coastal Ocean Cooling Processes and their Impact on Air-Sea Heat Fluxes and Storm Intensity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seroka, G. N.; Miles, T. N.; Glenn, S. M.; Xu, Y.; Forney, R.; Roarty, H.; Schofield, O.; Kohut, J. T.

2016-02-01

Any landfalling tropical cyclone (TC) must first traverse the coastal ocean. TC research, however, has focused over the deep ocean, where TCs typically spend the vast majority of their lifetime. This paper will show that the ocean's response to TCs can be different between deep and shallow water, and that the additional shallow water processes must be included in coupled models for accurate air-sea flux treatment and TC intensity prediction. The authors will present newly observed coastal ocean processes that occurred in response to Hurricane Irene (2011), due to the presence of a coastline, an ocean bottom, and highly stratified conditions. These newly observed processes led to enhanced ahead-of-eye SST cooling that significantly impacted air-sea heat fluxes and Irene's operationally over-predicted storm intensity. Using semi-idealized modeling, we find that in shallow water in Irene, only 6% of cooling due to air-sea heat fluxes, 17% of cooling due to 1D vertical mixing, and 50% of cooling due to all processes (1D mixing, air-sea heat fluxes, upwelling, and advection) occurred ahead-of-eye—consistent with previous studies. Observations from an underwater glider and buoys, however, indicated 75-100% of total SST cooling over the continental shelf was ahead-of-eye. Thus, the new coastal ocean cooling processes found in this study must occur almost completely ahead-of-eye. We show that Irene's intense cooling was not captured by basic satellite SST products and coupled ocean-atmosphere hurricane models, and that including the cooling in WRF modeling mitigated the high bias in model predictions. Finally, we provide evidence that this SST cooling—not track, wind shear, or dry air intrusion—was the key missing contribution to Irene's decay just prior to NJ landfall. Ongoing work is exploring the use of coupled WRF-ROMS modeling in the coastal zone.

Development of pair distribution function analysis

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

Vondreele, R.; Billinge, S.; Kwei, G.

1996-09-01

This is the final report of a 3-year LDRD project at LANL. It has become more and more evident that structural coherence in the CuO{sub 2} planes of high-{Tc} superconducting materials over some intermediate length scale (nm range) is important to superconductivity. In recent years, the pair distribution function (PDF) analysis of powder diffraction data has been developed for extracting structural information on these length scales. This project sought to expand and develop this technique, use it to analyze neutron powder diffraction data, and apply it to problems. In particular, interest is in the area of high-{Tc} superconductors, although wemore » planned to extend the study to the closely related perovskite ferroelectric materials andother materials where the local structure affects the properties where detailed knowledge of the local and intermediate range structure is important. In addition, we planned to carry out single crystal experiments to look for diffuse scattering. This information augments the information from the PDF.« less

Adsorption of tetracycline on Fe (hydr)oxides: effects of pH and metal cation (Cu2+, Zn2+ and Al3+) addition in various molar ratios

PubMed Central

Hsu, Liang-Ching; Liu, Yu-Ting; Syu, Chien-Hui; Huang, Mei-Hsia; Teah, Heng Yi

2018-01-01

Iron (Fe) (hydr)oxides control the mobility and bioavailability of tetracycline (TC) in waters and soils. Adsorption of TC on Fe (hydr)oxides is greatly affected by polyvalent metals; however, impacts of molar metal/TC ratios on TC adsorptive behaviours on Fe (hydr)oxides remain unclear. Results showed that maximum TC adsorption on ferrihydrite and goethite occurred at pH 5–6. Such TC adsorption was generally promoted by the addition of Cu2+, Zn2+ and Al3+. The greatest increase in TC adsorption was found in the system with molar Cu/TC ratio of 3 due to the formation of Fe hydr(oxide)–Cu–TC ternary complexes. Functional groups on TC that were responsible for the complexation with Cu2+shifted from phenolic diketone groups at Cu/TC molar ratio < 1 to amide groups at Cu/TC molar ratio ≥ 1. For the addition of Al3+, the complexation only took place with phenolic diketone groups, resulting in the enhanced TC adsorption at a molar Al/TC ratio of 1. However, TC adsorption decreased for Al/TC molar ratio > 1 as excess Al3+ led to the competitive adsorption with Al/TC complexes. For the Zn2+ addition, no significant correlation was found between TC adsorption capacity and molar Zn/TC ratios. PMID:29657795

Orthopedic pathology of the lower extremities: scintigraphic evaluation in the thigh, knee, and leg.

PubMed

Etchebehere, E C; Etchebehere, M; Gamba, R; Belangero, W; Camargo, E E

1998-01-01

Radionuclide imaging (RI) of the osseous and nonosseous structures of the thigh, knee, and leg provide important diagnostic and prognostic information upon which the orthopedic surgeon can base treatment planning and management decisions. 99mTc-MDP scintigraphy is essential in overuse injuries such as stress fractures and shin splints. RI is important in assessing complications of trauma. It is the only imaging modality able to assess the magnitude of physeal stimulus caused by femoral fractures and to predict a favorable or unfavorable outcome of leg length by semiquantitative analysis; SPECT imaging can detect and locate decreased metabolism associated with posttraumatic closure of the physeal plate to predict growth arrest and deformities. Three-phase bone imaging (TPBI) is essential to differentiate hypervascular from avascular nonunions and follow delayed union. In osteonecrosis of the knee, bone scintigraphy precedes radiography changes even in stage l of the disease. 99mTc-MDP and 99mTc-HIG imaging are powerful tools in determining the outcomes of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, respectively. Bone scintigraphy can also detect chronic ligament and acute and chronic meniscal lesions. The combined use of TPBI, gallium-67 citrate imaging, and indium-111 or 99mTc-HMPAO labeled leukocytes is important to diagnose and differentiate acute from chronic osteomyelitis, and to detect infected knee prostheses. Thallium-201 chloride imaging and 99mTc-sestamibi imaging have an important role in the assessment of tumor response to chemotherapy and in the quantification of tumor viability.

Cast Stone Oxidation Front Evaluation: Preliminary Results For Samples Exposed To Moist Air

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

Langton, C. A.; Almond, P. M.

The rate of oxidation is important to the long-term performance of reducing salt waste forms because the solubility of some contaminants, e.g., technetium, is a function of oxidation state. TcO{sub 4}{sup -} in the salt solution is reduced to Tc(IV) and has been shown to react with ingredients in the waste form to precipitate low solubility sulfide and/or oxide phases. Upon exposure to oxygen, the compounds containing Tc(IV) oxidize to the pertechnetate ion, Tc(VII)O{sub 4}{sup -}, which is very soluble. Consequently the rate of technetium oxidation front advancement into a monolith and the technetium leaching profile as a function ofmore » depth from an exposed surface are important to waste form performance and ground water concentration predictions. An approach for measuring contaminant oxidation rate (effective contaminant specific oxidation rate) based on leaching of select contaminants of concern is described in this report. In addition, the relationship between reduction capacity and contaminant oxidation is addressed. Chromate (Cr(VI) was used as a non-radioactive surrogate for pertechnetate, Tc(VII), in Cast Stone samples prepared with 5 M Simulant. Cast Stone spiked with pertechnetate was also prepared and tested. Depth discrete subsamples spiked with Cr were cut from Cast Stone exposed to Savannah River Site (SRS) outdoor ambient temperature fluctuations and moist air. Depth discrete subsamples spiked with Tc-99 were cut from Cast Stone exposed to laboratory ambient temperature fluctuations and moist air. Similar conditions are expected to be encountered in the Cast Stone curing container. The leachability of Cr and Tc-99 and the reduction capacities, measured by the Angus-Glasser method, were determined for each subsample as a function of depth from the exposed surface. The results obtained to date were focused on continued method development and are preliminary and apply to the sample composition and curing / exposure conditions described in this report. The Cr oxidation front (depth to which soluble Cr was detected) for the Cast Stone sample exposed for 68 days to ambient outdoor temperatures and humid air (total age of sample was 131 days) was determined to be about 35 mm below the top sample surface exposed. The Tc oxidation front, depth at which Tc was insoluble, was not determined. Interpretation of the results indicates that the oxidation front is at least 38 mm below the exposed surface. The sample used for this measurement was exposed to ambient laboratory conditions and humid air for 50 days. The total age of the sample was 98 days. Technetium appears to be more easily oxidized than Cr in the Cast Stone matrix. The oxidized forms of Tc and Cr are soluble and therefore leachable. Longer exposure times are required for both the Cr and Tc spiked samples to better interpret the rate of oxidation. Tc spiked subsamples need to be taken further from the exposed surface to better define and interpret the leachable Tc profile. Finally Tc(VII) reduction to Tc(IV) appears to occur relatively fast. Results demonstrated that about 95 percent of the Tc(VII) was reduced to Tc(IV) during the setting and very early stage setting for a Cast Stone sample cured 10 days. Additional testing at longer curing times is required to determine whether additional time is required to reduce 100 % of the Tc(VII) in Cast Stone or whether the Tc loading exceeded the ability of the waste form to reduce 100 % of the Tc(VII). Additional testing is required for samples cured for longer times. Depth discrete subsampling in a nitrogen glove box is also required to determine whether the 5 percent Tc extracted from the subsamples was the result of the sampling process which took place in air. Reduction capacity measurements (per the Angus-Glasser method) performed on depth discrete samples could not be correlated with the amount of chromium or technetium leached from the depth discrete subsamples or with the oxidation front inferred from soluble chromium and technetium (i.e., effective Cr and Tc oxidation fronts). Residual reduction capacity in the oxidized region of the test samples indicates that the remaining reduction capacity is not effective in re-reducing Cr(VI) or Tc(VII) in the presence of oxygen. Depth discrete sampling and leaching is a useful for evaluating Cast Stone and other chemically reducing waste forms containing ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) or other reduction / sequestration reagents to control redox sensitive contaminant chemistry and leachability in the near surface disposal environment. Based on results presented in this report, reduction capacity measured by the Angus-Glasser Ce(IV) method is not an appropriate or meaningful parameter for determining or predicting Tc and Cr oxidation / retentions, speciation, or solubilities in cementitious materials such as Cast Stone. A model for predicting Tc(IV) oxidation to soluble Tc(VII) should consider the waste form porosity (pathway for oxygen ingress), oxygen source, and the contaminant specific oxidation rates and oxidation fronts. Depth discrete sampling of materials exposed to realistic conditions in combination with short term leaching of crushed samples has potential for advancing the understanding of factors influencing performance. This information can be used to support conceptual model development.« less

Can Accelerators Meet the Medical Isotopes Needs of the World?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruth, Thomas

2011-10-01

Over 80% of all Nuclear Medicine procedures make use of the radionuclide Tc-99 for SPECT imaging of heart disease, cancer and other disorders. Historically TC-99 has been produced from a generator through the decay of Mo-99 where the Mo-99 is a fission product of U-235. Five reactors around the world supply the market. However, these reactors are aging (many over 50 years old) and governments are reluctant to replace them. Therefore researchers have turned to accelerators as a potential source of this important radionuclide. In Canada the government has funded research project for two accelerator approaches: Mo-100(gamma,n)Mo-99 and Mo-100(p,2n)Tc-99m where the photons are generated from the conversion of high powered electrons into Bremsstrahlung radiation and the protons generated in low energy cyclotrons (15-25 MeV). The goal of these project is to provide the Government with sufficient information so that an informed decision can be made with respect to future supplies of medical isotopes for Canada. International interest has been expressed by the IAEA as a way to allow Member States with existing cyclotron programs to take advantage of the direct production route. This talk will describe the challenges with the approaches and the progress to date.

Novel 99mTc(III)-azide complexes [99mTc(N3)(CDO)(CDOH)2B-R] (CDOH2=cyclohexanedione dioxime) as potential radiotracers for heart imaging.

PubMed

Liu, Min; Zheng, Yumin; Avcibasi, Ugur; Liu, Shuang

2016-11-01

In this study, novel 99m Tc(III)-azide complexes [ 99m Tc(N 3 )(CDO)(CDOH) 2 B-R] ( 99m Tc-ISboroxime-N 3 : R=IS; 99m Tc-MPboroxime-N 3 : R=MP; 99m Tc-PAboroxime-N 3 : R=PA; 99m Tc-PYboroxime-N 3 : R=PY; and 99m Tc-Uboroxime-N 3 : R=5U) were evaluated as heart imaging agents. Complexes [ 99m Tc(N 3 )(CDO)(CDOH) 2 B-R] (R=IS, MP, PA, PY and 5U) were prepared by ligand exchange between NaN 3 and [ 99m TcCl(CDO)(CDOH) 2 B-R]. Biodistribution and imaging studies were carried out in Sprague-Dawley rats. Image quantification was performed to compare their initial heart uptake and myocardial retention. 99m Tc-ISboroxime-N 3 , 99m Tc-PYboroxime-N 3 and 99m Tc-Uboroxime-N 3 were prepared with high RCP (93-98%) while the RCP of 99m Tc-MPboroxime-N 3 and 99m Tc-PAboroxime-N 3 was 80-85%. The myocardial retention curves of 99m Tc-ISboroxime-N 3 , 99m Tc-PYboroxime-N 3 and 99m Tc-Uboroxime-N 3 were best fitted to the bi-exponential decay function. The half-time of the fast component was 1.6±0.4min for 99m Tc-ISboroxime-N 3 , 0.7±0.1min for 99m Tc-PYboroxime-N 3 and 0.9±0.4min for 99m Tc-Uboroxime-N 3 . The 2-min heart uptake from biodistribution studies followed the ranking order of 99m Tc-ISboroxime-N 3 (3.60±0.68%ID/g)> 99m Tc-PYboroxime-N 3 (2.35±0.37%ID/g)≫ 99m Tc-Uboroxime-N 3 (1.29±0.06%ID/g). 99m Tc-ISboroxime-N 3 had the highest 2-min heart uptake among 99m Tc radiotracers revaluated in SD rats. High quality SPECT images were obtained with the right and left ventricular walls being clearly delineated. The best image acquisition window was 0-5min for 99m Tc-ISboroxime-N 3 . Both azide coligand and boronate caps had significant impact on the heart uptake and myocardial retention of complexes [ 99m Tc(N 3 )(CDO)(CDOH) 2 B-R]. Among the radiotracers evaluated in SD rats, 99m Tc-ISboroxime-N 3 has the highest initial heart uptake with the heart retention comparable to that of 99m Tc-Teboroxime. 99m Tc-ISboroxime-N 3 is a promising alternative to 99m Tc-Teboroxime for SPECT MPI. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Weaver, Jamie; Soderquist, Chuck; Gassman, Paul

The local chemistry of technetium-99 ( 99Tc) in oxide glasses is important for understanding the incorporation and long-term release of Tc from nuclear waste glasses, both those for legacy defense wastes and fuel reprocessing wastes. Tc preferably forms Tc(VII), Tc(IV), or Tc(0) in glass, depending on the level of reduction of the melt. Tc(VII) in oxide glasses is normally assumed to be isolated pertechnetate TcO 4 -anions surrounded by alkali, but can occasionally precipitate as alkali pertechnetate salts such as KTcO 4and NaTcO 4when Tc concentration is high. In these cases, Tc(VII) is 4-coordinated by oxygen. A reinvestigation of themore » chemistry of alkali-technetium-oxides formed under oxidizing conditions and at temperatures used to prepare nuclear waste glasses showed that higher coordinated alkali Tc(VII) oxide species had been reported, including those with the TcO 5 -and TcO 6 -anions. The chemistry of alkali Tc(VII) and other alkali-Tc-oxides is reviewed, along with relevant synthesis conditions. Additionally, we report attempts to make 5- and 6-coordinate pertechnetate compounds of K, Na, and Li, i.e. TcO 5 -and TcO 6 -. It was found that higher coordinated species are very sensitive to water, and easily decompose into their respective pertechnetates. It was difficult to obtain pure compounds, but mixtures of the pertechnetate and other phase(s) were frequently found, as evidenced by x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), neutron diffraction (ND), and Raman spectroscopy. Low temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements showed the possibility of Tc(IV) and Tc(VI) in Na 3TcO 5and Na 5TcO 6compounds. It was hypothesized that the smaller counter cation would result in more stable pertechnetates. To confirm the synthesis method, LiReO 4and Li 5ReO 6were prepared, and their Raman spectra match those in the literature. Subsequently, the Tc versions LiTcO 4and Li 5TcO 6were synthesized and characterized by ND, Raman spectroscopy, XANES, and EXAFS. The Li 5TcO 6was a marginally stable compound that appears to have the same structure as that known for Li 5ReO 6. Implications of the experimental work on stability of alkali technetate compounds and possible role in the volatilization of Tc are discussed.« less

Gas-liquid coexistence in a system of dipolar soft spheres.

PubMed

Jia, Ran; Braun, Heiko; Hentschke, Reinhard

2010-12-01

The existence of gas-liquid coexistence in dipolar fluids with no other contribution to attractive interaction than dipole-dipole interaction is a basic and open question in the theory of fluids. Here we compute the gas-liquid critical point in a system of dipolar soft spheres subject to an external electric field using molecular dynamics computer simulation. Tracking the critical point as the field strength is approaching zero we find the following limiting values: T(c)=0.063 and ρ(c)=0.0033 (dipole moment μ=1). These values are confirmed by independent simulation at zero field strength.

Progress of research of high-Tc superconductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tanaka, Shoji

1991-01-01

Research in the area of of high T(sub c) superconductors has made great progress in the last few years. New materials were found and the systematic investigation of these materials has contributed to understanding the mechanism of high T(sub c) superconductivity. The critical currents in thin films, bulks, and tapes increased drastically, and the origin of flux pinning will be clarified in the near future. The future of high T(sub c) superconductivity, in both the basic and applied research areas, is very optimistic. Recent activities in research of high T(sub c) superconductivity and superconductors in Japan are overviewed.

Development of Tc(IV)-Incorporated Fe Minerals to Enhance 99Tc Retention in Glass Waste Form

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

Um, Wooyong; Luksic, Steven A.; Wang, Guohui

Iron minerals have been considered to be good hosts for Tc immobilization because the Tc(IV) ion substitutes for Fe(III) in the crystal structure of the Fe oxide due to similarities in (1) cation size [Tc(IV) = 78.5 pm ; Fe(III) = 69 or 78.5 pm], (2) metal-oxygen interatomic distance (Tc—O = 0.199 nm, Fe—O = 0.203 nm), (3) number of coordinating oxygen atoms (both 6-fold coordinated), and (4) the redox potential (Eh=ca. +20 mV at pH = 7) for a redox couple between Tc(VII)/Tc(IV) and Fe(III)/Fe(II). Magnetite, maghemite, and trevorite are iron oxide minerals and all belong to spinel mineralmore » group. Laboratory testing shows that Tc can be removed from aqueous waste solutions by a process of Tc reduction from Tc(VII) to Tc(IV) followed by co-precipitation with iron oxide minerals during recrystallization of Fe(OH)2(s) used as an initial solid precursor. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy confirmed that Tc was in the +4 oxidation state in final Tc-Fe minerals. The Tc-incorporated Fe minerals were also tested for Tc retention in glass melts at different temperatures between 600 – 1,000 oC in a furnace. After being cooled in air, the solid glass specimens collected at different temperatures were analyzed for Tc oxidation state using XANES and Tc retention using liquid scintillation counting (LSC). Even though Tc(IV) started to reoxidize at 600 oC, Tc retention in the final glass specimen prepared with Tc-incorporated Fe mineral even at high temperatures was at least two times higher than glass prepared with KTcO4 salt. Higher Tc retention in glass is considered to result from limited and delayed Tc volatilization process due to Fe mineral encapsulation for Tc. Therefore, the results showing the presence of Tc(IV) in the Fe mineral structure indicate strong possibility to enhance Tc retention in borosilicate glass as well as to reduce the remediation costs at the Hanford Site.« less

Complete subunit structure of the Clostridium botulinum type D toxin complex via intermediate assembly with nontoxic components.

PubMed

Mutoh, Shingo; Kouguchi, Hirokazu; Sagane, Yoshimasa; Suzuki, Tomonori; Hasegawa, Kimiko; Watanabe, Toshihiro; Ohyama, Tohru

2003-09-23

Clostridium botulinum serotype D strains usually produce two types of stable toxin complex (TC), namely, the 300 kDa M (M-TC) and the 660 kDa L (L-TC) toxin complexes. We previously proposed assembly pathways for both TCs [Kouguchi, H., et al. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 2650-2656]: M-TC is composed by association of neurotoxin (NT) and nontoxic nonhemagglutinin (NTNHA); conjugation of M-TC with three auxiliary types of hemagglutinin subcomponents (HA-33, HA-17, and HA-70) leads to the formation of L-TC. In this study, we found three TC species, 410, 540, and 610 kDa TC species, in the culture supernatant of type D strain 4947. The 540 and 610 kDa TC species displayed banding patterns on SDS-PAGE similar to that of L-TC but with less staining intensity of the HA-33 and HA-17 bands than those of L-TC, indicating that these are intermediate species in the pathway to L-TC assembly. In contrast, the 410 kDa TC species consisted of M-TC and two molecules of HA-70. All of the TC species, except L-TC, demonstrated no hemagglutination activity. When the intermediate TC species were mixed with an isolated HA-33/17 complex, every TC species converted to 650 kDa L-TC with full hemagglutination activity and had the same molecular composition of L-TC. On the basis of titration analysis with the HA-33/17 complex, the stoichiometry of the HA-33/17 complex molecules in the L-TC, 610 kDa, and 540 kDa TC species was estimated as 4, 3, and 2, respectively. In conclusion, the complete subunit composition of mature L-TC is deduced to be a dodecamer assembled by a single NT, a single NTNHA, two HA-70, four HA-33, and four HA-17 molecules.

Ditechnetium heptoxide revisited: Solid-state, gas-phase, and theoretical studies

DOE PAGES

Childs, Bradley C.; Braband, Henrik; Lawler, Keith; ...

2016-10-04

Here, ditechnetium heptoxide was synthesized from the oxidation of TcO 2 with O 2 at 450 °C and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), electron impact mass spectrometry (EI-MS) and theoretical methods. Refinement of the structure at 100 K indicates that Tc 2O 7 crystallizes as a molecular solid in the orthorhombic space group Pbca (a = 7.312(3) Å, b = 5.562(2) Å, c = 13.707(5) Å, V = 557.5(3) Å 3). The Tc 2O 7 molecule can be described as corner-sharing TcO4 tetrahedra (Tc---Tc = 3.698(1) Å and Tc-O Bri-Tc = 180.0°). The EI-MS spectrum of Tc 2Omore » 7 consists of both mononuclear and dinuclear species. The main dinuclear species in the gas-phase are Tc 2O 7 (100%) and Tc 2O 5 (56%), while the main mononuclear species are TcO 3 (33.9%) and TcO 2 (42.8%). The difference in the relative intensities of the M 2O 5 (M = Tc, Re) fragments (1.7% for Re) indicate that these Group 7 elements exhibit different gas phase chemistry. The solid-state structure of Tc 2O 7 was investigated by density functional theory (DFT) methods. The optimized structure of the Tc 2O 7 molecule is in good agreement with the experimental one. Simulations indicate that the more favorable geometry for the Tc 2O 7 molecule in the gas-phase is bent (Tc-O Bri-Tc = 156.5°), while linear (Tc-O Bri-Tc = 180.0°) is favored in the solid state.« less

Analysis of North Atlantic tropical cyclone intensify change using data mining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Jiang

Tropical cyclones (TC), especially when their intensity reaches hurricane scale, can become a costly natural hazard. Accurate prediction of tropical cyclone intensity is very difficult because of inadequate observations on TC structures, poor understanding of physical processes, coarse model resolution and inaccurate initial conditions, etc. This study aims to tackle two factors that account for the underperformance of current TC intensity forecasts: (1) inadequate observations of TC structures, and (2) deficient understanding of the underlying physical processes governing TC intensification. To tackle the problem of inadequate observations of TC structures, efforts have been made to extract vertical and horizontal structural parameters of latent heat release from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR) data products. A case study of Hurricane Isabel (2003) was conducted first to explore the feasibility of using the 3D TC structure information in predicting TC intensification. Afterwards, several structural parameters were extracted from 53 TRMM PR 2A25 observations on 25 North Atlantic TCs during the period of 1998 to 2003. A new generation of multi-correlation data mining algorithm (Apriori and its variations) was applied to find roles of the latent heat release structure in TC intensification. The results showed that the buildup of TC energy is indicated by the height of the convective tower, and the relative low latent heat release at the core area and around the outer band. Adverse conditions which prevent TC intensification include the following: (1) TC entering a higher latitude area where the underlying sea is relative cold, (2) TC moving too fast to absorb the thermal energy from the underlying sea, or (3) strong energy loss at the outer band. When adverse conditions and amicable conditions reached equilibrium status, tropical cyclone intensity would remain stable. The dataset from Statistical Hurricane Intensity Prediction Scheme (SHIPS) covering the period of 1982-2003 and the Apriori-based association rule mining algorithm were used to study the associations of underlying geophysical characteristics with the intensity change of tropical cyclones. The data have been stratified into 6 TC categories from tropical depression to category 4 hurricanes based on their strength. The result showed that the persistence of intensity change in the past and the strength of vertical shear in the environment are the most prevalent factors for all of the 6 TC categories. Hyper-edge searching had found 3 sets of parameters which showed strong intramural binds. Most of the parameters used in SHIPS model have a consistent "I-W" relation over different TC categories, indicating a consistent function of those parameters in TC development. However, the "I-W" relations of the relative momentum flux and the meridional motion change from tropical storm stage to hurricane stage, indicating a change in the role of those two parameters in TC development. Because rapid intensification (RI) is a major source of errors when predicting hurricane intensity, the association rule mining algorithm was performed on RI versus non-RI tropical cyclone cases using the same SHIPS dataset. The results had been compared with those from the traditional statistical analysis conducted by Kaplan and DeMaria (2003). The rapid intensification rule with 5 RI conditions proposed by the traditional statistical analysis was found by the association rule mining in this study as well. However, further analysis showed that the 5 RI conditions can be replaced by another association rule using fewer conditions but with a higher RI probability (RIP). This means that the rule with all 5 constraints found by Kaplan and DeMaria is not optimal, and the association rule mining technique can find a rule with fewer constraints yet fits more RI cases. The further analysis with the highest RIPs over different numbers of conditions has demonstrated that the interactions among multiple factors are responsible for the RI process of TCs. However, the influence of factors saturates at certain numbers. This study has shown successful data mining examples in studying tropical cyclone intensification using association rules. The higher RI probability with fewer conditions found by association rule technique is significant. This work demonstrated that data mining techniques can be used as an efficient exploration method to generate hypotheses, and that statistical analysis should be performed to confirm the hypotheses, as is generally expected for data mining applications.

Materials Data on TcN (SG:131) by Materials Project

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

Kristin Persson

2016-05-23

Computed materials data using density functional theory calculations. These calculations determine the electronic structure of bulk materials by solving approximations to the Schrodinger equation. For more information, see https://materialsproject.org/docs/calculations

Development of an Adaptable Display and Diagnostic System for the Evaluation of Tropical Cyclone Forecasts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kucera, P. A.; Burek, T.; Halley-Gotway, J.

2015-12-01

NCAR's Joint Numerical Testbed Program (JNTP) focuses on the evaluation of experimental forecasts of tropical cyclones (TCs) with the goal of developing new research tools and diagnostic evaluation methods that can be transitioned to operations. Recent activities include the development of new TC forecast verification methods and the development of an adaptable TC display and diagnostic system. The next generation display and diagnostic system is being developed to support evaluation needs of the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) and broader TC research community. The new hurricane display and diagnostic capabilities allow forecasters and research scientists to more deeply examine the performance of operational and experimental models. The system is built upon modern and flexible technology that includes OpenLayers Mapping tools that are platform independent. The forecast track and intensity along with associated observed track information are stored in an efficient MySQL database. The system provides easy-to-use interactive display system, and provides diagnostic tools to examine forecast track stratified by intensity. Consensus forecasts can be computed and displayed interactively. The system is designed to display information for both real-time and for historical TC cyclones. The display configurations are easily adaptable to meet the needs of the end-user preferences. Ongoing enhancements include improving capabilities for stratification and evaluation of historical best tracks, development and implementation of additional methods to stratify and compute consensus hurricane track and intensity forecasts, and improved graphical display tools. The display is also being enhanced to incorporate gridded forecast, satellite, and sea surface temperature fields. The presentation will provide an overview of the display and diagnostic system development and demonstration of the current capabilities.

Monitoring Tc dynamics in a bioreduced sediment: an investigation with gamma camera imaging of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate and (99m)Tc-DTPA.

PubMed

Vandehey, Nicholas T; O'Neil, James P; Slowey, Aaron J; Boutchko, Rostyslav; Druhan, Jennifer L; Moses, William W; Nico, Peter S

2012-11-20

We demonstrate the utility of nuclear medical imaging technologies and a readily available radiotracer, [(99m)Tc]TcO(4)(-), for the noninvasive monitoring of Fe(II) production in acetate-stimulated sediments from Old Rifle, CO, USA. Microcosms consisting of sediment in artificial groundwater media amended with acetate were probed by repeated injection of radiotracer over three weeks. Gamma camera imaging was used to noninvasively quantify the rate and extent of [(99m)Tc]TcO(4)(-) partitioning from solution to sediment. Aqueous Fe(II) and sediment-associated Fe(II) were also measured and correlated with the observed tracer behavior. For each injection of tracer, curves of (99m)Tc concentration in solution vs time were fitted to an analytic function that accounts for both the observed rate of sedimentation as well as the rate of (99m)Tc association with the sediment. The rate and extent of (99m)Tc association with the biostimulated sediment correlated well with the production of Fe(II), and a mechanism of [(99m)Tc]TcO(4)(-) reduction via reaction with surface-bound Fe(II) to form an immobile Tc(IV) species was inferred. After three weeks of bioreduction, a subset of microcosms was aerated in order to reoxidize the Fe(II) to Fe(III), which also destroyed the affinity of the [(99m)Tc]TcO(4)(-) for the sediments. However, within 3 days postoxidation, the rate of Tc(VII) reduction was faster than immediately before oxidation implying a rapid return to more extensive bioreduction. Furthermore, aeration soon after a tracer injection showed that sediment-bound Tc(IV) is rapidly resolubilized to Tc(VII). In contrast to the [(99m)Tc]TcO(4)(-), a second commercially available tracer, (99m)Tc-DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid), had minimal association with sediment in both controls and biostimulated sediments. These experiments show the promise of [(99m)Tc]TcO(4)(-) and (99m)Tc-DTPA as noninvasive imaging probes for a redox-sensitive radiotracer and a conservative flow tracer, respectively.

New Gastrin Releasing Peptide Receptor-Directed [99mTc]Demobesin 1 Mimics: Synthesis and Comparative Evaluation.

PubMed

Nock, Berthold A; Charalambidis, David; Sallegger, Werner; Waser, Beatrice; Mansi, Rosalba; Nicolas, Guillaume P; Ketani, Eleni; Nikolopoulou, Anastasia; Fani, Melpomeni; Reubi, Jean-Claude; Maina, Theodosia

2018-04-12

We have previously reported on the gastrin releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) antagonist [ 99m Tc]1, ([ 99m Tc]demobesin 1, 99m Tc-[N 4 '-diglycolate-dPhe 6 ,Leu-NHEt 13 ]BBN(6-13)). [ 99m Tc]1 has shown superior biological profile compared to analogous agonist-based 99m Tc-radioligands. We herein present a small library of [ 99m Tc]1 mimics generated after structural modifications in (a) the linker ([ 99m Tc]2, [ 99m Tc]3, [ 99m Tc]4), (b) the peptide chain ([ 99m Tc]5, [ 99m Tc]6), and (c) the C-terminus ([ 99m Tc]7 or [ 99m Tc]8). The effects of above modifications on the biological properties of analogs were studied in PC-3 cells and tumor-bearing SCID mice. All analogs showed subnanomolar affinity for the human GRPR, while most receptor-affine 4 and 8 behaved as potent GRPR antagonists in a functional internalization assay. In mice bearing PC-3 tumors, [ 99m Tc]1-[ 99m Tc]6 exhibited GRPR-specific tumor uptake, rapidly clearing from normal tissues. [ 99m Tc]4 displayed the highest tumor uptake (28.8 ± 4.1%ID/g at 1 h pi), which remained high even after 24 h pi (16.3 ± 1.8%ID/g), well surpassing that of [ 99m Tc]1 (5.4 ± 0.7%ID/g at 24 h pi).

Tc-99m tilmanocept versus Tc-99m sulfur colloid in breast cancer sentinel lymph node identification: Results from a randomized, blinded clinical trial.

PubMed

Unkart, Jonathan T; Hosseini, Ava; Wallace, Anne M

2017-12-01

No prior trials have compared sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification outcomes between Tc-99m tilmanocept (TcTM) and Tc-99m sulfur colloid (TcSC) in breast cancer (BC). We report on the secondary outcomes from a randomized, double-blinded, single surgeon clinical trial comparing post-injection site pain between TcTM and TcSC. Patients were randomized to receive a preoperative single, peritumoral intradermal injection of TcTM or TcSC. The number of total, "hot", and blue nodes detected and removed were compared between groups. Fifty-two (27-TcSC and 25-TcTM) patients were enrolled and underwent definitive surgical treatment. At least one "hot" SLN was detected in all patients. Three (5.8%) patients had a disease positive-SLN. The total number of SLNs removed was 61 (mean 2.26 (standard deviation (SD) 0.90)) in the TcSC group and 54 (mean 2.16 (SD 0.90)) in the TcTM group, P = 0.69. The total number of "hot" nodes in the TcSC group was 1.96 (SD 0.76) compared to 2.04 (SD 0.73) in the TcTM group, P = 0.71. The number of identified SLNs did not differ significantly between TcTM and TcSC. Given that no significant technical advantages exist between the two agents, surgeons should choose a radiopharmaceutical based on cost and side effect profile. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Synthesis and Characterization of 5- and 6- Coordinated Alkali Pertechnetates

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

Weaver, Jamie; Soderquist, Chuck; Gassman, Paul

ABSTRACT The local chemistry of technetium-99 ( 99Tc) in oxide glasses is important for understanding the incorporation and long-term release of Tc from nuclear waste glasses, both those for legacy defense wastes and fuel reprocessing wastes. Tc preferably forms Tc(VII), Tc(IV), or Tc(0) in glass, depending on the level of reduction of the melt. Tc(VII) in oxide glasses is normally assumed to be isolated pertechnetate TcO 4 -anions surrounded by alkali, but can occasionally precipitate as alkali pertechnetate salts such as KTcO 4and NaTcO 4when Tc concentration is high. In these cases, Tc(VII) is 4-coordinated by oxygen. A reinvestigation ofmore » the chemistry of alkali-technetium-oxides formed under oxidizing conditions and at temperatures used to prepare nuclear waste glasses showed that higher coordinated alkali Tc(VII) oxide species had been reported, including those with the TcO 5 -and TcO 6 -anions. The chemistry of alkali Tc(VII) and other alkali-Tc-oxides is reviewed, along with relevant synthesis conditions. Additionally, we report attempts to make 5- and 6-coordinate pertechnetate compounds of K, Na, and Li, i.e. TcO 5 -and TcO 6 -. It was found that higher coordinated species are very sensitive to water, and easily decompose into their respective pertechnetates. It was difficult to obtain pure compounds, but mixtures of the pertechnetate and other phase(s) were frequently found, as evidenced by x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), neutron diffraction (ND), and Raman spectroscopy. Low temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements showed the possibility of Tc(IV) and Tc(VI) in Na 3TcO 5and Na 5TcO 6compounds. It was hypothesized that the smaller counter cation would result in more stable pertechnetates. To confirm the synthesis method, LiReO 4and Li 5ReO 6were prepared, and their Raman spectra match those in the literature. Subsequently, the Tc versions LiTcO 4and Li 5TcO 6were synthesized and characterized by ND, Raman spectroscopy, XANES, and EXAFS. The Li 5TcO 6was a marginally stable compound that appears to have the same structure as that known for Li 5ReO 6. Implications of the experimental work on stability of alkali technetate compounds and possible role in the volatilization of Tc are discussed.« less

Analysis of CO, CH4 and AOD distributions over Eurasia and estimates of their long-term tendencies based on spectroscopic ground-based and satellite observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rakitin, Vadim; Elansky, Nikolai; Shtabkin, Yury; Dzhola, Anatoly; Pankratova, Natalia; Shilkin, Arseny

2017-04-01

Analysis of the CO and CH4 total column (TC) measurements and AOD data in urban and background regions of Eurasia for period from 1998 to 2016 years is presented. The trends estimates based on spectroscopic ground-based datasets of OIAP, SPSU, IAP CAC, NPO "Typhoon" and NDACC were compared with similar ones obtained with use of orbital data (MOPITT v6J and AIRS v6). Total decrease of CO TC in both urban (Moscow and Beijing) and background regions (ZSS, Peterhof, Obninsk, European NDACC sites) in 1998-2016 years changed to increase of CO in summer and autumn months in almost all background regions of Northern Eurasia after 2007. Negative trends of AOD were obtained for Europe, West Siberia and China for different seasons (including summer and autumn months) for time periods 2000-2016 and 2007-2016 with using both AERONET and MODIS Terra/Aqua datasets; AOD trends over East Siberia were positive that dui to influence of strong wild fires in 2010-2016 years in Siberia. Rate of CO TC decrease obtained with orbital data using are less than the same for ground based data with factor 1.5-2.0 for both urban and background regions. Rate of CH4 TC increased after 2007 in North-West Eurasian regions and didn't change in most of North-East regions. The negative AOD trends over Europe and West Siberia indirectly point to non-increase of wild-fires emissions over this region in latest years. Therefore the positive CO TC trends cannot be explained only by increase of wild-fires impact and anthropogenic emissions; possible reasons of such CO tendencies could be the changes in all atmospheric photochemistry system. This work was supported by the Russian Scientific Foundation under grant №14-47-00049 (in part of NDACC, AERONET and satellite trends estimates), under grant №16-17-10275 (in part of analysis of ground-based observations over Moscow and Obninsk) and partially by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (grant № 16-05-00287 in part of provide of ground-based spectroscopic measurements in Moscow and Beijing sites).

Stem Cell Basics

MedlinePlus

... Tips Info Center Research Topics Federal Policy Glossary Stem Cell Information General Information Clinical Trials Funding Information Current ... Basics » Stem Cell Basics I. Back to top Stem Cell Basics I. Introduction: What are stem cells, and ...

Untangling the transmission dynamics of primary and secondary vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi in Colombia: parasite infection, feeding sources and discrete typing units.

PubMed

Hernández, Carolina; Salazar, Camilo; Brochero, Helena; Teherán, Aníbal; Buitrago, Luz Stella; Vera, Mauricio; Soto, Hugo; Florez-Rivadeneira, Zulibeth; Ardila, Sussane; Parra-Henao, Gabriel; Ramírez, Juan David

2016-12-01

Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease. Due to its genetic diversity has been classified into six Discrete Typing Units (DTUs) in association with transmission cycles. In Colombia, natural T. cruzi infection has been detected in 15 triatomine species. There is scarce information regarding the infection rates, DTUs and feeding preferences of secondary vectors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine T. cruzi infection rates, parasite DTU, ecotopes, insect stages, geographical location and bug feeding preferences across six different triatomine species. A total of 245 insects were collected in seven departments of Colombia. We conducted molecular detection and genotyping of T. cruzi with subsequent identification of food sources. The frequency of infection, DTUs, TcI genotypes and feeding sources were plotted across the six species studied. A logistic regression model risk was estimated with insects positive for T. cruzi according to demographic and eco-epidemiological characteristics. We collected 85 specimens of Panstrongylus geniculatus, 77 Rhodnius prolixus, 37 R. pallescens, 34 Triatoma maculata, 8 R. pictipes and 4 T. dimidiata. The overall T. cruzi infection rate was 61.2% and presented statistical associations with the departments Meta (OR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.69-4.17) and Guajira (OR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.16-3.94); peridomestic ecotope (OR: 2.52: 95% CI: 1.62-3.93); the vector species P. geniculatus (OR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.51-3.82) and T. maculata (OR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.02-4.29); females (OR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.39-3.04) and feeding on opossum (OR: 3.15; 95% CI: 1.85-11.69) and human blood (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.07-2.24). Regarding the DTUs, we observed TcI (67.3%), TcII (6.7%), TcIII (8.7%), TcIV (4.0%) and TcV (6.0%). Across the samples typed as TcI, we detected TcIDom (19%) and sylvatic TcI (75%). The frequencies of feeding sources were 59.4% (human blood); 11.2% (hen); 9.6% (bat); 5.6% (opossum); 5.1% (mouse); 4.1% (dog); 3.0% (rodent); 1.0% (armadillo); and 1.0% (cow). New scenarios of T. cruzi transmission caused by secondary and sylvatic vectors are considered. The findings of sylvatic DTUs from bugs collected in domestic and peridomestic ecotopes confirms the emerging transmission scenarios in Colombia.

Correlation of Tc-99 m ethyl cysteinate dimer single-photon emission computed tomography and clinical presentations in patients with low cobalamin status.

PubMed

Tu, Min-Chien; Lo, Chung-Ping; Chen, Ching-Yuan; Huang, Ching-Feng

2015-12-03

Cobalamin (Cbl) deficiency has been associated with various neuropsychiatric symptoms of different severities. While some studies dedicated in structural neuroimaging credibly address negative impact of low Cbl status, functional imaging reports are limited. We herein retrospectively review the correlation of Tc-99 m ethyl cysteinate dimer single-photon emission computed tomography (Tc-99 m-ECD SPECT) and clinical presentations among patients with low serum cobalamin (Cbl) status (<250 pg/ml). Twelve symptomatic patients with low serum Cbl status were enrolled. Clinical presentations, Tc-99 m-ECD SPECT, and neuropsychological tests were reviewed. Dysexecutive syndrome (67 %), forgetfulness (50 %), attention deficits (42 %), and sleep disorders (33 %) constituted the major clinical presentations. All patients (100 %) had temporal hypoperfusion on the Tc-99 m-ECD SPECT. Five patients (42 %) had hypoperfusion restricted within temporal regions and deep nuclei; seven patients (58 %) had additional frontal hypoperfusion. In patients with hypoperfusion restricted within temporal regions and deep nuclei, psychiatric symptoms with spared cognition were their main presentations. Among patients with additional frontal hypoperfusion, six of seven patients (86 %) showed impaired cognitive performances (two of them were diagnosed as having dementia). Among ten patients who finished neuropsychological tests, abstract thinking (70 %) was the most commonly affected, followed by verbal fluency (60 %), short-term memory (50 %), and attention (50 %). Anxiety and sleep problems were the major clinically remarkable psychiatric features (33 % both). Four Tc-99 m-ECD SPECT follow-up studies were available; the degree and extent of signal reversal correlated with cognitive changes after Cbl replacement therapy. Our TC-99 m-ECD SPECT observations provide pivotal information of neurobiological changes within basal ganglia and fronto-temporal regions in conjunction with disease severity among patients with Cbl deficiency. Hypoperfusion within thalamus/basal ganglia and temporal regions may be seen in the earlier state of Cbl deficiency, when psychiatric symptoms predominate. Hypoperfusion beyond thalamus/basal ganglia and involving frontal regions appears when cognitive problems, mostly dysexecutive syndrome, are manifested. Symmetric hypofrontality of SPECT in the context of dysexcutive syndrome serves as a distinguishing feature of non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment attributed to Cbl deficiency. Concordant with TC-99 m-ECD SPECT findings, the psychiatric symptoms and dysexcutive syndrome undergird impaired limbic and dorsolateral prefrontal circuits originating from basal ganglia respectively.

Role of the Pair Correlation Function in the Dynamical Transition Predicted by Mode Coupling Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nandi, Manoj Kumar; Banerjee, Atreyee; Dasgupta, Chandan; Bhattacharyya, Sarika Maitra

2017-12-01

In a recent study, we have found that for a large number of systems the configurational entropy at the pair level Sc 2, which is primarily determined by the pair correlation function, vanishes at the dynamical transition temperature Tc. Thus, it appears that the information of the transition temperature is embedded in the structure of the liquid. In order to investigate this, we describe the dynamics of the system at the mean field level and, using the concepts of the dynamical density functional theory, show that the dynamical transition temperature depends only on the pair correlation function. Thus, this theory is similar in spirit to the microscopic mode coupling theory (MCT). However, unlike microscopic MCT, which predicts a very high transition temperature, the present theory predicts a transition temperature that is similar to Tc. This implies that the information of the dynamical transition temperature is embedded in the pair correlation function.

The effect of retrieval on recall of information in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder.

PubMed

Amir, Nader; Badour, Christal L; Freese, Bettina

2009-05-01

Cognitive theories of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suggest that associative memory processes may play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of the disorder. In the current study we examined the effect of associative pair rehearsal on recall ability for threatening and non-threatening information using the retrieval-practice paradigm in individuals with PTSD, traumatized controls (TC), and non-traumatized controls (NAC). Across word type, NACs demonstrated a typical retrieval-induced forgetting effect. However, individuals with PTSD benefited less from rehearsal, and failed to inhibit recall of unpracticed words in practiced categories. Participants in the TC group displayed a retrieval-induced forgetting effect similar to those individuals in the PTSD group. These findings are consistent with research indicating that individuals with PTSD may derive less benefit from rehearsal and display general inhibitory difficulties when compared to non-traumatized controls.

Emerging Roles for MAS-Related G Protein-Coupled Receptor-X2 in Host Defense Peptide, Opioid, and Neuropeptide-Mediated Inflammatory Reactions.

PubMed

Ali, Hydar

2017-01-01

Mast cells (MCs) are tissue-resident immune cells that contribute to host defense but are best known for their roles in allergic and inflammatory diseases. In humans, MCs are divided into two subtypes based on the protease content of their secretory granules. Thus, human lung MCs contain only tryptase and are known as MC T , whereas skin MCs contain both tryptase and chymase and are known as MC TC . Patients with severe asthma display elevated MCs in the lung, which undergo phenotypic change from MC T to MC TC . Although the human genome contains four Mas related G protein coupled receptor X (MRGPRX) genes, an important feature of MC TC is that they selectively express MRGPRX2. It is activated by antimicrobial host defense peptides such as human β-defensins and the cathelicidin LL-37 and likely contributes to host defense. MRGPRX2 is also a receptor for the neuropeptide substance P, major basic protein, eosinophil peroxidase, opioids, and many FDA-approved cationic drugs. Increased expression of MRGPRX2 or enhanced downstream signaling likely contributes to chronic inflammatory diseases such as rosacea, atopic dermatitis, chronic urticaria, and severe asthma. In this chapter, I will discuss the expression profile and function of MRGPRX1-4 and review the emerging roles of MRGPRX2 on host defense, chronic inflammatory diseases, and drug-induced pseudoallergic reactions. I will also examine the novel aspects of MRGPRX2 signaling in MCs as it related to degranulation and review the mechanisms of its regulation. © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Constructions of secure entanglement channels assisted by quantum dots inside single-sided optical cavities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heo, Jino; Kang, Min-Sung; Hong, Chang-Ho; Choi, Seong-Gon; Hong, Jong-Phil

2017-08-01

We propose quantum information processing schemes to generate and swap entangled states based on the interactions between flying photons and quantum dots (QDs) confined within optical cavities for quantum communication. To produce and distribute entangled states (Bell and Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger [GHZ] states) between the photonic qubits of flying photons of consumers (Alice and Bob) and electron-spin qubits of a provider (trust center, or TC), the TC employs the interactions of the QD-cavity system, which is composed of a charged QD (negatively charged exciton) inside a single-sided cavity. Subsequently, the TC constructs an entanglement channel (Bell state and 4-qubit GHZ state) to link one consumer with another through entanglement swapping, which can be realized to exploit a probe photon with interactions of the QD-cavity systems and single-qubit measurements without Bell state measurement, for quantum communication between consumers. Consequently, the TC, which has quantum nodes (QD-cavity systems), can accomplish constructing the entanglement channel (authenticated channel) between two separated consumers from the distributions of entangled states and entanglement swapping. Furthermore, our schemes using QD-cavity systems, which are feasible with a certain probability of success and high fidelity, can be experimentally implemented with technology currently in use.

Estimation of internal exposure to 99Mo in nuclear medicine patients.

PubMed

Silva, I C O A; Lucena, E A; Souza, W O; Dantas, A L A; Dantas, B M

2010-05-10

(99m)Tc is the most widely used radionuclide in nuclear medicine. It is obtained by elution of (99)Mo-(99m)Tc generators. Depending on the quality of the generator and its integrity, (99)Mo may be extracted from the column during the elution process, becoming a radionuclidic impurity in the (99m)Tc eluate. This fact would impart an unnecessary dose to the patients submitted to diagnostic procedures. The aim of this work is to evaluate (99)Mo incorporation and internal effective doses in nuclear medicine patients through bioassay techniques, providing information on the metabolism of molybdenum in humans. A methodology based on in vivo and in vitro measurements was developed. In vivo measurements were performed with a NaI detector installed in the IRD WBC. Urine samples were analysed with a HPGe at the IRD bioassay laboratory. Patients showed detectable activities of (99)Mo in whole body and urine. Results were interpreted with AIDE software. Estimated incorporation was compared to predicted values based on ICRP model. Effective doses were in the order of micro sieverts. Results suggest the need to implement a routine quality control program of radionuclidic impurity of (99)Mo in (99m)Tc eluates to be conducted by radiopharmacy laboratories of nuclear medicine centers.

Overview of xeroderma pigmentosum proteins architecture, mutations and post-translational modifications.

PubMed

Feltes, Bruno César; Bonatto, Diego

2015-01-01

The xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group proteins (XPs), which include XPA through XPG, play a critical role in coordinating and promoting global genome and transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (GG-NER and TC-NER, respectively) pathways in eukaryotic cells. GG-NER and TC-NER are both required for the repair of bulky DNA lesions, such as those induced by UV radiation. Mutations in genes that encode XPs lead to the clinical condition xeroderma pigmentosum (XP). Although the roles of XPs in the GG-NER/TC-NER subpathways have been extensively studied, complete knowledge of their three-dimensional structure is only beginning to emerge. Hence, this review aims to summarize the current knowledge of mapped mutations and other structural information on XP proteins that influence their function and protein-protein interactions. We also review the possible post-translational modifications for each protein and the impact of these modifications on XP protein functions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of Technetium-99 sources on its retention in low activity waste glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luksic, Steven A.; Kim, Dong-Sang; Um, Wooyong; Wang, Guohui; Schweiger, Michael J.; Soderquist, Chuck Z.; Lukens, Wayne; Kruger, Albert A.

2018-05-01

Small-scale crucible melting tests on simulated waste glass were performed with technetium-99 (Tc-99) introduced as different species in a representative low activity waste simulant. The glass saw an increase in Tc-99 retention when TcO2•2H2O and various Tc-minerals containing reduced tetravalent Tc were used compared to tests in which pertechnetate with heptavalent Tc was used. We postulate that the increase of Tc retention is likely caused by different reaction paths for Tc incorporation into glass during early stages of melting, rather than the low volatility of reduced tetravalent Tc compounds, which has been a generally accepted idea. Additional studies are needed to clarify the exact mechanisms relevant to the effect of reduced Tc compounds on Tc incorporation into or volatilization from the glass melt.

Cholesterol negatively regulates IL-9-producing CD8+ T cell differentiation and antitumor activity.

PubMed

Ma, Xingzhe; Bi, Enguang; Huang, Chunjian; Lu, Yong; Xue, Gang; Guo, Xing; Wang, Aibo; Yang, Maojie; Qian, Jianfei; Dong, Chen; Yi, Qing

2018-05-09

CD8 + T cells can be polarized into IL-9-secreting (Tc9) cells. We previously showed that adoptive therapy using tumor-specific Tc9 cells generated stronger antitumor responses in mouse melanoma than classical Tc1 cells. To understand why Tc9 cells exert stronger antitumor responses, we used gene profiling to compare Tc9 and Tc1 cells. Tc9 cells expressed different levels of cholesterol synthesis and efflux genes and possessed significantly lower cholesterol content than Tc1 cells. Unique to Tc9, but not other CD8 + or CD4 + T cell subsets, manipulating cholesterol content in polarizing Tc9 cells significantly affected IL-9 expression and Tc9 differentiation and antitumor response in vivo. Mechanistic studies showed that IL-9 was indispensable for Tc9 cell persistence and antitumor effects, and cholesterol or its derivatives inhibited IL-9 expression by activating liver X receptors (LXRs), leading to LXR Sumoylation and reduced p65 binding to Il9 promoter. Our study identifies cholesterol as a critical regulator of Tc9 cell differentiation and function. © 2018 Ma et al.

Reductive Sequestration Of Pertechnetate (99TcO4–) By Nano Zerovalent Iron (nZVI) Transformed By Abiotic Sulfide

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

Fan, Dimin; Anitori, Roberto; Tebo, Bradley M.

2013-04-24

Under anoxic conditions, soluble 99TcO4– can be reduced to less soluble TcO2•nH2O, but the oxide is highly susceptible to reoxidation. Here we investigate an alternative strategy for remediation of Tc-contaminated groundwater whereby sequestration as Tc sulfide is favored by sulfidic conditions stimulated by nano zero-valent iron (nZVI). nZVI was pre-exposed to increasing concentrations of sulfide in simulated Hanford groundwater for 24 hrs to mimic the stages of aquifer sulfate reduction and onset of biotic sulfidogenesis. Solid-phase characterizations of the sulfidated nZVI confirmed the formation of nanocrystalline FeS phases, but higher S/Fe ratios (>0.112) did not result in the formation ofmore » significantly more FeS. The kinetics of Tc sequestration by these materials showed faster Tc removal rates with increasing S/Fe between S/Fe = 0–0.056, but decreasing Tc removal rates with S/Fe > 0.224. The more favorable Tc removal kinetics at low S/Fe could be due to a higher affinity of TcO4– for FeS (over iron oxides), and electron microscopy confirmed that the majority of the Tc was associated with FeS phases. The inhibition of Tc removal at high S/Fe appears to have been caused by excess HS–. X-ray absorption spectroscopy revealed that as S/Fe increased, Tc speciation shifted from TcO2•nH2O to TcS2. The most substantial change of Tc speciation occurred at low S/Fe, coinciding with the rapid increase of Tc removal rate. This agreement further confirms the importance of FeS in Tc sequestration.« less

Analysis of functions of the chitin deacetylase gene family in Tribolium castaneum.

PubMed

Arakane, Yasuyuki; Dixit, Radhika; Begum, Khurshida; Park, Yoonseong; Specht, Charles A; Merzendorfer, Hans; Kramer, Karl J; Muthukrishnan, Subbaratnam; Beeman, Richard W

2009-01-01

The expression profiles of nine genes encoding chitin deacetylase (CDA)-like proteins were studied during development and in various tissues of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, by RT-PCR. TcCDA1, TcCDA2 and TcCDA5 were expressed throughout all stages of development, while TcCDA6-9 were expressed predominantly during larval feeding stages. In situ hybridization experiments revealed that both TcCDA1 and TcCDA2 were expressed in epidermal cells. Polyclonal antibody to TcCDA1 detected an immunoreactive protein in larval tracheae. TcCDA6 through TcCDA9, which belong to a distinct subgroup of gut-specific CDAs, were transcribed in the cells lining the midgut, including epithelial cells. TcCDA3 was expressed in the thoracic muscles, whereas TcCDA4 was expressed in early imaginal appendages. To study the function(s) of individual TcCDA genes, double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) specific for each gene were injected into insects at different developmental stages and the phenotypes were monitored. No visible phenotypic changes were observed after injection of dsRNAs for TcCDA3 to 9, whereas injection of dsRNAs for TcCDA1 or TcCDA2 affected all types of molts, including larval-larval, larval-pupal and pupal-adult. Insects treated with these dsRNAs could not shed the old cuticle and were trapped in their exuviae. Interestingly, unique and very dissimilar adult phenotypes were observed after injection of dsRNAs that specifically down-regulated either of the two alternatively spliced transcripts of TcCDA2, namely TcCDA2a or TcCDA2b. These results reveal functional specialization among T. castaneum CDA genes and splice variants.

Systematic XAS study on the reduction and uptake of Tc by magnetite and mackinawite.

PubMed

Yalçıntaş, Ezgi; Scheinost, Andreas C; Gaona, Xavier; Altmaier, Marcus

2016-11-28

The mechanisms for the reduction and uptake of Tc by magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) and mackinawite (FeS) are investigated using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES and EXAFS), in combination with thermodynamic calculations of the Tc/Fe systems and accurate characterization of the solution properties (pH m , pe, [Tc]). Batch sorption experiments were performed under strictly anoxic conditions using freshly prepared magnetite and mackinawite in 0.1 M NaCl solutions with varying initial Tc(vii) concentrations (2 × 10 -5 and 2 × 10 -4 M) and Tc loadings (400-900 ppm). XANES confirms the complete reduction of Tc(vii) to Tc(iv) in all investigated systems, as predicted from experimental (pH m + pe) measurements and thermodynamic calculations. Two Tc endmember species are identified by EXAFS in the magnetite system, Tc substituting for Fe in the magnetite structure and Tc-Tc dimers sorbed to the magnetite {111} faces through a triple bond. The sorption endmember is favoured at higher [Tc], whereas incorporation prevails at low [Tc] and less alkaline pH conditions. The key role of pH in the uptake mechanism is interpreted in terms of magnetite solubility, with higher [Fe] and greater recrystallization rates occurring at lower pH values. A TcS x -like phase is predominant in all investigated mackinawite systems, although the contribution of up to 20% of TcO 2 ·xH 2 O(s) (likely as surface precipitate) is observed for the highest investigated loadings (900 ppm). These results provide key inputs for an accurate mechanistic interpretation of the Tc uptake by magnetite and mackinawite, so far controversially discussed in the literature, and represent a highly relevant contribution to the investigation of Tc retention processes in the context of nuclear waste disposal.

Clinical Trial with Sodium 99mTc-Pertechnetate Produced by a Medium-Energy Cyclotron: Biodistribution and Safety Assessment in Patients with Abnormal Thyroid Function.

PubMed

Selivanova, Svetlana V; Lavallée, Éric; Senta, Helena; Caouette, Lyne; McEwan, Alexander J B; Guérin, Brigitte; Lecomte, Roger; Turcotte, Éric

2017-05-01

A single-site prospective open-label clinical study with cyclotron-produced sodium 99m Tc-pertechnetate ( 99m Tc-NaTcO 4 ) was performed in patients with indications for a thyroid scan to demonstrate the clinical safety and diagnostic efficacy of the drug and to confirm its equivalence with conventional 99m Tc-NaTcO 4 eluted from a generator. Methods: 99m Tc-NaTcO 4 was produced from enriched 100 Mo (99.815%) with a cyclotron (24 MeV; 2 h of irradiation) or supplied by a commercial manufacturer (bulk vial eluted from a generator). Eleven patients received 325 ± 29 (mean ± SD) MBq of the cyclotron-produced 99m Tc-NaTcO 4 , whereas the age- and sex-matched controls received a comparable amount of the generator-derived tracer. Whole-body and thyroid planar images were obtained for each participant. In addition to the standard-energy window (140.5 keV ± 7.5%), data were acquired in lower-energy (117 keV ± 10%) and higher-energy (170 keV ± 10%) windows. Vital signs and hematologic and biochemical parameters were monitored before and after tracer administration. Results: Cyclotron-produced 99m Tc-NaTcO 4 showed organ and whole-body distributions identical to those of conventional 99m Tc-NaTcO 4 and was well tolerated. All images led to a clear final diagnosis. The fact that the number of counts in the higher-energy window was significantly higher for cyclotron-produced 99m Tc-NaTcO 4 did not influence image quality in the standard-energy window. Image definition in the standard-energy window with cyclotron-produced 99m Tc was equivalent to that with generator-eluted 99m Tc and had no particular features allowing discrimination between the 99m Tc production methods. Conclusion: The systemic distribution, clinical safety, and imaging efficacy of cyclotron-produced 99m Tc-NaTcO 4 in humans provide supporting evidence for the use of this tracer as an equivalent for generator-eluted 99m Tc-NaTcO 4 in routine clinical practice. © 2017 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

SU-E-J-189: Determination of Markerless Lung Tumor Position in Real Time: A Feasibility Study Using a Novel Tomo-Cinegraphy Imaging

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

Yi, B; Hu, E; Yu, C

2015-06-15

Purpose: A Tomo-Cinegraphy (TC) is a method to generate a series of temporal tomographic images from projection images of the on-board imager (OBI) while gantry is moving. It is to test if this technique is useful to determine a lung tumor position during treatments. Methods: Tomographic image via background subtraction, TIBS uses a priori anatomical information from a previous CT scan to isolate a SOI from a planar kV image by factoring out the attenuations by tissues outside the SOI (background). This idea was extended to a TC, which enables to generate tomographic images of same geometry from the projectionmore » of different gantry angles and different breathing phases. Projection images of a lung patient for CBCT acquisition are used to generate TC images. A region of interest (ROI) is selected around a tumor adding 2cm margins. Center of mass (COM) of the ROI is traced to determine tumor position for every projection images. Results: Tumor is visible in the TC images while the OBI projections are not. The coordinates of the COMs represent the temporal tumor positions. While, it is not possible to trace the tumor motion using the projection images. A source of time delay is the time to acquire projection images, which is always less than a second. Conclusion: TC allows tracking the tumor positions without fiducial markers in real time for some lung patients, if the projection images are acquired during treatments. Partially supported by NIH R01CA133539.« less

Association mapping of seed and disease resistance traits in Theobroma cacao L.

PubMed

Motilal, Lambert A; Zhang, Dapeng; Mischke, Sue; Meinhardt, Lyndel W; Boccara, Michel; Fouet, Olivier; Lanaud, Claire; Umaharan, Pathmanathan

2016-12-01

Microsatellite and single nucleotide polymorphism markers that could be used in marker assisted breeding of cacao were identified for number of filled seeds, black pod resistance and witches' broom disease resistance. An association mapping approach was employed to identify markers for seed number and resistance to black pod and witches' broom disease (WBD) in cacao (Theobroma cacao L.). Ninety-five microsatellites (SSRs) and 775 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were assessed on 483 unique trees in the International Cocoa Genebank Trinidad (ICGT). Linkage disequilibrium (LD) and association mapping studies were conducted to identify markers to tag the phenotypic traits. Decay of LD occurred over an average 9.3 cM for chromosomes 1-9 and 2.5 cM for chromosome 10. Marker/trait associations were generally identified based on general linear models (GLMs) that incorporated principal components from molecular information on relatedness factor. Seven markers (mTcCIR 8, 66, 126, 212; TcSNP368, 697, 1370) on chromosomes 1 and 9 were identified for number of filled seeds (NSEED). A single marker was found for black pod resistance (mTcCIR280) on chromosome 3, whereas six markers on chromosomes 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 were detected for WBD (mTcCIR91, 183; TcSNP375, 720, 1230 and 1374). It is expected that this association mapping study in cacao would contribute to the knowledge of the genetic determinism of cocoa traits and that the markers identified herein would prove useful in marker assisted breeding of cacao.

Electronic structure and superconductivity of FeSe-related superconductors.

PubMed

Liu, Xu; Zhao, Lin; He, Shaolong; He, Junfeng; Liu, Defa; Mou, Daixiang; Shen, Bing; Hu, Yong; Huang, Jianwei; Zhou, X J

2015-05-13

FeSe superconductors and their related systems have attracted much attention in the study of iron-based superconductors owing to their simple crystal structure and peculiar electronic and physical properties. The bulk FeSe superconductor has a superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of ~8 K and it can be dramatically enhanced to 37 K at high pressure. On the other hand, its cousin system, FeTe, possesses a unique antiferromagnetic ground state but is non-superconducting. Substitution of Se with Te in the FeSe superconductor results in an enhancement of Tc up to 14.5 K and superconductivity can persist over a large composition range in the Fe(Se,Te) system. Intercalation of the FeSe superconductor leads to the discovery of the AxFe2-ySe2 (A = K, Cs and Tl) system that exhibits a Tc higher than 30 K and a unique electronic structure of the superconducting phase. A recent report of possible high temperature superconductivity in single-layer FeSe/SrTiO3 films with a Tc above 65 K has generated much excitement in the community. This pioneering work opens a door for interface superconductivity to explore for high Tc superconductors. The distinct electronic structure and superconducting gap, layer-dependent behavior and insulator-superconductor transition of the FeSe/SrTiO3 films provide critical information in understanding the superconductivity mechanism of iron-based superconductors. In this paper, we present a brief review of the investigation of the electronic structure and superconductivity of the FeSe superconductor and related systems, with a particular focus on the FeSe films.

Geographical structuring of Trypanosoma cruzi populations from Chilean Triatoma infestans triatomines and their genetic relationship with other Latino American counterparts

PubMed Central

Venegas, J; Rojas, T; DÍaz, F; Miranda, S; Jercic, M I; González, C; Coñoepán, W; Pichuantes, S; RodrÍguez, J; Gajardo, M; Sánchez, G

2011-01-01

In order to obtain more information about the population structure of Chilean Trypanosoma cruzi, and their genetic relationship with other Latino American counterparts, we performed the study of T. cruzi samples detected in the midgut content of Triatoma infestans insects from three endemic regions of Chile. The genetic characteristics of these samples were analysed using microsatellite markers and PCR conditions that allow the detection of predominant T. cruzi clones directly in triatomine midgut content. Population genetic analyses using the Fisher’s exact method, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and the determination of FST showed that the northern T. cruzi population sample was genetically differentiated from the two southern population counterparts. Further analysis showed that the cause of this genetic differentiation was the asymmetrical distribution of TcIII T. cruzi predominant clones. Considering all triatomines from the three regions, the most frequent predominant lineages were TcIII (38%), followed by TcI (34%) and hybrid (8%). No TcII lineage was observed along the predominant T. cruzi clones. The best phylogenetic reconstruction using the shared allelic genetic distance was concordant with the population genetic analysis and tree topology previously described studying foreign samples. The correlation studies showed that the lineage TcIII from the III region was genetically differentiated from the other two, and this differentiation was correlated with geographical distance including Chilean and mainly Brazilian samples. It will be interesting to investigate whether this geographical structure may be related with different clinical manifestation of Chagas disease. PMID:22325822

A fast and simple dose-calibrator-based quality control test for the radionuclidic purity of cyclotron-produced (99m)Tc.

PubMed

Tanguay, J; Hou, X; Esquinas, P; Vuckovic, M; Buckley, K; Schaffer, P; Bénard, F; Ruth, T J; Celler, A

2015-11-07

Cyclotron production of 99mTc through the (100)Mo(p,2n)99mTc reaction channel is actively being investigated as an alternative to reactor-based (99)Mo generation by nuclear fission of (235)U. Like most radioisotope production methods, cyclotron production of 99mTc will result in creation of unwanted impurities, including Tc and non-Tc isotopes. It is important to measure the amounts of these impurities for release of cyclotron-produced 99mTc (CPTc) for clinical use. Detection of radioactive impurities will rely on measurements of their gamma (γ) emissions. Gamma spectroscopy is not suitable for this purpose because the overwhelming presence of 99mTc and the count-rate limitations of γ spectroscopy systems preclude fast and accurate measurement of small amounts of impurities. In this article we describe a simple and fast method for measuring γ emission rates from radioactive impurities in CPTc. The proposed method is similar to that used to identify (99)Mo breakthrough in generator-produced 99mTc: one dose calibrator (DC) reading of a CPTc source placed in a lead shield is followed by a second reading of the same source in air. Our experimental and theoretical analysis show that the ratio of DC readings in lead to those in air are linearly related to γ emission rates from impurities per MBq of 99mTc over a large range of clinically-relevant production conditions. We show that estimates of the γ emission rates from Tc impurities per MBq of 99mTc can be used to estimate increases in radiation dose (relative to pure 99mTc) to patients injected with CPTc-based radiopharmaceuticals. This enables establishing dosimetry-based clinical-release criteria that can be tested using commercially-available dose calibrators. We show that our approach is highly sensitive to the presence of 93gTc, 93mTc, 94gTc, 94mTc, 95mTc, 95gTc, and 96gTc, in addition to a number of non-Tc impurities.

A fast and simple dose-calibrator-based quality control test for the radionuclidic purity of cyclotron-produced 99mTc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanguay, J.; Hou, X.; Esquinas, P.; Vuckovic, M.; Buckley, K.; Schaffer, P.; Bénard, F.; Ruth, T. J.; Celler, A.

2015-11-01

Cyclotron production of {{}99\\text{m}} Tc through the 100Mo(p,2n){{}99\\text{m}} Tc reaction channel is actively being investigated as an alternative to reactor-based 99Mo generation by nuclear fission of 235U. Like most radioisotope production methods, cyclotron production of {{}99\\text{m}} Tc will result in creation of unwanted impurities, including Tc and non-Tc isotopes. It is important to measure the amounts of these impurities for release of cyclotron-produced {{}99\\text{m}} Tc (CPTc) for clinical use. Detection of radioactive impurities will rely on measurements of their gamma (γ) emissions. Gamma spectroscopy is not suitable for this purpose because the overwhelming presence of {{}99\\text{m}} Tc and the count-rate limitations of γ spectroscopy systems preclude fast and accurate measurement of small amounts of impurities. In this article we describe a simple and fast method for measuring γ emission rates from radioactive impurities in CPTc. The proposed method is similar to that used to identify 99Mo breakthrough in generator-produced {{}99\\text{m}} Tc: one dose calibrator (DC) reading of a CPTc source placed in a lead shield is followed by a second reading of the same source in air. Our experimental and theoretical analysis show that the ratio of DC readings in lead to those in air are linearly related to γ emission rates from impurities per MBq of {{}99\\text{m}} Tc over a large range of clinically-relevant production conditions. We show that estimates of the γ emission rates from Tc impurities per MBq of {{}99\\text{m}} Tc can be used to estimate increases in radiation dose (relative to pure {{}99\\text{m}} Tc) to patients injected with CPTc-based radiopharmaceuticals. This enables establishing dosimetry-based clinical-release criteria that can be tested using commercially-available dose calibrators. We show that our approach is highly sensitive to the presence of {{}93\\text{g}} Tc, {{}93\\text{m}} Tc, {{}94\\text{g}} Tc, {{}94\\text{m}} Tc, {{}95\\text{m}} Tc, {{}95\\text{g}} Tc, and {{}96\\text{g}} Tc, in addition to a number of non-Tc impurities.

32 CFR Appendix A to Part 275 - Obtaining Basic Identifying Account Information

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 32 National Defense 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Obtaining Basic Identifying Account Information... Information A. A DoD law enforcement office may issue a formal written request for basic identifying account... only the above specified basic identifying information concerning a customer's account. C. A format for...

Photochemical behavior of the quadruply metal-metal bonded [Tc 2Cl 8] 2– anion in acetonitrile

DOE PAGES

Burton-Pye, Benjamin P.; Poineau, Frederic; Bertoia, Julie; ...

2016-09-23

Here, the photochemical behavior of [Tc 2Cl 8] 2– was investigated in acetonitrile. The speciation of Tc before and after irradiation at 254 nm was performed by UV-visible spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Upon irradiation at 254 nm, [Tc 2Cl 8] 2– was unstable, the scission of the Tc ≡ Tc unit occurred and the complex [TcCl 4(CH 3CN) 2] was identified. The disappearance rate of [M 2Cl 8] 2– (M = Tc, Re) under irradiation has been measured and was ~7.5 time faster for Tc than for Re.

Effect of Technetium-99 sources on its retention in low activity waste glass

DOE PAGES

Luksic, Steven A.; Kim, Dong Sang; Um, Wooyong; ...

2018-03-02

Small-scale crucible melting tests on simulated waste glass were performed with technetium-99 (Tc-99) introduced as different species in a representative low activity waste simulant. The glass saw an increase in Tc-99 retention when TcO 2∙2H 2O and various Tc-minerals containing reduced tetravalent Tc were used compared to tests in which pertechnetate with heptavalent Tc was used. Here, we postulate that the increase of Tc retention is likely caused by different reaction paths for Tc incorporation into glass during early stages of melting, rather than the low volatility of reduced tetravalent Tc compounds, which has been a generally accepted idea. Finally,more » additional studies are needed to clarify the exact mechanisms relevant to the effect of reduced Tc compounds on Tc incorporation into or volatilization from the glass melt.« less

Effect of Technetium-99 sources on its retention in low activity waste glass

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

Luksic, Steven A.; Kim, Dong-Sang; Um, Wooyong

Small-scale crucible melting tests on simulated waste glass were performed with technetium-99 (Tc-99) introduced as different species in a representative low activity waste simulant. The glass saw an increase in Tc-99 retention when TcO2∙2H2O and various Tc-minerals containing reduced tetravalent Tc were used compared to tests in which pertechnetate with hexavalent Tc was used. We postulate that the increase of Tc retention is likely caused by different reaction paths for Tc incorporation into glass during early stages of melting, rather than the low volatility of reduced tetravalent Tc compounds, which has been a generally accepted idea. Additional studies are neededmore » to clarify the exact mechanisms relevant to the effect of reduced Tc compounds on Tc incorporation into or volatilization from glass melt.« less

Effect of Technetium-99 sources on its retention in low activity waste glass

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

Luksic, Steven A.; Kim, Dong Sang; Um, Wooyong

Small-scale crucible melting tests on simulated waste glass were performed with technetium-99 (Tc-99) introduced as different species in a representative low activity waste simulant. The glass saw an increase in Tc-99 retention when TcO 2∙2H 2O and various Tc-minerals containing reduced tetravalent Tc were used compared to tests in which pertechnetate with heptavalent Tc was used. Here, we postulate that the increase of Tc retention is likely caused by different reaction paths for Tc incorporation into glass during early stages of melting, rather than the low volatility of reduced tetravalent Tc compounds, which has been a generally accepted idea. Finally,more » additional studies are needed to clarify the exact mechanisms relevant to the effect of reduced Tc compounds on Tc incorporation into or volatilization from the glass melt.« less

Effect of Technetium-99 sources on its retention in low activity waste glass

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

Luksic, Steven A.; Kim, Dong-Sang; Um, Wooyong

© 2018 Small-scale crucible melting tests on simulated waste glass were performed with technetium-99 (Tc-99) introduced as different species in a representative low activity waste simulant. The glass saw an increase in Tc-99 retention when TcO 2 ∙2H 2 O and various Tc-minerals containing reduced tetravalent Tc were used compared to tests in which pertechnetate with heptavalent Tc was used. We postulate that the increase of Tc retention is likely caused by different reaction paths for Tc incorporation into glass during early stages of melting, rather than the low volatility of reduced tetravalent Tc compounds, which has been a generallymore » accepted idea. Additional studies are needed to clarify the exact mechanisms relevant to the effect of reduced Tc compounds on Tc incorporation into or volatilization from the glass melt.« less

Effect of Technetium-99 sources on its retention in low activity waste glass

DOE PAGES

Luksic, Steven A.; Kim, Dong-Sang; Um, Wooyong; ...

2018-05-01

© 2018 Small-scale crucible melting tests on simulated waste glass were performed with technetium-99 (Tc-99) introduced as different species in a representative low activity waste simulant. The glass saw an increase in Tc-99 retention when TcO 2 ∙2H 2 O and various Tc-minerals containing reduced tetravalent Tc were used compared to tests in which pertechnetate with heptavalent Tc was used. We postulate that the increase of Tc retention is likely caused by different reaction paths for Tc incorporation into glass during early stages of melting, rather than the low volatility of reduced tetravalent Tc compounds, which has been a generallymore » accepted idea. Additional studies are needed to clarify the exact mechanisms relevant to the effect of reduced Tc compounds on Tc incorporation into or volatilization from the glass melt.« less

Altered [99mTc]Tc-MDP biodistribution from neutron activation sourced 99Mo.

PubMed

Demeter, Sandor; Szweda, Roman; Patterson, Judy; Grigoryan, Marine

2018-01-01

Given potential worldwide shortages of fission sourced 99 Mo/ 99m Tc medical isotopes there is increasing interest in alternate production strategies. A neutron activated 99 Mo source was utilized in a single center phase III open label study comparing 99m Tc, as 99m Tc Methylene Diphosphonate ([ 99m Tc]Tc-MDP), obtained from solvent generator separation of neutron activation produced 99 Mo, versus nuclear reactor produced 99 Mo (e.g., fission sourced) in oncology patients for which an [ 99m Tc]Tc-MDP bone scan would normally have been indicated. Despite the investigational [ 99m Tc]Tc-MDP passing all standard, and above standard of care, quality assurance tests, which would normally be sufficient to allow human administration, there was altered biodistribution which could lead to erroneous clinical interpretation. The cause of the altered biodistribution remains unknown and requires further research.

Ultrasound Dopplerography of abdomen pathology using statistical computer programs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dmitrieva, Irina V.; Arakelian, Sergei M.; Wapota, Alberto R. W.

1998-04-01

The modern ultrasound dopplerography give us the big possibilities in investigation of gemodynamical changes in all stages of abdomen pathology. Many of researches devoted to using of noninvasive methods in practical medicine. Now ultrasound Dopplerography is one of the basic one. We investigated 250 patients from 30 to 77 ages, including 149 men and 101 women. The basic diagnosis of all patients was the Ischaemic Pancreatitis. The Second diagnoses of pathology were the Ischaemic Disease of Heart, Gypertension, Atherosclerosis, Diabet, Vascular Disease of Extremities. We researched the abdominal aorta and her branches: Arteria Mesenterica Superior (AMS), truncus coeliacus (TC), arteria hepatica communis (AHC), arteria lienalis (AL). For investigation we use the following equipment: ACUSON 128 XP/10c, BIOMEDIC, GENERAL ELECTRIC (USA, Japan). We analyzed the following componetns of gemodynamical changes of abdominal vessels: index of pulsation, index of resistance, ratio of systol-dystol, speed of blood circulation. Statistical program included the following one: 'basic statistic's,' 'analytic program.' In conclusion we determined that the all gemodynamical components of abdominal vessels had considerable changes in abdominal ischaemia than in normal situation. Using the computer's program for definition degree of gemodynamical changes, we can recommend the individual plan of diagnostical and treatment program.

Theoretical Modeling of (99)Tc NMR Chemical Shifts.

PubMed

Hall, Gabriel B; Andersen, Amity; Washton, Nancy M; Chatterjee, Sayandev; Levitskaia, Tatiana G

2016-09-06

Technetium-99 (Tc) displays a rich chemistry due to its wide range of accessible oxidation states (from -I to +VII) and ability to form coordination compounds. Determination of Tc speciation in complex mixtures is a major challenge, and (99)Tc nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is widely used to probe chemical environments of Tc in odd oxidation states. However, interpretation of (99)Tc NMR data is hindered by the lack of reference compounds. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations can help to fill this gap, but to date few computational studies have focused on (99)Tc NMR of compounds and complexes. This work evaluates the effectiveness of both pure generalized gradient approximation and their corresponding hybrid functionals, both with and without the inclusion of scalar relativistic effects, to model the (99)Tc NMR spectra of Tc(I) carbonyl compounds. With the exception of BLYP, which performed exceptionally well overall, hybrid functionals with inclusion of scalar relativistic effects are found to be necessary to accurately calculate (99)Tc NMR spectra. The computational method developed was used to tentatively assign an experimentally observed (99)Tc NMR peak at -1204 ppm to fac-Tc(CO)3(OH)3(2-). This study examines the effectiveness of DFT computations for interpretation of the (99)Tc NMR spectra of Tc(I) coordination compounds in high salt alkaline solutions.

The drought response of Theobroma cacao (cacao) and the regulation of genes involved in polyamine biosynthesis by drought and other stresses.

PubMed

Bae, Hanhong; Kim, Soo-Hyung; Kim, Moon S; Sicher, Richard C; Lary, David; Strem, Mary D; Natarajan, Savithiry; Bailey, Bryan A

2008-02-01

Drought can negatively impact pod production despite the fact that cacao production usually occurs in tropical areas having high rainfall. Polyamines (PAs) have been associated with the response of plants to drought in addition to their roles in responses to many other stresses. The constitutive and drought inducible expression patterns of genes encoding enzymes involved in PA biosynthesis were determined: an ornithine decarboxylase (TcODC), an arginine decarboxylase (TcADC), an S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (TcSAMDC), a spermidine synthase (TcSPDS), and a spermine synthase (TcSPMS). Expression analysis using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (QPCR) results showed that the PA biosynthesis genes were expressed in all plant tissues examined. Constitutive expression of PA biosynthesis genes was generally highest in mature leaves and open flowers. Expression of TcODC, TcADC, and TcSAMDC was induced with the onset of drought and correlated with changes in stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, photosystem II efficiency, leaf water potential and altered emission of blue-green fluorescence from cacao leaves. Induction of TcSAMDC in leaves was most closely correlated with changes in water potential. The earliest measured responses to drought were enhanced expression of TcADC and TcSAMDC in roots along with decreases in stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, and photosystem II efficiency. Elevated levels of putrescine, spermidine, and spermine were detected in cacao leaves 13days after the onset of drought. Expression of all five PA associated transcripts was enhanced (1.5-3-fold) in response to treatment with abscisic acid. TcODC and TcADC, were also responsive to mechanical wounding, infection by Phytophthora megakarya (a causal agent of black pod disease in cacao), the necrosis- and ethylene-inducing protein (Nep1) of Fusarium oxysporum, and flower abscission. TcSAMDC expression was responsive to all stresses except flower abscission. TcODC, although constitutively expressed at much lower levels than TcADC, TcSAMDC, TcSPDS, and TcSPMS, was highly inducible by the fungal protein Nep1 (135-fold) and the cacao pathogen Phytophthora megakarya (671-fold). The full length cDNA for ODC was cloned and characterized. Among the genes studied, TcODC, TcADC, and TcSAMDC were most sensitive to induction by drought in addition to other abiotic and biotic stresses. TcODC, TcADC, and TcSAMDC may share signal transduction pathways and/or the stress induced signal induction pathways may converge at these three genes leading to similar although not identical patterns of expression. It is possible altering PA levels in cacao will result in enhanced tolerance to multiple stresses including drought and disease as has been demonstrated in other crops.

Spatial variability of total carbon and soil organic carbon in agricultural soils in Baranja region, Croatia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogunović, Igor; Trevisani, Sebastiano; Pereira, Paulo; Šeput, Miranda

2017-04-01

Climate change is expected to have an important influence on the crop production in agricultural regions. Soil carbon represents an important soil property that contributes to mitigate the negative influence of climate change on intensive cropped areas. Based on 5063 soil samples sampled from soil top layer (0-30 cm) we studied the spatial distribution of total carbon (TC) and soil organic carbon (SOC) content in various soil types (Anthrosols, Cambisols, Chernozems, Fluvisols, Gleysols, Luvisols) in Baranja region, Croatia. TC concentrations ranged from 2.10 to 66.15 mg/kg (with a mean of 16.31 mg/kg). SOC concentrations ranged from 1.86 to 58.00 mg/kg (with a mean of 13.35 mg/kg). TC and SOC showed moderate heterogeneity with coefficient of variation (CV) of 51.3% and 33.8%, respectively. Average concentrations of soil TC vary in function of soil types in the following decreasing order: Anthrosols (20.9 mg/kg) > Gleysols (19.3 mg/kg) > Fluvisols (15.6 mg/kg) > Chernozems (14.2 mg/kg) > Luvisols (12.6 mg/kg) > Cambisols (11.1 mg/kg), while SOC concentrations follow next order: Gleysols (15.4 mg/kg) > Fluvisols (13.2 mg/kg) = Anthrosols (13.2 mg/kg) > Chernozems (12.6 mg/kg) > Luvisols (11.4 mg/kg) > Cambisols (10.5 mg/kg). Performed geostatistical analysis of TC and SOC; both the experimental variograms as well as the interpolated maps reveal quite different spatial patterns of the two studied soil properties. The analysis of the spatial variability and of the spatial patterns of the produced maps show that SOC is likely influenced by antrophic processes. Spatial variability of SOC indicates soil health deterioration on an important significant portion of the studied area; this suggests the need for future adoption of environmentally friendly soil management in the Baranja region. Regional maps of TC and SOC provide quantitative information for regional planning and environmental monitoring and protection purposes.

[Interaction Between Occupational Vanadium Exposure and hsp70-hom on Neurobehavioral Function].

PubMed

Zhang, Qin; Liu, Yun-xing; Cui, Li; Li, Shun-pin; Gao, Wei; Hu, Gao-lin; Zhang, Zu-hui; Lan, Ya-jia

2016-01-01

In determine the effect of heat shock protein 70-hom gene (hsp70-hom) polymorphism on the neurobehavioral function of workers exposed to vanadium. Workers from the vanadium products and chemical industry were recruited by cluster sampling. Demographic data and exposure information were collected using a questionnaire. Neurobehavioral function was assessed by Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery. The hsp70-hom genotype was detected by restricted fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR). A neurobehavioral index (NBI) was formulated through principal component analysis. Workers with a T/C genotype had worse performance in average reaction time, visual retention, digital span (backward), Santa Ana aiming (non-habitual hand), pursuit aiming (right points, total points), digit symbol and NBI score than others (P < 0.05). The relative risk of abnormal NBI score of the workers with a T/C genotype was 1.748 fold of those with a T/T genotype. The relative risk of abnormal.NBI score of the workers exposed to vanadium was 3.048 fold of controls (P < 0.05). But after adjustment with age and education, only vanadium exposure appeared with a significant effect on NBI score. When gene polymorphism and vanadium exposure coexisted, the effect of vanadium on neurobehavioral function was attenuated, but the influence of T/C genotype increased Codds ratio (OR = 4.577, P < 0.05). After adjustment with age and education, the OR of T/C genotype further increased to 7.777 (P < 0.05). Vanadium exposure and T/C genotype had.a bio-interaction effect on NBI score Crelative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) = 4.12, attributable proportion (AP) = 0.7, synergy index (S) = 6.45]. After adjustment with age and education, the RERI became 2.49 and the AP became 0.75, but no coefficient of interaction was produced. Priorities of occupational protection should be given to vanadium-exposed workers with a hsp70-hom T/C genotype and low education level.

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

Asmussen, Robert M.; Lawter, Amanda R.; Stephenson, John R.

Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) is collecting relevant available data on waste forms for use as a supplemental immobilization technology, to provide the additional capacity needed to treat low-activity waste (LAW) in Hanford Site tanks and complete the tank waste cleanup mission in a timely and cost-effective manner. One candidate supplemental waste form, fabricated using a low-temperature process, is a cementitious grout called Cast Stone. Cast Stone has been under investigation for this application at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) since initial screening tests in FY13. This report is the culmination of work to lower the diffusivities of Tc andmore » I from Cast Stone using getters. Getters are compounds added to a system designed to selectively sequester a species of interest to provide increased stability to the species. The work contained within this report is related to waste form development and testing, and does not directly support the 2017 integrated disposal facility (IDF) performance assessment. However, this work contains valuable information which may be used in performance assessment maintenance past FY17, and in future waste form development. This report on performance characterization of Tc and I getters in Cast Stone fabricated with simulated LAW covers several areas of interest and major findings to WRPS: investigating performance of potassium metal sulfide (KMS-2-SS) and tin (II) apatite (Sn-A) as Tc getters when incorporated into Cast Stone; investigating performance of silver exchanged zeolite (Ag-Z) and argentite (Arg) as I getters when incorporated into Cast Stone; utilizing sequential addition of Tc and I getters to overcome any deleterious interactions between the getters in solution; determining, for the first time, Tc distribution within the cured Cast Stone and its evolution during leaching; and performing solid state characterization of getters and Cast Stone samples to support leach test findings and develop a mechanistic understanding of the processes that control Tc and I release into solution.« less

Targeted Imaging of the Spatial and Temporal Variation of Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity in Porcine Model of Post-Infarct Remodeling: Relationship to Myocardial Dysfunction

PubMed Central

Sahul, Zakir H.; Mukherjee, Rupak; Song, James; McAteer, Jarod; Stroud, Robert E.; Dione, Donald P.; Staib, Lawrence; Papademetris, Xenophon; Dobrucki, Lawrence W.; Duncan, James S.; Spinale, Francis G.; Sinusas, Albert J.

2011-01-01

Background Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are known to modulate left ventricular (LV) remodeling after a myocardial infarction (MI). However, the temporal and spatial variation of MMP activation and their relationship to mechanical dysfunction post MI remains undefined. Methods and Results MI was surgically induced in pigs (n=23) and cine MR and dual isotope hybrid SPECT/CT imaging obtained using thallium-201 (201Tl) and a technetium-99m labeled MMP targeted tracer (99mTc-RP805) at 1, 2 and 4 weeks post MI along with controls (n=5). Regional myocardial strain was computed from MR images and related to MMP zymography and ex vivo myocardial 99mTc-RP805 retention. MMP activation as assessed by in vivo and ex vivo 99mTc-RP805 imaging/retention studies was increased nearly 5-fold within the infarct region at 1 week post-MI and remained elevated up to 1 month post-MI. The post-MI change in LV end-diastolic volumes was correlated with MMP activity (y=31.34e0.48x, p=0.04). MMP activity was increased within the border and remote regions early post-MI, but declined over 1 month. There was a high concordance between regional 99mTc-RP805 uptake and ex vivo MMP-2 activity. Conclusions A novel, multimodality non-invasive hybrid SPECT/CT imaging approach was validated and applied for in vivo evaluation of MMP activation in combination with cine MR analysis of LV deformation. Increased 99mTc-RP805 retention was seen throughout the heart early post-MI and was not purely a reciprocal of 201Tl perfusion. 99mTc-RP805 SPECT/CT imaging may provide unique information regarding regional myocardial MMP activation and predict late post-MI LV remodeling. PMID:21505092

First-Principles Study of Superconductivity in Ultra- thin Pb Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noffsinger, Jesse; Cohen, Marvin L.

2010-03-01

Recently, superconductivity in ultrathin layered Pb has been confirmed in samples with as few as two atomic layers [S. Qin, J. Kim, Q. Niu, and C.-K. Shih, Science 2009]. Interestingly, the prototypical strong-coupling superconductor exhibits different Tc's for differing surface reconstructions in samples with only two monolayers. Additionally, Tc is seen to oscillate as the number of atomic layers is increased. Using first principles techniques based on Wannier functions, we analyze the electronic structure, lattice dynamics and electron-phonon coupling for varying thicknesses and surface reconstructions of layered Pb. We discuss results as they relate to superconductivity in the bulk, for which accurate calculations of superconducting properties can be compared to experiment [W. L. McMillan and J.M. Rowell, PRL 1965]. This work was supported by National Science Foundation Grant No. DMR07-05941, the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231. Computational resources have been provided by the Lawrencium computational cluster resource provided by the IT Division at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Supported by the Director, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, of the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231)

Identification of novel mammalian hosts and Brazilian biome geographic distribution of Trypanosoma cruzi TcIII and TcIV.

PubMed

Barros, Juliana Helena S; Xavier, Samanta Cristina C; Bilac, Daniele; Lima, Valdirene Santos; Dario, Maria Augusta; Jansen, Ana Maria

2017-08-01

Trypanosoma cruzi is a parasitic protozoan responsible for Chagas disease. Seven different Discrete Typing Units (DTUs) of T. cruzi are currently identified in nature: TcI-TcVI, and TcBat whose distribution patterns in nature, hosts/reservoirs and eco-epidemiological importance are still little known. Here, we present novel data on the geographic distribution and diversity of mammalian hosts and vectors of T. cruzi DTUs TcIII and TcIV. In this study, we analyzed 61 T. cruzi isolates obtained from 18 species of mammals (five orders) and two Hemiptera genera. Samples were collected from five Brazilian biomes (Pantanal, Caatinga, Cerrado, Atlantic Rainforest, and Amazon) previously characterized as Z3 or mixed infection (TcI-Z3) by mini-exon gene PCR. To identify TcIII and TcIV genotypes, we applied restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis to the PCR-amplified histone 3 gene. DTUs TcIII and TcIV were identified in single and mixed infections from wide dispersion throughout five Brazilian biomes studied, with TcIV being the most common. Pantanal was the biome that displayed the largest number of samples characterized as TcIII and TcIV in single and mixed infections, followed by Atlantic Rainforest and Amazon. Species from the Didelphimorphia order displayed the highest frequency of infection and were found in all five biomes. We report, for the first time, the infection of a species of the Artiodactyla order by DTU TcIII. In addition, we describe new host species: five mammals (marsupials and rodents) and two genera of Hemiptera. Our data indicate that DTUs TcIII and TcIV are more widespread and infect a larger number of mammalian species than previously thought. In addition, they are transmitted in restricted foci and cycles, but in different microhabitats and areas with distinct ecological profiles. Finally, we show that DTUs TcIII and TcIV do not present any specific association with biomes or host species. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Global Xenon-133 Emission Inventory Caused by Medical Isotope Production and Derived from the Worldwide Technetium-99m Demand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalinowski, Martin B.; Grosch, Martina; Hebel, Simon

2014-03-01

Emissions from medical isotope production are the most important source of background for atmospheric radioxenon measurements, which are an essential part of nuclear explosion monitoring. This article presents a new approach for estimating the global annual radioxenon emission inventory caused by medical isotope production using the amount of Tc-99m applications in hospitals as the basis. Tc-99m is the most commonly used isotope in radiology and dominates the medical isotope production. This paper presents the first estimate of the global production of Tc-99m. Depending on the production and transport scenario, global xenon emissions of 11-45 PBq/year can be derived from the global isotope demand. The lower end of this estimate is in good agreement with other estimations which are making use of reported releases and realistic process simulations. This proves the validity of the complementary assessment method proposed in this paper. It may be of relevance for future emission scenarios and for estimating the contribution to the global source term from countries and operators that do not make sufficient radioxenon release information available. It depends on sound data on medical treatments with radio-pharmaceuticals and on technical information on the production process of the supplier. This might help in understanding the apparent underestimation of the global emission inventory that has been found by atmospheric transport modelling.

Comparison of Tc-99m maraciclatide and Tc-99m sestamibi molecular breast imaging in patients with suspected breast cancer.

PubMed

O'Connor, Michael K; Morrow, Melissa M B; Hunt, Katie N; Boughey, Judy C; Wahner-Roedler, Dietlind L; Conners, Amy Lynn; Rhodes, Deborah J; Hruska, Carrie B

2017-12-01

Molecular breast imaging (MBI) performed with 99m Tc sestamibi has been shown to be a valuable technique for the detection of breast cancer. Alternative radiotracers such as 99m Tc maraciclatide may offer improved uptake in breast lesions. The purpose of this study was to compare relative performance of 99m Tc sestamibi and 99m Tc maraciclatide in patients with suspected breast cancer, using a high-resolution dedicated gamma camera for MBI. Women with breast lesions suspicious for malignancy were recruited to undergo two MBI examinations-one with 99m Tc sestamibi and one with 99m Tc maraciclatide. A radiologist interpreted MBI studies in a randomized, blinded fashion to assign an assessment score (1-5) and measured lesion size. Lesion-to-background (L/B) ratio was measured with region-of-interest analysis. Among 39 analyzable patients, 21 malignant tumors were identified in 21 patients. Eighteen of 21 tumors (86%) were seen on 99m Tc sestamibi MBI and 19 of 21 (90%) were seen on 99m Tc maraciclatide MBI (p = 1). Tumor extent measured with both radiopharmaceuticals correlated strongly with pathologic size ( 99m Tc sestamibi, r = 0.84; 99m Tc maraciclatide, r = 0.81). The L/B ratio in detected breast cancers was similar for the two radiopharmaceuticals: 1.55 ± 0.36 (mean ± S.D.) for 99m Tc sestamibi and 1.62 ± 0.37 (mean ± S.D.) for 99m Tc maraciclatide (p = 0.53). No correlation was found between the L/B ratio and molecular subtype for 99m Tc sestamibi (r s  = 0.12, p = 0.63) or 99m Tc maraciclatide (r s  = -0.12, p = 0.64). Of 20 benign lesions, 10 (50%) were seen on 99m Tc sestamibi and 9 of 20 (45%) were seen on 99m Tc maraciclatide images (p = 0.1). The average L/B ratio for benign lesions was 1.34 ±0.40 (mean ±S.D.) for 99m Tc sestamibi and 1.41 ±0.52 (mean ±S.D.) for 99m Tc maraciclatide (p = 0.75). Overall diagnostic performance was similar for both radiopharmaceuticals. AUC from ROC analysis was 0.83 for 99m Tc sestamibi and 0.87 for 99m Tc maraciclatide (p = 0.64). 99m Tc maraciclatide offered comparable lesion uptake to 99m Tc sestamibi, in both malignant and benign lesions. There was good correlation between lesion extent and uptake measured from both radiopharmaceuticals. 99m Tc maraciclatide offered a marginal (but not significant) improvement in sensitivity over 99m Tc sestamibi. Our findings did not support an association between the uptake of either radiopharmaceutical and tumor molecular subtype. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00888589.

Transcriptome-wide identification and screening of WRKY factors involved in the regulation of taxol biosynthesis in Taxus chinensis.

PubMed

Zhang, Meng; Chen, Ying; Nie, Lin; Jin, Xiaofei; Liao, Weifang; Zhao, Shengying; Fu, Chunhua; Yu, Longjiang

2018-03-26

WRKY, a plant-specific transcription factor family, plays important roles in pathogen defense, abiotic cues, phytohormone signaling, and regulation of plant secondary metabolism. However, little is known about the roles, functions, and mechanisms of WRKY in taxane biosynthesis in Taxus spp. In this study, 61 transcripts were identified from Taxus chinensis transcriptome datasets by using hidden Markov model search. All of these transcripts encoded proteins containing WRKY domains, which were designated as TcWRKY1-61. After phylogenetic analysis of the WRKY domains of TcWRKYs and AtWRKYs, 16, 8, 10, 14, 5, 7, and 1 TcWRKYs were cladded into Group I, IIa-IIe, and III, respectively. Then, six representative TcWRKYs were selected to classify their effects on taxol biosynthesis. After MeJA (methyl jasmonate acid) and SA (salicylic acid) treatments, all of the six TcWRKYs were upregulated by MeJA treatment. TcWRKY44 (IId) and TcWRKY47 (IIa) were upregulated, whereas TcWRKY8 (IIc), TcWRKY20 (III), TcWRKY26 (I), TcWRKY41 (IIe), and TcWRKY52 (IIb) were downregulated by SA treatment. Overexpression experiments showed that the six selected TcWRKYs exerted different effects on taxol biosynthesis. In specific, TcWRKY8 and TcWRKY47 significantly improved the expression levels of taxol-biosynthesis-related genes. Transcriptome-wide identification of WRKY factors in Taxus not only enhances our understanding of plant WRKY factors but also identifies candidate regulators of taxol biosynthesis.

In Vitro-Generated Tc17 Cells Present a Memory Phenotype and Serve As a Reservoir of Tc1 Cells In Vivo

PubMed Central

Flores-Santibáñez, Felipe; Cuadra, Bárbara; Fernández, Dominique; Rosemblatt, Mariana V.; Núñez, Sarah; Cruz, Pablo; Gálvez-Cancino, Felipe; Cárdenas, J. César; Lladser, Alvaro; Rosemblatt, Mario; Bono, María Rosa; Sauma, Daniela

2018-01-01

Memory CD8+ T cells are ideal candidates for cancer immunotherapy because they can mediate long-term protection against tumors. However, the therapeutic potential of different in vitro-generated CD8+ T cell effector subsets to persist and become memory cells has not been fully characterized. Type 1 CD8+ T (Tc1) cells produce interferon-γ and are endowed with high cytotoxic capacity, whereas IL-17-producing CD8+ T (Tc17) cells are less cytotoxic but display enhanced self-renewal capacity. We sought to evaluate the functional properties of in vitro-generated Tc17 cells and elucidate their potential to become long lasting memory cells. Our results show that in vitro-generated Tc17 cells display a greater in vivo persistence and expansion in response to secondary antigen stimulation compared to Tc1 cells. When transferred into recipient mice, Tc17 cells persist in secondary lymphoid organs, present a recirculation behavior consistent with central memory T cells, and can shift to a Tc1 phenotype. Accordingly, Tc17 cells are endowed with a higher mitochondrial spare respiratory capacity than Tc1 cells and express higher levels of memory-related molecules than Tc1 cells. Together, these results demonstrate that in vitro-generated Tc17 cells acquire a central memory program and provide a lasting reservoir of Tc1 cells in vivo, thus supporting the use of Tc17 lymphocytes in the design of novel and more effective therapies. PMID:29472932

ABCG-like transporter of Trypanosoma cruzi involved in benznidazole resistance: gene polymorphisms disclose inter-strain intragenic recombination in hybrid isolates.

PubMed

Franco, Jaques; Ferreira, Renata C; Ienne, Susan; Zingales, Bianca

2015-04-01

Benznidazole (BZ) is one of the two drugs for Chagas disease treatment. In a previous study we showed that the Trypanosoma cruzi ABCG-like transporter gene, named TcABCG1, is over-expressed in parasite strains naturally resistant to BZ and that the gene of TcI BZ-resistant strains exhibited several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as compared to the gene of CL Brener BZ-susceptible strain. Here we report the sequence of TcABCG1 gene of fourteen T. cruzi strains, with diverse degrees of BZ sensitivity and belonging to different discrete typing units (DTUs) and Tcbat group. Although DTU-specific SNPs and amino acid changes were identified, no direct correlation with BZ-resistance phenotype was found. Thus, it is plausible that the transporter abundance is a determinant factor for drug resistance, as pointed out above. Sequence data were used for Bayesian phylogenies and network genealogy analysis. The network showed a high degree of reticulation suggesting genetic exchange between the parasites. TcI and TcII clades were clearly separated. Tcbat sequences were close to TcI. A fourth clade clustered TcABCG1 haplotypes of TcV, TcVI and TcIII strains, with closer proximity to TcI. Analysis of the recombination patterns indicated that hybrid strains contain haplotypes that are mosaics most likely derived by intragenic recombination of parental sequences. The data confirm that TcII and TcIII as the parentals of TcV and TcVI DTUs. Since genetic fingerprint of TcI was found in TcIII, we sustain the previously proposed "Two Hybridization model" for the origin of hybrid strains. Among the twenty best BLASTP hits in databases, orthologues of TcABCG1 transporter were found in Leishmania spp. and African trypanosomes, though their function remains undescribed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase Class III Complex Containing TcVps15 and TcVps34 Participates in Autophagy in Trypanosoma cruzi.

PubMed

Schoijet, Alejandra C; Sternlieb, Tamara; Alonso, Guillermo D

2017-05-01

Autophagy is a degradative process by which eukaryotic cells digest their own components to provide aminoacids that may function as energy source under nutritional stress conditions. There is experimental evidence for autophagy in parasitic protists belonging to the family Trypanosomatidae. However, few proteins implicated in this process have been characterized so far in these parasites. Moreover, it has been shown that autophagy is involved in Trypanosoma cruzi differentiation and thus might have a role in pathogenicity. Here, we report the cloning and biochemical characterization of TcVps15. In addition, we demonstrate that TcVps15 interact with the PI3K TcVps34 and that both proteins associate with cellular membranes. Under nutritional stress conditions, TcVps15 and TcVps34 modify their subcellular distribution showing a partial co-localization in autophagosomes with TcAtg8.1 and using an active site TcVps15-mutated version (TcVps15-K219D-HA) we demonstrated that this relocalization depends on the TcVps15 catalytic activity. Overexpression of TcVps15-HA and TcVps15-K219D-HA also leads to increased accumulation of monodansylcadaverine (MDC) in autophagic vacuoles under nutritional stress conditions compared to wild-type cells. In addition, the MDC-specific activity shows to be significantly higher in TcVps15-HA overexpressing cells when compared with TcVps15-K219D-HA. Our results reveal for the first time a role of TcVps15 as a key regulator of TcVps34 enzymatic activity and implicate the TcVps15-Vps34 complex in autophagy in T. cruzi, exposing a new key pathway to explore novel chemotherapeutic targets. © 2016 The Author(s) Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology © 2016 International Society of Protistologists.

Technology Assessment for Powertrain Components Final Report CRADA No. TC-1124-95

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

Tokarz, F.; Gough, C.

LLNL utilized its defense technology assessment methodologies in combination with its capabilities in the energy; manufacturing, and transportation technologies to demonstrate a methodology that synthesized available but incomplete information on advanced automotive technologies into a comprehensive framework.

Portable equipment for determining ripeness in Hass avocado using a low cost color sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toro, Jessica; Daza, Carolina; Vega, Fabio; Diaz, Leonardo; Torres, Cesar

2015-08-01

The avocado is a one climacteric fruit that not ripe on the tree because it produces a maturation inhibitor that passes the fruit through the pedicel, the ripening occurs naturally during storage or to be induced as required. In post-harvest ripening stage is basically determined by experience of the farmer or buyer. In this word us developed portable equipment for determining ripeness is hass avocado using a low cost sensor color sensor TC3200 and LCD for display result. The prototype read of RGB color frequencies of the sensor and estimates the stage of ripeness in fourth different stages in post-harvest ripening.

The electrical properties of zero-gravity processed immiscibles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lacy, L. L.; Otto, G. H.

1974-01-01

When dispersed or mixed immiscibles are solidified on earth, a large amount of separation of the constituents takes place due to differences in densities. However, when the immiscibles are dispersed and solidified in zero-gravity, density separation does not occur, and unique composite solids can be formed with many new and promising electrical properties. By measuring the electrical resistivity and superconducting critical temperature, Tc, of zero-g processed Ga-Bi samples, it has been found that the electrical properties of such materials are entirely different from the basic constituents and the ground control samples. Our results indicate that space processed immiscible materials may form an entirely new class of electronic materials.

The Geochemistry of Technetium: A Summary of the Behavior of an Artificial Element in the Natural Environment

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

Icenhower, Jonathan P.; Qafoku, Nikolla; Martin, Wayne J.

Interest in the chemistry of technetium has only increased since its discovery in 1937, mainly because of the large and growing inventory of 99Tc generated during fission of 235U, its environmental mobility in oxidizing conditions, and its potential radiotoxicity. For every ton of enriched uranium fuel (3% 235U) that is consumed at a typical burn-up rate, nearly 1 kg of 99Tc is generated. Thus, the mass of 99Tc produced since 1993 has nearly quadrupled, and will likely to continue to increase if more emphasis is placed on nuclear power to slow the accumulation of atmospheric greenhouse gases. In order tomore » gain a comprehensive understanding of the interaction of 99Tc and the natural environment, we review the sources of 99Tc in the nuclear fuel cycle, its chemical properties, radiochemistry, and biogeochemical behavior. We include an evaluation of the use of Re as a chemical analog of Tc, as well as a summary of the redox potential, thermodynamics, sorption, colloidal behavior, and interaction of humic substances with Tc, and the potential for re-oxidation and remobilization of Tc(IV). What emerges is a more complicated picture of Tc behavior than that of an easily tractable transition of Tc(VII) to Tc(IV) with consequent immobilization. Reducing conditions (+200 to +100 mV Eh) are generally thought necessary to cause reduction of Tc(VII) to Tc(IV), but far more important are the presence of reducing agents, such as Fe(II) sorbed onto mineral grains. Catalysis of Tc(VII) by surface-mediated Fe(II) will bring the mobile Tc(VII) species to a lower oxidation state and will form the relatively insoluble Tc(IV)O2∙nH2O, but even as a solid, equilibrium concentrations of aqueous Tc are nearly a factor of 20× above the EPA set drinking water standards. However, sequestration of Tc(IV) into Fe(III)-bearing phases, such as goethite or other hydrous oxyhydroxides of iron, may ameliorate concerns over the mobility of Tc. Further, the outcome of many studies on terrestrial and marine sediments that are oxidizing overall indicate that Tc is relatively immobile, due to formation of oxygen-depleted microenvironments that develop in response to bacteriological activities. The rate of re-mobilization of Tc from these microenvironments is just beginning to be assessed, but with no firm consensus. Reassessment of the simple models in which Tc is mobilized and immobilized is therefore urged.« less

Initial direct comparison of 99mTc-TOC and 99mTc-TATE in identifying sites of disease in patients with proven GEP NETs.

PubMed

Cwikla, Jaroslaw B; Mikolajczak, Renata; Pawlak, Dariusz; Buscombe, John R; Nasierowska-Guttmejer, Anna; Bator, Andrzej; Maecke, Helmut R; Walecki, Jerzy

2008-07-01

The imaging of neuroendocrine tumors has become one of the most significant areas in nuclear oncology. In an attempt to provide high-quality imaging and possible sensitivity at a reduced cost, time, and radiation dose, several (99m)Tc agents have been proposed. The aim of this initial study was to compare the tumor uptake and biodistribution of 2 new 6-hydrazinopyridine-3-carboxylic acid (HYNIC)-derivatized Tyr(3)-octreotide analogs, (99m)Tc-[HYNIC,Tyr(3)]octreotide ((99m)Tc-TOC) and (99m)Tc-[HYNIC,Tyr(3),Thr(8)]octreotide ((99m)Tc-TATE), in patients with somatostatin receptor-expressing tumors. Each of 12 patients with proven gastrointestinal pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors received a mean activity of 520 MBq of (99m)Tc-TOC and (99m)Tc-TATE. Scintigraphy with both tracers was performed 3-4 h after their injection using standard whole-body and SPECT imaging. The images were reviewed subjectively by 2 readers, who reported tumor uptake lesion by lesion. Both radiotracers demonstrated concordance between the results in 7 patients (58%). In total, 110 sites of disease were identified with (99m)Tc-TOC, compared with 115 with (99m)Tc-TATE. There was 1 case in which (99m)Tc-TOC identified sites of disease not seen on (99m)Tc-TATE imaging but 4 cases in which some sites of disease were seen with (99m)Tc-TATE and not (99m)Tc-TOC. In this initial study, both tracers seem to show similar sites of tumor, with (99m)Tc-TATE having a slight edge in the total number of lesions seen, especially in lymph node metastases.

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of the sucrose transporter gene family from Theobroma cacao L.

PubMed

Li, Fupeng; Wu, Baoduo; Qin, Xiaowei; Yan, Lin; Hao, Chaoyun; Tan, Lehe; Lai, Jianxiong

2014-08-10

In this study, we performed cloning and expression analysis of six putative sucrose transporter genes, designated TcSUT1, TcSUT2, TcSUT3, TcSUT4, TcSUT5 and TcSUT6, from the cacao genotype 'TAS-R8'. The combination of cDNA and genomic DNA sequences revealed that the cacao SUT genes contained exon numbers ranging from 1 to 14. The average molecular mass of all six deduced proteins was approximately 56 kDa (range 52 to 66 kDa). All six proteins were predicted to exhibit typical features of sucrose transporters with 12 trans-membrane spanning domains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that TcSUT2 and TcSUT4 belonged to Group 2 SUT and Group 4 SUT, respectively, and the other TcSUT proteins were belonging to Group 1 SUT. Real-time PCR was conducted to investigate the expression pattern of each member of the SUT family in cacao. Our experiment showed that TcSUT1 was expressed dominantly in pods and that, TcSUT3 and TcSUT4 were highly expressed in both pods and in bark with phloem. Within pods, TcSUT1 and TcSUT4 were expressed more in the seed coat and seed from the pod enlargement stage to the ripening stage. TcSUT5 expression sharply increased to its highest expression level in the seed coat during the ripening stage. Expression pattern analysis indicated that TcSUT genes may be associated with photoassimilate transport into developing seeds and may, therefore, have an impact on seed production. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Molecular and biochemical characterisation of two aspartic proteinases TcAP1 and TcAP2 from Theobroma cacao seeds.

PubMed

Laloi, Maryse; McCarthy, James; Morandi, Olivia; Gysler, Christof; Bucheli, Peter

2002-09-01

Aspartic proteinase (EC 3.4.23) activity plays a pivotal role in the degradation of Theobroma cacao L. seed proteins during the fermentation step of cacao bean processing. Therefore, this enzyme is believed to be critical for the formation of the peptide and amino acid cocoa flavor precursors that occurs during fermentation. Using cDNA cloning and northern blot analysis, we show here that there are at least two distinct aspartic proteinase genes ( TcAP1 and TcAP2) expressed during cacao seed development. Both genes are expressed early during seed development and their mRNA levels decrease towards the end of seed maturation. TcAP2 is expressed at a much higher level than TcAP1, although the expression of TcAP1 increases slightly during germination. The proteins encoded by TcAP1 and TcAP2 are relatively different from each other (73% identity). This, and the fact that the two corresponding genes have different expression patterns, suggests that the TcAP1 and TcAP2 proteins may have different functions in the maturing seeds and during germination. Because the TcAP2 gene is expressed at a much higher level during seed development than TcAP1, it is likely that the TcAP2 protein is primarily responsible for the majority of the industrially important protein hydrolysis that occurs during cacao bean fermentation. Finally, TcAP2 has been functionally expressed in the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. The secreted recombinant protein is able to hydrolyse bovine haemoglobin at acidic pH and is sensitive to pepstatin A, confirming that TcAP2 encodes an aspartic proteinase, and strongly suggests that this gene encodes the well-characterized aspartic proteinase of mature cacao seeds.

Immobilization of 99-Technetium (VII) by Fe(II)-Goethite and Limited Reoxidation

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

Um, Wooyong; Chang, Hyun-Shik; Icenhower, Jonathan P.

2011-05-04

Synthesized goethite was successfully used with addition of Fe(II) to sequester Tc present in both deionized water and simulated off-gas scrubber waste solutions. Pertechnetate concentration in solution decreased immediately when the pH was raised above 7 by addition of sodium hydroxide. Removal of Tc(VII) from solution occurred most likely as a result of heterogeneous surface-catalyzed reduction to Tc(IV) and subsequent co-precipitation onto the goethite. The final Tc-bearing solid was identified as goethite-dominated Fe(III)-(oxy)hydroxide based on XRD analysis, confirming the widespread observation of its characteristic acicular habit by TEM/SEM images. Analysis of the solid precipitate by XAFS showed that the dominantmore » oxidation state of Tc was Tc(IV) and was in octahedral coordination with Tc-O, Fe-O, and Tc-Fe bond distances that are consistent with direct substitution of Tc for Fe in the goethite structure. In some experiments the final Tc-goethite product was subsequently armored with additional layers of freshly precipitated goethite. Successful incorporation of Tc(IV) within the goethite mineral lattice and subsequent goethite armoring can limit re-oxidation of Tc(IV) and its subsequent release from Tc-goethite waste forms, even when the final product is placed in oxidizing environments that typify shallow waste burial facilities.« less

Structure of the human transcobalamin beta domain in four distinct states

PubMed Central

Bloch, Joël S.; Ruetz, Markus; Kräutler, Bernhard

2017-01-01

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin, CNCbl) is an essential cofactor-precursor for two biochemical reactions in humans. When ingested, cobalamins (Cbl) are transported via a multistep transport system into the bloodstream, where the soluble protein transcobalamin (TC) binds Cbl and the complex is taken up into the cells via receptor mediated endocytosis. Crystal structures of TC in complex with CNCbl have been solved previously. However, the initial steps of holo-TC assembly have remained elusive. Here, we present four crystal structures of the beta domain of human TC (TC-beta) in different substrate-bound states. These include the apo and CNCbl-bound states, providing insight into the early steps of holo-TC assembly. We found that in vitro assembly of TC-alpha and TC-beta to a complex was Cbl-dependent. We also determined the structure of TC-beta in complex with cobinamide (Cbi), an alternative substrate, shedding light on the specificity of TC. We finally determined the structure of TC-beta in complex with an inhibitory antivitamin B12 (anti-B12). We used this structure to model the binding of anti-B12 into full-length holo-TC and could rule out that the inhibitory function of anti-B12 was based on an inability to form a functional complex with TC. PMID:28910388

Thermal Expansion Behavior in TcO2. Toward Breaking the Tc-Tc Bond.

PubMed

Reynolds, Emily; Zhang, Zhaoming; Avdeev, Maxim; Thorogood, Gordon J; Poineau, Frederic; Czerwinski, Kenneth R; Kimpton, Justin A; Kennedy, Brendan J

2017-08-07

The structure of TcO 2 between 25 and 1000 °C has been determined in situ using X-ray powder diffraction methods and is found to remain monoclinic in space group P2 1 /c. Thermal expansion in TcO 2 is highly anisotropic, with negative thermal expansion of the b axis observed above 700 °C. This is the result of an anomalous expansion along the a axis that is a consequence of weakening of the Tc-Tc bonds.

Distribution of Technetium-99 in sub-tidal sediments of the Irish Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCubbin, David; Leonard, Kinson S.; McDonald, Paul; Bonfield, Rachel; Boust, Dominique

2006-03-01

To date, relatively little attention has been given to the accumulation of 99Tc discharged from Sellafield in the subtidal sediments of the Irish Sea. The potential implications for secondary seafood contamination from contaminated sediment has driven the UK Food Standards Agency to commission further research into this pathway. The work reported here reviews existing data and provides new measurements of 99Tc specific activity in surface and sub-surface sediments of the Irish Sea, together with environmental Kd values. The results are used to assess the spatial and temporal evolution of 99Tc in the seabed after 8 years of enhanced Sellafield discharges (between 1994 and 2002), of the aforementioned radionuclide. The information is discussed with reference to other studies, in an attempt to infer the processes controlling 99Tc uptake and release from seabed sediments. The average environmental Kd value for 99Tc in the Irish Sea (1.9×10 3) was more than an order of magnitude greater than the presently recommended value of 10 2 [IAEA, 2004. Sediment distribution coefficients and concentration factors for biota in the marine environment. Technical Report Series No. 422, IAEA, Vienna]. Comparison with results from laboratory studies indicates that the observed distribution may represent metastable binding rather than thermodynamic equilibrium. Activities in surface sediments decreased with increasing distance from Sellafield but were also dependent upon the nature of the underlying substrate, being greater on muddy material. Preliminary measurements of grain-size distribution indicated that the observed variation in activities was probably not due to surface area effects. There is an emerging body of evidence from other studies that indicate the differences were most likely due to variations in redox regimes between the different substrates. Vertical profiles were significantly irregular, probably due to the effects of variable sediment mixing processes. Comparison of profiles, close to the Sellafield pipeline, with a core taken over 20 years earlier (pre-EARP) indicated that the increase in the cumulative Sellafield discharge and redissolution from surficial sediment were required to explain the temporal variation. Since the surveys reported here were completed, substantial progress has been made in reducing 99Tc discharges from Sellafield. Assuming that the rate and extent of 99Tc remobilisation follows a similar pattern to that previously observed for caesium ( 137Cs), then the half-time for redissolution of 99Tc bound to sedimentary material in the Irish Sea is likely to be of the order of several tens of years. It is probable that small but nevertheless measurable 99Tc contamination of local seafood will persist for several decades, due to this secondary source.

Experimental Evidence of Biological Interactions among Different Isolates of Trypanosoma cruzi from the Chaco Region

PubMed Central

Ragone, Paula G.; Pérez Brandán, Cecilia; Monje Rumi, Mercedes; Tomasini, Nicolás; Lauthier, Juan J.; Cimino, Rubén O.; Uncos, Alejandro; Ramos, Federico; Alberti D´Amato, Anahí M.; Basombrío, Miguel A.; Diosque, Patricio

2015-01-01

Many infectious diseases arise from co-infections or re-infections with more than one genotype of the same pathogen. These mixed infections could alter host fitness, the severity of symptoms, success in pathogen transmission and the epidemiology of the disease. Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, exhibits a high biological variability often correlated with its genetic diversity. Here, we developed an experimental approach in order to evaluate biological interaction between three T. cruzi isolates belonging to different Discrete Typing Units (DTUs TcIII, TcV and TcVI). These isolates were obtained from a restricted geographical area in the Chaco Region. Different mixed infections involving combinations of two isolates (TcIII + TcV, TcIII + TcVI and TcV + TcVI) were studied in a mouse model. The parameters evaluated were number of parasites circulating in peripheral blood, histopathology and genetic characterization of each DTU in different tissues by DNA hybridization probes. We found a predominance of TcVI isolate in blood and tissues respect to TcIII and TcV; and a decrease of the inflammatory response in heart when the damage of mice infected with TcVI and TcIII + TcVI mixture were compared. In addition, simultaneous presence of two isolates in the same tissue was not detected. Our results show that biological interactions between isolates with different biological behaviors lead to changes in their biological properties. The occurrence of interactions among different genotypes of T. cruzi observed in our mouse model suggests that these phenomena could also occur in natural cycles in the Chaco Region. PMID:25789617

Predominance of hybrid discrete typing units of Trypanosoma cruzi in domestic Triatoma infestans from the Bolivian Gran Chaco region.

PubMed

Perez, Esdenka; Monje, Marcelo; Chang, Boris; Buitrago, Rosio; Parrado, Rudy; Barnabé, Christian; Noireau, François; Brenière, Simone Frédérique

2013-01-01

In the Gran Chaco region the reinfestation by Triatoma infestans remains a major problem for control of Chagas disease. Trypanosoma cruzi the agent of the illness presents a broad genetic intraspecific variability which is poorly documented in the Bolivian Gran Chaco. This work presents the identification of the discrete typing units (DTUs) currently recognized for T. cruzi in T. infestans populations collected before and after residual insecticide spraying in four villages in this region. Before spraying, of 84 samples, the frequencies of the DTUs identified by using the multiplex PCR based on the non transcribed spacer of the mini-exon gene (MMPCR) were 0.21 for TcI, 0.70 for TcII/TcV/TcVI, and 0.17 for TcIII/TcIV and no significant difference was observed after spraying (76 samples). Moreover 13% of the total sample corresponds to T. infestans specimens with mixed infection of DTUs of which three were TcII/TcV/TcVI with TcIII/TcIV. The partial sequences of T. cruzi Gpi gene obtained from 14 PCR products agree the MMPCR DTU identification and allowed to precise the occurrence of TcIII, TcII and hybrid TcV/TcVI stocks which were not discriminated by the MMPCR. Given the high prevalence of hybrid stocks, the authors ask whether the recombination event at the origin of hybrids would have taken place in the Gran Chaco where the putative parents are also present. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dissimilar behavior of technetium and rhenium in borosilicatewaste glass as determined by X-ray absorption spectroscopy

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

Lukens, Wayne W.; McKeown, David A.; Buechele, Andrew C.

2006-11-09

Technetium-99 is an abundant, long-lived (t1/2 = 213,000 yr)fission product that creates challenges for the safe, long-term disposalof nuclear waste. While 99Tc receives attention largely due to its highenvironmental mobility, it also causes problems during its incorporationinto nuclear waste glass due to the volatility of Tc(VII) compounds. Thisvolatility decreases the amount of 99Tc stabilized in the waste glass andcauses contamination of the waste glass melter and off-gas system. Theapproach to decrease the volatility of 99Tc that has received the mostattention is reduction of the volatile Tc(VII) species to less volatileTc(IV) species in the glass melt. On engineering scale experiments,rhenium ismore » often used as a non-radioactive surrogate for 99Tc to avoidthe radioactive contamination problems caused by volatile 99Tc compounds.However, Re(VII) is more stable towards reduction than Tc(VII), so morereducing conditions would be required in the glass melt to produceRe(IV). To better understand the redox behavior of Tc and Re in nuclearwaste glass, a series of glasses were prepared under different redoxconditions. The speciation of Tc and Re in the resulting glasses wasdetermined by X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. Surprisingly,Re and Tc do not behave similarly in the glass melt. Although Tc(0),Tc(IV), and Tc(VII) were observed in these samples, only Re(0) andRe(VII) were found. In no case was Re(IV) (or Re(VI))observed.« less

News from the Biological Stain Commission.

PubMed

Lyon, H O; Kiernan, J A

2008-12-01

In the three earlier editions of News from the Biological Stain Commission (BSC), under the heading of "Regulatory affairs," the BSC's International Affairs Committee reported on the work of Technical Committee 212, Clinical Laboratory Testing and in Vitro Diagnostic Test Systems of the International Standards Organization (ISO/TC 212) and its working groups, WG 1, WG 2 and WG 3. In this issue of News from the BSC, H.O. Lyon provides information from the annual meeting of ISO/TC 212 that took place June 2-4, 2008 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. In addition, under the heading of "Certification," J.A. Kiernan examines the certification procedure for thionine used by the BSC laboratory in Rochester, NY.

Changing the Conversation with Home Care Clients.

PubMed

Wojtak, Anne; Klopp, Joy

2015-01-01

Traditional home care delivery involves executing tasks for clients within a limited timeframe. Five years ago, when surveys of clients of Toronto Central Community Care Access Centre (TC CCAC) showed the lowest client experience levels across the 14 CCACs in Ontario, TC CCAC and its contracted Service Provider Organizations developed and implemented Changing the Conversation, a philosophy and framework that focuses on asking clients "what is most important" to them and then using that information as the basis for how care is delivered. Changing the Conversation has made a measurable difference to clients' experiences and has now expanded to other parts of the province and the country. It has been recognized as a Leading Practice by Accreditation Canada.

Tc-knirps plays different roles in the specification of antennal and mandibular parasegment boundaries and is regulated by a pair-rule gene in the beetle Tribolium castaneum

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The Drosophila larval head is evolutionarily derived at the genetic and morphological level. In the beetle Tribolium castaneum, development of the larval head more closely resembles the ancestral arthropod condition. Unlike in Drosophila, a knirps homologue (Tc-kni) is required for development of the antennae and mandibles. However, published Tc-kni data are restricted to cuticle phenotypes and Tc-even-skipped and Tc-wingless stainings in knockdown embryos. Hence, it has remained unclear whether the entire antennal and mandibular segments depend on Tc-kni function, and whether the intervening intercalary segment is formed completely. We address these questions with a detailed examination of Tc-kni function. Results By examining the expression of marker genes in RNAi embryos, we show that Tc-kni is required only for the formation of the posterior parts of the antennal and mandibular segments (i.e. the parasegmental boundaries). Moreover, we find that the role of Tc-kni is distinct in these segments: Tc-kni is required for the initiation of the antennal parasegment boundary, but only for the maintenance of the mandibular parasegmental boundary. Surprisingly, Tc-kni controls the timing of expression of the Hox gene Tc-labial in the intercalary segment, although this segment does form in the absence of Tc-kni function. Unexpectedly, we find that the pair-rule gene Tc-even-skipped helps set the posterior boundary of Tc-kni expression in the mandible. Using the mutant antennaless, a likely regulatory Null mutation at the Tc-kni locus, we provide evidence that our RNAi studies represent a Null situation. Conclusions Tc-kni is required for the initiation of the antennal and the maintenance of the mandibular parasegmental boundaries. Tc-kni is not required for specification of the anterior regions of these segments, nor the intervening intercalary segment, confirming that Tc-kni is not a canonical ‘gap-gene’. Our finding that a gap gene orthologue is regulated by a pair rule gene adds to the view that the segmentation gene hierarchies differ between Tribolium and Drosophila upstream of the pair rule gene level. In Tribolium, as in Drosophila, head and trunk segmentation gene networks cooperate to pattern the mandibular segment, albeit involving Tc-kni as novel component. PMID:23777260

Spectroscopic Characterization of Aqua [ fac-Tc(CO)3]+ Complexes at High Ionic Strength.

PubMed

Chatterjee, Sayandev; Hall, Gabriel B; Engelhard, Mark H; Du, Yingge; Washton, Nancy M; Lukens, Wayne W; Lee, Sungsik; Pearce, Carolyn I; Levitskaia, Tatiana G

2018-06-18

Understanding fundamental Tc chemistry is important to both the remediation of nuclear waste and the reprocessing of nuclear fuel; however, current knowledge of the electronic structure and spectral signatures of low-valent Tc compounds significantly lags behind the remainder of the d-block elements. In particular, identification and treatment of Tc speciation in legacy nuclear waste is challenging due to the lack of reference data especially for Tc compounds in the less common oxidation states (I-VI). In an effort to establish a spectroscopic library corresponding to the relevant conditions of extremely high ionic strength typical for the legacy nuclear waste, compounds with the general formula of [ fac-Tc(CO) 3 (OH 2 ) 3- n (OH) n ] 1- n (where n = 0-3) were examined by a range of spectroscopic techniques including 99 Tc/ 13 C NMR, IR, XPS, and XAS. In the series of monomeric aqua species, stepwise hydrolysis results in the increase of the Tc metal center electron density and corresponding progressive decrease of the Tc-C bond distances, Tc electron binding energies, and carbonyl stretching frequencies in the order [ fac-Tc(CO) 3 (OH 2 ) 3 ] + > [ fac-Tc(CO) 3 (OH 2 ) 2 (OH)] > [ fac-Tc(CO) 3 (OH 2 )(OH) 2 ] - . These results correlate with established trends of the 99 Tc upfield chemical shift and carbonyl 13 C downfield chemical shift. The lone exception is [ fac-Tc(CO) 3 (OH)] 4 which exhibits a comparatively low electron density at the metal center attributed to the μ 3 -bridging nature of the - OH ligands causing less σ-donation and no π-donation. This work also reports the first observations of these compounds by XPS and [ fac-Tc(CO) 3 Cl 3 ] 2- by XAS. The unique and distinguishable spectral features of the aqua [ fac-Tc(CO) 3 ] + complexes lay the foundation for their identification in the complex aqueous matrixes.

Barriers Identified by Swedish School Nurses in Giving Information about Testicular Cancer and Testicular Self-Examination to Adolescent Males

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rudberg, Lennart; Nilsson, Sten; Wikblad, Karin; Carlsson, Marianne

2005-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate to what extent school nurses in Sweden inform adolescent men about testicular cancer (TC) and testicular self-examination (TSE). A questionnaire was completed by 129 school nurses from 29 randomly selected municipalities. All respondents were women, with a mean age of 42 years. The results showed that…

A novel framework for objective detection and tracking of TC center from noisy satellite imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Bibin; Thomas, Sachin; Rani, J. Sheeba

2018-07-01

This paper proposes a novel framework for automatically determining and tracking the center of a tropical cyclone (TC) during its entire life-cycle from the Thermal infrared (TIR) channel data of the geostationary satellite. The proposed method handles meteorological images with noise, missing or partial information due to the seasonal variability and lack of significant spatial or vortex features. To retrieve the cyclone center from these circumstances, a synergistic approach based on objective measures and Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model is being proposed. This method employs a spatial gradient scheme to process missing and noisy frames or a spatio-temporal gradient scheme for image sequences that are continuous and contain less noise. The initial estimate of the TC center from the missing imagery is corrected by exploiting a NWP model based post-processing scheme. The validity of the framework is tested on Infrared images of different cyclones obtained from various Geostationary satellites such as the Meteosat-7, INSAT- 3 D , Kalpana-1 etc. The computed track is compared with the actual track data obtained from Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), and it shows a reduction of mean track error by 11 % as compared to the other state of the art methods in the presence of missing and noisy frames. The proposed method is also successfully tested for simultaneous retrieval of the TC center from images containing multiple non-overlapping cyclones.

Seasonal variability of faecal indicator bacteria numbers and die-off rates in the Red River basin, North Viet Nam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Huong Thi Mai; Le, Quynh Thi Phuong; Garnier, J.; Janeau, J.-L.; Rochelle-Newall, E.

2016-02-01

The Red River is the second largest river in Viet Nam and constitutes the main water source for a large percentage of the population of North Viet Nam. Here we present the results of an annual survey of Escherichia coli (EC) and Total Coliforms (TC) in the Red River basin, North Viet Nam. The objective of this work was to obtain information on faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) numbers over an annual cycle and, secondly, to determine the die-off rates of these bacterial indicators. Monthly observations at 10 stations from July 2013-June 2014 showed that TC and EC reached as high as 39100 cfu (colony forming units) 100 ml-1 and 15300 colonies 100 ml-1, respectively. We observed a significant seasonal difference for TC (p < 0.05) with numbers being higher during the wet season. In contrast, no significant seasonal difference was found for EC. The FIB die-off rates ranged from 0.01 d-1 to a maximum of 1.13 d-1 for EC and from 0.17 d-1 to 1.33 d-1 for TC. Die-off rates were significantly higher for free bacteria than for total (free + particle attached) bacteria, suggesting that particle attachment provided a certain level of protection to FIB in this system.

Northwest Pacific typhoons documented by the Philippine Jesuits, 1566-1900

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

GarcíA-Herrera, Ricardo; Ribera, Pedro; HernáNdez, Emiliano; Gimeno, Luis

2007-03-01

In recent years, the population and the value of properties in areas prone to tropical cyclone (TC) have increased dramatically. This has caused more attention to be placed on the characterization of TC climatologies and the identification of the role that factors such as the main teleconnection patterns may play in TC variability. Due to the timescales involved, the instrumental records have proven too short to provide a complete picture. Thus, documentary and other paleoclimatological techniques have been used to reconstruct TC occurrence. This has been done mostly for the Atlantic basin, whereas in the Pacific basin, fewer attempts have been made. The aim of this paper is to provide a high-resolution chronology of typhoons and intense storms occurring in the Philippine Islands and their vicinity for the period 1566-1900. The chronology is based upon the writings of the Spanish Jesuit Miguel Selga, who produced the original work at the beginning of the 20th century. The sources, reliability, and completeness of the chronology are examined critically. A total of 652 events are included, 524 of which are reported as typhoons, the rest being considered as tropical storms. For each of these classes, the landfall location and the track (when sufficient information is available) have been drawn. This chronology is an indispensable step toward a final and complete typhoon record in the western Pacific basin.

Seasonal variability of faecal indicator bacteria numbers and die-off rates in the Red River basin, North Viet Nam.

PubMed

Nguyen, Huong Thi Mai; Le, Quynh Thi Phuong; Garnier, J; Janeau, J-L; Rochelle-Newall, E

2016-02-12

The Red River is the second largest river in Viet Nam and constitutes the main water source for a large percentage of the population of North Viet Nam. Here we present the results of an annual survey of Escherichia coli (EC) and Total Coliforms (TC) in the Red River basin, North Viet Nam. The objective of this work was to obtain information on faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) numbers over an annual cycle and, secondly, to determine the die-off rates of these bacterial indicators. Monthly observations at 10 stations from July 2013-June 2014 showed that TC and EC reached as high as 39100 cfu (colony forming units) 100 ml(-1) and 15300 colonies 100 ml(-1), respectively. We observed a significant seasonal difference for TC (p < 0.05) with numbers being higher during the wet season. In contrast, no significant seasonal difference was found for EC. The FIB die-off rates ranged from 0.01 d(-1) to a maximum of 1.13 d(-1) for EC and from 0.17 d(-1) to 1.33 d(-1) for TC. Die-off rates were significantly higher for free bacteria than for total (free + particle attached) bacteria, suggesting that particle attachment provided a certain level of protection to FIB in this system.

Knickkopf and retroactive proteins are required for formation of laminar serosal procuticle during embryonic development of Tribolium castaneum.

PubMed

Chaudhari, Sujata S; Noh, Mi Young; Moussian, Bernard; Specht, Charles A; Kramer, Karl J; Beeman, Richard W; Arakane, Yasuyuki; Muthukrishnan, Subbaratnam

2015-05-01

Chitin, a homopolymer of β-1-4-linked N-acetylglucosamine synthesized by chitin synthase A (Chs-A), is organized in the procuticle of the postembryonic cuticle or exoskeleton, which is composed of laminae stacked parallel to the cell surface to give stability and integrity to the underlying insect epidermal and other tissues. Our previous work has revealed an important role for two proteins from Tribolium castaneum named Knickkopf (TcKnk) and Retroactive (TcRtv) in postembryonic cuticular chitin maintenance. TcKnk and TcRtv were shown to be required for protection and organization of newly synthesized procuticular chitin. To study the functions of TcKnk and TcRtv in serosal and larval cuticles produced during embryogenesis in T. castaneum, dsRNAs specific for these two genes were injected into two week-old adult females. The effects of dsRNA treatment on ovarial integrity, oviposition, egg hatching and adult survival were determined. Insects treated with dsRNA for chitin synthase-A (TcChs-A) and tryptophan oxygenase (TcVer) were used as positive and negative controls for these experiments, respectively. Like TcChs-A RNAi, injection of dsRNA for TcKnk or TcRtv into adult females exhibited no adult lethality and oviposition was normal. However, a vast majority of the embryos did not hatch. The remaining (∼10%) of the embryos hatched into first instar larvae that died without molting to the second instar. Chitin content analysis following TcKnk and TcRtv parental RNAi revealed approximately 50% reduction in chitin content of eggs in comparison with control TcVer RNAi, whereas TcChs-A dsRNA-treatment led to >90% loss of chitin. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis of serosal cuticle from TcChs-A, TcKnk and TcRtv dsRNA-treated insects revealed a complete absence of laminar organization of serosal (and larval) procuticle in comparison with TcVer dsRNA-treated controls, which exhibited normal laminar organization of procuticular chitin. The results of this study demonstrate that in addition to their essential roles in maintenance and organization of chitin in epidermal cuticle in larval and later stages of insect development, TcKnk and TcRtv also are required for egg hatch, chitin maintenance and laminar organization of both serosal and larval cuticle during embryonic development of T. castaneum. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Novel SNPs in the exon region of bovine DKK4 gene and their association with body measurement traits in Qinchuan cattle.

PubMed

Gao, J B; Li, Y K; Yang, N; Ma, X H; Adoligbe, C; Jiang, B J; Fu, C Z; Cheng, G; Zan, L S

2013-02-28

The aim of this study was to determine whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of bovine Dickkopf homolog 4 (DKK4) are associated with body measurement traits in Qinchuan cattle. By using PCR-SSCP technology and DNA sequencing, we discovered 5 DKK4 SNPs in Qingchuan cattle, including -65G>A and -77G>T in the 5'-untranslated region, 1532C>G and 1533T>C in exon 2, and 2088C>T in exon 3. The sequencing map showed that 1532C>G and 1533T>C were in close linkage disequilibrium and were treated as 1532C>G-1533T>C in this study. Allele frequencies were calculated and analyzed by the chi-square test, which showed that -65G>A and 1532C>G-1533T>C were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05), whereas -77G>T and 2088C>T were not in all 633 tested Qinchuan cattle individuals (P < 0.01). Gene heterozygosity (HE), effective allele number (NE), and polymorphism information content (PIC) were 0.407, 1.686, and 0.324 at -65G>A; 0.472, 1.894, and 0.361 at -77G>T; 0.476, 1.908, and 0.363 at 1532C>G-1533T>C; and 0.218, 1.279, and 0.195 at 2088C>T. We also evaluated the potential association of these SNPs with body measurement traits in all 633 individuals; the results suggest that several SNPs in Qinchuan cattle DKK4 were significantly associated with body length, hip height, rump length, hip width, heart girth, and pin bone width (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). These results suggest that bovine DKK4 could be used as candidate gene for Qinchuan cattle breeding.

The GPM Common Calibrated Brightness Temperature Product

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stout, John; Berg, Wesley; Huffman, George; Kummerow, Chris; Stocker, Erich

2005-01-01

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) project will provide a core satellite carrying the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) and will use microwave observations from a constellation of other satellites. Each partner with a satellite in the constellation will have a calibration that meets their own requirements and will decide on the format to archive their brightness temperature (Tb) record in GPM. However, GPM multi-sensor precipitation algorithms need to input intercalibrated Tb's in order to avoid differences among sensors introducing artifacts into the longer term climate record of precipitation. The GPM Common Calibrated Brightness Temperature Product is intended to address this problem by providing intercalibrated Tb data, called "Tc" data, where the "c" stands for common. The precipitation algorithms require a Tc file format that is both generic and flexible enough to accommodate the different passive microwave instruments. The format will provide detailed information on the processing history in order to allow future researchers to have a record of what was done. The format will be simple, including the main items of scan time, latitude, longitude, and Tc. It will also provide spacecraft orientation, spacecraft location, orbit, and instrument scan type (cross-track or conical). Another simplification is to store data in real numbers, avoiding the ambiguity of scaled data. Finally, units and descriptions will be provided in the product. The format is built on the concept of a swath, which is a series of scans that have common geolocation and common scan geometry. Scan geometry includes pixels per scan, sensor orientation, scan type, and incidence angles. The Tc algorithm and data format are being tested using the pre-GPM Precipitation Processing System (PPS) software to generate formats and 1/0 routines. In the test, data from SSM/I, TMI, AMSR-E, and WindSat are being processed and written as Tc products.

Modelling of Tc migration in an un-oxidized fractured drill core from Äspö, Sweden

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huber, F. M.; Totskiy, Y.; Montoya Garcia, V.; Enzmann, F.; Trumm, M.; Wenka, A.; Geckeis, H.; Schaefer, T.

2015-12-01

The radionuclide retention of redox sensitive radionuclides (e.g. Pu, Np, U, Tc) in crystalline host rock greatly depends on the rock matrix and the rock redox capacity. Preservation of drill cores concerning oxidation is therefore of paramount importance to reliably predict the near-natural radionuclide retention properties. Here, experimental results of HTO and Tc laboratory migration experiments in a naturally single fractured Äspö un-oxidized drill core are modelled using two different 2D models. Both models employ geometrical information obtained by μ-computed tomography (μCT) scanning of the drill core. The models differ in geometrical complexity meaning the first model (PPM-MD) consists of a simple parallel plate with a porous matrix adjacent to the fracture whereas the second model (MPM) uses the mid-plane of the 3D fracture only (no porous matrix). Simulation results show that for higher flow rates (Peclet number > 1), the MPM satisfactorily describes the HTO breakthrough curves (BTC) whereas the PPM-MD model nicely reproduces the HTO BTC for small Pe numbers (<1). These findings clearly highlight the influence of fracture geometry/flow field complexity on solute transport for Pe numbers > 1 and the dominating effect of matrix diffusion for Peclet numbers < 1. Retention of Tc is modelled using a simple Kd-approach in case of the PPM-MD and including 1st order sorptive reduction/desorption kinetics in case of the MPM. Batch determined sorptive reduction/desorption kinetic rates and Kd values for Tc on non-oxidized Äspö diorite are used in the model and compared to best fit values. By this approach, the transferability of kinetic data concerning sorptive reduction determined in static batch experiments to dynamic transport experiments is examined.

Springtime carbon emission episodes at the Gosan background site revealed by total carbon, stable carbon isotopic composition, and thermal characteristics of carbonaceous particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, J.; Kawamura, K.

2011-11-01

In order to investigate the emission of carbonaceous aerosols at the Gosan background super-site (33.17° N, 126.10° E) in East Asia, total suspended particles (TSP) were collected during spring of 2007 and 2008 and analyzed for particulate organic carbon, elemental carbon, total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), and stable carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) of TC. The stable carbon isotopic composition of TC (δ13CTC) was found to be lowest during pollen emission episodes (range: -26.2‰ to -23.5‰, avg. -25.2 ± 0.9‰), approaching those of the airborne pollen (-28.0‰) collected at the Gosan site. Based on a carbon isotope mass balance equation, we found that ~42% of TC in the TSP samples during the pollen episodes was attributed to airborne pollen from Japanese cedar trees planted around tangerine farms in Jeju Island. A negative correlation between the citric acid-carbon/TC ratios and δ13CTC was obtained during the pollen episodes. These results suggest that citric acid emitted from tangerine fruit may be adsorbed on the airborne pollen and then transported to the Gosan site. Thermal evolution patterns of organic carbon during the pollen episodes were characterized by high OC evolution in the OC2 temperature step (450 °C). Since thermal evolution patterns of organic aerosols are highly influenced by their molecular weight, they can be used as additional information on the formation of secondary organic aerosols and the effect of aging of organic aerosols during the long-range atmospheric transport and sources of organic aerosols.

The mRNA and Proteins Expression Levels Analysis of TC-1 Cells Immune Response to H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus.

PubMed

Liu, Jiyuan; Li, Ning; Meng, Dan; Hao, Mengchan; Wei, Liangmeng; Chai, Tongjie

2016-01-01

Since 1994, the H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) has spread widely in mainland China, causing great economic losses to the poultry industry there. Subsequently, it was found that the H9N2 AIV had the ability to infect mammals, which gave rise to great panic. In order to investigate the immune response of a host infected with H9N2 AIV, TC-1 cells were set as a model in this research. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods were used to study the expression changes of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines in AIV-infected TC-1 cells. Our research found that TC-1 cells had similar susceptibility to both CK/SD/w3 (A/Chicken/Shandong/W3/2012) and CK/SD/w4 (A/Chicken/Shandong/W4/2012) H9N2 isolates, while the CK/SD/w3 isolate had a stronger capability of replication in the TC-1 cells. At the same time, the expression of PRRs (melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5, MDA-5), cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6], and chemokines [regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) and interferon-γ-induced protein-10 kDa (IP-10)] were significantly up-regulated. These results indicated that MDA-5, IL-1β, IL-6, RANTES, and IP-10 might play important roles in the host immune response to H9N2 AIV infection. This study provided useful information for further understanding the interaction between H9N2 virus infection and host immunity, and had certain guiding significance for the prevention and treatment of this disease.

Insight into the adsorption of tetracycline onto amino and amino-Fe3+ gunctionalized mesoporous silica: Effect of functionalized groups.

PubMed

Zhang, Ziyang; Li, Haiyan; Liu, Huijuan

2018-03-01

In order to study the influences of functionalized groups onto the adsorption of tetracycline, we prepared a series of amino and amino-Fe 3+ complex mesoporous silica adsorbents with diverse content of amino and Fe 3+ groups (named N,N-SBA15 and Fe-N,N-SBA15). The resulting mesoporous silica adsorbents were fully characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and N 2 adsorption/desorption isotherms. Furthermore, the effects of functionalized groups on the removal of TC were investigated. The results showed that the periodic ordered structure of SBA-15 was maintained after modification of amino/Fe 3+ groups. The functionalized amino groups decreased the adsorption capacity while the coordinated Fe 3+ increased the adsorption capacity. The adsorption kinetics of TC fitted pseudo-second-order model well and the equilibrium was achieved quickly. The adsorption isotherms fitted the Langmuir model well and with the Fe 3+ content increased from 3.93% to 8.26%, the Q max of the adsorbents increased from 102 to 188mmol/kg. The solution pH affected the adsorption of TC onto amino complex adsorbents slightly while influenced the adsorption onto Fe-amine complex adsorbents greatly. The adsorption of TC on SBA15 and N,N-SBA15 may be related to the formation of outer-sphere surface complexes, while the adsorption of TC onto Fe-N,N-SBA15 was mainly attributed to the inner-sphere surface complexes. This study could offer potential materials that have excellent adsorption behavior for environmental remediation and suggested useful information for the preparing other adsorbents in environmental applications. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Magnetic disorder and gap symmetry in the optimally electron-doped Sr(Fe ,Co ) 2As2 superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harnagea, Luminita; Mani, Giri; Kumar, Rohit; Singh, Surjeet

2018-02-01

We study magnetic pair breaking due to Mn impurities in the optimally electron-doped superconductor Sr (Fe0.88Co0.12)2As2 . We found that the as-grown Sr (Fe0.88-yCo0.12Mny) 2As2 single crystals exhibit a Tc suppression rate of ˜30 mK/μ Ω cm . This rate is slow but in good agreement with the previous reports on various magnetic/nonmagnetic impurities doped in other structurally analogous iron-based superconductors. The slow Tc suppression rate for magnetic impurities is often cited as an evidence for the nonvalidity of the s++-wave symmetry, which should have suppressed Tc in accordance with the Abrikosov-Gor'kov theory. Here, we show that the crystallographic defects are the main source of pair breaking in the as-grown crystals. Once these defects are healed by a low-temperature annealing, the true Tc suppression rate due to Mn impurities is revealed. We thus estimate the actual Tc suppression rate due to Mn alone to be ≥325 mK / μ Ω cm , and that due to the nonmagnetic crystallographic defects to be nearly 35 mK/μ Ω cm . These findings can be reconciled with the fully gapped s+--wave symmetry provided the interband scattering is rather weak. On the other hand, the s++-wave symmetry, which is resilient to the nonmagnetic defects and fragile against the magnetic impurities, can be a possible pairing symmetry in the optimally electron-doped SrFe2As2 . The crucial information that we provide here is that the magnetic pair breaking in these superconductors is not as weak as is generally believed.

Determination of nucleoside analog mono-, di-, and tri-phosphates in cellular matrix by solid phase extraction and ultra-sensitive LC-MS/MS detection.

PubMed

Bushman, Lane R; Kiser, Jennifer J; Rower, Joseph E; Klein, Brandon; Zheng, Jia-Hua; Ray, Michelle L; Anderson, Peter L

2011-09-10

An ultra-sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay was developed and validated to facilitate the assessment of clinical pharmacokinetics of nucleotide analogs from lysed intracellular matrix. The method utilized a strong anion exchange isolation of mono-(MP), di-(DP), and tri-phosphates (TP) from intracellular matrix. Each fraction was then dephosphorylated to the parent moiety yielding a molar equivalent to the original nucleotide analog intracellular concentration. The analytical portion of the methodology was optimized in specific nucleoside analog centric modes (i.e. tenofovir (TFV) centric, zidovudine (ZDV) centric), which included desalting/concentration by solid phase extraction and detection by LC-MS/MS. Nucleotide analog MP-, DP-, and TP-determined on the TFV centric mode of analysis include TFV, lamivudine (3TC), and emtricitibine (FTC). The quantifiable linear range for TFV was 2.5-2000 fmol/sample, and that for 3TC/FTC was 0.1 200 pmol/sample. Nucleoside analog MP-, DP-, and TP-determined on the ZDV centric mode of analysis included 3TC and ZDV. The quantifiable linear range for 3TC was 0.1 100 pmol/sample, and 5-2000 fmol/sample for ZDV. Stable labeled isotopic internal standards facilitated accuracy and precision in alternative cell matrices, which supported the intended use of the method for MP, DP, and TP determinations in various cell types. The method was successfully applied to clinical research samples generating novel intracellular information for TFV, FTC, ZDV, and 3TC nucleotides. This document outlines method development, validation, and application to clinical research. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effective visualization of suppressed thyroid tissue by means of baseline 99mTc-methoxy isobutyl isonitrile in comparison with 99mTc-pertechnetate scintigraphy after TSH stimulation.

PubMed

Vattimo, A; Bertelli, P; Burroni, L

1992-01-01

Baseline 99mTc-MIBI thyroid scintigraphy was compared with 99mTc-pertechnetate scintigraphy after TSH stimulation in seven patients with suppressed thyroid tissue due to an autonomously functioning thyroid nodule (AFTN). In all patients the suppressed thyroid tissue was visualized by means of both baseline 99mTc-MIBI and post-TSH 99mTc-pertechnetate scintigraphy, and in some cases the former technique provided better visualization. In one patient presenting a "warm" nodule T3-suppression did not affect the nodular/extranodular uptake ratio of 99mTc-MIBI, whereas the 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake ratio increased significantly. This leads us to hypothesize that the thyroid uptake of 99mTc-MIBI is not related to TSH control, but rather to other mechanisms such as the blood flow. Since exogenous TSH is no longer available, 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy can be successfully used in the place of repeated 99mTc-pertechnetate scintigraphy after TSH stimulation in the assessment of AFTN.

Assessing activation of hepatic stellate cells by (99m)Tc-3PRGD2 scintigraphy targeting integrin αvβ3: a feasibility study.

PubMed

Zhang, Xin; Xin, Jun; Shi, Yu; Xu, Weina; Yu, Shupeng; Yang, Zhiguang; Liu, Changping; Cao, Li; Guo, Qiyong

2015-03-01

Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, which is accompanied by increased expression of integrin αvβ3, is an important factor in liver fibrogenesis. Molecular imaging targeting the integrin αvβ3 could provide a non-invasive method for evaluating the expression and the function of the integrin αvβ3 on the activated HSCs (aHSCs) in the injured liver, and then provide important prognostic information. (99m)Tc-3PRGD2 is such a radiotracer specific for integrin αvβ3. In this study, we aimed to compare the differences in liver uptake and retention of the (99m)Tc-3PRGD2 between normal liver and injured liver to evaluate the feasibility of (99m)Tc-3PRGD2 scintigraphy for this purpose. We used planar scintigraphy to assess changes in integrin αvβ3 binding of intravenously-administered (99m)Tc-3PRGD2 in the livers of rats with thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis compared with the controls. We co-injected cold c(RGDyK) with (99m)Tc-3PRGD2 to assess the specific binding of the radiotracer. We performed Sirius red staining to assess liver fibrosis, immunofluorescent colocalization to identify the location of integrin αvβ3 expressed in the fibrotic liver, and we measured protein and messenger RNA expression of integrin αvβ3 and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the control and fibrotic livers. The fibrotic livers showed enhanced (99m)Tc-3PRGD2 uptake and retention. The radiotracer was demonstrated to bind specifically with the integrin αvβ3 mainly expressed on the aHSCs. The liver-to-heart ratio at 30 min post-injection was higher in the fibrotic livers than in the control livers (TAA, 1.98±0.08 vs. control, 1.50±0.12, p<0.01). The liver t1/2 was longer than in the controls (TAA, 27.07±10.69 min vs. control, 12.67±4.10 min, p<0.01). The difference of heart t1/2 between the two groups was not statistically significant (TAA, 3.13±0.63 min vs. control, 3.41±0.77 min, p=0.94). (99m)Tc-3PRGD2 molecular imaging can provide a non-invasive method for assessing activation of HSCs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

99m Tc-MIP-1404-SPECT/CT for the detection of PSMA-positive lesions in 225 patients with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer.

PubMed

Schmidkonz, Christian; Hollweg, Claudia; Beck, Michael; Reinfelder, Julia; Goetz, Theresa I; Sanders, James C; Schmidt, Daniela; Prante, Olaf; Bäuerle, Tobias; Cavallaro, Alexander; Uder, Michael; Wullich, Bernd; Goebell, Peter; Kuwert, Torsten; Ritt, Philipp

2018-01-01

99m Tc-MIP-1404 (Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc., New York, NY) is a novel, SPECT-compatible 99m Tc-labeled PSMA inhibitor for the detection of prostate cancer. We present results of its clinical use in a cohort of 225 men with histologically confirmed prostate cancer referred for workup of biochemical relapse. From April 2013 to April 2017, 99m Tc-MIP1404-scintigraphy was performed in 225 patients for workup of PSA biochemical relapse of prostate cancer. Whole-body planar and SPECT/CT images of the lower abdomen and thorax were obtained 3-4 h p.i. of 710 ± 64 MBq 99m Tc-MIP-1404. Images were visually analyzed for presence and location of abnormal uptake. In addition, quantitative analysis of the SPECT/CT data was carried out on a subset of 125 patients. Follow-up reports of subsequent therapeutic interventions were available for 59% (139) of all patients. Tracer-positive lesions were detected in 77% (174/225) of all patients. Detections occurred at the area of local recurrence in the prostate in 25% of patients (or a total of 56), with metastases in lymph nodes in 47% (105), bone in 27% (60), lung in 5% (12), and other locations in 2% (4) of patients. Detection rates were 90% at PSA levels ≥2 ng/mL and 54% below that threshold. Lesional SUVmax values were, on average, 32.2 ± 29.6 (0.8-142.2), and tumor-to-normal ratios 146.6 ± 160.5 (1.9-1482.4). The PSA level correlated significantly with total uptake of MIP-1404 in tumors (P < 0.001). Furthermore, total tumor uptake was significantly higher in patients with Gleason scores ≥8 compared to those with Gleason scores ≤7 (P < 0.05). In patients with androgen deprivation therapy, the detection rate was significantly higher compared to patients without androgen deprivation therapy (86% vs 71%, P < 0.001). Based on 99m Tc-MIP-1404-imaging and other information, an interdisciplinary tumor board review recommended changes to treatment plans in 74% (104/139) of those patients for whom the necessary documentation was available. SPECT/CT with 99m Tc-labeled MIP-1404 has a high probability in detecting PSMA-positive lesions in patients with elevated PSA. Statistical analysis disclosed significant relationship between quantitative 99m Tc-MIP-1404 uptake, PSA level, and Gleason score. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Association of BCL11A genetic variant (rs11886868) with severity in β-thalassaemia major & sickle cell anaemia.

PubMed

Dadheech, Sneha; Madhulatha, D; Jainc, Suman; Joseph, James; Jyothy, A; Munshi, Anjana

2016-04-01

The amount of foetal haemoglobin that persists in adulthood affects the clinical severity of haemoglobinopathies including β-thalassaemia major and sickle cell anaemia (SCA). The present study was undertaken to analyse β-thalassaemia as well as SCA patients for the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs11886868 (T/C) in BCL11A gene and to evaluate the association between this polymorphism and severity of β-thalassaemia major and SCA. a total of 620 samples (420 β-thalassaemia major and 200 SCA cases) were analysed before blood transfusion using basic screening tests like complete blood analysis and osmotic fragility and further confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) and reverse dot blot techniques. All patients were transfusion dependent. Patients with β-thalassaemia and SCA were classified into mild, moderate, severe according to the severity score based on Hb levels, age of onset, age at which patients received their first blood transfusion, the degree of growth retardation and splenectomy. β-thalassaemia as well as SCA patients were analysed for the SNP, rs11886868 (T/C) in BCL11A gene and association between this polymorphism and severity of β-thalassaemia major as well as SCA was evaluated. There was a significant difference in genotypic and allelic frequencies of BCL11A gene polymorphism between mild and moderate and mild and severe cases in both the groups. A significant (P<0.001) difference was observed in the mean HbF levels between the three genotypes in different severity groups. HbF levels were found to be high in CC genotype bearing individuals followed by TC and TT in β-thalassaemia major as well as SCA. This study confirms that the T/C variant (rs11886868) of the BCL11A gene causing downregulation of BCL11A gene expression in adult erythroid precursors results in the induction of HbF and ameliorates the severity of β-thalassaemia as well as SCA.

Simple methodology to directly genotype Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing units in single and mixed infections from human blood samples.

PubMed

Bontempi, Iván A; Bizai, María L; Ortiz, Sylvia; Manattini, Silvia; Fabbro, Diana; Solari, Aldo; Diez, Cristina

2016-09-01

Different DNA markers to genotype Trypanosoma cruzi are now available. However, due to the low quantity of parasites present in biological samples, DNA markers with high copy number like kinetoplast minicircles are needed. The aim of this study was to complete a DNA assay called minicircle lineage specific-PCR (MLS-PCR) previously developed to genotype the T. cruzi DTUs TcV and TcVI, in order to genotype DTUs TcI and TcII and to improve TcVI detection. We screened kinetoplast minicircle hypervariable sequences from cloned PCR products from reference strains belonging to the mentioned DTUs using specific kDNA probes. With the four highly specific sequences selected, we designed primers to be used in the MLS-PCR to directly genotype T. cruzi from biological samples. High specificity and sensitivity were obtained when we evaluated the new approach for TcI, TcII, TcV and TcVI genotyping in twenty two T. cruzi reference strains. Afterward, we compared it with hybridization tests using specific kDNA probes in 32 blood samples from chronic chagasic patients from North Eastern Argentina. With both tests we were able to genotype 94% of the samples and the concordance between them was very good (kappa=0.855). The most frequent T. cruzi DTUs detected were TcV and TcVI, followed by TcII and much lower TcI. A unique T. cruzi DTU was detected in 18 samples meantime more than one in the remaining; being TcV and TcVI the most frequent association. A high percentage of mixed detections were obtained with both assays and its impact was discussed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A validation study on the traditional Chinese version of Spinal Appearance Questionnaire for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

PubMed

Guo, Jing; Lau, Ajax Hong Yin; Chau, Jack; Ng, Bobby Kin Wah; Lee, Kwong Man; Qiu, Yong; Cheng, Jack Chun Yiu; Lam, Tsz Ping

2016-10-01

"Simplified Chinese" version of Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SC-SAQ) for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) was available but did not fit for communities using "Traditional Chinese" as their primary language. We developed a traditional Chinese version of SAQ (TC-SAQ) and evaluated its reliability and validity. TC-SAQ was administered to 112 AIS patients, of which 101 bilingual (English and Chinese) patients completed E-SAQ and the traditional Chinese version of Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire (TC-SRS-22). Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were evaluated. Concurrent validity was evaluated by comparing TC-SAQ score with E-SAQ score, and convergent validity by comparing TC-SAQ score with TC-SRS-22 self-image domain score, and discriminant validity by analyzing the relationship between TC-SAQ score and patients' characteristics. Internal consistency of individual TC-SAQ domain was high (Cronbach's α = 0.785 to 0.940), except for general (Cronbach's α = 0.665) and shoulders (Cronbach's α = 0.421) domain. Test-retest reliability of TC-SAQ was good (ICCs of each domain from 0.798 to 0.865). Concurrent validity demonstrated an excellent correlation between TC-SAQ and E-SAQ scores (r = 0.820 to 0.954, P < 0.0001 for all domains). Correlation between TC-SAQ domains and TC-SRS-22 self-image domain was weak to moderate. TC-SAQ total score and individual domain scores (except waist and chest domains) were positively correlated to major curve magnitude. TC-SAQ had good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Concurrent validity evaluated against the original English version was excellent. TC-SAQ was both reliable and valid for clinical use for AIS patients using traditional Chinese as their primary language.

99 Tc NMR determination of the oxygen isotope content in 18 O-enriched water.

PubMed

Tarasov, Valerii P; Kirakosyan, Gayana А; German, Konstantin E

2018-03-01

99 Tc NMR has been suggested as an original method of evaluating the content of oxygen isotopes in oxygen-18-enriched water, a precursor for the production of radioisotope fluorine-18 used in positron emission tomography. To this end, solutions of NH 4 TcO 4 or NaTcO 4 (up to 0.28 mol/L) with natural abundance of oxygen isotopes in virgin or recycled 18 O-enriched water have been studied by 99 Tc NMR. The method is based on 16 O/ 17 O/ 18 O intrinsic isotope effects in the 99 Tc NMR chemical shifts, and the statistical distribution of oxygen isotopes in the coordination sphere of TcO 4 - and makes it possible to quantify the composition of enriched water by measuring the relative intensities of the 99 Tc NMR signals of the Tc 16 O 4-n 18 O n - isotopologues. Because the oxygen exchange between TcO 4 - and enriched water in neutral and alkaline solutions is characterized by slow kinetics, gaseous HCl was bubbled through a solution for a few seconds to achieve the equilibrium distribution of oxygen isotopes in the Tc coordination sphere without distortion of the oxygen composition of the water. Pertechnetate ion was selected as a probe due to its high stability in solutions and the significant 99 Tc NMR shift induced by a single 16 O→ 18 O substitution (-0.43 ± 0.01 ppm) in TcO 4 - and spin coupling constant 1 J( 99 Tc- 17 O) (131.46 Hz) favourable for the observation of individual signals of Tc 16 O 4-n 18 O n - isotopologues. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Ibogaine labeling with 99mTc-tricarbonyl: synthesis and transport at the mouse blood-brain barrier.

PubMed

Tournier, Nicolas; André, Pascal; Blondeel, Sandy; Rizzo-Padoin, Nathalie; du Moulinet d'Hardemarre, Amaury; Declèves, Xavier; Scherrmann, Jean-Michel; Cisternino, Salvatore

2009-12-01

The (99m)Tc-tricarbonyl core may be used as an ideal tool for gamma-labeling ligands in noninvasive SPECT imaging. However, most (99m)Tc-tricarbonyl-labeled agents have difficulty crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We radiolabeled the neuroactive indole ibogaine with (99m)Tc-tricarbonyl and measured its transport into the mouse brain by in situ brain perfusion. We measured the interactions of [(99m)Tc(CO)(3)-ibogaine](+) and (99m)Tc-tricarbonyl with the main BBB efflux transporters P-gp and BCRP in vitro and in vivo. Ibogaine was radiolabeled (yield: over 95%). [(99m)Tc(CO)(3)-ibogaine](+) entered the brain (K(in)) poorly (0.18 microL/g/s), at about the same rate as (99m)Tc-tricarbonyl (0.16 microL/g/s) and [(99m)Tc-sestamibi](+) (0.10 microL/g/s). The CNS tracer [(99m)Tc-HMPAO](0) entered the brain approximately 70-times higher than [(99m)Tc(CO)(3)-ibogaine](+). In vitro studies revealed that neither [(99m)Tc(CO)(3)-ibogaine](+) nor (99m)Tc-tricarbonyl ion were substrates for P-gp or BCRP. But lowering the membrane dipole potential barrier with phloretin enhanced the brain transport of [(99m)Tc(OH(2))(3)(CO)(3)](+) approximately 3-fold. Thus, ibogaine directly labeled with (99m)Tc-tricarbonyl is not suitable for CNS imaging because of its poor uptake. Brain transport is not restricted by efflux transporters but is reduced by its lipophilicity and interaction with the membrane-positive dipole potential. 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association

Amyloidosis of heart and liver: comparison of Tc-99m pyrophosphate and Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate for detection

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

Lee, V.W.; Caldarone, A.G.; Falk, R.H.

1983-07-01

A prospective, comparative study was made of the efficacy of technetium-99m pyrophosphate (Tc PYP) and technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate (Tc MDP) in detecting soft-tissue amyloidois. Tc PYP and Tc MDP scans were obtained within ten-day intervals in seven patients with histologically proven amyloidosis. Tc PYP was a better scanning agent for soft-tissue amyloidosis in all patients. Cardiac and hepatic involvement were proved by autopsy in one patient. Involvement of the heart was confirmed by echocardiography in five patients. The potential use of tc PYP scannning as a screening test for soft-tissue amyloidosis is discussed.

Prediction of radiofrequency ablation lesion formation using a novel temperature sensing technology incorporated in a force sensing catheter.

PubMed

Rozen, Guy; Ptaszek, Leon; Zilberman, Israel; Cordaro, Kevin; Heist, E Kevin; Beeckler, Christopher; Altmann, Andres; Ying, Zhang; Liu, Zhenjiang; Ruskin, Jeremy N; Govari, Assaf; Mansour, Moussa

2017-02-01

Real-time radiofrequency (RF) ablation lesion assessment is a major unmet need in cardiac electrophysiology. The purpose of this study was to assess whether improved temperature measurement using a novel thermocoupling (TC) technology combined with information derived from impedance change, contact force (CF) sensing, and catheter orientation allows accurate real-time prediction of ablation lesion formation. RF ablation lesions were delivered in the ventricles of 15 swine using a novel externally irrigated-tip catheter containing 6 miniature TC sensors in addition to force sensing technology. Ablation duration, power, irrigation rate, impedance drop, CF, and temperature from each sensor were recorded. The catheter "orientation factor" was calculated using measurements from the different TC sensors. Information derived from all the sources was included in a mathematical model developed to predict lesion depth and validated against histologic measurements. A total of 143 ablation lesions were delivered to the left ventricle (n = 74) and right ventricle (n = 69). Mean CF applied during the ablations was 14.34 ± 3.55g, and mean impedance drop achieved during the ablations was 17.5 ± 6.41 Ω. Mean difference between predicted and measured ablation lesion depth was 0.72 ± 0.56 mm. In the majority of lesions (91.6%), the difference between estimated and measured depth was ≤1.5 mm. Accurate real-time prediction of RF lesion depth is feasible using a novel ablation catheter-based system in conjunction with a mathematical prediction model, combining elaborate temperature measurements with information derived from catheter orientation, CF sensing, impedance change, and additional ablation parameters. Copyright © 2016 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Transition between Functional Regimes in an Integrate-And-Fire Network Model of the Thalamus

PubMed Central

Barardi, Alessandro; Mazzoni, Alberto

2016-01-01

The thalamus is a key brain element in the processing of sensory information. During the sleep and awake states, this brain area is characterized by the presence of two distinct dynamical regimes: in the sleep state activity is dominated by spindle oscillations (7 − 15 Hz) weakly affected by external stimuli, while in the awake state the activity is primarily driven by external stimuli. Here we develop a simple and computationally efficient model of the thalamus that exhibits two dynamical regimes with different information-processing capabilities, and study the transition between them. The network model includes glutamatergic thalamocortical (TC) relay neurons and GABAergic reticular (RE) neurons described by adaptive integrate-and-fire models in which spikes are induced by either depolarization or hyperpolarization rebound. We found a range of connectivity conditions under which the thalamic network composed by these neurons displays the two aforementioned dynamical regimes. Our results show that TC-RE loops generate spindle-like oscillations and that a minimum level of clustering (i.e. local connectivity density) in the RE-RE connections is necessary for the coexistence of the two regimes. We also observe that the transition between the two regimes occurs when the external excitatory input on TC neurons (mimicking sensory stimulation) is large enough to cause a significant fraction of them to switch from hyperpolarization-rebound-driven firing to depolarization-driven firing. Overall, our model gives a novel and clear description of the role that the two types of neurons and their connectivity play in the dynamical regimes observed in the thalamus, and in the transition between them. These results pave the way for the development of efficient models of the transmission of sensory information from periphery to cortex. PMID:27598260

Tropical cyclone fullness: A new concept for interpreting storm intensity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Xi; Tan, Zhe-Min

2017-05-01

Intensity and size are two crucial factors in determining the destructiveness of a tropical cyclone (TC), but little is known about the relationship between them because of a lack of observations. TC fullness, a new concept, is proposed to quantitatively measure the storm wind structure, which is defined as the ratio of the extent of the outer-core wind skirt to the outer-core size of the TC. TC intensity is more strongly correlated with fullness than with other measures comprising just a single size parameter. A scale is introduced to classify TCs into four categories based on TC fullness (FS1 to FS4). Regardless of the specific inner-core and outer-core size, the FS4 fullness structure is necessary for an intense TC's development, while category FS1 and FS2 TCs are generally weak. Most major TCs achieve FS4 fullness structure earlier and more frequently than nonmajor TCs. Rapidly increasing fullness favors the intensification of TC.