BETA (Bitter Electromagnet Testing Apparatus) Design and Testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bates, Evan; Birmingham, William; Rivera, William; Romero-Talamas, Carlos

2016-10-01

BETA is a 1T water cooled Bitter-type magnetic system that has been designed and constructed at the Dusty Plasma Laboratory of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County to serve as a prototype of a scaled 10T version. Currently the system is undergoing magnetic, thermal and mechanical testing to ensure safe operating conditions and to prove analytical design optimizations. These magnets will function as experimental tools for future dusty plasma based and collaborative experiments. An overview of design methods used for building a custom made Bitter magnet with user defined experimental constraints is reviewed. The three main design methods consist of minimizing the following: ohmic power, peak conductor temperatures, and stresses induced by Lorentz forces. We will also discuss the design of BETA which includes: the magnet core, pressure vessel, cooling system, power storage bank, high powered switching system, diagnostics with safety cutoff feedback, and data acquisition (DAQ)/magnet control Matlab code. Furthermore, we present experimental data from diagnostics for validation of our analytical preliminary design methodologies and finite element analysis calculations. BETA will contribute to the knowledge necessary to finalize the 10 T magnet design.

Wildlife Scenario Builder and User's Guide (Version 1.0, Beta Test)

EPA Science Inventory

The Wildlife Scenario Builder (WSB) was developed to improve the quality of wildlif...

Regulation of interleukin-1beta and interleukin-8 production by agonists of mu and delta opiate receptors in vitro.

PubMed

Gein, S V; Gorshkova, K G; Tendryakova, S P

2009-07-01

The studies reported here showed that beta-endorphin at concentrations of 10(-7)-10(-11) M increased interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) production in unfractionated leukocyte suspensions both in the presence of 0.1 microg/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and in cultures not stimulated with LPS. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) production by leukocytes was inhibited by beta-endorphin at concentrations of 10(-7) and 10(-11) M in the presence of LPS. The stimulatory effect of beta-endorphin on IL-1beta production was not blocked by naloxone or naltrindole. Suppression of IL-8 production was blocked by naloxone and naltrindole. In the mononuclear cell and neutrophil fractions, beta-endorphin and the delta agonist DADLE increased IL-1beta synthesis in both the spontaneous and stimulated versions of the test, while beta-endorphin and the delta agonist DADLE inhibited IL-8 production in the mononuclear cell and neutrophil fractions only in LPS-stimulated cultures. The mu agonist DAGO had no effect on IL-1beta production by mononuclear cells or neutrophils, though it suppressed LPS-induced secretion of IL-8 by neutrophils.

USER'S GUIDE TO CLOSURE EVALUATION SYSTEM: CES BETA-TEST VERSION 1.0

EPA Science Inventory

The Closure Evaluation System (CES) is a decision support tool, developed by the U.S. EPA's Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory, to assist reviewers and preparers of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Part B permit applications. CES is designed to serve as a checklis...

Attracting school children on interesting places through 2D side-scrolling mobile game

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saintim, Allysharone; Othman, Muhammad Fakri; Senan, Norhalina; Suparjoh, Suriawati

2017-10-01

Sabah is popular with its beautiful vacation gateway. However there is no game application that related to the interesting places in Sabah as a way for to attract school children about interesting places in Sabah. Therefore, Ally's Adventure in Sabah which is a 2D mobile game application has been developed to solve this problem. Ally's Adventure application consist a total 4 levels that developed based on 4 different popular places in Sabah and it have been implemented in Android platform. Game Development Life Cycle (GDLC) has been used as the methodology in the application development process. The beta version of Ally's Adventure had been tested by its target user; 10 to 15 years old in order to achieved the objectives of its development purposes. It received a good amount of positive feedback and few improvements had been done to the beta version of Ally's Adventure in Sabah.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Reliability and Validity of the Danish Version of the Readiness for Return to Work Instrument.

PubMed

Stapelfeldt, Christina Malmose; Momsen, Anne-Mette Hedeager; Lund, Thomas; Grønborg, Therese Koops; Hogg-Johnson, Sheilah; Jensen, Chris; Skakon, Janne; Labriola, Merete

2018-06-06

The objective of the present study was to translate and validate the Canadian Readiness for Return To Work instrument (RRTW-CA) into a Danish version (RRTWDK) by testing its test-retest and internal consistency reliability and its structural and construct validity. Cross-cultural adaptation of the six-staged RRTW-CA instrument was performed in a standardised, systematic five-step-procedure; forward translation, panel synthesis of the translation, back translation, consolidation and revision by researchers, and finally pre-testing. This RRTW-DK beta-version was tested for its psychometric properties by intra-class correlation coefficient and standard error of measurement (n = 114), Cronbach's alpha (n = 471), confirmatory factor analyses (n = 373), and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (n = 436) in sickness beneficiaries from a municipal employment agency and hospital wards. The original RRTW-CA stage structure could not be confirmed in the RRTWDK. The psychometric properties were thus inconclusive. The RRTW-DK cannot be recommended for use in the current version as the RRTW construct is questionable. The RRTW construct needs further exploration, preferably in a population that is homogeneous with regard to cause of sickness, disability duration and age.

Android Video Streaming

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-01

natural choice. In this document, we describe several aspects of video streaming and the challenges of performing video streaming between Android-based...client application was needed. Typically something like VideoLAN Client ( VLC ) is used for this purpose in a desktop environment. However, while VLC is...a very mature application on Windows and Linux, VLC for Android is still in a beta testing phase, and versions have only been developed to work

Benchmark Dose Software (BMDS) Development and ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This report is intended to provide an overview of beta version 1.0 of the implementation of a model of repeated measures data referred to as the Toxicodiffusion model. The implementation described here represents the first steps towards integration of the Toxicodiffusion model into the EPA benchmark dose software (BMDS). This version runs from within BMDS 2.0 using an option screen for making model selection, as is done for other models in the BMDS 2.0 suite. This report is intended to provide an overview of beta version 1.0 of the implementation of a model of repeated measures data referred to as the Toxicodiffusion model.

IIAM (important information about me): a patient portability profile app for adults, children and families with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

PubMed

Jiam, N T; Hoon, A H; Hostetter, C F; Khare, M M

2017-08-01

To describe the development of important information about me (IIAM), an application (app) used to communicate and organize healthcare information for people with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD). Prior to the development of IIAM version 1.0, households with NDD were selected to participate in a focus group. Respondents (n = 7) were parents of children with NDD. Participants were asked to use a beta version for at least 2 months in day-to-day applications and to complete a questionnaire at the end of the trial. Over half (57%) of the participants found the beta version to be useful. The greatest limitation in usability was the child's age and literacy level. All participants found the app to be visually appealing and easy to navigate. IIAM was commonly used to communicate information to caregivers, and to facilitate quality interactions between the child and others. Mobile technology has become ubiquitous and has emerged as an important tool in healthcare. New applications could potentially promote accessible, cost-effective and self-managed interventions for the disability community. IIAM is a user-friendly, well-accepted and useful app for people with NDD. The focus group feedback elicited from the beta testing was used to develop the IIAM app version 1.0. However, the sample size in this initial feasibility study is small, and warrants a prospective study that evaluates the overall benefits of this app in improving quality of life and helping individuals with developmental disabilities manage their day-to-day activities. Implications for Rehabilitation Mobile technology has been more ubiquitous in health care and has emerged as a tool in communicating healthcare needs. New applications could potentially promote accessible, cost-effective and self-managed interventions for the disability community. IIAM (important information about me) is a new iOS application that enables adults and children with neurodevelopmental disabilities to organize their medical records, advocate for their healthcare needs, and help overcome communication and time limitations with health professionals and caregivers.

User Assessment of "InsuOnLine," a Game to Fight Clinical Inertia in Diabetes: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Diehl, Leandro Arthur; de Souza, Rodrigo Martins; Gordan, Pedro Alejandro; Esteves, Roberto Zonato; Coelho, Izabel Cristina Meister

2015-10-01

We performed a pilot study to assess usability and playability of "InsuOnLine," a serious game for education of primary care physicians on insulin therapy for diabetes mellitus. A multidisciplinary team has designed and developed "InsuOnLine," using Andragogy and Problem-Based Learning principles, with game elements to improve players' motivation. The prototype was tested by four medical doctors and two medical students, using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and a questionnaire to assess playability. These results were used to guide corrections, after which the beta version was retested by 14 medical students and 6 residents. Out of a maximum score of 100 on the SUS, the "InsuOnLine" prototype was rated 88, and some areas for improvement were identified (game instructions, controls). After corrections, the beta version was rated 92.5 on the SUS. Users have found the beta version to be fun, engaging, challenging, relevant, and realistic. Users said that the game has increased their knowledge on diabetes and insulin, that it has made them feel more confident for prescribing insulin, and that it would have impact on how they treated patients with diabetes. Most users said they have learned more from the game than they would have from a lecture. Lessons learned were the need of early piloting, preferably by users with very little or very much gaming experience, on their own computers and free patterns of use. "InsuOnLine" was rated by users as easy to play, fun, and useful for learning. Further studies will assess its educational effectiveness. "InsuOnLine" is a promising tool for large-scale continuing medical education on insulin, helping to fight clinical inertia in diabetes.

Size-biased distributions in the generalized beta distribution family, with applications to forestry

Treesearch

Mark J. Ducey; Jeffrey H. Gove

2015-01-01

Size-biased distributions arise in many forestry applications, as well as other environmental, econometric, and biomedical sampling problems. We examine the size-biased versions of the generalized beta of the first kind, generalized beta of the second kind and generalized gamma distributions. These distributions include, as special cases, the Dagum (Burr Type III),...

Co-creating and Evaluating a Web-app Mapping Real-World Health Care Services for Students: The servi-Share Protocol.

PubMed

Montagni, Ilaria; Langlois, Emmanuel; Wittwer, Jérôme; Tzourio, Christophe

2017-02-16

University students aged 18-30 years are a population group reporting low access to health care services, with high rates of avoidance and delay of medical care. This group also reports not having appropriate information about available health care services. However, university students are at risk for several health problems, and regular medical consultations are recommended in this period of life. New digital devices are popular among the young, and Web-apps can be used to facilitate easy access to information regarding health care services. A small number of electronic health (eHealth) tools have been developed with the purpose of displaying real-world health care services, and little is known about how such eHealth tools can improve access to care. This paper describes the processes of co-creating and evaluating the beta version of a Web-app aimed at mapping and describing free or low-cost real-world health care services available in the Bordeaux area of France, which is specifically targeted to university students. The co-creation process involves: (1) exploring the needs of students to know and access real-world health care services; (2) identifying the real-world health care services of interest for students; and (3) deciding on a user interface, and developing the beta version of the Web-app. Finally, the evaluation process involves: (1) testing the beta version of the Web-app with the target audience (university students aged 18-30 years); (2) collecting their feedback via a satisfaction survey; and (3) planning a long-term evaluation. The co-creation process of the beta version of the Web-app was completed in August 2016 and is described in this paper. The evaluation process started on September 7, 2016. The project was completed in December 2016 and implementation of the Web-app is ongoing. Web-apps are an innovative way to increase the health literacy of young people in terms of delivery of and access to health care. The creation of Web-apps benefits from the involvement of stakeholders (eg, students and health care providers) to correctly identify the real-world health care services to be displayed. ©Ilaria Montagni, Emmanuel Langlois, Jérôme Wittwer, Christophe Tzourio. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (http://www.researchprotocols.org), 16.02.2017.

Co-creating and Evaluating a Web-app Mapping Real-World Health Care Services for Students: The servi-Share Protocol

PubMed Central

Langlois, Emmanuel; Wittwer, Jérôme; Tzourio, Christophe

2017-01-01

Background University students aged 18-30 years are a population group reporting low access to health care services, with high rates of avoidance and delay of medical care. This group also reports not having appropriate information about available health care services. However, university students are at risk for several health problems, and regular medical consultations are recommended in this period of life. New digital devices are popular among the young, and Web-apps can be used to facilitate easy access to information regarding health care services. A small number of electronic health (eHealth) tools have been developed with the purpose of displaying real-world health care services, and little is known about how such eHealth tools can improve access to care. Objective This paper describes the processes of co-creating and evaluating the beta version of a Web-app aimed at mapping and describing free or low-cost real-world health care services available in the Bordeaux area of France, which is specifically targeted to university students. Methods The co-creation process involves: (1) exploring the needs of students to know and access real-world health care services; (2) identifying the real-world health care services of interest for students; and (3) deciding on a user interface, and developing the beta version of the Web-app. Finally, the evaluation process involves: (1) testing the beta version of the Web-app with the target audience (university students aged 18-30 years); (2) collecting their feedback via a satisfaction survey; and (3) planning a long-term evaluation. Results The co-creation process of the beta version of the Web-app was completed in August 2016 and is described in this paper. The evaluation process started on September 7, 2016. The project was completed in December 2016 and implementation of the Web-app is ongoing. Conclusions Web-apps are an innovative way to increase the health literacy of young people in terms of delivery of and access to health care. The creation of Web-apps benefits from the involvement of stakeholders (eg, students and health care providers) to correctly identify the real-world health care services to be displayed. PMID:28209561

Spiritual activity is associated with better cognitive function in old age.

PubMed

Fung, A W T; Lam, L C W

2013-09-01

This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the association between late-life spiritual activity participation and cognitive function in older Chinese adults in Hong Kong. Participants aged 60 years or older without clinical dementia or major psychiatric disorders were recruited. Dementia severity and global cognitive function were assessed using the Clinical Dementia Rating and Cantonese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination, respectively. Cognitive performance was measured using 10-minute delayed recall, the Category Verbal Fluency Test, Visual Aural Digit Span Test, and Modified Card Sorting Test. Psychological status was assessed using the Chinese version of the Purpose in Life scale. Activities participated in were categorised into 6 domains of physical, cognitive, social, prosocial, spiritual, and recreational activities. A total of 380 participants were enrolled. Bivariate correlation showed that the composite score of cognitive function was positively correlated with aerobic exercise (r = 0.14; p = 0.01), cognitive activity (r = 0.30; p < 0.001), and spiritual activity (r = 0.16; p = 0.002). Multiple linear regression suggested that frequent participation in cognitive activity (B = 0.87, beta = 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.52-1.25 and p < 0.001) and spiritual activity (B = 0.45, beta = 0.11; 95% CI = 0.13-0.76 and p = 0.01) were associated with better cognitive function after controlling for age and years of education. Engagement in spiritual activity may benefit cognitive function in old age. Longitudinal studies are recommended to further examine the causal relationship of spiritual activity and cognitive function.

TIM Version 3.0 beta - Technical Description and User's Guidance

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Provides technical information on version 3.0 of the Terrestrial Investigation Model (TIM v.3.0). Describes how TIM derives joint distributions of exposure and toxicity to calculate the risk of mortality to birds.

MISR UAE2 Aerosol Versioning

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2013-03-21

... The "Beta" designation means particle microphysical property validation is in progress, uncertainty envelopes on particle size distribution, ... UAE-2 campaign activities are part of the validation process, so two versions of the MISR aerosol products are included in this ...

A computationally tractable version of the collective model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rowe, D. J.

2004-05-01

A computationally tractable version of the Bohr-Mottelson collective model is presented which makes it possible to diagonalize realistic collective models and obtain convergent results in relatively small appropriately chosen subspaces of the collective model Hilbert space. Special features of the proposed model are that it makes use of the beta wave functions given analytically by the softened-beta version of the Wilets-Jean model, proposed by Elliott et al., and a simple algorithm for computing SO(5)⊃SO(3) spherical harmonics. The latter has much in common with the methods of Chacon, Moshinsky, and Sharp but is conceptually and computationally simpler. Results are presented for collective models ranging from the spherical vibrator to the Wilets-Jean and axially symmetric rotor-vibrator models.

Beta Testing of CFD Code for the Analysis of Combustion Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yee, Emma; Wey, Thomas

2015-01-01

A preliminary version of OpenNCC was tested to assess its accuracy in generating steady-state temperature fields for combustion systems at atmospheric conditions using three-dimensional tetrahedral meshes. Meshes were generated from a CAD model of a single-element lean-direct injection combustor, and the latest version of OpenNCC was used to calculate combustor temperature fields. OpenNCC was shown to be capable of generating sustainable reacting flames using a tetrahedral mesh, and the subsequent results were compared to experimental results. While nonreacting flow results closely matched experimental results, a significant discrepancy was present between the code's reacting flow results and experimental results. When wide air circulation regions with high velocities were present in the model, this appeared to create inaccurately high temperature fields. Conversely, low recirculation velocities caused low temperature profiles. These observations will aid in future modification of OpenNCC reacting flow input parameters to improve the accuracy of calculated temperature fields.

Overview of the Hydrogen Financial Analysis Scenario Tool (H2FAST); NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

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

Melaina, Marc; Bush, Brian; Penev, Michael

This presentation provides an introduction to the Hydrogen Financial Analysis Scenario Tool (H2FAST) and includes an overview of each of the three versions of H2FAST: the Web tool, the Excel spreadsheet version, and the beta version of the H2FAST Business Case Scenario tool.

Preliminary Evaluation of the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) Model Version 5.1

EPA Science Inventory

The AMAD will perform two annual CMAQ model simulations, one with the current publically available version of the CMAQ model (v5.0.2) and the other with the beta version of the new model (v5.1). The results of each model simulation will then be compared to observations and the pe...

In vitro bioactivity of 17alpha-estradiol.

PubMed

Sievernich, André; Wildt, Ludwig; Lichtenberg-Fraté, Hella

2004-12-01

A miniaturised short-term in vitro assay based on the activation of the human estrogen receptor alpha and genetically modified yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cells was performed to explore the capacity of this system to monitor the bioactivity of estrogenic compounds, particularly 17alpha- and 17beta-estradiol. Together with the human estrogen receptor (hER)-alpha plasmid, the reporter plasmid containing a yeast-optimised version of the green fluorescent protein (yEGFP) linked to three repeats of the cis-acting estrogen hormone-responsive element (ERE) were expressed in a strain being deleted in the pleiotropic drug resistance transporters Pdr5, Snq2 and Yor1, known to facilitate efflux of organic compounds including steroids and chemotherapeutics. Agonists that bind to hER in vitro trigger estrogen receptor-mediated transcriptional activation of the GFP reporter gene monitored by fluorescence emission at 535 nm. The sensitivity of the assay was tested with various 17alpha- and 17beta-estradiol concentrations, yielding a detection limit of 5 pg/ml (0.018 nM) for the agonist 17beta-E2 in solvent and in human charcoal-stripped serum using a S. cerevisiae pdr5, snq2 and yor1 mutant strain. For 17alpha-estradiol only, at approximately 1500 pg/ml a similar fluorescence response compared to 100 pg/ml 17beta-E2 was observed implicating a much weaker potency of this stereoisomer. The specificity of the system was tested by expression of a truncated hER lacking the ligand-binding domain E and by administration of the androgen, 4-androsten 3,17 dione. Both controls did not yield an increase in fluorescence emission. This fluorescence emission assay enables detection of estrogenic biological activity induced by direct agonists, such as 17beta-E2 at concentrations similar to those found in human sera or by estrogen-like chemicals.

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

Van Der Marck, S. C.

Three nuclear data libraries have been tested extensively using criticality safety benchmark calculations. The three libraries are the new release of the US library ENDF/B-VII.1 (2011), the new release of the Japanese library JENDL-4.0 (2011), and the OECD/NEA library JEFF-3.1 (2006). All calculations were performed with the continuous-energy Monte Carlo code MCNP (version 4C3, as well as version 6-beta1). Around 2000 benchmark cases from the International Handbook of Criticality Safety Benchmark Experiments (ICSBEP) were used. The results were analyzed per ICSBEP category, and per element. Overall, the three libraries show similar performance on most criticality safety benchmarks. The largest differencesmore » are probably caused by elements such as Be, C, Fe, Zr, W. (authors)« less

Validation of the Asthma Control Test questionnaire in a North African population.

PubMed

El Hasnaoui, Abdelkader; Martin, Jennifer; Salhi, Hocine; Doble, Adam

2009-12-01

Patient-reported outcome measures are required to measure asthma control. The Asthma Control Test (ACT) is one such measure which was used in the AIRMAG study, a general population study of asthma in the Maghreb. Three dialectal Arabic versions of the ACT (Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian) were developed. To perform a psychometric evaluation of the properties of dialectal Arabic versions of the ACT used in the AIRMAG study. The test data came from 624 adult subjects in a random general population sample in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. The internal consistency of the ACT was analysed using Cronbach's a coefficient. The factorial structure was explored by primary component analysis with varimax rotation. Test-retest reproducibility was assessed in a subgroup of 61 subjects. Face and discriminant validity were assessed. Cronbach's a coefficient ranged from 0.58 for the Algerian version to 0.67 for the Moroccan version. The 'use-of-rescue-treatment' item was identified as discordant, since its removal resulted in an increase in Cronbach's a coefficient. The discordance of this item was confirmed by primary component analysis, where the four remaining items were aligned along a single dimension, and the 'use-of-rescue-treatment' item offset along a second dimension. Test and retest scores were well correlated (r =0.704). The ACT showed good face and discriminant validity. The ACT is a valid measure of asthma control in a North African context, although its internal consistency is compromised by the 'use-of-rescue-treatment' item, probably due to limited access to care and use of short-acting beta-agonists. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of Origin 2000 and Origin 3000 Using NAS Parallel Benchmarks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Turney, Raymond D.

2001-01-01

This report describes results of benchmark tests on the Origin 3000 system currently being installed at the NASA Ames National Advanced Supercomputing facility. This machine will ultimately contain 1024 R14K processors. The first part of the system, installed in November, 2000 and named mendel, is an Origin 3000 with 128 R12K processors. For comparison purposes, the tests were also run on lomax, an Origin 2000 with R12K processors. The BT, LU, and SP application benchmarks in the NAS Parallel Benchmark Suite and the kernel benchmark FT were chosen to determine system performance and measure the impact of changes on the machine as it evolves. Having been written to measure performance on Computational Fluid Dynamics applications, these benchmarks are assumed appropriate to represent the NAS workload. Since the NAS runs both message passing (MPI) and shared-memory, compiler directive type codes, both MPI and OpenMP versions of the benchmarks were used. The MPI versions used were the latest official release of the NAS Parallel Benchmarks, version 2.3. The OpenMP versiqns used were PBN3b2, a beta version that is in the process of being released. NPB 2.3 and PBN 3b2 are technically different benchmarks, and NPB results are not directly comparable to PBN results.

TIM Version 3.0 beta Technical Description and User Guide - Appendix A - User's Guidance for TIM v.3.0(beta)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Provides detailed guidance to the user on how to select input parameters for running the Terrestrial Investigation Model (TIM) and recommendations for default values that can be used when no chemical-specific or species-specific information are available.

Astrophysical data mining with GPU. A case study: Genetic classification of globular clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cavuoti, S.; Garofalo, M.; Brescia, M.; Paolillo, M.; Pescape', A.; Longo, G.; Ventre, G.

2014-01-01

We present a multi-purpose genetic algorithm, designed and implemented with GPGPU/CUDA parallel computing technology. The model was derived from our CPU serial implementation, named GAME (Genetic Algorithm Model Experiment). It was successfully tested and validated on the detection of candidate Globular Clusters in deep, wide-field, single band HST images. The GPU version of GAME will be made available to the community by integrating it into the web application DAMEWARE (DAta Mining Web Application REsource, http://dame.dsf.unina.it/beta_info.html), a public data mining service specialized on massive astrophysical data. Since genetic algorithms are inherently parallel, the GPGPU computing paradigm leads to a speedup of a factor of 200× in the training phase with respect to the CPU based version.

The utility of quantitative electroencephalography and Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test as auxiliary tools for the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder diagnosis.

PubMed

Kim, JunWon; Lee, YoungSik; Han, DougHyun; Min, KyungJoon; Kim, DoHyun; Lee, ChangWon

2015-03-01

This study investigated the clinical utility of quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) and the Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA+CPT) as auxiliary tools for assessing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). All of 157 subjects were assessed using the Korean version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version IV (DISC-IV). We measured EGG absolute power in 21 channels and conducted IVA+CPT. We analyzed QEEG according to the Hz range: delta (1-4Hz), theta (4-8Hz), slow alpha (8-10Hz), fast alpha (10-13.5Hz), and beta (13.5-30Hz). To remove artifacts, independent component analysis was conducted (ICA), and the tester confirmed the results again. All of the IVA+CPT quotients showed significant differences between the ADHD and control groups. The ADHD group showed significantly increased delta and theta activity compared with the control group. The z-scores of theta were negatively correlated with the scores of IVA+CPT in ADHD combined type, and those of beta were positively correlated. IVA+CPT and QEEG significantly discriminated between ADHD and control groups. The commission error of IVA+CPT showed an accuracy of 82.1%, and the omission error of IVA+CPT showed an accuracy of 78.6%. The IVA+CPT and QEEG are expected to be valuable tools for aiding ADHD diagnosis accurately. Copyright © 2014 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

NOVA: A new multi-level logic simulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miles, L.; Prins, P.; Cameron, K.; Shovic, J.

1990-01-01

A new logic simulator that was developed at the NASA Space Engineering Research Center for VLSI Design was described. The simulator is multi-level, being able to simulate from the switch level through the functional model level. NOVA is currently in the Beta test phase and was used to simulate chips designed for the NASA Space Station and the Explorer missions. A new algorithm was devised to simulate bi-directional pass transistors and a preliminary version of the algorithm is presented. The usage of functional models in NOVA is also described and performance figures are presented.

The relationship between group A beta hemolytic streptococcal infection and psychiatric symptoms: a pilot study.

PubMed

Cengel-Kültür, S Ebru; Cöp, Esra; Kara, Ateş; Cengiz, Ali Bülent; Uludağ, Ali Kerem; Unal, Fatih

2009-01-01

The aim of this study was to test if children with group A beta hemolytic streptococcal infection (GABHS) are more likely to develop neuropsychiatric symptoms or the syndrome of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infection (PANDAS) compared to children with GABHS-negative throat cultures. Children aged 8 to 12 years (n = 81) with upper respiratory tract infection were assessed with the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children - Present and Lifetime Version, Children's Yale Brown Obsession Compulsion Scale, Yale Global Tic Severity Scale, Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 4-18, Conners Parent Rating Scale, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children at baseline and six weeks later. One case of PANDAS was diagnosed and no other differences were observed between groups and time points. It was suggested that GABHS infection may be a triggering factor for PANDAS in some genetically prone individuals.

Development and evaluation of a thermochemistry concept inventory for college-level general chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wren, David A.

The research presented in this dissertation culminated in a 10-item Thermochemistry Concept Inventory (TCI). The development of the TCI can be divided into two main phases: qualitative studies and quantitative studies. Both phases focused on the primary stakeholders of the TCI, college-level general chemistry instructors and students. Each phase was designed to collect evidence for the validity of the interpretations and uses of TCI testing data. A central use of TCI testing data is to identify student conceptual misunderstandings, which are represented as incorrect options of multiple-choice TCI items. Therefore, quantitative and qualitative studies focused heavily on collecting evidence at the item-level, where important interpretations may be made by TCI users. Qualitative studies included student interviews (N = 28) and online expert surveys (N = 30). Think-aloud student interviews (N = 12) were used to identify conceptual misunderstandings used by students. Novice response process validity interviews (N = 16) helped provide information on how students interpreted and answered TCI items and were the basis of item revisions. Practicing general chemistry instructors (N = 18), or experts, defined boundaries of thermochemistry content included on the TCI. Once TCI items were in the later stages of development, an online version of the TCI was used in expert response process validity survey (N = 12), to provide expert feedback on item content, format and consensus of the correct answer for each item. Quantitative studies included three phases: beta testing of TCI items (N = 280), pilot testing of the a 12-item TCI (N = 485), and a large data collection using a 10-item TCI ( N = 1331). In addition to traditional classical test theory analysis, Rasch model analysis was also used for evaluation of testing data at the test and item level. The TCI was administered in both formative assessment (beta and pilot testing) and summative assessment (large data collection), with items performing well in both. One item, item K, did not have acceptable psychometric properties when the TCI was used as a quiz (summative assessment), but was retained in the final version of the TCI based on the acceptable psychometric properties displayed in pilot testing (formative assessment).

Does postprandial itopride intake affect the rate of gastric emptying? A crossover study using the continuous real time 13C breath test (BreathID system).

PubMed

Nonaka, Takashi; Kessoku, Takaomi; Ogawa, Yuji; Yanagisawa, Shogo; Shiba, Tadahiko; Sahaguchi, Takashi; Atsukawa, Kazuhiro; Takahashi, Hisao; Sekino, Yusuke; Iida, Hiroshi; Hosono, Kunihiro; Endo, Hiroki; Sakamoto, Yasunari; Koide, Tomoko; Takahashi, Hirokazu; Tokoro, Chikako; Abe, Yasunobu; Maeda, Shin; Nakajima, Atsushi; Inamori, Masahiko

2011-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine whether oral Itopride hydrochloride (itopride) intake might have any effect on the rate of gastric emptying, using a novel non-invasive technique for measuring the rate of gastric emptying, namely, the continuous real time 13C breath test (BreathID system: Exalenz Bioscience Ltd., Israel). Eight healthy male volunteers participated in this randomized, two-way crossover study. The subjects fasted overnight and were randomly assigned to receive 50mg itopride following a test meal (200 kcal per 200mL, containing 100mg 13C acetate), or the test meal alone. Under both conditions, gastric emptying was monitored for 4 hours after administration of the test meal by the 13C-acetic acid breath test performed continually using the BreathID system. Using Oridion Research Software (beta version), the time required for emptying of 50% of the labeled meal (T 1/2), the analog to the scintigraphy lag time for 10% emptying of the labeled meal (T lag), the gastric emptying coefficient (GEC), and the regression-estimated constants (beta and kappa) were calculated. The parameters measured under the two conditions were compared using the Wilcoxon's signed-rank test. No significant differences in the calculated parameters, namely, the T 1/2, T lag, GEC, beta or kappa, were observed between the two test conditions, namely, administration of a test meal+itopride and administration of the test meal alone. The present study revealed that postprandial itopride intake had no significant influence on the rate of gastric emptying. Recently, several studies have shown that itopride may be effective in the treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia. Our results suggest that the efficacy of itopride in patients with functional dyspepsia may be based on its effect of improving functions other than the rate of gastric emptying, such as the activities at neuronal sites, brain-gut correlation, visceral hypersensitivity, gastric accommodation and distension-induced adaptation.

The Persian Version of the "Life Satisfaction Scale": Construct Validity and Test-Re-Test Reliability among Iranian Older Adults.

PubMed

Moghadam, Manije; Salavati, Mahyar; Sahaf, Robab; Rassouli, Maryam; Moghadam, Mojgan; Kamrani, Ahmad Ali Akbari

2018-03-01

After forward-backward translation, the LSS was administered to 334 Persian speaking, cognitively healthy elderly aged 60 years and over recruited through convenience sampling. To analyze the validity of the model's constructs and the relationships between the constructs, a confirmatory factor analysis followed by PLS analysis was performed. The Construct validity was further investigated by calculating the correlations between the LSS and the "Short Form Health Survey" (SF-36) subscales measuring similar and dissimilar constructs. The LSS was re-administered to 50 participants a month later to assess the reliability. For the eight-factor model of the life satisfaction construct, adequate goodness of fit between the hypothesized model and the model derived from the sample data was attained (positive and statistically significant beta coefficients, good R-squares and acceptable GoF). Construct validity was supported by convergent and discriminant validity, and correlations between the LSS and SF-36 subscales. Minimum Intraclass Correlation Coefficient level of 0.60 was exceeded by all subscales. Minimum level of reliability indices (Cronbach's α, composite reliability and indicator reliability) was exceeded by all subscales. The Persian-version of the Life Satisfaction Scale is a reliable and valid instrument, with psychometric properties which are consistent with the original version.

Titanium isopropoxide as efficient catalyst for the aza-Baylis-Hillman reaction. Selective formation of alpha-methylene-beta-amino acid derivatives.

PubMed

Balan, Daniela; Adolfsson, Hans

2002-04-05

The direct formation of alpha-methylene-beta-amino acid derivatives is achieved using the aza version of the Baylis-Hillman protocol. The products are readily formed in a three-component one-pot reaction between arylaldehydes, sulfonamides, and alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds. The reaction is efficiently catalyzed by titanium isopropoxide and 2-hydroxyquinuclidine in the presence of molecular sieves. The protocol allows for structural variation of the substrates, tolerating electron-poor and electron-rich arylaldehydes and various Michael acceptors.

COMPARISON OF ATHLETES WITH AND WITHOUT BURNOUT USING THE STROOP COLOR AND WORD TEST.

PubMed

Ryu, Kwangmin; Kim, Jingu; Ali, Asif; Choi, Sungmook; Kim, Hyunji; Radlo, Steven J

2015-10-01

The present study compared brain activity of adolescents with or without burnout during their responses to a computerized version of the Stroop Color and Word Test. The Sport Adaptation of the Maslach Burnout Inventory was administered to 460 Korean high school student athletes. Electroencephalographic data were recorded from frontal, central, parietal, and occipital brain regions while these participants were performing the Stroop Color and Word Test. A 2 (group) × 2 (condition) × 15 (electrodes) three-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. Results indicated that the athletes without burnout exhibited significantly higher accuracy than their counterparts with burnout on the Stroop Color and Word Test. The athletes without burnout also showed higher amplitudes for theta, alpha, and beta power in the frontal areas than the athletes with burnout.

Research accomplished at the Knowledge Based Systems Lab: IDEF3, version 1.0

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mayer, Richard J.; Menzel, Christopher P.; Mayer, Paula S. D.

1991-01-01

An overview is presented of the foundations and content of the evolving IDEF3 process flow and object state description capture method. This method is currently in beta test. Ongoing efforts in the formulation of formal semantics models for descriptions captured in the outlined form and in the actual application of this method can be expected to cause an evolution in the method language. A language is described for the representation of process and object state centered system description. IDEF3 is a scenario driven process flow modeling methodology created specifically for these types of descriptive activities.

Energy risk in the arbitrage pricing model: an empirical and theoretical study

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

Bremer, M.A.

1986-01-01

This dissertation empirically explores the Arbitrage Pricing Theory in the context of energy risk for securities over the 1960s, 1970s, and early 1980s. Starting from a general multifactor pricing model, the paper develops a two factor model based on a market-like factor and an energy factor. This model is then tested on portfolios of securities grouped according to industrial classification using several econometric techniques designed to overcome some of the more serious estimation problems common to these models. The paper concludes that energy risk is priced in the 1970s and possibly even in the 1960s. Energy risk is found tomore » be priced in the sense that investors who hold assets subjected to energy risk are paid for this risk. The classic version of the Capital Asset Pricing Model which posits the market as the single priced factor is rejected in favor of the Arbitrage Pricing Theory or multi-beta versions of the Capital Asset Pricing Model. The study introduces some original econometric methodology to carry out empirical tests.« less

Gen IV Materials Handbook Beta Release for Structural and Functional Evaluation

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

Ren, Weiju; Luttrell, Claire

2006-09-12

Development of the Gen IV Materials Handbook is briefly summarized up to date. Current status of the Handbook website construction is described. The developed Handbook components and access control of the beta version are discussed for the present evaluation release. Detailed instructions and examples are given to provide guidance for evaluators to browse the constructed parts and use all the currently developed functionalities of the Handbook in evaluation.

Development and validation of the Chinese version of the Diabetes Management Self-efficacy Scale.

PubMed

Vivienne Wu, Shu-Fang; Courtney, Mary; Edwards, Helen; McDowell, Jan; Shortridge-Baggett, Lillie M; Chang, Pei-Jen

2008-04-01

The purpose of this study was to translate the Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale (DMSES) into Chinese and test the validity and reliability of the instrument within a Taiwanese population. A two-stage design was used for this study. Stage I consisted of a multi-stepped process of forward and backward translation, using focus groups and consensus meetings to translate the 20-item Australia/English version DMSES to Chinese and test content validity. Stage II established the psychometric properties of the Chinese version DMSES (C-DMSES) by examining the criterion, convergent and construct validity, internal consistency and stability testing. The sample for Stage II comprised 230 patients with type 2 diabetes aged 30 years or more from a diabetes outpatient clinic in Taiwan. Three items were modified to better reflect Chinese practice. The C-DMSES obtained a total average CVI score of .86. The convergent validity of the C-DMSES correlated well with the validated measure of the General Self-Efficacy Scale in measuring self-efficacy (r=.55; p<.01). Criterion-related validity showed that the C-DMSES was a significant predictor of the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities scores (Beta=.58; t=10.75, p<.01). Factor analysis supported the C-DMSES being composed of four subscales. Good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=.77 to .93) and test-retest reliability (Pearson correlation coefficient r=.86, p<.01) were found. The C-DMSES is a brief and psychometrically sound measure for evaluation of self-efficacy towards management of diabetes by persons with type 2 diabetes in Chinese populations.

Publisher Correction: Evolutionary adaptations to new environments generally reverse plastic phenotypic changes.

PubMed

Ho, Wei-Chin; Zhang, Jianzhi

2018-02-21

The originally published HTML version of this Article contained errors in the three equations in the Methods sub-section 'Metabolic network analysis', whereby the Greek letter eta (η) was inadvertently used in place of beta (β) during the production process. These errors have now been corrected in the HTML version of the Article; the PDF was correct at the time of publication.

[Dyadic coping and well-being -- the Hungarian version of the Dyadic Coping Inventory].

PubMed

Martos, Tamás; Sallay, Viola; Nistor, Michaela; Józsa, Péter

2012-01-01

In studying coping processes, there is often a focus on individual coping while dyadic processes in couples are seldom addressed. Therefore we present here data with the Hungarian version of the Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI) that was developed to assess dyadic forms of coping (e.g., stress communication, support, delegated and negative coping). 473 adult participants, living in committed relationships (176 male and 296 female, aged 34,0 +/- 11,9 years) were involved in a questionnaire study. Along with the Hungarian version of the Dyadic Coping Inventory we assessed satisfaction with life (SWLS) and marital satisfaction (Marital Stress Scale). Subscales of the Dyadic Coping Inventory were found reliable and the expected factor structure for both the dyadic coping of oneself and the partner were replicable. Moreover, specific forms of dyadic coping accounted for significant amount of explained variance in life satisfaction (31,8 and 27,7% for male and female respondents) and marital satisfaction (1,8 and 48,5%). Results imply possible gender differences, since marital satisfaction of women was negatively predicted both by negative coping of oneself and the partner (betas=-0,174 and -0,152), and positively by the support of the partner and the evaluation of the common dyadic coping (betas= 0,255 and 0,187), whereas there was only one significant link in male respondents, supportive coping of oneself (beta= 0,320). Results show that 1. the Hungarian version of the DCI is a reliable and valid measure, and 2. there may be specific gender differences in dyadic coping that has to be considered when planning further research, training programs and therapeutic interventions for couples.

(I) Pharmacological profiling of a novel modulator of the α7 nicotinic receptor: Blockade of a toxic acetylcholinesterase-derived peptide increased in Alzheimer brains.

PubMed

Garcia-Ratés, Sara; Morrill, Paul; Tu, Henry; Pottiez, Gwenael; Badin, Antoine-Scott; Tormo-Garcia, Cristina; Heffner, Catherine; Coen, Clive W; Greenfield, Susan A

2016-06-01

The primary cause of Alzheimer's disease is unlikely to be the much studied markers amyloid beta or tau. Their widespread distribution throughout the brain does not account for the specific identity and deep subcortical location of the primarily vulnerable neurons. Moreover an unusual and intriguing feature of these neurons is that, despite their diverse transmitters, they all contain acetylcholinesterase. Here we show for the first time that (1) a peptide derived from acetylcholinesterase, with independent trophic functions that turn toxic in maturity, is significantly raised in the Alzheimer midbrain and cerebrospinal fluid; (2) a synthetic version of this peptide enhances calcium influx and eventual production of amyloid beta and tau phosphorylation via an allosteric site on the α7 nicotinic receptor; (3) a synthetic cyclic version of this peptide is neuroprotective against the toxicity not only of its linear counterpart but also of amyloid beta, thereby opening up the prospect of a novel therapeutic approach. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Identification of Allodynic Migraine Patients with the Turkish Version of the Allodynia Symptom Checklist: Reliability and Consistency Study.

PubMed

Yalin, Osman Özgür; Uludüz, Derya; Sungur, Mehmet Ali; Sart, Hande; Özge, Aynur

2017-09-01

Cutaneous allodynia is regarded as an expression of central sensitization in migraine. Although the gold standard is quantitative sensory testing, several practical assessment questionnaires have been developed to assess allodynia in migraine. We aimed to establish the first valid Turkish allodynia assessment questionnaire based on a 12-item allodynia symptom checklist and to evaluate the associated factors. The first part of the study included the translation and cultural adaptation of a Turkish version of the checklist. The Turkish version of the questionnaire was administered to 344 episodic and chronic migraine patients, who were chosen according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders -III beta criteria. The total checklist score showed excellent test-retest reliability (r=0.821). The internal consistency of the checklist was assessed using Cronbach alpha values and was found to be acceptable (Cronbach alpha for the checklist=0.767). Data analysis revealed that 10 items of the questionnaire adequately identified allodynic subjects. Cutaneous allodynia was present in 218 (63.4%) migraine patients. Allodynia was more prominent in patients experiencing migraine with aura (p=0.008) and in females (p<0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis found that female gender, aura existence, longer headache duration, and higher attack frequency were the major determinants of cutaneous allodynia. Allodynia is common and has clinical significance in migraine; therefore, establishing a validated Turkish questionnaire for the assessment of allodynia was necessary. In this study, a Turkish version of the allodynia symptom checklist was validated and found to be convenient for the identification of allodynia in migraine patients.

Three wave mixing test of hyperelasticity in highly nonlinear solids: sedimentary rocks.

PubMed

D'Angelo, R M; Winkler, K W; Johnson, D L

2008-02-01

Measurements of three-wave mixing amplitudes on solids whose third order elastic constants have also been measured by means of the elasto-acoustic effect are reported. Because attenuation and diffraction are important aspects of the measurement technique results are analyzed using a frequency domain version of the KZK equation, modified to accommodate an arbitrary frequency dependence to the attenuation. It is found that the value of beta so deduced for poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) agrees quite well with that predicted from the stress-dependent sound speed measurements, establishing that PMMA may be considered a hyperelastic solid, in this context. The beta values of sedimentary rocks, though they are typically two orders of magnitude larger than, e.g., PMMA's, are still a factor of 3-10 less than those predicted from the elasto-acoustic effect. Moreover, these samples exhibit significant heterogeneity on a centimeter scale, which heterogeneity is not apparent from a measurement of the position dependent sound speed.

Commercial Absorption Heat Pump Water Heater: Beta Prototype Evaluation

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

Geoghegan, Patrick; Ally, Moonis; Sharma, Vishaldeep

2016-10-14

The Beta version of the Commercial Absorption Heat Pump (CAHP) water heater was evaluated in the environmental chambers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Ambient air conditions ranged from 17 to 75 oF and inlet water temperatures ranged from 100 to 120oF in order to capture trends in performance. The unit was operated under full fire (100%) and partial fire (55%). The unit was found to perform at 90% of the project goal at the design conditions of 47oF ambient and 100oF water temperatures. The trends across the full range of environmental conditions were as expected for ambient air temperatures abovemore » 32oF. Below this temperature and for the full fire condition, frost accumulated on the evaporator coil. In future work a defrost strategy will be enabled, the unit will be thoroughly cleaned of an oil contamination and the rectifier will be reconfigured in order to meet the design goals and have a field test unit ready in early 2017.« less

C/EBP beta regulation of the tumor necrosis factor alpha gene.

PubMed Central

Pope, R M; Leutz, A; Ness, S A

1994-01-01

Activated macrophages contribute to chronic inflammation by the secretion of cytokines and proteinases. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) is particularly important in this process because of its ability to regulate other inflammatory mediators in an autocrine and paracrine fashion. The mechanism(s) responsible for the cell type-specific regulation of TNF alpha is not known. We present data to show that the expression of TNF alpha is regulated by the transcription factor C/EBP beta (NF-IL6). C/EBP beta activated the TNF alpha gene promoter in cotransfection assays and bound to it at a site which failed to bind the closely related protein C/EBP alpha. Finally, a dominant-negative version of C/EBP beta blocked TNF alpha promoter activation in myeloid cells. Our results implicate C/EBP beta as an important regulator of TNF alpha by myelomonocytic cells. Images PMID:7929820

Commissioning and operation of the horizontal test apparatus at SNS

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

Kim, Sang-Ho; Neustadt, Thomas S.; Howell, Matthew P.

2015-07-01

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) has built, commissioned and operated a Horizontal Test Apparatus (HTA) vessel in the Radiofrequency Test Facility (RFTF) test cave. It can be operated at 4.5 K using the independent Cryogenic Test Facility (CTF). The HTA is designed to be a single cavity version of an SNS cryomodule with the ability to demount and replace the cavity. It provides the functionality for testing a single dressed SNS medium or high beta Superconducting Radiofrequency (SRF) cavity. The HTA is currently being used in support of R&D for in-situ plasma processing ofmore » the cavity's inner niobium surface. The design and commissioning of the HTA at 4.5 K will be presented as well as results from operating the HTA including cool-down, warm-up and steady state operations. Results from plasma processing a warm SCRF cavity in-between cold HTA tests will also be reported.« less

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

Lopez-Ruiz, R.; Nagy, A.; Romera, E.

A two-parameter family of complexity measures C-tilde{sup ({alpha},{beta})} based on the Renyi entropies is introduced and characterized by a detailed study of its mathematical properties. This family is the generalization of a continuous version of the Lopez-Ruiz-Mancini-Calbet complexity, which is recovered for {alpha}=1 and {beta}=2. These complexity measures are obtained by multiplying two quantities bringing global information on the probability distribution defining the system. When one of the parameters, {alpha} or {beta}, goes to infinity, one of the global factors becomes a local factor. For this special case, the complexity is calculated on different quantum systems: H-atom, harmonic oscillator, andmore » square well.« less

Documentation for the machine-readable version of the catalogue of individual UBV and UVBY beta observations in the region of the Orion OB1 association

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Warren, W. H., Jr.

1982-01-01

The machine-readable files of individual UBV observations of 106 stars in the vicinity of the Orion Nebula (the Sword region) and individual uvby beta observations of 508 stars in all regions of the Orion OB 1 association are described. For the UBV data the stars are identified by their Brun numbers, with cross identifications to the chart numbers used in Warren and Hesser; the uv by beta stars are identified by the aforementioned chart numbers and HD, BD or P ( = pi); numbers in that order of preference.

Japanese version of cutaneous body image scale: translation and validation.

PubMed

Higaki, Yuko; Watanabe, Ikuko; Masaki, Tomoko; Kamo, Toshiko; Kawashima, Makoto; Satoh, Toshihiko; Saitoh, Shiroh; Nohara, Michiko; Gupta, Madhulika A

2009-09-01

Cutaneous body image, defined as the individual's mental perception of the appearance of their skin, hair and nails, is an important psychodermatological element in skin diseases. To measure individuals' cutaneous body image, a practical and accurate instrument is necessary. In this study, we translated the Cutaneous Body Image Scale (CBIS), a 7-item instrument originally created by Gupta et al. in 2004, into Japanese using a forward- and back-translation method and evaluated the reliability and validity of the instrument by psychometric tests. A total of 298 healthy adults (64 men and 234 women, aged 28.9 +/- 9.9 years) and 165 dermatology patients (56.7% eczema/dermatitis, 9.8% acne, 7.5% alopecia, 6.9% psoriasis, 19.1% skin tumor/fleck/other) (30 men and 135 women, aged 37.9 +/- 15.2 years) responded to the Japanese version of the CBIS. The internal-consistency reliability of the instrument was high (Cronbach's alpha, healthy adults 0.88, patients 0.84). The CBIS measure demonstrates good test-retest reliability (healthy adults gamma = 0.92, P < 0.0001; patients gamma = 0.79, P < 0.001). Compared to the healthy adults (4.11 +/- 1.80), the CBIS scores among dermatology patients (3.18 +/- 1.69, P = 0.000) were significantly low. The CBIS scores showed moderate correlation with the "emotions" and "global" scores of Skindex-16 in healthy adults (gamma = -0.397 and -0.373, respectively) and in patients (gamma = -0.431 and -0.38, respectively). A stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that an emotional aspect of skin-condition related quality of life was the best predictor of cutaneous body image in both healthy adults and patients (beta = -0.31 and -0.41, respectively) followed by "body dissatisfaction" (beta = -0.17, and -0.23, respectively). Adjusted R(2) was 0.246 in healthy adults and 0.264 in patients. These were consistent with the results from the original the CBIS. These results suggest that the Japanese version of the CBIS is a reliable and valid instrument to measure the cutaneous body image of Japanese adults and also dermatology patients.

SysTerN. A nursing terminology system based on ICNP.

PubMed

Alecu, S; Moisil, I; Jitaru, E

1999-01-01

This paper is presenting a terminology system for nursing--SysTerN--that is based on the ICNP1 classification. SysTerN has been developed using the framework of the TeleNurse ID-ENTITY Telematics for Health EU project as a support for the dissemination actions carried on by CCSSDM (Center for Health Computing Statistics and Medical Documentation of the Romanian Ministry of Health) for Romania and other Central Eastern European countries. Currently, the terminology system uses the alpha version of ICNP, but this version is going to be replaced by the beta version. SysTerN is designed primarily for Romanian users but an English version is also available for other partners from CEE countries.

Ridit Analysis for Cooper-Harper and Other Ordinal Ratings for Sparse Data - A Distance-based Approach

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

is to fit empirical Beta distributions to observed data, and then to use a randomization approach to make inferences on the difference between...a Ridit analysis on the often sparse data sets in many Flying Qualities applicationsi. The method of this paper is to fit empirical Beta ...One such measure is the discrete- probability-distribution version of the (squared) ‘Hellinger Distance’ (Yang & Le Cam , 2000) 2(, ) = 1

Coexistence and community structure of tropical trees in a Hawaiian montane rain forest

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hatfield, J.S.; Link, W.A.; Dawson, D.K.; Lindquist, E.L.

1996-01-01

We measured the diameter at breast height of all trees and shrubs > 5 meters in height, including standing dead trees, on 68 0.04-hectare study plots in a montane, subtropical rain forest on Mauna Loa, Hawai`i. The canopy species consisted of 88 percent Metrosideros polymorpha (ohia) and 12 percent Acacia koa (koa). Negative associations were found between the densities of koa and ohia, the density of koa and the total basal area of ohia, and the total basal areas of koa and ohia. The two-species lottery competition model, a stochastic model in which the coexistence of two species in a space-limited community results from temporal variation in recruitment and death rates, predicts a quadratic-beta distribution for the proportion of space occupied by each species. A discrete version of the quadratic-beta distribution, the quadratic-beta binomial distribution, was fit to the live koa and ohia densities and assessed with goodness-of-fit tests. Likelihood ratio tests provided evidence that the mean adult death rates of the two species were equal but that the relative competitive abilities of the two species favored ohia. These tests were corroborated by a contingency table analysis of death rates based on standing dead trees and growth rate studies which report that koa grows much faster than ohia. The lottery model predicts a positive covariance between death rates and ohia recruitment when mean death rates are equal and koa has a higher growth rate than ohia. We argue that the competitive advantage of ohia is due to its superior dispersal ability into large gaps, which would yield the positive covariance described above, and it is this positive covariance term that skews the occupation of space in favor of ohia.

International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP)

PubMed Central

Warren, Judith J.; Coenen, Amy

1998-01-01

The International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP) is a collaborative project under the auspices of the International Council of Nurses. The alpha version ia available online for comment in preparation for the release of the beta version in 1999. The authors answer the most-frequently asked questions about the ICNP and encourage nurses in the United States to participate in the revision by sending comments and suggestions to the American Nurses Association. PMID:9670130

The Lunar Mapping and Modeling Project Update

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noble, S.; French, R.; Nall, M.; Muery, K.

2010-01-01

The Lunar Mapping and Modeling Project (LMMP) is managing the development of a suite of lunar mapping and modeling tools and data products that support lunar exploration activities, including the planning, design, development, test, and operations associated with crewed and/or robotic operations on the lunar surface. In addition, LMMP should prove to be a convenient and useful tool for scientific analysis and for education and public outreach (E/PO) activities. LMMP will utilize data predominately from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, but also historical and international lunar mission data (e.g. Lunar Prospector, Clementine, Apollo, Lunar Orbiter, Kaguya, and Chandrayaan-1) as available and appropriate. LMMP will provide such products as image mosaics, DEMs, hazard assessment maps, temperature maps, lighting maps and models, gravity models, and resource maps. We are working closely with the LRO team to prevent duplication of efforts and ensure the highest quality data products. A beta version of the LMMP software was released for limited distribution in December 2009, with the public release of version 1 expected in the Fall of 2010.

NASA Access Mechanism: Lessons learned document

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burdick, Lisa; Dunbar, Rick; Duncan, Denise; Generous, Curtis; Hunter, Judy; Lycas, John; Taber-Dudas, Ardeth

1994-01-01

The six-month beta test of the NASA Access Mechanism (NAM) prototype was completed on June 30, 1993. This report documents the lessons learned from the use of this Graphical User Interface to NASA databases such as the NASA STI Database, outside databases, Internet resources, and peers in the NASA R&D community. Design decisions, such as the use of XWindows software, a client-server distributed architecture, and use of the NASA Science Internet, are explained. Users' reactions to the interface and suggestions for design changes are reported, as are the changes made by the software developers based on new technology for information discovery and retrieval. The lessons learned section also reports reactions from the public, both at demonstrations and in response to articles in the trade press and journals. Recommendations are included for future versions, such as a World Wide Web (WWW) and Mosaic based interface to heterogeneous databases, and NAM-Lite, a version which allows customization to include utilities provided locally at NASA Centers.

An endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis derived from a transitional cell carcinoma: clipped beta2-glycoprotein-I.

PubMed

Beecken, Wolf-Dietrich C; Engl, Tobias; Ringel, Eva M; Camphausen, Kevin; Michaelis, Martin; Jonas, Dietger; Folkman, Judah; Shing, Yuen; Blaheta, Roman A

2006-09-01

Invasive cell carcinoma of the bladder often develops after complete transurethral excision of superficial transitional cell carcinoma. It has been postulated that primary tumors release angiogenesis-blocking proteins which suppress distant metastases. We have identified an endogenous protein which might be responsible for tumor dormancy. A transitional cell carcinoma cell line was developed (UMUC-3i) which inhibits the growth of a tumor implant at a distant site in SCID mice. Conditioned media of UMUC-3i cultured cells was first pooled and then fractioned, and the capacity of individual components to block endothelial cell growth was tested. The protein fraction responsible for blocking endothelial cell growth was identified by N-terminal amino acid sequencing as well as by mass-spectrometry. The effects of the purified protein in preventing endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation in an in vitro angiogenesis assay was investigated. The plasma protein beta(2)-glycoprotein-I (beta(2)gpI) was isolated and identified from conditioned medium of UMUC-3i cultured cells. Based on the in vitro angiogenesis assay, beta(2)gpI strongly inhibited endothelial cell growth and tube formation, whereby the inhibitory activity corresponded to the clipped version of beta(2)gpI (cbeta(2)gpI). Clipping was induced by adding plasmin at a molar ratio 1:15 (plasmin:substrate). Further analysis indicated that cbeta(2)gpI effects were mediated by annexin II surface receptors expressed on endothelial cells. cbeta2gpI may be involved in blocking angiogenic processes and bladder cancer progression. In this case, cbeta2gpI may be a promising tool in bladder cancer therapy.

An application of the lottery competition model to a montane rainforest community of two canopy trees, ohia (Metrosideros polymorpha) and koa (Acacia koa) on Mauna Loa, Hawaii

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hatfield, J.S.; Link, W.A.; Dawson, D.K.; Lindquist, E.L.

1992-01-01

This rainforest occurs on Mauna Loa at 1500-2000 m elevation. Earthwatch volunteers, studying the habitat of 8 native forest bird species (3 endangered), identified 2382 living canopy trees, and 99 dead trees, on 68 study plots, 400 m2 each. Ohia made up 88% of the canopy; koa was 12%. The two-species lottery competition model, a stochastic model in which coexistence of species results from variation in recruitment and death rates, predicts a quadratic-beta distribution for the proportion of space occupied by one species. A discrete version was fit to the live tree data and a likelihood ratio test (p=0.02) was used to test if the mean death rates were equal. This test was corroborated by a contingency table analysis (p=0.03) based on dead trees. Parameter estimates from the two analyses were similar.

A Test Apparatus for the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR Front-end Electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Harjit; Loach, James; Poon, Alan

2012-10-01

One of the most important experimental programs in neutrino physics is the search for neutrinoless double-beta decay. The MAJORANA collaboration is searching for this rare nuclear process in the Ge-76 isotope using HPGe detectors. Each detector is instrumented with high-performance electronics to read out and amplify the signals. The part of the electronics close to the detectors, consisting of a novel front-end circuit, cables and connectors, is made of radio-pure materials and is exceedingly delicate. In this work a dedicated test apparatus was created to benchmark the performance of the electronics before installation in the experiment. The apparatus was designed for cleanroom use, with fixtures to hold the components without contaminating them, and included the electronics necessary for power and readout. In addition to testing, the station will find longer term use in development of future versions of the electronics.

49 CFR 572.121 - General description.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Dummy, Beta Version § 572.121 General description. (a) The Hybrid III type 6-year-old dummy is defined... specifications package P/N 127-0000, the titles of which are listed in Table A; (2) Procedures for Assembly...

21 CFR 866.5160 - Beta-globulin immunolog-ical test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES IMMUNOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY DEVICES Immunological Test Systems § 866.5160 Beta-globulin immunolog-ical test system. (a) Identification. A beta-globulin immunological test system is a... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Beta-globulin immunolog-ical test system. 866.5160...

Using Mobile Device Samples to Estimate Traffic Volumes

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-12-01

In this project, TTI worked with StreetLight Data to evaluate a beta version of its traffic volume estimates derived from global positioning system (GPS)-based mobile devices. TTI evaluated the accuracy of average annual daily traffic (AADT) volume :...

The Functional Arm Scale for Throwers (FAST)-Part I: The Design and Development of an Upper Extremity Region-Specific and Population-Specific Patient-Reported Outcome Scale for Throwing Athletes.

PubMed

Sauers, Eric L; Bay, R Curtis; Snyder Valier, Alison R; Ellery, Traci; Huxel Bliven, Kellie C

2017-03-01

Upper extremity (UE) region-specific, patient-reported outcome (PRO) scales assess injuries to the UE but do not account for the demands of overhead throwing athletes or measure patient-oriented domains of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). To develop the Functional Arm Scale for Throwers (FAST), a UE region-specific and population-specific PRO scale that assesses multiple domains of disablement in throwing athletes with UE injuries. In stage I, a beta version of the scale was developed for subsequent factor identification, final item reduction, and construct validity analysis during stage II. Descriptive laboratory study. Three-stage scale development was utilized: Stage I (item generation and initial item reduction) and stage II (factor analysis, final item reduction, and construct validity) are reported herein, and stage III (establishment of measurement properties [reliability and validity]) will be reported in a companion paper. In stage I, a beta version was developed, incorporating National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research disablement domains and ensuring a blend of sport-related and non-sport-related items. An expert panel and focus group assessed importance and interpretability of each item. During stage II, the FAST was reduced, preserving variance characteristics and factor structure of the beta version and construct validity of the final FAST scale. During stage I, a 54-item beta version and a separate 9-item pitcher module were developed. During stage II, a 22-item FAST and 9-item pitcher module were finalized. The factor solution for FAST scale items included pain (n = 6), throwing (n = 10), activities of daily living (n = 5), psychological impact (n = 4), and advancement (n = 3). The 6-item pain subscale crossed factors. The remaining subscales and pitcher module are distinctive, correlated, and internally consistent and may be interpreted individually or combined. This article describes the development of the FAST, which assesses clinical outcomes and HRQOL of throwing athletes after UE injury. The FAST encompasses multiple domains of disability and demonstrates excellent construct validity. The FAST provides a single UE region-specific and population-specific PRO scale for high-demand throwers to facilitate measurement of impact of UE injuries on HRQOL and clinical outcomes while quantifying recovery for comparative effectiveness studies.

21 CFR 866.5630 - Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES IMMUNOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY DEVICES Immunological Test Systems § 866.5630 Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system. (a) Identification. A beta-2-microglobulin... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system...

CBP Toolbox Version 3.0 “Beta Testing” Performance Evaluation

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

Smith, III, F. G.

2016-07-29

One function of the Cementitious Barriers Partnership (CBP) is to assess available models of cement degradation and to assemble suitable models into a “Toolbox” that would be made available to members of the partnership, as well as the DOE Complex. To this end, SRNL and Vanderbilt University collaborated to develop an interface using the GoldSim software to the STADIUM @ code developed by SIMCO Technologies, Inc. and LeachXS/ORCHESTRA developed by Energy research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN). Release of Version 3.0 of the CBP Toolbox is planned in the near future. As a part of this release, an increased levelmore » of quality assurance for the partner codes and the GoldSim interface has been developed. This report documents results from evaluation testing of the ability of CBP Toolbox 3.0 to perform simulations of concrete degradation applicable to performance assessment of waste disposal facilities. Simulations of the behavior of Savannah River Saltstone Vault 2 and Vault 1/4 concrete subject to sulfate attack and carbonation over a 500- to 1000-year time period were run using a new and upgraded version of the STADIUM @ code and the version of LeachXS/ORCHESTRA released in Version 2.0 of the CBP Toolbox. Running both codes allowed comparison of results from two models which take very different approaches to simulating cement degradation. In addition, simulations of chloride attack on the two concretes were made using the STADIUM @ code. The evaluation sought to demonstrate that: 1) the codes are capable of running extended realistic simulations in a reasonable amount of time; 2) the codes produce “reasonable” results; the code developers have provided validation test results as part of their code QA documentation; and 3) the two codes produce results that are consistent with one another. Results of the evaluation testing showed that the three criteria listed above were met by the CBP partner codes. Therefore, it is concluded that the codes can be used to support performance assessment. This conclusion takes into account the QA documentation produced for the partner codes and for the CBP Toolbox.« less

Building a Mobile HIV Prevention App for Men Who Have Sex With Men: An Iterative and Community-Driven Process

PubMed Central

McDougal, Sarah J; Sullivan, Patrick S; Stekler, Joanne D; Stephenson, Rob

2015-01-01

Background Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) account for a disproportionate burden of new HIV infections in the United States. Mobile technology presents an opportunity for innovative interventions for HIV prevention. Some HIV prevention apps currently exist; however, it is challenging to encourage users to download these apps and use them regularly. An iterative research process that centers on the community’s needs and preferences may increase the uptake, adherence, and ultimate effectiveness of mobile apps for HIV prevention. Objective The aim of this paper is to provide a case study to illustrate how an iterative community approach to a mobile HIV prevention app can lead to changes in app content to appropriately address the needs and the desires of the target community. Methods In this three-phase study, we conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with MSM and HIV testing counselors in Atlanta, Seattle, and US rural regions to learn preferences for building a mobile HIV prevention app. We used data from these groups to build a beta version of the app and theater tested it in additional FGDs. A thematic data analysis examined how this approach addressed preferences and concerns expressed by the participants. Results There was an increased willingness to use the app during theater testing than during the first phase of FGDs. Many concerns that were identified in phase one (eg, disagreements about reminders for HIV testing, concerns about app privacy) were considered in building the beta version. Participants perceived these features as strengths during theater testing. However, some disagreements were still present, especially regarding the tone and language of the app. Conclusions These findings highlight the benefits of using an interactive and community-driven process to collect data on app preferences when building a mobile HIV prevention app. Through this process, we learned how to be inclusive of the larger MSM population without marginalizing some app users. Though some issues in phase one were able to be addressed, disagreements still occurred in theater testing. If the app is going to address a large and diverse risk group, we cannot include niche functionality that may offend some of the target population. PMID:27227136

21 CFR 866.5440 - Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES IMMUNOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY DEVICES Immunological Test Systems § 866.5440 Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system. (a) Identification. A beta-2-glycoprotein III... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system...

21 CFR 866.5430 - Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES IMMUNOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY DEVICES Immunological Test Systems § 866.5430 Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system. (a) Identification. A beta-2-glycoprotein I... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system...

Simulation of Auger electron emission from nanometer-size gold targets using the Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation toolkit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Incerti, S.; Suerfu, B.; Xu, J.; Ivantchenko, V.; Mantero, A.; Brown, J. M. C.; Bernal, M. A.; Francis, Z.; Karamitros, M.; Tran, H. N.

2016-04-01

A revised atomic deexcitation framework for the Geant4 general purpose Monte Carlo toolkit capable of simulating full Auger deexcitation cascades was implemented in June 2015 release (version 10.2 Beta). An overview of this refined framework and testing of its capabilities is presented for the irradiation of gold nanoparticles (NP) with keV photon and MeV proton beams. The resultant energy spectra of secondary particles created within and that escape the NP are analyzed and discussed. It is anticipated that this new functionality will improve and increase the use of Geant4 in the medical physics, radiobiology, nanomedicine research and other low energy physics fields.

Data analysis environment (DASH2000) for the Subaru telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizumoto, Yoshihiko; Yagi, Masafumi; Chikada, Yoshihiro; Ogasawara, Ryusuke; Kosugi, George; Takata, Tadafumi; Yoshida, Michitoshi; Ishihara, Yasuhide; Yanaka, Hiroshi; Yamamoto, Tadahiro; Morita, Yasuhiro; Nakamoto, Hiroyuki

2000-06-01

New framework of data analysis system (DASH) has been developed for the SUBARU Telescope. It is designed using object-oriented methodology and adopted a restaurant model. DASH shares the load of CPU and I/O among distributed heterogeneous computers. The distributed object environment of the system is implemented with JAVA and CORBA. DASH has been evaluated by several prototypings. DASH2000 is the latest version, which will be released as the beta version of data analysis system for the SUBARU Telescope.

The TRMM Multi-Satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huffman, George J.; Adler, Robert F.; Bolvin, David T.; Nelkin, Eric J.

2008-01-01

The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) is intended to provide a "best" estimate of quasi-global precipitation from the wide variety of modern satellite-borne precipitation-related sensors. Estimates are provided at relatively fine scales (0.25degx0.25deg, 3-hourly) in both real and post-real time to accommodate a wide range of researchers. However, the errors inherent in the finest scale estimates are large. The most successful use of the TMPA data is when the analysis takes advantage of the fine-scale data to create time/space averages appropriate to the user s application. We review the conceptual basis for the TMPA, summarize the processing sequence, and focus on two new activities. First, a recent upgrade to the real-time version incorporates several additional satellite data sources and employs monthly climatological adjustments to approximate the bias characteristics of the research quality post-real-time product. Second, an upgrade of the research quality post-real-time TMPA from Version 6 to Version 7 (in beta test at press time) is designed to provide a variety of improvements that increase the list of input data sets and correct several issues. Future enhancements for the TMPA will include improved error estimation, extension to higher latitudes, and a shift to a Lagrangian time interpolation scheme.

Aviation System Analysis Capability Executive Assistant Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, Eileen; Villani, James A.; Anderson, Kevin; Book, Paul

1999-01-01

In this technical document, we describe the development of the Aviation System Analysis Capability (ASAC) Executive Assistant (EA) Proof of Concept (POC) and Beta version. We describe the genesis and role of the ASAC system, discuss the objectives of the ASAC system and provide an overview of components and models in the ASAC system, and describe the design process and the results of the ASAC EA POC and Beta system development. We also describe the evaluation process and results for applicable COTS software. The document has seven chapters, a bibliography, and two appendices.

Evaluating the All-Ages Lead Model Using SiteSpecific Data ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Lead (Pb) exposure continues to be a problem in the United States. Even after years of progress in reducing environmental levels, CDC estimates at least 500,000 U.S. children ages 1-5 years have blood Pb levels (BLL) above the CDC reference level of 5 µg/dL. Childhood Pb exposure is associated with neurological consequences and public health professionals continue to work to reduce Pb exposures. To better understand the relationship between exposure and BLL, the USEPA has developed a beta version of the All-Ages Lead Model (AALM). Compared to the Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetics (IEUBK) Model for lead in children, the AALM provides greater flexibility to describe Pb exposures (acute or chronic, constant or intermittent) for any age. At this time, the AALM has the capability to predict exposure in each of the following media: dust/soil, water, air, food, and other. As part of an interagency test group, we evaluated the ability of the AALM beta v4.2 (Leggett version) to predict BLLs for children that were exposed to Pb in their environment near the John T. Lewis and Bros Lead Smelter Superfund site. The model predicted that fourteen children met our inclusion criteria that spent less than 20 hours a week away from the home (e.g., no daycare or school) and had paired BLL and environmental sampling data (i.e., Pb in soil, window sill dust, front door dust, floor dust, and drinking water). The model can predict average BLLs, but it remains difficult to predic

TIM Version 3.0 beta Technical Description and User Guide - Appendix F - Approach for Calculating Juvenile Dietary Exposure

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Use the available information on the relationship between juvenile body weights and energetic requirements to develop a general approach for calculating juvenile dietary exposure doses appropriate for a range of avian species.

NCC: A Physics-Based Design and Analysis Tool for Combustion Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Nan-Suey; Quealy, Angela

2000-01-01

The National Combustion Code (NCC) is an integrated system of computer codes for physics-based design and analysis of combustion systems. It uses unstructured meshes and runs on parallel computing platforms. The NCC is composed of a set of distinct yet closely related modules. They are: (1) a gaseous flow module solving 3-D Navier-Stokes equations; (2) a turbulence module containing the non-linear k-epsilon models; (3) a chemistry module using either the conventional reduced kinetics approach of solving species equations or the Intrinsic Low Dimensional Manifold (ILDM) kinetics approach of table looking up in conjunction with solving the equations of the progressive variables; (4) a turbulence-chemistry interaction module including the option of solving the joint probability density function (PDF) for species and enthalpy; and (5) a spray module for solving the liquid phase equations. In early 1995, an industry-government team was formed to develop the NCC. In July 1998, the baseline beta version was completed and presented in two NCC sessions at the 34th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference & Exhibit, July 1998. An overview of this baseline beta version was presented at the NASA HPCCP/CAS Workshop 98, August 1998. Since then, the effort has been focused on the streamlining, validation, and enhancement of the th baseline beta version. The progress is presented in two NCC sessions at the AIAA 38 Aerospace Sciences Meeting & Exhibit, January 2000. At this NASA HPCCP/CAS Workshop 2000, an overview of the NCC papers presented at the AIAA 38 th Aerospace Sciences Meeting & Exhibit is presented, with emphasis on the reduction of analysis time of simulating the (gaseous) reacting flows in full combustors. In addition, results of NCC simulation of a modern turbofan combustor will also be reported.

The Environmental Geophysics Web Site and Geophysical Decision Support System (GDSS)

EPA Science Inventory

This product provides assistance to project managers, remedial project managers, stakeholders, and anyone interested in on-site investigations or environmental geophysics. The APM is the beta version of the new U.S. EPA Environmental Geophysics Web Site which includes the Geophys...

TIM Version 3.0 beta Technical Description and User Guide - Appendix B - Example input file for TIMv3.0

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Terrestrial Investigation Model, TIM, has several appendices to its user guide. This is the appendix that includes an example input file in its preserved format. Both parameters and comments defining them are included.

TIM Version 3.0 beta Technical Description and User Guide - Appendix D - Avian Data to Support Generic and Custom Species

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

TIM Appendix D summarizes avian census studies from pesticide registrant submissions and literature. The purpose of this review is to identify avian species that are representative of those that commonly visit agricultural fields.

Superconducting Prototype Cavities for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) Project

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

G. Ciovati; P. Kneisel; K. Davis

2002-06-01

The Spallation Neutron Source project includes a superconducting linac section in the energy range from 186 MeV to 1000 MeV operating at a frequency of 805 MHz at 2.1 K. For this energy range two types of cavities are needed with geometrical Beta-values of Beta=0.61 and Beta=0.81. An aggressive cavity prototyping program is being pursued at JLab, which calls for fabricating and testing of four Beta=0.61 cavities and two Beta=0.81 cavities. Both types consist of six cells made from high purity niobium and feature one HOM coupler of the TESLA type on each beam pipe and a port for amore » high power coaxial input coupler. Three of the four Beta=0.61 cavities will be used for a cryomodule test in early 2002. At this time, four medium beta cavities and one high beta cavity have been completed and tested at JLab. In addition, the three medium beta cavities for the prototype cryomodule have been equipped with the integrated Ti-Helium vessel, successfully retested and will be assembled into a cavity string. Results from the cryo-module test should be available by the time of the conference. The tests on the Beta=0.61 cavity and the Beta=0.81 cavity exceeded the design values for gradient and Q - value: E{sub acc} =10.1 MV/m and Q = 5 x 10{sup 9} at 2.1K for Beta=0.61 and E{sub acc} = 12.3 MV/m and Q=5 x 10{sup 9} at 2.1K for Beta = 0.81. The medium beta cavities reached gradients between E{sub acc} = 15 MV/m and 21 MV/m. This paper will describe the test results obtained with the various cavities, some aspects of the HOM damping at cryogenic temperatures, results from microphonics and Lorentz force detuning tests and the cavity string assembly at the time of this workshop.« less

Risk Assessment Update: Russian Segment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christiansen, Eric; Lear, Dana; Hyde, James; Bjorkman, Michael; Hoffman, Kevin

2012-01-01

BUMPER-II version 1.95j source code was provided to RSC-E- and Khrunichev at January 2012 MMOD TIM in Moscow. MEMCxP and ORDEM 3.0 environments implemented as external data files. NASA provided a sample ORDEM 3.0 g."key" & "daf" environment file set for demonstration and benchmarking BUMPER -II v1.95j installation at the Jan-12 TIM. ORDEM 3.0 has been completed and is currently in beta testing. NASA will provide a preliminary set of ORDEM 3.0 ".key" & ".daf" environment files for the years 2012 through 2028. Bumper output files produced using the new ORDEM 3.0 data files are intended for internal use only, not for requirements verification. Output files will contain these words ORDEM FILE DESCRIPTION = PRELIMINARY VERSION: not for production. The projectile density term in many BUMPER-II ballistic limit equations will need to be updated. Cube demo scripts and output files delivered at the Jan-12 TIM have been updated for the new ORDEM 3.0 data files. Risk assessment results based on ORDEM 3.0 and MEM will be presented for the Russian Segment (RS) of ISS.

Experience with HEP analysis on mounted filesystems.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuhrmann, Patrick; Gasthuber, Martin; Kemp, Yves; Ozerov, Dmitry

2012-12-01

We present results on different approaches on mounted filesystems in use or under investigation at DESY. dCache, established since long as a storage system for physics data has implemented the NFS v4.1/pNFS protocol. New performance results will be shown with the most current version of the dCache server. In addition to the native usage of the mounted filesystem in a LAN environment, the results are given for the performance of the dCache NFS v4.1/pNFS in WAN case. Several commercial vendors are currently in alpha or beta phase of adding the NFS v4.1/pNFS protocol to their storage appliances. We will test some of these vendor solutions for their readiness for HEP analysis. DESY has recently purchased an IBM Sonas system. We will present the result of a thorough performance evaluation using the native protocols NFS (v3 or v4) and GPFS. As the emphasis is on the usability for end user analysis, we will use latest ROOT versions and current end user analysis code for benchmark scenarios.

Modification and evaluation of a Barnes-type objective analysis scheme for surface meteorological data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, D. R.

1982-01-01

The Purdue Regional Objective Analysis of the Mesoscale (PROAM) is a Barness-type scheme for the analysis of surface meteorological data. Modifications are introduced to the original version in order to increase its flexibility and to permit greater ease of usage. The code was rewritten for an interactive computer environment. Furthermore, a multiple iteration technique suggested by Barnes was implemented for greater accuracy. PROAM was subjected to a series of experiments in order to evaluate its performance under a variety of analysis conditions. The tests include use of a known analytic temperature distribution in order to quantify error bounds for the scheme. Similar experiments were conducted using actual atmospheric data. Results indicate that the multiple iteration technique increases the accuracy of the analysis. Furthermore, the tests verify appropriate values for the analysis parameters in resolving meso-beta scale phenomena.

Final Project Report: Development of Micro-Structural Mitigation Strategies for PEM Fuel Cells: Morphological Simulations and Experimental Approaches

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

Wessel, Silvia; Harvey, David

2013-06-28

The durability of PEM fuel cells is a primary requirement for large scale commercialization of these power systems in transportation and stationary market applications that target operational lifetimes of 5,000 hours and 40,000 hours by 2015, respectively. Key degradation modes contributing to fuel cell lifetime limitations have been largely associated with the platinum-based cathode catalyst layer. Furthermore, as fuel cells are driven to low cost materials and lower catalyst loadings in order to meet the cost targets for commercialization, the catalyst durability has become even more important. While over the past few years significant progress has been made in identifyingmore » the underlying causes of fuel cell degradation and key parameters that greatly influence the degradation rates, many gaps with respect to knowledge of the driving mechanisms still exist; in particular, the acceleration of the mechanisms due to different structural compositions and under different fuel cell conditions remains an area not well understood. The focus of this project was to address catalyst durability by using a dual path approach that coupled an extensive range of experimental analysis and testing with a multi-scale modeling approach. With this, the major technical areas/issues of catalyst and catalyst layer performance and durability that were addressed are: 1. Catalyst and catalyst layer degradation mechanisms (Pt dissolution, agglomeration, Pt loss, e.g. Pt in the membrane, carbon oxidation and/or corrosion). a. Driving force for the different degradation mechanisms. b. Relationships between MEA performance, catalyst and catalyst layer degradation and operational conditions, catalyst layer composition, and structure. 2. Materials properties a. Changes in catalyst, catalyst layer, and MEA materials properties due to degradation. 3. Catalyst performance a. Relationships between catalyst structural changes and performance. b. Stability of the three-phase boundary and its effect on performance/catalyst degradation. The key accomplishments of this project are: • The development of a molecular-dynamics based description of the carbon supported-Pt and ionomer system • The development of a composition-based, 1D-statistical Unit Cell Performance model • A modified and improved multi-pathway ORR model • An extension of the existing micro-structural catalyst model to transient operation • The coupling of a Pt Dissolution model to the modified ORR pathway model • The Development A Semi-empirical carbon corrosion model • The integration and release of an open-source forward predictive MEA performance and degradation model • Completion of correlations of BOT (beginning of test) and EOT (end of test) performance loss breakdown with cathode catalyst layer composition, morphology, material properties, and operational conditions • Catalyst layer durability windows and design curves • A design flow path of interactions from materials properties and catalyst layer effective properties to performance loss breakdown for virgin and degraded catalyst layers In order to ensure the best possible user experience we will perform a staged release of the software leading up to the webinar scheduled in October 2013. The release schedule will be as follows (please note that the manual will be released with the beta release as direct support is provided in Stage 1): • Stage 0 - Internal Ballard Release o Cross check of compilation and installation to ensure machine independence o Implement code on portable virtual machine to allow for non-UNIX use (pending) • Stage 1 - Alpha Release o The model code will be made available via a GIT, sourceforge, or other repository (under discussion at Ballard) for download and installation by a small pre-selected group of users o Users will be given three weeks to install, apply, and evaluate features of the code, providing feedback on issues or software bugs that require correction prior to beta release • Stage 2 - Beta Release o The model code repository is opened to the general public on a beta release concept, with a mechanism for bug tracking and feedback from a large user group o Code will be tracked and patched for any discovered bugs or relevant feedback from the user community, upon the completion of three months without a major bug submission the code will be moved to a full version release • Stage 3 - Full Version Release o Code is version to revision 1.0 and that version is frozen in development/patching« less

Simulation of Auger electron emission from nanometer-size gold targets using the Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation toolkit

DOE PAGES

Incerti, S.; Suerfu, B.; Xu, J.; ...

2016-02-16

We report that a revised atomic deexcitation framework for the Geant4 general purpose Monte Carlo toolkit capable of simulating full Auger deexcitation cascades was implemented in June 2015 release (version 10.2 Beta). An overview of this refined framework and testing of its capabilities is presented for the irradiation of gold nanoparticles (NP) with keV photon and MeV proton beams. The resultant energy spectra of secondary particles created within and that escape the NP are analyzed and discussed. It is anticipated that this new functionality will improve and increase the use of Geant4 in the medical physics, radiobiology, nanomedicine research andmore » other low energy physics fields.« less

Sustainable Materials Management: At Your Fingertips

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

EPA recently announced the release of the beta version of EPA’s Materials Management Wizard web application (or “M-Wiz,” for short)—that puts that wealth of knowledge at your fingertips in a guided, easy-to-use format you can tailor to your specific needs.

Extension arm facilitated pegylation of alphaalpha-hemoglobin with modifications targeted exclusively to amino groups: functional and structural advantages of free Cys-93(beta) in the PEG-Hb adduct.

PubMed

Li, Dongxia; Hu, Tao; Manjula, Belur N; Acharya, Seetharama A

2009-11-01

Cys-93(beta) of hemoglobin (Hb) was reversibly protected as a mixed disulfide with thiopyridine during extension arm facilitated (EAF) PEGylation and its influence on the structural and functional properties of the EAF-PEG-Hb has been investigated. Avoiding PEGylation of Cys-93(beta) in the EAF-PEG-Hb lowers the level of perturbation of heme pocket, alpha1beta2 interface, autoxidation, heme loss, and the O(2) affinity, as compared to the EAF-PEG-Hb with PEGylation of Cys-93(beta).The structural and functional advantages of reversible protection of Cys-93(beta) during EAF PEGylation of oxy-Hb has been compared with Euro PEG-Hb generated by EAF PEGylation of deoxy Hb where Cys-93(beta) is free in the final product. The alphaalpha-fumaryl cross-linking and EAF PEGylation targeted exclusively to Lys residues has been combined together for generation of second-generation EAF-PEG-Hb with lower oxygen affinity. The PEG chains engineered on Lys as well as PEGylation of Cys-93(beta) independently contribute to the stabilization of oxy conformation of Hb and hence increase the oxygen affinity of Hb. However, oxygen affinity of the EAF-PEG-alphaalpha-Hb is more sensitive to the presence of PEGylation on Cys-93(beta) than that of the EAF-PEG-Hb. The present modified EAF PEGylation platform is expected to facilitate the design of novel versions of the EAF-PEG-Hbs that can now integrate the advantages of avoiding PEGylation of Cys-93(beta).

In vitro biosynthesis of 17 alpha,20 alpha,20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pegnen-3-one by the ovaries, testes, and head kidneys of the Atlantic salmon Salmo salar

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

Sangalang, G.B.; Freeman, H.C.

Ovaries, testes, and head kidneys of sexually mature Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, biosynthesized 17 alpha,20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17 alpha,20 beta-diOHP) from equimolar amounts of (/sup 3/H)pregnenolone plus (4-/sup 14/C)progesterone in vitro. The /sup 3/H:/sup 14/C isotope ratios of steroid metabolites indicated that the biosynthetic pathways to 17 alpha,20 beta-diOHP in the testes differed from those observed in the ovaries and head kidneys. (4-/sup 14/C)progesterone appeared to be the principal precursor of 17 alpha,20 beta-diOHP in the testes, whereas both precursors were efficiently biotransformed to 17 alpha,20 beta-diOPH in the ovaries and head kidneys. 17 alpha-Hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17 alpha-OHP) was the immediate precursormore » to 17 alpha,20 beta-diOHP in all tissues. However, appreciable amounts of 17 alpha,20 beta-diOHP accumulated in vitro in the testes only in the presence of exogenous (/sup 14/C)progesterone. Incubation of the testes, ovaries, and head kidneys with (/sup 14/C)pregnenolone resulted in high yields of 17 alpha,20 beta-diOHP in the ovaries and head kidneys but no detectable amounts of the steroid in the testes. The results confirm that progesterone is the favored precursor to 17 alpha,20 beta-diOHP in the testes. The results also suggest that the head kidneys may be an excellent cellular source of 17 alpha,20 beta-diOHP in both male and female. Atlantic salmon and may play an important role in the sexual maturation process in this fish. It is suggested that biosynthetic control mechanism affecting 17 alpha,20 beta-diOHP synthesis and/or spermiation and ovulation may differ in male and female Atlantic salmon.« less

Prediction of beta-turns with learning machines.

PubMed

Cai, Yu-Dong; Liu, Xiao-Jun; Li, Yi-Xue; Xu, Xue-biao; Chou, Kuo-Chen

2003-05-01

The support vector machine approach was introduced to predict the beta-turns in proteins. The overall self-consistency rate by the re-substitution test for the training or learning dataset reached 100%. Both the training dataset and independent testing dataset were taken from Chou [J. Pept. Res. 49 (1997) 120]. The success prediction rates by the jackknife test for the beta-turn subset of 455 tetrapeptides and non-beta-turn subset of 3807 tetrapeptides in the training dataset were 58.1 and 98.4%, respectively. The success rates with the independent dataset test for the beta-turn subset of 110 tetrapeptides and non-beta-turn subset of 30,231 tetrapeptides were 69.1 and 97.3%, respectively. The results obtained from this study support the conclusion that the residue-coupled effect along a tetrapeptide is important for the formation of a beta-turn.

The Physics of the B Factories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bevan, A. J.; Golob, B.; Mannel, Th.; Prell, S.; Yabsley, B. D.; Aihara, H.; Anulli, F.; Arnaud, N.; Aushev, T.; Beneke, M.; Beringer, J.; Bianchi, F.; Bigi, I. I.; Bona, M.; Brambilla, N.; Brodzicka, J.; Chang, P.; Charles, M. J.; Cheng, C. H.; Cheng, H.-Y.; Chistov, R.; Colangelo, P.; Coleman, J. P.; Drutskoy, A.; Druzhinin, V. P.; Eidelman, S.; Eigen, G.; Eisner, A. M.; Faccini, R.; Flood, K. T.; Gambino, P.; Gaz, A.; Gradl, W.; Hayashii, H.; Higuchi, T.; Hulsbergen, W. D.; Hurth, T.; Iijima, T.; Itoh, R.; Jackson, P. D.; Kass, R.; Kolomensky, Yu. G.; Kou, E.; Križan, P.; Kronfeld, A.; Kumano, S.; Kwon, Y. J.; Latham, T. E.; Leith, D. W. G. S.; Lüth, V.; Martinez-Vidal, F.; Meadows, B. T.; Mussa, R.; Nakao, M.; Nishida, S.; Ocariz, J.; Olsen, S. L.; Pakhlov, P.; Pakhlova, G.; Palano, A.; Pich, A.; Playfer, S.; Poluektov, A.; Porter, F. C.; Robertson, S. H.; Roney, J. M.; Roodman, A.; Sakai, Y.; Schwanda, C.; Schwartz, A. J.; Seidl, R.; Sekula, S. J.; Steinhauser, M.; Sumisawa, K.; Swanson, E. S.; Tackmann, F.; Trabelsi, K.; Uehara, S.; Uno, S.; van de Water, R.; Vasseur, G.; Verkerke, W.; Waldi, R.; Wang, M. Z.; Wilson, F. F.; Zupan, J.; Zupanc, A.; Adachi, I.; Albert, J.; Banerjee, Sw.; Bellis, M.; Ben-Haim, E.; Biassoni, P.; Cahn, R. N.; Cartaro, C.; Chauveau, J.; Chen, C.; Chiang, C. C.; Cowan, R.; Dalseno, J.; Davier, M.; Davies, C.; Dingfelder, J. C.; Echenard, B.; Epifanov, D.; Fulsom, B. G.; Gabareen, A. M.; Gary, J. W.; Godang, R.; Graham, M. T.; Hafner, A.; Hamilton, B.; Hartmann, T.; Hayasaka, K.; Hearty, C.; Iwasaki, Y.; Khodjamirian, A.; Kusaka, A.; Kuzmin, A.; Lafferty, G. D.; Lazzaro, A.; Li, J.; Lindemann, D.; Long, O.; Lusiani, A.; Marchiori, G.; Martinelli, M.; Miyabayashi, K.; Mizuk, R.; Mohanty, G. B.; Muller, D. R.; Nakazawa, H.; Ongmongkolkul, P.; Pacetti, S.; Palombo, F.; Pedlar, T. K.; Piilonen, L. E.; Pilloni, A.; Poireau, V.; Prothmann, K.; Pulliam, T.; Rama, M.; Ratcliff, B. N.; Roudeau, P.; Schrenk, S.; Schroeder, T.; Schubert, K. R.; Shen, C. P.; Shwartz, B.; Soffer, A.; Solodov, E. P.; Somov, A.; Starič, M.; Stracka, S.; Telnov, A. V.; Todyshev, K. Yu.; Tsuboyama, T.; Uglov, T.; Vinokurova, A.; Walsh, J. J.; Watanabe, Y.; Won, E.; Wormser, G.; Wright, D. H.; Ye, S.; Zhang, C. C.; Abachi, S.; Abashian, A.; Abe, K.; Abe, N.; Abe, R.; Abe, T.; Abrams, G. S.; Adam, I.; Adamczyk, K.; Adametz, A.; Adye, T.; Agarwal, A.; Ahmed, H.; Ahmed, M.; Ahmed, S.; Ahn, B. S.; Ahn, H. S.; Aitchison, I. J. R.; Akai, K.; Akar, S.; Akatsu, M.; Akemoto, M.; Akhmetshin, R.; Akre, R.; Alam, M. S.; Albert, J. N.; Aleksan, R.; Alexander, J. P.; Alimonti, G.; Allen, M. T.; Allison, J.; Allmendinger, T.; Alsmiller, J. R. G.; Altenburg, D.; Alwyn, K. E.; An, Q.; Anderson, J.; Andreassen, R.; Andreotti, D.; Andreotti, M.; Andress, J. C.; Angelini, C.; Anipko, D.; Anjomshoaa, A.; Anthony, P. L.; Antillon, E. A.; Antonioli, E.; Aoki, K.; Arguin, J. F.; Arinstein, K.; Arisaka, K.; Asai, K.; Asai, M.; Asano, Y.; Asgeirsson, D. J.; Asner, D. M.; Aso, T.; Aspinwall, M. L.; Aston, D.; Atmacan, H.; Aubert, B.; Aulchenko, V.; Ayad, R.; Azemoon, T.; Aziz, T.; Azzolini, V.; Azzopardi, D. E.; Baak, M. A.; Back, J. J.; Bagnasco, S.; Bahinipati, S.; Bailey, D. S.; Bailey, S.; Bailly, P.; van Bakel, N.; Bakich, A. M.; Bala, A.; Balagura, V.; Baldini-Ferroli, R.; Ban, Y.; Banas, E.; Band, H. R.; Banerjee, S.; Baracchini, E.; Barate, R.; Barberio, E.; Barbero, M.; Bard, D. J.; Barillari, T.; Barlow, N. R.; Barlow, R. J.; Barrett, M.; Bartel, W.; Bartelt, J.; Bartoldus, R.; Batignani, G.; Battaglia, M.; Bauer, J. M.; Bay, A.; Beaulieu, M.; Bechtle, P.; Beck, T. W.; Becker, J.; Becla, J.; Bedny, I.; Behari, S.; Behera, P. K.; Behn, E.; Behr, L.; Beigbeder, C.; Beiline, D.; Bell, R.; Bellini, F.; Bellodi, G.; Belous, K.; Benayoun, M.; Benelli, G.; Benitez, J. F.; Benkebil, M.; Berger, N.; Bernabeu, J.; Bernard, D.; Bernet, R.; Bernlochner, F. U.; Berryhill, J. W.; Bertsche, K.; Besson, P.; Best, D. S.; Bettarini, S.; Bettoni, D.; Bhardwaj, V.; Bhimji, W.; Bhuyan, B.; Biagini, M. E.; Biasini, M.; van Bibber, K.; Biesiada, J.; Bingham, I.; Bionta, R. M.; Bischofberger, M.; Bitenc, U.; Bizjak, I.; Blanc, F.; Blaylock, G.; Blinov, V. E.; Bloom, E.; Bloom, P. C.; Blount, N. L.; Blouw, J.; Bly, M.; Blyth, S.; Boeheim, C. T.; Bomben, M.; Bondar, A.; Bondioli, M.; Bonneaud, G. R.; Bonvicini, G.; Booke, M.; Booth, J.; Borean, C.; Borgland, A. W.; Borsato, E.; Bosi, F.; Bosisio, L.; Botov, A. A.; Bougher, J.; Bouldin, K.; Bourgeois, P.; Boutigny, D.; Bowerman, D. A.; Boyarski, A. M.; Boyce, R. F.; Boyd, J. T.; Bozek, A.; Bozzi, C.; Bračko, M.; Brandenburg, G.; Brandt, T.; Brau, B.; Brau, J.; Breon, A. B.; Breton, D.; Brew, C.; Briand, H.; Bright-Thomas, P. G.; Brigljević, V.; Britton, D. I.; Brochard, F.; Broomer, B.; Brose, J.; Browder, T. E.; Brown, C. L.; Brown, C. M.; Brown, D. N.; Browne, M.; Bruinsma, M.; Brunet, S.; Bucci, F.; Buchanan, C.; Buchmueller, O. L.; Bünger, C.; Bugg, W.; Bukin, A. D.; Bula, R.; Bulten, H.; Burchat, P. R.; Burgess, W.; Burke, J. P.; Button-Shafer, J.; Buzykaev, A. R.; Buzzo, A.; Cai, Y.; Calabrese, R.; Calcaterra, A.; Calderini, G.; Camanzi, B.; Campagna, E.; Campagnari, C.; Capra, R.; Carassiti, V.; Carpinelli, M.; Carroll, M.; Casarosa, G.; Casey, B. C. K.; Cason, N. M.; Castelli, G.; Cavallo, N.; Cavoto, G.; Cecchi, A.; Cenci, R.; Cerizza, G.; Cervelli, A.; Ceseracciu, A.; Chai, X.; Chaisanguanthum, K. S.; Chang, M. C.; Chang, Y. H.; Chang, Y. W.; Chao, D. S.; Chao, M.; Chao, Y.; Charles, E.; Chavez, C. A.; Cheaib, R.; Chekelian, V.; Chen, A.; Chen, E.; Chen, G. P.; Chen, H. F.; Chen, J.-H.; Chen, J. C.; Chen, K. F.; Chen, P.; Chen, S.; Chen, W. T.; Chen, X.; Chen, X. R.; Chen, Y. Q.; Cheng, B.; Cheon, B. G.; Chevalier, N.; Chia, Y. M.; Chidzik, S.; Chilikin, K.; Chistiakova, M. V.; Cizeron, R.; Cho, I. S.; Cho, K.; Chobanova, V.; Choi, H. H. F.; Choi, K. S.; Choi, S. K.; Choi, Y.; Choi, Y. K.; Christ, S.; Chu, P. H.; Chun, S.; Chuvikov, A.; Cibinetto, G.; Cinabro, D.; Clark, A. R.; Clark, P. J.; Clarke, C. K.; Claus, R.; Claxton, B.; Clifton, Z. C.; Cochran, J.; Cohen-Tanugi, J.; Cohn, H.; Colberg, T.; Cole, S.; Colecchia, F.; Condurache, C.; Contri, R.; Convert, P.; Convery, M. R.; Cooke, P.; Copty, N.; Cormack, C. M.; Dal Corso, F.; Corwin, L. A.; Cossutti, F.; Cote, D.; Cotta Ramusino, A.; Cottingham, W. N.; Couderc, F.; Coupal, D. P.; Covarelli, R.; Cowan, G.; Craddock, W. W.; Crane, G.; Crawley, H. B.; Cremaldi, L.; Crescente, A.; Cristinziani, M.; Crnkovic, J.; Crosetti, G.; Cuhadar-Donszelmann, T.; Cunha, A.; Curry, S.; D'Orazio, A.; Dû, S.; Dahlinger, G.; Dahmes, B.; Dallapiccola, C.; Danielson, N.; Danilov, M.; Das, A.; Dash, M.; Dasu, S.; Datta, M.; Daudo, F.; Dauncey, P. D.; David, P.; Davis, C. L.; Day, C. T.; De Mori, F.; De Domenico, G.; De Groot, N.; De la Vaissière, C.; de la Vaissière, Ch.; de Lesquen, A.; De Nardo, G.; de Sangro, R.; De Silva, A.; DeBarger, S.; Decker, F. J.; del Amo Sanchez, P.; Del Buono, L.; Del Gamba, V.; del Re, D.; Della Ricca, G.; Denig, A. G.; Derkach, D.; Derrington, I. M.; DeStaebler, H.; Destree, J.; Devmal, S.; Dey, B.; Di Girolamo, B.; Marco, E. Di; Dickopp, M.; Dima, M. O.; Dittrich, S.; Dittongo, S.; Dixon, P.; Dneprovsky, L.; Dohou, F.; Doi, Y.; Doležal, Z.; Doll, D. A.; Donald, M.; Dong, L.; Dong, L. Y.; Dorfan, J.; Dorigo, A.; Dorsten, M. P.; Dowd, R.; Dowdell, J.; Drásal, Z.; Dragic, J.; Drummond, B. W.; Dubitzky, R. S.; Dubois-Felsmann, G. P.; Dubrovin, M. S.; Duh, Y. C.; Duh, Y. T.; Dujmic, D.; Dungel, W.; Dunwoodie, W.; Dutta, D.; Dvoretskii, A.; Dyce, N.; Ebert, M.; Eckhart, E. A.; Ecklund, S.; Eckmann, R.; Eckstein, P.; Edgar, C. L.; Edwards, A. J.; Egede, U.; Eichenbaum, A. M.; Elmer, P.; Emery, S.; Enari, Y.; Enomoto, R.; Erdos, E.; Erickson, R.; Ernst, J. A.; Erwin, R. J.; Escalier, M.; Eschenburg, V.; Eschrich, I.; Esen, S.; Esteve, L.; Evangelisti, F.; Everton, C. W.; Eyges, V.; Fabby, C.; Fabozzi, F.; Fahey, S.; Falbo, M.; Fan, S.; Fang, F.; Fanin, C.; Farbin, A.; Farhat, H.; Fast, J. E.; Feindt, M.; Fella, A.; Feltresi, E.; Ferber, T.; Fernholz, R. E.; Ferrag, S.; Ferrarotto, F.; Ferroni, F.; Field, R. C.; Filippi, A.; Finocchiaro, G.; Fioravanti, E.; Firmino da Costa, J.; Fischer, P.-A.; Fisher, A. S.; Fisher, P. H.; Flacco, C. J.; Flack, R. L.; Flaecher, H. U.; Flanagan, J.; Flanigan, J. M.; Ford, K. E.; Ford, W. T.; Forster, I. J.; Forti, A. C.; Forti, F.; Fortin, D.; Foster, B.; Foulkes, S. D.; Fouque, G.; Fox, J.; Franchini, P.; Franco Sevilla, M.; Franek, B.; Frank, E. D.; Fransham, K. B.; Fratina, S.; Fratini, K.; Frey, A.; Frey, R.; Friedl, M.; Fritsch, M.; Fry, J. R.; Fujii, H.; Fujikawa, M.; Fujita, Y.; Fujiyama, Y.; Fukunaga, C.; Fukushima, M.; Fullwood, J.; Funahashi, Y.; Funakoshi, Y.; Furano, F.; Furman, M.; Furukawa, K.; Futterschneider, H.; Gabathuler, E.; Gabriel, T. A.; Gabyshev, N.; Gaede, F.; Gagliardi, N.; Gaidot, A.; Gaillard, J.-M.; Gaillard, J. R.; Galagedera, S.; Galeazzi, F.; Gallo, F.; Gamba, D.; Gamet, R.; Gan, K. K.; Gandini, P.; Ganguly, S.; Ganzhur, S. F.; Gao, Y. Y.; Gaponenko, I.; Garmash, A.; Garra Tico, J.; Garzia, I.; Gaspero, M.; Gastaldi, F.; Gatto, C.; Gaur, V.; Geddes, N. I.; Geld, T. L.; Genat, J.-F.; George, K. A.; George, M.; George, S.; Georgette, Z.; Gershon, T. J.; Gill, M. S.; Gillard, R.; Gilman, J. D.; Giordano, F.; Giorgi, M. A.; Giraud, P.-F.; Gladney, L.; Glanzman, T.; Glattauer, R.; Go, A.; Goetzen, K.; Goh, Y. M.; Gokhroo, G.; Goldenzweig, P.; Golubev, V. B.; Gopal, G. P.; Gordon, A.; Gorišek, A.; Goriletsky, V. I.; Gorodeisky, R.; Gosset, L.; Gotow, K.; Gowdy, S. J.; Graffin, P.; Grancagnolo, S.; Grauges, E.; Graziani, G.; Green, M. G.; Greene, M. G.; Grenier, G. J.; Grenier, P.; Griessinger, K.; Grillo, A. A.; Grinyov, B. V.; Gritsan, A. V.; Grosdidier, G.; Grosse Perdekamp, M.; Grosso, P.; Grothe, M.; Groysman, Y.; Grünberg, O.; Guido, E.; Guler, H.; Gunawardane, N. J. W.; Guo, Q. H.; Guo, R. S.; Guo, Z. J.; Guttman, N.; Ha, H.; Ha, H. C.; Haas, T.; Haba, J.; Hachtel, J.; Hadavand, H. K.; Hadig, T.; Hagner, C.; Haire, M.; Haitani, F.; Haji, T.; Haller, G.; Halyo, V.; Hamano, K.; Hamasaki, H.; Hamel de Monchenault, G.; Hamilton, J.; Hamilton, R.; Hamon, O.; Han, B. Y.; Han, Y. L.; Hanada, H.; Hanagaki, K.; Handa, F.; Hanson, J. E.; Hanushevsky, A.; Hara, K.; Hara, T.; Harada, Y.; Harrison, P. F.; Harrison, T. J.; Harrop, B.; Hart, A. J.; Hart, P. A.; Hartfiel, B. L.; Harton, J. L.; Haruyama, T.; Hasan, A.; Hasegawa, Y.; Hast, C.; Hastings, N. C.; Hasuko, K.; Hauke, A.; Hawkes, C. M.; Hayashi, K.; Hazumi, M.; Hee, C.; Heenan, E. M.; Heffernan, D.; Held, T.; Henderson, R.; Henderson, S. W.; Hertzbach, S. S.; Hervé, S.; Heß, M.; Heusch, C. A.; Hicheur, A.; Higashi, Y.; Higasino, Y.; Higuchi, I.; Hikita, S.; Hill, E. J.; Himel, T.; Hinz, L.; Hirai, T.; Hirano, H.; Hirschauer, J. F.; Hitlin, D. G.; Hitomi, N.; Hodgkinson, M. C.; Höcker, A.; Hoi, C. T.; Hojo, T.; Hokuue, T.; Hollar, J. J.; Hong, T. M.; Honscheid, K.; Hooberman, B.; Hopkins, D. A.; Horii, Y.; Hoshi, Y.; Hoshina, K.; Hou, S.; Hou, W. S.; Hryn'ova, T.; Hsiung, Y. B.; Hsu, C. L.; Hsu, S. C.; Hu, H.; Hu, T.; Huang, H. C.; Huang, T. J.; Huang, Y. C.; Huard, Z.; Huffer, M. E.; Hufnagel, D.; Hung, T.; Hutchcroft, D. E.; Hyun, H. J.; Ichizawa, S.; Igaki, T.; Igarashi, A.; Igarashi, S.; Igarashi, Y.; Igonkina, O.; Ikado, K.; Ikeda, H.; Ikeda, H.; Ikeda, K.; Ilic, J.; Inami, K.; Innes, W. R.; Inoue, Y.; Ishikawa, A.; Ishino, H.; Itagaki, K.; Itami, S.; Itoh, K.; Ivanchenko, V. N.; Iverson, R.; Iwabuchi, M.; Iwai, G.; Iwai, M.; Iwaida, S.; Iwamoto, M.; Iwasaki, H.; Iwasaki, M.; Iwashita, T.; Izen, J. M.; Jackson, D. J.; Jackson, F.; Jackson, G.; Jackson, P. S.; Jacobsen, R. G.; Jacoby, C.; Jaegle, I.; Jain, V.; Jalocha, P.; Jang, H. K.; Jasper, H.; Jawahery, A.; Jayatilleke, S.; Jen, C. M.; Jensen, F.; Jessop, C. P.; Ji, X. B.; John, M. J. J.; Johnson, D. R.; Johnson, J. R.; Jolly, S.; Jones, M.; Joo, K. K.; Joshi, N.; Joshi, N. J.; Judd, D.; Julius, T.; Kadel, R. W.; Kadyk, J. A.; Kagan, H.; Kagan, R.; Kah, D. H.; Kaiser, S.; Kaji, H.; Kajiwara, S.; Kakuno, H.; Kameshima, T.; Kaminski, J.; Kamitani, T.; Kaneko, J.; Kang, J. H.; Kang, J. S.; Kani, T.; Kapusta, P.; Karbach, T. M.; Karolak, M.; Karyotakis, Y.; Kasami, K.; Katano, G.; Kataoka, S. U.; Katayama, N.; Kato, E.; Kato, Y.; Kawai, H.; Kawai, M.; Kawamura, N.; Kawasaki, T.; Kay, J.; Kay, M.; Kelly, M. P.; Kelsey, M. H.; Kent, N.; Kerth, L. T.; Khan, A.; Khan, H. R.; Kharakh, D.; Kibayashi, A.; Kichimi, H.; Kiesling, C.; Kikuchi, M.; Kikutani, E.; Kim, B. H.; Kim, C. H.; Kim, D. W.; Kim, H.; Kim, H. J.; Kim, H. O.; Kim, H. W.; Kim, J. B.; Kim, J. H.; Kim, K. T.; Kim, M. J.; Kim, P.; Kim, S. K.; Kim, S. M.; Kim, T. H.; Kim, Y. I.; Kim, Y. J.; King, G. J.; Kinoshita, K.; Kirk, A.; Kirkby, D.; Kitayama, I.; Klemetti, M.; Klose, V.; Klucar, J.; Knecht, N. S.; Knoepfel, K. J.; Knowles, D. J.; Ko, B. R.; Kobayashi, N.; Kobayashi, S.; Kobayashi, T.; Kobel, M. J.; Koblitz, S.; Koch, H.; Kocian, M. L.; Kodyš, P.; Koeneke, K.; Kofler, R.; Koike, S.; Koishi, S.; Koiso, H.; Kolb, J. A.; Kolya, S. D.; Kondo, Y.; Konishi, H.; Koppenburg, P.; Koptchev, V. B.; Kordich, T. M. B.; Korol, A. A.; Korotushenko, K.; Korpar, S.; Kouzes, R. T.; Kovalskyi, D.; Kowalewski, R.; Kozakai, Y.; Kozanecki, W.; Kral, J. F.; Krasnykh, A.; Krause, R.; Kravchenko, E. A.; Krebs, J.; Kreisel, A.; Kreps, M.; Krishnamurthy, M.; Kroeger, R.; Kroeger, W.; Krokovny, P.; Kronenbitter, B.; Kroseberg, J.; Kubo, T.; Kuhr, T.; Kukartsev, G.; Kulasiri, R.; Kulikov, A.; Kumar, R.; Kumar, S.; Kumita, T.; Kuniya, T.; Kunze, M.; Kuo, C. C.; Kuo, T.-L.; Kurashiro, H.; Kurihara, E.; Kurita, N.; Kuroki, Y.; Kurup, A.; Kutter, P. E.; Kuznetsova, N.; Kvasnička, P.; Kyberd, P.; Kyeong, S. H.; Lacker, H. M.; Lae, C. K.; Lamanna, E.; Lamsa, J.; Lanceri, L.; Landi, L.; Lang, M. I.; Lange, D. J.; Lange, J. S.; Langenegger, U.; Langer, M.; Lankford, A. J.; Lanni, F.; Laplace, S.; Latour, E.; Lau, Y. P.; Lavin, D. R.; Layter, J.; Lebbolo, H.; LeClerc, C.; Leddig, T.; Leder, G.; Le Diberder, F.; Lee, C. L.; Lee, J.; Lee, J. S.; Lee, M. C.; Lee, M. H.; Lee, M. J.; Lee, S.-J.; Lee, S. E.; Lee, S. H.; Lee, Y. J.; Lees, J. P.; Legendre, M.; Leitgab, M.; Leitner, R.; Leonardi, E.; Leonidopoulos, C.; Lepeltier, V.; Leruste, Ph.; Lesiak, T.; Levi, M. E.; Levy, S. L.; Lewandowski, B.; Lewczuk, M. J.; Lewis, P.; Li, H.; Li, H. B.; Li, S.; Li, X.; Li, Y.; Gioi, L. Li; Libby, J.; Lidbury, J.; Lillard, V.; Lim, C. L.; Limosani, A.; Lin, C. S.; Lin, J. Y.; Lin, S. W.; Lin, Y. S.; Lindquist, B.; Lindsay, C.; Lista, L.; Liu, C.; Liu, F.; Liu, H.; Liu, H. M.; Liu, J.; Liu, R.; Liu, T.; Liu, Y.; Liu, Z. Q.; Liventsev, D.; Lo Vetere, M.; Locke, C. B.; Lockman, W. S.; Di Lodovico, F.; Lombardo, V.; London, G. W.; Lopes Pegna, D.; Lopez, L.; Lopez-March, N.; Lory, J.; LoSecco, J. M.; Lou, X. C.; Louvot, R.; Lu, A.; Lu, C.; Lu, M.; Lu, R. S.; Lueck, T.; Luitz, S.; Lukin, P.; Lund, P.; Luppi, E.; Lutz, A. M.; Lutz, O.; Lynch, G.; Lynch, H. L.; Lyon, A. J.; Lyubinsky, V. R.; MacFarlane, D. B.; Mackay, C.; MacNaughton, J.; Macri, M. M.; Madani, S.; Mader, W. F.; Majewski, S. A.; Majumder, G.; Makida, Y.; Malaescu, B.; Malaguti, R.; Malclés, J.; Mallik, U.; Maly, E.; Mamada, H.; Manabe, A.; Mancinelli, G.; Mandelkern, M.; Mandl, F.; Manfredi, P. F.; Mangeol, D. J. J.; Manoni, E.; Mao, Z. P.; Margoni, M.; Marker, C. E.; Markey, G.; Marks, J.; Marlow, D.; Marques, V.; Marsiske, H.; Martellotti, S.; Martin, E. C.; Martin, J. P.; Martin, L.; Martinez, A. J.; Marzolla, M.; Mass, A.; Masuzawa, M.; Mathieu, A.; Matricon, P.; Matsubara, T.; Matsuda, T.; Matsuda, T.; Matsumoto, H.; Matsumoto, S.; Matsumoto, T.; Matsuo, H.; Mattison, T. S.; Matvienko, D.; Matyja, A.; Mayer, B.; Mazur, M. A.; Mazzoni, M. A.; McCulloch, M.; McDonald, J.; McFall, J. D.; McGrath, P.; McKemey, A. K.; McKenna, J. A.; Mclachlin, S. E.; McMahon, S.; McMahon, T. R.; McOnie, S.; Medvedeva, T.; Melen, R.; Mellado, B.; Menges, W.; Menke, S.; Merchant, A. M.; Merkel, J.; Messner, R.; Metcalfe, S.; Metzler, S.; Meyer, N. T.; Meyer, T. I.; Meyer, W. T.; Michael, A. K.; Michelon, G.; Michizono, S.; Micout, P.; Miftakov, V.; Mihalyi, A.; Mikami, Y.; Milanes, D. A.; Milek, M.; Mimashi, T.; Minamora, J. S.; Mindas, C.; Minutoli, S.; Mir, L. M.; Mishra, K.; Mitaroff, W.; Miyake, H.; Miyashita, T. S.; Miyata, H.; Miyazaki, Y.; Moffitt, L. C.; Mohanty, G. B.; Mohapatra, A.; Mohapatra, A. K.; Mohapatra, D.; Moll, A.; Moloney, G. R.; Mols, J. P.; Mommsen, R. K.; Monge, M. R.; Monorchio, D.; Moore, T. B.; Moorhead, G. F.; Mora de Freitas, P.; Morandin, M.; Morgan, N.; Morgan, S. E.; Morganti, M.; Morganti, S.; Mori, S.; Mori, T.; Morii, M.; Morris, J. P.; Morsani, F.; Morton, G. W.; Moss, L. J.; Mouly, J. P.; Mount, R.; Mueller, J.; Müller-Pfefferkorn, R.; Mugge, M.; Muheim, F.; Muir, A.; Mullin, E.; Munerato, M.; Murakami, A.; Murakami, T.; Muramatsu, N.; Musico, P.; Nagai, I.; Nagamine, T.; Nagasaka, Y.; Nagashima, Y.; Nagayama, S.; Nagel, M.; Naisbit, M. T.; Nakadaira, T.; Nakahama, Y.; Nakajima, M.; Nakajima, T.; Nakamura, I.; Nakamura, T.; Nakamura, T. T.; Nakano, E.; Nakayama, H.; Nam, J. W.; Narita, S.; Narsky, I.; Nash, J. A.; Natkaniec, Z.; Nauenberg, U.; Nayak, M.; Neal, H.; Nedelkovska, E.; Negrini, M.; Neichi, K.; Nelson, D.; Nelson, S.; Neri, N.; Nesom, G.; Neubauer, S.; Newman-Coburn, D.; Ng, C.; Nguyen, X.; Nicholson, H.; Niebuhr, C.; Nief, J. Y.; Niiyama, M.; Nikolich, M. B.; Nisar, N. K.; Nishimura, K.; Nishio, Y.; Nitoh, O.; Nogowski, R.; Noguchi, S.; Nomura, T.; Nordby, M.; Nosochkov, Y.; Novokhatski, A.; Nozaki, S.; Nozaki, T.; Nugent, I. M.; O'Grady, C. P.; O'Neale, S. W.; O'Neill, F. G.; Oberhof, B.; Oddone, P. J.; Ofte, I.; Ogawa, A.; Ogawa, K.; Ogawa, S.; Ogawa, Y.; Ohkubo, R.; Ohmi, K.; Ohnishi, Y.; Ohno, F.; Ohshima, T.; Ohshima, Y.; Ohuchi, N.; Oide, K.; Oishi, N.; Okabe, T.; Okazaki, N.; Okazaki, T.; Okuno, S.; Olaiya, E. O.; Olivas, A.; Olley, P.; Olsen, J.; Ono, S.; Onorato, G.; Onuchin, A. P.; Onuki, Y.; Ooba, T.; Orimoto, T. J.; Oshima, T.; Osipenkov, I. L.; Ostrowicz, W.; Oswald, C.; Otto, S.; Oyang, J.; Oyanguren, A.; Ozaki, H.; Ozcan, V. E.; Paar, H. P.; Padoan, C.; Paick, K.; Palka, H.; Pan, B.; Pan, Y.; Panduro Vazquez, W.; Panetta, J.; Panova, A. I.; Panvini, R. S.; Panzenböck, E.; Paoloni, E.; Paolucci, P.; Pappagallo, M.; Paramesvaran, S.; Park, C. S.; Park, C. W.; Park, H.; Park, H. K.; Park, K. S.; Park, W.; Parry, R. J.; Parslow, N.; Passaggio, S.; Pastore, F. C.; Patel, P. M.; Patrignani, C.; Patteri, P.; Pavel, T.; Pavlovich, J.; Payne, D. J.; Peak, L. S.; Peimer, D. R.; Pelizaeus, M.; Pellegrini, R.; Pelliccioni, M.; Peng, C. C.; Peng, J. C.; Peng, K. C.; Peng, T.; Penichot, Y.; Pennazzi, S.; Pennington, M. R.; Penny, R. C.; Penzkofer, A.; Perazzo, A.; Perez, A.; Perl, M.; Pernicka, M.; Perroud, J.-P.; Peruzzi, I. M.; Pestotnik, R.; Peters, K.; Peters, M.; Petersen, B. A.; Petersen, T. C.; Petigura, E.; Petrak, S.; Petrella, A.; Petrič, M.; Petzold, A.; Pia, M. G.; Piatenko, T.; Piccolo, D.; Piccolo, M.; Piemontese, L.; Piemontese, M.; Pierini, M.; Pierson, S.; Pioppi, M.; Piredda, G.; Pivk, M.; Plaszczynski, S.; Polci, F.; Pompili, A.; Poropat, P.; Posocco, M.; Potter, C. T.; Potter, R. J. L.; Prasad, V.; Prebys, E.; Prencipe, E.; Prendki, J.; Prepost, R.; Prest, M.; Prim, M.; Pripstein, M.; Prudent, X.; Pruvot, S.; Puccio, E. M. T.; Purohit, M. V.; Qi, N. D.; Quinn, H.; Raaf, J.; Rabberman, R.; Raffaelli, F.; Ragghianti, G.; Rahatlou, S.; Rahimi, A. M.; Rahmat, R.; Rakitin, A. Y.; Randle-Conde, A.; Rankin, P.; Rashevskaya, I.; Ratkovsky, S.; Raven, G.; Re, V.; Reep, M.; Regensburger, J. J.; Reidy, J.; Reif, R.; Reisert, B.; Renard, C.; Renga, F.; Ricciardi, S.; Richman, J. D.; Ritchie, J. L.; Ritter, M.; Rivetta, C.; Rizzo, G.; Roat, C.; Robbe, P.; Roberts, D. A.; Robertson, A. I.; Robutti, E.; Rodier, S.; Rodriguez, D. M.; Rodriguez, J. L.; Rodriguez, R.; Roe, N. A.; Röhrken, M.; Roethel, W.; Rolquin, J.; Romanov, L.; Romosan, A.; Ronan, M. T.; Rong, G.; Ronga, F. J.; Roos, L.; Root, N.; Rosen, M.; Rosenberg, E. I.; Rossi, A.; Rostomyan, A.; Rotondo, M.; Roussot, E.; Roy, J.; Rozanska, M.; Rozen, Y.; Rozen, Y.; Rubin, A. E.; Ruddick, W. O.; Ruland, A. M.; Rybicki, K.; Ryd, A.; Ryu, S.; Ryuko, J.; Sabik, S.; Sacco, R.; Saeed, M. A.; Safai Tehrani, F.; Sagawa, H.; Sahoo, H.; Sahu, S.; Saigo, M.; Saito, T.; Saitoh, S.; Sakai, K.; Sakamoto, H.; Sakaue, H.; Saleem, M.; Salnikov, A. A.; Salvati, E.; Salvatore, F.; Samuel, A.; Sanders, D. A.; Sanders, P.; Sandilya, S.; Sandrelli, F.; Sands, W.; Sands, W. R.; Sanpei, M.; Santel, D.; Santelj, L.; Santoro, V.; Santroni, A.; Sanuki, T.; Sarangi, T. R.; Saremi, S.; Sarti, A.; Sasaki, T.; Sasao, N.; Satapathy, M.; Sato, Nobuhiko; Sato, Noriaki; Sato, Y.; Satoyama, N.; Satpathy, A.; Savinov, V.; Savvas, N.; Saxton, O. H.; Sayeed, K.; Schaffner, S. F.; Schalk, T.; Schenk, S.; Schieck, J. R.; Schietinger, T.; Schilling, C. J.; Schindler, R. H.; Schmid, S.; Schmitz, R. E.; Schmuecker, H.; Schneider, O.; Schnell, G.; Schönmeier, P.; Schofield, K. C.; Schott, G.; Schröder, H.; Schram, M.; Schubert, J.; Schümann, J.; Schultz, J.; Schumm, B. A.; Schune, M. H.; Schwanke, U.; Schwarz, H.; Schwiening, J.; Schwierz, R.; Schwitters, R. F.; Sciacca, C.; Sciolla, G.; Scott, I. J.; Seeman, J.; Seiden, A.; Seitz, R.; Seki, T.; Sekiya, A. I.; Semenov, S.; Semmler, D.; Sen, S.; Senyo, K.; Seon, O.; Serbo, V. V.; Serednyakov, S. I.; Serfass, B.; Serra, M.; Serrano, J.; Settai, Y.; Seuster, R.; Sevior, M. E.; Shakhova, K. V.; Shang, L.; Shapkin, M.; Sharma, V.; Shebalin, V.; Shelkov, V. G.; Shen, B. C.; Shen, D. Z.; Shen, Y. T.; Sherwood, D. J.; Shibata, T.; Shibata, T. A.; Shibuya, H.; Shidara, T.; Shimada, K.; Shimoyama, M.; Shinomiya, S.; Shiu, J. G.; Shorthouse, H. W.; Shpilinskaya, L. I.; Sibidanov, A.; Sicard, E.; Sidorov, A.; Sidorov, V.; Siegle, V.; Sigamani, M.; Simani, M. C.; Simard, M.; Simi, G.; Simon, F.; Simonetto, F.; Sinev, N. B.; Singh, H.; Singh, J. B.; Sinha, R.; Sitt, S.; Skovpen, Yu. I.; Sloane, R. J.; Smerkol, P.; Smith, A. J. S.; Smith, D.; Smith, D. S.; Smith, J. G.; Smol, A.; Snoek, H. L.; Snyder, A.; So, R. Y.; Sobie, R. J.; Soderstrom, E.; Soha, A.; Sohn, Y. S.; Sokoloff, M. D.; Sokolov, A.; Solagna, P.; Solovieva, E.; Soni, N.; Sonnek, P.; Sordini, V.; Spaan, B.; Spanier, S. M.; Spencer, E.; Speziali, V.; Spitznagel, M.; Spradlin, P.; Staengle, H.; Stamen, R.; Stanek, M.; Stanič, S.; Stark, J.; Steder, M.; Steininger, H.; Steinke, M.; Stelzer, J.; Stevanato, E.; Stocchi, A.; Stock, R.; Stoeck, H.; Stoker, D. P.; Stroili, R.; Strom, D.; Strother, P.; Strube, J.; Stugu, B.; Stypula, J.; Su, D.; Suda, R.; Sugahara, R.; Sugi, A.; Sugimura, T.; Sugiyama, A.; Suitoh, S.; Sullivan, M. K.; Sumihama, M.; Sumiyoshi, T.; Summers, D. J.; Sun, L.; Sun, S.; Sundermann, J. E.; Sung, H. F.; Susaki, Y.; Sutcliffe, P.; Suzuki, A.; Suzuki, J.; Suzuki, J. I.; Suzuki, K.; Suzuki, S.; Suzuki, S. Y.; Swain, J. E.; Swain, S. K.; T'Jampens, S.; Tabata, M.; Tackmann, K.; Tajima, H.; Tajima, O.; Takahashi, K.; Takahashi, S.; Takahashi, T.; Takasaki, F.; Takayama, T.; Takita, M.; Tamai, K.; Tamponi, U.; Tamura, N.; Tan, N.; Tan, P.; Tanabe, K.; Tanabe, T.; Tanaka, H. A.; Tanaka, J.; Tanaka, M.; Tanaka, S.; Tanaka, Y.; Tanida, K.; Taniguchi, N.; Taras, P.; Tasneem, N.; Tatishvili, G.; Tatomi, T.; Tawada, M.; Taylor, F.; Taylor, G. N.; Taylor, G. P.; Telnov, V. I.; Teodorescu, L.; Ter-Antonyan, R.; Teramoto, Y.; Teytelman, D.; Thérin, G.; Thiebaux, Ch.; Thiessen, D.; Thomas, E. W.; Thompson, J. M.; Thorne, F.; Tian, X. C.; Tibbetts, M.; Tikhomirov, I.; Tinslay, J. S.; Tiozzo, G.; Tisserand, V.; Tocut, V.; Toki, W. H.; Tomassini, E. W.; Tomoto, M.; Tomura, T.; Torassa, E.; Torrence, E.; Tosi, S.; Touramanis, C.; Toussaint, J. C.; Tovey, S. N.; Trapani, P. P.; Treadwell, E.; Triggiani, G.; Trincaz-Duvoid, S.; Trischuk, W.; Troost, D.; Trunov, A.; Tsai, K. L.; Tsai, Y. T.; Tsujita, Y.; Tsukada, K.; Tsukamoto, T.; Tuggle, J. M.; Tumanov, A.; Tung, Y. W.; Turnbull, L.; Turner, J.; Turri, M.; Uchida, K.; Uchida, M.; Uchida, Y.; Ueki, M.; Ueno, K.; Ujiie, N.; Ulmer, K. A.; Unno, Y.; Urquijo, P.; Ushiroda, Y.; Usov, Y.; Usseglio, M.; Usuki, Y.; Uwer, U.; Va'vra, J.; Vahsen, S. E.; Vaitsas, G.; Valassi, A.; Vallazza, E.; Vallereau, A.; Vanhoefer, P.; van Hoek, W. C.; Van Hulse, C.; van Winkle, D.; Varner, G.; Varnes, E. W.; Varvell, K. E.; Vasileiadis, G.; Velikzhanin, Y. S.; Verderi, M.; Versillé, S.; Vervink, K.; Viaud, B.; Vidal, P. B.; Villa, S.; Villanueva-Perez, P.; Vinograd, E. L.; Vitale, L.; Vitug, G. M.; Voß, C.; Voci, C.; Voena, C.; Volk, A.; von Wimmersperg-Toeller, J. H.; Vorobyev, V.; Vossen, A.; Vuagnin, G.; Vuosalo, C. O.; Wacker, K.; Wagner, A. P.; Wagner, D. L.; Wagner, G.; Wagner, M. N.; Wagner, S. R.; Wagoner, D. E.; Walker, D.; Walkowiak, W.; Wallom, D.; Wang, C. C.; Wang, C. H.; Wang, J.; Wang, J. G.; Wang, K.; Wang, L.; Wang, L. L.; Wang, P.; Wang, T. J.; Wang, W. F.; Wang, X. L.; Wang, Y. F.; Wappler, F. R.; Watanabe, M.; Watson, A. T.; Watson, J. E.; Watson, N. K.; Watt, M.; Weatherall, J. H.; Weaver, M.; Weber, T.; Wedd, R.; Wei, J. T.; Weidemann, A. W.; Weinstein, A. J. R.; Wenzel, W. A.; West, C. A.; West, C. G.; West, T. J.; White, E.; White, R. M.; Wicht, J.; Widhalm, L.; Wiechczynski, J.; Wienands, U.; Wilden, L.; Wilder, M.; Williams, D. C.; Williams, G.; Williams, J. C.; Williams, K. M.; Williams, M. I.; Willocq, S. Y.; Wilson, J. R.; Wilson, M. G.; Wilson, R. J.; Winklmeier, F.; Winstrom, L. O.; Winter, M. A.; Wisniewski, W. J.; Wittgen, M.; Wittlin, J.; Wittmer, W.; Wixted, R.; Woch, A.; Wogsland, B. J.; Won, E.; Wong, Q. K.; Wray, B. C.; Wren, A. C.; Wright, D. M.; Wu, C. H.; Wu, J.; Wu, S. L.; Wulsin, H. W.; Xella, S. M.; Xie, Q. L.; Xie, Y.; Xu, Z. Z.; Yéche, Ch.; Yamada, Y.; Yamaga, M.; Yamaguchi, A.; Yamaguchi, H.; Yamaki, T.; Yamamoto, H.; Yamamoto, N.; Yamamoto, R. K.; Yamamoto, S.; Yamanaka, T.; Yamaoka, H.; Yamaoka, J.; Yamaoka, Y.; Yamashita, Y.; Yamauchi, M.; Yan, D. S.; Yan, Y.; Yanai, H.; Yanaka, S.; Yang, H.; Yang, R.; Yang, S.; Yarritu, A. K.; Yashchenko, S.; Yashima, J.; Yasin, Z.; Yasu, Y.; Ye, S. W.; Yeh, P.; Yi, J. I.; Yi, K.; Yi, M.; Yin, Z. W.; Ying, J.; Yocky, G.; Yokoyama, K.; Yokoyama, M.; Yokoyama, T.; Yoshida, K.; Yoshida, M.; Yoshimura, Y.; Young, C. C.; Yu, C. X.; Yu, Z.; Yuan, C. Z.; Yuan, Y.; Yumiceva, F. X.; Yusa, Y.; Yushkov, A. N.; Yuta, H.; Zacek, V.; Zain, S. B.; Zallo, A.; Zambito, S.; Zander, D.; Zang, S. L.; Zanin, D.; Zaslavsky, B. G.; Zeng, Q. L.; Zghiche, A.; Zhang, B.; Zhang, J.; Zhang, J.; Zhang, L.; Zhang, L. M.; Zhang, S. Q.; Zhang, Z. P.; Zhao, H. W.; Zhao, M.; Zhao, Z. G.; Zheng, Y.; Zheng, Y. H.; Zheng, Z. P.; Zhilich, V.; Zhou, P.; Zhu, R. Y.; Zhu, Y. S.; Zhu, Z. M.; Zhulanov, V.; Ziegler, T.; Ziegler, V.; Zioulas, G.; Zisman, M.; Zito, M.; Zürcher, D.; Zwahlen, N.; Zyukova, O.; Živko, T.; Žontar, D.

2014-11-01

This work is on the Physics of the B Factories. Part A of this book contains a brief description of the SLAC and KEK B Factories as well as their detectors, BaBar and Belle, and data taking related issues. Part B discusses tools and methods used by the experiments in order to obtain results. The results themselves can be found in Part C. Please note that version 3 on the archive is the auxiliary version of the Physics of the B Factories book. This uses the notation alpha, beta, gamma for the angles of the Unitarity Triangle. The nominal version uses the notation phi_1, phi_2 and phi_3. Please cite this work as Eur. Phys. J. C74 (2014) 3026.

Application of Benchmark Dose Methodology to a Variety of Endpoints and Exposures

EPA Science Inventory

This latest beta version (1.1b) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Benchmark Dose Software (BMDS) is being distributed for public comment. The BMDS system is being developed as a tool to facilitate the application of benchmark dose (BMD) methods to EPA hazardous p...

Benchmark Dose Software Development and Maintenance Ten Berge Cxt Models

EPA Science Inventory

This report is intended to provide an overview of beta version 1.0 of the implementation of a concentration-time (CxT) model originally programmed and provided by Wil ten Berge (referred to hereafter as the ten Berge model). The recoding and development described here represent ...

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF 'SURE': A PATIENT REPORTED OUTCOME MEASURE (PROM) FOR RECOVERY FROM DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE.

PubMed

Neale, Joanne; Vitoratou, Silia; Finch, Emily; Lennon, Paul; Mitcheson, Luke; Panebianco, Daria; Rose, Diana; Strang, John; Wykes, Til; Marsden, John

2016-08-01

Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) assess health status and health-related quality of life from the patient/service user perspective. Our study aimed to: i. develop a PROM for recovery from drug and alcohol dependence that has good face and content validity, acceptability and usability for people in recovery; ii. evaluate the psychometric properties and factorial structure of the new PROM ('SURE'). Item development included Delphi groups, focus groups, and service user feedback on draft versions of the new measure. A 30-item beta version was completed by 575 service users (461 in person [IP] and 114 online [OL]). Analyses comprised rating scale evaluation, assessment of psychometric properties, factorial structure, and differential item functioning. The beta measure had good face and content validity. Nine items were removed due to low stability, low factor loading, low construct validity or high complexity. The remaining 21 items were re-scaled (Rasch model analyses). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed 5 factors: substance use, material resources, outlook on life, self-care, and relationships. The MIMIC model indicated 95% metric invariance across the IP and OL samples, and 100% metric invariance for gender. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were granted. The 5 factors correlated positively with the corresponding WHOQOL-BREF and ARC subscales and score differences between participant sub-groups confirmed discriminative validity. 'SURE' is a psychometrically valid, quick and easy-to-complete outcome measure, developed with unprecedented input from people in recovery. It can be used alongside, or instead of, existing outcome tools. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Executive functions and consumption of fruits/ vegetables and high saturated fat foods in young adults.

PubMed

Limbers, Christine A; Young, Danielle

2015-05-01

Executive functions play a critical role in regulating eating behaviors and have been shown to be associated with overeating which over time can result in overweight and obesity. There has been a paucity of research examining the associations among healthy dietary behaviors and executive functions utilizing behavioral rating scales of executive functioning. The objective of the present cross-sectional study was to evaluate the associations among fruit and vegetable consumption, intake of foods high in saturated fat, and executive functions using the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning-Adult Version. A total of 240 university students completed the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning-Adult Version, the 26-Item Eating Attitudes Test, and the Diet subscale of the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted with two separate models in which fruit and vegetable consumption and saturated fat intake were the outcomes. Demographic variables, body mass index, and eating styles were controlled for in the analysis. Better initiation skills were associated with greater intake of fruits and vegetables in the last 7 days (standardized beta = -0.17; p < 0.05). Stronger inhibitory control was associated with less consumption of high fat foods in the last 7 days (standardized beta = 0.20; p < 0.05) in the multiple linear regression analysis. Executive functions that predict fruit and vegetable consumption are distinct from those that predict avoidance of foods high in saturated fat. Future research should investigate whether continued skill enhancement in initiation and inhibition following standard behavioral interventions improves long-term maintenance of weight loss. © The Author(s) 2015.

Mechanical and biological evaluations of beta-tricalcium phosphate/silicone rubber composite as a novel soft-tissue implant.

PubMed

Zhang, Yi-ming; Wang, Shao-liang; Lei, Ze-yuan; Fan, Dong-li

2009-09-01

Although silicone rubber (SR) implants are most commonly used and effective for soft-tissue augmentation, they still have been implicated in many adverse reactions. To overcome this problem, a novel composite beta-tricalcium phosphate/silicone rubber (beta-TCP/SR) was prepared by adding beta-TCP into a SR matrix. This study was to evaluate its application potential by investigating the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of beta-TCP/SR. Mechanical properties, including Shore A hardness and tensile strength, were evaluated with 3-mm-thick samples and a universal testing machine. Cytocompatibility tests were conducted in vitro using 0.2-mm-thick beta-TCP/SR samples by seeding fibroblasts onto different samples. Soft-tissue response to beta-TCP/SR and pull-out measurements were investigated 4 weeks and 24 weeks after implantation. The main mechanical properties were all significantly changed after mixing beta-TCP into the SR matrix, except for tearing strength. The cytocompatibility test showed enhanced adhesion and proliferation of fibroblasts onto beta-TCP/SR. Fibrous tissue ingrowth after resorption of beta-TCP was observed by in vivo histologic analysis. The peri-implant capsules in the beta-TCP/SR group were thinner than in the SR group 24 weeks after implantation. In a 24-week test, the maximum force required to pull out the beta-TCP/SR sheet was about six times greater than that needed for SR. Although some mechanical properties were significantly changed, the results of the cytocompatibility test and in vivo animal study still suggest that beta-TCP/SR may be more suitable as a soft-tissue implant than SR and has the potential to be used in plastic surgery.

Development and analysis of an instrument to assess student understanding of GOB chemistry knowledge relevant to clinical nursing practice.

PubMed

Brown, Corina E; Hyslop, Richard M; Barbera, Jack

2015-01-01

The General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry Knowledge Assessment (GOB-CKA) is a multiple-choice instrument designed to assess students' understanding of the chemistry topics deemed important to clinical nursing practice. This manuscript describes the development process of the individual items along with a psychometric evaluation of the final version of the items and instrument. In developing items for the GOB-CKA, essential topics were identified through a series of expert interviews (with practicing nurses, nurse educators, and GOB chemistry instructors) and confirmed through a national survey. Individual items were tested in qualitative studies with students from the target population for clarity and wording. Data from pilot and beta studies were used to evaluate each item and narrow the total item count to 45. A psychometric analysis performed on data from the 45-item final version was used to provide evidence of validity and reliability. The final version of the instrument has a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.76. Feedback from an expert panel provided evidence of face and content validity. Convergent validity was estimated by comparing the results from the GOB-CKA with the General-Organic-Biochemistry Exam (Form 2007) of the American Chemical Society. Instructors who wish to use the GOB-CKA for teaching and research may contact the corresponding author for a copy of the instrument. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Pre-inverted SESAME data table construction enhancements to correct unexpected inverse interpolation pathologies in EOSPAC 6

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

Pimentel, David A.; Sheppard, Daniel G.

It was recently demonstrated that EOSPAC 6 continued to incorrectly create and interpolate pre-inverted SESAME data tables after the release of version 6.3.2beta.2. Significant interpolation pathologies were discovered to occur when EOSPAC 6's host software enabled pre-inversion with the EOS_INVERT_AT_SETUP option. This document describes a solution that uses data transformations found in EOSPAC 5 and its predecessors. The numerical results and performance characteristics of both the default and pre-inverted interpolation modes in both EOSPAC 6.3.2beta.2 and the fixed logic of EOSPAC 6.4.0beta.1 are presented herein, and the latter software release is shown to produce significantly-improved numerical results for the pre-invertedmore » interpolation mode.« less

Rapid detection of multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacilli by Cica-Beta-Test strips.

PubMed

Lavigne, J-P; Pfeiffer, C; Vidal, L; Sotto, A

2011-02-01

This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of a new system (Cica-Beta-Test, Kanto Chemical, Japan) for rapid detection of AmpC-derepressed, extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESβL) and metallo-β-lactamases (MβL). Two hundred Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR)-Gram-negative bacilli were studied: 170 Enterobacteriaceae and 30 Gram-negative non-fermentative bacteria. One hundred and eighteen strains produced an ESβL, seven MβL and 75 derepressed cephalosporinases. One drop of substrate was dispensed onto the filter pad of the Cica-Beta-Test strip. The bacterial colonies were spread on the filter pad of strip. The reading was performed after 2 to 15 min: turning chromogenic indicated the positive test. Three tests were used: Cica-Beta I for detection of MDR bacteria; Cica-Beta MβL for detection of MβL-producing bacteria and Cica-Beta CVA, which distinguish ESβL and AmpC-derepressed producers. Results were compared with molecular assays. Cica-Beta-Test I has detected 194 MDR (sensitivity 97%), Cica-Beta-Test MβL has shown the presence of six MβL tested (sensitivity 85.7%). Five strains were non-MβL false positive (specificity 97.3%). Cica-Beta-Test CVA allowed the differentiation of ESβL-producing strains (109/115) and AmpC-derepressed strains (56/67) (sensitivity 94.8%, specificity 83.8%). Because of their epidemic nature, the MDR strains are screened and require strict hygienic measures patients. The simultaneous use of three strips can quickly determine the presence of MDR including ESβL and MβL. Rapid screening of MDR avoids transmission and limits the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Impact of beta-blockers on cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients with advanced liver disease.

PubMed

Wallen, M P; Hall, A; Dias, K A; Ramos, J S; Keating, S E; Woodward, A J; Skinner, T L; Macdonald, G A; Arena, R; Coombes, J S

2017-10-01

Patients with advanced liver disease may develop portal hypertension that can result in variceal haemorrhage. Beta-blockers reduce portal pressure and minimise haemorrhage risk. These medications may attenuate measures of cardiopulmonary performance, such as the ventilatory threshold and peak oxygen uptake measured via cardiopulmonary exercise testing. To determine the effect of beta-blockers on cardiopulmonary exercise testing variables in patients with advanced liver disease. This was a cross-sectional analysis of 72 participants who completed a cardiopulmonary exercise test before liver transplantation. All participants remained on their usual beta-blocker dose and timing prior to the test. Variables measured during cardiopulmonary exercise testing included the ventilatory threshold, peak oxygen uptake, heart rate, oxygen pulse, the oxygen uptake efficiency slope and the ventilatory equivalents for carbon dioxide slope. Participants taking beta-blockers (n = 28) had a lower ventilatory threshold (P <.01) and peak oxygen uptake (P = .02), compared to participants not taking beta-blockers. After adjusting for age, the model of end-stage liver-disease score, liver-disease aetiology, presence of refractory ascites and ventilatory threshold remained significantly lower in the beta-blocker group (P = .04). The oxygen uptake efficiency slope was not impacted by beta-blocker use. Ventilatory threshold is reduced in patients with advanced liver disease taking beta-blockers compared to those not taking the medication. This may incorrectly risk stratify patients on beta-blockers and has implications for patient management before and after liver transplantation. The oxygen uptake efficiency slope was not influenced by beta-blockers and may therefore be a better measure of cardiopulmonary performance in this patient population. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Beta lactam antibiotics residues in cow's milk: comparison of efficacy of three screening tests used in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

PubMed

Fejzic, Nihad; Begagic, Muris; Šerić-Haračić, Sabina; Smajlovic, Muhamed

2014-08-27

Beta lactam antibiotics are widely used in therapy of cattle, particularly for the treatment of mastitis.  Over 95% of residue testing in dairies in Bosnia and Herzegovina is for Beta lactams. The aim of this paper is to compare the efficacy of three most common screening tests for Beta lactam residues in cow's milk in our country. The tests used in the study are SNAP β Lactam test (Idexx), Rosa Charm β Lactam test and Inhibition MRL test. Study samples included: standardized concentrations of penicillin solution (0, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 ppb). In addition we tested milk samples from three equal size study groups (not receiving any antibiotic therapy, treated with Beta lactams for mastitis and treated with Beta lactams for diseases other than mastitis). Sensitivity and specificity were determined for each test, using standard penicillin concentrations with threshold value set at concentration of 4 ppb (Maximum residue level - MLR). Additionally we determined proportions of presumably false negative and false positive results for each test using results of filed samples testing. Agreement of test results for each test pair was assessed through Kappa coefficients interpreted by Landis-Koch scale. Detection level of all tests was shown to be well below MRL. This alongside with effects of natural inhibitors in milk contributed to finding of positive results in untreated and treated animals after the withholding period. Screening tests for beta lactam residues are important tools for ensuring that milk for human consumption is free from antibiotics residues.

Beta lactam antibiotics residues in cow’s milk: comparison of efficacy of three screening tests used in Bosnia and Herzegovina

PubMed Central

Fejzić, Nihad; Begagić, Muris; Šerić-Haračić, Sabina; Smajlović, Muhamed

2014-01-01

Beta lactam antibiotics are widely used in therapy of cattle, particularly for the treatment of mastitis. Over 95% of residue testing in dairies in Bosnia and Herzegovina is for Beta lactams. The aim of this paper is to compare the efficacy of three most common screening tests for Beta lactam residues in cow’s milk in our country. The tests used in the study are SNAP β Lactam test (Idexx), Rosa Charm β Lactam test (Charm Sciences) and Inhibition MRL test (A&M). Study samples included: standardized concentrations of penicillin solution (0, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 ppb). In addition we tested milk samples from three equal size study groups (not receiving any antibiotic therapy, treated with Beta lactams for mastitis and treated with Beta lactams for diseases other than mastitis). Sensitivity and specificity were determined for each test, using standard penicillin concentrations with threshold value set at concentration of 4 ppb (Maximum residue level – MLR). Additionally we determined proportions of presumably false negative and false positive results for each test using results of filed samples testing. Agreement of test results for each test pair was assessed through Kappa coefficients interpreted by Landis-Koch scale. Detection level of all tests was shown to be well below MRL. This alongside with effects of natural inhibitors in milk contributed to finding of positive results in untreated and treated animals after the withholding period. Screening tests for beta lactam residues are important tools for ensuring that milk for human consumption is free from antibiotics residues. PMID:25172975

21 CFR 866.5630 - Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... beta-2-microglobulin (a protein molecule) in serum, urine, and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system. 866.5630 Section 866.5630 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5630 - Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... beta-2-microglobulin (a protein molecule) in serum, urine, and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system. 866.5630 Section 866.5630 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5630 - Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... beta-2-microglobulin (a protein molecule) in serum, urine, and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system. 866.5630 Section 866.5630 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5630 - Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... beta-2-microglobulin (a protein molecule) in serum, urine, and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Beta-2-microglobulin immunological test system. 866.5630 Section 866.5630 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

Revising the Belgian Nursing Minimum Dataset: from concept to implementation.

PubMed

Sermeus, Walter; van den Heede, Koen; Michiels, Dominik; Delesie, Lucas; Thonon, Olivier; Van Boven, Caroline; Codognotto, Jean; Gillet, Pierre

2005-12-01

The process of revising the Belgian Nursing Minimum Dataset (B-NMDS) started in 2000 and entailed four major phases. The first phase (June-October 2002) involved the development of a conceptual framework based on a literature review and secondary data analysis. The Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) was selected as a framework for the revision of the original B-NMDS. The second phase (November 2002-September 2003) focused on language development for six care programs evaluated by panels of clinical experts (N=75). These panels identified the following items as priorities for the revised B-NMDS: hospital financing, nurse staffing allocation, assessment of the appropriateness of hospitalisation, and quality management. During this period, we developed a draft instrument with 92 variables using the NIC. This led to an alpha version of a revised B-NMDS. The third phase (October 2003-December 2004) focused on data collection and validation of the new tool. The revised B-NMDS (alpha version) was tested in 158 nursing wards in 66 Belgian hospitals from December 2003 until March 2004. This test generated data for some 95,000 in-patient days. The interrater reliability of the revised B-NMDS was assessed. The criterion-related validity of the revised B-NMDS was compared to that of the original B-NMDS. The discriminative power of the revised B-NMDS was also assessed to select the most relevant variables for data collection. This resulted in a beta version of the revised B-NMDS in December 2004. The records of the revised B-NMDS were linked to the Hospital Discharge Dataset and other mandatory datasets to integrate the revised B-NMDS into the overall healthcare management system. The fourth phase (January 2005-December 2005) is presently focusing on information management. Nationwide implementation is foreseen by January 2007.

Community Solar Scenario Tool | Integrated Energy Solutions | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Community Solar Scenario Tool Community Solar Scenario Tool The Community Solar Scenario Tool (CSST ) provides a "first cut" analysis of different community or shared solar program options. NREL sponsoring utility. Community Solar Scenario Tool -Beta Version Available as a Microsoft Excel file, which

Theoretical regime diagrams for thermally driven flows in a beta-plane channel. [in atmosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Geisler, J. E.; Fowlis, W. W.

1979-01-01

It is noted that thermally driven flows in rotating laboratory containers with cylindrical geometry can be axially symmetric or wavelike depending on the experimental parameters. In anticipation that rotating fluid experiments might soon be done in spherical shell geometry, Barcilon's model has been extended to a beta-plane channel in order to gain a rough understanding of the effects of rotating spherical geometry. An incompressible fluid version of the Charney (1947) model of baroclinic instability, modified to include Ekman pumping at rigid horizontal boundaries is used. With this model, stability boundaries are mapped out for individual zonal wavenumbers in the parameter space used by Barcilon.

AIRE-Linux

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Jianfeng; Xu, Benda; Peng, Chuan; Yang, Yang; Huo, Zhuoxi

2015-08-01

AIRE-Linux is a dedicated Linux system for astronomers. Modern astronomy faces two big challenges: massive observed raw data which covers the whole electromagnetic spectrum, and overmuch professional data processing skill which exceeds personal or even a small team's abilities. AIRE-Linux, which is a specially designed Linux and will be distributed to users by Virtual Machine (VM) images in Open Virtualization Format (OVF), is to help astronomers confront the challenges. Most astronomical software packages, such as IRAF, MIDAS, CASA, Heasoft etc., will be integrated into AIRE-Linux. It is easy for astronomers to configure and customize the system and use what they just need. When incorporated into cloud computing platforms, AIRE-Linux will be able to handle data intensive and computing consuming tasks for astronomers. Currently, a Beta version of AIRE-Linux is ready for download and testing.

21 CFR 866.5430 - Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... the beta-2-glycoprotein I (a serum protein) in serum and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system. 866.5430 Section 866.5430 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5430 - Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... the beta-2-glycoprotein I (a serum protein) in serum and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system. 866.5430 Section 866.5430 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5440 - Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... the beta-2-glycoprotein III (a serum protein) in serum and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system. 866.5440 Section 866.5440 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5430 - Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... the beta-2-glycoprotein I (a serum protein) in serum and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system. 866.5430 Section 866.5430 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5440 - Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... the beta-2-glycoprotein III (a serum protein) in serum and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system. 866.5440 Section 866.5440 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5440 - Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... the beta-2-glycoprotein III (a serum protein) in serum and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system. 866.5440 Section 866.5440 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5430 - Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... the beta-2-glycoprotein I (a serum protein) in serum and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Beta-2-glycoprotein I immunological test system. 866.5430 Section 866.5430 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5440 - Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... the beta-2-glycoprotein III (a serum protein) in serum and other body fluids. Measurement of beta-2... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Beta-2-glycoprotein III immunological test system. 866.5440 Section 866.5440 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

Effect of interleukin-1beta on the behavior of rats during mild stress in the open-field test.

PubMed

Pertsov, S S; Koplik, E V; Simbirtsev, A S; Kalinichenko, L S

2009-11-01

We studied the effect of interleukin-1beta on the behavior of rats with different individual typological characteristics during mild stress in the open-field test. Intraperitoneal injection of interleukin-1beta (5 microg/kg, 108 U/mg) was followed by a decrease in orientation and exploratory activity of passive and, particularly, of active animals in the open field. As differentiated from rats receiving physiological saline, the initial differences in behavioral characteristics of active and passive animals were not revealed in the repeated test after injection of interleukin-1beta. We conclude that interleukin-1beta abolishes the behavioral differences between active and passive specimens in the open field. These data suggest that administration of interleukin-1beta to rats leads to reorganization of the mechanisms for emotional evaluation of adverse emotiogenic factors under conditions of mild stress in the open-field test.

RAPID TEST FOR CHITINASE ACTIVITY THAT USES 4-METHYLUMBELLIFERYL-NU-ACETYL-BETA-D-GLUCOSAMINIDE

EPA Science Inventory

One hundred and one strains of bacteria from environmental and clinical sources, most of which were Gram negative, were tested for n-acetyl-Beta-D-glucosaminidase activity using a filter paper spot test with 4-methylumbelliferyl-N-acetyl-Beta-D-glucosaminide (4-MNABetaG) as subst...

An assumed joint-Beta PDF approach for supersonic turbulent combustion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baurle, R. A.; Alexopoulos, G. A.; Hassan, H. A.; Drummond, J. P.

1992-01-01

In a recent experiment, Cheng et al. (1991) used ultraviolet spontaneous vibrational Raman scattering and laser-induced predissociative fluorescence techniques for simultaneous measurements of temperature and concentrations of O2, H2, H2O, OH, and N2 (and their rms) in supersonic turbulent reacting shear layers. Because present computational techniques are not suited for prediction of all of the above measurements, a new approach has been developed and is being used to predict all relevant flow properties and their rms (where appropriate). The approach explores the use of a joint-Beta PDF for concentrations. It was found that the general expression of this PDF was impractical because of decoding problems resulting from determining the various parameters of the PDF. Thus, a special case of this general expression was considered. Calculations using this simplified version of the joint-Beta PDF were not consistent with the available data from the experiment.

Recent Developments in Grid Generation and Force Integration Technology for Overset Grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, William M.; VanDalsem, William R. (Technical Monitor)

1994-01-01

Recent developments in algorithms and software tools for generating overset grids for complex configurations are described. These include the overset surface grid generation code SURGRD and version 2.0 of the hyperbolic volume grid generation code HYPGEN. The SURGRD code is in beta test mode where the new features include the capability to march over a collection of panel networks, a variety of ways to control the side boundaries and the marching step sizes and distance, a more robust projection scheme and an interpolation option. New features in version 2.0 of HYPGEN include a wider range of boundary condition types. The code also allows the user to specify different marching step sizes and distance for each point on the surface grid. A scheme that takes into account of the overlapped zones on the body surface for the purpose of forces and moments computation is also briefly described, The process involves the following two software modules: MIXSUR - a composite grid generation module to produce a collection of quadrilaterals and triangles on which pressure and viscous stresses are to be integrated, and OVERINT - a forces and moments integration module.

MCNP Version 6.2 Release Notes

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

Werner, Christopher John; Bull, Jeffrey S.; Solomon, C. J.

Monte Carlo N-Particle or MCNP ® is a general-purpose Monte Carlo radiation-transport code designed to track many particle types over broad ranges of energies. This MCNP Version 6.2 follows the MCNP6.1.1 beta version and has been released in order to provide the radiation transport community with the latest feature developments and bug fixes for MCNP. Since the last release of MCNP major work has been conducted to improve the code base, add features, and provide tools to facilitate ease of use of MCNP version 6.2 as well as the analysis of results. These release notes serve as a general guidemore » for the new/improved physics, source, data, tallies, unstructured mesh, code enhancements and tools. For more detailed information on each of the topics, please refer to the appropriate references or the user manual which can be found at http://mcnp.lanl.gov. This release of MCNP version 6.2 contains 39 new features in addition to 172 bug fixes and code enhancements. There are still some 33 known issues the user should familiarize themselves with (see Appendix).« less

Evaluation of a rapid tube assay for presumptive identification of Escherichia coli from veterinary specimens.

PubMed Central

Iritani, B; Inzana, T J

1988-01-01

Three hundred sixty-six isolates of gram-negative, oxidase-negative bacteria from veterinary specimens were tested by a tube test for identification as Escherichia coli by production within 60 min of indole, beta-galactosidase, and beta-glucuronidase. The test correctly identified 255 of 269 isolates of E. coli (95% sensitivity) and correctly indicated that 97 of 97 isolates were not E. coli (100% specificity). We conclude that production of indole, beta-galactosidase, and beta-glucuronidase as measured by a rapid tube test is useful for identification of E. coli from veterinary specimens. PMID:3128581

Prevalence of and risk factors for oral human papillomavirus among young women in Costa Rica.

PubMed

Lang Kuhs, Krystle A; Gonzalez, Paula; Struijk, Linda; Castro, Felipe; Hildesheim, Allan; van Doorn, Leen-Jan; Rodriguez, Ana Cecilia; Schiffman, Mark; Quint, Wim; Lowy, Douglas R; Porras, Carolina; Delvecchio, Corey; Katki, Hormuzd A; Jimenez, Silvia; Safaeian, Mahboobeh; Schiller, John; Solomon, Diane; Wacholder, Sholom; Herrero, Rolando; Kreimer, Aimée R

2013-11-15

Little is known about the epidemiology of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) in Latin America. Women (N = 5838) aged 22-29 in the control and vaccine arms of an HPV-16/18 vaccine trial in Costa Rica had oral, cervical, and anal specimens collected. Samples were tested for alpha mucosal HPV types (SPF10/LiPA25 version 1); a subset of oral samples (n = 500) was tested for cutaneous HPV types in the genera alpha, beta, gamma, mu, and nu. In the control arm (n = 2926), 1.9% of women had an oral alpha mucosal HPV detected, 1.3% had carcinogenic HPV, and 0.4% had HPV-16; similar patterns for non-16/18 HPV types were observed in the vaccine arm. Independent risk factors for any oral alpha mucosal HPV among women in the control arm included marital status (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-5.7 for single compared to married/living as married), number of sexual partners (AOR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.0-6.1 for ≥4 partners compared to 0-1 partners), chronic sinusitis (AOR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.5-6.7), and cervical HPV infection (AOR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.4-4.6). Detection of beta HPV was common (18.6%) and not associated with sexual activity. Unlike cutaneous HPV types, alpha mucosal HPV types were uncommon in the oral region and were predominately associated with sexual behavior. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT00128661.

Validation of the BetaStar® Advanced for Beta-lactams Test Kit for the Screening of Bulk Tank and Tanker Truck Milks for the Presence of Beta-lactam Drug Residues.

PubMed

Denhartigh, Andrew; Reynolds, Lindsay; Palmer, Katherine; Klein, Frank; Rice, Jennifer; Rejman, John J

2018-05-18

A validation study was conducted for an immunochromatographic method (BetaStar ® Advanced for Beta-lactams) for the detection of beta-lactam residues in raw, commingled bovine milk. The assay detected amoxicillin, ampicillin, cloxacillin, penicillin, cephapirin, and ceftiofur below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration tolerance levels but above the maximum sensitivity thresholds established by the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments. The results of internal and independent laboratory dose-response studies employing spiked samples were in agreement. The test detected all six drugs at the approximate 90/95% sensitivity levels in milk from cows treated with each drug. Selectivity of the assay was 100%, as no false-positive results were obtained in testing 1148 control milk samples. Testing the estimated 90/95% sensitivity level for amoxicillin (8.5 ppb), ampicillin (6.9 ppb), cloxacillin (8.9 ppb), penicillin (4.2 ppb), and cephapirin (17.6 ppb), and at 100 ppb for each antibiotic, resulted in 94-100% positive tests for each of the beta-lactam drugs. The results of ruggedness experiments established the operating parameter tolerances for the assay. Cross-reactivity testing established that the assay detects other certain beta-lactam drugs, but it does not cross-react with any of 30 drugs belonging to seven different drug classes. Abnormally high bacterial or somatic cell counts in raw milk produced no assay interference.

Individual Differences in Behavioural Despair Predict Brain GSK-3beta Expression in Mice: The Power of a Modified Swim Test

PubMed Central

Markova, Nataliia; Shevtsova, Elena; Bakhmet, Anastassia; Steinbusch, Harry M.

2016-01-01

While deficient brain plasticity is a well-established pathophysiologic feature of depression, little is known about disorder-associated enhanced cognitive processing. Here, we studied a novel mouse paradigm that potentially models augmented learning of adverse memories during development of a depressive-like state. We used a modification of the classic two-day protocol of a mouse Porsolt test with an additional session occurring on Day 5 following the initial exposure. Unexpectedly, floating behaviour and brain glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3beta) mRNA levels, a factor of synaptic plasticity as well as a marker of distress and depression, were increased during the additional swimming session that was prevented by imipramine. Observed increases of GSK-3beta mRNA in prefrontal cortex during delayed testing session correlated with individual parameters of behavioural despair that was not found in the classic Porsolt test. Repeated swim exposure was accompanied by a lower pGSK-3beta/GSK-3beta ratio. A replacement of the second or the final swim sessions with exposure to the context of testing resulted in increased GSK-3beta mRNA level similar to the effects of swimming, while exclusion of the second testing prevented these changes. Together, our findings implicate the activation of brain GSK-3beta expression in enhanced contextual conditioning of adverse memories, which is associated with an individual susceptibility to a depressive syndrome. PMID:27478647

Individual Differences in Behavioural Despair Predict Brain GSK-3beta Expression in Mice: The Power of a Modified Swim Test.

PubMed

Strekalova, Tatyana; Markova, Nataliia; Shevtsova, Elena; Zubareva, Olga; Bakhmet, Anastassia; Steinbusch, Harry M; Bachurin, Sergey; Lesch, Klaus-Peter

2016-01-01

While deficient brain plasticity is a well-established pathophysiologic feature of depression, little is known about disorder-associated enhanced cognitive processing. Here, we studied a novel mouse paradigm that potentially models augmented learning of adverse memories during development of a depressive-like state. We used a modification of the classic two-day protocol of a mouse Porsolt test with an additional session occurring on Day 5 following the initial exposure. Unexpectedly, floating behaviour and brain glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3beta) mRNA levels, a factor of synaptic plasticity as well as a marker of distress and depression, were increased during the additional swimming session that was prevented by imipramine. Observed increases of GSK-3beta mRNA in prefrontal cortex during delayed testing session correlated with individual parameters of behavioural despair that was not found in the classic Porsolt test. Repeated swim exposure was accompanied by a lower pGSK-3beta/GSK-3beta ratio. A replacement of the second or the final swim sessions with exposure to the context of testing resulted in increased GSK-3beta mRNA level similar to the effects of swimming, while exclusion of the second testing prevented these changes. Together, our findings implicate the activation of brain GSK-3beta expression in enhanced contextual conditioning of adverse memories, which is associated with an individual susceptibility to a depressive syndrome.

Alternative Fuels Data Center: District of Columbia Transportation Data for

Science.gov Websites

Electricity Transportation Fuel Consumption Source: State Energy Data System based on beta data converted to (nameplate, MW) 0 Source: BioFuels Atlas from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Videos Text Version /GGE $2.96/gallon $2.66/GGE Source: Average prices per gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) for the Central

Identification of Allodynic Migraine Patients with the Turkish Version of the Allodynia Symptom Checklist: Reliability and Consistency Study

PubMed Central

YALIN, Osman Özgür; ULUDÜZ, Derya; SUNGUR, Mehmet Ali; SART, Hande; ÖZGE, Aynur

2017-01-01

Introduction Cutaneous allodynia is regarded as an expression of central sensitization in migraine. Although the gold standard is quantitative sensory testing, several practical assessment questionnaires have been developed to assess allodynia in migraine. We aimed to establish the first valid Turkish allodynia assessment questionnaire based on a 12-item allodynia symptom checklist and to evaluate the associated factors. Methods The first part of the study included the translation and cultural adaptation of a Turkish version of the checklist. The Turkish version of the questionnaire was administered to 344 episodic and chronic migraine patients, who were chosen according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders -III beta criteria. Results The total checklist score showed excellent test–retest reliability (r=0.821). The internal consistency of the checklist was assessed using Cronbach alpha values and was found to be acceptable (Cronbach alpha for the checklist=0.767). Data analysis revealed that 10 items of the questionnaire adequately identified allodynic subjects. Cutaneous allodynia was present in 218 (63.4%) migraine patients. Allodynia was more prominent in patients experiencing migraine with aura (p=0.008) and in females (p<0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis found that female gender, aura existence, longer headache duration, and higher attack frequency were the major determinants of cutaneous allodynia. Conclusion Allodynia is common and has clinical significance in migraine; therefore, establishing a validated Turkish questionnaire for the assessment of allodynia was necessary. In this study, a Turkish version of the allodynia symptom checklist was validated and found to be convenient for the identification of allodynia in migraine patients. PMID:29033640

Development and operations of the Astrophysics Data System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murray, S. S.

1993-01-01

The main effort in October 1992 was for the development and of the Astrophysics Data System (ADS) 3.1 graphical interface (GUI) and the preparation for its release. The beta-release for the GUI was made available to the nodes for testing. Development of the Abstract Server progressed satisfactorily. A test version was prepared for the ADASS meeting. Another major effort was the preparation for the user and nodes meetings on 5 and 6 November and for the ADASS conference on 2-4 November. February 1993 was highlighted by the preparation for the update release and its associated problems. We have the okay from the Commerce Department to export ADS. Foreign users can now sign on and receive the software. The main event during June was the AAS meeting. In the summer, the project decided on a new release schedule. The next major release is scheduled for January 1994 and will include major architectural improvements. In late spring 1994, a major release will include the new networking software.

Suitability of macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta production by THP-1 cells in differentiating skin sensitizers from irritant chemicals.

PubMed

Lim, Yeon-Mi; Moon, Seong-Joon; An, Su-Sun; Lee, Soo-Jin; Kim, Seo-Young; Chang, Ih-Seop; Park, Kui-Lea; Kim, Hyoung-Ah; Heo, Yong

2008-04-01

Worldwide restrictions in animal use for research have driven efforts to develop alternative methods. The study aimed to test the efficacy of the macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta (MIP-1beta) assay for testing chemicals' skin-sensitizing capacity. The assay was performed using 9 chemicals judged to be sensitizing and 7 non-sensitizing by the standard in vivo assays. THP-1 cells were cultured in the presence or absence of 4 doses, 0.01x, 0.1x, 0.5x, or 1x IC(50) (50% inhibitory concentration for THP-1 cell proliferation) of these chemicals for 24 hr, and the MIP-1beta level in the supernatants was determined. Skin sensitization by the test chemicals was determined by MIP-1beta production rates. The MIP-1beta production rate was expressed as the relative increase in MIP-1beta production in response to chemical treatment compared with vehicle treatment. When the threshold MIP-1beta production rate used was 100% or 105% of dimethyl sulfoxide, all the sensitizing chemicals tested (dinitrochlorobenzene, hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, eugenol, hydroquinone, dinitrofluorobenzene, benzocaine, nickel, chromium, and 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one) were positive, and all the non-sensitizing chemicals (methyl salicylate, benzalkonium chloride, lactic acid, isopropanol, and salicylic acid), with the exception of sodium lauryl sulfate, were negative for MIP-1beta production. These results indicate that MIP-1beta could be a biomarker for classification of chemicals as sensitizers or non-sensitizers.

Detection of ctx-M gene in ESBL-producing E. coli strains isolated from urinary tract infection in Semnan, Iran.

PubMed

Tabar, Mahbobeh Mohammad; Mirkalantari, Shiva; Amoli, Rabeeh Izadi

2016-07-01

The incidence of urinary tract infections caused by Extended-Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains due to long term and overuse of broad-spectrum cephalosporine is on the rise. CTX beta-lactamase type, a broad-spectrum beta-lactamase, has been expanding in many countries. The ctx gene is harbored on a plasmid that is spread between Enterobacteriaceae family, especially in E. coli. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of antimicrobial resistance and investigate the prevalent ESBL phenotype and the ctx-M gene in E. coli isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (UTI) in Semnan. A cross sectional study was performed on 109 strains of E. coli isolated from the urine culture of patient suffering from a UTI referred to Shafa hospital (Semnan, Iran) during March-July 2015. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was applied and the prevalence of the ESBL phenotype was confirmed using combination disk. PCR methods were completed for amplification of the bla ctx gene. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18 software. One hundred ninety samples (4.16%) were identified as E. coli. Twenty one (26.6%) of E. coli were ESBL positive and 73.4% were ESBL negative. There was 100% susceptibility to imipeneme. Twenty (68.97%) out of 29 isolates were positive for the ctx-M gene, as detected by PCR. In urinary tract infections, antibiotic treatment was experimental and detailed information regarding the sensitivity of bacteria in the area can be useful to achieve the best treatment.

Optimized formation of detergent micelles of beta-carotene and retinal production using recombinant human beta,beta-carotene 15,15'-monooxygenase.

PubMed

Kim, Nam-Hee; Kim, Yeong-Su; Kim, Hye-Jung; Oh, Deok-Kun

2008-01-01

The formation of beta-carotene detergent micelles and their conversion into retinal by recombinant human beta,beta-carotene 15,15'-monooxygenase was optimized under aqueous conditions. Toluene was the most hydrophobic among the organic solvents tested; thus, it was used to dissolve beta-carotene, which is a hydrophobic compound. Tween 80 was selected as the detergent because it supported the highest level of retinal production among all of the detergents tested. The maximum production of retinal was achieved in detergent micelles containing 200 mg/L of beta-carotene and 2.4% (w/v) Tween 80. Under these conditions, the recombinant enzyme produced 97 mg/L of retinal after 16 h with a conversion yield of 48.5% (w/w). The amount of retinal produced, which is the highest ever reported, is a result of the ability of our system to dissolve large amounts of beta-carotene.

On the mathematical analysis of Ebola hemorrhagic fever: deathly infection disease in West African countries.

PubMed

Atangana, Abdon; Goufo, Emile Franc Doungmo

2014-01-01

For a given West African country, we constructed a model describing the spread of the deathly disease called Ebola hemorrhagic fever. The model was first constructed using the classical derivative and then converted to the generalized version using the beta-derivative. We studied in detail the endemic equilibrium points and provided the Eigen values associated using the Jacobian method. We furthered our investigation by solving the model numerically using an iteration method. The simulations were done in terms of time and beta. The study showed that, for small portion of infected individuals, the whole country could die out in a very short period of time in case there is not good prevention.

Biochemical characterization of cholesterol-reducing Eubacterium.

PubMed

Mott, G E; Brinkley, A W; Mersinger, C L

1980-12-01

We characterized two isolates of cholesterol-reducing Eubacterium by conducting conventional biochemical tests and by testing various sterols and glycerolipids as potential growth factors. In media containing cholesterol and plasmenylethanolamine, the tests for nitrate reduction, indole production, and gelatin and starch hydrolyses were negative, and no acid was produced from any of 22 carbohydrates. Both isolates hydrolyzed esculin to esculetin, indicating beta-glycosidase activity. In addition to plasmenylethanolamine, five other lipids which contain an alkenyl ether residue supported growth of Eubacterium strain 403 in a lecithin-cholesterol base medium. Of six steroids tested, cholesterol, cholest-4-en-3-one, cholest-4-en-3 beta-ol (allocholesterol), and androst-5-en-3 beta-ol-17-one supported growth of Eubacterium strain 403. All four steroids were reduced to the 3 beta-ol, 5 beta-H products. The delta 5 steroids cholest-5-en-3 alpha-ol (epicholesterol) and 22,23-bisnor-5-cholenic acid-3-beta-ol were not reduced and did not support growth of the Eubacterium strain.

Distinct spatio-temporal profiles of beta-oscillations within visual and sensorimotor areas during action recognition as revealed by MEG.

PubMed

Pavlidou, Anastasia; Schnitzler, Alfons; Lange, Joachim

2014-05-01

The neural correlates of action recognition have been widely studied in visual and sensorimotor areas of the human brain. However, the role of neuronal oscillations involved during the process of action recognition remains unclear. Here, we were interested in how the plausibility of an action modulates neuronal oscillations in visual and sensorimotor areas. Subjects viewed point-light displays (PLDs) of biomechanically plausible and implausible versions of the same actions. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), we examined dynamic changes of oscillatory activity during these action recognition processes. While both actions elicited oscillatory activity in visual and sensorimotor areas in several frequency bands, a significant difference was confined to the beta-band (∼20 Hz). An increase of power for plausible actions was observed in left temporal, parieto-occipital and sensorimotor areas of the brain, in the beta-band in successive order between 1650 and 2650 msec. These distinct spatio-temporal beta-band profiles suggest that the action recognition process is modulated by the degree of biomechanical plausibility of the action, and that spectral power in the beta-band may provide a functional interaction between visual and sensorimotor areas in humans. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experts' opinion about the primary headache diagnostic criteria of the ICHD-3rd edition beta in children and adolescents.

PubMed

Özge, Aynur; Faedda, Noemi; Abu-Arafeh, Ishaq; Gelfand, Amy A; Goadsby, Peter James; Cuvellier, Jean Christophe; Valeriani, Massimiliano; Sergeev, Alexey; Barlow, Karen; Uludüz, Derya; Yalın, Osman Özgür; Lipton, Richard B; Rapoport, Alan; Guidetti, Vincenzo

2017-11-23

The 2013 International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 (ICHD-3) was published in a beta version to allow the clinicians to confirm the validity of the criteria or to suggest improvements based on field studies. The aim of this work was to review the Primary Headache Disorders Section of ICHD-3 beta data on children and adolescents (age 0-18 years), and to suggest changes, additions, and amendments. Several experts in childhood headache across the world applied different aspects of ICHD-3 beta in their normal clinical practice. Based on their personal experience and the literature available on pediatric headache, they made observations and proposed suggestions for the primary headache disorders section of ICHD-3 beta data on children and adolescents. Some headache disorders in children have specific features which are different from those seen in adults and which should be acknowledged and considered. Some features in children were found to be age-dependent: clinical characteristics, risks factors and etiologies have a strong bio psycho-social basis in children and adolescents making primary headache disorders in children distinct from those in adults. Several recommendations are presented in order to make ICHD-3 more appropriate for use with children.

Desensitization in patients with beta-lactam drug allergy.

PubMed

Yusin, J S; Klaustermeyer, W; Simmons, C W; Baum, M

2013-01-01

Patients with a history of beta-lactam antibiotic allergy are often admitted to the hospital with severe or life-threatening infections requiring beta-lactam antibiotics. Strict avoidance of beta lactams to such patients may prevent them from getting adequate coverage and can lead to an increase in the use of alternative antibiotics, which can predispose to antibiotic resistance. Past studies revealed a lower incidence of pen allergy then patients' histories suggest. Fortunately today, there are three options for patients presenting with a history of beta-lactam allergy. Penicillin skin testing, beta-lactam challenge or beta-lactam desensitization. Recently Pre Pen has been FDA re-approved and when combined with Pen G is a valid way to determine if patients are able to tolerate beta-lactam antibiotic. When these agents are not available one must decide about desensitization or challenge. When a patient has a positive penicillin skin test, desensitization or beta-lactam avoidance are the only options. This paper reviews the safety of beta-lactam desensitization. To perform a chart review on patients desensitised with beta lactam to determine if desensitizations can be performed safely without minimal complications. A retrospective chart review was performed on allergy and immunology inpatient consultations for beta-lactam desensitization between September 2003 and August 2006 at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles. Patient data and outcomes of desensitization were analysed. A total of 13 intravenous desensitizations were performed on 12 patients. The patients consisted of eight females and four males with an average age of 65 years. Age range was 36-92 years old. All 13 intravenous desensitizations were completed without complications. No patient required a slower rate of desensitization or discontinuance of the desensitization. Patients were able to tolerate the initial therapeutic dose of their beta-lactam antibiotic and were then able to complete full therapeutic courses of their antibiotic. Beta-lactam antibiotic sensitivity continues to present a challenging problem for physicians. Patients with drug resistant infections who are unable to obtain skin testing or who test positive to skin tests may need either a challenge or desensitization. Desensitization, saved for those with a convincing beta-lactam hypersensitivity history is often the choice of last resort given the associated cost and risk of anaphylaxis. However, once desensitization is complete, patients are usually able to tolerate full doses of antibiotics for full treatment length with minimal side effects. Published by Elsevier Espana.

Design and experimental results of the 1-T Bitter Electromagnet Testing Apparatus (BETA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bates, E. M.; Birmingham, W. J.; Romero-Talamás, C. A.

2018-05-01

The Bitter Electromagnet Testing Apparatus (BETA) is a 1-Tesla (T) technical prototype of the 10 T Adjustable Long Pulsed High-Field Apparatus. BETA's final design specifications are highlighted in this paper which include electromagnetic, thermal, and stress analyses. We discuss here the design and fabrication of BETA's core, vessel, cooling, and electrical subsystems. The electrical system of BETA is composed of a scalable solid-state DC breaker circuit. Experimental results display the stable operation of BETA at 1 T. These results are compared to both analytical design and finite element calculations. Experimental results validate analytical magnet designing methods developed at the Dusty Plasma Laboratory. The theoretical steady state maxima and the limits of BETA's design are explored in this paper.

Design and experimental results of the 1-T Bitter Electromagnet Testing Apparatus (BETA).

PubMed

Bates, E M; Birmingham, W J; Romero-Talamás, C A

2018-05-01

The Bitter Electromagnet Testing Apparatus (BETA) is a 1-Tesla (T) technical prototype of the 10 T Adjustable Long Pulsed High-Field Apparatus. BETA's final design specifications are highlighted in this paper which include electromagnetic, thermal, and stress analyses. We discuss here the design and fabrication of BETA's core, vessel, cooling, and electrical subsystems. The electrical system of BETA is composed of a scalable solid-state DC breaker circuit. Experimental results display the stable operation of BETA at 1 T. These results are compared to both analytical design and finite element calculations. Experimental results validate analytical magnet designing methods developed at the Dusty Plasma Laboratory. The theoretical steady state maxima and the limits of BETA's design are explored in this paper.

Presumptive identification of streptococci with a new test system.

PubMed Central

Facklam, R R; Thacker, L G; Fox, B; Eriquez, L

1982-01-01

A test is described that could replace bacitracin susceptibility for presumptive identification of group A streptococci as well as 6.5% NaCl agar tolerance for presumptive identification of enterococcal streptococci. The L-pyrrolidonyl-beta-naphthylamide test, based on hydrolysis of pyrrolidonyl-beta-naphthylamide, was used in conjunction with the CAMP and bile-esculin tests to presumptively identify the streptococci. Among the beta-hemolytic streptococci; 98% of 50 group A, 98% of 46 group B, and 100% of 70 strains that were not group A, B, or D were correctly identified by the new presumptive test scheme. Among the non-beta-hemolytic streptococci; 96% of 74 group D enterococcal, 100% of 30 group D nonenterococcal, and 82% of 112 viridans strains were correctly identified by the new presumptive test scheme. PMID:7050157

Extensions to the Beta Secondary Standard BSS 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Behrens, R.; Buchholz, G.

2011-11-01

Since several years, the irradiation facility for beta radiation, the Beta Secondary Standard BSS 2 developed at PTB, has been in worldwide use for the performance of irradiations with calibrated beta sources. Due to recent developments in eye tumor therapy, in eye lens dosimetry, and in soft- and hardware technology, several extensions have been added to the BSS 2. These extensions are described in this paper: 1. The possibility of using a 106Ru/106Rh beta source was added as this radionuclide is often used in tumor therapy. 2. The (small) contribution due to photon radiation was included in the dose (rate) reported by the BSS 2, as this was missing in the past. 3. The quantity personal dose equivalent at a depth of 3 mm, Hp(3), was implemented due to recent findings on the radio sensitivity of the eye lens regarding cataract induction and the subsequent lowering of the dose limit from 150 mSv down to 20 mSv per year; 4. The correction for ambient conditions (air temperature, pressure, and relative humidity) was improved in order to adequately handle the quantity Hp(3) and in order to extend the range of use beyond 25°C. 5. A checksum test was added to the software to secure the calibration data against (un)intended changes. 6. The connection of the PC and the BSS 2 has been changed to a network interface (TCP/IP) in order to be able to use up-to-date computers not containing a parallel and a serial port. 7. A rod phantom was added in order to make sure the mechanical set-up is of high quality. All these extensions have been implemented in the PTB's BSS 2 model. The routine implementation of extension 1 is still under investigation by the manufacturer. The commercially available BSS 2 will contain extensions 2 to 6 starting approximately in 2012, while extension 7 has already been incorporated since 2011. Extensions 2 to 4 will also be available for old BSS 2 versions via a software update, starting approximately at the beginning of 2012. Extension 6 will be available via hardware change by the manufacturer.

Vere-Jones' self-similar branching model

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

Saichev, A.; Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095; Sornette, D.

2005-11-01

Motivated by its potential application to earthquake statistics as well as for its intrinsic interest in the theory of branching processes, we study the exactly self-similar branching process introduced recently by Vere-Jones. This model extends the ETAS class of conditional self-excited branching point-processes of triggered seismicity by removing the problematic need for a minimum (as well as maximum) earthquake size. To make the theory convergent without the need for the usual ultraviolet and infrared cutoffs, the distribution of magnitudes m{sup '} of daughters of first-generation of a mother of magnitude m has two branches m{sup '}m with exponent {beta}+d, where {beta} and d are two positive parameters. We investigate the condition and nature of the subcritical, critical, and supercritical regime in this and in an extended version interpolating smoothly between several models. We predict that the distribution of magnitudes of events triggered by a mother of magnitude m over all generations has also two branches m{sup '}m with exponent {beta}+h, with h=d{radical}(1-s), where s is the fraction of triggered events. This corresponds to a renormalization of the exponent d into h by the hierarchy of successive generations of triggered events. For a significant part of the parameter space, the distribution of magnitudes over a full catalog summed over an average steady flow of spontaneous sources (immigrants) reproduces the distribution of the spontaneous sources with a single branch and is blind to the exponents {beta},d of the distribution of triggered events. Since the distribution of earthquake magnitudes is usually obtained with catalogs including many sequences, we conclude that the two branches of the distribution of aftershocks are not directly observable and the model is compatible with real seismic catalogs. In summary, the exactly self-similar Vere-Jones model provides an attractive new approach to model triggered seismicity, which alleviates delicate questions on the role of magnitude cutoffs in other non-self-similar models. The new prediction concerning two branches in the distribution of magnitudes of aftershocks could be tested with recently introduced stochastic reconstruction methods, tailored to disentangle the different triggered sequences.« less

HiRel: Hybrid Automated Reliability Predictor (HARP) integrated reliability tool system, (version 7.0). Volume 1: HARP introduction and user's guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bavuso, Salvatore J.; Rothmann, Elizabeth; Dugan, Joanne Bechta; Trivedi, Kishor S.; Mittal, Nitin; Boyd, Mark A.; Geist, Robert M.; Smotherman, Mark D.

1994-01-01

The Hybrid Automated Reliability Predictor (HARP) integrated Reliability (HiRel) tool system for reliability/availability prediction offers a toolbox of integrated reliability/availability programs that can be used to customize the user's application in a workstation or nonworkstation environment. HiRel consists of interactive graphical input/output programs and four reliability/availability modeling engines that provide analytical and simulative solutions to a wide host of reliable fault-tolerant system architectures and is also applicable to electronic systems in general. The tool system was designed to be compatible with most computing platforms and operating systems, and some programs have been beta tested, within the aerospace community for over 8 years. Volume 1 provides an introduction to the HARP program. Comprehensive information on HARP mathematical models can be found in the references.

The dynamic radiation environment assimilation model (DREAM)

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

Reeves, Geoffrey D; Koller, Josef; Tokar, Robert L

2010-01-01

The Dynamic Radiation Environment Assimilation Model (DREAM) is a 3-year effort sponsored by the US Department of Energy to provide global, retrospective, or real-time specification of the natural and potential nuclear radiation environments. The DREAM model uses Kalman filtering techniques that combine the strengths of new physical models of the radiation belts with electron observations from long-term satellite systems such as GPS and geosynchronous systems. DREAM includes a physics model for the production and long-term evolution of artificial radiation belts from high altitude nuclear explosions. DREAM has been validated against satellites in arbitrary orbits and consistently produces more accurate resultsmore » than existing models. Tools for user-specific applications and graphical displays are in beta testing and a real-time version of DREAM has been in continuous operation since November 2009.« less

Harnessing the theoretical foundations of the exponential and beta-Poisson dose-response models to quantify parameter uncertainty using Markov Chain Monte Carlo.

PubMed

Schmidt, Philip J; Pintar, Katarina D M; Fazil, Aamir M; Topp, Edward

2013-09-01

Dose-response models are the essential link between exposure assessment and computed risk values in quantitative microbial risk assessment, yet the uncertainty that is inherent to computed risks because the dose-response model parameters are estimated using limited epidemiological data is rarely quantified. Second-order risk characterization approaches incorporating uncertainty in dose-response model parameters can provide more complete information to decisionmakers by separating variability and uncertainty to quantify the uncertainty in computed risks. Therefore, the objective of this work is to develop procedures to sample from posterior distributions describing uncertainty in the parameters of exponential and beta-Poisson dose-response models using Bayes's theorem and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (in OpenBUGS). The theoretical origins of the beta-Poisson dose-response model are used to identify a decomposed version of the model that enables Bayesian analysis without the need to evaluate Kummer confluent hypergeometric functions. Herein, it is also established that the beta distribution in the beta-Poisson dose-response model cannot address variation among individual pathogens, criteria to validate use of the conventional approximation to the beta-Poisson model are proposed, and simple algorithms to evaluate actual beta-Poisson probabilities of infection are investigated. The developed MCMC procedures are applied to analysis of a case study data set, and it is demonstrated that an important region of the posterior distribution of the beta-Poisson dose-response model parameters is attributable to the absence of low-dose data. This region includes beta-Poisson models for which the conventional approximation is especially invalid and in which many beta distributions have an extreme shape with questionable plausibility. © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada 2013. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Monte Carlo calculated TG-60 dosimetry parameters for the {beta}{sup -} emitter {sup 153}Sm brachytherapy source

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

Sadeghi, Mahdi; Taghdiri, Fatemeh; Hamed Hosseini, S.

Purpose: The formalism recommended by Task Group 60 (TG-60) of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) is applicable for {beta} sources. Radioactive biocompatible and biodegradable {sup 153}Sm glass seed without encapsulation is a {beta}{sup -} emitter radionuclide with a short half-life and delivers a high dose rate to the tumor in the millimeter range. This study presents the results of Monte Carlo calculations of the dosimetric parameters for the {sup 153}Sm brachytherapy source. Methods: Version 5 of the (MCNP) Monte Carlo radiation transport code was used to calculate two-dimensional dose distributions around the source. The dosimetric parameters ofmore » AAPM TG-60 recommendations including the reference dose rate, the radial dose function, the anisotropy function, and the one-dimensional anisotropy function were obtained. Results: The dose rate value at the reference point was estimated to be 9.21{+-}0.6 cGy h{sup -1} {mu}Ci{sup -1}. Due to the low energy beta emitted from {sup 153}Sm sources, the dose fall-off profile is sharper than the other beta emitter sources. The calculated dosimetric parameters in this study are compared to several beta and photon emitting seeds. Conclusions: The results show the advantage of the {sup 153}Sm source in comparison with the other sources because of the rapid dose fall-off of beta ray and high dose rate at the short distances of the seed. The results would be helpful in the development of the radioactive implants using {sup 153}Sm seeds for the brachytherapy treatment.« less

Analysis of Decentralized Variable Structure Control for Collective Search by Mobile Robots

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

Feddema, J.; Goldsmith, S.; Robinett, R.

1998-11-04

This paper presents an analysis of a decentralized coordination strategy for organizing and controlling a team of mobile robots performing collective search. The alpha-beta coordination strategy is a family of collective search algorithms that allow teams of communicating robots to implicitly coordinate their search activities through a division of labor based on self-selected roIes. In an alpha-beta team. alpha agents are motivated to improve their status by exploring new regions of the search space. Beta a~ents are conservative, and reiy on the alpha agents to provide advanced information on favorable regions of the search space. An agent selects its currentmore » role dynamically based on its current status value relative to the current status values of the other team members. Status is determined by some function of the agent's sensor readings, and is generally a measurement of source intensity at the agent's current location. Variations on the decision rules determining alpha and beta behavior produce different versions of the algorithm that lead to different global properties. The alpha-beta strategy is based on a simple finite-state machine that implements a form of Variable Structure Control (VSC). The VSC system changes the dynamics of the collective system by abruptly switching at defined states to alternative control laws . In VSC, Lyapunov's direct method is often used to design control surfaces which guide the system to a given goal. We introduce the alpha-beta aIgorithm and present an analysis of the equilibrium point and the global stability of the alpha-beta algorithm based on Lyapunov's method.« less

Analysis of decentralized variable structure control for collective search by mobile robots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldsmith, Steven Y.; Feddema, John T.; Robinett, Rush D., III

1998-10-01

This paper presents an analysis of a decentralized coordination strategy for organizing and controlling a team of mobile robots performing collective search. The alpha- beta coordination strategy is a family of collective search algorithms that allow teams of communicating robots to implicitly coordinate their search activities through a division of labor based on self-selected roles. In an alpha- beta team, alpha agents are motivated to improve their status by exploring new regions of the search space. Beta agents are conservative, and rely on the alpha agents to provide advanced information on favorable regions of the search space. An agent selects its current role dynamically based on its current status value relative to the current status values of the other team members. Status is determined by some function of the agent's sensor readings, and is generally a measurement of source intensity at the agent's current location. Variations on the decision rules determining alpha and beta behavior produce different versions of the algorithm that lead to different global properties. The alpha-beta strategy is based on a simple finite-state machine that implements a form of Variable Structure Control (VSC). The VSC system changes the dynamics of the collective system by abruptly switching at defined states to alternative control laws. In VSC, Lyapunov's direct method is often used to design control surfaces which guide the system to a given goal. We introduce the alpha- beta algorithm and present an analysis of the equilibrium point and the global stability of the alpha-beta algorithm based on Lyapunov's method.

Efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng by Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in Obese Women: Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Kwon, Dong Hyun; Bose, Shambhunath; Song, Mi Young; Lee, Myeong Jong; Lim, Chi Yeon; Kwon, Bum Sun; Kim, Ho Jun

2012-01-01

This study examined the effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on obese women and aimed to confirm that the effects of KRG on obesity differ dependently on a gene. Fifty obese women were recruited and randomized to receive KRG (n=24) or placebo (n=26) for 8 wk. Measurements of blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio (WHR), total fat mass, percentage of body fat, resting metabolic rate, basal body temperature, and daily food intake (FI), blood test (serum lipid, liver and renal function), Korean version of obesity-related quality of life scale (KOQOL), and a gene examination were performed. Comparisons of subjects before and after the administration of KRG revealed significant improvements of obesity in terms of weight, body mass index (BMI), WHR, FI, and KOQOL. However, in the comparison between KRG group and placebo group, only KOQOL was significantly different. KRG displayed significant efficacy on BMI and KOQOL in the CT genotype of the G protein beta 3 gene, but not in the CC genotype, on blood sugar test in the Trp64/Arg genotype of the beta 3 adrenergic receptor gene, but not in Trp64/ Trp genotype, on KOQOL in the DD genotype of the angiotensin I converting enzyme gene, but not in the ID and DD genotypes. The effects of KRG on obesity were confirmed to some extent. However, a distinct effect compared to placebo was not confirmed. KRG is more effective for improving the secondary issues of the quality of life derived from obesity rather than having direct effects on the obesity-related anthropometric assessment and blood test indices. PMID:23717118

Efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng by Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in Obese Women: Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial.

PubMed

Kwon, Dong Hyun; Bose, Shambhunath; Song, Mi Young; Lee, Myeong Jong; Lim, Chi Yeon; Kwon, Bum Sun; Kim, Ho Jun

2012-04-01

This study examined the effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on obese women and aimed to confirm that the effects of KRG on obesity differ dependently on a gene. Fifty obese women were recruited and randomized to receive KRG (n=24) or placebo (n=26) for 8 wk. Measurements of blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio (WHR), total fat mass, percentage of body fat, resting metabolic rate, basal body temperature, and daily food intake (FI), blood test (serum lipid, liver and renal function), Korean version of obesity-related quality of life scale (KOQOL), and a gene examination were performed. Comparisons of subjects before and after the administration of KRG revealed significant improvements of obesity in terms of weight, body mass index (BMI), WHR, FI, and KOQOL. However, in the comparison between KRG group and placebo group, only KOQOL was significantly different. KRG displayed significant efficacy on BMI and KOQOL in the CT genotype of the G protein beta 3 gene, but not in the CC genotype, on blood sugar test in the Trp64/Arg genotype of the beta 3 adrenergic receptor gene, but not in Trp64/ Trp genotype, on KOQOL in the DD genotype of the angiotensin I converting enzyme gene, but not in the ID and DD genotypes. The effects of KRG on obesity were confirmed to some extent. However, a distinct effect compared to placebo was not confirmed. KRG is more effective for improving the secondary issues of the quality of life derived from obesity rather than having direct effects on the obesity-related anthropometric assessment and blood test indices.

Comparison of imaging biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease: amyloid imaging with [18F]florbetapir positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging voxel-based analysis for entorhinal cortex atrophy.

PubMed

Tateno, Amane; Sakayori, Takeshi; Kawashima, Yoshitaka; Higuchi, Makoto; Suhara, Tetsuya; Mizumura, Sunao; Mintun, Mark A; Skovronsky, Daniel M; Honjo, Kazuyoshi; Ishihara, Keiichi; Kumita, Shinichiro; Suzuki, Hidenori; Okubo, Yoshiro

2015-05-01

We compared amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in subjects clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and older healthy controls (OHC) in order to test how these imaging biomarkers represent cognitive decline in AD. Fifteen OHC, 19 patients with MCI, and 19 patients with AD were examined by [(18)F]florbetapir PET to quantify the standard uptake value ratio (SUVR) as the degree of amyloid accumulation, by MRI and the voxel-based specific regional analysis system for AD to calculate z-score as the degree of entorhinal cortex atrophy, and by mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive component--Japanese version (ADAS-Jcog) for cognitive functions. Both cutoff values for measuring AD-like levels of amyloid (1.099 for SUVR) and entorhinal cortex atrophy (1.60 for z-score) were well differentially diagnosed and clinically defined AD from OHC (84.2% for SUVR and 86.7% for z-score). Subgroup analysis based on beta-amyloid positivity revealed that z-score significantly correlated with MMSE (r = -0.626, p < 0.01) and ADAS-Jcog (r = 0.691, p < 0.01) only among subjects with beta-amyloid. This is the first study to compare [(18)F]florbetapir PET and MRI voxel-based analysis of entorhinal cortex atrophy for AD. Both [(18)F]florbetapir PET and MRI detected changes in AD compared with OHC. Considering that entorhinal cortex atrophy correlated well with cognitive decline only among subjects with beta-amyloid, [18F]florbetapir PET makes it possible to detect AD pathology in the early stage, whereas MRI morphometry for subjects with beta-amyloid provides a good biomarker to assess the severity of AD in the later stage. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

An interactive programme for weighted Steiner trees

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zanchetta do Nascimento, Marcelo; Ramos Batista, Valério; Raffa Coimbra, Wendhel

2015-01-01

We introduce a fully written programmed code with a supervised method for generating weighted Steiner trees. Our choice of the programming language, and the use of well- known theorems from Geometry and Complex Analysis, allowed this method to be implemented with only 764 lines of effective source code. This eases the understanding and the handling of this beta version for future developments.

Correction to: Detection and full genome characterization of two beta CoV viruses related to Middle East respiratory syndrome from bats in Italy.

PubMed

Moreno, Ana; Lelli, Davide; De Sabato, Luca; Zaccaria, Guendalina; Boni, Arianna; Sozzi, Enrica; Prosperi, Alice; Lavazza, Antonio; Cella, Eleonora; Castrucci, Maria Rita; Ciccozzi, Massimo; Vaccari, Gabriele

2018-01-12

After Publication of the article [1], it has been brought to our attention that an author's name has been spelt incorrectly. The correct spelling should be "Massimo Ciccozzi", but it was previously included as "Massimo Cicozzi". The original version has now been revised to reflect this.

Designing Colorectal Cancer Screening Decision Support: A Cognitive Engineering Enterprise.

PubMed

Militello, Laura G; Saleem, Jason J; Borders, Morgan R; Sushereba, Christen E; Haverkamp, Donald; Wolf, Steven P; Doebbeling, Bradley N

2016-03-01

Adoption of clinical decision support has been limited. Important barriers include an emphasis on algorithmic approaches to decision support that do not align well with clinical work flow and human decision strategies, and the expense and challenge of developing, implementing, and refining decision support features in existing electronic health records (EHRs). We applied decision-centered design to create a modular software application to support physicians in managing and tracking colorectal cancer screening. Using decision-centered design facilitates a thorough understanding of cognitive support requirements from an end user perspective as a foundation for design. In this project, we used an iterative design process, including ethnographic observation and cognitive task analysis, to move from an initial design concept to a working modular software application called the Screening & Surveillance App. The beta version is tailored to work with the Veterans Health Administration's EHR Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). Primary care providers using the beta version Screening & Surveillance App more accurately answered questions about patients and found relevant information more quickly compared to those using CPRS alone. Primary care providers also reported reduced mental effort and rated the Screening & Surveillance App positively for usability.

Designing Colorectal Cancer Screening Decision Support: A Cognitive Engineering Enterprise

PubMed Central

Militello, Laura G.; Saleem, Jason J.; Borders, Morgan R.; Sushereba, Christen E.; Haverkamp, Donald; Wolf, Steven P.; Doebbeling, Bradley N.

2016-01-01

Adoption of clinical decision support has been limited. Important barriers include an emphasis on algorithmic approaches to decision support that do not align well with clinical work flow and human decision strategies, and the expense and challenge of developing, implementing, and refining decision support features in existing electronic health records (EHRs). We applied decision-centered design to create a modular software application to support physicians in managing and tracking colorectal cancer screening. Using decision-centered design facilitates a thorough understanding of cognitive support requirements from an end user perspective as a foundation for design. In this project, we used an iterative design process, including ethnographic observation and cognitive task analysis, to move from an initial design concept to a working modular software application called the Screening & Surveillance App. The beta version is tailored to work with the Veterans Health Administration’s EHR Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). Primary care providers using the beta version Screening & Surveillance App more accurately answered questions about patients and found relevant information more quickly compared to those using CPRS alone. Primary care providers also reported reduced mental effort and rated the Screening & Surveillance App positively for usability. PMID:26973441

Hazardous material transportation safety and security field operational test beta test and baseline data report : executive summary

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-10-29

The Beta Test and Baseline Data Collection efforts ensured that the test technologies would successfully operate during the field operational test (FOT) in the designed scenario configurations. These efforts also ensured that FOT systems would succes...

Monitoring gross alpha and beta activity in liquids by using ZnS(Ag) scintillation detectors

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

Stevanato, L.; Cester, D.; Filippi, D.

In this work the possibility of monitoring gross alpha and beta activity in liquids using EJ-444 was investigated. Specific tests were carried out to determine the change of the detector properties in water tests. Possible protecting coating is also proposed and tested. Alpha/beta real-time monitoring in liquids is a goal of the EU project TAWARA{sub R}TM. (authors)

Assessment of Version 4 of the SMAP Passive Soil Moisture Standard Product

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

O'neill, P. O.; Chan, S.; Bindlish, R.; Jackson, T.; Colliander, A.; Dunbar, R.; Chen, F.; Piepmeier, Jeffrey R.; Yueh, S.; Entekhabi, D.;

The association between hypertension-specific care management processes and blood pressure outcomes in US-based physician organizations.

PubMed

Wong, Ken; Smalarz, Amy; Wu, Ning; Boulanger, Luke; Wogen, Jenifer

2011-01-01

Care management processes (CMP) may be implemented in health systems to improve chronic disease quality of care. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between the presence of hypertension-specific CMP and blood pressure (BP) control among hypertensive patients within selected physician organizations in the USA-modified version of the Physician Practice Connection Readiness Survey (PPC-RS), developed by The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), was administered to chief medical officers at 28 US-based physician organizations in 2010. Hypertension-specific survey items were added to the PPC-RS and focused on medication fill compliance, chronic disease management, and patient self-management. Demographic and clinical cross-sectional data from a random sample of 300 hypertensive patients age 18 years or older were collected at each site. Physician site and patient characteristics were reported. Regression models were used to assess the relationship between hypertension-specific physician practices and patient BP control. Eligible patients had at least a 1-year history of care with the physician organization and had an encounter within the past year of data collection. Of the 28 participating sites, most had electronic medical records that handle total functionality (71.4%) and had more than 50 staff members (78.6%). Across all sites, approximately 61% of patients had controlled BP. Regression analyses found that practices that used physician education as an effort to improve medication fill compliance demonstrated improvement in BP control (changes in systolic BP: beta coefficient = -1.366, P = .034; changes in diastolic BP: beta coefficient = -0.859, P = .056). The use of a systematic process to screen or assess patients for hypertension as a risk factor was also found to be associated with improvements in BP control (changes in diastolic BP: beta coefficient = -0.860, P = .006). In addition, physician practices that maintained a list of hypertensive patients along with the patients' associated clinical data demonstrated better BP control (currently controlled BP: beta coefficient = 0.282, P = .034; currently uncontrolled BP: beta coefficient = -0.292, P = .023). However, use of the following practices had a negative correlation with BP control: case management (changes in systolic BP: beta coefficient 1.649, P = .022; changes in diastolic BP: beta coefficient = 0.910, P = .078), follow-up for missed appointments (changes in systolic BP: beta coefficient = 0.937, P = .041; changes in diastolic BP: beta coefficient = 0.165, P = .627), adopted written evidence-based standards of care to treat hypertension (changes in systolic BP: beta coefficient = 0.985, P = .032; changes in diastolic BP: beta coefficient = 0.346, P = .305), and checklists for tests and interventions (changes in systolic BP: beta coefficient = 1.586, P = .004; changes in diastolic BP: beta coefficient = 0.938, P = .019). Findings from this multisite study provide evidence that the presence of some hypertension-specific CMP in physician organizations may be associated with better BP outcomes among hypertensive patients. In particular, patients may benefit from physician efforts to improve medication fill compliance as well as organizational monitoring of hypertensive patients and their clinical data. Further research is warranted to better assess the relationship between CMP and treatment of chronic diseases such as hypertension over time. Copyright © 2011 American Society of Hypertension. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Role of beta1-adrenoceptor in the basolateral amygdala of rats with anxiety-like behavior.

PubMed

Fu, Ailing; Li, Xiaorong; Zhao, Baoquan

2008-05-23

There are evidence suggesting that the function of adrenergic receptor is affected in the amygdala of animals with anxiety-like behavior. However, beta-adrenoceptor (beta-AR) subtypes, consisting of three subtypes, exert different effects on anxiety regulation. In order to determine the function of the beta1-AR subtype in anxiety-like behavior, we investigated the change of beta1-AR expression by immunostaining in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) of rats treated by conditional fear training. The results indicated that the level of beta1-AR was significantly increased in the BLA of fear-conditioned animals as compared that of controls. In animal behavioral tests, animals treated with selective beta1-AR antagonist metoprolol before conditional fear training exhibited a significant attenuation of anxiety-like behavior characterized by increased percentage of time spent and percentage of entries in the open arms, and increased number of head-dips in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) test compared with the animals treated with only saline. Furthermore, the rats pretreated with metoprolol in the conditional fear training significantly decreased the freezing behavior in the test compared with the controls. The results suggested that the beta1-AR played an important role in anxiety-like behavior, and inhibition of the beta1-AR in the BLA could produce anxiolytic effect.

Field Tolerances for the Triplet Quadrupoles of the LHC High Luminosity Lattice

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

Nosochkov, Yuri; Cai, Y.; Jiao, Y.

2012-06-25

It has been proposed to implement the so-called Achromatic Telescopic Squeezing (ATS) scheme in the LHC high luminosity (HL) lattice to reduce beta functions at the Interaction Points (IP) up to a factor of 8. As a result, the nominal 4.5 km peak beta functions reached in the Inner Triplets (IT) at collision will be increased by the same factor. This, therefore, justifies the installation of new, larger aperture, superconducting IT quadrupoles. The higher beta functions will enhance the effects of the triplet quadrupole field errors leading to smaller beam dynamic aperture (DA). To maintain the acceptable DA, the effectsmore » of the triplet field errors must be re-evaluated, thus specifying new tolerances. Such a study has been performed for the so-called '4444' collision option of the HL-LHC layout version SLHCV3.01, where the IP beta functions are reduced by a factor of 4 in both planes with respect to a pre-squeezed value of 60 cm at two collision points. The dynamic aperture calculations were performed using SixTrack. The impact on the triplet field quality is presented.« less

Experts' opinion about the pediatric secondary headaches diagnostic criteria of the ICHD-3 beta.

PubMed

Özge, Aynur; Abu-Arafeh, Ishaq; Gelfand, Amy A; Goadsby, Peter James; Cuvellier, Jean Christophe; Valeriani, Massimiliano; Sergeev, Alexey; Barlow, Karen; Uludüz, Derya; Yalın, Osman Özgür; Faedda, Noemi; Lipton, Richard B; Rapoport, Alan; Guidetti, Vincenzo

2017-11-29

The 2013 International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 was published in a beta version to allow clinicians to confirm the validity of the criteria or suggest improvements based on field studies. The aim of this work was to review the Secondary Headache Disorders and Cranial Neuralgias and Other Headache Disorders sections of ICHD-3 beta data on children and adolescents (age 0-18 years) and to suggest changes, additions, and amendments. Several experts in childhood headache across the world applied different aspects of ICHD-3 beta in their normal clinical practice. Based on their personal experience and the available literature on pediatric headache, they made observations and proposed suggestions for the mentioned headache disorders on children and adolescents. Some headache disorders in children have specific features, which are different from adults that should be acknowledged and considered. Some features in children were found to be age-dependent: clinical characteristics, risks factors and etiologies have a strong bio psychosocial basis in children and adolescents making primary headache disorders in children distinct from those in adults. Several recommendations are presented in order to make ICHD-3 more appropriate for use in children.

Coping strategies, emotional outcomes and spiritual quality of life in palliative care nurses.

PubMed

Desbiens, Jean-Francois; Fillion, Lise

2007-06-01

It is in accompanying the dying that palliative care nurses say they find meaning in their work. To further explore this phenomenon, consideration of coping strategies is proposed. The main objective of this correlational study was to describe the association between coping strategies (using a revised version of the COPE scale (Carver et al, 1999)), emotional outcomes (distress and vigour; profile of mood states (POMS)), and spiritual quality of life (using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Spiritual Wellbeing Scale (FACIT-sp)). A sample of 120 nurses providing palliative care in acute care hospitals and the community in Quebec was included. Positive reinterpretation (beta=.27; p<.01) and turning to religion (beta=.33; p<.001), two strategies related to meaning-making coping and disengagement (beta=-.19; p<.05), were the best predictors, accounting for 22% of variance of spiritual quality of life. These findings are consistent with recent studies and highlight the importance of meaning-making strategies in psychological adjustment to bereavement for palliative care nurses.

hCG Test (Pregnancy Test)

MedlinePlus

... Time and International Normalized Ratio (PT/INR) PSEN1 Quantitative Immunoglobulins Red Blood Cell (RBC) Antibody Identification Red ... Us Also Known As Pregnancy Test Qualitative hCG Quantitative hCG Beta hCG Total hCG Total beta hCG ...

Beta Regio - Phoebe Regio on Venus: Geologic mapping with the Magellan data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nikishin, A. M.; Borozdin, V. K.; Bobina, N. N.; Burba, G. A.

1993-01-01

The geologic maps of C1-15N283 and C1-00N283 sheets were produced (preliminary versions) with Magellan SAR images. This work was undertaken as a part of Russia's contribution into C1 geologic mapping efforts. The scale of the original maps is 1:8,000,000, and the maps are reproduced here at a reduced size.

Development of a quantitative loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for the field detection of Erysiphe necator.

PubMed

Thiessen, Lindsey D; Neill, Tara M; Mahaffee, Walter F

2018-01-01

Plant pathogen detection systems have been useful tools to monitor inoculum presence and initiate management schedules. More recently, a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was successfully designed for field use in the grape powdery mildew pathosystem; however, false negatives or false positives were prevalent in grower-conducted assays due to the difficulty in perceiving the magnesium pyrophosphate precipitate at low DNA concentrations. A quantitative LAMP (qLAMP) assay using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based probe was assessed by grape growers in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Custom impaction spore samplers were placed at a research vineyard and six commercial vineyard locations, and were tested bi-weekly by the lab and by growers. Grower-conducted qLAMP assays used a beta-version of the Smart-DART handheld LAMP reaction devices (Diagenetix, Inc., Honolulu, HI, USA), connected to Android 4.4 enabled, Bluetooth-capable Nexus 7 tablets for output. Quantification by a quantitative PCR assay was assumed correct to compare the lab and grower qLAMP assay quantification. Growers were able to conduct and interpret qLAMP results; however, the Erysiphe necator inoculum quantification was unreliable using the beta-Smart-DART devices. The qLAMP assay developed was sensitive to one spore in early testing of the assay, but decreased to >20 spores by the end of the trial. The qLAMP assay is not likely a suitable management tool for grape powdery mildew due to losses in sensitivity and decreasing costs and portability for other, more reliable molecular tools.

Hip morphology predicts posterior hip impingement in a cadaveric model.

PubMed

Morris, William Z; Fowers, Cody A; Weinberg, Douglas S; Millis, Michael B; Tu, Leigh-Anne; Liu, Raymond W

2018-05-01

Posterior hip impingement is a recently-identified cause of hip pain. The purpose of this study is to characterise posterior femoroacetabular and ischiofemoral impingement and identify its predisposing morphologic traits. Two hundred and six cadaveric hips were randomly selected and taken through controlled motion in two pure axes associated with posterior hip impingement: external rotation (through the mechanical axis) and adduction (coronal plane). The range of motion and location of impingement was noted for each specimen. Morphologic traits including femoral/acetabular version, and true neck-shaft angle (TNSA) were also measured. External rotation impingement occurred between the femoral neck and acetabulum in 83.0% of hips, and between the lesser trochanter and ischial tuberosity in 17.0%. Adduction impingement occurred between the lesser trochanter and ischial tuberosity in 78.6% of hips, and between the femoral neck and acetabulum in 21.4%. Multiple regression revealed that increased femoral/acetabular version predicted earlier external rotation and adduction impingement. Unstandardised betas ranging from -0.39 to -0.64 reflect that each degree of increased femoral/acetabular version individually accounts for a loss of external rotation or adduction of approximately half a degree before impingement ( p < 0.001 for each). Increased TNSA was associated with earlier adduction impingement only (unstandardised beta -0.35, p = 0.005). Relative femoral/acetabular anteversion was associated with earlier posterior hip impingement. Coxa valga was associated with earlier adduction impingement, but protective against external rotation impingement. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring correction during femoral/acetabular osteotomies, as overcorrection of retroversion may predispose to earlier posterior impingement.

Alpha-beta coordination method for collective search

DOEpatents

Goldsmith, Steven Y.

2002-01-01

The present invention comprises a decentralized coordination strategy called alpha-beta coordination. The alpha-beta coordination strategy is a family of collective search methods that allow teams of communicating agents to implicitly coordinate their search activities through a division of labor based on self-selected roles and self-determined status. An agent can play one of two complementary roles. An agent in the alpha role is motivated to improve its status by exploring new regions of the search space. An agent in the beta role is also motivated to improve its status, but is conservative and tends to remain aggregated with other agents until alpha agents have clearly identified and communicated better regions of the search space. An agent can select its role dynamically based on its current status value relative to the status values of neighboring team members. Status can be determined by a function of the agent's sensor readings, and can generally be a measurement of source intensity at the agent's current location. An agent's decision cycle can comprise three sequential decision rules: (1) selection of a current role based on the evaluation of the current status data, (2) selection of a specific subset of the current data, and (3) determination of the next heading using the selected data. Variations of the decision rules produce different versions of alpha and beta behaviors that lead to different collective behavior properties.

The TRMM Multi-Satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huffman, George J.; Adler, Robert F.; Bolvin, David T.; Nelkin, Eric J.

2010-01-01

The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) is intended to provide a "best" estimate of quasi-global precipitation from the wide variety of modern satellite-borne precipitation-related sensors. Estimates are provided at relatively fine scales (0.25 deg x 0.25 deg. 3-h) in both real and post-real time to accommodate a wide range of researchers. However, the errors inherent in the finest scale estimates are large. The most successful use of the TMPA data is when the analysis takes advantage of the fine-scale data to create time/space averages appropriate to the user fs application. We review the conceptual basis for the TMPA, summarize the processing sequence, and focus on two new activities. First, a recent upgrade for the real-time version incorporates several additional satellite data sources and employs monthly climatological adjustments to approximate the bias characteristics of the research quality post-real-time product. Second, an upgrade for the research quality post-real-time TMPA from Versions 6 to 7 (in beta test at press time) is designed to provide a variety of improvements that increase the list of input data sets and correct several issues. Future enhancements for the TMPA will include improved error estimation, extension to higher latitudes, and a shift to a Lagrangian time interpolation scheme.

CK2(beta)tes gene encodes a testis-specific isoform of the regulatory subunit of casein kinase 2 in Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Kalmykova, Alla I; Shevelyov, Yuri Y; Polesskaya, Oksana O; Dobritsa, Anna A; Evstafieva, Alexandra G; Boldyreff, Brigitte; Issinger, Olaf-Georg; Gvozdev, Vladimir A

2002-03-01

An earlier described CK2(beta)tes gene of Drosophila melanogaster is shown to encode a male germline specific isoform of regulatory beta subunit of casein kinase 2. Western-analysis using anti-CK2(beta)tes Ig revealed CK2(beta)tes protein in Drosophila testes extract. Expression of a CK2(beta)tes-beta-galactosidase fusion protein driven by the CK2(beta)tes promoter was found in transgenic flies at postmitotic stages of spermatogenesis. Examination of biochemical characteristics of a recombinant CK2(beta)tes protein expressed in Escherichia coli revealed properties similar to those of CK2beta: (a) CK2(beta)tes protein stimulates CK2alpha catalytic activity toward synthetic peptide; (b) it inhibits phosphorylation of calmodulin and mediates stimulation of CK2alpha by polylysine; (c) it is able to form (CK2(beta)tes)2 dimers, as well as (CK2alpha)2(CK2(beta)tes)2 tetramers. Using the yeast two-hybrid system and coimmunoprecipitation analysis of protein extract from Drosophila testes, we demonstrated an association between CK2(beta)tes and CK2alpha. Northern-analysis has shown that another regulatory (beta') subunit found recently in D. melanogaster genome is also testis-specific. Thus, we describe the first example of two tissue-specific regulatory subunits of CK2 which might serve to provide CK2 substrate recognition during spermatogenesis.

The activity of hydrolases of larval stages of Anisakis simplex (Nematoda).

PubMed

Lopieńska-Biernat, Elzbieta; Zółtowska, Krystyna; Rokicki, Jerzy

2004-01-01

Activity of hydrolases during the third and fourth larval stage of Anisakis simplex was identified by applying the API ZYM test method. In A. simplex larvae the activity of phosphatases was high, particularly that of acid phosphatase (40 nmol/mg(-1)). Among esterases lack of activity of lipase (C14) is worth noticing while the activity of esterases (C4) and (C8) was high. The activity of those later two enzymes was higher in L3 larvae than in L4 larvae. The highest activity in the subclass of glucosidases was recorded for beta-fucosidase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase. A higher activity in L3 larvae than in L4 larvae was recorded for: beta-glucuronidase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (2-fold) and beta-fucosidase (3-fold). Differently the activity of beta-galactosidase and beta-glucosidase was higher in L4 larvae than in L3 larvae. The tests did not show activity of alpha-galactosidase, beta-glucosidase and alpha-mannosidase on both larval forms.

Beta reduction factors for protective clothing at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory

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

Franklin, G.L.; Gonzalez, P.L.

1998-12-31

Beta reduction factors (f{sub {beta}}) for protective clothing (PC) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have been determined for a variety of protective clothing combinations. Data was collected to determine the experimental f{sub {beta}} for several combinations of PCs under laboratory conditions. Radiation dose rates were measured with an open window Bicron{reg_sign} RSO-5 ion chamber for two distinct beta energy groups (E{sub max} = 1.218 {times} 10{sup {minus}13} J(0.860 MeV) and 3.653 {times} 10{sup {minus}13} J (2.280 MeV)). Data points determined, as the ratio of unattenuated (no PCs) to attenuated (PCs), were used to derive a set of equationsmore » using the Microsoft{reg_sign} Excel Linet function. Field comparison tests were then conducted to determine the validity of these beta reduction factors. The f{sub {beta}} from the field tests were significantly less than the experimental f{sub {beta}}, indicating that these factors will yield conservative results.« less

Coexistence of Southeast Asian ovalocytosis and beta-thalassemia: a molecular and hematological analysis.

PubMed

Fucharoen, Goonnapa; Fucharoen, Supan; Singsanan, Sanita; Sanchaisuriya, Kanokwan

2007-05-01

We describe hematological and molecular characterization of a Thai female who had Southeast Asian ovalocytosis (SAO) associated with beta+-thalassemia trait. The proband had mild microcytosis with Hb 12.9 g/dl, Hct 35.8%, MCV 74.4 fl, MCH 26.8 pg, MCHC 36.0 g/dl, and elevated Hb A2 (5.6%), characteristics of beta-thalassemia trait. Peripheral blood film examination revealed prominent ovalocytosis. However, a one-tube osmotic fragility (OF) test commonly used for thalassemia screening was negative and a normal OF curve was observed. Further polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses identified the beta(-28A-G) mutation in the beta-globin gene and a 27 bp deletion in erythrocyte band 3 protein gene, indicating a genetically compound heterozygote. Hematological data of the proband was comparatively presented with those of eight female and 15 male carriers of pure beta-thalassemia with the same mutation. The finding demonstrates that although the association of the SAO and beta-thalassemia does not produce a more severe clinical picture, this could lead to a mis-screening of beta-thalassemia using an OF test as a primary screening test. Additional blood film examination followed by PCR could help in the detection of this unusual genetic interaction in the region. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Beta-Testing Agreement | FNLCR Staging

Cancer.gov

Beta-Testing Agreements are appropriate forlimited term evaluation and applications development of new software, technology, or equipment platforms by the Frederick National Labin collaboration with an external commercial partner. It may

Multi-national, multi-lingual, multi-professional CATs: (Curriculum Analysis Tools).

PubMed

Eisner, J

1995-01-01

A consortium of dental schools and allied dental programs was established in 1991 with the expressed purpose of creating a curriculum database program that was end-user modifiable [1]. In April of 1994, a beta version (Beta 2.5 written in FoxPro(TM) 2.5) of the software CATs, an acronym for Curriculum Analysis Tools, was released for use by over 30 of the consortium's 60 member institutions, while the remainder either waited for the Macintosh (TM) or Windows (TM) versions of the program or were simply not ready to begin an institutional curriculum analysis project. Shortly after this release, the design specifications were rewritten based on a thorough critique of the Beta 2.5 design and coding structures and user feedback. The result was Beta 3.0 which has been designed to accommodate any health professions curriculum, in any country that uses English or French as one of its languages. Given the program's extensive use of screen generation tools, it was quite easy to offer screen displays in a second language. As more languages become available as part of the Unified Medical Language System, used to document curriculum content, the program's design will allow their incorporation. When the software arrives at a new institution, the choice of language and health profession will have been preselected, leaving the Curriculum Database Manager to identify the country where the member institution is located. With these 'macro' end-user decisions completed, the database manager can turn to a more specific set of end-user questions including: 1) will the curriculum view selected for analysis be created by the course directors (provider entry of structured course outlines) or by the students (consumer entry of class session summaries)?; 2) which elements within the provided course outline or class session modules will be used?; 3) which, if any, internal curriculum validation measures will be included?; and 4) which, if any, external validation measures will be included. External measures can include accreditation standards, entry-level practitioner competencies, an index of learning behaviors, an index of discipline integration, or others defined by the institution. When data entry, which is secure to the course level, is complete users may choose to browse a variety of graphic representations of their curriculum, or either preview or print a variety of reports that offer more detail about the content and adequacy of their curriculum. The progress of all data entry can be monitored by the database manager over the course of an academic year, and all reports contain extensive missing data reports to ensure that the user knows whether they are studying complete or partial data. Institutions using the beta version of the program have reported considerable satisfaction with its functionality and have also offered a variety of design and interface enhancements. The anticipated release date for Curriculum Analysis Tools (CATs) is the first quarter of 1995.

Update on Small Modular Reactors Dynamic System Modeling Tool: Web Application

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

Hale, Richard Edward; Cetiner, Sacit M.; Fugate, David L.

Previous reports focused on the development of component and system models as well as end-to-end system models using Modelica and Dymola for two advanced reactor architectures: (1) Advanced Liquid Metal Reactor and (2) fluoride high-temperature reactor (FHR). The focus of this report is the release of the first beta version of the web-based application for model use and collaboration, as well as an update on the FHR model. The web-based application allows novice users to configure end-to-end system models from preconfigured choices to investigate the instrumentation and controls implications of these designs and allows for the collaborative development of individualmore » component models that can be benchmarked against test systems for potential inclusion in the model library. A description of this application is provided along with examples of its use and a listing and discussion of all the models that currently exist in the library.« less

A graphical language for reliability model generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howell, Sandra V.; Bavuso, Salvatore J.; Haley, Pamela J.

1990-01-01

A graphical interface capability of the hybrid automated reliability predictor (HARP) is described. The graphics-oriented (GO) module provides the user with a graphical language for modeling system failure modes through the selection of various fault tree gates, including sequence dependency gates, or by a Markov chain. With this graphical input language, a fault tree becomes a convenient notation for describing a system. In accounting for any sequence dependencies, HARP converts the fault-tree notation to a complex stochastic process that is reduced to a Markov chain which it can then solve for system reliability. The graphics capability is available for use on an IBM-compatible PC, a Sun, and a VAX workstation. The GO module is written in the C programming language and uses the Graphical Kernel System (GKS) standard for graphics implementation. The PC, VAX, and Sun versions of the HARP GO module are currently in beta-testing.

Isentropic Compression up to 200 KBars for LX 04, Numerical Simulations and Comparison with Experiments

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

Lefrancois, A.; Hare, D.; L'Eplattenier, P.

2006-02-13

Isentropic compression experiments and numerical simulations on LX-04 (HMX / Viton 85/15) were performed respectively at Z accelerator facility from Sandia National Laboratory and at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in order to study the isentrope and associated Hugoniot of this HE. 2D and 3D configurations have been calculated here to test the new beta version of the electromagnetism package coupled with the dynamics in Ls-Dyna and compared with the ICE Z shot 1067 on LX 04. The electromagnetism module is being developed in the general-purpose explicit and implicit finite element program LS-DYNA{reg_sign} in order to perform coupled mechanical/thermal/electromagnetism simulations. Themore » Maxwell equations are solved using a Finite Element Method (FEM) for the solid conductors coupled with a Boundary Element Method (BEM) for the surrounding air (or vacuum). More details can be read in the references.« less

Point-of-care test identifies diabetic ketoacidosis at triage.

PubMed

Naunheim, Rosanne; Jang, Timothy J; Banet, Gerald; Richmond, Alec; McGill, Janet

2006-06-01

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common, life-threatening complication of diabetes. The diagnosis of DKA relies on signs and symptoms, plus laboratory findings of blood glucose (BG) of > 250 mg/dL, an anion gap (AG) of > or = 15 mmol/L, and carbon dioxide (CO2) of < or = 18 mmol/L when other causes of acidosis are excluded. To compare the results of a point-of-care test for the ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate (beta-OHB) with standard measures for accuracy in predicting DKA. After providing informed consent, 160 patients who presented with BG of > 250 mg/dL underwent testing for beta-OHB with the Precision Xtra meter (Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, IL) at triage in a large urban hospital emergency department. The diagnosis of DKA was made by clinicians by using standard clinical criteria without knowledge of the beta-OHB test. A diagnosis of DKA was made in 57 of 160 subjects. The beta-OHB values correlated strongly with AG (r = 0.66, p < 0.001) and with CO2 (r = -0.69, p < 0.001), as well as with glucose (r = 0.31, p < 0.001). Cross-classification of DKA vs. beta-OHB yielded sensitivity of 98% (95% CI = 91% to 100%), specificity of 85% (95% CI = 78% to 91%), with a positive likelihood ratio of 6.7 (95% CI = 4.22 to 10.78), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.021 (95% CI = 0.003 to 0.144) at the manufacturer-suggested beta-OHB level of 1.5. The point-of-care test for beta-OHB was as sensitive as more established indicators of DKA. It is more useful than glucose alone for the diagnosis of DKA and offers immediate diagnosis of patients at triage.

[Simultaneous separation and detection of principal component isomer and related substances of raw material drug of ammonium glycyrrhizinate by RP-HPLC and structure confirmation].

PubMed

Zhao, Yan-Yan; Liu, Li-Yan; Han, Yuan-Yuan; Li, Yue-Qiu; Wang, Yan; Shi, Min-Jian

2013-08-01

A simple, fast and sensitive analytical method for the simultaneous separation and detection of 18alpha-glycyrrhizinic acid, 18beta-glycyrrhizinic acid, related substance A and related substance B by RP-HPLC and drug quality standard was established. The structures of principal component isomer and related substances of raw material drug of ammonium glycyrrhizinate have been confirmed. Reference European Pharmacopoeia EP7.0 version, British Pharmacopoeia 2012 version, National Drug Standards of China (WS 1-XG-2002), domestic and international interrelated literature were referred to select the composition of mobile phase. The experimental parameters including salt concentration, pH, addition quantities of organic solvent, column temperature and flow rate were optimized. Finally, the assay was conducted on a Durashell-C18 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microm) with 0.01 mol x mL(-1) ammonium perchlorate (add ammonia to adjust the pH value to 8.2) -methanol (48 : 52) as mobile phase at the flow rate of 0.8 mL x min(-1), and the detection wavelength was set at 254 nm. The column temperature was 50 degrees C and the injection volume was 10 microL. The MS, NMR, UV and RP-HPLC were used to confirm the structures of principal component isomer and related substances of raw material drug of ammonium glycyrrhizinate. Under the optimized separation conditions, the calibration curves of 18 alpha-glycyrrhizinic acid, 18beta-glycyrrhizinic acid, related substance A and related substance B showed good linearity within the concentration of 0.50-100 microg x mL(-1) (r = 0.999 9). The detection limits for 18alpha-glycyrrhizinic acid, 18beta-glycyrrhizinic acid, related substance A and related substance B were 0.15, 0.10, 0.10, 0.15 microg x mL(-1) respectively. The method is sensitive, reproducible and the results are accurate and reliable. It can be used for chiral resolution of 18alpha-glycyrrhizinic acid, 18Pbeta-glycyrrhizinic acid, and detection content of principal component and related substances of raw material drug of ammonium glycyrrhizinate. It is concluded that the separation of principal component isomer of raw material drug of ammonium glycyrrhizinate and the validity of the substance's structure assignments of retention time being 1.2 in the European pharmacopoeia EP7.0 version, British pharmacopoeia 2012 version remains open to question. It may be of practical value for the quality control of raw material drug, preparation, and Chinese herbal medicine of ammonium glycyrrhizinate.

Robot-Powered Reliability Testing at NREL's ESIF Video Text Version |

Science.gov Websites

Video Text Version Robot-Powered Reliability Testing at NREL's ESIF Video Text Version Below is the text version for the Robot-Powered Reliability Testing at NREL's ESIF video. [Text on screen] Robot-Powered

The Reading the Mind in the Eyes test: validation of a French version and exploration of cultural variations in a multi-ethnic city.

PubMed

Prevost, Marie; Carrier, Marie-Eve; Chowne, Gabrielle; Zelkowitz, Phyllis; Joseph, Lawrence; Gold, Ian

2014-01-01

The first aim of our study was to validate the French version of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test, a theory of mind test. The second aim was to test whether cultural differences modulate performance on this test. A total of 109 participants completed the original English version and 97 participants completed the French version. Another group of 30 participants completed the French version twice, one week apart. We report a similar overall distribution of scores in both versions and no differences in the mean scores between them. However, 2 items in the French version did not collect a majority of responses, which differed from the results of the English version. Test-retest showed good stability of the French version. As expected, participants who do not speak French or English at home, and those born in Asia, performed worse than North American participants, and those who speak English or French at home. We report a French version with acceptable validity and good stability. The cultural differences observed support the idea that Asian culture does not use theory of mind to explain people's behaviours as much as North American people do.

16 CFR 460.7 - Which test version to use.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... HOME INSULATION § 460.7 Which test version to use. Use the version of the ASTM test method that was in effect when this regulation was promulgated. If ASTM changes a test method, the new version will automatically replace the old one in these rules 90 days after ASTM first publishes the change. However, the...

Grey zones in the diagnosis of adult migraine without aura based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders-III beta: exploring the covariates of possible migraine without aura.

PubMed

Ozge, Aynur; Aydinlar, Elif; Tasdelen, Bahar

2015-01-01

Exploring clinical characteristics and migraine covariates may be useful in the diagnosis of migraine without aura. To evaluate the diagnostic value of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD)-III beta-based diagnosis of migraine without aura; to explore the covariates of possible migraine without aura using an analysis of grey zones in this area; and, finally, to make suggestions for the final version of the ICHD-III. A total of 1365 patients (mean [± SD] age 38.5±10.4 years, 82.8% female) diagnosed with migraine without aura according to the criteria of the ICHD-III beta were included in the present tertiary care-based retrospective study. Patients meeting all of the criteria of the ICHD-III beta were classified as having full migraine without aura, while those who did not meet one, two or ≥3 of the diagnostic criteria were classified as zones I, II and III, respectively. The diagnostic value of the clinical characteristics and covariates of migraine were determined. Full migraine without aura was evident in 25.7% of the migraineurs. A higher likelihood of zone I classification was shown for an attack lasting 4 h to 72 h (OR 1.560; P=0.002), with pulsating quality (OR 4.096; P<0.001), concomitant nausea⁄vomiting (OR 2.300; P<0.001) and photophobia⁄phonophobia (OR 4.865; P<0.001). The first-rank determinants for full migraine without aura were sleep irregularities (OR 1.596; P=0.005) and periodic vomiting (OR 1.464; P=0.026). However, even if not mentioned in ICHD-III beta, the authors determined that motion sickness, abdominal pain or infantile colic attacks in childhood, associated dizziness and osmophobia have important diagnostic value. In cases that do not fulfill all of the diagnostic criteria although they are largely consistent with the characteristics of migraine in clinical terms, the authors believe that a history of infantile colic; periodic vomiting (but not periodic vomiting syndrome); recurrent abdominal pain; the presence of motion sickness or vertigo, dizziness or osmophobia accompanying the pain; and comorbid atopic disorder are characteristics that should to be discussed and considered as additional diagnostic criteria (covariates) in the preparation of the final version of ICHD-III.

Beta-Endorphin: dissociation of receptor binding activity from analgesic potency.

PubMed

Li, C H; Tseng, L F; Ferrara, P; Yamashiro, D

1980-04-01

Biological activities of synthetic camel beta-endorphin and human beta-endorphin (beta h-EP) have been measured by the radioreceptor binding assay, using [Tyr27-3H]-beta h-EP as the primary ligand and by the tail-flick test for analgesic potency. Four synthetic analogs of beta h-EP, namely [Gly31]-beta h-EP-Gly-NH2, [Gly31]-beta h-EP-Gly-Gly-NH2, [Gln8,Gly31]-beta h-EP-Gly-Gly-NH2, and [CH3(CH2)4NH231]-beta h-EP, have also been assayed by the same procedures. Results indicate a clear dissociation of radioreceptor binding activity from analgesic potency.

Beta-Endorphin: dissociation of receptor binding activity from analgesic potency.

PubMed Central

Li, C H; Tseng, L F; Ferrara, P; Yamashiro, D

1980-01-01

Biological activities of synthetic camel beta-endorphin and human beta-endorphin (beta h-EP) have been measured by the radioreceptor binding assay, using [Tyr27-3H]-beta h-EP as the primary ligand and by the tail-flick test for analgesic potency. Four synthetic analogs of beta h-EP, namely [Gly31]-beta h-EP-Gly-NH2, [Gly31]-beta h-EP-Gly-Gly-NH2, [Gln8,Gly31]-beta h-EP-Gly-Gly-NH2, and [CH3(CH2)4NH231]-beta h-EP, have also been assayed by the same procedures. Results indicate a clear dissociation of radioreceptor binding activity from analgesic potency. PMID:6246537

Identification and quantification of metabolites common to 17alpha-methyltestosterone and mestanolone in horse urine.

PubMed

Yamada, Masayuki; Aramaki, Sugako; Okayasu, Toshimasa; Hosoe, Tomoo; Kurosawa, Masahiko; Kijima-Suda, Isao; Saito, Koichi; Nakazawa, Hiroyuki

2007-09-21

Anabolic steroids with the 17alpha-methyl,17beta-hydroxyl group, which were developed as oral formulations for therapeutic purposes, have been abused in the field of human sports. These anabolic steroids are also used to enhance racing performance in racehorses. In humans, structurally related 17alpha-methyltestosterone (MTS) and mestanolone (MSL), which are anabolic steroids with the 17alpha-methyl,17beta-hydroxyl group, have metabolites in common. The purpose of this study was to determine metabolites common to these two steroids in horses, which may serve as readily available screening targets for the doping test of these steroids in racehorses. Urine sample collected after administering MTS and MSL to horses was treated to obtain unconjugated steroid, glucuronide, and sulfate fractions. The fractions were subjected to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and 17alpha-methyl-5alpha-androstan-3beta,17beta-diol, 17alpha-hydroxymethyl-5alpha-androstan-3beta,17beta-diol, 17alpha-methyl-5alpha-androstan-3beta,16beta,17beta-triol, and 17alpha-methyl-5alpha-androstan-3beta,16alpha,17beta-triol were detected as the common metabolites by comparison with synthesized reference standards. The urinary concentrations of these metabolites after dosing were determined by GC/MS. 17Alpha-methyl-5alpha-androstan-3beta,16beta,17beta-triol was mainly detected in the sulfate fractions of urine samples after administration. This compound was consistently detected for the longest time in the urine samples after dosing with both steroids. The results suggest that 17alpha-methyl-5alpha-androstan-3beta,16beta,17beta-triol is a very useful screening target for the doping test of MTS and MSL in racehorses.

Adapting a computer-delivered brief alcohol intervention for veterans with Hepatitis C.

PubMed

Cucciare, Michael A; Jamison, Andrea L; Combs, Ann S; Joshi, Gauri; Cheung, Ramsey C; Rongey, Catherine; Huggins, Joe; Humphreys, Keith

2017-12-01

This study adapted an existing computer-delivered brief alcohol intervention (cBAI) for use in Veterans with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and examined its acceptability and feasibility in this patient population. A four-stage model consisting of initial pilot testing, qualitative interviews with key stakeholders, development of a beta version of the cBAI, and usability testing was used to achieve the study objectives. In-depth interviews gathered feedback for modifying the cBAI, including adding HCV-related content such as the health effects of alcohol on liver functioning, immune system functioning, and management of HCV, a preference for concepts to be displayed through "newer looking" graphics, and limiting the use of text to convey key concepts. Results from usability testing indicated that the modified cBAI was acceptable and feasible for use in this patient population. The development model used in this study is effective for gathering actionable feedback that can inform the development of a cBAI and can result in the development of an acceptable and feasible intervention for use in this population. Findings also have implications for developing computer-delivered interventions targeting behavior change more broadly.

Superconducting Prototype Cavities for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) Project

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

G. Ciovati, P. Kneisel , J. Brawley, R. Bundy, I. Campisi, K. Davis; K. Macha; D. Machie

2001-09-01

The Spallation Neutron Source project includes a superconducting linac section in the energy range from 192 MeV to 1000 MeV, operating at a frequency of 805 MHz at 2.1 K. For this energy range two types of cavities are needed with geometrical beta - values of beta= 0.61 and beta= 0.81. An aggressive cavity prototyping program is being pursued at Jlab, which calls for fabricating and testing of four beta= 0.61 cavities and two beta= 0.81 cavities. Both types consist of six cells made from high purity niobium and feature one HOM coupler on each beam pipe and a portmore » for a high power coaxial input coupler. Three of the four beta= 0.61 cavities will be used for a cryomodule test in early 2002. At this time four medium beta cavities and one high beta cavity have been completed at JLab. The first tests on the beta=0.61 cavity and the beta= 0.81 exceeded the design values for gradient and Q - value: E{sub acc} = 1 0.3 MV/m and Q = 5 x 10{sup 9} at 2.1K for beta= 0.61 and E{sub acc} = 12.3 MV/m and Q = 5 x 10{sup 9} at 2.1K for beta= 0.81. One of the medium beta cavities has been equipped with an integrated helium vessel and measurements of the static and dynamic Lorentz force detuning will be done and compared to the ''bare'' cavities. In addition two single cell cavities have been fabricated, equipped with welded-on HOM couplers. They are being used to evaluate the HOM couplers with respect to multipacting, fundamental mode rejection and HOM damping as far as possible in a single cell. This paper will describe the cavity design with respect to electrical and mechanical features, the fabrication efforts and the results obtained with the different cavities existing at the time of this workshop.« less

Beta-glucuronidase and hexosaminidase are marker enzymes for different compartments of the endo-lysosomal system in mussel digestive cells.

PubMed

Izagirre, U; Angulo, E; Wade, S C; ap Gwynn, I; Marigómez, I

2009-02-01

In environmental toxicology, the most commonly used techniques used to visualise lysosomes in order to determine their responses to pollutants (LSC test: lysosomal structural changes test; LMS test: lysosomal membrane stability test) are based on the histochemical application of lysosomal marker enzymes. In mussel digestive cells, the marker enzymes used are beta-glucuronidase (beta-Gus) and hexosaminidase (Hex). The present work has been aimed at determining the distribution of these lysosomal marker enzymes in the various compartments of the endo-lysosomal system (ELS) of mussel digestive cells and at exploring whether intercellular transfer of lysosomal enzymes occurs between digestive and basophilic cells. Immunogold cytochemistry has allowed us to conclude that beta-Gus is present in every compartment of the digestive cell ELS, whereas Hex is not so widely distributed. Moreover, Hex is intimately linked to the lysosomal membrane, whereas beta-Gus appears to be not necessarily membrane-bound. Therefore, two populations of heterolysosomes with different enzyme load and membrane stability have been distinguished in the digestive cell. In addition, heterolysosomes of different electron density have been commonly observed merging together by contact; we suggest that some might act as storage granules for lysosomal enzymes. On the other hand, beta-Gus seems to be released to the digestive alveolar lumen in secretory lysosomes produced by basophilic cells and endocytosed by digestive cells. Regarding the implications of the present study on the interpretation of lysosomal biomarkers, we conclude that beta-Gus, but not Hex, histochemistry provides an appropriate marker for the LSC test and that, although both lysosomal marker enzymes can be employed in the LMS test, different values would be obtained depending on the marker enzyme employed.

Comparing Efficacy of Online and In-Person Versions of a Training on U.S. Federal Wage and Hour, Child Labor Laws, and Hazardous Occupations Orders for Secondary School Professionals.

PubMed

Shendell, Derek G; Apostolico, Alexsandra A; Milich, Lindsey J; Patti, Alexa A; Kelly, Sarah W

2016-01-01

The New Jersey Safe Schools Program (NJSS) offers courses required for secondary school vocational-career-technical education teachers to become school-sponsored structured learning experience supervisors. The "Federal Wage and Hour and Child Labor Laws, Regulations and Hazardous Order Course" (FWH) was originally conducted in-person by U.S. Department of Labor-Wage and Hour Division from 2005 to Summer 2013, and then NJSS began conducting this course in-person (October 2013-April 2015). Staring in March 2015, this course was conducted online; beta-/pilot tests were conducted in Winter 2014-2015. Starting in May 2015, this course was offered exclusively online. This paper analyzes data from the in-person and online versions of the FWH, including overall course evaluation data comparing two versions with similar questions/constructs. The New Jersey Safe Schools Program modifications to FWH included adding information regarding the Fair Labor Standards Act's Section 14(c) and supplemental case studies. The online version included information/resources provided during the in-person training plus assessments to supplement each module; the online version was split into modules to allow participants scheduling flexibility. Participants were given multiple possible attempts to achieve a minimum passing grade of 70%, excluding two ungraded activities (crossword puzzles simply completed). Descriptive statistics evaluated user satisfaction online compared to the in-person version of FWH and performance on aforementioned online assessments replacing in-person discussions/interactions. Between October 2013 and April 2015, 160 participants completed the training in person; 156 had complete data. Between April and November 2015, 78 participants completed the training online; 74 participants had complete data. Other enrolled participants were in progress (not done as of 12/23/2015). Overall satisfaction was similarly high for in-person and online versions of FWH; over 95% of responding participants recommended this course to colleagues. Course evaluations for in-person participants indicated 83% felt the course objectives were completely met, whereas 95% of the responding online cohort felt course objectives were completely met. Further analyses examined performance of online assessments regarding number of attempts and scores achieved and performance on highlighted questions in certain module lessons. Data suggested the online format as a viable alternative to an in-person version of this training and provided NJSS and agency partners with ideas on how modifications/improvements can be made.

A Descriptive Evaluation of Automated Software Cost-Estimation Models,

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-10-01

Version 1.03D) * PCOC (Version 7.01) - PRICE S • SLIM (Version 1.1) • SoftCost (Version 5. 1) * SPQR /20 (Version 1. 1) - WICOMO (Version 1.3) These...produce detailed GANTT and PERT charts. SPQR /20 is based on a cost model developed at ITT. In addition to cost, schedule, and staffing estimates, it...cases and test runs required, and the effectiveness of pre-test and test activities. SPQR /20 also predicts enhancement and maintenance activities. C

Usability of Light-Emitting Diodes in Precision Approach Path Indicator Systems by Individuals With Marginal Color Vision

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-01

Netbook version. Both versions were presented to subjects, with about half receiving the CRT-based test first and with a separate test between...versions of the CCT; however, only the Netbook results (version 11) will be reported here because it is the commercially-available version. The CCT...told that the test was short and fast-paced. The Netbook version allowed the participants to record their own responses, using the mouse to mark

LAMB1 polymorphism is associated with autism symptom severity in Korean autism spectrum disorder patients.

PubMed

Kim, Young Jong; Park, Jin Kyung; Kang, Won Sub; Kim, Su Kang; Park, Hae Jeong; Nam, Min; Kim, Jong Woo

2015-01-01

LAMB1 encodes laminin beta-1, which is expressed during early development of the human nervous system, and could be involved in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders. In our study, we aimed to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in LAMB1 were associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and with related clinical severities of ASD. Two coding SNPs (rs20556 and rs25659) and two intronic SNPs (rs2158836 and rs2237659) were compared between 180 patients with ASD and 147 healthy control subjects using direct sequencing. The Korean version of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (K-CARS) was used to assess clinical severities. Multiple logistic regression models were employed to analyze genetic data, and associations with symptom severity were tested with the Kruskal-Wallis and the Mann-Whitney U tests. None of the four examined SNPs was associated with ASD risk. However, the GG genotype of rs2158836 was associated with more severe symptoms for the "object use" and "non-verbal communication" measures. The results of our study suggest the association between rs2158836 polymorphisms and symptom severity in ASD.

Beta experiment flight report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

A focused laser Doppler velocimeter system was developed for the measurement of atmospheric backscatter (beta) from aerosols at infrared wavelengths. The system was flight tested at several different locations and the results of these tests are summarized.

Beta-Testing Agreement | Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research

Cancer.gov

Beta-Testing Agreements are appropriate forlimited term evaluation and applications development of new software, technology, or equipment platforms by the Frederick National Laboratory in collaboration with an external commercial partner. It ma

Gingival changes during pregnancy: I. Influence of hormonal variations on clinical and immunological parameters.

PubMed

Figuero, Elena; Carrillo-de-Albornoz, Ana; Herrera, David; Bascones-Martínez, Antonio

2010-03-01

To test whether exacerbated gingival inflammation in pregnancy is associated with increased salivary hormone levels and changes in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) levels. In this cohort study, 48 pregnant women without periodontitis were evaluated in the first, second, and third trimesters and at 3 months postpartum. Twenty-eight non-periodontitis non-pregnant women were evaluated twice, with a 6-month interval. Plaque and gingival indices (PlI, GI), salivary progesterone and estradiol and GCF IL-1beta and PGE2 levels were determined. anova for repeated measures or Friedman's test were used for intragroup analyses. Inter-group comparisons were analysed with t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test. Correlations were evaluated with Pearson's and Spearman's test. Pregnant women showed an increase in GI (p<0.05) despite maintaining low PlI values. No changes in IL-1beta and PGE2 levels were observed during pregnancy. No significant correlation was found between the GI increase and salivary hormone levels. GI (p<0.05) and IL-1beta levels (p<0.001) were lower in non-pregnant than in pregnant women. This study confirms the presence of an exacerbated gingival inflammation during pregnancy, but this phenomenon could not be associated with an increase in progesterone or estradiol or with changes in PGE2 or IL-1beta.

The making of the minibody: an engineered beta-protein for the display of conformationally constrained peptides.

PubMed

Tramontano, A; Bianchi, E; Venturini, S; Martin, F; Pessi, A; Sollazzo, M

1994-03-01

Conformationally constraining selectable peptides onto a suitable scaffold that enables their conformation to be predicted or readily determined by experimental techniques would considerably boost the drug discovery process by reducing the gap between the discovery of a peptide lead and the design of a peptidomimetic with a more desirable pharmacological profile. With this in mind, we designed the minibody, a 61-residue beta-protein aimed at retaining some desirable features of immunoglobulin variable domains, such as tolerance to sequence variability in selected regions of the protein and predictability of the main chain conformation of the same regions, based on the 'canonical structures' model. To test the ability of the minibody scaffold to support functional sites we also designed a metal binding version of the protein by suitably choosing the sequences of its loops. The minibody was produced both by chemical synthesis and expression in E. coli and characterized by size exclusion chromatography, UV CD (circular dichroism) spectroscopy and metal binding activity. All our data supported the model, but a more detailed structural characterization of the molecule was impaired by its low solubility. We were able to overcome this problem both by further mutagenesis of the framework and by addition of a solubilizing motif. The minibody is being used to select constrained human IL-6 peptidic ligands from a library displayed on the surface of the f1 bacteriophage.

Genetics Home Reference: 17-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 deficiency

MedlinePlus

... some affected individuals may also experience breast enlargement (gynecomastia). Despite having testes, people with this disorder are ... 17-beta-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase deficiency pseudohermaphroditism, male, with gynecomastia testosterone 17-beta-dehydrogenase deficiency Related Information How ...

Identification of beta-lactam antibiotics in tissue samples containing unknown microbial inhibitors.

PubMed

Moats, W A; Romanowski, R D; Medina, M B

1998-01-01

Antibiotic residues in animal tissues can be detected by various screening tests based on microbial inhibition. In the 7-plate assay used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), penicillinase is incorporated into all but one plate to distinguish beta-lactam antibiotics from other types. However, beta-lactams such as cloxacillin and the cephalosporins are resistant to degradation by penicillinase. They may not be identified as beta-lactams by this procedure, and thus, they may be identified as unidentified microbial inhibitors (UMIs). However, these penicillinase-resistant compounds can be degraded by other beta-lactamases. The present study describes an improved screening protocol to identify beta-lactam antibiotics classified as UMIs. A multiresidue liquid chromatographic procedure based on a method for determining beta-lactams in milk was also used to identify and quantitate residues. The 2 methods were tested with 24 tissue FSIS samples classified as containing UMIs. Of these, 3 contained penicillin G, including one at a violative level, and 5 contained a metabolite of ceftiofur. The others were negative for beta-lactam antibiotics.

Formation of [b3 - 1 + cat]+ ions from metal-cationized tetrapeptides containing beta-alanine, gamma-aminobutyric acid or epsilon-aminocaproic acid residues.

PubMed

Osburn, Sandra M; Ochola, Sila O; Talaty, Erach R; Van Stipdonk, Michael J

2008-11-01

The presence and position of a single beta-alanine (betaA), gamma-aminobutyric acid (gammaABu) or epsilon-aminocaproic acid (Cap) residue has been shown to have a significant influence on the formation of b(n)+ and y(n)+ product ions from a series of model, protonated peptides. In this study, we examined the effect of the same residues on the formation of analogous [b3 - 1 + cat]+ products from metal (Li+, Na+ and Ag+)-cationized peptides. The larger amino acids suppress formation of b3+ from protonated peptides with general sequence AAXG (where X = beta-alanine, gamma-aminobutyric acid or epsilon-aminocaproic acid), presumably because of the prohibitive effect of larger cyclic intermediates in the 'oxazolone' pathway. However, abundant [b3 - 1 + cat]+ products are generated from metal-cationized versions of AAXG. Using a group of deuterium-labeled and exchanged peptides, we found that formation of [b3 - 1 + cat]+ involves transfer of either amide or alpha-carbon position H atoms, and the tendency to transfer the atom from the alpha-carbon position increases with the size of the amino acid in position X. To account for the transfer of the H atom, a mechanism involving formation of a ketene product as [b3 - 1 + cat]+ is proposed.

IRAS sky survey atlas: Explanatory supplement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wheelock, S. L.; Gautier, T. N.; Chillemi, J.; Kester, D.; Mccallon, H.; Oken, C.; White, J.; Gregorich, D.; Boulanger, F.; Good, J.

1994-01-01

This Explanatory Supplement accompanies the IRAS Sky Survey Atlas (ISSA) and the ISSA Reject Set. The first ISSA release in 1991 covers completely the high ecliptic latitude sky, absolute value of beta is greater than 50 deg, with some coverage down to the absolute value of beta approx. equal to 40 deg. The second ISSA release in 1992 covers ecliptic latitudes of 50 deg greater than the absolute value of beta greater than 20 deg, with some coverage down to the absolute value of beta approx. equal to 13 deg. The remaining fields covering latitudes within 20 deg of the ecliptic plane are of reduced quality compared to the rest of the ISSA fields and therefore are released as a separate IPAC product, the ISSA Reject Set. The reduced quality is due to contamination by zodiacal emission residuals. Special care should be taken when using the ISSA Reject images. In addition to information on the ISSA images, some information is provided in this Explanatory Supplement on the IRAS Zodiacal History File (ZOHF), Version 3.0, which was described in the December 1988 release memo. The data described in this Supplement are available at the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC) at the Goddard Space Flight Center. The interested reader is referred to the NSSDC for access to the IRAS Sky Survey Atlas (ISSA).

Wolf Testing: Open Source Testing Software

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braasch, P.; Gay, P. L.

2004-12-01

Wolf Testing is software for easily creating and editing exams. Wolf Testing allows the user to create an exam from a database of questions, view it on screen, and easily print it along with the corresponding answer guide. The questions can be multiple choice, short answer, long answer, or true and false varieties. This software can be accessed securely from any location, allowing the user to easily create exams from home. New questions, which can include associated pictures, can be added through a web-interface. After adding in questions, they can be edited, deleted, or duplicated into multiple versions. Long-term test creation is simplified, as you are able to quickly see what questions you have asked in the past and insert them, with or without editing, into future tests. All tests are archived in the database. Written in PHP and MySQL, this software can be installed on any UNIX / Linux platform, including Macintosh OS X. The secure interface keeps students out, and allows you to decide who can create tests and who can edit information already in the database. Tests can be output as either html with pictures or rich text without pictures, and there are plans to add PDF and MS Word formats as well. We would like to thank Dr. Wolfgang Rueckner and the Harvard University Science Center for providing incentive to start this project, computers and resources to complete this project, and inspiration for the project's name. We would also like to thank Dr. Ronald Newburgh for his assistance in beta testing.

New precision measurements of free neutron beta decay with cold neutrons

DOE PAGES

Baeßler, Stefan; Bowman, James David; Penttilä, Seppo I.; ...

2014-10-14

Precision measurements in free neutron beta decay serve to determine the coupling constants of beta decay, and offer several stringent tests of the standard model. This study describes the free neutron beta decay program planned for the Fundamental Physics Beamline at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and finally puts it into the context of other recent and planned measurements of neutron beta decay observables.

Cleavage of beta,beta-carotene to flavor compounds by fungi.

PubMed

Zorn, H; Langhoff, S; Scheibner, M; Berger, R G

2003-09-01

More than 50 filamentous fungi and yeasts, known for de novo synthesis or biotransformation of mono-, sesqui-, tri-, or tetraterpenes, were screened for their ability to cleave beta,beta-carotene to flavor compounds. Ten strains discolored a beta,beta-carotene-containing growth agar, indicating efficient degradation of beta,beta-carotene. Dihydroactinidiolide was formed as the sole conversion product of beta,beta-carotene in submerged cultures of Ganoderma applanatum, Hypomyces odoratus, Kuehneromyces mutabilis, and Trametes suaveolens. When mycelium-free culture supernatants from five species were applied for the conversions, nearly complete degradation of beta,beta-carotene was observed after 12 h. Carotenoid-derived volatile products were detected in the media of Ischnoderma benzoinum, Marasmius scorodonius, and Trametes versicolor. beta-Ionone proved to be the main metabolite in each case, whereas beta-cyclocitral, dihydroactinidiolide, and 2-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexanone were formed in minor quantities. Using a photometric bleaching test, the beta,beta-carotene cleaving enzyme activities of M. scorodonius were partially characterized.

The Relationship of Test Anxiety to Serum Beta-endorphin.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Molinaro, Jane Anne

This study attempted to determine if test anxiety is manifested in pre-medical students as a result of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and if Beta-endorphin similarly responds to that type of situational stress. Seventeen participants completed the Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI) by Spielberger et al. (1980) and donated 30 ml of blood for…

Host genetics, steatosis and insulin resistance among African Americans and Caucasian Americans with hepatitis C virus genotype-1 infection.

PubMed

Iuliano, A Danielle; Feingold, Eleanor; Wahed, Abdus S; Kleiner, David E; Belle, Steven H; Conjeevaram, Hari S; Zmuda, Joseph; Liang, T Jake; Yee, Leland J

2009-01-01

Hepatic steatosis is the accumulation of fat in liver cells. Insulin resistance (IR) occurs when normal amounts of insulin do not stimulate insulin activity in cells. Both conditions have been described in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and are thought to be biologically related. This study examined the association of genetic variants with steatosis and IR among 167 African Americans and 184 Caucasian Americans with HCV genotype-1. Steatosis was defined as at least 5% of fat in cells on liver biopsy. IR was quantified as a score greater than 2 from the Homeostasis Model Assessment, version 2.2 (HOMA2-IR). Associations were investigated by estimating odds ratios separately by race. Statistically significant associations (p < 0.05) were observed for variants in interleukin-10 (IL10), leptin receptor (LEPR), interleukin-6 (IL6) and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta1) for both outcomes. Some significant interactions were observed between IL10,LEPR and TGF-beta1 polymorphisms and HOMA2-IR scores when examining steatosis. The interaction of HOMA2-IR and IL10 was consistent in both races whereas for LEPR and TGF-beta1 the interactions were statistically significant in only one of the racial groups.These results could imply that some IL10,LEPR and TGF-beta1 polymorphisms may modify an association between steatosis and IR. Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Integrated Internet based tools for learning and evaluating the International Classification of Nursing Practice.

PubMed

Alecu, C S; Jitaru, E; Moisil, I

2000-01-01

This paper presents some tools designed and implemented for learning-related purposes; these tools can be downloaded or run on the TeleNurse web site. Among other facilities, TeleNurse web site is hosting now the version 1.2 of SysTerN (terminology system for nursing) which can be downloaded on request and also the "Evaluation of Translation" form which has been designed in order to improve the Romanian translation of the ICNP (the International Classification of Nursing Practice). SysTerN has been developed using the framework of the TeleNurse ID--ENTITY Telematics for Health EU project. This version is using the beta version of ICNP containing Phenomena and Actions classification. This classification is intended to facilitate documentation of nursing practice, by providing a terminology or vocabulary for use in the description of the nursing process. The TeleNurse site is bilingual, Romanian-English, in order to enlarge the discussion forum with members from other CEE (or Non-CEE) countries.

Superconducting Prototype Cavities for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) Project

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

Peter Kneisel; John Brawley; Richard Bundy

2001-06-01

The Spallation Neutron Source project includes a superconducting linac section in the energy range from 192 MeV to 1000 MeV. For this energy range two types of cavities are needed with geometrical beta - values of beta = 0.61 and beta = 0.81. An aggressive cavity prototyping program is being pursued at Jlab, which calls for fabricating and testing of four beta = 0.61 cavities and two beta = 0.81 cavities. Both types consist of six cells made from high purity niobium and feature one HOM coupler of the TESLA type on each beam pipe and a port for amore » high power coaxial input coupler. Three of the four beta = 0.61 cavities will be used for a cryomodule test at the end of the year 2001. At this time two cavities of each type have been fabricated and the first tests on the beta = 0.61 cavity exceeded the design values for gradient and Q - value: Eacc = 10.3 MV/m and Q = 6.5 x 10{sup 9} at 2.1K. This paper will describe the cavity design with respect to electrical and mechanical features, the fabrication efforts and the results obtained with the different cavities existing at the time of the conference.« less

[Co-administration of RJR-2403 with low dose of 17beta-estradiol on spatial learning in ovariectomized rats].

PubMed

Fedotova, Yu O

2013-01-01

The aim of this work was to study the influence of stimulation or blockade Nalpha7-cholinoreceptors on dynamics of spatial learning in water Morris maze and on behavior in the "open field" test in adult ovariectomized (OVX) females given with a low dose of 17beta-estradiol. Agonist of Nalpha7-cholinoreceptors - RJR-2403 (1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) or antagonist of Nalpha7-cholinoreceptors - mecamylamine (1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) treated chronically (14 days) alone and in a combination with low dose of 17beta-estradiol (0.5 micro/rat, s.c.) to OVX rats. Co-administration of RJR-2403 with low dose of 17beta-estradiol completely restored impaired spatial learning in water Morris maze in OVX females. Moreover, OVX rats treated with RJR-2403 and low dose of 17beta-estradiol demonstrated increased exploratory and grooming behavior in the "open field" test. Both mecamylamine alone and in combination with low dose of 17beta-estradiol failed to influence on spatial learning and failed to modify behavior in the "open field" test in OVX rats. The results of the present study suggest a positive effect of RJR-2403 in combination with low dose of 17beta-estradiol on spatial learning at estrogen deficiency.

Test performance of blood beta-glucan for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients with AIDS and respiratory symptoms.

PubMed

Wood, Brian R; Komarow, Lauren; Zolopa, Andrew R; Finkelman, Malcolm A; Powderly, William G; Sax, Paul E

2013-03-27

The objective of this study was to define the test characteristics of plasma beta-glucan for diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in AIDS patients with respiratory symptoms. Analysis of baseline blood samples in a randomized strategy study of patients with acute opportunistic infections, limited to participants with respiratory symptoms. Participants in the 282-person ACTG A5164 trial had baseline plasma samples assayed for beta-glucan testing. As part of A5164 trial, two study investigators independently adjudicated the diagnosis of PCP. Respiratory symptoms were identified by investigators from a list of all signs and symptoms with an onset or resolution in the 21 days prior to or 14 days following study entry. Beta-glucan was defined as positive if at least 80 pg/ml and negative if less than 80 pg/ml. Of 252 study participants with a beta-glucan result, 159 had at least one respiratory symptom, 139 of whom had a diagnosis of PCP. The sensitivity of beta-glucan for PCP in participants with respiratory symptoms was 92.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 87.2-96.5], and specificity 75.0% (95% CI 50.9-91.3). Among 134 individuals with positive beta-glucan and respiratory symptoms, 129 had PCP, for a positive predictive value of 96.3% (95% CI 91.5-98.8). Fifteen of 25 patients with a normal beta-glucan did not have PCP, for a negative predictive value of 60% (95% CI 38.7-78.9). Elevated plasma beta-glucan has a high predictive value for diagnosis of PCP in AIDS patients with respiratory symptoms. We propose an algorithm for the use of beta-glucan as a diagnostic tool on the basis of the pretest probability of PCP in such patients.

PRogram In Support of Moms (PRISM): Development and Beta Testing.

PubMed

Byatt, Nancy; Pbert, Lori; Hosein, Safiyah; Swartz, Holly A; Weinreb, Linda; Allison, Jeroan; Ziedonis, Douglas

2016-08-01

Most women with perinatal depression do not receive depression treatment. The authors describe the development and beta testing of a new program, PRogram In Support of Moms (PRISM), to improve treatment of perinatal depression in obstetric practices. A multidisciplinary work group of seven perinatal and behavioral health professionals was convened to design, refine, and beta-test PRISM in an obstetric practice. Iterative feedback and problem solving facilitated development of PRISM components, which include provider training and a toolkit, screening procedures, implementation assistance, and access to immediate psychiatric consultation. Beta testing with 50 patients over two months demonstrated feasibility and suggested that PRISM may improve provider screening rates and self-efficacy to address depression. On the basis of lessons learned, PRISM will be enhanced to integrate proactive patient engagement and monitoring into obstetric practices. PRISM may help overcome patient-, provider-, and system-level barriers to managing perinatal depression in obstetric settings.

Six new C21 steroidal glycosides from Asclepias curassavica L.

PubMed

Li, Jun-Zhu; Liu, Hai-Yang; Lin, Yi-Ju; Hao, Xiao-Jiang; Ni, Wei; Chen, Chang-Xiang

2008-07-01

Six new C(21) steroidal glycosides, named curassavosides A-F (3-8), were obtained from the aerial parts of Asclepias curassavica (Asclepiadaceae), along with two known oxypregnanes, 12-O-benzoyldeacylmetaplexigenin (1) and 12-O-benzoylsarcostin (2). By spectroscopic methods, the structures of the six new compounds were determined as 12-O-benzoyldeacylmetaplexigenin 3-O-beta-D-oleandropyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-digitoxopyranoside (3), 12-O-benzoylsarcostin 3-O-beta-D-oleandropyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-digitoxopyranoside (4), sarcostin 3-O-beta-D-oleandropyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-canaropyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-oleandropyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-digitoxopyranoside (5), sarcostin 3-O-beta-D-oleandropyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-canaropyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-canaropyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-digitoxopyranoside (6), 12-O-benzoyldeacylmetaplexigenin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-oleandropyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-canaropyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-d-oleandropyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-digitoxopyranoside (7), and 12-O-benzoylsarcostin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-oleandropyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-d-canaropyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-oleandropyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-digitoxopyranoside (8), respectively. All compounds (1-8) were tested for in vitro cytotoxicity; only compound 3 showed weak inhibitory activity against Raji and AGZY cell lines.

Construction and validation of an ecological version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test applied to an elderly population.

PubMed

Pezzuti, Lina; Mastrantonio, Elisa; Orsini, Arturo

2013-01-01

The goal of this project was to construct and validate an ecological version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) aimed at the elderly. This was accomplished by replacing the geometric stimuli of the traditional version with stimuli belonging to the semantic category of transport vehicles, and by elimination of the color yellow. The results showed the ecological WCST version was preferred over the traditional version and older people felt less tired during test performance. In the two independent normal elderly groups, all pairs of scores that can be derived from the WCST correlated significantly with each other. Six of 11 outcome measures of the traditional WCST-128 (long) version were significantly influenced by age. By contrast, in the WCST-64 (short) version and in the ecological WCST-54 version only one measure was affected by the age variable. No significant effect of education level or gender emerged from the results in any WCST version. Again, the subjects with cognitive deterioration had lower performance in the ecological WCST-54 version than in the two traditional WCST versions. It seems reasonable to assume that the ecological version of WCST is more discriminating and has more advantages than the traditional versions. Further research on individual differences in the performance on this task will increase understanding of the components of the test, and of the variety of factors and possible deficits that could lead to an impaired performance of the test.

CTF (Subchannel) Calculations and Validation L3:VVI.H2L.P15.01

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

Gordon, Natalie

The goal of the Verification and Validation Implementation (VVI) High to Low (Hi2Lo) process is utilizing a validated model in a high resolution code to generate synthetic data for improvement of the same model in a lower resolution code. This process is useful in circumstances where experimental data does not exist or it is not sufficient in quantity or resolution. Data from the high-fidelity code is treated as calibration data (with appropriate uncertainties and error bounds) which can be used to train parameters that affect solution accuracy in the lower-fidelity code model, thereby reducing uncertainty. This milestone presents a demonstrationmore » of the Hi2Lo process derived in the VVI focus area. The majority of the work performed herein describes the steps of the low-fidelity code used in the process with references to the work detailed in the companion high-fidelity code milestone (Reference 1). The CASL low-fidelity code used to perform this work was Cobra Thermal Fluid (CTF) and the high-fidelity code was STAR-CCM+ (STAR). The master branch version of CTF (pulled May 5, 2017 – Reference 2) was utilized for all CTF analyses performed as part of this milestone. The statistical and VVUQ components of the Hi2Lo framework were performed using Dakota version 6.6 (release date May 15, 2017 – Reference 3). Experimental data from Westinghouse Electric Company (WEC – Reference 4) was used throughout the demonstrated process to compare with the high-fidelity STAR results. A CTF parameter called Beta was chosen as the calibration parameter for this work. By default, Beta is defined as a constant mixing coefficient in CTF and is essentially a tuning parameter for mixing between subchannels. Since CTF does not have turbulence models like STAR, Beta is the parameter that performs the most similar function to the turbulence models in STAR. The purpose of the work performed in this milestone is to tune Beta to an optimal value that brings the CTF results closer to those measured in the WEC experiments.« less

Gene expression profiling defined pathways correlated with fibroblast cell proliferation induced by Opisthorchis viverrini excretory/secretory product.

PubMed

Thuwajit, Chanitra; Thuwajit, Peti; Uchida, Kazuhiko; Daorueang, Daoyot; Kaewkes, Sasithorn; Wongkham, Sopit; Miwa, Masanao

2006-06-14

To investigate the mechanism of fibroblast cell proliferation stimulated by the Opisthorchis viverrini excretory/secretory (ES) product. NIH-3T3, mouse fibroblast cells were treated with O. viverrini ES product by non-contact co-cultured with the adult parasites. Total RNA from NIH-3T3 treated and untreated with O. viverrini was extracted, reverse transcribed and hybridized with the mouse 15K complementary DNA (cDNA) array. The result was analyzed by ArrayVision version 5 and GeneSpring version 5 softwares. After normalization, the ratios of gene expression of parasite treated to untreated NIH-3T3 cells of 2-and more-fold upregulated was defined as the differentially expressed genes. The expression levels of the signal transduction genes were validated by semi-quantitative SYBR-based real-time RT-PCR. Among a total of 15,000 genes/ESTs, 239 genes with established cell proliferation-related function were 2 fold-and more-up-regulated by O. viverrini ES product compared to those in cells without exposure to the parasitic product. These genes were classified into groups including energy and metabolism, signal transduction, protein synthesis and translation, matrix and structural protein, transcription control, cell cycle and DNA replication. Moreover, the expressions of serine-threonine kinase receptor, receptor tyrosine kinase and collagen production-related genes were up-regulated by O. viverrini ES product. The expression level of signal transduction genes; pkC, pdgfr alpha, jak 1, eps 8, tgf beta 1i4, strap and h ras measured by real-time RT-PCR confirmed their expression levels to those obtained from cDNA array. However, only the up-regulated expression of pkC, eps 8 and tgfbeta 1i4 which are the downstream signaling molecules of either epidermal growth factor (EGF) or transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) showed statistical significance (P < 0.05). O. viverrini ES product stimulates the significant changes of gene expression in several functional categories and these mainly include transcripts related to cell proliferation. The TGF-beta and EGF signal transduction pathways are indicated as the possible pathways of O. viverrini-driven cell proliferation.

Beta-Alanine Supplementation Improves Throwing Velocities in Repeated Sprint Ability and 200-m Swimming Performance in Young Water Polo Players.

PubMed

Claus, Gabriel Machado; Redkva, Paulo Eduardo; Brisola, Gabriel Mota Pinheiro; Malta, Elvis Sousa; de Araujo Bonetti de Poli, Rodrigo; Miyagi, Willian Eiji; Zagatto, Alessandro Moura

2017-05-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on specific tests for water polo. Fifteen young water polo players (16 ± 2 years) underwent a 200-m swimming performance, repeated-sprint ability test (RSA) with free throw (shooting), and 30-s maximal tethered eggbeater kicks. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups (placebo × beta-alanine) and supplemented with 6.4g∙day -1 of beta-alanine or a placebo for six weeks. The mean and total RSA times, the magnitude based inference analysis showed a likely beneficial effect for beta-alanine supplementation (both). The ball velocity measured in the throwing performance after each sprint in the RSA presented a very like beneficial inference in the beta-alanine group for mean (96.4%) and percentage decrement of ball velocity (92.5%, likely beneficial). Furthermore, the percentage change for mean ball velocity was different between groups (beta-alanine=+2.5% and placebo=-3.5%; p = .034). In the 30-s maximal tethered eggbeater kicks the placebo group presented decreased peak force, mean force, and fatigue index, while the beta-alanine group maintained performance in mean force (44.1%, possibly beneficial), only presenting decreases in peak force. The 200-m swimming performance showed a possibly beneficial effect (68.7%). Six weeks of beta-alanine supplementation was effective for improving ball velocity shooting in the RSA, maintaining performance in the 30-s test, and providing possibly beneficial effects in the 200-m swimming performance.

Adaptation of the European Commission-recommended user testing method to patient medication information leaflets in Japan.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Michiko; Doi, Hirohisa; Yamamoto, Ken; Watanabe, Kazuhiro; Sato, Tsugumichi; Suka, Machi; Nakayama, Takeo; Sugimori, Hiroki

2017-01-01

The safe use of drugs relies on providing accurate drug information to patients. In Japan, patient leaflets called Drug Guide for Patients are officially available; however, their utility has never been verified. This is the first attempt to improve Drug Guide for Patients via user testing in Japan. To test and improve communication of drug information to minimize risk for patients via user testing of the current and revised versions of Drug Guide for Patients, and to demonstrate that this method is effective for improving Drug Guide for Patients in Japan. We prepared current and revised versions of the Drug Guide for Patients and performed user testing via semi-structured interviews with consumers to compare these versions for two guides for Mercazole and Strattera. We evenly divided 54 participants into two groups with similar distributions of sex, age, and literacy level to test the differing versions of the Mercazole guide. Another group of 30 participants were divided evenly to test the versions of the Strattera guide. After completing user testing, the participants evaluated both guides in terms of amount of information, readability, usefulness of information, and layout and appearance. Participants were also asked for their opinions on the leaflets. Response rates were 100% for both Mercazole and Strattera. The revised versions of both Guides were superior or equal to the current versions in terms of accessibility and understandability. The revised version of the Mercazole guide showed better ratings for readability, usefulness of information, and layout ( p <0.01) than did the current version, while that for Strattera showed superior readability and layout ( p <0.01). User testing was effective for evaluating the utility of Drug Guide for Patients. Additionally, the revised version had superior accessibility and understandability.

Value of the intravenous and oral glucose tolerance tests for detecting subtle impairments in insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function in former gestational diabetes.

PubMed

Tura, A; Mari, A; Prikoszovich, T; Pacini, G; Kautzky-Willer, A

2008-08-01

Women with former gestational diabetes mellitus (fGDM) often show defects in both insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function but it is not clear which defect plays the major role or which appears first. This might be because fGDM women are often studied as a unique group and not divided according to their glucose tolerance. Different findings might also be the result of using different tests. Our aim was to study insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function with two independent glucose tolerance tests in fGDM women divided according to their glucose tolerance. A total of 108 fGDM women divided into normal glucose tolerance (IGT; N = 82), impaired glucose metabolism (IGM; N = 20) and overt type 2 diabetes (T2DM; N = 6) groups, and 38 healthy control women (CNT) underwent intravenous (IVGTT) and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT). Measurements Insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function were assessed by both the IVGTT and the OGTT. Both tests revealed impaired insulin sensitivity in the normotolerant group compared to controls (IVGTT: 4.2 +/- 0.3 vs. 5.4 +/- 0.4 10(-4) min(-1) (microU/ml)(-1); OGTT: 440 +/- 7 vs. 472 +/- 9 ml min(-1) m(-2)). Conversely, no difference was found in beta-cell function from the IVGTT. However, some parameters of beta-cell function by OGTT modelling analysis were found to be impaired: glucose sensitivity (106 +/- 5 vs. 124 +/- 7 pmol min(-1) m(-2) mm(-1), P = 0.0407) and insulin secretion at 5 mm glucose (168 +/- 9 vs. 206 +/- 10 pmol min(-1) m(-2), P = 0.003). Both insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function are impaired in normotolerant fGDM but the subtle defect in beta-cell function is disclosed only by OGTT modelling analysis.

XMM-Newton Science Analysis Software: How to Bring New Technologies to Long-life Satellite Missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibarra, A.; Calle, I.; Gabriel, C.; Salgado, J.; Osuna, P.

2009-09-01

We present here the beta version of the Remote Interface to SAS Analysis (RISA), a web service-based system that allows users the analysis of XMM-Newton data making use of all of the existing SAS functionalities. RISA takes advantage of GRID architecture to run SAS, achieving high performance in resource management. We are also making the SAS remote analysis compatible with present and future VO standards.

Aerospace Power Systems Design and Analysis (APSDA) Tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Truong, Long V.

1998-01-01

The conceptual design of space and/or planetary electrical power systems has required considerable effort. Traditionally, in the early stages of the design cycle (conceptual design), the researchers have had to thoroughly study and analyze tradeoffs between system components, hardware architectures, and operating parameters (such as frequencies) to optimize system mass, efficiency, reliability, and cost. This process could take anywhere from several months to several years (as for the former Space Station Freedom), depending on the scale of the system. Although there are many sophisticated commercial software design tools for personal computers (PC's), none of them can support or provide total system design. To meet this need, researchers at the NASA Lewis Research Center cooperated with Professor George Kusic from the University of Pittsburgh to develop a new tool to help project managers and design engineers choose the best system parameters as quickly as possible in the early design stages (in days instead of months). It is called the Aerospace Power Systems Design and Analysis (APSDA) Tool. By using this tool, users can obtain desirable system design and operating parameters such as system weight, electrical distribution efficiency, bus power, and electrical load schedule. With APSDA, a large-scale specific power system was designed in a matter of days. It is an excellent tool to help designers make tradeoffs between system components, hardware architectures, and operation parameters in the early stages of the design cycle. user interface. It operates on any PC running the MS-DOS (Microsoft Corp.) operating system, version 5.0 or later. A color monitor (EGA or VGA) and two-button mouse are required. The APSDA tool was presented at the 30th Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference (IECEC) and is being beta tested at several NASA centers. Beta test packages are available for evaluation by contacting the author.

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Oral Human Papillomavirus Among Young Women in Costa Rica

PubMed Central

Lang Kuhs, Krystle A.; Gonzalez, Paula; Struijk, Linda; Castro, Felipe; Hildesheim, Allan; van Doorn, Leen-Jan; Rodriguez, Ana Cecilia; Schiffman, Mark; Quint, Wim; Lowy, Douglas R.; Porras, Carolina; DelVecchio, Corey; Katki, Hormuzd A.; Jimenez, Silvia; Safaeian, Mahboobeh; Schiller, John; Solomon, Diane; Wacholder, Sholom; Herrero, Rolando; Kreimer, Aimée R.; Herrero, Rolando; Alfaro, Mario; Bratti, M. Concepción; Cortés, Bernal; Espinoza, Albert; Estrada, Yenory; Guillén, Diego; Jiménez, Silvia E.; Morales, Jorge; Villegas, Luis; Morera, Lidia Ana; Porras, Carolina; Rodríguez, Ana Cecilia; Hildesheim, Allan; Kreimer, Aimée R.; Lowy, Douglas R.; Macklin, Nora; Schiffman, Mark; Schiller, John T.; Sherman, Mark; Solomon, Diane; Wacholder, Sholom; Freer, Enrique; Bonilla, José; García-Piñeres, Alfonso; Silva, Sandra; Atmella, Ivannia; Ramírez, Margarita; Pinto, Ligia; Kemp, Troy; Eklund, Claire; Hutchinson, Martha; Sidawy, Mary; Quint, Wim; van Doorn, Leen-Jan; Struijk, Linda

2013-01-01

Background. Little is known about the epidemiology of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) in Latin America. Methods. Women (N = 5838) aged 22–29 in the control and vaccine arms of an HPV-16/18 vaccine trial in Costa Rica had oral, cervical, and anal specimens collected. Samples were tested for alpha mucosal HPV types (SPF10/LiPA25 version 1); a subset of oral samples (n = 500) was tested for cutaneous HPV types in the genera alpha, beta, gamma, mu, and nu. Results. In the control arm (n = 2926), 1.9% of women had an oral alpha mucosal HPV detected, 1.3% had carcinogenic HPV, and 0.4% had HPV-16; similar patterns for non-16/18 HPV types were observed in the vaccine arm. Independent risk factors for any oral alpha mucosal HPV among women in the control arm included marital status (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8–5.7 for single compared to married/living as married), number of sexual partners (AOR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.0–6.1 for ≥4 partners compared to 0–1 partners), chronic sinusitis (AOR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.5–6.7), and cervical HPV infection (AOR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.4–4.6). Detection of beta HPV was common (18.6%) and not associated with sexual activity. Conclusions. Unlike cutaneous HPV types, alpha mucosal HPV types were uncommon in the oral region and were predominately associated with sexual behavior. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT00128661. PMID:24014882

Comparative degradation of oomycete, ascomycete, and basidiomycete cell walls by mycoparasitic and biocontrol fungi.

PubMed

Inglis, G D; Kawchuk, L M

2002-01-01

Fourteen fungi (primarily representing mycoparasitic and biocontrol fungi) were tested for their ability to grow on and degrade cell walls (CWs) of an oomycete (Pythium ultimum), ascomycete (Fusarium equisetii), and basidiomycete (Rhizoctonia solani), and their hydrolytic enzymes were characterized. Protein was detected in the cultural medium of eleven of the test isolates, and these fungi significantly degraded CWs over the 14-day duration of the experiment. In general, a greater level of CW degradation occurred for F. equisetii and P. ultimum than for R. solani. Fungi that degraded F. equisetii CWs were Coniothyrium minitans, Gliocladium roseum, Myrothecium verrucaria, Talaromyces flavus, and Trichoderma harzianum. Taxa degrading P ultimum CWs included Chaetomium globosum, Coniothyrium minitans, M. verrucaria, Seimatosporium sp., Talaromyces flavus, Trichoderma hamatum, Trichoderma harzianum, and Trichoderma viride. Production of extracellular protein was highly correlated with CW degradation. Considerable variation in the molecular weights of CW-degrading enzymes were detected among the test fungi and the CW substrates in zymogram electrophoresis. Multivariate analysis between CW degradation and hydrolysis of barley beta-glucan (beta1,3- and beta1,4-glucanases), laminarin (beta1,3- and beta1,6-glucanases), carboxymethyl cellulose (endo-beta1,4-glucanases), colloidal chitin (chitinases), and chitosan (chitosanases) was conducted. For F. equisetii CWs, the regression model accounted for 80% of the variability, and carboxymethyl cellulases acting together with beta-glucanases contributed an R2 of 0.52, whereas chitinases and beta-glucanases alone contributed an R2 of 0.11 and 0.12, respectively. Only 61% of the variability observed in the degradation of P. ultimum CWs was explained by the enzyme classes tested, and primarily beta-glucanases (R2 of 0.53) and carboxymethyl cellulases (R2 of 0.08) alone contributed to CW break down. Too few of the test fungi degraded R. solani CWs to perform multivariate analysis effectively. This study identified several fungi that degraded ascomyceteous and oomyceteous, and to a lesser extent, basidiomycetous CWs. An array of enzymes were implicated in CW degradation.

Engineering Neprilysin Activity and Specificity to Create a Novel Therapeutic for Alzheimer’s Disease

PubMed Central

Webster, Carl I.; Burrell, Matthew; Olsson, Lise-Lotte; Fowler, Susan B.; Digby, Sarah; Sandercock, Alan; Snijder, Arjan; Tebbe, Jan; Haupts, Ulrich; Grudzinska, Joanna; Jermutus, Lutz; Andersson, Christin

2014-01-01

Neprilysin is a transmembrane zinc metallopeptidase that degrades a wide range of peptide substrates. It has received attention as a potential therapy for Alzheimer’s disease due to its ability to degrade the peptide amyloid beta. However, its broad range of peptide substrates has the potential to limit its therapeutic use due to degradation of additional peptides substrates that tightly regulate many physiological processes. We sought to generate a soluble version of the ectodomain of neprilysin with improved activity and specificity towards amyloid beta as a potential therapeutic for Alzheimer’s disease. Extensive amino acid substitutions were performed at positions surrounding the active site and inner surface of the enzyme and variants screened for activity on amyloid beta 1–40, 1–42 and a variety of other physiologically relevant peptides. We identified several mutations that modulated and improved both enzyme selectivity and intrinsic activity. Neprilysin variant G399V/G714K displayed an approximately 20-fold improved activity on amyloid beta 1–40 and up to a 3,200-fold reduction in activity on other peptides. Along with the altered peptide substrate specificity, the mutant enzyme produced a markedly altered series of amyloid beta cleavage products compared to the wild-type enzyme. Crystallisation of the mutant enzyme revealed that the amino acid substitutions result in alteration of the shape and size of the pocket containing the active site compared to the wild-type enzyme. The mutant enzyme offers the potential for the more efficient degradation of amyloid beta in vivo as a therapeutic for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. PMID:25089527

Effects of beta-thujaplicin on anti-Malassezia pachydermatis remedy for canine otitis externa.

PubMed

Nakano, Yasuyuki; Wada, Makoto; Tani, Hiroyuki; Sasai, Kazumi; Baba, Eiichiroh

2005-12-01

The antifungal activity of beta-thujaplicin was evaluated against 51 Malassezia pachydermatis strains isolated from canine ear canals with or without otitis externa. For comparison, sensitivity tests were performed on M. pachydermatis isolates for nystatin, ketoconazole, and terbinafine HCl, all clinically available antifungal agents. The minimal inhibition concentrations over 50% of the tested isolates (MIC50) were 3.13 microg/ml for beta-thujaplicin and nystatin, 0.016 microg/ml for ketoconazole, and 1.56 microg/ml for terbinafine HCl. The antifungal effect for M. pachydermatis of beta-thujaplicin compared favorably with commercial antifungal agents. None of the 51 M. pachydermatis isolates showed resistance against any of the tested antibiotics investigated in this study. Ten representative isolates of M. pachydermatis were subcultured for 30 generations at concentrations close to the MIC levels of beta-thujaplicin, nystatin, ketoconazole, and terbinafine HCl, and examined to determine whether they had acquired resistance to each drug. As a result, M. pachydermatis was found to achieve resistance more easily for ketoconazole and terbinafine HCl than for beta-thujaplicin or nystatin. The MIC50 of beta-thujaplicin did not change during the course of subculture, and it is thought that the potential development of a resistant strain is low, even with continuous infusion for otitis externa therapy. beta-Thujaplicin is an inexpensive and safe treatment with anti-inflammatory and deodorant effects that can be recommended as an effective remedy for canine otitis externa.

Screening method for inhibitors against formosan subterranean termite beta-glucosidases in vivo.

PubMed

Zhu, Betty C R; Henderson, Gregg; Laine, Roger A

2005-02-01

Cellulose, a main structural constituent of plants, is the major nutritional component for wood-feeding termites. Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose to glucose occurs by the action of cellulases, a mixture of the three major classes of enzymes including endo-1,4-beta-glucanases, exo-1,4-beta-glucanases, and beta-glucosidase. Lower termites, such as the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, require cellulolytic protozoa to efficiently digest cellulose for survival. Inhibitors developed against any of these cellulase system enzymes would be a potential termite treatment avenue. Our effort was to develop a screening system to determine whether termites could be controlled by administration of cellulase system inhibitors. Some reported compounds such as gluconolactone, conduritol B epoxide, and 1-deoxynojirimycin are potential beta-glucosidase inhibitors, but they have only been tested in vitro. We describe an in vivo method to test the inhibitory ability of the designated chemicals to act on beta-1,4-glucosidases, one member of the cellulase system that is the key step that releases glucose for use as an energy and carbon source for termites. Inhibition in releasing glucose from cellooligosaccharides might be sufficient to starve termites. Fluorescein di-beta-D-glucopyranoside was used as the artificial enzyme substrate and the fluorescent intensity of the reaction product (fluorescein) quantified with an automated fluorescence plate reader. Several known in vitro beta-1,4-glucosidase inhibitors were tested in vivo, and their inhibitory potential was determined. Endogenous and protozoan cellulase activities are both assumed to play a role.

Examining Equivalency of the Driver Risk Inventory Test Versions: Does It Matter Which Version I Use?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Degiorgio, Lisa

2015-01-01

Equivalency of test versions is often assumed by counselors and evaluators. This study examined two versions, paper-pencil and computer based, of the Driver Risk Inventory, a DUI/DWI (driving under the influence/driving while intoxicated) risk assessment. An overview of computer-based testing and standards for equivalency is also provided. Results…

A multilaboratory peer assessment quality assurance program-based evaluation of anticardiolipin antibody, and beta2-glycoprotein I antibody testing.

PubMed

Favaloro, Emmanuel J; Wong, Richard C W; Silvestrini, Roger; McEvoy, Robert; Jovanovich, Susan; Roberts-Thomson, Peter

2005-02-01

We evaluated the performance of anticardiolipin (aCL) and beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2-GPI) antibody assays through a large external quality assurance program. Data from the 2002 cycle of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Program (RCPA QAP) were analyzed for variation in reported numerical values and semiquantitative results or interpretations according to method type or group and in conjunction with available clinical data. High interlaboratory variation in numerical results and notable method-based variation, combined with a general lack of consensus in semiquantitative reporting, continues to be observed. Numerical results from cross-laboratory testing of 12 serum samples (for immunoglobulin G [IgG]-aCL, IgM-aCL, and IgG-beta2-GPI) yielded interlaboratory coefficients of variation (CVs) that were higher than 50% in six of 12 (50%) specimens for IgG-aCL, and 12 of 12 (100%) specimens for IgM-aCL and IgG-beta2-GPI. Semiquantitative reporting also varied considerably, with total (100%) consensus occurring in only four of 36 (11%) occasions. General consensus (where > 90% of participating laboratories agreed that a given serum sample gave a result of either negative or positive) was only obtained on 13 of 36 (36%) occasions. Variation in results between different method types or groups were also present, resulting in potential biasing of the RCPA QAP-defined target results by the large number of laboratories using the dominant aCL assays. Finally, laboratory findings frequently did not agree with the available clinical information. In conclusion, in a large proportion of specimens from the 2002 RCPA QAP cycle, laboratories could not agree on whether a serum sample tested was aCL-positive or aCL-negative, or beta2-GPI-positive or beta2-GPI-negative. Despite prior attempts to improve the standardization of testing and reporting practices, laboratory testing for aCL and anti-beta2-GPI still demonstrates significant interlaboratory and intermethod variation, which needs to be taken into account for the clinical interpretation of test results, especially those from different laboratories.

Beta experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

A focused laser doppler velocimeter (LDV) system was developed for the measurement of atmospheric backscatter (beta) from aerosols at infrared wavelengths. A Doppler signal generator was used in mapping the coherent sensitive focal volume of a focused LDV system. System calibration data was analyzed during the flight test activity scheduled for the Beta system. These analyses were performed to determine the acceptability of the Beta measurement system's performance.

Characterization of beta-phenylethylamine-induced monoamine release in rat nucleus accumbens: a microdialysis study.

PubMed

Nakamura, M; Ishii, A; Nakahara, D

1998-05-22

In vivo microdialysis was used to investigate the effect of beta-phenylethylamine on extracellular levels of monoamines and their metabolites in the nucleus accumbens of conscious rats. At all doses tested (1, 10 and 100 microM), infusion of beta-phenylethylamine through the microdialysis probe significantly increased extracellular levels of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens. These increases were dose-related. The increase in dopamine levels induced by 100 microM beta-phenylethylamine was not affected by co-perfusion of 4 microM tetrodotoxin. The ability of 100 microM beta-phenylethylamine to increase the extracellular level of dopamine was comparable to that of the same dose of methamphetamine. On the other hand, beta-phenylethylamine had a much less potent enhancing effect on 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) than dopamine levels. Only the highest dose (100 microM) caused a statistically significant effect on 5-HT levels. Over the dose range tested (1, 10 and 100 microM), beta-phenylethylamine had no effect on extracellular metabolite levels of dopamine and 5-HT. The results suggest that beta-phenylethylamine increases the efflux of monoamines, preferentially dopamine, without affecting monoamine metabolism, in the nucleus accumbens.

Effect of beta-alanine supplementation on the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) during treadmill running: Pre/post 2 treatment experimental design.

PubMed

Jordan, Thomas; Lukaszuk, Judith; Misic, Mark; Umoren, Josephine

2010-05-19

beta-Alanine (betaA) has been shown to improve performance during cycling. This study was the first to examine the effects of betaA supplementation on the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) during incremental treadmill running. Seventeen recreationally-active men (mean +/- SE 24.9 +/- 4.7 yrs, 180.6 +/- 8.9 cm, 79.25 +/- 9.0 kg) participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pre/post test 2-treatment experimental design. Subjects participated in two incremental treadmill tests before and after 28 days of supplementation with either betaA (6.0 g.d-1)(betaA, n = 8) or an equivalent dose of Maltodextrin as the Placebo (PL, n = 9). Heart rate, percent heart rate maximum (%HRmax), %VO2max@OBLA (4.0 mmol.L-1 blood lactate concentration) and VO2max (L.min-1) were determined for each treadmill test. Friedman test was used to determine within group differences; and Mann-Whitney was used to determine between group differences for pre and post values (p < 0.05). The betaA group experienced a significant rightward shift in HR@OBLA beats.min-1 (p < 0.01) pre/post (161.6 +/- 19.2 to 173.6 +/- 9.9) but remained unchanged in the PL group (166.8 +/- 15.8 to 169.6 +/- 16.1). The %HRmax@OBLA increased (p < 0.05) pre/post in the betaA group (83.0% +/- 9.7 to 88.6% +/- 3.7) versus no change in the PL group (86.3 +/- % 4.8 to 87.9% +/- 7.2). The %VO2max@OBLA increased (p < 0.05) in the betaA group pre/post (69.1 +/- 11.0 to 75.6 +/- 10.7) but remained unchanged in the PL group (73.3 +/- 7.3 to 74.3 +/- 7.3). VO2max (L.min-1) decreased (p < 0.01) in the betaA group pre/post (4.57 +/- 0.8 to 4.31 +/- 0.8) versus no change in the PL group (4.04 +/- 0.7 to 4.18 +/- 0.8). Body mass kg increased (p < 0.05) in the betaA group pre/post (77.9 +/- 9.0 to 78.3 +/- 9.3) while the PL group was unchanged (80.6 +/- 9.1 to 80.4 +/- 9.0). betaA supplementation for 28 days enhanced sub-maximal endurance performance by delaying OBLA. However, betaA supplemented individuals had a reduced aerobic capacity as evidenced by the decrease in VO2max values post supplementation.

The mean A beta load in the hippocampus correlates with duration and severity of dementia in subgroups of Alzheimer disease.

PubMed

Bartoo, G T; Nochlin, D; Chang, D; Kim, Y; Sumi, S M

1997-05-01

Using image analysis techniques to quantify the percentage area covered by the immunopositive marker for amyloid beta-peptide (A beta), we examined subjects with combinations of either early-onset or late-onset Alzheimer disease (AD) and either familial Alzheimer disease (FAD) or sporadic Alzheimer disease (SAD). We measured the mean and maximum A beta loads, in the hippocampus of each subject. There were no statistically significant differences in the mean A beta load between familial and sporadic AD subjects. Although sample sizes were too small for statistical testing, subjects with the epsilon 4/epsilon 4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene had higher mean A beta loads than those with the epsilon 3/epsilon 3 or epsilon 3/epsilon 4 alleles. Members of the Volga German families (recently linked to chromosome 1) all had high mean A beta loads, and one of the chromosome 14-linked subjects had the highest mean A beta load while the other had a relatively small load, but the sample was too small for statistical comparisons. The duration of dementia and neuropsychological test scores showed a statistically significant correlation with the mean A beta load in the hippocampus, but not with the maximum A beta load. This difference indicates that the mean A beta load may be a more useful feature than the maximum A beta load as an objective neuropathological measure for cognitive status. This finding may help to improve the established methods for quantitative assessment of the neuropathological changes in AD.

Imaging of alpha(v)beta(3) expression by a bifunctional chimeric RGD peptide not cross-reacting with alpha(v)beta(5).

PubMed

Zannetti, Antonella; Del Vecchio, Silvana; Iommelli, Francesca; Del Gatto, Annarita; De Luca, Stefania; Zaccaro, Laura; Papaccioli, Angela; Sommella, Jvana; Panico, Mariarosaria; Speranza, Antonio; Grieco, Paolo; Novellino, Ettore; Saviano, Michele; Pedone, Carlo; Salvatore, Marco

2009-08-15

To test whether a novel bifunctional chimeric peptide comprising a cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp pentapeptide covalently bound to an echistatin domain can discriminate alpha(v)beta(3) from alpha(v)beta(5) integrin, thus allowing the in vivo selective visualization of alpha(v)beta(3) expression by single-photon and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The chimeric peptide was preliminarily tested for inhibition of alpha(v)beta(3)-dependent cell adhesion and competition of 125I-echistatin binding to membrane of stably transfected K562 cells expressing alpha(v)beta(3) (Kalpha(v)beta(3)) or alpha(v)beta(5) (Kalpha(v)beta(5)) integrin. The chimeric peptide was then conjugated with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid and labeled with 111In for single-photon imaging, whereas a one-step procedure was used for labeling the full-length peptide and a truncated derivative, lacking the last five C-terminal amino acids, with 18F for PET imaging. Nude mice bearing tumors from Kalpha(v)beta(3), Kalpha(v)beta(5), U87MG human glioblastoma, and A431 human epidermoid cells were subjected to single-photon and PET imaging. Adhesion and competitive binding assays showed that the novel chimeric peptide selectively binds to alpha(v)beta(3) integrin and does not cross-react with alpha(v)beta(5). In agreement with in vitro findings, single-photon and PET imaging studies showed that the radiolabeled chimeric peptide selectively localizes in tumor xenografts expressing alphavbeta3 and fails to accumulate in those expressing alpha(v)beta(5) integrin. When 18F-labeled truncated derivative was used for PET imaging, alphavbeta3- and alpha(v)beta(5)-expressing tumors were visualized, indicating that the five C-terminal amino acids are required to differentially bind the two integrins. Our findings indicate that the novel chimeric Arg-Gly-Asp peptide, having no cross-reaction with alphavbeta5 integrin, allows highly selective alphavbeta3 expression imaging and monitoring.

Amino acid sequence requirements at residues 69 and 238 for the SME-1 beta-lactamase to confer resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics.

PubMed

Majiduddin, Fahd K; Palzkill, Timothy

2003-03-01

Carbapenem antibiotics have been used to counteract resistant strains of bacteria harboring beta-lactamases and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. Four enzymes from the class A group of beta-lactamases, NMC-A, IMI-1, SME-1, and KPC-1, efficiently hydrolyze carbapenem antibiotics. Sequence comparisons and structural information indicate that cysteines at amino acid residues 69 and 238, which are conserved in all four of these enzymes, form a disulfide bond that is unique to these beta-lactamases. To test whether this disulfide bond is required for catalytic activity, the codons for residues Cys69 and Cys238 were randomized individually and simultaneously by PCR-based mutagenesis to create random replacement libraries for these positions. Mutants that were able to confer resistance to ampicillin, imipenem, or cefotaxime were selected from these libraries. The results indicate that positions Cys69 and Cys238 are critical for hydrolysis of all of the antibiotics tested, suggesting that the disulfide bond is generally required for this enzyme to catalyze the hydrolysis of beta-lactam antibiotics.

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

Popp, R.A.; Popp, D.M.; Johnson, F.M.

Mice homozygous for a spontaneous mutation, in which the ..beta..-major globin gene is deleted, have clinical symptoms of ..beta..-thalassemia. These mice have a hypocellular, hypochromic, microcytic anemia that becomes more severe with increasing age. The defective red cell morphology, decreased osmotic fragility of erythrocytes and shortened red cell life span found in ..beta..-thalassemic mice are similar to those observed in human ..beta..-thalassemia. Synthesis of ..beta..-globin is depressed but not as much as might be expected because the expression of the..beta..-minor globin gene is enhanced to encode two to three times more globin than in normal mice. Splenomegaly, an enlarged poolmore » of stem cells for erythropoiesis, and iron overloading occur in older mice. The fact that these mice remain moderately healthy makes them a very suitable animal model in which to develop and test alternative techniques of gene therapy that could be successfully applied to the treatment of human thalassemia. Homozygous ..beta..-thalassemic mice have large deposits of iron in their tissues, which might make these mice also useful for in vivo tests of the effectiveness and possible long-term side effects for newly developed iron chelators.« less

Modifying the test of understanding graphs in kinematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zavala, Genaro; Tejeda, Santa; Barniol, Pablo; Beichner, Robert J.

2017-12-01

In this article, we present several modifications to the Test of Understanding Graphs in Kinematics. The most significant changes are (i) the addition and removal of items to achieve parallelism in the objectives (dimensions) of the test, thus allowing comparisons of students' performance that were not possible with the original version, and (ii) changes to the distractors of some of the original items that represent the most frequent alternative conceptions. The final modified version (after an iterative process involving four administrations of test variations over two years) was administered to 471 students of an introductory university physics course at a large private university in Mexico. When analyzing the final modified version of the test it was found that the added items satisfied the statistical tests of difficulty, discriminatory power, and reliability; also, that the great majority of the modified distractors were effective in terms of their frequency selection and discriminatory power; and, that the final modified version of the test satisfied the reliability and discriminatory power criteria as well as the original test. Here, we also show the use of the new version of the test, presenting a new analysis of students' understanding not possible to do before with the original version of the test, specifically regarding the objectives and items that in the new version meet parallelisms. Finally, in the PhysPort project (physport.org), we present the final modified version of the test. It can be used by teachers and researchers to assess students' understanding of graphs in kinematics, as well as their learning about them.

Cytotoxic triterpenoid saponins from the fruits of Aesculus pavia L.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhizhen; Li, Shiyou

2007-08-01

Continued chemical investigation on the fruits of North American Aesculus pavia L. resulted in the isolation and identification of 13 polyhydroxyoleanene pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins, named aesculiosides IIe-IIk (1-7), and IIIa-IIIf (8-13), together with 18 known compounds: aesculiosides Ia-Ie (14-18), IIa-IId (19-22), IVa-IVc (23-25), 3-O-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl(1-->3)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-21,22-O-diangeloyl-3beta,15 alpha,16 alpha,21 beta,22 alpha,28-hexahydroxyolean-12-ene (26), 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl(1-->3)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-21,22-O-diangeloyl-3beta,16 alpha,21 beta,22 alpha,24 beta,28-hexahydroxyolean-12-ene (27), 3-O-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl(1-->3)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-21,22-O-diangeloyl-3beta,16 alpha,21 beta,22 alpha,28-pentahydroxyolean-12-ene (28), R(1)-barrigenol (29), scopolin (30), and 5-methoxyscopolin (31). The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical analyses. Compounds 14-22 and 26-28 were tested in vitro for their activity against 59 cell lines from nine different human cancers including leukemia, non-small cell lung, colon, CNS, melanoma, ovarian, renal, prostate, and breast. It was found that compounds with two-acyl groups at C-21 and C-22 had cytotoxic activity for all cell lines tested with GI(50) 0.175-8.71 microM, while compounds without acyl groups at C-21 and C-22 had weak or no cytotoxic activity. These results suggest that the acyl groups at C-21 and C-22 are essential for their activity.

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae among Ethiopian children

PubMed Central

Legese, Melese Hailu; Weldearegay, Gebru Mulugeta; Asrat, Daniel

2017-01-01

Background Infections by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- (ESBL) and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are an emerging problem in children nowadays. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae among children suspected of septicemia and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2014. A total of 322 study participants suspected of septicemia and UTIs were recruited. All blood and urine samples were cultured on blood and MacConkey agar. All positive cultures were characterized by colony morphology, Gram stain, and standard biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed on Muller-Hinton agar using disk diffusion. ESBL was detected using combination disk and double-disk synergy methods, and the results were compared. Carbapenemase was detected by modified Hodge method using meropenem. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results The overall prevalence of ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae was 78.57% (n=22/28) and 12.12%, respectively. Among the Enterobacteriaceae tested, Klebsiella pneumoniae (84.2%, n=16/19), Escherichia coli (100%, n=5/5), and Klebsiella oxytoca (100%, n=1/1) were positive for ESBL. Double-disk synergy method showed 90.9% sensitivity, 66.7% specificity, 95.2% positive predictive value, and 50% negative predictive value. Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae were K. pneumoniae (9.09%, n=3/33) and Morganella morganii (3.03%, n=1/33). Conclusion Screening Enterobacteriaceae for ESBL production is essential for better antibiotics selection and preventing its further emergence and spread. In resource-limited settings, double-disk synergy method can be implemented for screening and confirming ESBL production. Moreover, occurrence of CRE in countries where no carbapenems are sold is worrying microbiologists as well as clinicians. Hence, identifying factors that induce carbapenemase production in the absence of carbapenems prescription is essential for control of CRE dissemination within the community. PMID:28182124

High-Technology Companies Often Turn to Colleges for Confidential 'Beta Tests' of New Products.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turner, Judith Axler

1988-01-01

Beta testing--the process of trying a product in a real-world setting before releasing it commercially--exploits a natural interface between universities and high-technology industries. High-tech companies need confidential, real-world tests of new products, and universities are eager to get an early look at tomorrow's technology. (MLW)

[Memory Checking Tests].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hart, Joseph T.

Two basic tests for checking memory skills are included in these appendices. The first, the General Information Test, uses the same 150 items for each of its two versions. One version is a completion-type test which measures recall by requiring the examinee to supply a specific response. The other version supplements each of the 150 items with…

Anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect of a phytoestrogen compound on rat microglia.

PubMed

Marotta, F; Mao, G S; Liu, T; Chui, D H; Lorenzetti, A; Xiao, Y; Marandola, P

2006-11-01

Ovariectomized Wistar rats received orally 15 mg/kg of a phytoestrogen compound (genistein, daidzein, glycitein, black cohosh, angelica sin., licorice, vitex agnus) for 2 weeks to test its ability to modulate inflammatory microglia response. Microglial proliferation was tested by trypan blue and by absorbance. Serial supernatant sampling was performed for 24 h to check TNF-alpha, IL-beta, IL-6, and TGF-beta. LPS caused a time course increase of all cytokines, with IL-beta and TNF-alpha peaking at the 12th hour, whereas IL-6 and TGF-beta peaked at the 24 h observation. Rats fed with the phytoestrogen displayed a significantly lower level of proinflammatory cytokines and a higher level of TGF-beta, as shown also by Western blot analysis. This finding may offer promise in the field of nutraceutical intervention.

Characterization of large area ZnS(Ag) detector for gross alpha and beta activity measurements in tap water plants

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

Lunardon, M.; Cester, D.; Mistura, G.

2015-07-01

In this work we present the characterization of a large area 200 x 200 mm{sup 2} EJ-444 scintillation detector to be used for monitoring gross alpha and beta activity in tap water plants. Specific tests were performed to determine the best setup to readout the light from the detector side in order to have the possibility to stack many detectors and get a compact device with total active area of the order of 1 m{sup 2}. Alpha/Beta discrimination, efficiency and homogeneity tests were carried out with alpha and beta sources. Background from ambient radioactivity was measured as well. Alpha/beta real-timemore » monitoring in drinking water is a goal of the EU project TAWARA{sub R}TM. (authors)« less

Corrections for Exchange and Screening Effects in Low-energy Beta Decays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mougeot, X.; Bé, M.-M.; Bisch, C.; Loidl, M.

2014-06-01

The beta spectra of 241Pu and 63Ni have been recently measured using metallic magnetic calorimeters. This powerful experimental technique allows theoretical beta spectra calculations to be tested at low energy with an accuracy never before achievable. Their comparison with classical beta calculations exhibits a significant deviation below 4 keV for 241Pu and 8 keV for 63Ni. The atomic exchange effect explains the main part of this deviation in the 63Ni beta spectrum. This effect has a significant contribution, equivalent to the magnitude of the screening, in the 241Pu beta spectrum.

Analysis of the two-peptide bacteriocins lactococcin G and enterocin 1071 by site-directed mutagenesis.

PubMed

Oppegård, Camilla; Fimland, Gunnar; Thorbaek, Lisbeth; Nissen-Meyer, Jon

2007-05-01

The two peptides (Lcn-alpha and Lcn-beta) of the two-peptide bacteriocin lactococcin G (Lcn) were changed by stepwise site-directed mutagenesis into the corresponding peptides (Ent-alpha and Ent-beta) of the two-peptide bacteriocin enterocin 1071 (Ent), and the potencies and specificities of the various hybrid constructs were determined. Both Lcn and, to a lesser extent, Ent were active against all the tested lactococcal strains, but only Ent was active against the tested enterococcal strains. The two bacteriocins thus differed in their relative potencies to various target cells, despite their sequence similarities. The hybrid combination Lcn-alpha+Ent-beta had low potency against all strains tested, indicating that these two peptides do not interact optimally. The reciprocal hybrid combination (i.e., Ent-alpha+Lcn-beta), in contrast, was highly potent, indicating that these two peptides may form a functional antimicrobial unit. In fact, this hybrid combination (Ent-alpha+Lcn-beta) was more potent against lactococcal strains than wild-type Ent was (i.e., Ent-alpha+Ent-beta), but it was inactive against enterococcal strains (in contrast to Ent but similar to Lcn). The observation that Ent-alpha is more active against lactococci in combination with Lcn-beta and more active against enterococci in combination with Ent-beta suggests that the beta peptide is an important determinant of target cell specificity. Especially the N-terminal residues of the beta peptide seem to be important for specificity, since Ent-alpha combined with an Ent-beta variant with Ent-to-Lcn mutations at positions 1 to 4, 7, 9, and 10 was >150-fold less active against enterococcal strains but one to four times more active against lactococcal strains than Ent-alpha+Ent-beta. Moreover, Ent-to-Lcn single-residue mutations in the region spanning residues 1 to 7 in Ent-beta had a more detrimental effect on the activity against enterococci than on that against lactococcal strains. Of the single-residue mutations made in the N-terminal region of the alpha peptide, the Ent-to-Lcn mutations N8Q and P12R in Ent-alpha influenced specificity, as follows: the N8Q mutation had no effect on activity against tested enterococcal strains but increased the activity 2- to 4-fold against the tested lactococcal strains, and the P12R mutation reduced the activity >150-fold and only approximately 2-fold against enterococcal and lactococcal strains, respectively. Changing residues in the C-terminal half/part of the Lcn peptides (residues 20 to 39 and 25 to 35 in Lcn-alpha and Lcn-beta, respectively) to those found in the corresponding Ent peptides did not have a marked effect on the activity, but there was an approximately 10-fold or greater reduction in the activity upon also introducing Lcn-to-Ent mutations in the mid-region (residues 8 to 19 and 9 to 24 in Lcn-alpha and Lcn-beta, respectively). Interestingly, the Lcn-to-Ent F19L+G20A mutation in an Lcn-Ent-beta hybrid peptide was more detrimental when the altered peptide was combined with Lcn-alpha (>10-fold reduction) than when it was combined with Ent-alpha ( approximately 2-fold reduction), suggesting that residues 19 and 20 (which are part of a GXXXG motif) in the beta peptide may be involved in a specific interaction with the cognate alpha peptide. It is also noteworthy that the K2P and A7P mutations in Lcn-beta reduced the activity only approximately 2-fold, suggesting that the first seven residues in the beta peptides do not form an alpha-helix.

CallFUSE Version 3: A Data Reduction Pipeline for the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-05-01

Earth orbit with an inclination of 25 to the equator and an approximately 100 minute orbital period. Data obtained with the instrument are reduced...throughout the mis- sion reveal that the gratings’ orbital motion depends on three parameters: beta angle (the angle between the target and the anti- Sun ...University, Bal- timore, MD; wvd@pha.jhu.edu. 3 Space Telescope Science Institute, ESS/SSG, Baltimore, MD. 4 Current address: Earth Orientation Department

Friendly Extensible Transfer Tool Beta Version

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

Collins, William P.; Gutierrez, Kenneth M.; McRee, Susan R.

2016-04-15

Often data transfer software is designed to meet specific requirements or apply to specific environments. Frequently, this requires source code integration for added functionality. An extensible data transfer framework is needed to more easily incorporate new capabilities, in modular fashion. Using FrETT framework, functionality may be incorporated (in many cases without need of source code) to handle new platform capabilities: I/O methods (e.g., platform specific data access), network transport methods, data processing (e.g., data compression.).

Development, equivalence study, and normative data of version B of the Spanish-language Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test.

PubMed

Grau-Guinea, L; Pérez-Enríquez, C; García-Escobar, G; Arrondo-Elizarán, C; Pereira-Cutiño, B; Florido-Santiago, M; Piqué-Candini, J; Planas, A; Paez, M; Peña-Casanova, J; Sánchez-Benavides, G

2018-05-08

The Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) is widely used for the assessment of verbal episodic memory, mainly in patients with Alzheimer disease. A Spanish version of the FCSRT and normative data were developed within the NEURONORMA project. Availability of alternative, equivalent versions is useful for following patients up in clinical settings. This study aimed to develop an alternative version of the original FCSRT (version B) and to study its equivalence to the original Spanish test (version A), and its performance in a sample of healthy individuals, in order to develop reference data. We evaluated 232 healthy participants of the NEURONORMA-Plus project, aged between 18 and 90. Thirty-three participants were assessed with both versions using a counterbalanced design. High intra-class correlation coefficients (between 0.8 and 0.9) were observed in the equivalence study. While no significant differences in performance were observed in total recall scores, free recall scores were significantly lower for version B. These preliminary results suggest that the newly developed FCSRT version B is equivalent to version A in the main variables tested. Further studies are necessary to ensure interchangeability between versions. We provide normative data for the new version. Copyright © 2018 Sociedad Española de Neurología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Susceptibility patterns for amoxicillin/clavulanate tests mimicking the licensed formulations and pharmacokinetic relationships: do the MIC obtained with 2:1 ratio testing accurately reflect activity against beta-lactamase-producing strains of Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis?

PubMed

Pottumarthy, Sudha; Sader, Helio S; Fritsche, Thomas R; Jones, Ronald N

2005-11-01

Amoxicillin/clavulanate has recently undergone formulation changes (XR and ES-600) that represent 14:1 and 16:1 ratios of amoxicillin/clavulanate. These ratios greatly differ from the 2:1 ratio used in initial formulations and in vitro susceptibility testing. The objective of this study was to determine if the reference method using a 2:1 ratio accurately reflects the susceptibility to the various clinically used amoxicillin/clavulanate formulations and their respective serum concentration ratios. A collection of 330 Haemophilus influenzae strains (300 beta-lactamase-positive and 30 beta-lactamase-negative) and 40 Moraxella catarrhalis strains (30 beta-lactamase-positive and 10 beta-lactamase-negative) were tested by the broth microdilution method against eight amoxicillin/clavulanate combinations (4:1, 5:1, 7:1, 9:1, 14:1, and 16:1 ratios; 0.5 and 2 microg/mL fixed clavulanate concentrations) and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) results were compared with those obtained with the reference 2:1 ratio testing. For the beta-lactamase-negative strains of both genera, there was no demonstrable change in the MIC values obtained for all ratios analyzed (2:1 to 16:1). For the beta-lactamase-positive strains of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis, at ratios >or=4:1 there was a shift in the central tendency of the MIC scatterplot compared with the results of testing 2:1 ratio. As a result, there was a 2-fold dilution increase in the MIC(50) and MIC(90) values, most evident for H. influenzae and BRO-1-producing M. catarrhalis strains. For beta-lactamase-positive strains of H. influenzae, the shift resulted in a change in the interpretive result for 3 isolates (1.0%) from susceptible using the reference method (2:1 ratio) to resistant (8/4 microg/mL; very major error) at the 16:1 ratio. In addition, the number of isolates with MIC values at or 1 dilution lower than the breakpoint (4/2 microg/mL) increased from 5% at 2:1 ratio to 32-33% for ratios 14:1 and 16:1. Our results indicate that, for the beta-lactamase-positive strains of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis, the results of the amoxicillin/clavulanate reference 2:1 ratio testing do not accurately represent all the currently licensed formulations. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) target attainment might be compromised when higher amoxicillin/clavulanate ratios are used clinically. With a better understanding of PK/PD parameters, reevaluation of the amoxicillin/clavulanate in vitro susceptibility testing should be considered by the standardizing authorities to reflect the licensed formulations and accurately predict clinical outcomes.

Oral antibiotic adverse reactions after penicillin skin testing: multi-year follow-up.

PubMed

Macy, E; Burchette, R J

2002-12-01

Long-term follow-up data on adverse drug reactions after oral antibiotic use in penicillin allergy history positive individuals with penicillin skin test done in advance of need are rare. Oral antibiotic associated adverse drug reactions in 83 penicillin skin test positive individuals were compared to a sex, age, and length of follow-up matched sample of 166 penicillin skin test negative individuals, all of whom had at least one post penicillin skin test oral antibiotic. The mean post penicillin skin test follow-up interval was 34.5 +/- 16.6 months. There were 1655 total oral antibiotic exposures. In penicillin skin test positive individuals, the adverse drug reaction rate was not significantly different with cephalosporin or non-beta-lactam use (P = 0.12). In penicillin skin test negative individuals the adverse drug reaction rate was significantly lower with cephalosporin vs. non-beta-lactam use (P = 0.005). Penicillin was safely used in penicillin skin test negative individuals. Overall cephalosporins caused fewer adverse drug reactions independent of penicillin skin test status (P = 0.005). Penicillin skin testing was only able to predict penicillin associated adverse drug reactions in penicillin skin test positive individuals. Excluding accidental penicillin exposure in penicillin skin test positive individuals, non-beta-lactams were associated with adverse drug reactions more often than penicillins or cephalosporins, independent of the penicillin skin test result. Cephalosporins were used as or more safely than non-beta-lactams in both penicillin skin test positive and negative individuals.

Beta oscillatory neurons in the motor thalamus of movement disorder and pain patients.

PubMed

Basha, Diellor; Dostrovsky, Jonathan O; Lopez Rios, Adriana L; Hodaie, Mojgan; Lozano, Andres M; Hutchison, William D

2014-11-01

Excessive beta oscillations (15-25Hz) in the basal ganglia have been linked to the akineto-rigid symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) although it remains unclear whether the underlying mechanism is causative or associative. While a number of studies have reported beta activity in the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus internus, relatively little is known about the beta rhythm of the motor thalamus and its relation to movement disorders. To test whether thalamic beta oscillations are related to parkinsonian symptoms, we examined the spectral properties of neuronal activity in the ventral thalamic nuclei of five Parkinson's disease patients (two female, age range 50-72years) and compared them to five essential tremor (three female, aged 41-75) and four central pain patients (one female, aged 38-60). Spike and local field potential recordings were obtained during microelectrode-guided localization of thalamic nuclei prior to the implantation of deep brain stimulating electrodes. A total of 118 movement-related neurons in the region of the ventral intermediate nucleus (Vim) were analyzed across all patient groups. Eighty of these neurons (68%) displayed significant oscillatory firing in the beta range with the limbs at rest. In contrast, only 5.7% of the ventral oral posterior (Vop) (χ(2) test, p<0.05) and only 7.2% of the ventral caudal (Vc) neurons fired rhythmically at beta frequency (χ(2) test, p<0.05). Beta power was significantly decreased during limb movements (ANOVA, p<0.05) and was inversely related to tremor-frequency power during tremor epochs in ET and PD (r(2)=0.44). Comparison between patient groups showed that Vim beta power was significantly higher in ET patients versus pain and PD groups (ANOVA, p<0.05). The findings suggest that beta oscillations are found predominantly in Vim and are involved in movement but are not enhanced in tremor-dominant Parkinson's patients. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluating mepindolol in a test model of examination anxiety in students.

PubMed

Krope, P; Kohrs, A; Ott, H; Wagner, W; Fichte, K

1982-03-01

The effect of a single dose of beta-blocker (5 or 10 mg mepindolol) during a written examination was investigated in two double-blind studies (N : 49 and 55 students, respectively). The question was whether the beta-blocker would in comparison to placebo diminish examination anxiety and improve the performance of highly complex tasks, while leaving the performance of less complex tasks unchanged. A reduction in examination anxiety after beta-blocker intake could not be demonstrated with a multi-level test model (which included the parameters self-rated anxiety, motor behaviour, task performance and physiology), although pulse rates were lowered significantly. An improvement in performance could not be observed, while - by the same token - the performance was not impaired by the beta-blocker. A hypothesis according to which a beta-blocker has an anxiolytic effect and improves performance, dependent on the level of habitual examination anxiety, was tested post hoc, but could not be confirmed. Ten of the subjects treated with 10 mg mepindolol, complained of different side effects, including dizziness, fatigue and headache.

Influence of food acidulants and antioxidant spices on the bioaccessibility of beta-carotene from selected vegetables.

PubMed

Veda, Supriya; Platel, Kalpana; Srinivasan, Krishnapura

2008-09-24

Four common food acidulants--amchur, lime, tamarind, and kokum--and two antioxidant spices--turmeric and onion--were examined for their influence on the bioaccessibility of beta-carotene from two fleshy and two leafy vegetables. Amchur and lime generally enhanced the bioaccessibility of beta-carotene from these test vegetables in many instances. Such an improved bioaccessibility was evident in both raw and heat-processed vegetables. The effect of lime juice was generally more pronounced than that of amchur. Turmeric significantly enhanced the bioaccessibility of beta-carotene from all of the vegetables tested, especially when heat-processed. Onion enhanced the bioaccessibility of beta-carotene from pressure-cooked carrot and amaranth leaf and from open-pan-boiled pumpkin and fenugreek leaf. Lime juice and the antioxidant spices turmeric and onion minimized the loss of beta-carotene during heat processing of the vegetables. In the case of antioxidant spices, improved bioaccessibility of beta-carotene from heat-processed vegetables is attributable to their role in minimizing the loss of this provitamin. Lime juice, which enhanced the bioaccessibility of this provitamin from both raw and heat-processed vegetables, probably exerted this effect by some other mechanism in addition to minimizing the loss of beta-carotene. Thus, the presence of food acidulants (lime juice/amchur) and antioxidant spices (turmeric/onion) proved to be advantageous in the context of deriving maximum beta-carotene from the vegetable sources.

Reduced beta 2-microglobulin mRNA levels in transgenic mice expressing a designed hammerhead ribozyme.

PubMed Central

Larsson, S; Hotchkiss, G; Andäng, M; Nyholm, T; Inzunza, J; Jansson, I; Ahrlund-Richter, L

1994-01-01

We have generated three artificial hammerhead ribozymes, denoted 'Rz-b', 'Rz-c' and 'Rz-d', with different specificities for exon II of the mouse beta-2-microglobulin (beta 2M) mRNA. In this study we tested for ribozyme mediated reduction of beta 2M mRNA in a cell line and in transgenic mice. Transfections of either of the Rz-b, Rz-c or Rz-d plasmids into a mouse cell-line (NIH/3T3) revealed reductions of beta 2M mRNA substrate in each case. Ribozyme expression in individual transfected clones was accompanied with an up to 80% reduction of beta 2M mRNA levels. Rz-c was selected for a transgenic study. Seven Rz-c transgenic founder animals were identified from which three ribozyme expressing families were established and analysed. Expression of the ribozyme transgene was tested for and detected in lung, kidney and spleen. Expression was accompanied with reduction of the beta 2M mRNA levels of heterozygous (Rz+/-) animals compared to non-transgenic litter mates. The effect was most pronounced in lung with more than 90% beta 2M mRNA reduction in individual mice. In summary, expression of our ribozymes in a cell free system, in a cell-line and in transgenic mice were all accompanied with reductions of beta 2M mRNA levels. Images PMID:8036151

Development of the Central Dogma Concept Inventory (CDCI) Assessment Tool

PubMed Central

Newman, Dina L.; Snyder, Christopher W.; Fisk, J. Nick; Wright, L. Kate

2016-01-01

Scientific teaching requires scientifically constructed, field-tested instruments to accurately evaluate student thinking and gauge teacher effectiveness. We have developed a 23-question, multiple select–format assessment of student understanding of the essential concepts of the central dogma of molecular biology that is appropriate for all levels of undergraduate biology. Questions for the Central Dogma Concept Inventory (CDCI) tool were developed and iteratively revised based on student language and review by experts. The ability of the CDCI to discriminate between levels of understanding of the central dogma is supported by field testing (N = 54), and large-scale beta testing (N = 1733). Performance on the assessment increased with experience in biology; scores covered a broad range and showed no ceiling effect, even with senior biology majors, and pre/posttesting of a single class focused on the central dogma showed significant improvement. The multiple-select format reduces the chances of correct answers by random guessing, allows students at different levels to exhibit the extent of their knowledge, and provides deeper insight into the complexity of student thinking on each theme. To date, the CDCI is the first tool dedicated to measuring student thinking about the central dogma of molecular biology, and version 5 is ready to use. PMID:27055775

Are genetic variants in the platelet-derived growth factor [beta] gene associated with chronic pancreatitis?

PubMed

Muddana, Venkata; Park, James; Lamb, Janette; Yadav, Dhiraj; Papachristou, Georgios I; Hawes, Robert H; Brand, Randall; Slivka, Adam; Whitcomb, David C

2010-11-01

Platelet-derived growth factor [beta] (PDGF-[beta]) is a major signal in proliferation and matrix synthesis through activated pancreatic stellate cells, leading to fibrosis of the pancreas. Recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) seems to predispose to chronic pancreatitis (CP) in some patients but not others. We tested the hypothesis that 2 known PDGF-[beta] polymorphisms are associated with progression from RAP to CP. We also tested the hypothesis that PDGF-[beta] polymorphisms in combination with environmental risk factors such as alcohol and smoking are associated with CP. Three hundred eighty-two patients with CP (n = 176) and RAP (n = 206) and 251 controls were evaluated. Platelet-derived growth factor [beta] polymorphisms +286 A/G (rs#1800818) seen in 5'-UTR and +1135 A/C (rs#1800817) in first intron were genotyped using single-nucleotide polymorphism polymerase chain reaction approach and confirmed by DNA sequencing. The genotypic frequencies for PDGF-[beta] polymorphisms in positions +286 and +1135 were found to be similar in controls and patients with RAP and CP. There was no difference in genotypic frequencies among RAP, CP, and controls in subjects in the alcohol and smoking subgroups. Known variations in the PDGF-[beta] gene do not have a significant effect on promoting or preventing fibrogenesis in pancreatitis. Further evaluation of this important pathway is warranted.

Penicillin and beta-lactam allergy: epidemiology and diagnosis.

PubMed

Macy, Eric

2014-11-01

Penicillin is the most common beta-lactam antibiotic allergy and the most common drug class allergy, reported in about 8% of individuals using health care in the USA. Only about 1% of individuals using health care in the USA have a cephalosporin allergy noted in their medical record, and other specific non-penicillin, non-cephalosporin beta-lactam allergies are even rarer. Most reported penicillin allergy is not associated with clinically significant IgE-mediated reactions after penicillin rechallenge. Un-verified penicillin allergy is a significant and growing public health problem. Clinically significant IgE-mediated penicillin allergy can be safely confirmed or refuted using skin testing with penicilloyl-poly-lysine and native penicillin G and, if skin test is negative, an oral amoxicillin challenge. Acute tolerance of an oral therapeutic dose of a penicillin class antibiotic is the current gold standard test for a lack of clinically significant IgE-mediated penicillin allergy. Cephalosporins and other non-penicillin beta-lactams are widely, safely, and appropriately used in individuals, even with confirmed penicillin allergy. There is little, if any, clinically significant immunologic cross-reactivity between penicillins and other beta-lactams. Routine cephalosporin skin testing should be restricted to research settings. It is rarely needed clinically to safely manage patients and has unclear predictive value at this time. The use of alternative cephalosporins, with different side chains, is acceptable in the setting of a specific cephalosporin allergy. Carbapenems and monobactams are also safely used in individuals with confirmed penicillin allergy. A certain predictable, but low, rate of adverse reactions will occur with all beta-lactam antibiotic use both pre- and post-beta-lactam allergy evaluations.

Fetomaternal hemorrhage during external cephalic version.

PubMed

Boucher, Marc; Marquette, Gerald P; Varin, Jocelyne; Champagne, Josette; Bujold, Emmanuel

2008-07-01

To estimate the frequency and volume of fetomaternal hemorrhage during external cephalic version for term breech singleton fetuses and to identify risk factors involved with this complication. A prospective observational study was performed including all patients undergoing a trial of external cephalic version for a breech presentation of at least 36 weeks of gestation between 1987 and 2001 in our center. A search for fetal erythrocytes using the standard Kleihauer-Betke test was obtained before and after each external cephalic version. The frequency and volume of fetomaternal hemorrhage were calculated. Putative risk factors for fetomaternal hemorrhage were evaluated by chi(2) test and Mann-Whitney U test. A Kleihauer-Betke test result was available before and after 1,311 trials of external cephalic version. The Kleihauer-Betke test was positive in 67 (5.1%) before the procedure. Of the 1,244 women with a negative Kleihauer-Betke test before external cephalic version, 30 (2.4%) had a positive Kleihauer-Betke test after the procedure. Ten (0.8%) had an estimated fetomaternal hemorrhage greater than 1 mL, and one (0.08%) had an estimated fetomaternal hemorrhage greater than 30 mL. The risk of fetomaternal hemorrhage was not influenced by parity, gestational age, body mass index, number of attempts at version, placental location, or amniotic fluid index. The risk of detectable fetomaternal hemorrhage during external cephalic version was 2.4%, with fetomaternal hemorrhage more than 30 mL in less than 0.1% of cases. These data suggest that the performance of a Kleihauer-Betke test is unwarranted in uneventful external cephalic version and that in Rh-negative women, no further Rh immune globulin is necessary other than the routine 300-microgram dose at 28 weeks of gestation and postpartum. II.

Effects of mayonnaise on postprandial serum lutein/zeaxanthin and beta-carotene concentrations in humans.

PubMed

Takeda, Sayaka; Masuda, Yasunobu; Usuda, Mika; Marushima, Ranko; Ueji, Toshiyuki; Hasegawa, Mineo; Maruyama, Chizuko

2009-12-01

To clarify the effects of different physical forms of oil on postprandial serum lutein/zeaxanthin and beta-carotene concentrations, we performed a vegetable meal loading test. Eighteen healthy subjects participated in the test, which consisted of broccoli as a control (CON) meal, broccoli with oil (OIL), and broccoli with mayonnaise (MS), consumed in random order. After collection of fasting blood samples, subjects consumed one of the three test meals. Fasting and postprandial changes in serum carotenoids were assessed 2, 4, and 6 h after ingestion of each test meal. Serum lutein/zeaxanthin and beta-carotene concentrations were measured. Although no significant change was noted after the CON meal, the serum lutein/zeaxanthin concentration was higher at 4 h after consumption of the OIL meal, and at 2, 4 and 6 h after consumption of the MS meal, as compared with the fasting state. Serum beta-carotene concentrations did not change after ingestion of either the CON or the OIL meal but were elevated 2, 4, and 6 h after MS ingestion as compared with the fasting state. The incremental areas under the curves (IAUCs) of serum lutein/zeaxanthin and beta-carotene concentrations were higher after the MS meal than after the CON meal. IAUCs after the OIL meal exhibited no statistically significant differences from the CON and MS meals. We suggest that mayonnaise contributes to increase serum lutein/zeaxanthin and beta-carotene concentrations when consumed with vegetables rich in these carotenoids.

Design and Testing of the Safety Agenda Mobile App for Managing Health Care Managers’ Patient Safety Responsibilities

PubMed Central

Carrillo, Irene; Fernandez, Cesar; Vicente, Maria Asuncion; Guilabert, Mercedes

2016-01-01

Background Adverse events are a reality in clinical practice. Reducing the prevalence of preventable adverse events by stemming their causes requires health managers’ engagement. Objective The objective of our study was to develop an app for mobile phones and tablets that would provide managers with an overview of their responsibilities in matters of patient safety and would help them manage interventions that are expected to be carried out throughout the year. Methods The Safety Agenda Mobile App (SAMA) was designed based on standardized regulations and reviews of studies about health managers’ roles in patient safety. A total of 7 managers used a beta version of SAMA for 2 months and then they assessed and proposed improvements in its design. Their experience permitted redesigning SAMA, improving functions and navigation. A total of 74 Spanish health managers tried out the revised version of SAMA. After 4 months, their assessment was requested in a voluntary and anonymous manner. Results SAMA is an iOS app that includes 37 predefined tasks that are the responsibility of health managers. Health managers can adapt these tasks to their schedule, add new ones, and share them with their team. SAMA menus are structured in 4 main areas: information, registry, task list, and settings. Of the 74 users who tested SAMA, 64 (86%) users provided a positive assessment of SAMA characteristics and utility. Over an 11-month period, 238 users downloaded SAMA. This mobile app has obtained the AppSaludable (HealthyApp) Quality Seal. Conclusions SAMA includes a set of activities that are expected to be carried out by health managers in matters of patient safety and contributes toward improving the awareness of their responsibilities in matters of safety. PMID:27932315

Penning trap mass spectrometry Q-value determinations for highly forbidden β-decays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandler, Rachel; Bollen, Georg; Eibach, Martin; Gamage, Nadeesha; Gulyuz, Kerim; Hamaker, Alec; Izzo, Chris; Kandegedara, Rathnayake; Redshaw, Matt; Ringle, Ryan; Valverde, Adrian; Yandow, Isaac; Low Energy Beam Ion Trap Team

2017-09-01

Over the last several decades, extremely sensitive, ultra-low background beta and gamma detection techniques have been developed. These techniques have enabled the observation of very rare processes, such as highly forbidden beta decays e.g. of 113Cd, 50V and 138La. Half-life measurements of highly forbidden beta decays provide a testing ground for theoretical nuclear models, and the comparison of calculated and measured energy spectra could enable a determination of the values of the weak coupling constants. Precision Q-value measurements also allow for systematic tests of the beta-particle detection techniques. We will present the results and current status of Q value determinations for highly forbidden beta decays. The Q values, the mass difference between parent and daughter nuclides, are measured using the high precision Penning trap mass spectrometer LEBIT at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory.

Beta-carotene as a novel therapy for the treatment of "Autistic like behavior" in animal models of Autism.

PubMed

Avraham, Yosefa; Berry, Elliot M; Donskoy, Marina; Ahmad, Wiessam Abu; Vorobiev, Lia; Albeck, Amnon; Mankuta, David

2017-09-28

Autism-affected individuals are characterized by lower plasma oxytocin and its ectoenzyme regulator CD38. Oxytocin, a hypothalamic hormone secreted upon the release of CD38, plays a role in social behavior and bonding. All-trans retinoic acid is a potent inducer of CD38 and can be used as a novel therapeutic strategy in autism. We investigated the role of beta-carotene in rescuing autistic-like behavior in BALB/c and BTBR mice. Beta-carotene derivatives are preferred as they are neither toxic nor teratogenic. Beta-carotene at 0.1-5.0mg/kg was administered orally to BALB/c and BTBR newborn mice on days 1-7. They were tested at age 2-3 months for five behavioral tests for "autism"; in addition, brain CD38, oxytocin, oxytocin receptor, Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and retinoic acid receptor gene expression, serum oxytocin levels, and neurological score were evaluated. Beta-carotene administered at birth significantly increased T-maze alternations and led to longer time spent with an unfamiliar mouse in the "three-chamber test" and less time spent in the empty chamber. Furthermore, enhanced activity in the open field test; increased time spent in the reciprocal social interaction test; decreased grooming and bedding behaviors; and enhanced brain CD38, oxytocin, oxytocin receptor, BDNF, retinoic acid gene expression, and serum oxytocin levels. No changes in neurological score were observed. Beta-carotene oral supplementation to BALB/c and BTBR mice at birth significantly reduced restricted and stereotyped behaviors and interests, increased social interactions and communication, CD38, and oxytocin, probably by enhancing brain neuroplasticity without toxicity. Thus, beta-carotene administered after birth to newborns of families predisposed to "autism" has the potential to prevent/ameliorate" autistic like behavior". These results support further clinical studies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Real-time Implementation of the Waveloc Technique for Monitoring Earthquake Swarms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maggi, A.; Langet, N.; Michelini, A.

2013-12-01

Monitoring regions with high swarm-type seismicity (e.g. volcanoes, certain tectonic regions) is a challenge for the traditional pick-associate-locate type algorithms that form the basis of most seismicity monitoring software. Over the past few years, new approaches that avoid the association phase by direct migration of some characteristic function of the recorded seismograms have started to be implemented, and have shown great promise (see related abstract on the Waveloc method applied to Piton de la Fournaise volcano). Implementing such methods in real-time is an essential step in proving their usefulness and robustness in swarm-monitoring situations. Here we describe the work in progress on adapting the Waveloc migration technique to real-time operation. The resulting software package, RT-Waveloc, is currently in the prototype stage, and we hope to have a version that can be distributed to the scientific community for beta-testing within a year. The development of RT-Waveloc is financed by the EU NERA project.

Quantitative EEG and low resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) imaging of patients with persistent auditory hallucinations.

PubMed

Lee, Seung-Hwan; Wynn, Jonathan K; Green, Michael F; Kim, Hyun; Lee, Kang-Joon; Nam, Min; Park, Joong-Kyu; Chung, Young-Cho

2006-04-01

Electrophysiological studies have demonstrated gamma and beta frequency oscillations in response to auditory stimuli. The purpose of this study was to test whether auditory hallucinations (AH) in schizophrenia patients reflect abnormalities in gamma and beta frequency oscillations and to investigate source generators of these abnormalities. This theory was tested using quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) and low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) source imaging. Twenty-five schizophrenia patients with treatment refractory AH, lasting for at least 2 years, and 23 schizophrenia patients with non-AH (N-AH) in the past 2 years were recruited for the study. Spectral analysis of the qEEG and source imaging of frequency bands of artifact-free 30 s epochs were examined during rest. AH patients showed significantly increased beta 1 and beta 2 frequency amplitude compared with N-AH patients. Gamma and beta (2 and 3) frequencies were significantly correlated in AH but not in N-AH patients. Source imaging revealed significantly increased beta (1 and 2) activity in the left inferior parietal lobule and the left medial frontal gyrus in AH versus N-AH patients. These results imply that AH is reflecting increased beta frequency oscillations with neural generators localized in speech-related areas.

Synergy between TGF-beta 3 and NT-3 to promote the survival of spiral ganglia neurones in vitro.

PubMed

Marzella, P L; Clark, G M; Shepherd, R K; Bartlett, P F; Kilpatrick, T J

1998-01-09

Transforming growth factor-betas (TGF-betas) have been implicated in normal inner ear development and in promoting neuronal survival. Early rat post-natal spiral ganglion cells (SGC) in dissociated cell culture were used as a model of auditory innervation to test the trophic factors TGF-beta3 and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) for their ability, individually or in combination, to promote neuronal survival. The findings from this study suggest that TGF-beta3 supports neuronal survival in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover TGF-beta3 and NT-3-potentiated spiral ganglion neuronal survival in a synergistic fashion.

dRVVT is more sensitive than KCT or TTI for detecting lupus anticoagulant activity of anti-beta2-glycoprotein I autoantibodies.

PubMed

Pengo, V; Biasiolo, A; Rampazzo, P; Brocco, T

1999-02-01

Anti-beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2-GPI) antibodies behave as classical Lupus Anticoagulants (LA), as they inhibit phospholipid-dependent coagulation reactions and their activity disappears in the presence of excess exogenous phospholipids (PLs). We have recently shown that a certain amount of PLs in the dilute Russell Viper Venom Time (dRVVT) test system is required to express LA activity of anti beta2-GPI antibodies. We have now extended this observation to two other tests, i.e., Kaolin Clotting Time (KCT) in which PLs are not added, and Tissue Thromboplastin Inhibition test (TTI) in which PLs are extremely diluted. In fact, affinity-purified antibody preparations from 5 patients with antiphospholipid syndrome did not express or only weakly expressed anticoagulant activity in both tests; the mean ratios of coagulation times obtained with purified antibodies and that of control buffer were 1.11 and 1.0 for KCT and TTI, respectively. On the contrary, the mean ratios in dRVVT were 1.31 and 1.49 at a PLs dilution of 1:8 and 1:64, respectively. Therefore, the presence of LA activity due to autoantibodies to beta2-GPI is characterized by a positive dRVVT and negative or only weakly positive KCT and TTI.

Invariance levels across language versions of the PISA 2009 reading comprehension tests in Spain.

PubMed

Elosua Oliden, Paula; Mujika Lizaso, Josu

2013-01-01

The PISA project provides the basis for studying curriculum design and for comparing factors associated with school effectiveness. These studies are only valid if the different language versions are equivalent to each other. In Spain, the application of PISA in autonomous regions with their own languages means that equivalency must also be extended to the Spanish, Galician, Catalan and Basque versions of the test. The aim of this work was to analyse the equivalence among the four language versions of the Reading Comprehension Test (PISA 2009). After defining the testlet as the unit of analysis, equivalence among the language versions was analysed using two invariance testing procedures: multiple-group mean and covariance structure analyses for ordinal data and ordinal logistic regression. The procedures yielded concordant results supporting metric equivalence across all four language versions: Spanish, Basque, Galician and Catalan. The equivalence supports the estimated reading literacy score comparability among the language versions used in Spain.

Gross-beta activity in ground water: natural sources and artifacts of sampling and laboratory analysis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Welch, Alan H.

1995-01-01

Gross-beta activity has been used as an indicator of beta-emitting isotopes in water since at least the early 1950s. Originally designed for detection of radioactive releases from nuclear facilities and weapons tests, analysis of gross-beta activity is widely used in studies of naturally occurring radioactivity in ground water. Analyses of about 800 samples from 5 ground-water regions of the United States provide a basis for evaluating the utility of this measurement. The data suggest that measured gross-beta activities are due to (1) long-lived radionuclides in ground water, and (2) ingrowth of beta-emitting radionuclides during holding times between collection of samples and laboratory measurements.Although40K and228Ra appear to be the primary sources of beta activity in ground water, the sum of40K plus228Ra appears to be less than the measured gross-beta activity in most ground-water samples. The difference between the contribution from these radionuclides and gross-beta activity is most pronounced in ground water with gross-beta activities > 10 pCi/L, where these 2 radionuclides account for less than one-half the measured ross-beta activity. One exception is groundwater from the Coastal Plain of New Jersey, where40K plus228Ra generally contribute most of the gross-beta activity. In contrast,40K and228Ra generally contribute most of beta activity in ground water with gross-beta activities < 1 pCi/L.The gross-beta technique does not measure all beta activity in ground water. Although3H contributes beta activity to some ground water, it is driven from the sample before counting and therefore is not detected by gross-beta measurements. Beta-emitting radionuclides with half-lives shorter than a few days can decay to low values between sampling and counting. Although little is known about concentrations of most short-lived beta-emitting radionuclides in environmental ground water (water unaffected by direct releases from nuclear facilities and weapons tests), their activities are expected to be low.Ingrowth of beta-emitting radionuclides during sample holding times can contribute to gross-beta activity, particularly in ground water with gross-beta activities > 10 pCi/L. Ingrowth of beta-emitting progeny of238U, specifically234Pa and234Th, contributes much of the measured gross-beta activity in ground water from 4 of the 5 areas studied. Consequently, gross-beta activity measurements commonly overestimate the abundance of beta-emitting radionuclides actually present in ground water. Differing sample holding times before analysis lead to differing amounts of ingrowth of the two progeny. Therefore, holding times can affect observed gross-beta measurements, particularly in ground water with238U activities that are moderate to high compared with the activity of40K plus228Ra. Uncertainties associated with counting efficiencies for beta particles with different energies further complicate the interpretation of gross-beta measurements.

Direct oral provocation tests in non-immediate mild cutaneous reactions related to beta-lactam antibiotics.

PubMed

Vezir, Emine; Dibek Misirlioglu, Emine; Civelek, Ersoy; Capanoglu, Murat; Guvenir, Hakan; Ginis, Tayfur; Toyran, Muge; Kocabas, Can N

2016-02-01

Skin testing has a limited role in the diagnosis of non-immediate beta-lactam hypersensitivity in children. The aim of this study was to report the results of oral provocation tests performed without skin tests in children with non-immediate mild cutaneous reactions without systemic symptoms caused by beta-lactam antibiotics. Oral provocation tests with suspected antibiotics were performed to patients with non-immediate mild cutaneous reactions without systemic symptoms caused by beta-lactam antibiotics. Skin tests were not performed before provocation tests. A total of five doses were administered with half-an-hour intervals in increasing doses. Provocation was continued for 5 days. A total of 119 patients with a median age of 4.3 (IQR: 2-7.5) years, of whom 58% were males, were included in the study. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was the most frequently responsible agent in 87 (73.1%) patients, and most common type of rash was maculopapular in 74 (62.2%) patients. Four patients (3.4%) had an urticarial reaction during the provocation test. We did not experience any severe reactions during oral provocation test without previous skin tests performed to children with non-immediate mild cutaneous reactions without systemic symptoms. Omitting skin tests before oral provocation test in this group of children can help decreasing the burden of allergy clinics and alleviating the discomfort of children. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Predicting diffusion paths and interface motion in gamma/gamma + beta, Ni-Cr-Al diffusion couples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nesbitt, J. A.; Heckel, R. W.

1987-01-01

A simplified model has been developed to predict Beta recession and diffusion paths in ternary gamma/gamma + beta diffusion couples (gamma:fcc, beta: NiAl structure). The model was tested by predicting beta recession and diffusion paths for four gamma/gamma + beta, Ni-Cr-Al couples annealed for 100 hours at 1200 C. The model predicted beta recession within 20 percent of that measured for each of the couples. The model also predicted shifts in the concentration of the gamma phase at the gamma/gamma + beta interface within 2 at. pct Al and 6 at. pct Cr of that measured in each of the couples. A qualitative explanation based on simple kinetic and mass balance arguments has been given which demonstrates the necessity for diffusion in the two-phase region of certain gamma/gamma + beta, Ni-Cr-Al couples.

Potential of phytoceuticals to affect antibiotic residue detection tests in cow milk in a randomised trial

PubMed Central

Mullen, Keena AE; Beasley, Erin; Rizzo, Julio Q; Washburn, Steven P; Baynes, Ronald E; Mason, Sharon E

2017-01-01

Mastitis is a costly disease for dairy farmers. Some dairy farmers use herbal products, or phytoceuticals, to treat mastitis. Phytoceuticals have not been approved for this use by the United States Food and Drug Administration, and have not been tested to determine how they impact antibiotic residue detection testing. The current study tested the potential for phytoceuticals to cause positive results on two milk antibiotic residue screening tests, the Delvotest P and Charm SL Beta-lactam test, or to interfere with the detection of antibiotics by these tests. The three phytoceuticals tested were labelled for intramammary, topical or intravulvar administration. Testing was performed in vitro using the products diluted in milk obtained from healthy organic dairy cows. Phytoceuticals were tested at concentrations ranging from 1.5 per cent to 100 per cent. Concentration levels were replicated at least twice on each milk antibiotic residue screening test. The Delvotest P is based on detection of bacterial inhibitors and no positive results were obtained for any product at concentrations less than 50 per cent. The Charm SL Beta-lactam test uses a receptor for the detection of beta-lactam antibiotics and no concentration of phytoceuticals caused an interference with these tests. Based on dilution of the products in bovine milk at physiologically achievable levels, phytoceutical products tested at levels expected after treatment do not cause positive test results for the Delvotest P nor do they interfere with the Charm SL Beta-lactam test in detection of various antibiotics. PMID:28890791

Kinetic effects on Alfven wave nonlinearity. II - The modified nonlinear wave equation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spangler, Steven R.

1990-01-01

A previously developed Vlasov theory is used here to study the role of resonant particle and other kinetic effects on Alfven wave nonlinearity. A hybrid fluid-Vlasov equation approach is used to obtain a modified version of the derivative nonlinear Schroedinger equation. The differences between a scalar model for the plasma pressure and a tensor model are discussed. The susceptibilty of the modified nonlinear wave equation to modulational instability is studied. The modulational instability normally associated with the derivative nonlinear Schroedinger equation will, under most circumstances, be restricted to left circularly polarized waves. The nonlocal term in the modified nonlinear wave equation engenders a new modulational instability that is independent of beta and the sense of circular polarization. This new instability may explain the occurrence of wave packet steepening for all values of the plasma beta in the vicinity of the earth's bow shock.

Unique Migraine Subtypes, Rare Headache Disorders, and Other Disturbances.

PubMed

Goadsby, Peter J

2015-08-01

The medical aphorism that common things happen commonly makes unique (and less common) migraine subtypes especially appropriate to review for the general neurologist. This article also identifies some rare headache disorders and other disturbances, and offers strategies to manage them. This article discusses migraine with brainstem aura, which is troublesome clinically and has had a change in terminology in the International Classification of Headache Disorders, Third Edition, beta version (ICHD-3 beta), and hemiplegic migraine, which is also troublesome in practice. The rare headache disorder hypnic headache and the exploding head syndrome are also discussed. When hypnic headache is recognized, it is eminently treatable, while exploding head syndrome is a benign condition with no reported consequences. Unique migraine subtypes, rare headache disorders, and other disturbances present to neurologists. When recognized, they can often be managed very well, which offers significant benefits to patients and practice satisfaction to neurologists.

Blood Irradiator Interactive Tool Beta Version

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

Howington, John; Potter, Charles; DeGroff, Tavias

The “Blood Irradiator Interactive Tool” compares a typical Cs-137 Blood Irradiator with that of the capabilities of an average X-ray Irradiator. It is designed to inform the user about the potential capabilities that an average X-ray Irradiator could offer them. Specifically the tool compares the amount of blood bags that can be irradiated by the users’ machine with that of the average X-ray capability. It also forcasts the amount of blood that can be irradiated on yearly basis for both the users’ machine and an average X-ray Device. The Average X-ray capabilities are taken from the three X-ray devices currentlymore » on the market: The RS 3400 Rad Source X-ray Blood Irradiator and both the 2.0L and 3.5 L versions of the Best Theratronis Raycell MK2« less

Cross-class resistance to non-beta-lactam antimicrobials in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.

PubMed

Procop, Gary W; Tuohy, Marion J; Wilson, Deborah A; Williams, Delisa; Hadziyannis, Emilia; Hall, Gerri S

2003-08-01

Extended spectrum beta-lactamases are modified beta-lactamase enzymes that impart resistance to third-generation cephalosporins and make all beta-lactam antibiotics and cephalosporins useless for therapy. We compared the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and non-ESBL-producing isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The ESBL producers had significantly diminished susceptibility compared with the non-ESBL producers for gentamicin (P < .001), tobramycin (P < .001), amikacin (P < .005), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (P < .01), ciprofloxacin (P < .001), and nitrofurantoin (P < .001). All isolates were susceptible to imipenem. ESBL-producing K pneumoniae may also be resistant to non-beta-lactam antibiotics. Therefore, susceptibility testing of these isolates is critical for guiding therapy.

Improving the Flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

In early 1995, NASA s Glenn Research Center (then Lewis Research Center) formed an industry-government team with several jet engine companies to develop the National Combustion Code (NCC), which would help aerospace engineers solve complex aerodynamics and combustion problems in gas turbine, rocket, and hypersonic engines. The original development team consisted of Allison Engine Company (now Rolls-Royce Allison), CFD Research Corporation, GE Aircraft Engines, Pratt and Whitney, and NASA. After the baseline beta version was established in July 1998, the team focused its efforts on consolidation, streamlining, and integration, as well as enhancement, evaluation, validation, and application. These activities, mainly conducted at NASA Glenn, led to the completion of NCC version 1.0 in October 2000. NCC version 1.0 features high-fidelity representation of complex geometry, advanced models for two-phase turbulent combustion, and massively parallel computing. Researchers and engineers at Glenn have been using NCC to provide analysis and design support for various aerospace propulsion technology development projects. NASA transfers NCC technology to external customers using non- exclusive Space Act Agreements. Glenn researchers also communicate research and development results derived from NCC's further development through publications and special sessions at technical conferences.

Relativity Parameters Determined from Lunar Laser Ranging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, J. G.; Newhall, X. X.; Dickey, J. O.

1996-01-01

Analysis of 24 years of lunar laser ranging data is used to test the principle of equivalence, geodetic precession, the PPN parameters beta and gamma, and G/G. Recent data can be fitted with a rms scatter of 3 cm. (a) Using the Nordtvedt effect to test the principle of equivalence, it is found that the Moon and Earth accelerate alike in the Sun's field. The relative accelerations match to within 5 x 10(exp -13) . This limit, combined with an independent determination of y from planetary time delay, gives beta. Including the uncertainty due to compositional differences, the parameter beta differs from unity by no more than 0.0014; and, if the weak equivalence principle is satisfied, the difference is no more than 0.0006. (b) Geodetic precession matches its expected 19.2 marc sec/yr rate within 0.7%. This corresponds to a 1% test of gamma. (c) Apart from the Nordtvedt effect, beta and gamma can be tested from their influence on the lunar orbit. It is argued theoretically that the linear combination 0.8(beta) + 1.4(gamma) can be tested at the 1% level of accuracy. For solutions using numerically derived partial derivatives, higher sensitivity is found. Both 6 and y match the values of general relativity to within 0.005, and the linear combination beta+ gamma matches to within 0,003, but caution is advised due to the lack of theoretical understanding of these sensitivities. (d) No evidence for a changing gravitational constant is found, with absolute value of G/G less than or equal to 8 x lO(exp -12)/yr. There is significant sensitivity to G/G through solar perturbations on the lunar orbit.

Cultural Adaptation of the Portuguese Version of the “Sniffin’ Sticks” Smell Test: Reliability, Validity, and Normative Data

PubMed Central

Ribeiro, João Carlos; Simões, João; Silva, Filipe; Silva, Eduardo D.; Hummel, Cornelia; Hummel, Thomas; Paiva, António

2016-01-01

The cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Sniffin`Sticks test for the Portuguese population is described. Over 270 people participated in four experiments. In Experiment 1, 67 participants rated the familiarity of presented odors and seven descriptors of the original test were adapted to a Portuguese context. In Experiment 2, the Portuguese version of Sniffin`Sticks test was administered to 203 healthy participants. Older age, male gender and active smoking status were confirmed as confounding factors. The third experiment showed the validity of the Portuguese version of Sniffin`Sticks test in discriminating healthy controls from patients with olfactory dysfunction. In Experiment 4, the test-retest reliability for both the composite score (r71 = 0.86) and the identification test (r71 = 0.62) was established (p<0.001). Normative data for the Portuguese version of Sniffin`Sticks test is provided, showing good validity and reliability and effectively distinguishing patients from healthy controls with high sensitivity and specificity. The Portuguese version of Sniffin`Sticks test identification test is a clinically suitable screening tool in routine outpatient Portuguese settings. PMID:26863023

The presence of betapapillomavirus antibodies around transplantation predicts the development of keratinocyte carcinoma in organ transplant recipients: a cohort study.

PubMed

Genders, Roel E; Mazlom, Hadi; Michel, Angelika; Plasmeijer, Elsemieke I; Quint, Koen D; Pawlita, Michael; van der Meijden, Els; Waterboer, Tim; de Fijter, Hans; Claas, Frans H; Wolterbeek, Ron; Feltkamp, Mariet C W; Bouwes Bavinck, Jan Nico

2015-05-01

Organ transplant recipients (OTRs) have an increased risk of developing keratinocyte carcinomas (KCs). The aim of this study was to correlate infection with human papillomaviruses (HPVs) belonging to the beta genus (Beta-papillomavirus (Beta-PV)) at transplantation with later development of KCs. In a cohort study, sera collected between 1 year before and 1 year after transplantation of OTRs transplanted between 1990 and 2006 were tested for antibody responses against the L1 capsid antigen of Beta-PV and other HPV genera (Gamma-, Mu-, Nu-, and Alpha-PV) using multiplex serology. The OTRs were followed for a maximum of 22 years. Cox regression models with KC, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) as outcome variables were used. Out of 445 OTRs, 60 had developed KC: 14 developed only SCC, 24 only BCC, and 22 both types of KC. The time-dependent hazard ratio (HR) to develop either or both types of KC, adjusted for age, sex, and transplanted organ, in tested Beta-PV-seropositive OTR around the time of transplantation compared with Beta-PV-seronegative OTR was 2.9 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-6.4). The HR for SCC was 2.9 (95% CI 0.99-8.5) and for BCC it was 3.1 (95% CI 1.2-8.0). There was also an association between Mu-PV seropositivity and KC, but there were no significant associations between other HPV genera tested and KC. A positive seroresponse for Beta-PV around transplantation significantly predicted the development of KC in OTRs up to 22 years later, providing additional evidence that infection with Beta-PV has a role in KC carcinogenesis.

Lithium ameliorates open-field and elevated plus maze behaviors, and brain phospho-glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta expression in fragile X syndrome model mice.

PubMed

Chen, Xi; Sun, Weiwen; Pan, Ying; Yang, Quan; Cao, Kaiyi; Zhang, Jin; Zhang, Yizhi; Chen, Mincong; Chen, Feidi; Huang, Yueling; Dai, Lijun; Chen, Shengqiang

2013-10-01

To investigate whether lithium modifies open-field and elevated plus maze behavior, and brain phospho-glycogen synthase kinase 3 (P-GSK3beta) expression in Fmr1 knockout mice. One hundred and eighty FVB mice, including knockout and wild type, with an age of 30 days were used. An open-field and elevated plus maze was utilized to test behavior, while western blot was used to measure the P-GSK3beta expression. Six groups were formed: control (saline), lithium chloride 30, 60, 90, 120, and 200 mg/kg. The experiments were carried out in the Institute of Neuroscience, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China between January and June 2012. Lithium significantly decreased total distance, crossing, central area time, and center entry in the open-field test (p<0.05), and significantly reduced open-arm tracking, open-arm entry, and open-arm time in the elevated plus maze (p<0.05) in knockout mice. In wild type mice, significant changes were observed in both behavior tests in some treatment groups. Lithium ameliorated P-GSK3beta expression in the hippocampus of all the treatment groups in knockout mice (p<0.05). However, lithium did not modify either GSK3beta expression in tissues of knockout mice, or P-GSK3beta or GSK3beta expression in tissues of wild type mice. Lithium ameliorated open-field and elevated plus maze behaviors of Fmr1 knockout mice. This effect may be related to its enhancement of P-GSK3beta expression. Our findings suggest that lithium might have a therapeutic effect in fragile X syndrome.

Development of a video-simulation instrument for assessing cognition in older adults.

PubMed

Ip, Edward H; Barnard, Ryan; Marshall, Sarah A; Lu, Lingyi; Sink, Kaycee; Wilson, Valerie; Chamberlain, Dana; Rapp, Stephen R

2017-12-06

Commonly used methods to assess cognition, such as direct observation, self-report, or neuropsychological testing, have significant limitations. Therefore, a novel tablet computer-based video simulation was created with the goal of being valid, reliable, and easy to administer. The design and implementation of the SIMBAC (Simulation-Based Assessment of Cognition) instrument is described in detail, as well as informatics "lessons learned" during development. The software emulates 5 common instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and scores participants' performance. The modules were chosen by a panel of geriatricians based on relevance to daily functioning and ability to be modeled electronically, and included facial recognition, pairing faces with the correct names, filling a pillbox, using an automated teller machine (ATM), and automatic renewal of a prescription using a telephone. Software development included three phases 1) a period of initial design and testing (alpha version), 2) pilot study with 10 cognitively normal and 10 cognitively impaired adults over the age of 60 (beta version), and 3) larger validation study with 162 older adults of mixed cognitive status (release version). Results of the pilot study are discussed in the context of refining the instrument; full results of the validation study are reported in a separate article. In both studies, SIMBAC reliably differentiated controls from persons with cognitive impairment, and performance was highly correlated with Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score. Several informatics challenges emerged during software development, which are broadly relevant to the design and use of electronic assessment tools. Solutions to these issues, such as protection of subject privacy and safeguarding against data loss, are discussed in depth. Collection of fine-grained data (highly detailed information such as time spent reading directions and the number of taps on screen) is also considered. SIMBAC provides clinicians direct insight into whether subjects can successfully perform selected cognitively intensive activities essential for independent living and advances the field of cognitive assessment. Insight gained from the development process could inform other researchers who seek to develop software tools in health care.

Health system guidance appraisal--concept evaluation and usability testing.

PubMed

Ako-Arrey, Denis E; Brouwers, Melissa C; Lavis, John N; Giacomini, Mita K

2016-01-05

Health system guidance (HSG) provides recommendations aimed to address health system challenges. However, there is a paucity of methods to direct, appraise, and report HSG. Earlier research identified 30 candidate criteria (concepts) that can be used to evaluate the quality of HSG and guide development and reporting requirements. The objective of this paper was to describe two studies aimed at evaluating the importance of these 30 criteria, design a draft HSG appraisal tool, and test its usability. This study involved a two-step survey process. In step 1, respondents rated the 30 concepts for appropriateness to, relevance to, and priority for health system decisions and HSG. This led to a draft tool. In step 2, respondents reviewed HSG documents, appraised them using the tool, and answered a series of questions. Descriptive analyses were computed. Fifty participants were invited in step 1, and we had a response rate of 82 %. The mean response rates for each concept within each survey question were universally favorable. There was also an overall agreement about the need for a high-quality tool to systematically direct the development, appraisal, and reporting of HSG. Qualitative feedback and a consensus process by the team led to refinements to some of the concepts and the creation of a beta (draft) version of the HSG tool. In step 2, 35 participants were invited and we had a response rate of 74 %. Exploratory analyses showed that the quality of the HSGs reviewed varied as a function of the HSG item and the specific document assessed. A favorable consensus was reached with participants agreeing that the HSG items were easy to understand and easy to apply. Moreover, the overall agreement was high for the usability of the tool to systematically direct the development (85 %), appraisal (92 %), and reporting (81 %) of HSG. From this process, version 1.0 of the HSG appraisal tool was generated complete with 32 items (and their descriptions) and 4 domains. The final tool, named the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation for Health Systems (AGREE-HS) (version 1), defines expectations of HSG and facilitates informed decisions among policymakers on health system delivery, financial, and governance arrangements.

Ellagic acid promotes A{beta}42 fibrillization and inhibits A{beta}42-induced neurotoxicity

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

Feng, Ying; Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Haidian District, Beijing 100084; Yang, Shi-gao

Smaller, soluble oligomers of {beta}-amyloid (A{beta}) play a critical role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Selective inhibition of A{beta} oligomer formation provides an optimum target for AD therapy. Some polyphenols have potent anti-amyloidogenic activities and protect against A{beta} neurotoxicity. Here, we tested the effects of ellagic acid (EA), a polyphenolic compound, on A{beta}42 aggregation and neurotoxicity in vitro. EA promoted A{beta} fibril formation and significant oligomer loss, contrary to previous results that polyphenols inhibited A{beta} aggregation. The results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Western blot displayed more fibrils in A{beta}42 samples co-incubated with EA in earlier phasesmore » of aggregation. Consistent with the hypothesis that plaque formation may represent a protective mechanism in which the body sequesters toxic A{beta} aggregates to render them harmless, our MTT results showed that EA could significantly reduce A{beta}42-induced neurotoxicity toward SH-SY5Y cells. Taken together, our results suggest that EA, an active ingredient in many fruits and nuts, may have therapeutic potential in AD.« less

The Majorana Project

ScienceCinema

Orrell, John; Hoppe, Eric

2018-01-26

Working as part of a collaborative team, PNNL is bringing its signature capability in ultra-low-level detection to help search for a rare form of radioactive decay-never before detected-called "neutrinoless double beta decay" in germanium. If observed, it would demonstrate neutrinos are Majorana-type particles. This discovery would show neutrinos are unique among fundamental particles, having a property whereby the matter and anti-matter version of this particle are indistinguishable. Physicist John L. Orrell explains how they rely on the Shallow Underground Laboratory to conduct the research.

Analysis of the Large Urban Fire Environment. Part II. Parametric Analysis and Model City Simulations.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-11-01

algorithm for turning-region boundary value problem -70- d. Program control parameters: ALPHA (Qq) max’ maximum value of Qq in present coding. BETA, BLOSS...Parameters available for either system descrip- tion or program control . (These parameters are currently unused, so they are set equal to zero.) IGUESS...Parameter that controls the initial choices of first-shoot values along y = 0. IGUESS = 1: Discretized versions of P(r, 0), T(r, 0), and u(r, 0) must

Department of Defense (DOD) Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) Version 1.2: Initial Operational Test and Evaluation Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-01

Director, Operational Test and Evaluation Department of Defense (DOD) Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) Version 1.2 Initial...Operational Test and Evaluation Report May 2015 This report on the Department of Defense (DOD) Automated Biometric Identification System...COVERED - 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Department of Defense (DOD) Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) Version 1.2 Initial Operational Test

Efficacy of a combination of beta-cyfluthrin and imidacloprid and beta-cyfluthrin alone for control of stored-product insects on concrete

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The insecticidal effect of Temprid®, a formulation that contains beta-cyfluthrin and imidacloprid, was tested on concrete for control of seven stored-product insect species: the rusty grain beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens); the sawtoothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.); the ...

Comparison of Directigen Group A Strep Test with a traditional culture technique for detection of group A beta-hemolytic streptococci.

PubMed Central

McCusker, J J; McCoy, E L; Young, C L; Alamares, R; Hirsch, L S

1984-01-01

The Directigen Group A Strep Test (DGAST), a new rapid method of detecting group A beta-hemolytic streptococci directly from throat swabs, was compared with a traditional culture technique for the detection of group A beta-hemolytic streptococci. Five hundred oropharyngeal swabs from pediatric and adult patients were cultured and then processed by using the DGAST. Of the 144 specimens positive by culture, 131 were DGAST positive (sensitivity, 90.9%). Of the 356 specimens negative by culture, 353 were DGAST negative (specificity, 99.2%). Twelve of the 13 false-negative DGAST results were from pediatric patients. One hundred isolates of non-group A beta-hemolytic streptococci were recovered, primarily groups C, F, and G. The DGAST is easy to perform, rapid, sensitive, and very specific for detection of group A beta-hemolytic streptococci directly from swabs. Supplementing the DGAST with a culture on a 5% sheep blood agar plate would enhance detection of group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, especially in pediatric patients. PMID:6386884

Activities of beta-lactam antibiotics against Escherichia coli strains producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases.

PubMed Central

Jacoby, G A; Carreras, I

1990-01-01

Seven extended-spectrum beta-lactamases related to TEM and four enzymes derived from SHV-1 were transferred to a common Escherichia coli host so that the activity of a variety of beta-lactams could be tested in a uniform genetic environment. For most derivatives, penicillinase activity was 10% or less than that of strains making TEM-1, TEM-2, or SHV-1 beta-lactamase, suggesting that reduced catalytic efficiency accompanied the broader substrate spectrum. Despite this deficit, resistance to aztreonam, carumonam, cefdinir, cefepime, cefixime, cefmenoxime, cefotaxime, cefotiam, cefpirome, cefpodoxime, ceftazidime, ceftibuten, ceftizoxime, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, and E1040 was enhanced. For strains producing TEM-type enzymes, however, MICs of carumonam, cefepime, cefmenoxime, cefotiam, cefpirome, and ceftibuten were 8 micrograms/ml or less. Susceptibilities of cefmetazole, cefotetan, cefoxitin, flomoxef, imipenem, meropenem, moxalactam, temocillin, FCE 22101, and Sch 34343 were unaffected. FCE 22101, imipenem, meropenem, and Sch 34343 were inhibitory for all strains at 1 microgram/ml or less. In E. coli an OmpF- porin mutation in combination with an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase enhanced resistance to many of these agents, but generally by only fourfold. Hyperproduction of chromosomal AmpC beta-lactamase increased resistance to 7-alpha-methoxy beta-lactams but not that to temocillin. When tested at 8 micrograms/ml, clavulanate was more potent than sulbactam or tazobactam in overcoming resistance to ampicillin, while cefoperazone-sulbactam was more active than ticarcillin-clavulanate or piperacillin-tazobactam, especially against TEM-type extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. PMID:2193623

Difference between beta1-adrenoceptor autoantibodies of human and animal origin-Limitations detecting beta1-adrenoceptor autoantibodies using peptide based ELISA technology.

PubMed

Wenzel, Katrin; Schulze-Rothe, Sarah; Müller, Johannes; Wallukat, Gerd; Haberland, Annekathrin

2018-01-01

Cell-based analytics for the detection of the beta1-adrenoceptor autoantibody (beta1-AAB) are functional, yet difficult to handle, and should be replaced by easily applicable, routine lab methods. Endeavors to develop solid-phase-based assays such as ELISA to exploit epitope moieties for trapping autoantibodies are ongoing. These solid-phase-based assays, however, are often unreliable when used with human patient material, in contrast to animal derived autoantibodies. We therefore tested an immunogen peptide-based ELISA for the detection of beta1-AAB, and compared commercially available goat antibodies against the 2nd extracellular loop of human beta1-adrenoceptor (ADRB1-AB) to autoantibodies enriched from patient material. The functionality of these autoantibodies was tested in a cell based assay for comparison and their structural appearance was investigated using 2D gel electrophoresis. The ELISA showed a limit of detection for ADRB1-AB of about 1.5 nmol antibody/L when spiked in human control serum and only about 25 nmol/L when spiked in species identical (goat) matrix material. When applied to samples of human origin, the ELISA failed to identify the specific beta1-AABs. A low concentration of beta1-AAB, together with structural inconsistency of the patient originated samples as seen from the 2D Gel appearance, might contribute to the failure of the peptide based ELISA technology to detect human beta1-AABs.

Characterization of beta phase growth and experimental validation of long term thermal exposure sensitization of AA5XXX alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yakun

The United States Navy has a need for fast, light-weight ships to provide rapid deployment in its operations. Strong and corrosion-resistant aluminum alloys, such as AA5083 (UNS A95083) as well as other AA5XXX alloys, have properties that are well-suited for such applications. However, AA5XXX alloys are susceptible to intergranular corrosion (IGC) and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) because of sensitization which is a consequence of the formation of the grain boundary beta-phase, Al3Mg2, and the anodic dissolution of the beta-phase. Significant research has been performed to measure and understand the effects of time, temperature, stress, and sea water on sensitization and associated intergranular corrosion and stress corrosion cracking under steady-state conditions. In the present work, the behaviors of beta-phase nucleation and growth were characterized using optical and electron microscopy, the relationship between preexisting particles and beta-phase, as well as the effect of different heat treatment times and temperatures on IGC and SCC susceptibility of 5XXX alloys were investigated. Grain boundary beta-phase thickness was measured with high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The corrosion sensitization susceptibility was evaluated according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard G67 tests, that is, nitric acid mass-loss testing (NAMLT). Diffusion of Mg is manifested by the thickening of beta-phase along the grainboundary because the grain boundary is considered as the preferential site for beta-phase nucleation. The beta-phase growth rate was monitored using high resolution TEM. The variety of precipitates and their subsequent effects on beta-phase nucleation and growth kinetics was investigated. The existence of various intermetallic particles was observed in both baseline and thermally exposed (70°C and 175°C) samples. These particles are usually either rod-shaped or equiaxed, and rich in Mn, Fe, and Cr. Indexing of lattice planes observed in a few of these particles suggested the composition is Al6Mn or Al6(Mn, Fe, Cr). This research also shows that the beta-phase precipitation occurs between the preexisting Mn rich particles. The basic model for the determination of diffusivity values, the prediction of beta-phase thickness growth, and corrosion sensitization prediction have been improved by new data from this research.

Test-retest reliability and comparability of paper and computer questionnaires for the Finnish version of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia.

PubMed

Koho, P; Aho, S; Kautiainen, H; Pohjolainen, T; Hurri, H

2014-12-01

To estimate the internal consistency, test-retest reliability and comparability of paper and computer versions of the Finnish version of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-FIN) among patients with chronic pain. In addition, patients' personal experiences of completing both versions of the TSK-FIN and preferences between these two methods of data collection were studied. Test-retest reliability study. Paper and computer versions of the TSK-FIN were completed twice on two consecutive days. The sample comprised 94 consecutive patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain participating in a pain management or individual rehabilitation programme. The group rehabilitation design consisted of physical and functional exercises, evaluation of the social situation, psychological assessment of pain-related stress factors, and personal pain management training in order to regain overall function and mitigate the inconvenience of pain and fear-avoidance behaviour. The mean TSK-FIN score was 37.1 [standard deviation (SD) 8.1] for the computer version and 35.3 (SD 7.9) for the paper version. The mean difference between the two versions was 1.9 (95% confidence interval 0.8 to 2.9). Test-retest reliability was 0.89 for the paper version and 0.88 for the computer version. Internal consistency was considered to be good for both versions. The intraclass correlation coefficient for comparability was 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.66 to 0.85), indicating substantial reliability between the two methods. Both versions of the TSK-FIN demonstrated substantial intertest reliability, good test-retest reliability, good internal consistency and acceptable limits of agreement, suggesting their suitability for clinical use. However, subjects tended to score higher when using the computer version. As such, in an ideal situation, data should be collected in a similar manner throughout the course of rehabilitation or clinical research. Copyright © 2014 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Establishment of a Beta Test Center for the NPARC Code at Central State University

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Okhio, Cyril B.

1996-01-01

Central State University has received a supplementary award to purchase computer workstations for the NPARC (National Propulsion Ames Research Center) computational fluid dynamics code BETA Test Center. The computational code has also been acquired for installation on the workstations. The acquisition of this code is an initial step for CSU in joining an alliance composed of NASA, AEDC, The Aerospace Industry, and academia. A post-Doctoral research Fellow from a neighboring university will assist the PI in preparing a template for Tutorial documents for the BETA test center. The major objective of the alliance is to establish a national applications-oriented CFD capability, centered on the NPARC code. By joining the alliance, the BETA test center at CSU will allow the PI, as well as undergraduate and post-graduate students to test the capability of the NPARC code in predicting the physics of aerodynamic/geometric configurations that are of interest to the alliance. Currently, CSU is developing a once a year, hands-on conference/workshop based upon the experience acquired from running other codes similar to the NPARC code in the first year of this grant.

15 CFR 740.9 - Temporary imports, exports, and reexports (TMP).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... the end of the beta test period as defined by the software producer or, if the software producer does... States; and exports and reexports of beta test software. (a) Temporary exports and reexports—(1) Scope. You may export and reexport commodities and software for temporary use abroad (including use in...

15 CFR 740.9 - Temporary imports, exports, and reexports (TMP).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... the end of the beta test period as defined by the software producer or, if the software producer does... States; and exports and reexports of beta test software. (a) Temporary exports and reexports—(1) Scope. You may export and reexport commodities and software for temporary use abroad (including use in...

Improving Beta Test Evaluation Response Rates: A Meta-Evaluation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Russ-Eft, Darlene; Preskill, Hallie

2005-01-01

This study presents a meta-evaluation of a beta-test of a customer service training program. The initial evaluation showed a low response rate. Therefore, the meta-evaluation focused on issues related to the conduct of the initial evaluation and reasons for nonresponse. The meta-evaluation identified solutions to the nonresponse problem as related…

Prenatal stress decreases glycogen synthase kinase-3 phosphorylation in the rat frontal cortex.

PubMed

Szymańska, Magdalena; Suska, Anna; Budziszewska, Bogusława; Jaworska-Feil, Lucylla; Basta-Kaim, Agnieszka; Leśkiewicz, Monika; Kubera, Marta; Gergont, Aleksandra; Kroczka, Sławomir; Kaciński, Marek; Lasoń, Władysław

2009-01-01

It has been postulated that hyperactive glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is an important factor in the pathogenesis of depression, and that this enzyme also contributes to the mechanism of antidepressant drug action. In the present study, we investigated the effect of prenatal stress (an animal model of depression) and long-term treatment with antidepressant drugs on the concentration of GSK-3beta and its main regulating protein kinase B (PKB, Akt). The concentration of GSK-3beta, its inactive form (phospho-Ser9-GSK-3beta), and the amounts of active (phospho-Akt) and total Akt were determined in the hippocampus and frontal cortex in rats. In order to verify our animal model of depression, immobility time in the forced swim test (Porsolt test) was also determined.We found that prenatally stressed rats display a high level of immobility in the Porsolt test and chronic treatment with imipramine, fluoxetine, mirtazapine and tianeptine normalize this change. Western blot analysis demonstrated that GSK-3beta levels were significantly elevated in the frontal cortex, but not in the hippocampus, of prenatally stressed rats. The concentration of its non-active form (phospho-Ser9-GSK-3beta) was decreased only in the former brain structure. No changes were found in the amounts of active (phospho-Akt) and total Akt in both studied brain structures. Chronic treatment with antidepressant drugs diminished stress-induced alterations in GSK-3beta and phospho-GSK-3beta the frontal cortex, but had no effect on the concentration of these enzymes in the hippocampus. Moreover, levels of Akt and phospho-Akt in all experimental groups remained unchanged. Since our animal model of depression is connected with hyperactivity of the HPA axis, our results suggest that GSK-3beta is an important intracellular target for maladaptive glucocorticoid action on frontal cortex neurons and in antidepressant drug effects. Furthermore, the influence of stress and antidepressant drugs on GSK-3beta does not appear to impact the kinase activity of Akt.

Using support vector machine to predict beta- and gamma-turns in proteins.

PubMed

Hu, Xiuzhen; Li, Qianzhong

2008-09-01

By using the composite vector with increment of diversity, position conservation scoring function, and predictive secondary structures to express the information of sequence, a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm for predicting beta- and gamma-turns in the proteins is proposed. The 426 and 320 nonhomologous protein chains described by Guruprasad and Rajkumar (Guruprasad and Rajkumar J. Biosci 2000, 25,143) are used for training and testing the predictive model of the beta- and gamma-turns, respectively. The overall prediction accuracy and the Matthews correlation coefficient in 7-fold cross-validation are 79.8% and 0.47, respectively, for the beta-turns. The overall prediction accuracy in 5-fold cross-validation is 61.0% for the gamma-turns. These results are significantly higher than the other algorithms in the prediction of beta- and gamma-turns using the same datasets. In addition, the 547 and 823 nonhomologous protein chains described by Fuchs and Alix (Fuchs and Alix Proteins: Struct Funct Bioinform 2005, 59, 828) are used for training and testing the predictive model of the beta- and gamma-turns, and better results are obtained. This algorithm may be helpful to improve the performance of protein turns' prediction. To ensure the ability of the SVM method to correctly classify beta-turn and non-beta-turn (gamma-turn and non-gamma-turn), the receiver operating characteristic threshold independent measure curves are provided. (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluation of suitable porosity for sintered porous {beta}-tricalcium phosphate as a bone substitute

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

Park, Jin-Hong; Bae, Ji-Yong; Shim, Jaebum

2012-09-15

Structural and mechanical characterization is performed for sintered porous beta tricalcium phosphate ({beta}-TCP) to determine the appropriate porosity for use as a bone substitute. Four different types of porous {beta}-TCP specimen with different porosities are fabricated through a sintering process. For structural characterization, scanning electron microscopy and a Microfocus X-ray computed tomography system are used to investigate the pore openings on the specimen's surface, pore size, pore distribution, and pore interconnections. Compression tests of the specimens are performed, and mechanical properties such as the elastic modulus and compressive strength are obtained. Also, the geometric shape and volume of the {beta}-TCPmore » around the contact region of two pores, which need to be initially resolved after implantation in order to increase the size of the pore openings, are evaluated through simple calculations. The results show that porous {beta}-TCP with 42.1% porosity may be a suitable bone substitute candidate in terms of sustaining external loads, and inducing and cultivating bone cells. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Structural and mechanical characterization was performed for sintered porous {beta}-TCP specimens. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer For structural characterization, SEM and Microfocus X-ray CT system were used. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer For mechanical characterization, compression tests were performed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Porous {beta}-TCP with 42.1% porosity may be a suitable bone substitute.« less

TGF beta and IL13 in Schistosomiasis mansoni associated pulmonary arterial hypertension; a descriptive study with comparative groups.

PubMed

Ferreira, Rita de Cassia dos Santos; Montenegro, Silvia Maria Lucena; Domingues, Ana Lucia Coutinho; Bandeira, Angela Pontes; Silveira, Carlos Antonio da Mota; Leite, Luiz Arthur Calheiros; Pereira, Clara de Almeida; Fernandes, Izolda Moura; Mertens, Alessandra Brainer; Almeida, Milena Oliveira

2014-05-21

It is suggested that interleukin (IL)-13 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta play a role in the pulmonary vascular changes found in animal models of schistosomiasis. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the serum levels of total TGF-beta and IL-13 of patients with schistosomiasis with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and patients with schistosomiasis without PAH. 34 patients from the schistosomiasis outpatient clinic of the Hospital das Clinicas, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, without PAH assessed by echocardiography and 34 patients from the Reference Centre of Pulmonary Hypertension of Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil with PAH, confirmed by right heart catheterization, were enrolled on the study. Both groups presented with schistosomal periportal fibrosis after abdominal ultrasound. Serum levels of TGF-beta1 and IL-13 were determined by ELISA. Student t test to independent samples, Mann-Whitney test to nonparametric variables, Pearson correlation test for correlation analyses and Fisher Chi-squared test to compare categorical analyses were used. The median value of TGF-beta1 was significantly higher in patients with PAH (22496.9 pg/ml, interquartile range [IR] 15936.7 - 32087.8) than in patients without PAH (13629.9 pg/ml, IR: 10192.2- 22193.8) (p = 0.006). There was no difference in the median value of IL-13 in the group with Sch-PAH compared to patients without Sch-PAH (p > 0.05). Our results suggest that TGF-beta possibly plays a role in the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis-associated PAH.

[Antibiotic susceptibility and occurrence of ESBL, IBL and MBL in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains].

PubMed

Wolska, Katarzyna; Jakubczak, Antoni; Soszyńska, Agnieszka

2008-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the drug susceptibility of P. aeruginosa strains and to detect strains producing inducible beta-lactamases (IBL), extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL), and metallo-beta-lactamases (MBL). During 6 month (October 2005 - March 2006), 66 strains of P. aeruginosa strains were cultured from clinical specimens obtained from patients of two of hospitals in Siedlce and from patients of outpatient clinics. All the strains were identified in the automatic ATB (bio Mérieux). The susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics was tested by standard disc diffusion method. The majority of strains were susceptible to meropenem (89.4%), piperacillin combined with tazobactam (84.8%), ciprofloxacin (84.8%) and piperacillin (83.3%). Many of our strains were resistant to carbenicillin (69.7%), mezlocillin (45.5%), gentamicin (42.4%) and netylmicin (30.3%). 6 strains (9.1%) were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Inducible beta-lactamases were detected with the use double disc method according to Sanders and Sanders. ESBL-producing strains were detected with double disc test (DDST) according to Jarlier et al. These strains were identified as ESBL-positive on the basis of the DDST were also determined using a double disc (DD) test according to Appleton. Production of metallo-beta-lactamases (MBL) was examined with the use of Etest MBL (AB Biodisk, Sweden) and the double disc test according to Arakava et al. Sixty-five IBL-producing strains (98.5% of all strains) and three strains (4.5%) with MBL activity were detected. Strains producing extended beta-lactamases (ESBL) were not found.

[Single cell gel electrophoresis of a magnesium alloy coated with beta-tricalcium phosphate].

PubMed

Hao, Yu-quan; Tan, Li-li; Yan, Ting-ting; Yan, Xiu-lin; Yang, Ke; Ai, Hong-jun

2009-10-01

To evaluate the genotoxicity of a magnesium alloy coated with beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP). Four groups were designed. In the first group, AZ31B magnesium alloy surface was coated with beta-TCP using chemical bath deposition, and in the second group magnesium alloy was tested. The other two groups were negative control (pure titanium) and positive control groups (0.5 mg/L bleomycin). Single cell gel electrophoresis was adopted to investigate genotoxicity of the alloy samples in different groups, and 60 cells from each group were analysed. Tail moment and tail DNA percentage were used as reliable indicators to show DNA damage in lymphocytes induced by every testing sample. Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) test was used to compare results from 4 groups. There were no significant differences in tail moment and tail DNA percentage between magnesium alloy group [(0.52 +/- 0.12), (6.82 +/- 1.81)%] and magnesium alloy coated with beta-TCP group [(0.51 +/- 0.12), (6.89 +/- 1.93)%, P > 0.05]. Tail moment and tail DNA percentage in negative group were (0.47 +/- 0.14) and (6.29 +/- 1.64)%, and tail moment and tail DNA percentage in positive group were (5.17 +/- 1.23) and (22.09 +/- 4.51)%. No significant increase was found in DNA damage in lymphocytes induced by magnesium alloy coated with beta-TCP.

Results of transonic wind tunnel tests on an 0.015-scale space shuttle mated vehicle model (67-ots) in the LaRC 8 foot TPT (IA41)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hardin, R.; Burrows, R. R.

1974-01-01

Wind tunnel tests were conducted to obtain aerodynamic force data for Mach numbers from 0.60 to 1.20. Data were obtained for an alpha range of -10 deg to +10 deg (beta = 0 deg beta = 5 deg) and beta range of -10 deg to +10 deg (alpha = 0 deg). Longitudinal and lateral-directional stability and control data were obtained for tank alone, tank plus SRB's, tank plus Orbiter, and mated configuration of tank + Orbiter + SRB's. Also, single-component rudder hinge moment data were obtained at rudder deflections of 0 and -20 deg for each Mach number tested. Plots of aerodynamic coefficients vs. Mach number are presented, using data from both test IA41 and tests LRC-UPWT-1056, 1073 (IA42A/B) for Mach numbers of 1.60 to 4.63. The model tested in IA42A/B was the same model as tested in IA41.

Exercise testing after beta-blockade: improved specificity and predictive value in detecting coronary heart disease.

PubMed Central

Marcomichelakis, J; Donaldson, R; Green, J; Joseph, S; Kelly, H B; Taggart, P; Somerville, W

1980-01-01

The value of exercise testing in detecting myocardial ischaemia resulting from coronary atheroma remains controversial. In order to increase the reliability of exercise testing, all its components (asymptomatic, haemodynamic, and electrocardiographic) have been scrutinised. In this study, concerned only with the electrocardiographic response to exercise, the incorporation of beta-blockade into the standard exercise procedure has improved specificity and predictive value without affecting sensitivity. Fifty patients with anginal pain and 50 asymptomatic subjects with an abnormal electrocardiogram were investigated by exercise testing before and after beta-blockade (oxprenolol). All subjects had coronary arteriograms and left ventriculograms, and the results of exercise testing were related to the presence or absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Possible causes of false positive exercise tests were eliminated by echocardiography. Though beta-blockade was unreliable in distinguishing ischaemic from non-ischaemic resting electrocardiograms, it eliminated all the false positive electrocardiographic responses to exercise in both groups and did not abolish any of the true positive electrocardiographic responses. Thus, specificity and predictive value were improved without reduction in sensitivity. This technique may not necessarily be applicable to other groups of patients or to a random population, but the results of this study suggest it will be a useful additional routine procedure in the investigation of coronary heart disease. PMID:7437172

Cytokine production by oral and peripheral blood neutrophils in adult periodontitis.

PubMed

Galbraith, G M; Hagan, C; Steed, R B; Sanders, J J; Javed, T

1997-09-01

Proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) also possess bone-resorptive properties, and are generally considered to play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. In the present study, TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta production by oral and peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) was examined in 40 patients with adult periodontitis and 40 orally healthy matched controls. Oral PMN released considerable amounts of both cytokines in unstimulated culture, and there was no difference between patients and controls when the cytokine levels were corrected for cell number. However, when the effect of disease activity was examined, cytokine release by oral PMN was found to be greatest in patients with advanced periodontitis. Within the healthy control group, IL-1 beta production by oral PMN was significantly higher in males (Mann-Whitney test, P = 0.0008). Examination of IL-1 beta production by peripheral blood PMN exposed to recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor revealed no difference between the patient and control groups. In contrast, IL-1 beta production by peripheral blood PMN was significantly reduced in patients with advanced disease (Mann-Whitney test, P = 0.02), and peripheral PMN IL-1 beta synthesis was greater in female controls (Mann-Whitney test, P = 0.054). No effect of race on cytokine production could be discerned in patients or controls. These results indicate that several factors influence cytokine production in oral health and disease, and that a dichotomy in cytokine gene expression exists between oral and peripheral blood PMN in adult periodontitis.

TGF{beta}1 polymorphisms and late clinical radiosensitivity in patients treated for gynecologic tumors

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

Ruyck, Kim de; Van Eijkeren, Marc; Claes, Kathleen

2006-07-15

Purpose: To investigate the association between six transforming growth factor {beta}1 gene (TGF{beta}1) polymorphisms (-1.552delAGG, -800G>A, -509C>T, Leu10Pro, Arg25Pro, Thr263Ile) and the occurrence of late normal tissue reactions after gynecologic radiotherapy (RT). Methods and Materials: Seventy-eight women with cervical or endometrial cancer and 140 control individuals were included in the study. According to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 (CTCAEv3.0) scale, 25 patients showed late adverse RT reactions (CTC2+), of whom 11 had severe complications (CTC3+). Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), single base extension and genotyping assays were performed to examine the polymorphic sites inmore » TGF{beta}1. Results: Homozygous variant -1.552delAGG, -509TT, and 10Pro genotypes were associated with the risk of developing late severe RT reactions. Triple (variant) homozygous patients had a 3.6 times increased risk to develop severe RT reactions (p = 0.26). Neither the -800A allele, nor the 25Pro allele or the 263Ile allele were associated with clinical radiosensitivity. There was perfect linkage disequilibrium (LD) between the -1.552delAGG and the -509C>T polymorphisms, and tight LD between the -1.552/-509 and the Leu10Pro polymorphisms. Haplotype analysis revealed two major haplotypes but could not distinguish radiosensitive from nonradiosensitive patients. Conclusions: The present study shows that homozygous variant TGF{beta}1 -1.552delAGG, -509TT, and 10Pro genotypes may be associated with severe clinical radiosensitivity after gynecologic RT.« less

Psychometric Arabic Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22: validation and translation in chronic rhinosinusitis patients.

PubMed

Alanazy, Fatma; Dousary, Surayie Al; Albosaily, Ahmed; Aldriweesh, Turki; Alsaleh, Saad; Aldrees, Turki

2018-01-01

The Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT)-22 has multiple items that reflect how nasal disease affects quality of life. Currently, no validated Arabic version of the SNOT-22 is available. . To develop an Arabic-validated version of SNOT-22. Prospective. Tertiary care center. This single-center validation study was conducted between 2015 and 2017 at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The SNOT-22 English version was translated into Arabic by the forward and backward method. The test and retest reliability, internal consistency, responsiveness to surgical treatment, discriminant validity, sensitivity and specificity all were tested. Validated Arabic version of the SNOT-22. Of 265 individuals, 171 were healthy volunteers and 94 were chronic rhinosinusitis patients. The Arabic version showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's of 0.94), and the ability to differentiate between diseased and healthy volunteers (P < .001). The translated versions demonstrated the ability to detect the change scores significantly in response to intervention (P < .001). This is the first validated Arabic version of SNOT-22. The instrument can be used among the Arabic population. No subjects from other Arab countries.

Confirmatory and quantitative analysis of beta-lactam antibiotics in bovine kidney tissue by dispersive solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Fagerquist, Clifton K; Lightfield, Alan R; Lehotay, Steven J

2005-03-01

A simple, rapid, rugged, sensitive, and specific method for the confirmation and quantitation of 10 beta-lactam antibiotics in fortified and incurred bovine kidney tissue has been developed. The method uses a simple solvent extraction, dispersive solid-phase extraction (dispersive-SPE) cleanup, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) for confirmation and quantitation. Dispersive-SPE greatly simplifies and accelerates sample cleanup and improves overall recoveries compared with conventional SPE cleanup. The beta-lactam antibiotics tested were as follows: deacetylcephapirin (an antimicrobial metabolite of cephapirin), amoxicillin, desfuroylceftiofur cysteine disulfide (DCCD, an antimicrobial metabolite of ceftiofur), ampicillin, cefazolin, penicillin G, oxacillin, cloxacillin, naficillin, and dicloxacillin. Average recoveries of fortified samples were 70% or better for all beta-lactams except DCCD, which had an average recovery of 58%. The LC/MS/MS method was able to demonstrate quantitative recoveries at established tolerance levels and provide confirmatory data for unambiguous analyte identification. The method was also tested on 30 incurred bovine kidney samples obtained from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, which had previously tested the samples using the approved semiquantitative microbial assay. The results from the quantitative LC/MS/MS analysis were in general agreement with the microbial assay for 23 samples although the LC/MS/MS method was superior in that it could specifically identify which beta-lactam was present and quantitate its concentration, whereas the microbial assay could only identify the type of beta-lactam present and report a concentration with respect to the microbial inhibition of a penicillin G standard. In addition, for 6 of the 23 samples, LC/MS/MS analysis detected a penicillin and a cephalosporin beta-lactam, whereas the microbial assay detected only a penicillin beta-lactam. For samples that do not fall into the "general agreement" category, the most serious discrepancy involves two samples where the LC/MS/MS method detected a violative level of a cephalosporin beta-lactam (deacetylcephapirin) in the first sample and a possibly violative level of desfuroylceftiofur in the second, whereas the microbial assay identified the two samples as having only violative levels of a penicillin beta-lactam.

Identification and measurement of beta-lactam antibiotic residues in milk: integration of screening kits with liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Harik-Khan, R; Moats, W A

1995-01-01

A procedure for identifying and quantitating violative beta-lactams in milk is described. This procedure integrates beta-lactam residue detection kits with the multiresidue automated liquid chromatographic (LC) cleanup method developed in our laboratory. Spiked milk was deproteinized, extracted, and subjected to reversed-phase LC using a gradient program that concentrated the beta-lactams. Amoxicillin, ampicillin, cephapirin, ceftiofur, cloxacillin, and penicillin G were, thus, separated into 5 fractions that were subsequently tested for activity by using 4 kits. beta-lactams in the positive fractions were quantitated by analytical LC methods developed in our laboratory. The LC cleanup method separated beta-lactam antibiotics from each other and from interferences in the matrix and also concentrated the antibiotics, thus increasing the sensitivity of the kits to the beta-lactam antibiotics. The procedure facilitated the task of identifying and measuring the beta-lactam antibiotics that may be present in milk samples.

A Smartphone App for Families With Preschool-Aged Children in a Public Nutrition Program: Prototype Development and Beta-Testing

PubMed Central

Emerson, Janice S; Quirk, Meghan E; Canedo, Juan R; Jones, Jessica L; Vylegzhanina, Violetta; Schmidt, Douglas C; Mulvaney, Shelagh A; Beech, Bettina M; Briley, Chiquita; Harris, Calvin; Husaini, Baqar A

2017-01-01

Background The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in the United States provides free supplemental food and nutrition education to low-income mothers and children under age 5 years. Childhood obesity prevalence is higher among preschool children in the WIC program compared to other children, and WIC improves dietary quality among low-income children. The Children Eating Well (CHEW) smartphone app was developed in English and Spanish for WIC-participating families with preschool-aged children as a home-based intervention to reinforce WIC nutrition education and help prevent childhood obesity. Objective This paper describes the development and beta-testing of the CHEW smartphone app. The objective of beta-testing was to test the CHEW app prototype with target users, focusing on usage, usability, and perceived barriers and benefits of the app. Methods The goals of the CHEW app were to make the WIC shopping experience easier, maximize WIC benefit redemption, and improve parent snack feeding practices. The CHEW app prototype consisted of WIC Shopping Tools, including a barcode scanner and calculator tools for the cash value voucher for purchasing fruits and vegetables, and nutrition education focused on healthy snacks and beverages, including a Yummy Snack Gallery and Healthy Snacking Tips. Mothers of 63 black and Hispanic WIC-participating children ages 2 to 4 years tested the CHEW app prototype for 3 months and completed follow-up interviews. Results Study participants testing the app for 3 months used the app on average once a week for approximately 4 and a half minutes per session, although substantial variation was observed. Usage of specific features averaged at 1 to 2 times per month for shopping-related activities and 2 to 4 times per month for the snack gallery. Mothers classified as users rated the app’s WIC Shopping Tools relatively high on usability and benefits, although variation in scores and qualitative feedback highlighted several barriers that need to be addressed. The Yummy Snack Gallery and Healthy Snacking Tips scored higher on usability than benefits, suggesting that the nutrition education components may have been appealing but too limited in scope and exposure. Qualitative feedback from mothers classified as non-users pointed to several important barriers that could preclude some WIC participants from using the app at all. Conclusions The prototype study successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using the CHEW app prototype with mothers of WIC-enrolled black and Hispanic preschool-aged children, with moderate levels of app usage and moderate to high usability and benefits. Future versions with enhanced shopping tools and expanded nutrition content should be implemented in WIC clinics to evaluate adoption and behavioral outcomes. This study adds to the growing body of research focused on the application of technology-based interventions in the WIC program to promote program retention and childhood obesity prevention. PMID:28768611

Anticonvulsant properties of alpha, gamma, and alpha, gamma-substituted gamma-butyrolactones.

PubMed

Klunk, W E; Covey, D F; Ferrendelli, J A

1982-09-01

Derivatives of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) substituted on the alpha- and/or gamma-positions were synthesized and tested for their effects on behavior in mice, on the electroencephalographs and blood pressure of paralyzed-ventilated guinea pigs, and on electrical activity of incubated hippocampal slices. Several compounds, including alpha-ethyl-alpha-methyl GBL (alpha-EMGBL), alpha, alpha-dimethyl GBL, alpha, gamma-diethyl-alpha, gamma-dimethyl GBL, and gamma-ethyl-gamma-methyl GBL, prevented seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol, beta-ethyl-beta-methyl-gamma-butyrolactone (beta-EMGBL), picrotoxin, or all three compounds in mice and guinea pigs but had no effect on seizures induced by maximal electroshock or bicuculline. Neither gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) nor alpha-isopropylidine GBL had any anticonvulsant activity. The anticonvulsant alpha-substituted compounds had a potent hypotensive effect and antagonized the hypertensive effect of beta-EMGBL, alpha-EMGBL was tested in incubated hippocampal slices and was found to depress basal activity and antagonize excitation induced by beta-EMGBL. These results demonstrate that alpha-alkyl-substituted GBL and, to a lesser extent, gamma-substituted derivatives are anticonvulsant agents and that their effects are strikingly different from those of GHB or beta-alkyl-substituted GBLs, which are epileptogenic. Possibly beta- and alpha-substituted GBLs act at the same site as agonists and antagonists, respectively.

Repeat tuberculin skin testing leads to desensitisation in naturally infected tuberculous cattle which is associated with elevated interleukin-10 and decreased interleukin-1 beta responses.

PubMed

Coad, Michael; Clifford, Derek; Rhodes, Shelley G; Hewinson, R Glyn; Vordermeier, H Martin; Whelan, Adam O

2010-01-01

The principal surveillance tool used to control bovine tuberculosis in cattle is the removal of animals that provide a positive response to the tuberculin skin-test. In this study we performed a longitudinal investigation of the immunological and diagnostic consequences of repeated short-interval skin-tests in cattle naturally infected with Mycobacterium bovis. Tuberculin skin-test positive cattle were subjected to up to four further intradermal comparative cervical skin-tests at approximately 60-day intervals. A significant progressive reduction in the strength of the skin-test was observed after successive tests. In contrast, the magnitude of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) responses was not influenced by repeat skin-testing either transiently around the time of each skin-test or longitudinally following repeated tests. A significant boost in blood interleukin-10 (IL-10) production was observed within 3 days following each skin-test although the magnitude of this boosted response returned to lower levels by day 10 post-test. The application of a novel multiplex assay to simultaneously measure seven cytokines and chemokines also identified that skin-testing resulted in a significant and progressive reduction in antigen specific interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) whilst confirming stable IFN-gamma and elevated IL-10 responses in the blood. Therefore, we have demonstrated that in cattle naturally infected with M. bovis, repeat short-interval skin-testing can lead to a progressive reduction in skin-test responsiveness which has potential negative consequences for the detection of infected animals with marginal or inconclusive skin-test responses. The desensitising effect is associated with decreased IL-1beta and elevated IL-10 responses, but importantly, does not influence antigen specific IFN-gamma responses. INRA, EDP Sciences, 2009

An antitumor promoter from Moringa oleifera Lam.

PubMed

Guevara, A P; Vargas, C; Sakurai, H; Fujiwara, Y; Hashimoto, K; Maoka, T; Kozuka, M; Ito, Y; Tokuda, H; Nishino, H

1999-04-06

In the course of studies on the isolation of bioactive compounds from Philippine plants, the seeds of Moringa oleifera Lam. were examined and from the ethanol extract were isolated the new O-ethyl-4-(alpha-L-rhamnosyloxy)benzyl carbamate (1) together with seven known compounds, 4(alpha-L-rhamnosyloxy)-benzyl isothiocyanate (2), niazimicin (3), niazirin (4), beta-sitosterol (5), glycerol-1-(9-octadecanoate) (6), 3-O-(6'-O-oleoyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-beta-sitosterol (7), and beta-sitosterol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (8). Four of the isolates (2, 3, 7, and 8), which were obtained in relatively good yields, were tested for their potential antitumor promoting activity using an in vitro assay which tested their inhibitory effects on Epstein-Barr virus-early antigen (EBV-EA) activation in Raji cells induced by the tumor promoter, 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). All the tested compounds showed inhibitory activity against EBV-EA activation, with compounds 2, 3 and 8 having shown very significant activities. Based on the in vitro results, niazimicin (3) was further subjected to in vivo test and found to have potent antitumor promoting activity in the two-stage carcinogenesis in mouse skin using 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) as initiator and TPA as tumor promoter. From these results, niazimicin (3) is proposed to be a potent chemo-preventive agent in chemical carcinogenesis. Copyright 1999 Elsevier Science B.V.

Validity of rapid antigen detection testing in group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis.

PubMed

Küçük, Oznur; Biçer, Suat; Giray, Tuba; Cöl, Defne; Erdağ, Gülay Ciler; Gürol, Yeşim; Kaspar, Ciğdem E; Vitrinel, Ayça

2014-02-01

To evaluate the utility of rapid antigen detection testing (RADT) for the diagnosis of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis in children, and to detect the sensitivity and specificity of rapid antigen detection of group A beta-hemolytic streptococci from throat specimen compared with throat culture. Rapid antigen detection and throat culture results for group A beta-hemolytic streptococci from outpatients attending university hospital between 1st January 2011 and 31st of December 2011 were evaluated retrospectively. The antigen test negative-throat culture positive patients were investigated for streptococcal carriage. For this purpose, the throat culture results taken from these patients were reviewed after treatment. Eight hundred and ninetytwo children were included in the studywith a mean age of 5.34 y. There were 639 and 253 children in two groups with age of 0-6 and 7-17 y, RADT sensitivity and specificity were found to be 59.5 % and 97.2 %, respectively. The positive predictive value was 87.1 %, whereas negative predictive value was 88.4 %. After treatment of 74 patients with throat culture positive and antigen test negative. Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci were isolated in 12 of them (16.2 %) and accepted as a carrier. The low sensitivity of the RADT may be related to streptococcal carriage in some patients. The throat culture should be repeated after treatment to detect streptococcal carriage.

Effect of clindamycin treatment on vaginal inflammatory markers in pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis and a positive fetal fibronectin test.

PubMed

Diaz-Cueto, Laura; Dominguez-Lopez, Pablo; Tena-Alavez, Gilberto; Cuica-Flores, Adrian; Rosales-Ortiz, Sergio; Arechavaleta-Velasco, Fabian

2009-11-01

To compare the levels of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 in the vaginal secretions of pregnant women with a positive fetal fibronectin (fFN) test result with or without asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis (BV) before and after treatment with oral clindamycin. A prospective cohort study was conducted among 43 pregnant women with a positive fFN test result. All patients were treated with clindamycin, and the pre- and post-treatment levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, and MMP-8 were compared. Before treatment, levels of IL-1beta and MMP-8 were significantly higher in women with BV compared with women without BV (P<0.05). Vaginal levels of IL-1beta and IL-6, but not MMP-8, decreased after treatment in pregnant women with BV. The inability of clindamycin to decrease MMP-8 vaginal levels may explain why it is ineffective in reducing preterm birth in pregnant women with positive fFN and BV.

Oxysterol-binding protein-related protein (ORP) 9 is a PDK-2 substrate and regulates Akt phosphorylation.

PubMed

Lessmann, Eva; Ngo, Mike; Leitges, Michael; Minguet, Susana; Ridgway, Neale D; Huber, Michael

2007-02-01

The oxysterol-binding protein and oxysterol-binding protein-related protein family has been implicated in lipid transport and metabolism, vesicle trafficking and cell signaling. While investigating the phosphorylation of Akt/protein kinase B in stimulated bone marrow-derived mast cells, we observed that a monoclonal antibody directed against phospho-S473 Akt cross-reacted with oxysterol-binding protein-related protein 9 (ORP9). Further analysis revealed that mast cells exclusively express ORP9S, an N-terminal truncated version of full-length ORP9L. A PDK-2 consensus phosphorylation site in ORP9L and OPR9S at S287 (VPEFS(287)Y) was confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis. In contrast to Akt, increased phosphorylation of ORP9S S287 in stimulated mast cells was independent of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase but sensitive to inhibition of conventional PKC isotypes. PKC-beta dependence was confirmed by lack of ORP9S phosphorylation at S287 in PKC-beta-deficient, but not PKC-alpha-deficient, mast cells. Moreover, co-immunoprecipitation of PKC-beta and ORP9S, and in vitro phosphorylation of ORP9S in this complex, argued for direct phosphorylation of ORP9S by PKC-beta, introducing ORP9S as a novel PKC-beta substrate. Akt was also detected in a PKC-beta/ORP9S immune complex and phosphorylation of Akt on S473 was delayed in PKC-deficient mast cells. In HEK293 cells, RNAi experiments showed that depletion of ORP9L increased Akt S473 phosphorylation 3-fold without affecting T308 phosphorylation in the activation loop. Furthermore, mammalian target of rapamycin was implicated in ORP9L phosphorylation in HEK293 cells. These studies identify ORP9 as a PDK-2 substrate and negative regulator of Akt phosphorylation at the PDK-2 site.

Computer versus paper--does it make any difference in test performance?

PubMed

Karay, Yassin; Schauber, Stefan K; Stosch, Christoph; Schüttpelz-Brauns, Katrin

2015-01-01

CONSTRUCT: In this study, we examine the differences in test performance between the paper-based and the computer-based version of the Berlin formative Progress Test. In this context it is the first study that allows controlling for students' prior performance. Computer-based tests make possible a more efficient examination procedure for test administration and review. Although university staff will benefit largely from computer-based tests, the question arises if computer-based tests influence students' test performance. A total of 266 German students from the 9th and 10th semester of medicine (comparable with the 4th-year North American medical school schedule) participated in the study (paper = 132, computer = 134). The allocation of the test format was conducted as a randomized matched-pair design in which students were first sorted according to their prior test results. The organizational procedure, the examination conditions, the room, and seating arrangements, as well as the order of questions and answers, were identical in both groups. The sociodemographic variables and pretest scores of both groups were comparable. The test results from the paper and computer versions did not differ. The groups remained within the allotted time, but students using the computer version (particularly the high performers) needed significantly less time to complete the test. In addition, we found significant differences in guessing behavior. Low performers using the computer version guess significantly more than low-performing students in the paper-pencil version. Participants in computer-based tests are not at a disadvantage in terms of their test results. The computer-based test required less processing time. The reason for the longer processing time when using the paper-pencil version might be due to the time needed to write the answer down, controlling for transferring the answer correctly. It is still not known why students using the computer version (particularly low-performing students) guess at a higher rate. Further studies are necessary to understand this finding.

Exercise- and cold-induced changes in plasma beta-endorphin and beta-lipotropin in men and women.

PubMed

Viswanathan, M; Van Dijk, J P; Graham, T E; Bonen, A; George, J C

1987-02-01

The plasma beta-endorphin (beta-EP) and beta-lipotropin (beta-LPH) response of men, eumenorrheic women, and amenorrheic women (n = 6) to 1 h of rest or to a bicycle ergometer test [20 min at 30% maximum O2 uptake (VO2max), 20 min at 60% VO2max, and at 90% VO2max to exhaustion] was studied in both normal (22 degrees C) and cold (5 degrees C) environments. beta-EP and beta-LPH was measured by radioimmunoassay in venous samples collected every 20 min during rest or after each exercise bout. Exhaustive exercise at ambient temperature (Ta) 22 degrees C induced significant increases in plasma beta-EP and beta-LPH in all subjects as did work at 60% VO2max in amenorrheic and eumenorrheic women. During work at Ta 5 degrees C, the relative increase in beta-EP and beta-LPH was suppressed in eumenorrheic women and completely prevented in amenorrheic women. Although significant lowering of beta-EP and beta-LPH was observed in men and eumenorrheic women during rest at 5 degrees C, amenorrheic women maintained precold exposure levels. These findings suggest that plasma beta-EP and beta-LPH may reflect a thermoregulatory response to heat load. There appears to be a sexual dimorphism in exercise- and cold-induced release of beta-EP and beta-LPH and amenorrhea may be accompanied by alterations in these responses.

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

Patrick, N.; Miyakawa, F.; Hunt, J.A.

The distribution of {beta}-thalassemia [{beta}{sup Th}] mutations is unique to each ethnic group. Most mutations affect one or a few bases; large deletions have been rare. Among families screened in Hawaii, [{beta}{sup Th}] heterozygotes were diagnosed by microcytosis, absence of abnormal hemoglobins on isoelectric focusing, and raised Hb A{sub 2} by chromatography. Gene frequency for {beta}{sup Th} was 0.02 in Filipinos. In Filipinos, polymerase chain reaction [PCR] with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis for {beta}{sup Th} mutations detected a mutation in only 6 of 42 {beta}{sup Th} heterozygotes; an IVS2-666 C/T polymorphism showed non-heterozygosity in 37 and heterozygosity in only 5more » of these {beta}{sup Th} heterozygotes. One {beta}{sup Th}/{beta}{sup Th} major patient and his mother had no mutation detected by allele-specific oligomer hybridization; PCR failed to amplify any DNA from his {beta}-globin gene. After a total {beta}-globin gene deletion [{beta}{sup Del}] was found in a Filipino family in Ontario, specific PCR amplification for {beta}{sup Del} detected this in 43 of 53 {beta}{sup Th} Filipino samples tested; the above {beta}{sup Th}/{beta}{sup Th} patient was a ({beta}{sup Del}/{beta}{sup Del}) homozygote. The {beta}{sup Del} may account for over 60% of all {beta}{sup Th} alleles in Filipinos; this is the highest proportion of a deletion {beta}{sup Th} mutation reported from any population. Most but not all {beta}{sup Del} heterozygotes had high Hb F [5.13 {plus_minus} 3.94 mean {plus_minus} 1 s.d.] compared to the codon 41/42 four base deletion common in Chinese [2.30 {plus_minus} 0.86], or to {beta}{sup Th} heterozygotes with normal {alpha}-globin genes [2.23 {plus_minus} 0.80].« less

Exercise Testing, Training, and Beta-Adrenergic Blockade.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilmore, Jack H.

1988-01-01

This article summarizes the current knowledge on the effects of beta-adrenergic blocking drugs, used widely for treatment of cardiovascular diseases, on exercise performance, training benefits, and exercise prescription. (IAH)

The Spanish version of Face-Name Associative Memory Exam (S-FNAME) performance is related to amyloid burden in Subjective Cognitive Decline.

PubMed

Sanabria, Angela; Alegret, Montserrat; Rodriguez-Gomez, Octavio; Valero, Sergi; Sotolongo-Grau, Oscar; Monté-Rubio, Gemma; Abdelnour, Carla; Espinosa, Ana; Ortega, Gemma; Perez-Cordon, Alba; Gailhajanet, Anna; Hernandez, Isabel; Rosende-Roca, Maitee; Vargas, Liliana; Mauleon, Ana; Sanchez, Domingo; Martin, Elvira; Rentz, Dorene M; Lomeña, Francisco; Ruiz, Agustin; Tarraga, Lluis; Boada, Merce

2018-02-28

The Face-Name Associative Memory Exam (FNAME) is a paired associative memory test created to detect memory deficits in individuals with preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD). Worse performance on FNAME in cognitively healthy individuals were found related to higher amyloid beta (Aβ) burden measured with Positron-Emission-Tomography using 11 C-PiB (PiB-PET). We previously reported normative data of a Spanish version of FNAME (S-FNAME) in cognitively healthy Spanish-speaking subjects. The aim of the present study was to determine whether performance on S-FNAME was associated with Aβ burden in subjective cognitive decline (SCD) individuals. 200 SCD subjects received neurological and neuropsychological assessments, including the S-FNAME and the Word List task from the Wechsler-Memory-Scale-III (WMS-III). Moreover, they received an MRI and (18)F-Florbetaben Positron-Emission-Tomography (FBB-PET) to measure Aβ burden. Three cognitive factor composites were derived for the episodic memory measures (face-name [SFN-N], face-occupation [SFN-O] and WMS-III) to determine whether episodic memory performance was related to Aβ deposition. Higher global Aβ deposition was significantly related to worse performance on SFN-N but not with SFN-O or WMS-III Composite. Moreover, worse SFN-N performance was significantly related to higher Aβ deposition in bilateral  Posterior Cingulate Cortex. The S-FNAME may be a promising neuropsychological tool for detecting SCD individuals with preclinical AD.

Federated Access to Heterogeneous Information Resources in the Neuroscience Information Framework (NIF)

PubMed Central

Gupta, Amarnath; Bug, William; Marenco, Luis; Qian, Xufei; Condit, Christopher; Rangarajan, Arun; Müller, Hans Michael; Miller, Perry L.; Sanders, Brian; Grethe, Jeffrey S.; Astakhov, Vadim; Shepherd, Gordon; Sternberg, Paul W.; Martone, Maryann E.

2009-01-01

The overarching goal of the NIF (Neuroscience Information Framework) project is to be a one-stop-shop for Neuroscience. This paper provides a technical overview of how the system is designed. The technical goal of the first version of the NIF system was to develop an information system that a neuroscientist can use to locate relevant information from a wide variety of information sources by simple keyword queries. Although the user would provide only keywords to retrieve information, the NIF system is designed to treat them as concepts whose meanings are interpreted by the system. Thus, a search for term should find a record containing synonyms of the term. The system is targeted to find information from web pages, publications, databases, web sites built upon databases, XML documents and any other modality in which such information may be published. We have designed a system to achieve this functionality. A central element in the system is an ontology called NIFSTD (for NIF Standard) constructed by amalgamating a number of known and newly developed ontologies. NIFSTD is used by our ontology management module, called OntoQuest to perform ontology-based search over data sources. The NIF architecture currently provides three different mechanisms for searching heterogeneous data sources including relational databases, web sites, XML documents and full text of publications. Version 1.0 of the NIF system is currently in beta test and may be accessed through http://nif.nih.gov. PMID:18958629

Federated access to heterogeneous information resources in the Neuroscience Information Framework (NIF).

PubMed

Gupta, Amarnath; Bug, William; Marenco, Luis; Qian, Xufei; Condit, Christopher; Rangarajan, Arun; Müller, Hans Michael; Miller, Perry L; Sanders, Brian; Grethe, Jeffrey S; Astakhov, Vadim; Shepherd, Gordon; Sternberg, Paul W; Martone, Maryann E

2008-09-01

The overarching goal of the NIF (Neuroscience Information Framework) project is to be a one-stop-shop for Neuroscience. This paper provides a technical overview of how the system is designed. The technical goal of the first version of the NIF system was to develop an information system that a neuroscientist can use to locate relevant information from a wide variety of information sources by simple keyword queries. Although the user would provide only keywords to retrieve information, the NIF system is designed to treat them as concepts whose meanings are interpreted by the system. Thus, a search for term should find a record containing synonyms of the term. The system is targeted to find information from web pages, publications, databases, web sites built upon databases, XML documents and any other modality in which such information may be published. We have designed a system to achieve this functionality. A central element in the system is an ontology called NIFSTD (for NIF Standard) constructed by amalgamating a number of known and newly developed ontologies. NIFSTD is used by our ontology management module, called OntoQuest to perform ontology-based search over data sources. The NIF architecture currently provides three different mechanisms for searching heterogeneous data sources including relational databases, web sites, XML documents and full text of publications. Version 1.0 of the NIF system is currently in beta test and may be accessed through http://nif.nih.gov.

The Development and Validation of a Bilingual Version of the Vocabulary Size Test

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karami, Hossein

2012-01-01

This paper reports an attempt to develop and validate a bilingual Persian version of the Vocabulary Size Test (VST). Due to the particular educational system in Iran, there is a dire need for a test that can effectively estimate English learners' vocabulary sizes. Previous research (Nguyen and Nation, 2011) has indicated that bilingual versions of…

How Does the Linguistic Distance between Spoken and Standard Language in Arabic Affect Recall and Recognition Performances during Verbal Memory Examination

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taha, Haitham

2017-01-01

The current research examined how Arabic diglossia affects verbal learning memory. Thirty native Arab college students were tested using auditory verbal memory test that was adapted according to the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test and developed in three versions: Pure spoken language version (SL), pure standard language version (SA), and…

Comparison of GEANT4 Physics Models with Measured Beta Particle Data in Aluminum using a Strontium-90 Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Everett, Samantha

2010-10-01

A transmission curve experiment was carried out to measure the range of beta particles in aluminum in the health physics laboratory located on the campus of Texas Southern University. The transmission count rate through aluminum for varying radiation lengths was measured using beta particles emitted from a low activity (˜1 μCi) Sr-90 source. The count rate intensity was recorded using a Geiger Mueller tube (SGC N210/BNC) with an active volume of 61 cm^3 within a systematic detection accuracy of a few percent. We compared these data with a realistic simulation of the experimental setup using the Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit (version 9.3). The purpose of this study was to benchmark our Monte Carlo for future experiments as part of a more comprehensive research program. Transmission curves were simulated based on the standard and low-energy electromagnetic physics models, and using the radioactive decay module for the electrons primary energy distribution. To ensure the validity of our measurements, linear extrapolation techniques were employed to determine the in-medium beta particle range from the measured data and was found to be 1.87 g/cm^2 (˜0.693 cm), in agreement with literature values. We found that the general shape of the measured data and simulated curves were comparable; however, a discrepancy in the relative count rates was observed. The origin of this disagreement is still under investigation.

Amyloid formation and inhibition of an all-beta protein: A study on fungal polygalacturonase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chinisaz, Maryam; Ghasemi, Atiyeh; Larijani, Bagher; Ebrahim-Habibi, Azadeh

2014-02-01

Theoretically, all proteins can adopt the nanofibrillar structures known as amyloid, which contain cross-beta structures. The all-beta folded proteins are particularly interesting in this regard, since they appear to be naturally more predisposed toward this structural arrangement. In this study, methanol has been used to drive the beta-helix protein polygalacturonase (PG), toward amyloid fibril formation. Congo red absorbance, thioflavin T fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD) and transmission electron microscopy have been used to characterize this process. Similar to other all-beta proteins, PG shows a non-cooperative fibrillation mechanism, but the structural changes that are monitored by CD indicate a different pattern. Furthermore, several compounds containing aromatic components were tested as potential inhibitors of amyloid formation. Another protein predominantly composed of alpha-helices (human serum albumin) was also targeted by these ligands, in order to get an insight into their potential anti-aggregation property toward structurally different proteins. Among tested compounds, silibinin and chlorpropamide were able to considerably affect both proteins fibrillation process.

Antimicrobial resistance and beta-lactamase production of clinical isolates of prevotella and porphyromonas species.

PubMed

Bahar, Hrisi; Torun, Muzeyyen Mamal; Demirci, Mehmet; Kocazeybek, Bekir

2005-03-01

This study determined the beta-lactamase production and the antimicrobial resistance of 72 Prevotella species and 48 Porphyromonas species isolated from different clinical specimens. All strains were identified using API 32 ID. The beta-lactamase production was determined by nitrocefin disks. E test strips of benzylpenicillin, ampicillin + sulbactam, cefoxitin, clindamycin, metronidazole and imipenem were tested for each strain. Nineteen Prevotella melaninogenica, 18 Prevotella intermedia, 16 Prevotella denticola, 11 Prevotella loescheii and 8 Prevotella bivia strains were identified. Four were clindamycin resistant. The highest beta-lactamase production was found at a rate of 68.4% in P. melaninogenica species. Additionally, 33 Porphyromonas asaccharolytica and 15 Porphyromonas gingivalis strains were identified. None of them produced beta-lactamase. In view of the emerging antibiotic resistance among anaerobes, the current local susceptibility profile of our Prevotella and Porphyromonas species will establish the basis for additional surveys tracing significant changes in the antimicrobial resistance of our clinical isolates. Copyright 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Validation of English and Spanish-language versions of a screening questionnaire for rheumatoid arthritis in an underserved community.

PubMed

Potter, Jeffrey; Odutola, Jennifer; Gonzales, Christian Amurrio; Ward, Michael M

2008-08-01

Questionnaires to screen for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been tested in groups that were primarily well educated and Caucasian. We sought to validate the RA questions of the Connective Tissue Disease Screening Questionnaire (CSQ) in ethnic minorities in an underserved community, and to test a Spanish-language version. The Spanish-language version was developed by 2 native speakers. Consecutive English-speaking or Spanish-speaking patients in a community-based rheumatology practice completed the questionnaire. Diagnoses were confirmed by medical record review. Sensitivity and specificity of the questionnaire for a diagnosis of RA were computed for each language version, using 2 groups as controls: patients with noninflammatory conditions, and participants recruited from the community. The English-language version was tested in 53 patients with RA (79% ethnic minorities; mean education level 11.3 yrs), 85 rheumatology controls with noninflammatory conditions, and 82 community controls. Using 3 positive responses as indicating a positive screening test, the sensitivity of the questionnaire was 0.77, the specificity based on rheumatology controls was 0.45, and the specificity based on community controls was 0.94. The Spanish-language version was tested in 55 patients with RA (mean education level 7.8 yrs), 149 rheumatology controls, and 88 community controls. The sensitivity of the Spanish-language version was 0.87, with specificities of 0.60 and 0.97 using the rheumatology controls and community controls, respectively. The sensitivity of the English-language version of the RA questions of the CSQ was lower in this study than in other cohorts, reflecting differences in the performance of the questions in different ethnic or socioeconomic groups. The Spanish-language version demonstrated good sensitivity, and both had excellent specificity when tested in community controls.

[Increase of beta 2-microglobulin in drug addicts with anti-HIV antibodies and high risk of AIDS].

PubMed

D'Angelo, G; Giardini, C; Zanco, M D; Calvano, D; Crovetti, G; De Filippo, C

1991-01-01

The beta 2-Microglobulin is a polypeptide present on the surface membrane of both B and T cells and is integrated into the structure of HLA antigenes. The beta 2-Microglobulin concentration have been used as a reliable indicator of glomerular and tubular function of the kidney. Increased serum concentration of beta 2-Microglobulin are observed also in lymphoproliferative disorders with high cell proliferation rates. More recently, increased concentration of beta 2-Microglobulin was shown in patients with anti-HIV antibodies with or without symptomatic AIDS. We have determined beta 2-Microglobulin in 61 subjects: 40 between the ages of 25 and 35 and seemingly healthy, 21 patients between the ages of 22 and 32 and intravenous drug abuser with anti-HIV antibodies and at high-risk for AIDS. In all subjects we have tested: BUN, creatinine, beta 2-Microglobulin and T4/T8 ratio. In 40 subjects as normal controls, beta 2-Microglobulin average was means = 1.07 mg/L (SD = 0.39), T4/T8 ratio average: means = 1.06 (SD = 0.119). In 21 patients drug abuser with anti-HIV antibodies, the beta 2-Microglobulin average was cleanly increased: means = 4.72 mg/L (SD = 2.23), the T4/T8 ratio average cleanly decreased: means = 0.54 (SD = 0.21). We believe the beta 2-Microglobulin quantitation, even if not specific for patient with symptomatic AIDS, used in conjunction with other laboratory tests, principally T4/T8 ratio, will be a useful marker for recognizing persons with possible asymptomatic AIDS who are members of populations known to be at high-risk for AIDS.

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

Ngo, K.Y.; Liu, D.; Lee, J.

During the past two years we have tested 2,300 Southeast Asians for alpha- and beta-thaleassemia mutations. We found the incidence of hemoglobin E ({beta}{sup 26}) to be 47% among Laotians and 38% among Cambodians. The incidence of beta thalassemia trait is 9% for Laotians and 6% for Cambodians. Thus, the risk for hemoglobin E/{beta}{sup 26} thalassemia, a transfusion-dependent disorder, is increased in these two population groups. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) has proven to be useful in testing for beta-thalassemia carriers and identifying new mutations in the beta globin gene. DNA was extracted from venous blood obtained from patients withmore » elevated Hgb A2 (>4%). Five DNA fragments, encompassing the beta globin gene cluster, were amplified by PCR and analyzed, along with known beta gene mutations as controls, by DGGE using different denaturing gradient concentrations. Different mutations at the same nucleotide position can be distinguished by migration pattern on the DGGE (e.g., in IVS-I-1, G{r_arrow}A and T). Compound heterozygotes for {beta}-thalassemia can be detected on the same gel (e.g., HbE/mutation codon 17). New mutations are identified by their migration pattern compared with controls and determined by subsequent sequencing. We have identified three new mutations: codon 82 CAA{r_arrow}AAA in one Cambodian patient; IVS-II-667, T{r_arrow}C and IVS-II-672, A{r_arrow}C in two Laotian patients. When the parent`s genotypes are known, prenatal diagnosis can be obtained within 24 hours. Thus, PCR/DGGE combination is a rapid and reliable diagnostic approach to clinically significant {beta}-thalassemia. The most important steps are carefully designed primers and predetermined gradient concentrations for DGGE.« less

Synthesis and evaluation of N-alkyl-beta-D-glucosylamines on the growth of two wood fungi, Coriolus versicolor and Poria placenta.

PubMed

Muhizi, Théoneste; Coma, Véronique; Grelier, Stéphane

2008-09-22

Various glucosylamines were synthesized from glucose and different alkyl amine compounds. These amino compounds are beta-D-glucopyranosylamine (GPA), N-ethyl-beta-D-glucopyranosylamine (EtGPA), N-butyl-beta-D-glucopyranosylamine (BuGPA), N-hexyl-beta-D-glucopyranosylamine (HeGPA), N-octyl-beta-D-glucopyranosylamine (OcGPA), N-dodecyl-beta-D-glucopyranosylamine (DoGPA), N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosylamine (HEtGPA) and N,N-di(2-hydroxyethyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosylamine (DHEtGPA). They were tested for their antifungal activity against the growth of Coriolus versicolor and Poria placenta. An improvement of the antifungal activity with the increase of alkyl chain length was observed. DoGPA exhibited the best antifungal activity against both strains. It completely inhibited the fungal growth at 0.01x10(-3)molmL(-1) and 0.0075x10(-3)molmL(-1) for C. versicolor and P. placenta, respectively. For other glucosylamines higher concentrations were needed for complete inhibition of fungi.

Mechanical waves conceptual survey: Its modification and conversion to a standard multiple-choice test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barniol, Pablo; Zavala, Genaro

2016-06-01

In this article we present several modifications of the mechanical waves conceptual survey, the most important test to date that has been designed to evaluate university students' understanding of four main topics in mechanical waves: propagation, superposition, reflection, and standing waves. The most significant changes are (i) modification of several test questions that had some problems in their original design, (ii) standardization of the number of options for each question to five, (iii) conversion of the two-tier questions to multiple-choice questions, and (iv) modification of some questions to make them independent of others. To obtain a final version of the test, we administered both the original and modified versions several times to students at a large private university in Mexico. These students were completing a course that covers the topics tested by the survey. The final modified version of the test was administered to 234 students. In this study we present the modifications for each question, and discuss the reasons behind them. We also analyze the results obtained by the final modified version and offer a comparison between the original and modified versions. In the Supplemental Material we present the final modified version of the test. It can be used by teachers and researchers to assess students' understanding of, and learning about, mechanical waves.

Novel Problem Solving - The NASA Solution Mechanism Guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keeton, Kathryn E.; Richard, Elizabeth E.; Davis, Jeffrey R.

2014-01-01

Over the past five years, the Human Health and Performance (HH&P) Directorate at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) has conducted a number of pilot and ongoing projects in collaboration and open innovation. These projects involved the use of novel open innovation competitions that sought solutions from "the crowd", non-traditional problem solvers. The projects expanded to include virtual collaboration centers such as the NASA Human Health and Performance Center (NHHPC) and more recently a collaborative research project between NASA and the National Science Foundation (NSF). These novel problem-solving tools produced effective results and the HH&P wanted to capture the knowledge from these new tools, to teach the results to the directorate, and to implement new project management tools and coursework. The need to capture and teach the results of these novel problem solving tools, the HH&P decided to create a web-based tool to capture best practices and case studies, to teach novice users how to use new problem solving tools and to change project management training/. This web-based tool was developed with a small, multi-disciplinary group and named the Solution Mechanism Guide (SMG). An alpha version was developed that was tested against several sessions of user groups to get feedback on the SMG and determine a future course for development. The feedback was very positive and the HH&P decided to move to the beta-phase of development. To develop the web-based tool, the HH&P utilized the NASA Tournament Lab (NTL) to develop the software with TopCoder under an existing contract. In this way, the HH&P is using one new tool (the NTL and TopCoder) to develop the next generation tool, the SMG. The beta-phase of the SMG is planed for release in the spring of 2014 and results of the beta-phase testing will be available for the IAC meeting in September. The SMG is intended to disrupt the way problem solvers and project managers approach problem solving and to increase the use of novel and more cost and time effective problem solving tools such as open innovation, collaborative research, and virtual collaborative project centers. The HH&P envisions changing project management coursework by including the SMG in the teaching of project management problem solving tools.

Extended version of the "Sniffin' Sticks" identification test: test-retest reliability and validity.

PubMed

Sorokowska, A; Albrecht, E; Haehner, A; Hummel, T

2015-03-30

The extended, 32-item version of the Sniffin' Sticks identification test was developed in order to create a precise tool enabling repeated, longitudinal testing of individual olfactory subfunctions. Odors of the previous test version had to be changed for technical reasons, and the odor identification test needed re-investigation in terms of reliability, validity, and normative values. In our study we investigated olfactory abilities of a group of 100 patients with olfactory dysfunction and 100 controls. We reconfirmed the high test-retest reliability of the extended version of the Sniffin' Sticks identification test and high correlations between the new and the original part of this tool. In addition, we confirmed the validity of the test as it discriminated clearly between controls and patients with olfactory loss. The additional set of 16 odor identification sticks can be either included in the current olfactory test, thus creating a more detailed diagnosis tool, or it can be used separately, enabling to follow olfactory function over time. Additionally, the normative values presented in our paper might provide useful guidelines for interpretation of the extended identification test results. The revised version of the Sniffin' Sticks 32-item odor identification test is a reliable and valid tool for the assessment of olfactory function. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Parallel multireference configuration interaction calculations on mini-beta-carotenes and beta-carotene.

PubMed

Kleinschmidt, Martin; Marian, Christel M; Waletzke, Mirko; Grimme, Stefan

2009-01-28

We present a parallelized version of a direct selecting multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) code [S. Grimme and M. Waletzke, J. Chem. Phys. 111, 5645 (1999)]. The program can be run either in ab initio mode or as semiempirical procedure combined with density functional theory (DFT/MRCI). We have investigated the efficiency of the parallelization in case studies on carotenoids and porphyrins. The performance is found to depend heavily on the cluster architecture. While the speed-up on the older Intel Netburst technology is close to linear for up to 12-16 processes, our results indicate that it is not favorable to use all cores of modern Intel Dual Core or Quad Core processors simultaneously for memory intensive tasks. Due to saturation of the memory bandwidth, we recommend to run less demanding tasks on the latter architectures in parallel to two (Dual Core) or four (Quad Core) MRCI processes per node. The DFT/MRCI branch has been employed to study the low-lying singlet and triplet states of mini-n-beta-carotenes (n=3, 5, 7, 9) and beta-carotene (n=11) at the geometries of the ground state, the first excited triplet state, and the optically bright singlet state. The order of states depends heavily on the conjugation length and the nuclear geometry. The (1)B(u) (+) state constitutes the S(1) state in the vertical absorption spectrum of mini-3-beta-carotene but switches order with the 2 (1)A(g) (-) state upon excited state relaxation. In the longer carotenes, near degeneracy or even root flipping between the (1)B(u) (+) and (1)B(u) (-) states is observed whereas the 3 (1)A(g) (-) state is found to remain energetically above the optically bright (1)B(u) (+) state at all nuclear geometries investigated here. The DFT/MRCI method is seen to underestimate the absolute excitation energies of the longer mini-beta-carotenes but the energy gaps between the excited states are reproduced well. In addition to singlet data, triplet-triplet absorption energies are presented. For beta-carotene, where these transition energies are known from experiment, excellent agreement with our calculations is observed.

The H,K-ATPase beta-subunit can act as a surrogate for the beta-subunit of Na,K-pumps.

PubMed

Horisberger, J D; Jaunin, P; Reuben, M A; Lasater, L S; Chow, D C; Forte, J G; Sachs, G; Rossier, B C; Geering, K

1991-10-15

Na,K-ATPase and H,K-ATPase are the only members of the P-type ATPases in which a glycosylated beta-subunit is part of the purified active enzyme. In this study, we have followed the synthesis and the posttranslational processing of the beta-subunit of H,K-ATPase (beta HK) in Xenopus oocytes injected with beta HK cRNA and have tested whether it can act as a surrogate for the beta-subunit of Na,K-ATPase (beta NaK) to support the functional expression of Na,K-pumps. In Xenopus oocytes, beta HK is processed from an Endo H-sensitive 51-kDa coreglycosylated form to an Endo H-resistant 71-kDa fully glycosylated form. Similar to beta NaK, beta HK can stabilize and increase the trypsin resistance of alpha-subunits of Na,K-ATPase (alpha NaK). Finally, expression of beta HK together with alpha NaK leads to an increased number of ouabain binding sites at the plasma membrane accompanied by an increased Rb+ uptake and Na,K-pump current. Our data suggest that beta HK, similar to beta NaK, can assemble to alpha NaK, support the structural maturation and the intracellular transport of catalytic alpha NaK, and ultimately form active alpha NaK-beta HK complexes with Na,K-pump transport properties.

Central beta-adrenergic modulation of cognitive flexibility.

PubMed

Beversdorf, David Q; White, Dawn M; Chever, Daquesha C; Hughes, John D; Bornstein, Robert A

2002-12-20

Situational stressors and anxiety impede performance on creativity tests requiring cognitive flexibility. Preliminary research revealed better performance on a task requiring cognitive flexibility, the anagram task, after propranolol (beta-adrenergic antagonist) than after ephedrine (beta-adrenergic agonist). However, propranolol and ephedrine have both peripheral and central beta-adrenergic effects. In order to determine whether noradrenergic modulation of cognitive flexibility is a centrally or peripherally mediated phenomenon, we compared the effects of propranolol (peripheral and central beta-blocker), nadolol (peripheral beta-blocker), and placebo on anagram task performance. Solution latency scores for each subject were compared across the drug conditions. Anagram solution latency scores after propranolol were significantly lower than after nadolol. This suggests a centrally mediated modulatory influence of the noradrenergic system on cognitive flexibility.

Faux-Pas Test: A Proposal of a Standardized Short Version.

PubMed

Fernández-Modamio, Mar; Arrieta-Rodríguez, Marta; Bengochea-Seco, Rosario; Santacoloma-Cabero, Iciar; Gómez de Tojeiro-Roce, Juan; García-Polavieja, Bárbara; González-Fraile, Eduardo; Martín-Carrasco, Manuel; Griffin, Kim; Gil-Sanz, David

2018-06-26

Previous research on theory of mind suggests that people with schizophrenia have difficulties with complex mentalization tasks that involve the integration of cognition and affective mental states. One of the tools most commonly used to assess theory of mind is the Faux-Pas Test. However, it presents two main methodological problems: 1) the lack of a standard scoring system; 2) the different versions are not comparable due to a lack of information on the stories used. These methodological problems make it difficult to draw conclusions about performance on this test by people with schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to develop a reduced version of the Faux-Pas test with adequate psychometric properties. The test was administered to control and clinical groups. Interrater and test-retest reliability were analyzed for each story in order to select the set of 10 stories included in the final reduced version. The shortened version showed good psychometric properties for controls and patients: test-retest reliability of 0.97 and 0.78, inter-rater reliability of 0.95 and 0.87 and Cronbach's alpha of 0.82 and 0.72.

Kinetic analysis of extension of substrate specificity with Xanthomonas maltophilia, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Bacillus cereus metallo-beta-lactamases.

PubMed Central

Felici, A; Amicosante, G

1995-01-01

Twenty beta-lactam molecules, including penicillins, cephalosporins, penems, carbapenems, and monobactams, were investigated as potential substrates for Xanthomonas maltophilia ULA-511, Aeromonas hydrophila AE036, and Bacillus cereus 5/B/6 metallo-beta-lactamases. A detailed analysis of the kinetic parameters examined confirmed these enzymes to be broad-spectrum beta-lactamases with different ranges of catalytic efficiency. Cefoxitin and moxalactam, substrates for the beta-lactamases from X. maltophilia ULA-511 and B. cereus 5/B/6, behaved as inactivators of the A. hydrophila AE036 metallo-beta-lactamase, which appeared to be unique among the enzymes tested in this study. In addition, we report a new, faster, and reliable purification procedure for the B. cereus 5/B/6 metallo-beta-lactamase, cloned in Escherichia coli HB101. PMID:7695305

Enhanced CARES Software Enables Improved Ceramic Life Prediction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Janosik, Lesley A.

1997-01-01

The NASA Lewis Research Center has developed award-winning software that enables American industry to establish the reliability and life of brittle material (e.g., ceramic, intermetallic, graphite) structures in a wide variety of 21st century applications. The CARES (Ceramics Analysis and Reliability Evaluation of Structures) series of software is successfully used by numerous engineers in industrial, academic, and government organizations as an essential element of the structural design and material selection processes. The latest version of this software, CARES/Life, provides a general- purpose design tool that predicts the probability of failure of a ceramic component as a function of its time in service. CARES/Life was recently enhanced by adding new modules designed to improve functionality and user-friendliness. In addition, a beta version of the newly-developed CARES/Creep program (for determining the creep life of monolithic ceramic components) has just been released to selected organizations.

Desiderata for an authoritative Representation of MeSH in RDF.

PubMed

Winnenburg, Rainer; Bodenreider, Olivier

2014-01-01

The Semantic Web provides a framework for the integration of resources on the web, which facilitates information integration and interoperability. RDF is the main representation format for Linked Open Data (LOD). However, datasets are not always made available in RDF by their producers and the Semantic Web community has had to convert some of these datasets to RDF in order for these datasets to participate in the LOD cloud. As a result, the LOD cloud sometimes contains outdated, partial and even inaccurate RDF datasets. We review the LOD landscape for one of these resources, MeSH, and analyze the characteristics of six existing representations in order to identify desirable features for an authoritative version, for which we create a prototype. We illustrate the suitability of this prototype on three common use cases. NLM intends to release an authoritative representation of MeSH in RDF (beta version) in the Fall of 2014.

Desiderata for an authoritative Representation of MeSH in RDF

PubMed Central

Winnenburg, Rainer; Bodenreider, Olivier

2014-01-01

The Semantic Web provides a framework for the integration of resources on the web, which facilitates information integration and interoperability. RDF is the main representation format for Linked Open Data (LOD). However, datasets are not always made available in RDF by their producers and the Semantic Web community has had to convert some of these datasets to RDF in order for these datasets to participate in the LOD cloud. As a result, the LOD cloud sometimes contains outdated, partial and even inaccurate RDF datasets. We review the LOD landscape for one of these resources, MeSH, and analyze the characteristics of six existing representations in order to identify desirable features for an authoritative version, for which we create a prototype. We illustrate the suitability of this prototype on three common use cases. NLM intends to release an authoritative representation of MeSH in RDF (beta version) in the Fall of 2014. PMID:25954433

Development of high resolution simulations of the atmospheric environment using the MASS model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaplan, Michael L.; Zack, John W.; Karyampudi, V. Mohan

1989-01-01

Numerical simulations were performed with a very high resolution (7.25 km) version of the MASS model (Version 4.0) in an effort to diagnose the vertical wind shear and static stability structure during the Shuttle Challenger disaster which occurred on 28 January 1986. These meso-beta scale simulations reveal that the strongest vertical wind shears were concentrated in the 200 to 150 mb layer at 1630 GMT, i.e., at about the time of the disaster. These simulated vertical shears were the result of two primary dynamical processes. The juxtaposition of both of these processes produced a shallow (30 mb deep) region of strong vertical wind shear, and hence, low Richardson number values during the launch time period. Comparisons with the Cape Canaveral (XMR) rawinsonde indicates that the high resolution MASS 4.0 simulation more closely emulated nature than did previous simulations of the same event with the GMASS model.

Comparison Between a Self-Administered and Supervised Version of a Web-Based Cognitive Test Battery: Results From the NutriNet-Santé Cohort Study.

PubMed

Assmann, Karen E; Bailet, Marion; Lecoffre, Amandine C; Galan, Pilar; Hercberg, Serge; Amieva, Hélène; Kesse-Guyot, Emmanuelle

2016-04-05

Dementia is a major public health problem, and repeated cognitive data from large epidemiological studies could help to develop efficient measures of early prevention. Data collection by self-administered online tools could drastically reduce the logistical and financial burden of such large-scale investigations. In this context, it is important to obtain data concerning the comparability of such new online tools with traditional, supervised modes of cognitive assessment. Our objective was to compare self-administration of the Web-based NutriNet-Santé cognitive test battery (NutriCog) with administration by a neuropsychologist. The test battery included four tests, measuring, among others aspects, psychomotor speed, attention, executive function, episodic memory, working memory, and associative memory. Both versions of the cognitive battery were completed by 189 volunteers (either self-administered version first, n=99, or supervised version first, n=90). Subjects also completed a satisfaction questionnaire. Concordance was assessed by Spearman correlation. Agreement between both versions varied according to the investigated cognitive task and outcome variable. Spearman correlations ranged between .42 and .73. Moreover, a majority of participants responded that they "absolutely" or "rather" agreed that the duration of the self-administered battery was acceptable (184/185, 99.5%), that the tasks were amusing (162/185, 87.6%), that the instructions were sufficiently detailed (168/185; 90.8%) and understandable (164/185, 88.7%), and that they had overall enjoyed the test battery (182/185, 98.4%). The self-administered version of the Web-based NutriCog cognitive test battery provided similar information as the supervised version. Thus, integrating repeated cognitive evaluations into large cohorts via the implementation of self-administered online versions of traditional test batteries appears to be feasible.

Interventions for helping to turn term breech babies to head first presentation when using external cephalic version.

PubMed

Cluver, Catherine; Gyte, Gillian M L; Sinclair, Marlene; Dowswell, Therese; Hofmeyr, G Justus

2015-02-09

Breech presentation is associated with increased complications. Turning a breech baby to head first presentation using external cephalic version (ECV) attempts to reduce the chances of breech presentation at birth so as to avoid the adverse effects of breech vaginal birth or caesarean section. Interventions such as tocolytic drugs and other methods have been used in an attempt to facilitate ECV. To assess, from the best evidence available, the effects of interventions such as tocolysis, acoustic stimulation for midline spine position, regional analgesia (epidural or spinal), transabdominal amnioinfusion, systemic opioids and hypnosis, or the use of abdominal lubricants, on ECV at term for successful version, presentation at birth, method of birth and perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (30 September 2014) and the reference lists of identified studies. Randomised and quasi-randomised trials comparing the above interventions with no intervention or other methods to facilitate ECV at term. We assessed eligibility and trial quality. Two review authors independently assessed for inclusion all potential studies identified as a result of the search strategy and independently extracted the data using a specially designed data extraction form. We included 28 studies, providing data on 2786 women. We used the random-effects model for pooling data because of clinical heterogeneity between studies. A number of trial reports gave insufficient information to allow clear assessment of risk of bias. We used GradePro software to carry out formal assessments of quality of the evidence for beta stimulants versus placebo and regional analgesia with tocolysis versus tocolysis alone.Tocolytic parenteral beta stimulants were effective in increasing cephalic presentations in labour (average risk ratio (RR) 1.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14 to 2.48, five studies, 459 women, low-quality evidence) and in reducing the number of caesarean sections (average RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.88, six studies, 742 women, moderate-quality evidence). Failure to achieve a cephalic vaginal birth was less likely for women receiving a parenteral beta stimulant (average RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.92, four studies, 399 women, moderate-quality evidence). No clear differences in fetal bradycardias were identified, although this was reported for only one study, which was underpowered for assessing this outcome. Failed external cephalic version was reported in nine studies (900 women), and women receiving parenteral beta stimulants were less likely to have failure compared with controls (average RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.82, moderate-quality evidence). Perinatal mortality and serious morbidity were not reported. Sensitivity analysis by study quality was consistent with overall findings.For other classes of tocolytic drugs (calcium channel blockers and nitric oxide donors), evidence was insufficient to permit conclusions; outcomes were reported for only one or two studies, which were underpowered to demonstrate differences between treatment and control groups. Little evidence was found regarding adverse effects, although nitric oxide donors were associated with increased risk of headache. Data comparing different tocolytic drugs were insufficient.Regional analgesia in combination with a tocolytic was more effective than the tocolytic alone for increasing successful versions (assessed by the rate of failed ECVs; average RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.86, five studies, 409 women, moderate-quality evidence), and no difference was identified in cephalic presentation in labour (average RR 1.63, 95% CI 0.75 to 3.53, three studies, 279 women, very low-quality evidence), caesarean sections (average RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.37, three studies, 279 women, very low-quality evidence) nor fetal bradycardia (average RR 1.48, 95% CI 0.62 to 3.57, two studies, 210 women, low-quality evidence), although studies were underpowered for assessing these outcomes. Studies did not report on failure to achieve a cephalic vaginal birth (breech vaginal deliveries plus caesarean sections) nor on perinatal mortality or serious infant morbidity.Data were insufficient on the use of regional analgesia without tocolysis, vibroacoustic stimulation, amnioinfusion, systemic opioids and hypnosis, and on the use of talcum powder or gel to assist external cephalic version, to permit conclusions about their effectiveness and safety. Parenteral beta stimulants were effective in facilitating successful ECV, increasing cephalic presentation in labour and reducing the caesarean section rate, but data on adverse effects were insufficient. Data on calcium channel blockers and nitric acid donors were insufficient to provide good evidence.The scope for further research is clear. Possible benefits of tocolysis in reducing the force required for successful version and possible risks of side effects need to be addressed further. Further trials are needed to compare the effectiveness of routine versus selective use of tocolysis and the role of regional analgesia, fetal acoustic stimulation, amnioinfusion and abdominal lubricants, and the effects of hypnosis, in facilitating ECV. Although randomised trials of nitric oxide donors are small, the results are sufficiently negative to discourage further trials. Intervention fidelity for ECV can be enhanced by standardisation of the techniques and processes used for clinical manipulation of the fetus in the abdominal cavity and ought to be the subject of further research.

Fibronectin regulates the activation of THP-1 cells by TGF-beta1.

PubMed

Wang, A C; Fu, L

2001-03-01

To determine how fibronectin regulates the immunomodulatory effects of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta on THP-1 cells. THP-1 monocytic cell line. THP-1 cells were primed for 48 h in the presence or absence of 250 pM TGF-beta1. Assays or assessments carried out, together with statistical test applied. We found that adherence to fibronectin dramatically modulates the effects of TGF-beta1 on the human monocytic cell line THP-1. TGF-beta did not significantly affect constitutive interleukin (IL)-8 secretion or IL-1beta-induced IL-8 secretion from suspended cells. In contrast, TGF-beta stimulated IL-8 secretion as well as augmented IL-1beta-induced IL-8 secretion from adherent cells. The differential effects of TGF-beta1 on IL-8 secretion from suspended and adherent cells could not be explained by differences in IL-1 receptor antagonist production. The effects of fibronectin on TGF-beta1 induced IL-8 secretion from THP-1 cells were mimicked by adhesion to immobilized anti-a4beta1 integrin antibody and to a fibronectin fragment containing the CS-1 domain. These results indicate that alpha4beta1-mediated adhesion to fibronectin may play a key role during inflammation by profoundly influencing the effects of TGF-beta1 on monocytes.

Beta-cell function, incretin effect, and incretin hormones in obese youth along the span of glucose tolerance from normal to prediabetes to Type 2 diabetes

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Using the hyperglycemic and euglycemic clamp, we demonstrated impaired Beta-cell function in obese youth with increasing dysglycemia. Herein we describe oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)-modeled Beta-cell function and incretin effect in obese adolescents spanning the range of glucose tolerance. Bet...

Dynamic radioactive particle source

DOEpatents

Moore, Murray E; Gauss, Adam Benjamin; Justus, Alan Lawrence

2012-06-26

A method and apparatus for providing a timed, synchronized dynamic alpha or beta particle source for testing the response of continuous air monitors (CAMs) for airborne alpha or beta emitters is provided. The method includes providing a radioactive source; placing the radioactive source inside the detection volume of a CAM; and introducing an alpha or beta-emitting isotope while the CAM is in a normal functioning mode.

Robust inference under the beta regression model with application to health care studies.

PubMed

Ghosh, Abhik

2017-01-01

Data on rates, percentages, or proportions arise frequently in many different applied disciplines like medical biology, health care, psychology, and several others. In this paper, we develop a robust inference procedure for the beta regression model, which is used to describe such response variables taking values in (0, 1) through some related explanatory variables. In relation to the beta regression model, the issue of robustness has been largely ignored in the literature so far. The existing maximum likelihood-based inference has serious lack of robustness against outliers in data and generate drastically different (erroneous) inference in the presence of data contamination. Here, we develop the robust minimum density power divergence estimator and a class of robust Wald-type tests for the beta regression model along with several applications. We derive their asymptotic properties and describe their robustness theoretically through the influence function analyses. Finite sample performances of the proposed estimators and tests are examined through suitable simulation studies and real data applications in the context of health care and psychology. Although we primarily focus on the beta regression models with a fixed dispersion parameter, some indications are also provided for extension to the variable dispersion beta regression models with an application.

Prediction of beta-turns from amino acid sequences using the residue-coupled model.

PubMed

Guruprasad, K; Shukla, S

2003-04-01

We evaluated the prediction of beta-turns from amino acid sequences using the residue-coupled model with an enlarged representative protein data set selected from the Protein Data Bank. Our results show that the probability values derived from a data set comprising 425 protein chains yielded an overall beta-turn prediction accuracy 68.74%, compared with 94.7% reported earlier on a data set of 30 proteins using the same method. However, we noted that the overall beta-turn prediction accuracy using probability values derived from the 30-protein data set reduces to 40.74% when tested on the data set comprising 425 protein chains. In contrast, using probability values derived from the 425 data set used in this analysis, the overall beta-turn prediction accuracy yielded consistent results when tested on either the 30-protein data set (64.62%) used earlier or a more recent representative data set comprising 619 protein chains (64.66%) or on a jackknife data set comprising 476 representative protein chains (63.38%). We therefore recommend the use of probability values derived from the 425 representative protein chains data set reported here, which gives more realistic and consistent predictions of beta-turns from amino acid sequences.

Capacity of the Catalan and Spanish Versions of the Bilingual Aphasia Test to Distinguish between Healthy Aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gomez-Ruiz, Isabel; Aguilar-Alonso, Angel

2011-01-01

This study analysed the capacity of the Catalan and Spanish versions of the Bilingual Aphasia Test (BAT) to distinguish between normal and pathological aging. Both versions of the test were administered to 45 bilingual subjects: 15 healthy aging subjects, 15 patients with mild cognitive impairment and 15 patients with Alzheimer's disease. To…

Reliability and Validity of the Computerized Revised Token Test: Comparison of Reading and Listening Versions in Persons with and without Aphasia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McNeil, Malcolm R.; Pratt, Sheila R.; Szuminsky, Neil; Sung, Jee Eun; Fossett, Tepanta R. D.; Fassbinder, Wiltrud; Lim, Kyoung Yuel

2015-01-01

Purpose: This study assessed the reliability and validity of intermodality associations and differences in persons with aphasia (PWA) and healthy controls (HC) on a computerized listening and 3 reading versions of the Revised Token Test (RTT; McNeil & Prescott, 1978). Method: Thirty PWA and 30 HC completed the test versions, including a…

Effects of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Brain Homocarnosine/Carnosine Signal and Cognitive Function: An Exploratory Study

PubMed Central

Hobson, Ruth M; Artioli, Guilherme G.; Otaduy, Maria C.; Roschel, Hamilton; Robertson, Jacques; Martin, Daniel; S. Painelli, Vitor; Harris, Roger C.; Gualano, Bruno

2015-01-01

Objectives Two independent studies were conducted to examine the effects of 28 d of beta-alanine supplementation at 6.4 g d-1 on brain homocarnosine/carnosine signal in omnivores and vegetarians (Study 1) and on cognitive function before and after exercise in trained cyclists (Study 2). Methods In Study 1, seven healthy vegetarians (3 women and 4 men) and seven age- and sex-matched omnivores undertook a brain 1H-MRS exam at baseline and after beta-alanine supplementation. In study 2, nineteen trained male cyclists completed four 20-Km cycling time trials (two pre supplementation and two post supplementation), with a battery of cognitive function tests (Stroop test, Sternberg paradigm, Rapid Visual Information Processing task) being performed before and after exercise on each occasion. Results In Study 1, there were no within-group effects of beta-alanine supplementation on brain homocarnosine/carnosine signal in either vegetarians (p = 0.99) or omnivores (p = 0.27); nor was there any effect when data from both groups were pooled (p = 0.19). Similarly, there was no group by time interaction for brain homocarnosine/carnosine signal (p = 0.27). In study 2, exercise improved cognitive function across all tests (P<0.05), although there was no effect (P>0.05) of beta-alanine supplementation on response times or accuracy for the Stroop test, Sternberg paradigm or RVIP task at rest or after exercise. Conclusion 28 d of beta-alanine supplementation at 6.4g d-1 appeared not to influence brain homocarnosine/carnosine signal in either omnivores or vegetarians; nor did it influence cognitive function before or after exercise in trained cyclists. PMID:25875297

Effect of dry heat and steam sterilization on load-deflection characteristics of β-titanium wires: An in vitro study

PubMed Central

Alavi, Shiva; Sinaee, Neda

2012-01-01

Background: Sterilization techniques could affect the characteristics of orthodontic wires. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of steam and dry heat sterilization techniques on load-deflection behavior of five types of β-titanium alloy wires. Materials and Methods: The samples consisted of 30 straight lengths of five types of β-titanium alloy wires: Titanium Molybdenum Alloy (TMA) Low Friction (TMAL), TMA Low Friction Colored (HONE), Resolve (RES), BetaForce (BETA), and BETA CNA (CNA). Thirty wire segments were divided into three groups of 10. Group 1 was the control group and the group 2 samples were sterilized by dry heat in an oven (60 minutes at 160°C) and group 3 by steam in an autoclave (15 minutes at 121°C). Then all the wire samples underwent a three-point bending test in a testing machine to evaluate load-deflection properties. Data was analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA and Scheffé's test (α = 0.05). Results: The results showed that dry heat sterilization significantly increased force levels during both loading and unloading of CNA, BETA and RES and during loading of HONE (P < 0.05). Steam sterilization significantly increased force levels during both loading and unloading of BETA and during unloading of HONE (P < 0.05), with no effects on the load-deflection characteristics of TMAL, CNA and RES (P > 0.05). Conclusion: It appears dry heat sterilization increases stiffness of RES, BETA, CNA and HONE but autoclave sterilization did not have any effect on load-deflection characteristics of most of the β-titanium wires tested, indicating that clinicians who want to provide maximum safety for their patients can autoclave TMAL, RES and CNA before applying them. PMID:23559917

Effects of beta-alanine supplementation on brain homocarnosine/carnosine signal and cognitive function: an exploratory study.

PubMed

Solis, Marina Yazigi; Cooper, Simon; Hobson, Ruth M; Artioli, Guilherme G; Otaduy, Maria C; Roschel, Hamilton; Robertson, Jacques; Martin, Daniel; S Painelli, Vitor; Harris, Roger C; Gualano, Bruno; Sale, Craig

2015-01-01

Two independent studies were conducted to examine the effects of 28 d of beta-alanine supplementation at 6.4 g d(-1) on brain homocarnosine/carnosine signal in omnivores and vegetarians (Study 1) and on cognitive function before and after exercise in trained cyclists (Study 2). In Study 1, seven healthy vegetarians (3 women and 4 men) and seven age- and sex-matched omnivores undertook a brain 1H-MRS exam at baseline and after beta-alanine supplementation. In study 2, nineteen trained male cyclists completed four 20-Km cycling time trials (two pre supplementation and two post supplementation), with a battery of cognitive function tests (Stroop test, Sternberg paradigm, Rapid Visual Information Processing task) being performed before and after exercise on each occasion. In Study 1, there were no within-group effects of beta-alanine supplementation on brain homocarnosine/carnosine signal in either vegetarians (p = 0.99) or omnivores (p = 0.27); nor was there any effect when data from both groups were pooled (p = 0.19). Similarly, there was no group by time interaction for brain homocarnosine/carnosine signal (p = 0.27). In study 2, exercise improved cognitive function across all tests (P < 0.05), although there was no effect (P>0.05) of beta-alanine supplementation on response times or accuracy for the Stroop test, Sternberg paradigm or RVIP task at rest or after exercise. 28 d of beta-alanine supplementation at 6.4 g d(-1) appeared not to influence brain homocarnosine/carnosine signal in either omnivores or vegetarians; nor did it influence cognitive function before or after exercise in trained cyclists.

The predictive information obtained by testing multiple software versions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Larry D.

1987-01-01

Multiversion programming is a redundancy approach to developing highly reliable software. In applications of this method, two or more versions of a program are developed independently by different programmers and the versions are combined to form a redundant system. One variation of this approach consists of developing a set of n program versions and testing the versions to predict the failure probability of a particular program or a system formed from a subset of the programs. The precision that might be obtained, and also the effect of programmer variability if predictions are made over repetitions of the process of generating different program versions, are examined.

Consumer Adoption of Future MyData-Based Preventive eHealth Services: An Acceptance Model and Survey Study.

PubMed

Koivumäki, Timo; Pekkarinen, Saara; Lappi, Minna; Väisänen, Jere; Juntunen, Jouni; Pikkarainen, Minna

2017-12-22

Constantly increasing health care costs have led countries and health care providers to the point where health care systems must be reinvented. Consequently, electronic health (eHealth) has recently received a great deal of attention in social sciences in the domain of Internet studies. However, only a fraction of these studies focuses on the acceptability of eHealth, making consumers' subjective evaluation an understudied field. This study will address this gap by focusing on the acceptance of MyData-based preventive eHealth services from the consumer point of view. We are adopting the term "MyData", which according to a White Paper of the Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communication refers to "1) a new approach, a paradigm shift in personal data management and processing that seeks to transform the current organization centric system to a human centric system, 2) to personal data as a resource that the individual can access and control." The aim of this study was to investigate what factors influence consumers' intentions to use a MyData-based preventive eHealth service before use. We applied a new adoption model combining Venkatesh's unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 (UTAUT2) in a consumer context and three constructs from health behavior theories, namely threat appraisals, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers. To test the research model, we applied structural equation modeling (SEM) with Mplus software, version 7.4. A Web-based survey was administered. We collected 855 responses. We first applied traditional SEM for the research model, which was not statistically significant. We then tested for possible heterogeneity in the data by running a mixture analysis. We found that heterogeneity was not the cause for the poor performance of the research model. Thus, we moved on to model-generating SEM and ended up with a statistically significant empirical model (root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] 0.051, Tucker-Lewis index [TLI] 0.906, comparative fit index [CFI] 0.915, and standardized root mean square residual 0.062). According to our empirical model, the statistically significant drivers for behavioral intention were effort expectancy (beta=.191, P<.001), self-efficacy (beta=.449, P<.001), threat appraisals (beta=.416, P<.001), and perceived barriers (beta=-.212, P=.009). Our research highlighted the importance of health-related factors when it comes to eHealth technology adoption in the consumer context. Emphasis should especially be placed on efforts to increase consumers' self-efficacy in eHealth technology use and in supporting healthy behavior. ©Timo Koivumäki, Saara Pekkarinen, Minna Lappi, Jere Väisänen, Jouni Juntunen, Minna Pikkarainen. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (http://www.jmir.org), 22.12.2017.

Consumer Adoption of Future MyData-Based Preventive eHealth Services: An Acceptance Model and Survey Study

PubMed Central

Pekkarinen, Saara; Lappi, Minna; Väisänen, Jere; Juntunen, Jouni; Pikkarainen, Minna

2017-01-01

Background Constantly increasing health care costs have led countries and health care providers to the point where health care systems must be reinvented. Consequently, electronic health (eHealth) has recently received a great deal of attention in social sciences in the domain of Internet studies. However, only a fraction of these studies focuses on the acceptability of eHealth, making consumers’ subjective evaluation an understudied field. This study will address this gap by focusing on the acceptance of MyData-based preventive eHealth services from the consumer point of view. We are adopting the term "MyData", which according to a White Paper of the Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communication refers to "1) a new approach, a paradigm shift in personal data management and processing that seeks to transform the current organization centric system to a human centric system, 2) to personal data as a resource that the individual can access and control." Objective The aim of this study was to investigate what factors influence consumers’ intentions to use a MyData-based preventive eHealth service before use. Methods We applied a new adoption model combining Venkatesh’s unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 (UTAUT2) in a consumer context and three constructs from health behavior theories, namely threat appraisals, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers. To test the research model, we applied structural equation modeling (SEM) with Mplus software, version 7.4. A Web-based survey was administered. We collected 855 responses. Results We first applied traditional SEM for the research model, which was not statistically significant. We then tested for possible heterogeneity in the data by running a mixture analysis. We found that heterogeneity was not the cause for the poor performance of the research model. Thus, we moved on to model-generating SEM and ended up with a statistically significant empirical model (root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] 0.051, Tucker-Lewis index [TLI] 0.906, comparative fit index [CFI] 0.915, and standardized root mean square residual 0.062). According to our empirical model, the statistically significant drivers for behavioral intention were effort expectancy (beta=.191, P<.001), self-efficacy (beta=.449, P<.001), threat appraisals (beta=.416, P<.001), and perceived barriers (beta=−.212, P=.009). Conclusions Our research highlighted the importance of health-related factors when it comes to eHealth technology adoption in the consumer context. Emphasis should especially be placed on efforts to increase consumers’ self-efficacy in eHealth technology use and in supporting healthy behavior. PMID:29273574

Standard Nutrient Agar 1 as a substitute for blood-supplemented Müller-Hinton agar for antibiograms in developing countries.

PubMed

Niederstebruch, N; Sixt, D

2013-02-01

In the industrial world, the agar diffusion test is a standard procedure for the susceptibility testing of bacteria isolates. Beta-hemolytic Streptococcus spp. are tested with Müller-Hinton agar supplemented with 5 % blood, a so-called blood agar. The results are interpreted using standardized tables, which only exist for this type of nutrient matrix. Because of a number difficulties, both with respect to technical issues and to manual skills, blood agar is not a feasible option in many developing countries. Beta-hemolytic Streptococcus spp. also grow on Standard Nutrient Agar 1 (StNA1). This suggests using that type of nutrient medium for running agar diffusion tests. However, there are no standardized tables that can be used for interpreting the diameters of the zones of inhibition on StNA1 1. Using the existing standardized tables for blood agar to interpret cultures on StNA1 1 would be of great benefit under such circumstances where blood agar is not available. With this in mind, we conducted comparative tests to evaluate the growth characteristics of beta-hemolytic Streptococcus spp. on StNA1 1 compared to Müller-Hinton agar supplemented with 5 % sheep blood. In this study, we were able to show that beta-hemolytic Streptococcus spp. develop similar zones of inhibition on blood agar and on StNA1 1. Therefore, it is suggested that, for the interpretation of antibiograms of beta-hemolytic Streptococcus spp. performed on StNA1 1, the standard tables for blood agar can be used.

Microporous pure beta-tricalcium phosphate implants for press-fit fixation of anterior cruciate ligament grafts: strength and healing in a sheep model.

PubMed

Mayr, Hermann O; Dietrich, Markwart; Fraedrich, Franz; Hube, Robert; Nerlich, Andreas; von Eisenhart-Rothe, Rüdiger; Hein, Werner; Bernstein, Anke

2009-09-01

A sheep study was conducted to test a press-fit technique using microporous pure beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) dowels for fixation of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft. Microporous (5 mum) cylindrical plugs of beta-TCP (diameter, 7 mm; length, 25 mm) with interconnecting pores were used. The material featured a novel configuration of structure and surface geometry. Implants were tested by use of press-fit fixation of ACL grafts with and without bone blocks in 42 sheep over a period of 24 weeks. Biomechanical, radiologic, histologic, and immunohistochemical evaluations were performed. In load-to-failure tests at 6, 12, and 24 weeks after surgery, the intra-articular graft always failed, not the fixation. Grafts showed bony fixation in the tunnel at 6 weeks and primary healing at the junction of the tunnel and joint after 24 weeks. Tricalcium phosphate was resorbed and simultaneously replaced by bone. Remodeling was still incomplete at 24 weeks. In the sheep model microporous beta-TCP implants used with press-fit fixation of ACL grafts permit early functional rehabilitation. After 6 weeks, the graft is fixed by woven bone or bony integration. Implanted microporous tricalcium phosphate is resorbed and replaced by bone. In a sheep model we showed that primary healing of ACL grafts with resorption and bony replacement of the fixating implant can be achieved by means of press-fit fixation with pure beta-TCP.

Exploring resting-state EEG brain oscillatory activity in relation to cognitive functioning in multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Keune, Philipp M; Hansen, Sascha; Weber, Emily; Zapf, Franziska; Habich, Juliane; Muenssinger, Jana; Wolf, Sebastian; Schönenberg, Michael; Oschmann, Patrick

2017-09-01

Neurophysiologic monitoring parameters related to cognition in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are sparse. Previous work reported an association between magnetoencephalographic (MEG) alpha-1 activity and information processing speed. While this remains to be replicated by more available electroencephalographic (EEG) methods, also other established EEG markers, e.g. the slow-wave/fast-wave ratio (theta/beta ratio), remain to be explored in this context. Performance on standard tests addressing information processing speed and attention (Symbol-Digit Modalities Test, SDMT; Test of Attention Performance, TAP) was examined in relation to resting-state EEG alpha-1 and alpha-2 activity and the theta/beta ratio in 25MS patients. Increased global alpha-1 and alpha-2 activity and an increased frontal theta/beta ratio (pronounced slow-wave relative to fast-wave activity) were associated with lower SDMT processing speed. In an exploratory analysis, clinically impaired attention was associated with a significantly increased frontal theta/beta ratio whereas alpha power did not show sensitivity to clinical impairment. EEG global alpha power and the frontal theta/beta ratio were both associated with attention. The theta/beta ratio involved potential clinical sensitivity. Resting-state EEG recordings can be obtained during the routine clinical process. The examined resting-state measures may represent feasible monitoring parameters in MS. This notion should be explored in future intervention studies. Copyright © 2017 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Cross-cultural adaptation to the European Portuguese of the questionnaire "Patient Knowledge about their Medications" (CPM-ES-ES)].

PubMed

Salmerón Rubio, Joaquín; Iglésias-Ferreira, Paula; García Delgado, Pilar; Mateus-Santos, Henrique; Martínez-Martínez, Fernando

2013-12-01

The scope of this work is to conduct the cross-cultural adaptation from Spanish to European Portuguese of a questionnaire to measure the degree of "Patient Knowledge about their Medications" (CPM-ES-ES). A method based on six steps was applied: 1. Translation into Portuguese, 2. Elaboration of the first consensus version in Portuguese; 3.Back-translation into Spanish; 4. Elaboration of the second consensus version (cultural equivalency); 5. Conducting the pre-test; 6. Evaluation of the overall results. A cross-culturally adapted questionnaire in European Portuguese that measures the degree of "Patient Knowledge about their Medications" is proposed. The pre-test confirmation obtained 100% agreement with the corrected version of the second consensus version after pre-testing. The methodology selected made it possible to cross-culturally adapt the Spanish version of the CPM-ES-ES questionnaire to the Portuguese version. Further studies should demonstrate the equivalence of the psychometric properties of the cross-cultural translation into Portuguese with the original version.

Testing the Psychometric Properties of a Chinese Version of the Level of Expressed Emotion Scale

PubMed Central

Chien, Wai Tong; Chan, Zenobia Chung-Yee; Chan, Sally Wai-Chi

2014-01-01

This study tested the psychometric properties of a Chinese version of the level of expressed emotion scale in Hong Kong Chinese patients with severe mental illness and their family caregivers. First, the semantic equivalence with the original English version and test-retest reliability at 2-week interval of the Chinese version was examined. After that, the reproducibility, construct validity, and internal consistency of the Chinese version were tested. The Chinese version indicated good semantic equivalence with the English version (kappa values = 0.76–0.95 and ICC = 0.81–0.92), test-retest reliability (r = 0.89–0.95, P < 0.01), and internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.86–0.92). Among 262 patients with severe mental illness and their caregivers, the 50-item Chinese version had substantial loadings on one of the four factors identified (intrusiveness/hostility, attitude towards patient, tolerance, and emotional involvement), accounting for 71.8% of the total variance of expressed emotion. In confirmatory factor analysis, the identified four-factor model showed the best fit based on all fit indices (χ 2/df = 1.93, P = 0.75; AGFI = 0.96; TLI = 1.02; RMSEA = 0.031; WRMR = 0.78) to the collected data. The four-factor Chinese version also indicated a good concurrent validity with significant correlations with family functioning (r = −0.54) and family burden (r = 0.49) and a satisfactory reproducibility over six months (intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.90). The mean scores of the overall and subscale of the Chinese version in patients with unipolar disorder were higher than in other illness groups (schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, and bipolar disorder; P < 0.01). The Chinese version demonstrates sound psychometric properties to measure families' expressed emotion in Chinese patients with severe mental illness, which are found varied across countries. PMID:24511302

Specific beta1-adrenergic receptor silencing with small interfering RNA lowers high blood pressure and improves cardiac function in myocardial ischemia.

PubMed

Arnold, Anne-Sophie; Tang, Yao Liang; Qian, Keping; Shen, Leping; Valencia, Valery; Phillips, Michael Ian; Zhang, Yuan Clare

2007-01-01

Beta-blockers are widely used and effective for treating hypertension, acute myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure, but they present side-effects mainly due to antagonism of beta2-adrenergic receptor (AR). Currently available beta-blockers are at best selective but not specific for beta1 or beta2-AR. To specifically inhibit the expression of the beta1-AR, we developed a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeted to beta1-AR. Three different sequences of beta1 siRNA were delivered into C6-2B cells with 90% efficiency. One of the three sequences reduced the level of beta1-AR mRNA by 70%. The siRNA was highly specific for beta1-AR inhibition with no overlap with beta2-AR. To test this in vivo, systemic injection of beta1 siRNA complexed with liposomes resulted in efficient delivery into the heart, lung, kidney and liver, and effectively reduced beta1-AR expression in the heart without altering beta2-AR. beta1 siRNA significantly lowered blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) for at least 12 days and reduced cardiac hypertrophy following a single injection. Pretreatment with beta1 siRNA 3 days before induction of MI in Wistar rats significantly improved cardiac function, as demonstrated by dP/dt and electrocardiogram following the MI. The protective mechanism involved reduction of cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the beta1 siRNA-treated hearts. The present study demonstrates the possibility of using siRNA for treating cardiovascular diseases and may represent a novel beta-blocker specific for beta1-AR.

Rapid test by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry to evaluate equine urine reactivity towards 17beta-OH steroids.

PubMed

Fidani, Marco; Casagni, Eleonora; Montana, Marco; Pasello, Emanuela; Pecoraro, Chiara; Gambaro, Veniero

2006-01-01

Bacteria frequently found in equine urine samples may cause degradation of 17beta-OH steroids. A simple liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method has been developed to evaluate the microbiological contamination of equine urine as a marker of poor storage conditions. Norethandrolone was used as the internal standard, and the linearity, sensitivity, precision and accuracy of the method were evaluated. 17beta-OH oxidation was demonstrated for testosterone, nandrolone, trenbolone and boldenone, but did not occur in alpha-epimers such as alpha-boldenone and epitestosterone, demonstrating the stereoselectivity of the reaction. A rapid test was performed by spiking one of the four 17beta-OH steroids in samples of diluted equine urine. The steroids were transformed into their respective ketones in the presence of bacterial activity. The test allows direct injection of diluted samples into the LC/MS system, without the need for prior extraction. Results show that the best method of storage is freezing at -18 degrees C. Urine specimens should be analyzed as soon as possible after thawing. This allows bacterial degradation of equine urine to be arrested temporarily, so that the urine can be used for qualitative or quantitative analysis of 17beta-OH steroids.

Iron-related disturbances of cell-mediated immunity in multitransfused children with thalassemia major.

PubMed Central

Pardalos, G; Kanakoudi-Tsakalidis, F; Malaka-Zafiriu, M; Tsantali, H; Athanasiou-Metaxa, M; Kallinikos, G; Papaevangelou, G

1987-01-01

Immunological abnormalities have been observed in many haemophiliacs receiving clotting factor concentrates. To determine whether similar changes also occur after repeated blood transfusions we estimated T cell subsets and cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity (CDH) in 50 multitransfused children with beta-thalassemia major (beta-TM). All patients were also tested for anti-HTLV-III/LAV antibodies. A diminished percentage of T lymphocytes (E-rosettes, T3+), and T4+ cells and a low T4/T8 ratio was found in patients as compared to age and sex matched controls (P less than 0.001). Negative CDH tests to specific antigens (Multi-test) were also found in a significantly larger proportion of beta-TM children (P less than 0.01). Antibodies against HTLV-III/LAV were negative in all patients. Decreased T4/T8 ratio in beta-TM children was primarily due to a reduction of T4+ cells and was inversely correlated to the patients' age, number of units of transfused blood (P less than 0.05) and especially to ferritin serum levels and annual iron balance (P less than 0.001). These findings indicate that immunological abnormalities in beta-TM patients appear to be acquired, transfusion-associated and related to iron load which depends on the appropriate chelation therapy. PMID:3498564

[Effect of inoculum size on sensitivity and specificity of the double-disk synergy test for the detection of wide-spectrum beta-lactamases].

PubMed

Bedenić, B; Boras, A

2001-01-01

The plasmid-mediated extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) confer resistance to oxymino-cephalosporins, such as cefotaxime, ceftazidime, and ceftriaxone and to monobactams such as aztreonam. It is well known fact that ESBL producing bacteria exhibit a pronounced inoculum effect against broad spectrum cephalosporins like ceftazidime, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone and cefoperazone. The aim of this investigation was to determine the effect of inoculum size on the sensitivity and specificity of double-disk synergy test (DDST) which is the test most frequently used for detection of ESBLs, in comparison with other two methods (determination of ceftazidime MIC with and without clavulanate and inhibitor potentiated disk-diffusion test) which are seldom used in clinical laboratories. The experiments were performed on a set of K. pneumoniae strains with previously characterized beta-lactamases which comprise: 10 SHV-5 beta-lactamase producing K. pneumoniae, 20 SHV-2 + 1 SHV 2a beta-lactamase producing K. pneumoniae, 7 SHV-12 beta-lactamase producing K. pneumoniae, 39 putative SHV ESBL producing K. pneumoniae and 26 K. pneumoniae isolates highly susceptible to ceftazidime according to Kirby-Bauer disk-diffusion method and thus considered to be ESBL negative. According to the results of this investigation, increase in inoculum size affected more significantly the sensitivity of DDST than of other two methods. The sensitivity of the DDST was lower when a higher inoculum size of 10(8) CFU/ml was applied, in distinction from other two methods (MIC determination and inhibitor potentiated disk-diffusion test) which retained high sensitivity regardless of the density of bacterial suspension. On the other hand, DDST displayed higher specificity compared to other two methods regardless of the inoculum size. This investigation found that DDST is a reliable method but it is important to standardize the inoculum size.

Fabrication and evaluation of cold/formed/weldbrazed beta-titanium skin-stiffened compression panels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Royster, D. M.; Bales, T. T.; Davis, R. C.; Wiant, H. R.

1983-01-01

The room temperature and elevated temperature buckling behavior of cold formed beta titanium hat shaped stiffeners joined by weld brazing to alpha-beta titanium skins was determined. A preliminary set of single stiffener compression panels were used to develop a data base for material and panel properties. These panels were tested at room temperature and 316 C (600 F). A final set of multistiffener compression panels were fabricated for room temperature tests by the process developed in making the single stiffener panels. The overall geometrical dimensions for the multistiffener panels were determined by the structural sizing computer code PASCO. The data presented from the panel tests include load shortening curves, local buckling strengths, and failure loads. Experimental buckling loads are compared with the buckling loads predicted by the PASCO code. Material property data obtained from tests of ASTM standard dogbone specimens are also presented.

Design of a modified endoscope illuminator for spectral imaging of colorectal tissues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Browning, Craig M.; Mayes, Samuel; Rich, Thomas C.; Leavesley, Silas J.

2017-02-01

The gold standard for locating colonic polyps is a white light endoscope in a colonoscopy, however, polyps smaller than 5 mm can be easily missed. Modified procedures such as narrow band imaging have shown only marginal increases in detection rates. Spectral imaging is a potential solution to improve the sensitivity and specificity of colonoscopies by providing the ability to distinguish molecular fluorescence differences in tissues. The goal of this work is to implement a spectral endoscopic light source to acquire spectral image data of colorectal tissues. A beta-version endoscope light source was developed, by retrofitting a white light endoscope light source (Olympus, CLK-4) with 16 narrow band LEDs. This redesigned, beta-prototype uses high-power LEDs with a minimum output of 500 mW to provide sufficient spectral output (0.5 mW) through the endoscope. A mounting apparatus was designed to provide sufficient heat dissipation. Here, we report recent results of our tests to characterize the intensity output through the light source and endoscope to determine the flat spectral output for imaging and intensity losses through the endoscope. We also report preliminary spectral imaging data from transverse pig colon that demonstrates the ability to result in working practical spectral data. Preliminary results of this revised prototype spectral endoscope system demonstrate that there is sufficient power to allow the imaging process to continue and potentially determine spectral differences in cancerous and normal tissue from imaging ex vivo pairs. Future work will focus on building a spectral library for the colorectal region and refining the user interface the system for in vivo use.

Evaluation of a New Software Version of the RTVue Optical Coherence Tomograph for Image Segmentation and Detection of Glaucoma in High Myopia.

PubMed

Holló, Gábor; Shu-Wei, Hsu; Naghizadeh, Farzaneh

2016-06-01

To compare the current (6.3) and a novel software version (6.12) of the RTVue-100 optical coherence tomograph (RTVue-OCT) for ganglion cell complex (GCC) and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) image segmentation and detection of glaucoma in high myopia. RNFLT and GCC scans were acquired with software version 6.3 of the RTVue-OCT on 51 highly myopic eyes (spherical refractive error ≤-6.0 D) of 51 patients, and were analyzed with both the software versions. Twenty-two eyes were nonglaucomatous, 13 were ocular hypertensive and 16 eyes had glaucoma. No difference was seen for any RNFLT, and average GCC parameter between the software versions (paired t test, P≥0.084). Global loss volume was significantly lower (more normal) with version 6.12 than with version 6.3 (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P<0.001). The percentage agreement (κ) between the clinical (normal and ocular hypertensive vs. glaucoma) and the software-provided classifications (normal and borderline vs. outside normal limits) were 0.3219 and 0.4442 for average RNFLT, and 0.2926 and 0.4977 for average GCC with versions 1 and 2, respectively (McNemar symmetry test, P≥0.289). No difference in average RNFLT and GCC classification (McNemar symmetry test, P≥0.727) and the number of eyes with at least 1 segmentation error (P≥0.109) was found between the software versions, respectively. Although GCC segmentation was improved with software version 6.12 compared with the current version in highly myopic eyes, this did not result in a significant change of the average RNFLT and GCC values, and did not significantly improve the software-provided classification for glaucoma.

Test Of A Microwave Amplifier With Superconductive Filter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhasin, K. B.; Toncich, S. S.; Chorey, C. M.; Bonetti, R. R.; Williams, A. E.

1995-01-01

Report describes design and low-temperature tests of low-noise GaAs microwave amplifier combined with microstrip band-pass filter. Two versions of microstrip filter used in alternate tests; in one version, microstrips formed as films of high-transition-temperature superconductor Y/Ba/Cu/O on lanthanum aluminate substrate with gold film as ground plane. Other version identical except microstrips as well as ground plane made of gold, normally conductive.

Tailoring auditory training to patient needs with single and multiple talkers: transfer-appropriate gains on a four-choice discrimination test.

PubMed

Barcroft, Joe; Sommers, Mitchell S; Tye-Murray, Nancy; Mauzé, Elizabeth; Schroy, Catherine; Spehar, Brent

2011-11-01

Our long-term objective is to develop an auditory training program that will enhance speech recognition in those situations where patients most want improvement. As a first step, the current investigation trained participants using either a single talker or multiple talkers to determine if auditory training leads to transfer-appropriate gains. The experiment implemented a 2 × 2 × 2 mixed design, with training condition as a between-participants variable and testing interval and test version as repeated-measures variables. Participants completed a computerized six-week auditory training program wherein they heard either the speech of a single talker or the speech of six talkers. Training gains were assessed with single-talker and multi-talker versions of the Four-choice discrimination test. Participants in both groups were tested on both versions. Sixty-nine adult hearing-aid users were randomly assigned to either single-talker or multi-talker auditory training. Both groups showed significant gains on both test versions. Participants who trained with multiple talkers showed greater improvement on the multi-talker version whereas participants who trained with a single talker showed greater improvement on the single-talker version. Transfer-appropriate gains occurred following auditory training, suggesting that auditory training can be designed to target specific patient needs.

beta-Citryl-L-glutamate is an endogenous iron chelator that occurs naturally in the developing brain.

PubMed

Hamada-Kanazawa, Michiko; Kouda, Makiko; Odani, Akira; Matsuyama, Kaori; Kanazawa, Kiyoka; Hasegawa, Tatsuya; Narahara, Masanori; Miyake, Masaharu

2010-01-01

The compound beta-citryl-L-glutamate (beta-CG) was initially isolated from developing brains, while it has also been found in high concentrations in testes and eyes. However, its functional roles are unclear. To evaluate its coordination with metal ions, we performed pH titration experiments. The stability constant, logbeta(pqr) for M(p)(beta-CG)(q)H(r) was calculated from pH titration data, which showed that beta-CG forms relatively strong complexes with Fe(III), Cu(II), Fe(II) and Zn(II). beta-CG was also found able to solubilize Fe more effectively from Fe(OH)(2) than from Fe(OH)(3). Therefore, we examined the effects of beta-CG on Fe-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating systems, as well as the potential ROS-scavenging activities of beta-CG and metal ion-(beta-CG) complexes. beta-CG inhibited the Fe-dependent degradation of deoxyribose and Fe-dependent damage to DNA or plasmid DNA in a dose-dependent manner, whereas it had no effect on Cu-mediated DNA damage. In addition, thermodynamic data showed that beta-CG in a physiological pH solution is an Fe(II) chelator rather than an Fe(III) chelator. Taken together, these findings suggest that beta-CG is an endogenous low molecular weight Fe chelator.

Development of a scale to measure individuals’ ratings of peace

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The evolving concept of peace-building and the interplay between peace and health is examined in many venues, including at the World Health Assembly. However, without a metric to determine effectiveness of intervention programs all efforts are prone to subjective assessment. This paper develops a psychometric index that lays the foundation for measuring community peace stemming from intervention programs. Methods After developing a working definition of ‘peace’ and delineating a Peace Evaluation Across Cultures and Environments (PEACE) scale with seven constructs comprised of 71 items, a beta version of the index was pilot-tested. Two hundred and fifty subjects in three sites in the U.S. were studied using a five-point Likert scale to evaluate the psychometric functioning of the PEACE scale. Known groups validation was performed using the SOS-10. In addition, test-retest reliability was performed on 20 subjects. Results The preliminary data demonstrated that the scale has acceptable psychometric properties for measuring an individual’s level of peacefulness. The study also provides reliability and validity data for the scale. The data demonstrated internal consistency, correlation between data and psychological well-being, and test-retest reliability. Conclusions The PEACE scale may serve as a novel assessment tool in the health sector and be valuable in monitoring and evaluating the peace-building impact of health initiatives in conflict-affected regions. PMID:25298781

Xe isotope detection and discrimination using beta spectroscopy with coincident gamma spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reeder, P. L.; Bowyer, T. W.

1998-02-01

Beta spectroscopic techniques show promise of significant improvements for a beta-gamma coincidence counter that is part of a system for analyzing Xe automatically separated from air. The previously developed counting system for 131mXe, 133mXe, 133gXe, and 135gXe can be enhanced to give additional discrimination between these Xe isotopes by using the plastic scintillation sample cell as a beta spectrometer to resolve the conversion electron peaks. The automated system will be a key factor in monitoring the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

Anti-aggregatory effect of cyclodextrins in the refolding process of recombinant growth hormones from Escherichia coli inclusion bodies.

PubMed

Bajorunaite, Egle; Cirkovas, Andrejus; Radzevicius, Kostas; Larsen, Kim Lambertsen; Sereikaite, Jolanta; Bumelis, Vladas-Algirdas

2009-06-01

Cyclodextrins with different ring size and ring substituents were tested for recombinant mink and porcine growth hormones aggregation suppression in the refolding process from Escherichia coli inclusion bodies. Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin and 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin show a positive effect on the aggregation suppression of both proteins. The influence of different methyl-beta-cyclodextrin and 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin concentrations on the renaturation yield of both growth hormones was investigated. Moreover, methyl-beta-cyclodextrin and 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin suppress not only folding-related, but also temperature-related aggregates formation of both proteins. Circular dichroism experiments (monitoring of protein solution turbidity by registering high tension voltage) showed that the onset temperature of aggregation of both growth hormones increased with increasing 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin concentration. In conclusion, cyclodextrins have perspectives in biotechnology of veterinary growth hormones not only for protein production, but also for its storage.

[Survey of recent clinical trials of the prevention and immunointervention of type 1 diabetes mellitus].

PubMed

Boerschmann, H; Walter, M; Achenbach, P; Ziegler, A-G

2010-02-01

Immunomodulatory strategies in the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have as their primary target the prevention of initiating islet autoimmunity (primary-), the secondary one is the progression to diabetes (secondary-) in non-diabetic persons at risk, and the decline of beta-cell function in new-onset patients (tertiary-prevention). This article reviews four recent immunointervention trials in patients with T1DM. (1) The Pre-POINT study is a primary prevention trial that will test whether vaccination with oral or nasal insulin can prevent the progression of islet autoimmunity and of T1DM in autoantibody-negative children who are genetically at high diabetes risk. (2) The Cord Blood study is a tertiary immunointervention trial that will test whether administration of autologous umbilical cord blood to children with T1DM can lead to regeneration of pancreatic islet insulin-producing beta-cells and improved blood glucose control. (3) The GAD Vaccination study will test whether vaccination with alum-formulated rhGAD65 (recombinant human glutamic acid decarboxylate) can preserve beta-cell function in 320 children with newly diagnosed T1DM, as has been suggested in a recent phase II study. (4) The AIDA study will test the beta-cell protective effect of interleukin-1-receptor antagonist Anakinra in 80 patients with T1DM, which has recently been shown to improve beta-cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes. Copyright Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart . New York.

[Catalan version of Barcelona Test's verbal subtests].

PubMed

Lluent Vallet, R; Peña-Casanova, J; Böhm, P

2002-03-01

Test Barcelona. Bilingüismo catalán-castellano. Adaptación lingüística de instrumentos neuropsicológicos. The present paper develops the Catalan version of the language subtests of the Barcelona Test (Peña-Casanova,1986) the original version of which was published in Spanish. To reach the Catalan version of the test it has been necessary to analyse the psycholinguistic variables of every item to then establish linguistically equivalent correlations. There are some subtests for which no modifications have been needed. Nevertheless, and because of some psycholinguistic features of Catalan (Catalan's spelling is not completely free of ambiguity) some subtests have suffered substantial modifications. The following paper presents the justification of every modification based on the features of the Catalan language and also based on the original goals of the test. An appendix contains the final version of the Catalan adaptation for the language subtests of the Barcelona Test. The present paper represents an advance in the assessment of neurological patients with language disfunctions. It will permit an appropiate assessment for the Spanish-Catalan bilingual patients.

Tycho 2: A Proxy Application for Kinetic Transport Sweeps

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

Garrett, Charles Kristopher; Warsa, James S.

2016-09-14

Tycho 2 is a proxy application that implements discrete ordinates (SN) kinetic transport sweeps on unstructured, 3D, tetrahedral meshes. It has been designed to be small and require minimal dependencies to make collaboration and experimentation as easy as possible. Tycho 2 has been released as open source software. The software is currently in a beta release with plans for a stable release (version 1.0) before the end of the year. The code is parallelized via MPI across spatial cells and OpenMP across angles. Currently, several parallelization algorithms are implemented.

Optimizing the effect of plant sterols on cholesterol absorption in man.

PubMed

Mattson, F H; Grundy, S M; Crouse, J R

1982-04-01

During three experimental periods, nine adults were hospitalized on a metabolic ward and fed a meal containing 500 mg of cholesterol as a component of scrambled eggs. In addition, the meal contained: 1) no additive, 2) 1 g beta-sitosterol, or 3) 2 g beta-sitosteryl oleate. Stools for the succeeding 5 days were analyzed to determine the percentage of the cholesterol in the test meal that was absorbed. The addition of beta-sitosterol resulted in a 42% decrease in cholesterol absorption; the beta-sitosteryl oleate caused a 33% reduction. These results indicate that the judicious addition of beta-sitosterol or beta-sitosteryl oleate to meals containing cholesterol-rich foods will result in a significant decrease in cholesterol absorption, with a consequent decrease in plasma cholesterol.

Global patterns of the beta diversity-energy relationship in terrestrial vertebrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Hong; Xiao, Ming

2012-02-01

Patterns in beta diversity or species turnover, describing the change in species composition between places, have their wide implication for ecological and evolutionary issues. It is thought that beta diversity increases with increasing energy availability, but very few studies have directly tested this hypothesis. We examined the beta diversity-energy relationship for four classes of terrestrial vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians) in ecoregions across the world. The relationship was examined for each class in each of six biogeographic realms. We show that beta diversity is generally higher in areas with higher energy availability, measured as annual potential evapotranspiration. A higher level of beta diversity in areas with higher energy availability may have contributed to the well-known latitudinal diversity gradient (i.e., species richness increases towards the equator).

Glycosidases in Brachionus plicatilis (Rotifera).

PubMed

Kühle, K; Kleinow, W

1990-01-01

1. Tests for glycosidases were performed in homogenates of Brachionus plicatilis. 2. Hydrolytic activity was detected with the following substrates: (a) with synthetic substrates (NP = 4-nitrophenyl): NP-alpha- and NP-beta-D-glucopyranoside, NP-alpha- and NP-beta-D-galactopyranoside, NP-N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminide, NP-N-acetyl-beta-D-galactosaminide, NP-alpha- and NP-beta-D-mannopyranoside and NP-alpha-L-fucopyranoside; (b) with disaccharides: sucrose, maltose, trehalose, isomaltose, cellobiose, gentiobiose and lactose; (c) with polysaccharides: laminarine, carboxymethyl-cellulose, avicel, Micrococcus luteus (for lysozyme) and 4-nitrophenyl-alpha-D-maltoheptaoside (for amylase). 3. The pH dependence of the glycosidase activities was determined. 4. The distribution of enzyme activities within fractions from the homogenate was studied in order to localize them within the cell. 5. Proteins from Brachionus homogenate were separated by SDS-gel electrophoresis and the positions of the following glycosidase activities were detected by assays performed on the gels (estimated molecular weights in parentheses): alpha-glucosidase (250,000); beta-glucosidase (200,000); beta-galactosidase (70,000); N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (60,000).

Durability and shielding performance of borated Ceramicrete coatings in beta and gamma radiation fields

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

Wagh, Arun S.; Sayenko, S. Yu.; Dovbnya, A. N.

2015-07-01

Ceramicrete™, a chemically bonded phosphate ceramic, was developed for nuclear waste immobilization and nuclear radiation shielding. Ceramicrete products are fabricated by an acid–base reaction between magnesium oxide and mono potassium phosphate. Fillers are used to impart desired properties to the product. Ceramicrete’s tailored compositions have resulted in several commercial structural products, including corrosion- and fire-protection coatings. Their borated version, called Borobond™, has been studied for its neutron shielding capabilities and is being used in structures built for storage of nuclear materials. This investigation assesses the durability and shielding performance of borated Ceramicrete coatings when exposed to gamma and beta radiationsmore » to predict the composition needed for optimal shielding performance in a realistic nuclear radiation field. Investigations were conducted using experimental data coupled with predictive Monte Carlo computer model. The results show that it is possible to produce products for simultaneous shielding of all three types of nuclear radiations, viz., neutrons, gamma-, and beta-rays. Additionally, because sprayable Ceramicrete coatings exhibit excellent corrosionand fire-protection characteristics on steel, this research also establishes an opportunity to produce thick coatings to enhance the shielding performance of corrosion and fire protection coatings for use in high radiation environment in nuclear industry.« less

Parental overprotection predicts the development of functional somatic symptoms in young adolescents.

PubMed

Janssens, Karin A M; Oldehinkel, Albertine J; Rosmalen, Judith G M

2009-06-01

To examine whether parental overprotection contributes to the development of functional somatic symptoms (FSS) in young adolescents. In addition, we aimed to study whether this potential effect of parental overprotection is mediated by parenting distress and/or moderated by the adolescent's sex. FSS were measured in 2230 adolescents (ages 10 to 12 years from the Tracking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey) by the Somatic Complaints subscale of the Youth Self Report at baseline and at follow-up 2 1/2 years later. Parental overprotection as perceived by the child was assessed by means of the EMBU-C (Swedish acronym for my memories of upbringing-child version). Parents completed the Parenting Stress Index. Linear regression analyses were performed adjusted for FSS at baseline and sex. Parental overprotection was a predictor of the development of FSS in young adolescents (beta = 0.055, P < .01). Stratified analyses revealed that maternal overprotection was a predictor of the development of FSS in girls (beta = 0.085, P < .02), whereas paternal overprotection was a predictor of the development of FSS in boys (beta = 0.072, P < .01). A small (5.7%) but significant mediating effect of maternal parenting stress in the relationship between parental overprotection and FSS was found. Parental overprotection may play a role in the development of FSS in young adolescents.

Modeling the probability of giving birth at health institutions among pregnant women attending antenatal care in West Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia: a cross sectional study.

PubMed

Dida, Nagasa; Birhanu, Zewdie; Gerbaba, Mulusew; Tilahun, Dejen; Morankar, Sudhakar

2014-06-01

Although ante natal care and institutional delivery is effective means for reducing maternal morbidity and mortality, the probability of giving birth at health institutions among ante natal care attendants has not been modeled in Ethiopia. Therefore, the objective of this study was to model predictors of giving birth at health institutions among expectant mothers following antenatal care. Facility based cross sectional study design was conducted among 322 consecutively selected mothers who were following ante natal care in two districts of West Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Participants were proportionally recruited from six health institutions. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to develop the prediction model. The final regression model had good discrimination power (89.2%), optimum sensitivity (89.0%) and specificity (80.0%) to predict the probability of giving birth at health institutions. Accordingly, self efficacy (beta=0.41), perceived barrier (beta=-0.31) and perceived susceptibility (beta=0.29) were significantly predicted the probability of giving birth at health institutions. The present study showed that logistic regression model has predicted the probability of giving birth at health institutions and identified significant predictors which health care providers should take into account in promotion of institutional delivery.

Geomorphology Drives Amphibian Beta Diversity in Atlantic Forest Lowlands of Southeastern Brazil

PubMed Central

Luiz, Amom Mendes; Leão-Pires, Thiago Augusto; Sawaya, Ricardo J.

2016-01-01

Beta diversity patterns are the outcome of multiple processes operating at different scales. Amphibian assemblages seem to be affected by contemporary climate and dispersal-based processes. However, historical processes involved in present patterns of beta diversity remain poorly understood. We assess and disentangle geomorphological, climatic and spatial drivers of amphibian beta diversity in coastal lowlands of the Atlantic Forest, southeastern Brazil. We tested the hypothesis that geomorphological factors are more important in structuring anuran beta diversity than climatic and spatial factors. We obtained species composition via field survey (N = 766 individuals), museum specimens (N = 9,730) and literature records (N = 4,763). Sampling area was divided in four spatially explicit geomorphological units, representing historical predictors. Climatic descriptors were represented by the first two axis of a Principal Component Analysis. Spatial predictors in different spatial scales were described by Moran Eigenvector Maps. Redundancy Analysis was implemented to partition the explained variation of species composition by geomorphological, climatic and spatial predictors. Moreover, spatial autocorrelation analyses were used to test neutral theory predictions. Beta diversity was spatially structured in broader scales. Shared fraction between climatic and geomorphological variables was an important predictor of species composition (13%), as well as broad scale spatial predictors (13%). However, geomorphological variables alone were the most important predictor of beta diversity (42%). Historical factors related to geomorphology must have played a crucial role in structuring amphibian beta diversity. The complex relationships between geomorphological history and climatic gradients generated by the Serra do Mar Precambrian basements were also important. We highlight the importance of combining spatially explicit historical and contemporary predictors for understanding and disentangling major drivers of beta diversity patterns. PMID:27171522

Geomorphology Drives Amphibian Beta Diversity in Atlantic Forest Lowlands of Southeastern Brazil.

PubMed

Luiz, Amom Mendes; Leão-Pires, Thiago Augusto; Sawaya, Ricardo J

2016-01-01

Beta diversity patterns are the outcome of multiple processes operating at different scales. Amphibian assemblages seem to be affected by contemporary climate and dispersal-based processes. However, historical processes involved in present patterns of beta diversity remain poorly understood. We assess and disentangle geomorphological, climatic and spatial drivers of amphibian beta diversity in coastal lowlands of the Atlantic Forest, southeastern Brazil. We tested the hypothesis that geomorphological factors are more important in structuring anuran beta diversity than climatic and spatial factors. We obtained species composition via field survey (N = 766 individuals), museum specimens (N = 9,730) and literature records (N = 4,763). Sampling area was divided in four spatially explicit geomorphological units, representing historical predictors. Climatic descriptors were represented by the first two axis of a Principal Component Analysis. Spatial predictors in different spatial scales were described by Moran Eigenvector Maps. Redundancy Analysis was implemented to partition the explained variation of species composition by geomorphological, climatic and spatial predictors. Moreover, spatial autocorrelation analyses were used to test neutral theory predictions. Beta diversity was spatially structured in broader scales. Shared fraction between climatic and geomorphological variables was an important predictor of species composition (13%), as well as broad scale spatial predictors (13%). However, geomorphological variables alone were the most important predictor of beta diversity (42%). Historical factors related to geomorphology must have played a crucial role in structuring amphibian beta diversity. The complex relationships between geomorphological history and climatic gradients generated by the Serra do Mar Precambrian basements were also important. We highlight the importance of combining spatially explicit historical and contemporary predictors for understanding and disentangling major drivers of beta diversity patterns.

Point-of-care Beta-lactam Allergy Skin Testing by Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs: A Pragmatic Multicenter Prospective Evaluation.

PubMed

Leis, Jerome A; Palmay, Lesley; Ho, Grace; Raybardhan, Sumit; Gill, Suzanne; Kan, Tiffany; Campbell, Jackie; Kiss, Alex; McCready, Janine B; Das, Pavani; Minnema, Brian; Powis, Jeff E; Walker, Sandra A N; Ferguson, Heather; Wong, Benny; Weber, Elizabeth

2017-06-01

Beta-lactam allergy skin testing (BLAST) is recommended by antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) guidelines, yet few studies have systematically evaluated its impact when delivered at point-of-care. We conducted a pragmatic multicenter prospective evaluation of the use of point-of-care BLAST by ASPs. In staggered 3-month intervals, ASP teams at three hospitals received training by allergists to offer BLAST for eligible patients with infectious diseases receiving non-preferred beta-lactam therapy due to severity of their allergy. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients receiving the preferred beta-lactam therapy. Of 827 patients with reported beta-lactam allergy over 15-months, beta-lactam therapy was preferred among 632(76%). During baseline periods, 50% (124/246) received preferred beta-lactam therapy based on history, compared with 60% (232/386) during the intervention periods (p=0.02), which improved further to 81% (313/386) upon provision of BLAST (p<0.001) without any increase in incidence of adverse drug reactions (4% vs. 3%; p=0.4). After adjusting for patient variables and the correlation between hospitals, the intervention period was associated with a 4.5-fold greater odds of receiving preferred beta-lactam therapy (95% CI, 2.4-8.2; p<0.0001). The use of BLAST at the point-of-care across three hospital ASPs resulted in greater use of preferred beta-lactam therapy without increasing the risk of adverse drug reactions. Longer term studies are needed to better assess the safety and clinical impact of this ASP intervention. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Dynamic testing in schizophrenia: does training change the construct validity of a test?

PubMed

Wiedl, Karl H; Schöttke, Henning; Green, Michael F; Nuechterlein, Keith H

2004-01-01

Dynamic testing typically involves specific interventions for a test to assess the extent to which test performance can be modified, beyond level of baseline (static) performance. This study used a dynamic version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) that is based on cognitive remediation techniques within a test-training-test procedure. From results of previous studies with schizophrenia patients, we concluded that the dynamic and static versions of the WCST should have different construct validity. This hypothesis was tested by examining the patterns of correlations with measures of executive functioning, secondary verbal memory, and verbal intelligence. Results demonstrated a specific construct validity of WCST dynamic (i.e., posttest) scores as an index of problem solving (Tower of Hanoi) and secondary verbal memory and learning (Auditory Verbal Learning Test), whereas the impact of general verbal capacity and selective attention (Verbal IQ, Stroop Test) was reduced. It is concluded that the construct validity of the test changes with dynamic administration and that this difference helps to explain why the dynamic version of the WCST predicts functional outcome better than the static version.

A short-form version of the Boston Naming Test for language screening in dementia in a bilingual rural community in Galicia (Spain).

PubMed

Nebreda, M C; García-Caballero, A; Asensio, E; Revilla, P; Rodriguez-Girondo, M; Mateos, R

2011-04-01

Aphasia, one of the core symptoms of cortical dementia, is routinely evaluated using graded naming tests like the Boston Naming Test (BNT). However, the application of this 60-item test is time-consuming and shortened versions have been devised for screening. The hypothesis of this research is that a specifically designed shortened version of the BNT could replace the original 60-item BNT as part of a mini-battery for screening for dementia. The objective of this study was to design a short version of the BNT for a rural population in Galicia (Spain). A clinic group of 102 patients including 43 with dementia was recruited along with 78 healthy volunteers. The clinic and control groups were scored on the Spanish version of the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and BNT. In addition, the clinic group was tested with standard neuropsychological instruments and underwent brain investigations and routine neurological examination. BNT items with specificity and sensitivity above 0.5 were selected to compose a short battery of 11 pictures named BNTOu11. ANOVA and mean comparisons were made for MMSE and BNT versions. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and internal consistency were calculated. Areas under ROC curves (AUC) did not show statistically significant differences; therefore BNTOu11's AUC (0.814) was similar to the 60-item BNT versions (0.785 and 0.779), to the short versions from Argentina (0.772) and Andalusia (0.799) and to the Spanish MMSE (0.866). BNTOu11 had higher internal consistency than the other short versions. BNTOu11 is a useful and time-saving method as part of a battery for screening for dementia in a psychogeriatric outpatient unit.

[Attempt for development of rapid word reading test for children--evaluation of reliability and validity].

PubMed

Hashimoto, Ryusaku; Kashiwagi, Mitsuru; Suzuki, Shuhei

2008-09-01

We developed a rapid word reading test for examining the phonological processing ability of Japanese children. We prepared two versions of the test, version A and B. Each test has word and non-word tasks. Twenty-two healthy boys of third grade in primary schools participated in this validation study. For criterion related validity, we performed the serial Hiragana reading test, the sentence reading test, Raven's coloured progressive matrices (RCPM), the Token test for children, the Kana word dictation test, the standardized comprehension test of abstract words (SCTAW), and Trail Circle test. The reading times of the newly developed test correlated moderately or highly with those of the serial Hiragana reading test and the sentence reading test. However, the scores of the other tests (RCPM, Token test for children, Kana word dictation test, SCTAW, Trail Circle test) did not correlated with the reading time of the rapid word reading test. Test-retest reliabilities in the word tasks were more than moderate: 0.52 and 0.76 in versions A and B, while those in the non-word tasks were high: 0.91 and 0.88 in versions A and B. The correlation coefficient between versions A and B was 0.7 for the word tasks and 0.92 for the non-word tasks. This study showed that the rapid word reading test has substantial validity and reliability for testing the phonological processing ability of Japanese children. In addition, the non-word tasks were more suitable for selectively examining the speed of the grapheme to phoneme conversion process.

Interventions to help external cephalic version for breech presentation at term.

PubMed

Hofmeyr, G J

2004-01-01

Breech presentation places a fetus at increased risk. The outcome for the baby is improved by planned caesarean section compared with planned vaginal delivery. External cephalic version attempts to reduce the chances of breech presentation at birth, but is not always successful. Tocolytic drugs to relax the uterus as well as other methods have been used in an attempt to facilitate external cephalic version at term. To assess the effects of routine tocolysis, fetal acoustic stimulation, epidural or spinal analgesia and transabdominal amnioinfusion for external cephalic version at term on successful version and measures of pregnancy outcome. The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register (September 2003) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2003) were searched. Randomised and quasi-randomised trials comparing routine versus selective or no tocolysis; fetal acoustic stimulation in midline fetal spine positions versus dummy or no stimulation; epidural or spinal analgesia versus no regional analgesia; or transabdominal amnioinfusion versus no amnioinfusion for external cephalic version at term. The reviewer assessed eligibility and trial quality. In six trials, routine tocolysis with beta-stimulants was associated with fewer failures of external cephalic version (relative risk (RR) 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64 to 0.87). The reduction in non-cephalic presentations at birth was not statistically significant. Caesarean sections were reduced (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.99). In four small trials, sublingual nitroglycerine used as a tocolytic was associated with significant side-effects, and was not found to be effective. Fetal acoustic stimulation in midline fetal spine positions was associated with fewer failures of external cephalic version at term (RR 0.17, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.60). With epidural or spinal analgesia, external cephalic version failure, non-cephalic births and caesarean sections were reduced in two trials but not the other. The overall differences were not statistically significant. No randomised trials of transabdominal amnioinfusion for external cephalic version at term were located. Routine tocolysis appears to reduce the failure rate of external cephalic version at term. There is not enough evidence to evaluate the use of fetal acoustic stimulation in midline fetal spine positions, nor of epidural or spinal analgesia. Large volume intravenous preloading may have contributed to the effectiveness demonstrated in two of the latter trials.

beta-lactamase production by oral pigmented Prevotella species isolated from young children.

PubMed

Könönen, E; Nyfors, S; Mättö, J; Asikainen, S; Jousimies-Somer, H

1997-09-01

The frequency of beta-lactamase production by oral pigmented Prevotella species isolated from 23 healthy young children and the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for 186 available beta-lactamase-positive isolates were examined by using the chromogenic cephalosporin disk test (AB BIODISK, Solna, Sweden) and the Etest (AB BIODISK) and/or the agar dilution method of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (Villanova, PA, USA), respectively. beta-Lactamase-positive Prevotella melaninogenica strains were isolated from all children, and more than two-thirds of the Prevotella denticola and Prevotella loescheii strains isolated from the children were beta-lactamase-positive. The beta-lactamase-producing Prevotella intermedia group consisted of Prevotella nigrescens and the P. intermedia/ P. nigrescens-like organism (PINLO); P. intermedia was not found. Only two P. nigrescens isolates but most of the PINLO isolates produced beta-lactamase. The MICs for beta-lactamase-producing strains varied between 0.38 and 64 micrograms/mL. beta-Lactamase production by oral pigmented Prevotella species colonizing young children is already frequent. The phenomenon should be taken into account in the treatment of pediatric anaerobic infections of oral origin.

Psychometric testing of the Italian and French versions of the Care Dependency Scale.

PubMed

Zürcher, Simeon Joel; Vangelooven, Christa; Borter, Natalie; Schnyder, Daniel; Hahn, Sabine

2016-12-01

The aim of this study was to test psychometrically the Italian and French versions of the Care Dependency Scale. The Care Dependency Scale assesses changes in patients' level of care dependency including important functional and mental dimensions. Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Italian version is still ongoing. The French version has to date not been validated. Nationwide cross-sectional point prevalence study. Data were extracted from the national, annual prevalence survey of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers and inpatient falls in Swiss acute care hospitals in 2011. A total of 799 Italian and 1068 French-speaking patients were included in the analysis. For the evaluation, the psychometric properties were tested for each language both separately and conjointly. The scales revealed high internal consistency. Factor analysis presented a one-factor solution for both versions separately as well as combined. Comparison of internal structure revealed an excellent degree of equivalence between the versions. Highly significant Spearman correlations between the Care Dependency Scale and the Braden Scale sum scores indicated satisfactory criterion validity. Both the Italian and the French versions of the Care Dependency Scale showed satisfactory psychometric properties and a high level of equivalence. Further psychometric testing, using modern test theory approaches, is required. However, the scale is recommended as a valid instrument for further use in Italian and French. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Enhance the performance of current scoring functions with the aid of 3D protein-ligand interaction fingerprints.

PubMed

Liu, Jie; Su, Minyi; Liu, Zhihai; Li, Jie; Li, Yan; Wang, Renxiao

2017-07-18

In structure-based drug design, binding affinity prediction remains as a challenging goal for current scoring functions. Development of target-biased scoring functions provides a new possibility for tackling this problem, but this approach is also associated with certain technical difficulties. We previously reported the Knowledge-Guided Scoring (KGS) method as an alternative approach (BMC Bioinformatics, 2010, 11, 193-208). The key idea is to compute the binding affinity of a given protein-ligand complex based on the known binding data of an appropriate reference complex, so the error in binding affinity prediction can be reduced effectively. In this study, we have developed an upgraded version, i.e. KGS2, by employing 3D protein-ligand interaction fingerprints in reference selection. KGS2 was evaluated in combination with four scoring functions (X-Score, ChemPLP, ASP, and GoldScore) on five drug targets (HIV-1 protease, carbonic anhydrase 2, beta-secretase 1, beta-trypsin, and checkpoint kinase 1). In the in situ scoring test, considerable improvements were observed in most cases after application of KGS2. Besides, the performance of KGS2 was always better than KGS in all cases. In the more challenging molecular docking test, application of KGS2 also led to improved structure-activity relationship in some cases. KGS2 can be applied as a convenient "add-on" to current scoring functions without the need to re-engineer them, and its application is not limited to certain target proteins as customized scoring functions. As an interpolation method, its accuracy in principle can be improved further with the increasing knowledge of protein-ligand complex structures and binding affinity data. We expect that KGS2 will become a practical tool for enhancing the performance of current scoring functions in binding affinity prediction. The KGS2 software is available upon contacting the authors.

Cognitive Complexity in the Remote Association Test--Chinese Version

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hung, Su-Pin; Huang, Po-Sheng; Chen, Hsueh-Chih

2016-01-01

The remote association test (RAT) has been applied in various fields; however, evidence of construct validity for the original version and subsequent extensions of the RAT remains limited. This study aimed to elucidate the dimensionality and the relationship between item features and item difficulties for the RAT--Chinese Version (RAT-C) using the…

49 CFR 572.150 - Incorporation by reference.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

...-Month-Old Infant, Alpha Version § 572.150 Incorporation by reference. (a) The following materials are... Drawings, Subpart R, CRABI 12-Month-Old Infant Crash Test Dummy (CRABI-12, Alpha version) August 2001” and... Infant Crash Test Dummy (CRABI-12, Alpha version) August 2001” incorporated by reference in § 572.155; (3...

49 CFR 572.150 - Incorporation by reference.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

...-Month-Old Infant, Alpha Version § 572.150 Incorporation by reference. (a) The following materials are... Drawings, Subpart R, CRABI 12-Month-Old Infant Crash Test Dummy (CRABI-12, Alpha version) August 2001” and... Infant Crash Test Dummy (CRABI-12, Alpha version) August 2001” incorporated by reference in § 572.155; (3...

49 CFR 572.150 - Incorporation by reference.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

...-Month-Old Infant, Alpha Version § 572.150 Incorporation by reference. (a) The following materials are... Drawings, Subpart R, CRABI 12-Month-Old Infant Crash Test Dummy (CRABI-12, Alpha version) August 2001” and... Infant Crash Test Dummy (CRABI-12, Alpha version) August 2001” incorporated by reference in § 572.155; (3...

Hb taradale [beta82(EF6)Lys-->Arg]: a novel mutation at a 2,3-diphosphoglycerate binding site.

PubMed

Brennan, Stephen O; Sheen, Campbell; Chan, Tim; George, Peter M

2005-01-01

Hb Taradale [beta82(EF6)Lys-->Arg] was initially detected as a split Hb A0 peak on Hb A1c, monitoring. Red cell parameters, hemoglobin (Hb) electrophoresis and stability tests were normal. Mass spectrometry (ms) clearly identified a variant beta chain with a mass increase of 28 Da and peptide mapping located the mutation site to peptide betaT-9. DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of a novel beta82(EF6)Lys-->Arg mutation. This conservative substitution at a 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) binding site did not, however, appear to affect the P50 for oxygen binding.

Enzyme therapy in Fabry disease: severe adverse events associated with anti-agalsidase cross-reactive IgG antibodies.

PubMed

Tesmoingt, Chloe; Lidove, Olivier; Reberga, Axele; Thetis, Marguerite; Ackaert, Chloe; Nicaise, Pascale; Arnaud, Philippe; Papo, Thomas

2009-11-01

To report a severe adverse event related to enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase in an hemizygous male patient treated for Fabry disease. Retrospective analysis of clinical, radiological and biochemical data in a patient who suffered adverse events related to both agalsidase alfa and agalsidase beta treatments. A hemizygous male patient was first treated for Fabry disease with agalsidase alfa. After more than 1 year of therapy, infusion-related symptoms necessitated systemic steroids and antihistaminic therapy. Decline in kidney function prompted a switch for agalsidase beta. Anaphylactoid shock occurred after the second infusion. No serum IgE antibodies were disclosed. Skin-test reactivity to agalsidase beta was negative. Following a published rechallenge infusion protocol, agalsidase beta was reintroduced, leading to a second anaphylactoid shock episode. Enzyme replacement therapy was stopped and the patient was treated with symptomatic therapy only. This case was referred to the pharmacovigilance department. The negativity of immunological tests (specific anti-agalsidase IgE antibodies and skin tests) does not rule out the risk of repeated anaphylactoid shock following agalsidase infusion.

Enzyme therapy in Fabry disease: severe adverse events associated with anti-agalsidase cross-reactive IgG antibodies

PubMed Central

Tesmoingt, Chloe; Lidove, Olivier; Reberga, Axele; Thetis, Marguerite; Ackaert, Chloe; Nicaise, Pascale; Arnaud, Philippe; Papo, Thomas

2009-01-01

AIMS To report a severe adverse event related to enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase in an hemizygous male patient treated for Fabry disease. METHODS Retrospective analysis of clinical, radiological and biochemical data in a patient who suffered adverse events related to both agalsidase alfa and agalsidase beta treatments. RESULTS A hemizygous male patient was first treated for Fabry disease with agalsidase alfa. After more than 1 year of therapy, infusion-related symptoms necessitated systemic steroids and antihistaminic therapy. Decline in kidney function prompted a switch for agalsidase beta. Anaphylactoid shock occurred after the second infusion. No serum IgE antibodies were disclosed. Skin-test reactivity to agalsidase beta was negative. Following a published rechallenge infusion protocol, agalsidase beta was reintroduced, leading to a second anaphylactoid shock episode. Enzyme replacement therapy was stopped and the patient was treated with symptomatic therapy only. This case was referred to the pharmacovigilance department. CONCLUSION The negativity of immunological tests (specific anti-agalsidase IgE antibodies and skin tests) does not rule out the risk of repeated anaphylactoid shock following agalsidase infusion. PMID:19917001

What Happened to the Streptococci: Overview of Taxonomic and Nomenclature Changes

PubMed Central

Facklam, Richard

2002-01-01

Since the division of the Streptococcus genus into enterococci, lactococci, and streptococci in 1984, many changes in the nomenclature and taxonomy of the Streptococcus genus have taken place. The application of genetic comparisons has improved the proper classification of the different species. The Lancefield system of serogrouping the streptococci by the expression of beta-hemolysis on blood agar plates is still very useful for the identification of streptococci for patient management. The Lancefield grouping system cannot be used in itself for accurate identification of specific beta-hemolytic species, but it can be a useful part of the identification procedure. Except for identification of the “Streptococcus bovis group” of species and Streptococcus suis, Lancefield grouping is of little value in identification of the non-beta-hemolytic streptococci and related genera. In fact, identification of the non-beta-hemolytic species is problematic for conventional as well as commercially available identification procedures. A combination of conventional tests and specific chromogenic tests suggested by several investigators is presented and discussed. Tables are included that suggest tests and procedures to guide investigators attempting to identify all the species. PMID:12364372

Latent transforming growth factor beta1 activation in situ: quantitative and functional evidence after low-dose gamma-irradiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ehrhart, E. J.; Segarini, P.; Tsang, M. L.; Carroll, A. G.; Barcellos-Hoff, M. H.; Chatterjee, A. (Principal Investigator)

1997-01-01

The biological activity of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta) is controlled by its secretion as a latent complex in which it is noncovalently associated with latency-associated peptide (LAP). Activation is the extracellular process in which TGF-beta is released from LAP, and is considered to be a primary regulatory control. We recently reported rapid and persistent changes in TGF-beta immunoreactivity in conjunction with extracellular matrix remodeling in gamma-irradiated mouse mammary gland. Our hypothesis is that these specific changes in immunoreactivity are indicative of latent TGF-beta activation. In the present study, we determined the radiation dose response and tested whether a functional relationship exists between radiation-induced TGF-beta and collagen type III remodeling. After radiation exposures as low as 0.1 Gy, we detected increased TGF-beta immunoreactivity in the mammary epithelium concomitant with decreased LAP immunostaining, which are events consistent with activation. Quantitative image analysis demonstrated a significant (P=0.0005) response at 0.1 Gy without an apparent threshold and a linear dose response to 5 Gy. However, in the adipose stroma, loss of LAP demonstrated a qualitative threshold at 0.5 Gy. Loss of LAP paralleled induction of collagen III immunoreactivity in this tissue compartment. We tested whether TGF-beta mediates collagen III expression by treating animals with TGF-beta panspecific monoclonal antibody, 1D11.16, administered i.p. shortly before irradiation. Radiation-induced collagen III staining in the adipose stroma was blocked in an antibody dose-dependent manner, which persisted through 7 days postirradiation. RNase protection assay revealed that radiation-induced elevation of total gland collagen III mRNA was also blocked by neutralizing antibody treatment. These data provide functional confirmation of the hypothesis that radiation exposure leads to latent TGF-beta activation, support our interpretation of the reciprocal shift in immunoreactivity as evidence of activation, and implicate TGF-beta as a mediator of tissue response to ionizing radiation. The sensitivity of activation to low radiation doses points to a potential role for TGF-beta in orchestrating tissue response to oxidative stress. As such, radiation may be useful as a probe to delineate the consequences of latent TGF-beta activation in situ.

Government Beta: The Value of Unscripted Testing

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-26

vs . Progress The Contract and Award Fee Plan Final Thoughts 1 GOVERNMENT BETA – The Value of Unscripted Testing 2...D a t a b a s e Database Layer C/C++ SQL OS Layer Presentation / Mission Layer F u n c t i o n a l D L L Application/Controller F u n c t i o n a l...Testing 20 Unscripted, not Unplanned 21 IEEE 12207 22 CUT DD MLT ELT SLT IST RTO , OUE Architecture Based DesignTM Detailed Design Code & Unit

Negotiating the COAPRT Learning Outcomes Transition Using Quality Management Tools: A Case Study of the COAPRT Beta Test Site

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ellis, Gary D.

2014-01-01

This paper is a case study. It tells the story of the process that the Council on Accreditation for Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions beta test site created its learning outcomes assessment program. A planning process was used that has evolved from quality management philosophy and practice: DMADV. Use of DMADV required precise…

Secret Lives of Cepheids: beta Dor as a Test of Cepheid X-ray Heating Mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engle, Scott

2017-09-01

We propose two 40 ksec phase-constrained ACIS-I observations of the 9.8 day Cepheid beta Dor. This will fill its uncharted 0.9-0.2 phase gap to confirm and define (Lx, kT) its pulsation-driven X-ray variations and help identify the mechanism (shocks, magnetic fields, turbulent dynamos) responsible, in complement to our recent confirmation of pulsation-induced X-ray variations from delta Cep (Engle et al. 2017). Beta Dor has different properties than delta Cep (P = 9.8/5.4d; R = 61/44Rsun), and the proposed visits are crucial to combine with existing X-ray and FUV data and test the X-ray heating mechanisms. This program is the culmination of several years of work, and the resulting nearly complete phase coverage of beta Dor makes this Cepheid the timeliest and most promising target.

[Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase detection in Enterobacteriaceae and antibiotic susceptibility analysis].

PubMed

Cao, Wei; Tong, Ming-hua; Wang, Ji-gui

2002-02-28

To detect the extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) in family Enterobacteriaceae and analyze the antibiotic susceptibility of those ESBLs-producing strains. ESBLs were determined by the double-disk confirmatory test and 8 antibiotic susceptibilities were tested with the disk disffusion method in those strains producing ESBLs. Forty-seven ESBLs-producing strains comprised of 25 of E. coli, 14 of K. pneumoniae, 5 of E. cloacae, 1 of K. oxytoca, 1 of K. rhinoscleromatis, and 1 of S. liquefaciens. The susceptibility rates of those strains were: 100% for imipenem and meropenem, 89.4% for piperacillin/tazobactam, 72.4% for cefoxitin and 65.9% for cefotetan. E. coli and K. pneumoniae are the prime strains producing ESBLs in Enterobacteriaceae. Imipenem and meropenem are the best drugs to deal with those ESBLs-producing strains. Piperacillin/tazobactam is better than cephamycins and other beta-lactama/beta-lactamase inhibitor combination.

Characterization of a Commercial Silicon Beta Cell

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

Foxe, Michael P.; Hayes, James C.; Mayer, Michael F.

Silicon detectors are of interest for the verification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) due to their enhanced energy resolution compared to plastic scintillators beta cells. Previous work developing a figure-of-merit (FOM) for comparison of beta cells suggests that the minimum detectable activity (MDA) could be reduced by a factor of two to three with the use of silicon detectors. Silicon beta cells have been developed by CEA (France) and Lares Ltd. (Russia), with the PIPSBox developed by CEA being commercially available from Canberra for approximately $35k, but there is still uncertainty about the reproducibility of the capabilities in themore » field. PNNL is developing a high-resolution beta-gamma detector system in the shallow underground laboratory, which will utilize and characterize the operation of the PIPSBox detector. Throughout this report, we examine the capabilities of the PIPSBox as developed by CEA. The lessons learned through the testing and use of the PIPSBox will allow PNNL to strategically develop a silicon detector optimized to better suit the communities needs in the future.« less

The effect of smoking cessation pharmacotherapies on pancreatic beta cell function

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

Woynillowicz, Amanda K.; Raha, Sandeep; Nicholson, Catherine J.

The goal of our study was to evaluate whether drugs currently used for smoking cessation (i.e., nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline [a partial agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR)] and bupropion [which acts in part as a nAChR antagonist]) can affect beta cell function and determine the mechanism(s) of this effect. INS-1E cells, a rat beta cell line, were treated with nicotine, varenicline and bupropion to determine their effects on beta cell function, mitochondrial electron transport chain enzyme activity and cellular/oxidative stress. Treatment of INS-1E cells with equimolar concentrations (1 μM) of three test compounds resulted in an ablation of normalmore » glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by the cells. This disruption of normal beta cell function was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction since all three compounds tested significantly decreased the activity of mitochondrial electron transport chain enzyme activity. These results raise the possibility that the currently available smoking cessation pharmacotherapies may also have adverse effects on beta cell function and thus glycemic control in vivo. Therefore whether or not the use of nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline and bupropion can cause endocrine changes which are consistent with impaired pancreatic function warrants further investigation. -- Highlights: ► Smoking cessation drugs have the potential to disrupt beta cell function in vitro. ► The effects of nicotine, varenicline and bupropion are similar. ► The impaired beta cell function is mediated by mitochondrial dysfunction. ► If similar effects are seen in vivo, these drugs may increase the risk of diabetes.« less

Inverse expression of estrogen receptor-beta and nuclear factor-kappaB in urinary bladder carcinogenesis.

PubMed

Kontos, Stylianos; Kominea, Athina; Melachrinou, Maria; Balampani, Eleni; Sotiropoulou-Bonikou, Georgia

2010-09-01

To investigate the expression of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and estrogen receptor-beta (ER-beta) signalling pathways in bladder urothelial carcinoma according to clinicopathological features, in order to elucidate their role during carcinogenesis. Immunohistochemical methodology was carried out on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections from urinary bladder carcinomas of 140 patients (94 males and 46 females) who underwent transurethral resection of bladder neoplasms. Correlations between ER-beta and NF-kappaB, and tumor grade and T-stage were evaluated, along with demographic data, sex and age. A significant decrease in ER-beta expression in the nucleus of bladder cells during loss of cell differentiation (r(s) = -0.61, P-value < 0.001, test of trend P-value = 0.003) and in muscle invasive carcinomas (T2-T4; test of trend P-value < 0.001) was found. p65 Subunit of NF-kappaB was expressed in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm of bladder epithelial cells. A strong positive association between tumor grade and nuclear expression of NF-kappaB was shown. No correlation between NF-kappaB, nuclear or cytoplasmic staining, with T-stage was observed. An inverse correlation between ER-beta and nuclear p65 immunoreactivity was observed (r(s) = -0.45, P-value < 0.001). There was no correlation with demographic data. Our immunohistochemical study suggests the possible inverse regulation of NF-kappaB and ER-beta transcription factor during bladder carcinogenesis. Selective ER-beta agonists and agents, inhibitors of NF-kappaB, might represent a possible new treatment strategy for bladder urothelial tumors.

The Korean version of the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Cross cultural adaptation, reliability, validity and responsiveness.

PubMed

Kim, J K; Lim, H M

2015-02-01

The purpose of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire to produce an equivalent Korean version. A total of 53 patients completed the Korean version of the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire pre-operatively and 3 months after open carpal tunnel release. All 53 also completed the Korean version of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire pre-operatively and 3 months post-operatively. Reliability was measured by determining the test-retest reliability and internal consistency. Test-retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients and paired t-tests, and internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha coefficients. Pearson correlation analysis was carried out on the Korean version of the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire scores and the Korean version of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores to assess construct validity. Responsiveness was evaluated using effect sizes and standardized response means. The reliability of the Korean version of the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire was good. The scores in the Korean version of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand strongly correlated with the scores in the Korean version of the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Standardized response mean and effect size were both large for the Korean version of the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. The study shows that the Korean version of the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire is a reliable, valid and responsive instrument for measuring outcomes in carpal tunnel syndrome. © The Author(s) 2014.

NASA Orbital Debris Engineering Model ORDEM2008 (Beta Version)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stansbery, Eugene G.; Krisko, Paula H.

2009-01-01

This is an interim document intended to accompany the beta-release of the ORDEM2008 model. As such it provides the user with a guide for its use, a list of its capabilities, a brief summary of model development, and appendices included to educate the user as to typical runtimes for different orbit configurations. More detailed documentation will be delivered with the final product. ORDEM2008 supersedes NASA's previous model - ORDEM2000. The availability of new sensor and in situ data, the re-analysis of older data, and the development of new analytical techniques, has enabled the construction of this more comprehensive and sophisticated model. Integrated with the software is an upgraded graphical user interface (GUI), which uses project-oriented organization and provides the user with graphical representations of numerous output data products. These range from the conventional average debris size vs. flux magnitude for chosen analysis orbits, to the more complex color-contoured two-dimensional (2-D) directional flux diagrams in terms of local spacecraft pitch and yaw.

QUAGMIRE v1.3: a quasi-geostrophic model for investigating rotating fluids experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, P. D.; Haine, T. W. N.; Read, P. L.; Lewis, S. R.; Yamazaki, Y. H.

2008-09-01

QUAGMIRE is a quasi-geostrophic numerical model for performing fast, high-resolution simulations of multi-layer rotating annulus laboratory experiments on a desktop personal computer. The model uses a hybrid finite-difference/spectral approach to numerically integrate the coupled nonlinear partial differential equations of motion in cylindrical geometry in each layer. Version 1.3 implements the special case of two fluid layers of equal resting depths. The flow is forced either by a differentially rotating lid, or by relaxation to specified streamfunction or potential vorticity fields, or both. Dissipation is achieved through Ekman layer pumping and suction at the horizontal boundaries, including the internal interface. The effects of weak interfacial tension are included, as well as the linear topographic beta-effect and the quadratic centripetal beta-effect. Stochastic forcing may optionally be activated, to represent approximately the effects of random unresolved features. A leapfrog time stepping scheme is used, with a Robert filter. Flows simulated by the model agree well with those observed in the corresponding laboratory experiments.

QUAGMIRE v1.3: a quasi-geostrophic model for investigating rotating fluids experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, P. D.; Haine, T. W. N.; Read, P. L.; Lewis, S. R.; Yamazaki, Y. H.

2009-02-01

QUAGMIRE is a quasi-geostrophic numerical model for performing fast, high-resolution simulations of multi-layer rotating annulus laboratory experiments on a desktop personal computer. The model uses a hybrid finite-difference/spectral approach to numerically integrate the coupled nonlinear partial differential equations of motion in cylindrical geometry in each layer. Version 1.3 implements the special case of two fluid layers of equal resting depths. The flow is forced either by a differentially rotating lid, or by relaxation to specified streamfunction or potential vorticity fields, or both. Dissipation is achieved through Ekman layer pumping and suction at the horizontal boundaries, including the internal interface. The effects of weak interfacial tension are included, as well as the linear topographic beta-effect and the quadratic centripetal beta-effect. Stochastic forcing may optionally be activated, to represent approximately the effects of random unresolved features. A leapfrog time stepping scheme is used, with a Robert filter. Flows simulated by the model agree well with those observed in the corresponding laboratory experiments.

Enhanced sialylation and in vivo efficacy of recombinant human α-galactosidase through in vitro glycosylation

PubMed Central

Sohn, Youngsoo; Lee, Jung Mi; Park, Heung-Rok; Jung, Sung-Chul; Park, Tai Hyun; Oh, Doo-Byoung

2013-01-01

Human α-galactosidase A (GLA) has been used in enzyme replacement therapy for patients with Fabry disease. We expressed recombinant GLA from Chinese hamster ovary cells with very high productivity. When compared to an approved GLA (agalsidase beta), its size and charge were found to be smaller and more neutral. These differences resulted from the lack of terminal sialic acids playing essential roles in the serum half-life and proper tissue targeting. Because a simple sialylation reaction was not enough to increase the sialic acid content, a combined reaction using galactosyltransferase, sialyltransferase, and their sugar substrates at the same time was developed and optimized to reduce the incubation time. The product generated by this reaction had nearly the same size, isoelectric points, and sialic acid content as agalsidase beta. Furthermore, it had better in vivo efficacy to degrade the accumulated globotriaosylceramide in target organs of Fabry mice compared to an unmodified version. [BMB Reports 2013; 46(3): 157-162] PMID:23527859

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Saudi Arabic version of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS).

PubMed

Alfadhel, Saud A; Vennu, Vishal; Alnahdi, Ali H; Omar, Mohammed T; Alasmari, Saeed H; AlJafri, Zahra; Bindawas, Saad M

2018-06-07

The Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) is a widely used joint-specific measure employed to evaluate pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, recreational activities, and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Although the original KOOS has been translated into many languages, a Saudi Arabic version is not available. This study aimed to culturally adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Saudi Arabic version of the KOOS in patients with knee OA. The original KOOS was translated and adapted into Saudi Arabic version over six stages according to the guidelines suggested by Beaton and recommended by the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons Outcome Committee. Patients diagnosed with knee OA (n = 136) were recruited to examine the psychometric properties, such as internal consistency that was tested using Cronbach's alpha, test-retest reliability that was analyzed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC 2,1 ), and construct validity that examined by testing the correlations between the new version subscales, Form 36 Health Survey subscales, and the Visual Analog Scale, Spearman's correlation coefficient (r s ) was used to measure the correlations. A total of 122 (89.7%) of the 136 participants with knee OA completed the second re-test of new Saudi Arabic version. Excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.87-0.92) was detected in the subscales of the adapted version, as well as excellent test-retest reliability (ICC 2,1  = 0.92-0.94). The pattern of correlation between the subscales of the Saudi Arabic version of the KOOS, SF-36 domains and the Visual Analog Scale for pain supported the construct validity of the adapted version. The Saudi Arabic version of the KOOS was well accepted and exhibited excellent reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity in Saudi patients with knee OA.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and ulcerogenic properties of S-(+)-ibuproxam, racemic ibuproxam-beta-cyclodextrin and S-(+)-ibuproxam-beta-cyclodextrin.

PubMed

Bole-Vunduk, B; Verhnjak, K; Zmitek, J

1996-11-01

The anti-inflammatory, analgesic and gastric mucosal damage-inducing activities of S-(+)-ibuproxam, and S-(+)-ibuproxam-beta-cyclodextrin, new propionic acid derivatives, and racemic ibuproxam-beta-cyclodextrin were investigated in three animal models and compared with those of racemic ibuproxam, racemic ibuprofen and its optical enantiomer S-(+)-ibuprofen. The anti-inflammatory activities of racemic ibuprofen, S-(+)-ibuprofen and racemic ibuproxam in carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats were almost equipotent and slightly greater than those of S-(+)-ibuproxam and S-(+)-ibuproxam-beta-cyclodextrin, and significantly greater than that of racemic ibuproxam-beta-cyclodextrin. In abdominal constriction tests in mice, the analgesic effects of racemic ibuproxam, S-(+)-ibuproxam, racemic ibuproxam-beta-cyclodextrin and S-(+)-ibuproxam-beta-cyclodextrin were significantly less pronounced than those of racemic ibuprofen and S-(+)-ibuprofen. Ulcerogenic activity of S-(+)-ibuproxam-beta-cyclodextrin in rats was found to be significantly weaker than that of racemic ibuproxam-beta-cyclodextrin, racemic ibuproxam and S-(+)-ibuproxam and, most notably, weaker than those of racemic ibuprofen and S-(+)ibuprofen. These results indicate that S-(+)-ibuproxam-beta-cyclodextrin could be a novel potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent with a therapeutic index more favourable than that of the classical non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs ibuprofen and ibuproxam.

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

Adams, J.U.; Andrews, J.S.; Hiller, J.M.

This study was essentially an in vivo protection experiment designed to test further the hypothesis that stress induces release of endogenous opiods which then act at opioid receptors. Rats that were either subjected to restraint stress for 1 yr or unstressed were injected ICV with either saline or 2.5 ..mu..g of ..beta..-funaltrexamine (..beta..-FNA), an irreversible opioid antagonist that alkylates the mu-opioid receptor. Twenty-four hours later, subjects were tested unstressed for morphine analgesia or were sacrificed and opioid binding in brain was determined. (/sup 3/H)D-Ala/sup 2/NMePhe/sup 4/-Gly/sup 5/(ol)enkephalin (DAGO) served as a specific ligand for mu-opioid receptors, and (/sup 3/H)-bremazocine asmore » a general ligand for all opioid receptors. Rats injected with saline while stressed were significantly less sensitive to the analgesic action of morphine 24 hr later than were their unstressed counterparts. ..beta..-FNA pretreatment attenuated morphine analgesia in an insurmountable manner. Animals pretreated with ..beta..-FNA while stressed were significantly more sensitive to the analgesic effect of morphine than were animals that received ..beta..-FNA while unstressed. ..beta..-FNA caused small and similar decreases in (/sup 3/H)-DAGO binding in brain of both stressed and unstressed animals. 35 references, 2 figures, 2 tables.« less

Alkyl gallates, intensifiers of beta-lactam susceptibility in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Shibata, Hirofumi; Kondo, Kyoko; Katsuyama, Ryo; Kawazoe, Kazuyoshi; Sato, Yoichi; Murakami, Kotaro; Takaishi, Yoshihisa; Arakaki, Naokatu; Higuti, Tomihiko

2005-02-01

We found that ethyl gallate purified from a dried pod of tara (Caesalpinia spinosa) intensified beta-lactam susceptibility in methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA and MSSA strains, respectively). This compound and several known alkyl gallates were tested with MRSA and MSSA strains to gain new insights into their structural functions in relation to antimicrobial and beta-lactam susceptibility-intensifying activities. The maximum activity of alkyl gallates against MRSA and MSSA strains occurred at 1-nonyl and 1-decyl gallate, with an MIC at which 90% of the isolates tested were inhibited of 15.6 microg/ml. At concentrations lower than the MIC, alkyl gallates synergistically elevated the susceptibility of MRSA and MSSA strains to beta-lactam antibiotics. Such a synergistic activity of the alkyl gallates appears to be specific for beta-lactam antibiotics, because no significant changes were observed in the MICs of other classes of antibiotics examined in this study. The length of the alkyl chain was also associated with the modifying activity of the alkyl gallates, and the optimum length was C5 to C6. The present work clearly demonstrates that the length of the alkyl chain has a key role in the elevation of susceptibility to beta-lactam antibiotics.

Derivation and validation of a simple clinical risk-model in heart failure based on 6 minute walk test performance and NT-proBNP status--do we need specificity for sex and beta-blockers?

PubMed

Frankenstein, L; Goode, K; Ingle, L; Remppis, A; Schellberg, D; Nelles, M; Katus, H A; Clark, A L; Cleland, J G F; Zugck, C

2011-02-17

It is unclear whether risk prediction strategies in chronic heart failure (CHF) need to be specific for sex or beta-blockers. We examined this problem and developed and validated the consequent risk models based on 6-minute-walk-test and NT-proBNP. The derivation cohort comprised 636 German patients with systolic dysfunction. They were validated against 676 British patients with similar aetiology. ROC-curves for 1-year mortality identified cut-off values separately for specificity (none, sex, beta-blocker, both). Patients were grouped according to number of cut-offs met (group I/II/III - 0/1/2 cut-offs). Widest separation between groups was achieved with sex- and beta-blocker-specific cut offs. In the derivation population, 1-year mortality was 0%, 8%, 31% for group I, II and III, respectively. In the validation population, 1-year rates in the three risk groups were 2%, 7%, 14%, respectively, after application of the same cut-offs. Risk stratification for CHF should perhaps take sex and beta-blocker usage into account. We derived and independently validated relevant risk models based on 6-minute-walk-tests and NT-proBNP. Specifying sex and use of beta-blockers identified three distinct sub-groups with widely differing prognosis. In clinical practice, it may be appropriate to tailor the intensity of follow-up and/or the treatment strategy according to the risk-group. Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preoperative depression symptom severity and its impact on adherence to preoperative beta-blocker therapy.

PubMed

Schonberger, Robert B; Feinleib, Jessica; Holt, Natalie; Dai, Feng; Brandt, Cynthia; Burg, Matthew M

2014-12-01

To test the association among depression symptoms, distressed personality type, and preoperative beta-blocker nonadherence and to estimate the prevalence of untreated major depression in this population. Prospective observational study. A veterans hospital. One hundred twenty patients on outpatient beta-blocker therapy presenting for surgery. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9, the D-Scale-14 (DS14), and Modified Morisky Scale (MMS) questionnaires. Of 99 participants who presented for surgery, the incidence of preoperative nonadherence was 14.1% (95% confidence interval 7%-21%), consistent with prior research. Nonadherence was 9.5% among those with no depression, 27.8% among those with mild depression, and 28.6% among those with moderate-to-severe depression (Cochran-Armitage test for trend p = 0.03). Distressed personality type was found in 35% of the cohort (95% confidence interval 26-45%) and was not associated with beta-blocker nonadherence (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.24). Among participants with symptoms of major depressive disorder (n = 25, 25.3%), more than half (n = 14, 56%) had no indication of depression listed at their most recent primary care visit. Patients with symptoms of depression on chronic beta-blocker therapy are susceptible to medication nonadherence on the day of surgery. Most surgical patients with symptoms of major depression lack a diagnosis of depression. Preoperative depression screening may thus (1) identify a population at increased risk of beta-blocker withdrawal, and (2) identify patients who may benefit from anesthesiologist-initiated referral for this treatable condition. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reliability of a science admission test (HAM-Nat) at Hamburg medical school.

PubMed

Hissbach, Johanna; Klusmann, Dietrich; Hampe, Wolfgang

2011-01-01

The University Hospital in Hamburg (UKE) started to develop a test of knowledge in natural sciences for admission to medical school in 2005 (Hamburger Auswahlverfahren für Medizinische Studiengänge, Naturwissenschaftsteil, HAM-Nat). This study is a step towards establishing the HAM-Nat. We are investigating parallel forms reliability, the effect of a crash course in chemistry on test results, and correlations of HAM-Nat test results with a test of scientific reasoning (similar to a subtest of the "Test for Medical Studies", TMS). 316 first-year students participated in the study in 2007. They completed different versions of the HAM-Nat test which consisted of items that had already been used (HN2006) and new items (HN2007). Four weeks later half of the participants were tested on the HN2007 version of the HAM-Nat again, while the other half completed the test of scientific reasoning. Within this four week interval students were offered a five day chemistry course. Parallel forms reliability for four different test versions ranged from r(tt)=.53 to r(tt)=.67. The retest reliabilities of the HN2007 halves were r(tt)=.54 and r(tt )=.61. Correlations of the two HAM-Nat versions with the test of scientific reasoning were r=.34 und r=.21. The crash course in chemistry had no effect on HAM-Nat scores. The results suggest that further versions of the test of natural sciences will not easily conform to the standards of internal consistency, parallel-forms reliability and retest reliability. Much care has to be taken in order to assemble items which could be used interchangeably for the construction of new test versions. The test of scientific reasoning and the HAM-Nat are tapping different constructs. Participation in a chemistry course did not improve students' achievement, probably because the content of the course was not coordinated with the test and many students lacked of motivation to do well in the second test.

Reliability of a science admission test (HAM-Nat) at Hamburg medical school

PubMed Central

Hissbach, Johanna; Klusmann, Dietrich; Hampe, Wolfgang

2011-01-01

Objective: The University Hospital in Hamburg (UKE) started to develop a test of knowledge in natural sciences for admission to medical school in 2005 (Hamburger Auswahlverfahren für Medizinische Studiengänge, Naturwissenschaftsteil, HAM-Nat). This study is a step towards establishing the HAM-Nat. We are investigating parallel forms reliability, the effect of a crash course in chemistry on test results, and correlations of HAM-Nat test results with a test of scientific reasoning (similar to a subtest of the "Test for Medical Studies", TMS). Methods: 316 first-year students participated in the study in 2007. They completed different versions of the HAM-Nat test which consisted of items that had already been used (HN2006) and new items (HN2007). Four weeks later half of the participants were tested on the HN2007 version of the HAM-Nat again, while the other half completed the test of scientific reasoning. Within this four week interval students were offered a five day chemistry course. Results: Parallel forms reliability for four different test versions ranged from rtt=.53 to rtt=.67. The retest reliabilities of the HN2007 halves were rtt=.54 and rtt =.61. Correlations of the two HAM-Nat versions with the test of scientific reasoning were r=.34 und r=.21. The crash course in chemistry had no effect on HAM-Nat scores. Conclusions: The results suggest that further versions of the test of natural sciences will not easily conform to the standards of internal consistency, parallel-forms reliability and retest reliability. Much care has to be taken in order to assemble items which could be used interchangeably for the construction of new test versions. The test of scientific reasoning and the HAM-Nat are tapping different constructs. Participation in a chemistry course did not improve students’ achievement, probably because the content of the course was not coordinated with the test and many students lacked of motivation to do well in the second test. PMID:21866246

Volumetric CT-images improve testing of radiological image interpretation skills.

PubMed

Ravesloot, Cécile J; van der Schaaf, Marieke F; van Schaik, Jan P J; ten Cate, Olle Th J; van der Gijp, Anouk; Mol, Christian P; Vincken, Koen L

2015-05-01

Current radiology practice increasingly involves interpretation of volumetric data sets. In contrast, most radiology tests still contain only 2D images. We introduced a new testing tool that allows for stack viewing of volumetric images in our undergraduate radiology program. We hypothesized that tests with volumetric CT-images enhance test quality, in comparison with traditional completely 2D image-based tests, because they might better reflect required skills for clinical practice. Two groups of medical students (n=139; n=143), trained with 2D and volumetric CT-images, took a digital radiology test in two versions (A and B), each containing both 2D and volumetric CT-image questions. In a questionnaire, they were asked to comment on the representativeness for clinical practice, difficulty and user-friendliness of the test questions and testing program. Students' test scores and reliabilities, measured with Cronbach's alpha, of 2D and volumetric CT-image tests were compared. Estimated reliabilities (Cronbach's alphas) were higher for volumetric CT-image scores (version A: .51 and version B: .54), than for 2D CT-image scores (version A: .24 and version B: .37). Participants found volumetric CT-image tests more representative of clinical practice, and considered them to be less difficult than volumetric CT-image questions. However, in one version (A), volumetric CT-image scores (M 80.9, SD 14.8) were significantly lower than 2D CT-image scores (M 88.4, SD 10.4) (p<.001). The volumetric CT-image testing program was considered user-friendly. This study shows that volumetric image questions can be successfully integrated in students' radiology testing. Results suggests that the inclusion of volumetric CT-images might improve the quality of radiology tests by positively impacting perceived representativeness for clinical practice and increasing reliability of the test. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Land surface temperature measurements from EOS MODIS data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wan, Zhengming

1995-01-01

A significant progress has been made in TIR instrumentation which is required to establish the spectral BRDF/emissivity knowledge base of land-surface materials and to validate the land-surface temperature (LST) algorithms. The SIBRE (spectral Infrared Bidirectional Reflectance and Emissivity) system and a TIR system for measuring spectral directional-hemispherical emissivity have been completed and tested successfully. Optical properties and performance features of key components (including spectrometer, and TIR source) of these systems have been characterized by integrated use of local standards (blackbody and reference plates). The stabilization of the spectrometer performance was improved by a custom designed and built liquid cooling system. Methods and procedures for measuring spectral TIR BRDF and directional-hemispheric emissivity with these two systems have been verified in sample measurements. These TIR instruments have been used in the laboratory and the field, giving very promising results. The measured spectral emissivities of water surface are very close to the calculated values based on well established water refractive index values in published papers. Preliminary results show that the TIR instruments can be used for validation of the MODIS LST algorithm in homogeneous test sites. The beta-3 version of the MODIS LST software is being prepared for its delivery scheduled in the early second half of this year.

Lack of constitutive beta-glucosidase (esculinase) in the genus Fusobacterium.

PubMed Central

Edberg, S C; Bell, S R

1985-01-01

Esculin has been incorporated into both a medium and test with 20% bile for many years to differentiate Bacteroides from Fusobacterium organisms. After 24 to 48 h, all members of the Bacteroides fragilis group grow in 20% bile and hydrolyze esculin. Fusobacterium mortiferum can both grow in bile and hydrolyze esculin, thus limiting the use of the bile-esculin medium and test. The hypothesis that constitutive esculinase (beta-glucosidase) could differentiate Bacteroides from Fusobacterium organisms was investigated. Clinical isolates and American Type Culture Collection clones of the B. fragilis group and other species of Bacteroides and Fusobacterium were tested. All B. fragilis were positive within 30 min. In no case was a Fusobacterium organism positive for constitutive enzyme in a hydrolyzable substrate-based test. The percentage of positive results for other species of Bacteroides agreed with those published in the literature for the esculin test. The genus Fusobacterium can be separated from Bacteroides organisms based on a lack of constitutive beta-glucosidase in the former in a 30-min one-tube test. PMID:3930563

Antianaerobic Antimicrobials: Spectrum and Susceptibility Testing

PubMed Central

Wexler, Hannah M.; Goldstein, Ellie J. C.

2013-01-01

SUMMARY Susceptibility testing of anaerobic bacteria recovered from selected cases can influence the choice of antimicrobial therapy. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) has standardized many laboratory procedures, including anaerobic susceptibility testing (AST), and has published documents for AST. The standardization of testing methods by the CLSI allows comparisons of resistance trends among various laboratories. Susceptibility testing should be performed on organisms recovered from sterile body sites, those that are isolated in pure culture, or those that are clinically important and have variable or unique susceptibility patterns. Organisms that should be considered for individual isolate testing include highly virulent pathogens for which susceptibility cannot be predicted, such as Bacteroides, Prevotella, Fusobacterium, and Clostridium spp.; Bilophila wadsworthia; and Sutterella wadsworthensis. This review describes the current methods for AST in research and reference laboratories. These methods include the use of agar dilution, broth microdilution, Etest, and the spiral gradient endpoint system. The antimicrobials potentially effective against anaerobic bacteria include beta-lactams, combinations of beta-lactams and beta-lactamase inhibitors, metronidazole, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, macrolides, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones. The spectrum of efficacy, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, and resistance patterns against these agents are described. PMID:23824372

Validation of the Arabic Version of the Group Personality Projective Test among university students in Bahrain.

PubMed

Al-Musawi, Nu'man M

2003-04-01

Using confirmatory factor analytic techniques on data generated from 200 students enrolled at the University of Bahrain, we obtained some construct validity and reliability data for the Arabic Version of the 1961 Group Personality Projective Test by Cassel and Khan. In contrast to the 5-factor model proposed for the Group Personality Projective Test, a 6-factor solution appeared justified for the Arabic Version of this test, suggesting some variance between the cultural groups in the United States and in Bahrain.

Immunohistochemical detection of active transforming growth factor-beta in situ using engineered tissue

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barcellos-Hoff, M. H.; Ehrhart, E. J.; Kalia, M.; Jirtle, R.; Flanders, K.; Tsang, M. L.; Chatterjee, A. (Principal Investigator)

1995-01-01

The biological activity of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta) is governed by dissociation from its latent complex. Immunohistochemical discrimination of active and latent TGF-beta could provide insight into TGF-beta activation in physiological and pathological processes. However, evaluation of immunoreactivity specificity in situ has been hindered by the lack of tissue in which TGF-beta status is known. To provide in situ analysis of antibodies to differentiate between these functional forms, we used xenografts of human tumor cells modified by transfection to overexpress latent TGF-beta or constitutively active TGF-beta. This comparison revealed that, whereas most antibodies did not differentiate between TGF-beta activation status, the immunoreactivity of some antibodies was activation dependent. Two widely used peptide antibodies to the amino-terminus of TGF-beta, LC(1-30) and CC(1-30) showed marked preferential immunoreactivity with active TGF-beta versus latent TGF-beta in cryosections. However, in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue, discrimination of active TGF-beta by CC(1-30) was lost and immunoreactivity was distinctly extracellular, as previously reported for this antibody. Similar processing-dependent extracellular localization was found with a neutralizing antibody raised to recombinant TGF-beta. Antigen retrieval recovered cell-associated immunoreactivity of both antibodies. Two antibodies to peptides 78-109 showed mild to moderate preferential immunoreactivity with active TGF-beta only in paraffin sections. LC(1-30) was the only antibody tested that discriminated active from latent TGF-beta in both frozen and paraffin-embedded tissue. Thus, in situ discrimination of active versus latent TGF-beta depends on both the antibody and tissue preparation. We propose that tissues engineered to express a specific form of a given protein provide a physiological setting in which to evaluate antibody reactivity with specific functional forms of a protein.

A cadaveric investigation into the demographic and bony alignment properties associated with osteoarthritis of the patellofemoral joint.

PubMed

Weinberg, Douglas S; Tucker, Braden J; Drain, Joseph P; Wang, David M; Gilmore, Allison; Liu, Raymond W

2016-06-01

Patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis is common, although circumstances dictating its evolution and pathogenesis remain unclear. Advances in surgical technique have improved the ability to modify long-bone alignment in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes. However, to our knowledge, there is no significant long-term data available in regard to the relationship between anatomic alignment parameters most amenable to surgical modification and patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis. Five-hundred and seventy-one cadaveric skeletons were obtained from the Hamann-Todd osteological collection. Mechanical lateral distal femoral angle, medial proximal tibial angle, tibial slope, femoral version, tibial torsion, the position of the tibial tubercle relative to the width of the tibial plateau, trochlear depth, and patellar size were measured using validated techniques. A previously published grading system for patellofemoral joint arthritis was used to quantify macroscopic signs of degenerative joint disease. Increasing age (standardized beta 0.532, p<0.001), female gender (standardized beta 0.201, p=0.002), and decreasing mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (standardized beta -0.128, p=0.025) were independent correlates of increased patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis. A relatively more laterally positioned tibial tubercle trended towards predicting patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis (standardized beta 0.080, p=0.089). These findings confirm that patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis is strongly associated with increasing age and female gender. Valgus alignment of the distal femur, a relatively more lateral location of the tibial tubercle, and a shallower trochlear grove appear to have modest effects on the development of patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Osteocalcin protects pancreatic beta cell function and survival under high glucose conditions

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

Kover, Karen, E-mail: kkover@cmh.edu; University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108; Yan, Yun

Diabetes is characterized by progressive beta cell dysfunction and loss due in part to oxidative stress that occurs from gluco/lipotoxicity. Treatments that directly protect beta cell function and survival in the diabetic milieu are of particular interest. A growing body of evidence suggests that osteocalcin, an abundant non-collagenous protein of bone, supports beta cell function and proliferation. Based on previous gene expression data by microarray, we hypothesized that osteocalcin protects beta cells from glucose-induced oxidative stress. To test our hypothesis we cultured isolated rat islets and INS-1E cells in the presence of normal, high, or high glucose ± osteocalcin for up tomore » 72 h. Oxidative stress and viability/mitochondrial function were measured by H{sub 2}O{sub 2} assay and Alamar Blue assay, respectively. Caspase 3/7 activity was also measured as a marker of apoptosis. A functional test, glucose stimulated insulin release, was conducted and expression of genes/protein was measured by qRT-PCR/western blot/ELISA. Osteocalcin treatment significantly reduced high glucose-induced H{sub 2}O{sub 2} levels while maintaining viability/mitochondrial function. Osteocalcin also significantly improved glucose stimulated insulin secretion and insulin content in rat islets after 48 h of high glucose exposure compared to untreated islets. As expected sustained high glucose down-regulated gene/protein expression of INS1 and BCL2 while increasing TXNIP expression. Interestingly, osteocalcin treatment reversed the effects of high glucose on gene/protein expression. We conclude that osteocalcin can protect beta cells from the negative effects of glucose-induced oxidative stress, in part, by reducing TXNIP expression, thereby preserving beta cell function and survival. - Highlights: • Osteocalcin reduces glucose-induced oxidative stress in beta cells. • Osteocalcin preserves beta cell function and survival under stress conditions. • Osteocalcin reduces glucose-induced TXNIP expression in beta cells.« less

Estimation and enhancement of real-time software reliability through mutation analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Geist, Robert; Offutt, A. J.; Harris, Frederick C., Jr.

1992-01-01

A simulation-based technique for obtaining numerical estimates of the reliability of N-version, real-time software is presented. An extended stochastic Petri net is employed to represent the synchronization structure of N versions of the software, where dependencies among versions are modeled through correlated sampling of module execution times. Test results utilizing specifications for NASA's planetary lander control software indicate that mutation-based testing could hold greater potential for enhancing reliability than the desirable but perhaps unachievable goal of independence among N versions.

Comparison Between a Self-Administered and Supervised Version of a Web-Based Cognitive Test Battery: Results From the NutriNet-Santé Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Bailet, Marion; Lecoffre, Amandine C; Galan, Pilar; Hercberg, Serge; Amieva, Hélène; Kesse-Guyot, Emmanuelle

2016-01-01

Background Dementia is a major public health problem, and repeated cognitive data from large epidemiological studies could help to develop efficient measures of early prevention. Data collection by self-administered online tools could drastically reduce the logistical and financial burden of such large-scale investigations. In this context, it is important to obtain data concerning the comparability of such new online tools with traditional, supervised modes of cognitive assessment. Objective Our objective was to compare self-administration of the Web-based NutriNet-Santé cognitive test battery (NutriCog) with administration by a neuropsychologist. Methods The test battery included four tests, measuring, among others aspects, psychomotor speed, attention, executive function, episodic memory, working memory, and associative memory. Both versions of the cognitive battery were completed by 189 volunteers (either self-administered version first, n=99, or supervised version first, n=90). Subjects also completed a satisfaction questionnaire. Concordance was assessed by Spearman correlation. Results Agreement between both versions varied according to the investigated cognitive task and outcome variable. Spearman correlations ranged between .42 and .73. Moreover, a majority of participants responded that they “absolutely” or “rather” agreed that the duration of the self-administered battery was acceptable (184/185, 99.5%), that the tasks were amusing (162/185, 87.6%), that the instructions were sufficiently detailed (168/185; 90.8%) and understandable (164/185, 88.7%), and that they had overall enjoyed the test battery (182/185, 98.4%). Conclusions The self-administered version of the Web-based NutriCog cognitive test battery provided similar information as the supervised version. Thus, integrating repeated cognitive evaluations into large cohorts via the implementation of self-administered online versions of traditional test batteries appears to be feasible. PMID:27049114

Implementation of the Computerized Adaptive Version of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Curran, Linda T.; Jordan, Linda A.

In the summer of 1996, the U.S. Armed Services will implement the computerized adaptive testing version of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (CAT-ASVAB). When conversion is completed at the 65 targeted military entrance processing stations, about half the applicants will take this test version. This paper describes the efforts that…

Validity of the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test: Youth Version-Research Edition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peters, Christine; Kranzler, John H.; Rossen, Eric

2009-01-01

This study examines the criterion-related validity evidence of scores on the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test: Youth Version-Research Version. The authors also investigate the relationship between scores on the MSCEIT-YV and chronological age. Results provide initial support for the construct validity of the MSCEIT-YV but also…

A Revised Version of the Norwegian Adaptation of the Test Anxiety Inventory in a Heterogeneous Population

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oktedalen, Tuva; Hagtvet, Knut A.

2011-01-01

Confirmatory factor analysis and Multiple Indicators, Multiple Causes (MIMIC) modeling were employed to investigate psychometric properties of a revised adaptation of the Norwegian version of the Test Anxiety Inventory (RTAIN) in a sample of 456 students. The study supported the Norwegian version as a useful inventory for measuring the components…

Wireless Authentication Protocol Implementation: Descriptions of a Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) Protocol Implementation for Testing on Ground and Airborne Mobile Networks

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

on AFRL’s small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) test bed . 15. SUBJECT TERMS Zero-Knowledge Proof Protocol Testing 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF...VERIFIER*** edition Version Information: Version 1.1.3 Version Details: Successful ZK authentication between two networked machines. Fixed a bug ...that causes intermittent bignum errors. Fixed a network hang bug and now allows continually authentication at the Verifier. Also now removing

Development of a new family of conformationally restricted peptides as potent nucleators of beta-turns. Design, synthesis, structure, and biological evaluation of a beta-lactam peptide analogue of melanostatin.

PubMed

Palomo, Claudio; Aizpurua, Jesus M; Benito, Ana; Miranda, José Ignacio; Fratila, Raluca M; Matute, Carlos; Domercq, Maria; Gago, Federico; Martin-Santamaria, Sonsoles; Linden, Anthony

2003-12-31

Novel enantiopure (i)-(beta-lactam)-(Gly)-(i+3) peptide models, defined by the presence of a central alpha-alkyl-alpha-amino-beta-lactam ring placed as the (i+1) residue, have been synthesized in a totally stereocontrolled way by alpha-alkylation of suitable N-[bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl]-beta-lactams. The structural properties of these beta-lactam pseudopeptides have been studied by X-ray crystallography, Molecular Dynamics simulation, and NOESY-restrained NMR simulated annealing techniques, showing a strong tendency to form stable type II or type II' beta-turns either in the solid state or in highly coordinating DMSO solutions. Tetrapeptide models containing syn- or anti-alpha,beta-dialkyl-alpha-amino-beta-lactam rings have also been synthesized and their conformations analyzed, revealing that alpha-alkyl substitution is essential for beta-turn stabilization. A beta-lactam analogue of melanostatin (PLG amide) has also been prepared, characterized as a type-II beta-turn in DMSO-d6 solution, and tested by competitive binding assay as a dopaminergic D2 modulator in rat neuron cultured cells, displaying moderate agonist activity in the micromolar concentration range. On the basis of these results, a novel peptidomimetic design concept, based on the separation of constraint and recognition elements, is proposed.

Use of a New International Classification of Health Interventions for Capturing Information on Health Interventions Relevant to People with Disabilities.

PubMed

Fortune, Nicola; Madden, Richard; Almborg, Ann-Helene

2018-01-17

Development of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI) is currently underway. Once finalised, ICHI will provide a standard basis for collecting, aggregating, analysing, and comparing data on health interventions across all sectors of the health system. In this paper, we introduce the classification, describing its underlying tri-axial structure, organisation and content. We then discuss the potential value of ICHI for capturing information on met and unmet need for health interventions relevant to people with a disability, with a particular focus on interventions to support functioning and health promotion interventions. Early experiences of use of the Swedish National Classification of Social Care Interventions and Activities, which is based closely on ICHI, illustrate the value of a standard classification to support practice and collect statistical data. Testing of the ICHI beta version in a wide range of countries and contexts is now needed so that improvements can be made before it is finalised. Input from those with an interest in the health of people with disabilities and health promotion more broadly is welcomed.

HiRel: Hybrid Automated Reliability Predictor (HARP) integrated reliability tool system, (version 7.0). Volume 3: HARP Graphics Oriented (GO) input user's guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bavuso, Salvatore J.; Rothmann, Elizabeth; Mittal, Nitin; Koppen, Sandra Howell

1994-01-01

The Hybrid Automated Reliability Predictor (HARP) integrated Reliability (HiRel) tool system for reliability/availability prediction offers a toolbox of integrated reliability/availability programs that can be used to customize the user's application in a workstation or nonworkstation environment. HiRel consists of interactive graphical input/output programs and four reliability/availability modeling engines that provide analytical and simulative solutions to a wide host of highly reliable fault-tolerant system architectures and is also applicable to electronic systems in general. The tool system was designed at the outset to be compatible with most computing platforms and operating systems, and some programs have been beta tested within the aerospace community for over 8 years. This document is a user's guide for the HiRel graphical preprocessor Graphics Oriented (GO) program. GO is a graphical user interface for the HARP engine that enables the drawing of reliability/availability models on a monitor. A mouse is used to select fault tree gates or Markov graphical symbols from a menu for drawing.

Development of HANAA to Achieve Commercialization Final Report CRADA No. TC-2025-01

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

Koopman, R. P.; Schmidt, J. C.

The objective of this project was to provide DOD and the intelligence agencies with highly portable, advanced, bio-detection instruments and to further the DOE objective of putting advanced instrumentation for the detection of biological terrorism agents into the hands of first responders. All sponsors of the HANAA development work at LLNL believed that the technology must be commercialized to fully contribute to their missions. Intelligence organizations, military teams, and first responders must be able to purchase the instruments for a reasonable price and obtain maintenance services and support equipment from a reliable supplier in order for the instrument to bemore » useful to them. The goal was to efficiently transfer HANAA technology from LLNL to ETG, a company that would manufacture the instrument and make it commercially available to the constituencies important to our sponsors. This was to include a current beta test instrument and all knowledge of problems with the instrument and recommendations for solving those problems in a commercial version. The following tasks were to be completed under this CRADA.« less

GELATIO: a general framework for modular digital analysis of high-purity Ge detector signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agostini, M.; Pandola, L.; Zavarise, P.; Volynets, O.

2011-08-01

GELATIO is a new software framework for advanced data analysis and digital signal processing developed for the GERDA neutrinoless double beta decay experiment. The framework is tailored to handle the full analysis flow of signals recorded by high purity Ge detectors and photo-multipliers from the veto counters. It is designed to support a multi-channel modular and flexible analysis, widely customizable by the user either via human-readable initialization files or via a graphical interface. The framework organizes the data into a multi-level structure, from the raw data up to the condensed analysis parameters, and includes tools and utilities to handle the data stream between the different levels. GELATIO is implemented in C++. It relies upon ROOT and its extension TAM, which provides compatibility with PROOF, enabling the software to run in parallel on clusters of computers or many-core machines. It was tested on different platforms and benchmarked in several GERDA-related applications. A stable version is presently available for the GERDA Collaboration and it is used to provide the reference analysis of the experiment data.

Graphical workstation capability for reliability modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bavuso, Salvatore J.; Koppen, Sandra V.; Haley, Pamela J.

1992-01-01

In addition to computational capabilities, software tools for estimating the reliability of fault-tolerant digital computer systems must also provide a means of interfacing with the user. Described here is the new graphical interface capability of the hybrid automated reliability predictor (HARP), a software package that implements advanced reliability modeling techniques. The graphics oriented (GO) module provides the user with a graphical language for modeling system failure modes through the selection of various fault-tree gates, including sequence-dependency gates, or by a Markov chain. By using this graphical input language, a fault tree becomes a convenient notation for describing a system. In accounting for any sequence dependencies, HARP converts the fault-tree notation to a complex stochastic process that is reduced to a Markov chain, which it can then solve for system reliability. The graphics capability is available for use on an IBM-compatible PC, a Sun, and a VAX workstation. The GO module is written in the C programming language and uses the graphical kernal system (GKS) standard for graphics implementation. The PC, VAX, and Sun versions of the HARP GO module are currently in beta-testing stages.

HiRel: Hybrid Automated Reliability Predictor (HARP) integrated reliability tool system, (version 7.0). Volume 4: HARP Output (HARPO) graphics display user's guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sproles, Darrell W.; Bavuso, Salvatore J.

1994-01-01

The Hybrid Automated Reliability Predictor (HARP) integrated Reliability (HiRel) tool system for reliability/availability prediction offers a toolbox of integrated reliability/availability programs that can be used to customize the user's application in a workstation or nonworkstation environment. HiRel consists of interactive graphical input/output programs and four reliability/availability modeling engines that provide analytical and simulative solutions to a wide host of highly reliable fault-tolerant system architectures and is also applicable to electronic systems in general. The tool system was designed at the outset to be compatible with most computing platforms and operating systems and some programs have been beta tested within the aerospace community for over 8 years. This document is a user's guide for the HiRel graphical postprocessor program HARPO (HARP Output). HARPO reads ASCII files generated by HARP. It provides an interactive plotting capability that can be used to display alternate model data for trade-off analyses. File data can also be imported to other commercial software programs.

Non-destructive evaluation method employing dielectric electrostatic ultrasonic transducers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yost, William T. (Inventor); Cantrell, Jr., John H. (Inventor)

2003-01-01

An acoustic nonlinearity parameter (.beta.) measurement method and system for Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) of materials and structural members novelly employs a loosely mounted dielectric electrostatic ultrasonic transducer (DEUT) to receive and convert ultrasonic energy into an electrical signal which can be analyzed to determine the .beta. of the test material. The dielectric material is ferroelectric with a high dielectric constant .di-elect cons.. A computer-controlled measurement system coupled to the DEUT contains an excitation signal generator section and a measurement and analysis section. As a result, the DEUT measures the absolute particle displacement amplitudes in test material, leading to derivation of the nonlinearity parameter (.beta.) without the costly, low field reliability methods of the prior art.

European Portuguese adaptation and validation of dilemmas used to assess moral decision-making.

PubMed

Fernandes, Carina; Gonçalves, Ana Ribeiro; Pasion, Rita; Ferreira-Santos, Fernando; Paiva, Tiago Oliveira; Melo E Castro, Joana; Barbosa, Fernando; Martins, Isabel Pavão; Marques-Teixeira, João

2018-03-01

Objective To adapt and validate a widely used set of moral dilemmas to European Portuguese, which can be applied to assess decision-making. Moreover, the classical formulation of the dilemmas was compared with a more focused moral probe. Finally, a shorter version of the moral scenarios was tested. Methods The Portuguese version of the set of moral dilemmas was tested in 53 individuals from several regions of Portugal. In a second study, an alternative way of questioning on moral dilemmas was tested in 41 participants. Finally, the shorter version of the moral dilemmas was tested in 137 individuals. Results Results evidenced no significant differences between English and Portuguese versions. Also, asking whether actions are "morally acceptable" elicited less utilitarian responses than the original question, although without reaching statistical significance. Finally, all tested versions of moral dilemmas exhibited the same pattern of responses, suggesting that the fundamental elements to the moral decision-making were preserved. Conclusions We found evidence of cross-cultural validity for moral dilemmas. However, the moral focus might affect utilitarian/deontological judgments.

Beta-defensin genomic copy number is not a modifier locus for cystic fibrosis

PubMed Central

Hollox, Edward J; Davies, Jane; Griesenbach, Uta; Burgess, Juliana; Alton, Eric WFW; Armour, John AL

2005-01-01

Human beta-defensin 2 (DEFB4, also known as DEFB2 or hBD-2) is a salt-sensitive antimicrobial protein that is expressed in lung epithelia. Previous work has shown that it is encoded in a cluster of beta-defensin genes at 8p23.1, which varies in copy number between 2 and 12 in different individuals. We determined the copy number of this locus in 355 patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), and tested for correlation between beta-defensin cluster genomic copy number and lung disease associated with CF. No significant association was found. PMID:16336654

Linear optics measurements and corrections using an AC dipole in RHIC

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

Wang, G.; Bai, M.; Yang, L.

2010-05-23

We report recent experimental results on linear optics measurements and corrections using ac dipole. In RHIC 2009 run, the concept of the SVD correction algorithm is tested at injection energy for both identifying the artificial gradient errors and correcting it using the trim quadrupoles. The measured phase beatings were reduced by 30% and 40% respectively for two dedicated experiments. In RHIC 2010 run, ac dipole is used to measure {beta}* and chromatic {beta} function. For the 0.65m {beta}* lattice, we observed a factor of 3 discrepancy between model and measured chromatic {beta} function in the yellow ring.

Incidence of temonera, sulphuhydryl variables and cefotaximase genes associated with β-lactamase producing escherichia coli in clinical isolates

PubMed Central

Isaiah, Ibeh Nnana; Nche, Bikwe Thomas; Nwagu, Ibeh Georgina; Nwagu, Ibeh Isaiah

2011-01-01

Background: the occurrence of the different types of Extended spectrum beta Lactamase producing Escherichia coli with the, Sulphurhydryl variable, Temonera and the Cefotaximase have been on the rise Aim: The study was to determine the prevalence of extended spectrum beta lactamase gene resistance across the clinical isolates of hospitalized patients. Materials and Method: Three hundred and fifty isolates of Escherichia coli were received from different clinical specimens. The susceptibility profile of the isolates against 10 different antibiotics was examined, the MICs (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) for ceftazidime were also determined using micro-broth dilution assay. Isolates showing MIC ≥ 6 μg/ml for ceftazidime were screened for ESBL (PCT)phenotypic confirmatory test and subjected to PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to further. Results: By disk diffusion test, there was resistance to ceftazidime and cefotaxime were 180(51.4%) and 120 (34.2%) respectively. However, all strains were susceptible to imipenem. 250 isolates showed MICs≥ 6 μg/ml for ceftazidime of which 180 (72%) were positive for extended spectrum beta lactamase. The prevalence of Sulphurhydryl variable, Temonera and the Cefotaximase among these isolates were 17.1%, 6.6% and 17%, respectively. Conclusion: For the identification of extended spectrum beta lactamase producing isolates it is recommended that clinical laboratories adopt simple test based on Cinical laboratory standard institute recommendation for confirming extended spectrum beta lactamase production in enterobacteriacea species. PMID:22363078

Study of long term structural and functional changes in medically controlled glaucoma

PubMed Central

Pandey, Achyut N; Sujata, S

2014-01-01

AIM Prospectively analyze the long term structural and functional changes in patients of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) receiving medical therapy (beta blockers and non beta blockers). In this study an attempt has been made to evaluate whether medical reduction of IOP prevents or delays the progression of glaucomatous visual field loss and/or optic nerve damage in patients with open angle glaucoma. METHODS Study conducted over a period of 27 months, at a tertiary eye care hospital including both eyes of 40 patients with POAG. Group 1 (20 patients, 40 eyes) received beta-blockers, and Group 2 (20 patients, 40 eyes) received non-beta-blockers. Each patient underwent intraocular pressure measurement, best corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp, fundus examination, gonioscopy, central corneal thickness, visual field assessment by Humphrey automated perimetry and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness by Stratus optical coherence tomography at baseline and at two subsequent visits. The average time interval between each visit was 10-11 months. The statistical analysis was done using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Post-hoc test, using tukey' method were adopted. Probablity (P) value of 0.05 or less was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS A total of 80 eyes of 40 patients of POAG were enrolled, 24 males, 16 females, age group 50-80 years. In both beta and non beta blocker group, reduction (improvement) in mean IOP from initial levels to the levels achieved at the 2nd and 3rd visits was statistically significant. One way ANOVA (df=2), fisher f value=11.64, P=0.000, one way ANOVA (df=3), fisher f value=35.61, P=0.000. Both mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD) in both beta and non beta blockers at different visits were not statistically significant. Retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFL) -only mean inferior retinal nerve fibre layer, the difference between the mean value in beta and non beta blocker groupwere statistically significant. [unpaired t test value (df=78) =2.27, P=0.03]. Side effects with beta blocker were conjunctival hyperemia (10%), burning (5%), and conjunctival hyperemia (5%) in non beta blockers. CONCLUSION Non-beta-blockers are as effective as beta-blockers in bringing about a significant lowering of intraocular pressure to the normal range, and in preventing progressive damage to the visual fields and retinal nerve fibre layer. The absence of systemic side effects and superior IOP lowering efficacy has made non beta-blockers attractive for first line therapy for the treatment of glaucoma worldwide. PMID:24634878

Study of long term structural and functional changes in medically controlled glaucoma.

PubMed

Pandey, Achyut N; Sujata, S

2014-01-01

Prospectively analyze the long term structural and functional changes in patients of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) receiving medical therapy (beta blockers and non beta blockers). In this study an attempt has been made to evaluate whether medical reduction of IOP prevents or delays the progression of glaucomatous visual field loss and/or optic nerve damage in patients with open angle glaucoma. Study conducted over a period of 27 months, at a tertiary eye care hospital including both eyes of 40 patients with POAG. Group 1 (20 patients, 40 eyes) received beta-blockers, and Group 2 (20 patients, 40 eyes) received non-beta-blockers. Each patient underwent intraocular pressure measurement, best corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp, fundus examination, gonioscopy, central corneal thickness, visual field assessment by Humphrey automated perimetry and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness by Stratus optical coherence tomography at baseline and at two subsequent visits. The average time interval between each visit was 10-11 months. The statistical analysis was done using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Post-hoc test, using tukey' method were adopted. Probablity (P) value of 0.05 or less was considered to be statistically significant. A total of 80 eyes of 40 patients of POAG were enrolled, 24 males, 16 females, age group 50-80 years. In both beta and non beta blocker group, reduction (improvement) in mean IOP from initial levels to the levels achieved at the 2nd and 3rd visits was statistically significant. One way ANOVA (df=2), fisher f value=11.64, P=0.000, one way ANOVA (df=3), fisher f value=35.61, P=0.000. Both mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD) in both beta and non beta blockers at different visits were not statistically significant. Retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFL) -only mean inferior retinal nerve fibre layer, the difference between the mean value in beta and non beta blocker groupwere statistically significant. [unpaired t test value (df=78) =2.27, P=0.03]. Side effects with beta blocker were conjunctival hyperemia (10%), burning (5%), and conjunctival hyperemia (5%) in non beta blockers. Non-beta-blockers are as effective as beta-blockers in bringing about a significant lowering of intraocular pressure to the normal range, and in preventing progressive damage to the visual fields and retinal nerve fibre layer. The absence of systemic side effects and superior IOP lowering efficacy has made non beta-blockers attractive for first line therapy for the treatment of glaucoma worldwide.

Military Nutrition Research: Four Tasks to Address Personnel Readiness and Warfighter Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-03-01

insulin, free fatty acids, beta hydroxybutyrate, glucagon, and IGF-1, epinephrine, norepinephrine, urine creatinine, urine total nitrogen, urine urea...project. • Completion of blood testing for Project 4. Specifically, the following tests were completed: AST, beta hydroxybutyrate, blood urea...Minehira, J-M Schwarz, K Acheson, P Schneiter, J Burri, E Jequier, and L Tappy. Mechanisms of action of ß- glucan in postprandial glucose metabolism

Examples of data assimilation in mesoscale models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carr, Fred; Zack, John; Schmidt, Jerry; Snook, John; Benjamin, Stan; Stauffer, David

1993-01-01

The keynote address was the problem of physical initialization of mesoscale models. The classic purpose of physical or diabatic initialization is to reduce or eliminate the spin-up error caused by the lack, at the initial time, of the fully developed vertical circulations required to support regions of large rainfall rates. However, even if a model has no spin-up problem, imposition of observed moisture and heating rate information during assimilation can improve quantitative precipitation forecasts, especially early in the forecast. The two key issues in physical initialization are the choice of assimilating technique and sources of hydrologic/hydrometeor data. Another example of data assimilation in mesoscale models was presented in a series of meso-beta scale model experiments with and 11 km version of the MASS model designed to investigate the sensitivity of convective initiation forced by thermally direct circulations resulting from differential surface heating to four dimensional assimilation of surface and radar data. The results of these simulations underscore the need to accurately initialize and simulate grid and sub-grid scale clouds in meso- beta scale models. The status of the application of the CSU-RAMS mesoscale model by the NOAA Forecast Systems Lab for producing real-time forecasts with 10-60 km mesh resolutions over (4000 km)(exp 2) domains for use by the aviation community was reported. Either MAPS or LAPS model data are used to initialize the RAMS model on a 12-h cycle. The use of MAPS (Mesoscale Analysis and Prediction System) model was discussed. Also discussed was the mesobeta-scale data assimilation using a triply-nested nonhydrostatic version of the MM5 model.

Cytotoxicity and activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in mouse embryonic stem cells treated with four GSK3 inhibitors

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Small membrane-permeable molecules are now widely used during maintenance and differentiation of embryonic stem cells of different species. In particular the glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is an interesting target, since its chemical inhibition activates the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. In the present comparative study four GSK3 inhibitors were characterized. Methods Cytotoxicity and potential to activate the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway were tested using the commonly used GSK3 inhibitors BIO, SB-216763, CHIR-99021, and CHIR-98014. Wnt/beta-catenin-dependent target genes were measured by quantitative PCR to confirm the Wnt-reporter assay and finally EC50-values were calculated. Results CHIR-99021 and SB-216763 had the lowest toxicities in mouse embryonic stem cells and CHIR-98014 and BIO the highest toxicities. Only CHIR-99021 and CHIR-98014 lead to a strong induction of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway, whereas BIO and SB-216763 showed a minor or no increase in activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway over the natural ligand Wnt3a. The data from the Wnt-reporter assay were confirmed by gene expression analysis of the TCF/LEF regulated gene T. Conclusions Out of the four tested GSK3 inhibitors, only CHIR-99021 and CHIR-98014 proved to be potent pharmacological activators of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. But only in the case of CHIR-99021 high potency was combined with very low toxicity. PMID:24779365

Cytotoxicity and activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in mouse embryonic stem cells treated with four GSK3 inhibitors.

PubMed

Naujok, Ortwin; Lentes, Jana; Diekmann, Ulf; Davenport, Claudia; Lenzen, Sigurd

2014-04-29

Small membrane-permeable molecules are now widely used during maintenance and differentiation of embryonic stem cells of different species. In particular the glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is an interesting target, since its chemical inhibition activates the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. In the present comparative study four GSK3 inhibitors were characterized. Cytotoxicity and potential to activate the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway were tested using the commonly used GSK3 inhibitors BIO, SB-216763, CHIR-99021, and CHIR-98014. Wnt/beta-catenin-dependent target genes were measured by quantitative PCR to confirm the Wnt-reporter assay and finally EC50-values were calculated. CHIR-99021 and SB-216763 had the lowest toxicities in mouse embryonic stem cells and CHIR-98014 and BIO the highest toxicities. Only CHIR-99021 and CHIR-98014 lead to a strong induction of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway, whereas BIO and SB-216763 showed a minor or no increase in activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway over the natural ligand Wnt3a. The data from the Wnt-reporter assay were confirmed by gene expression analysis of the TCF/LEF regulated gene T. Out of the four tested GSK3 inhibitors, only CHIR-99021 and CHIR-98014 proved to be potent pharmacological activators of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. But only in the case of CHIR-99021 high potency was combined with very low toxicity.

Determinants of satisfaction with health care provider interactions at health centres in central Ethiopia: a cross sectional study.

PubMed

Birhanu, Zewdie; Assefa, Tsion; Woldie, Mirkuzie; Morankar, Sudhakar

2010-03-24

In primary health care, provider-patient interaction is fundamental platform and critically affects service delivery. Nevertheless, it is often ignored in medical research and practice and it is infrequently subjected to scientific inquiry, particularly in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess patient satisfaction with health care provider interactions and its influencing factors among out-patients at health centers in West Shoa, Central Ethiopia. A cross sectional facility based study was conducted on 768 out-patients of six health centers in West Shoa Zone, Central Ethiopia. The total sample size was allocated to each of the six health centers based on patient flow during the ten days prior to the start of data collection. Pre-tested instruments were used for data collection and the data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 statistical software. Factor score was computed for the items identified to represent the satisfaction scale by varimax rotation method. Using this regression factor score, multivariate linear regression analysis was performed and the effect of independent variables on the regression factor score was quantified. Seventy three percent of the respondents perceived that provider's empathy was good and 35% complained that providers were not technically competent enough. In addition, 82% of the respondents rated non-verbal communication by the providers to be good, very good or excellent on a five-point ordinal scale. Regardless of the process, only 34.1% of the patients implied that the consultations made a difference in understanding their illness and coping with it. Generally speaking, 62.6% of the patients reported that they have been satisfied with their visit. Perceived empathy, perceived technical competency, non-verbal communication, patient enablement, being told the name of once illness, type and frequency of visit, knowing the providers and educational status were main independent predictors of patient satisfaction in this study. Furthermore, very good empathy (Beta = -4.323), fair non-verbal communication (Beta = -0.188), fewer expectations met (Beta = -0.169) and disagreement to technical competency (Beta = -0.156) had greater negative influence on patient satisfaction. On the other hand, excellent non-verbal communication (Beta = 0.114) and being told the name of once illness (0.109) had pronounced positive influence on patient satisfaction. The present study showed that interpersonal processes including perceived empathy, perceived technical competency, non-verbal communication and patient enablement significantly influence patient satisfaction. Therefore, health care providers should work towards improving the communication skill of their professionals along with having technically competent workers which could possibly affect the perception of the patient about all of the variables identified as independent predictors of patient satisfaction in this study.

Penicillin skin testing in patients with a history of beta-lactam allergy.

PubMed

del Real, Gonzalo Alvarez; Rose, Mark E; Ramirez-Atamoros, Maria T; Hammel, Jeffrey; Gordon, Steven M; Arroliga, Alejandro C; Arroliga, Mercedes E

2007-04-01

Vancomycin and fluoroquinolones are commonly used in patients with a history of penicillin allergy. To determine the safety and utility of penicillin skin testing (PST). Retrospective study of patients with a history of penicillin allergy between April 1, 1999, and September 30, 2004. Penicillin skin testing was performed by means of standard methods using benzylpenicilloyl-polysine, penicillin G, and histamine and saline controls. Of 596 patients studied, 25.3% were outpatients, 50.3% were inpatients, and 24.3% were intensive care unit patients. The most common antibiotics used during the time of PST were vancomycin and fluoroquinolones. Results of PST were negative in 88.4% of patients, positive in 8.2%, and indeterminate in 3.4%. One patient (0.17%) developed urticaria immediately after PST. Fifty-five percent of patients with negative PST results were changed to a beta-lactam drug, more frequently in the intensive care unit vs the outpatient setting (70.3% vs 8.6%; P < .001) and in adults vs patients younger than 18 years (58.6% vs 8.1%; P < .001). A beta-lactam antibiotic was used in 290 patients with negative PST results. Of the patients given beta-lactam antibiotics, 5 (1.7%) had adverse reactions: 2 had hives after 16 and 20 days of therapy, 1 had a nonspecific rash after 17 days of therapy, 1 had flushing and urticaria 3 hours after a test dose of piperacillin-tazobactam, and 1 had a pruritic rash after 12 hours of therapy. Patients with a history of penicillin allergy can safely use beta-lactam drugs if negative PST results.

[Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory: Argentine version].

PubMed

Caldara, Betina; Asenzo, Adriana I; Brusotti Paglia, Gabriela; Ferreri, Eliana; Gomez, Ramiro S; Laiz, Mariela M; Luques, María L; Mangoni, Ana P; Marazzi, Carla; Matesa, María A; Peker, Guillermo; Pratto, Romina A; Quiroga, Cecilia E; Rapela, Laura; Ruiz, Vanesa R; Sanchez, Noelia; Taglioretti, Célide L; Tana, Andrés M; Zandstra, Ingrid V

2012-01-01

The Dizziness Handicap Inventory is a useful tool for quantifying self-perceived handicap in patients with vertigo, dizziness or unsteadiness and its impact on daily living activities. The Dizziness Handicap Inventory identifies functional, physical and emotional disorders related to balance disturbance. Our objective was to cross-culturally adapt the Peninsular Spanish version of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory for use in Argentina and validate the adapted Argentinian version. We included both healthy subjects and patients with vertigo, dizziness or unsteadiness, aged 18 to 85 years, native Spanish-speaking Argentinians. We introduced linguistic and cultural modifications to the Peninsular Spanish version to obtain the Argentinian one. This version was given twice to 108 patients, 24 to 72 h apart. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability and construct validity were assessed using a visual analogue scale, the Romberg test, the tandem Romberg test and the tandem gait test. We found high internal consistency (α=0.87) and very high test-retest reliability for the total Dizziness Handicap Inventory score (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.98) and its subscales. The total Dizziness Handicap Inventory and the functional subscale were found to correlate significantly with the Romberg and tandem Romberg tests. The emotional subscale showed a significant correlation with the Romberg test and the eyes-open tandem Romberg test (P<.05) The Argentinian version of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory proved to be a reliable and valid tool to quantify self-perceived handicap resulting from vertigo, dizziness or unsteadiness. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

Activation of Beta-Catenin Signaling in Androgen Receptor–Negative Prostate Cancer Cells

PubMed Central

Wan, Xinhai; Liu, Jie; Lu, Jing-Fang; Tzelepi, Vassiliki; Yang, Jun; Starbuck, Michael W.; Diao, Lixia; Wang, Jing; Efstathiou, Eleni; Vazquez, Elba S.; Troncoso, Patricia; Maity, Sankar N.; Navone, Nora M.

2012-01-01

Purpose To study Wnt/beta-catenin in castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and understand its function independently of the beta-catenin–androgen receptor (AR) interaction. Experimental Design We performed beta-catenin immunocytochemical analysis, evaluated TOP-flash reporter activity (a reporter of beta-catenin–mediated transcription), and sequenced the beta-catenin gene in MDA PCa 118a, MDA PCa 118b, MDA PCa 2b, and PC-3 prostate cancer (PCa) cells. We knocked down beta-catenin in AR-negative MDA PCa 118b cells and performed comparative gene-array analysis. We also immunohistochemically analyzed beta-catenin and AR in 27 bone metastases of human CRPCs. Results Beta-catenin nuclear accumulation and TOP-flash reporter activity were high in MDA PCa 118b but not in MDA PCa 2b or PC-3 cells. MDA PCa 118a and 118b cells carry a mutated beta-catenin at codon 32 (D32G). Ten genes were expressed differently (false discovery rate, 0.05) in MDA PCa 118b cells with downregulated beta-catenin. One such gene, hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2), synthesizes hyaluronan, a core component of the extracellular matrix. We confirmed HAS2 upregulation in PC-3 cells transfected with D32G-mutant beta-catenin. Finally, we found nuclear localization of beta-catenin in 10 of 27 human tissue specimens; this localization was inversely associated with AR expression (P = 0.056, Fisher’s exact test), suggesting that reduced AR expression enables Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. Conclusion We identified a previously unknown downstream target of beta-catenin, HAS2, in PCa, and found that high beta-catenin nuclear localization and low or no AR expression may define a subpopulation of men with bone-metastatic PCa. These findings may guide physicians in managing these patients. PMID:22298898

Development of a Chinese version of the Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool: cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation.

PubMed

Tong, W W; Wang, W; Xu, W D

2016-08-15

The Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool (WOMET) is a questionnaire designed to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with meniscal pathology. Our study aims to culturally adapt and validate the WOMET into a Chinese version. We translated the WOMET into Chinese. Then, a total of 121 patients with meniscal pathology were invited to participate in this study. To assess the test-retest reliability, the Chinese version WOMET was completed twice at 7-day intervals by the participants. The construct validity was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient or Spearman's correlation to test for correlations among the Chinese version WOMET and the eight domains of Short Form-36 (SF-36), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score. Responsiveness was tested by comparison of the preoperative and postoperative scores of the Chinese version WOMET. The test-retest reliability of the overall scale and different domains were all found to be excellent. The Cronbach's α was 0.90. The Chinese version WOMET correlated well with other questionnaires which suggested good construct validity. We observed no ceiling and floor effects of the Chinese version WOMET. We also found good responsiveness for the effect size, and the standardized response mean values were 0.86 and 1.11. The Chinese version of the WOMET appears to be reliable and valid in evaluating patients with meniscal pathology.

Development and Simulation Testing of a Computerized Adaptive Version of the Philadelphia Naming Test

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hula, William D.; Kellough, Stacey; Fergadiotis, Gerasimos

2015-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a computerized adaptive test (CAT) version of the Philadelphia Naming Test (PNT; Roach, Schwartz, Martin, Grewal, & Brecher, 1996), to reduce test length while maximizing measurement precision. This article is a direct extension of a companion article (Fergadiotis, Kellough, & Hula, 2015),…

Rapid model building of beta-sheets in electron-density maps.

PubMed

Terwilliger, Thomas C

2010-03-01

A method for rapidly building beta-sheets into electron-density maps is presented. beta-Strands are identified as tubes of high density adjacent to and nearly parallel to other tubes of density. The alignment and direction of each strand are identified from the pattern of high density corresponding to carbonyl and C(beta) atoms along the strand averaged over all repeats present in the strand. The beta-strands obtained are then assembled into a single atomic model of the beta-sheet regions. The method was tested on a set of 42 experimental electron-density maps at resolutions ranging from 1.5 to 3.8 A. The beta-sheet regions were nearly completely built in all but two cases, the exceptions being one structure at 2.5 A resolution in which a third of the residues in beta-sheets were built and a structure at 3.8 A in which under 10% were built. The overall average r.m.s.d. of main-chain atoms in the residues built using this method compared with refined models of the structures was 1.5 A.

Mood states, sympathetic activity, and in vivo beta-adrenergic receptor function in a normal population.

PubMed

Yu, Bum-Hee; Kang, Eun-Ho; Ziegler, Michael G; Mills, Paul J; Dimsdale, Joel E

2008-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between mood states and beta-adrenergic receptor function in a normal population. We also examined if sympathetic nervous system activity is related to mood states or beta-adrenergic receptor function. Sixty-two participants aged 25-50 years were enrolled in this study. Mood states were assessed using the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Beta-adrenergic receptor function was determined using the chronotropic 25 dose isoproterenol infusion test. Level of sympathetic nervous system activity was estimated from 24-hr urine norepinephrine excretion. Higher tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, and anger-hostility were related to decreased beta-adrenergic receptor sensitivity (i.e., higher chronotropic 25 dose values), but tension-anxiety was the only remaining independent predictor of beta-adrenergic receptor function after controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, and body mass index (BMI). Urinary norepinephrine excretion was unrelated to either mood states or beta-adrenergic receptor function. These findings replicate previous reports that anxiety is related to decreased (i.e., desensitized) beta-adrenergic receptor sensitivity, even after controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, and body mass index.

Pain-Related Suppression of Beta Oscillations Facilitates Voluntary Movement

PubMed Central

Misra, Gaurav; Ofori, Edward; Chung, Jae Woo; Coombes, Stephen A.

2017-01-01

Abstract Increased beta oscillations over sensorimotor cortex are antikinetic. Motor- and pain-related processes separately suppress beta oscillations over sensorimotor cortex leading to the prediction that ongoing pain should facilitate movement. In the current study, we used a paradigm in which voluntary movements were executed during an ongoing pain-eliciting stimulus to test the hypothesis that a pain-related suppression of beta oscillations would facilitate the initiation of a subsequent voluntary movement. Using kinematic measures, electromyography, and high-density electroencephalography, we demonstrate that ongoing pain leads to shorter reaction times without affecting the kinematics or accuracy of movement. Reaction time was positively correlated with beta power prior to movement in contralateral premotor areas. Our findings corroborate the view that beta-band oscillations are antikinetic and provide new evidence that pain primes the motor system for action. Our observations provide the first evidence that a pain-related suppression of beta oscillations over contralateral premotor areas leads to shorter reaction times for voluntary movement. PMID:26965905

Heat shock protein 90{beta}: A novel mediator of vitamin D action

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

Angelo, Giana; Mineral Bioavailability Laboratory, 711 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111; Lamon-Fava, Stefania

2008-03-14

We investigated the role of Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) in vitamin D action in Caco-2 cells using geldanamycin (GA) to block Hsp90 function and RNA interference to reduce Hsp90{beta} expression. When cells were exposed to GA, vitamin D-mediated gene expression and transcriptional activity were inhibited by 69% and 54%, respectively. Gel shift analysis indicated that GA reduced vitamin D-mediated DNA binding activity of the vitamin D receptor (VDR). We tested the specific role of Hsp90{beta} by knocking down its expression with stably expressed short hairpin RNA. Vitamin D-induced gene expression and transcriptional activity were reduced by 90% and 80%,more » respectively, in Hsp90{beta}-deficient cells. Nuclear protein for VDR and RXR{alpha}, its heterodimer partner, were not reduced in Hsp90{beta}-deficient cells. These findings indicate that Hsp90{beta} is needed for optimal vitamin D responsiveness in the enterocyte and demonstrate a specific role for Hsp90{beta} in VDR signaling.« less

An ancient role for nuclear beta-catenin in the evolution of axial polarity and germ layer segregation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wikramanayake, Athula H.; Hong, Melanie; Lee, Patricia N.; Pang, Kevin; Byrum, Christine A.; Bince, Joanna M.; Xu, Ronghui; Martindale, Mark Q.

2003-01-01

The human oncogene beta-catenin is a bifunctional protein with critical roles in both cell adhesion and transcriptional regulation in the Wnt pathway. Wnt/beta-catenin signalling has been implicated in developmental processes as diverse as elaboration of embryonic polarity, formation of germ layers, neural patterning, spindle orientation and gap junction communication, but the ancestral function of beta-catenin remains unclear. In many animal embryos, activation of beta-catenin signalling occurs in blastomeres that mark the site of gastrulation and endomesoderm formation, raising the possibility that asymmetric activation of beta-catenin signalling specified embryonic polarity and segregated germ layers in the common ancestor of bilaterally symmetrical animals. To test whether nuclear translocation of beta-catenin is involved in axial identity and/or germ layer formation in 'pre-bilaterians', we examined the in vivo distribution, stability and function of beta-catenin protein in embryos of the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis (Cnidaria, Anthozoa). Here we show that N. vectensis beta-catenin is differentially stabilized along the oral-aboral axis, translocated into nuclei in cells at the site of gastrulation and used to specify entoderm, indicating an evolutionarily ancient role for this protein in early pattern formation.

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

A Kolyada; C Lee; A De Biasio

{beta}2GPI is a major antigen for autoantibodies associated with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), an autoimmune disease characterized by thrombosis and recurrent pregnancy loss. Only the dimeric form of {beta}2GPI generated by anti-{beta}2GPI antibodies is pathologically important, in contrast to monomeric {beta}2GPI which is abundant in plasma. We created a dimeric inhibitor, A1-A1, to selectively target {beta}2GPI in {beta}2GPI/antibody complexes. To make this inhibitor, we isolated the first ligand-binding module from ApoER2 (A1) and connected two A1 modules with a flexible linker. A1-A1 interferes with two pathologically important interactions in APS, the binding of {beta}2GPI/antibody complexes with anionic phospholipids and ApoER2. Wemore » compared the efficiency of A1-A1 to monomeric A1 for inhibition of the binding of {beta}2GPI/antibody complexes to anionic phospholipids. We tested the inhibition of {beta}2GPI present in human serum, {beta}2GPI purified from human plasma and the individual domain V of {beta}2GPI. We demonstrated that when {beta}2GPI/antibody complexes are formed, A1-A1 is much more effective than A1 in inhibition of the binding of {beta}2GPI to cardiolipin, regardless of the source of {beta}2GPI. Similarly, A1-A1 strongly inhibits the binding of dimerized domain V of {beta}2GPI to cardiolipin compared to the monomeric A1 inhibitor. In the absence of anti-{beta}2GPI antibodies, both A1-A1 and A1 only weakly inhibit the binding of pathologically inactive monomeric {beta}2GPI to cardiolipin. Our results suggest that the approach of using a dimeric inhibitor to block {beta}2GPI in the pathological multivalent {beta}2GPI/antibody complexes holds significant promise. The novel inhibitor A1-A1 may be a starting point in the development of an effective therapeutic for antiphospholipid syndrome.« less

Chinese version of the Constant-Murley questionnaire for shoulder pain and disability: a reliability and validation study.

PubMed

Yao, Min; Yang, Long; Cao, Zuo-Yuan; Cheng, Shao-Dan; Tian, Shuang-Lin; Sun, Yue-Li; Wang, Jing; Xu, Bao-Ping; Hu, Xiao-Chun; Wang, Yong-Jun; Zhang, Ying; Cui, Xue-Jun

2017-09-18

Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder in Chinese population, which affects more than 1,3 billion individuals. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no available Chinese-language version of measurements of shoulder pain and disability so far. Moreover, the Constant-Murley score (CMS) questionnaire is a universally recognized patient-reported questionnaire for clinical practice and research. The present study was designed to evaluate a Chinese translational version of CMS and subsequently assess its reliability and validity. The Chinese translational version of CMS was formulated by means of forward-backward translation. Meanwhile, a final review was carried out by an expert committee, followed by conducting a test of the pre-final version. Therefore, the reliability and validity of the Chinese translational version of CMS could be assessed using the internal consistency, construct validity, factor analysis, reliability and floor and ceiling effects. Specifically, the reliability was assessed by testing the internal consistency (Cronbach's α) and test-retest reliability (intraclass coefficient correlation [ICC]), while the construct validity was evaluated via comparison between the Chinese translational version of CMS with visual analog scale (VAS) score and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36, Spearman correlation). The questionnaire was verified to be acceptable after distribution among 120 subjects with unilateral shoulder pain. Factor analysis had revealed a two-factor and 10-item solution. Moreover, the assessment results indicated that the Chinese translational version of CMS questionnaire harbored good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.739) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.827). In addition, the Chinese translational version of CMS was moderately correlated with VAS score (r = 0.497) and SF-36 (r = 0.135). No obvious floor and ceiling effects were observed in the Chinese translational version of CMS questionnaire. Chinese translational version of CMS exhibited good reliability, which is relatively acceptable and is likely to be widely used in this population.

A Smartphone App for Families With Preschool-Aged Children in a Public Nutrition Program: Prototype Development and Beta-Testing.

PubMed

Hull, Pamela; Emerson, Janice S; Quirk, Meghan E; Canedo, Juan R; Jones, Jessica L; Vylegzhanina, Violetta; Schmidt, Douglas C; Mulvaney, Shelagh A; Beech, Bettina M; Briley, Chiquita; Harris, Calvin; Husaini, Baqar A

2017-08-02

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in the United States provides free supplemental food and nutrition education to low-income mothers and children under age 5 years. Childhood obesity prevalence is higher among preschool children in the WIC program compared to other children, and WIC improves dietary quality among low-income children. The Children Eating Well (CHEW) smartphone app was developed in English and Spanish for WIC-participating families with preschool-aged children as a home-based intervention to reinforce WIC nutrition education and help prevent childhood obesity. This paper describes the development and beta-testing of the CHEW smartphone app. The objective of beta-testing was to test the CHEW app prototype with target users, focusing on usage, usability, and perceived barriers and benefits of the app. The goals of the CHEW app were to make the WIC shopping experience easier, maximize WIC benefit redemption, and improve parent snack feeding practices. The CHEW app prototype consisted of WIC Shopping Tools, including a barcode scanner and calculator tools for the cash value voucher for purchasing fruits and vegetables, and nutrition education focused on healthy snacks and beverages, including a Yummy Snack Gallery and Healthy Snacking Tips. Mothers of 63 black and Hispanic WIC-participating children ages 2 to 4 years tested the CHEW app prototype for 3 months and completed follow-up interviews. Study participants testing the app for 3 months used the app on average once a week for approximately 4 and a half minutes per session, although substantial variation was observed. Usage of specific features averaged at 1 to 2 times per month for shopping-related activities and 2 to 4 times per month for the snack gallery. Mothers classified as users rated the app's WIC Shopping Tools relatively high on usability and benefits, although variation in scores and qualitative feedback highlighted several barriers that need to be addressed. The Yummy Snack Gallery and Healthy Snacking Tips scored higher on usability than benefits, suggesting that the nutrition education components may have been appealing but too limited in scope and exposure. Qualitative feedback from mothers classified as non-users pointed to several important barriers that could preclude some WIC participants from using the app at all. The prototype study successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using the CHEW app prototype with mothers of WIC-enrolled black and Hispanic preschool-aged children, with moderate levels of app usage and moderate to high usability and benefits. Future versions with enhanced shopping tools and expanded nutrition content should be implemented in WIC clinics to evaluate adoption and behavioral outcomes. This study adds to the growing body of research focused on the application of technology-based interventions in the WIC program to promote program retention and childhood obesity prevention. ©Pamela Hull, Janice S Emerson, Meghan E Quirk, Juan R Canedo, Jessica L Jones, Violetta Vylegzhanina, Douglas C Schmidt, Shelagh A Mulvaney, Bettina M Beech, Chiquita Briley, Calvin Harris, Baqar A Husaini. Originally published in JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth (http://mhealth.jmir.org), 02.08.2017.

Prevalence of primary headache disorders in Fayoum Governorate, Egypt.

PubMed

El-Sherbiny, Naglaa A; Masoud, Mohamed; Shalaby, Nevin M; Shehata, Hatem S

2015-01-01

There is abundance of epidemiological studies of headache in developed and western countries; however, data in developing countries and in Egypt are still lacking. This study aims to detect the prevalence of primary headache disorders in both urban and rural sectors in Fayoum governorate, Egypt. A total of 2600 subjects were included using multi-stage stratified systematic random sampling, with respondent rate of 91.3 %. A pre-designed Arabic version, interviewer-administered, pilot tested structured questionnaire was developed according to The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version), and this questionnaire was validated and the strength of agreement in headache diagnosis was good. The 1-year headache prevalence was 51.4 %, which was more prevalent in urban dwellers. The most common primary headache type was episodic tension type headache (prevalence; 24.5 %), followed by episodic migraine (prevalence; 17.3 %), both types peaked in midlife. Headache disorders were more common in females with exception of cluster headache that showed the expected male dominance. The risk of chronic headache increased more than one fold and half when the participants were females, married, and in those with high education. More than 60 % of our participants did not seek medical advice for their headaches problem; this percentage was higher in rural areas. Primary headache disorders are common in Egypt; prevalence rate was comparable with western countries with exception of episodic tension headache. Still headache is under-estimated and under-recognized in Egypt and this problem should be targeted by health care providers.

Modeling deformation behavior of the baseball.

PubMed

Nicholls, Rochelle Llewelyn; Miller, Karol; Elliott, Bruce C

2005-02-01

Regulating ball response to impact is one way to control ball exit velocity in baseball. This is necessary to reduce injuries to defensive players and maintain the balance between offense and defense in the game. This paper presents a model for baseball velocity-dependent behavior. Force-displacement data were obtained using quasi-static compression tests to 50% of ball diameter (n = 70 baseballs). The force-displacement curves for a very stiff baseball (Model B) and a softer type (Model C) were characterized by a Mooney-Rivlin model using implicit finite element analysis (ANSYS software, version 6.1). Agreement between experimental and numerical results was excellent for both Model B (C(10) = 0, C(01) = 3.7e(6) Pa) and Model C (C(10) = 0, C(01) = 2.6e(6) Pa). However, this material model was not available in the ANSYS/LSDYNA explicit dynamic software (version 6.1) used to quantify the transient behavior of the ball. Therefore the modeling process was begun again using a linear viscoelastic material. G(infinity), the long-term shear modulus of the material, was determined by the same implicit FEA procedure. Explicit FEA was used to quantify the time-dependent response of each ball in terms of instantaneous shear modulus (G0) and a decay term (beta). The results were evaluated with respect to published experimental data for the ball coefficient of restitution at five velocities (13.4-40.2 ms(-1)) and were in agreement with the experimental values. The model forms the basis for future research on baseball response to impact with the bat.

Common and differential electrophysiological mechanisms underlying semantic object memory retrieval probed by features presented in different stimulus types.

PubMed

Chiang, Hsueh-Sheng; Eroh, Justin; Spence, Jeffrey S; Motes, Michael A; Maguire, Mandy J; Krawczyk, Daniel C; Brier, Matthew R; Hart, John; Kraut, Michael A

2016-08-01

How the brain combines the neural representations of features that comprise an object in order to activate a coherent object memory is poorly understood, especially when the features are presented in different modalities (visual vs. auditory) and domains (verbal vs. nonverbal). We examined this question using three versions of a modified Semantic Object Retrieval Test, where object memory was probed by a feature presented as a written word, a spoken word, or a picture, followed by a second feature always presented as a visual word. Participants indicated whether each feature pair elicited retrieval of the memory of a particular object. Sixteen subjects completed one of the three versions (N=48 in total) while their EEG were recorded simultaneously. We analyzed EEG data in four separate frequency bands (delta: 1-4Hz, theta: 4-7Hz; alpha: 8-12Hz; beta: 13-19Hz) using a multivariate data-driven approach. We found that alpha power time-locked to response was modulated by both cross-modality (visual vs. auditory) and cross-domain (verbal vs. nonverbal) probing of semantic object memory. In addition, retrieval trials showed greater changes in all frequency bands compared to non-retrieval trials across all stimulus types in both response-locked and stimulus-locked analyses, suggesting dissociable neural subcomponents involved in binding object features to retrieve a memory. We conclude that these findings support both modality/domain-dependent and modality/domain-independent mechanisms during semantic object memory retrieval. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Practice advisory: The utility of EEG theta/beta power ratio in ADHD diagnosis

PubMed Central

Gloss, David; Varma, Jay K.; Pringsheim, Tamara; Nuwer, Marc R.

2016-01-01

Objective: To evaluate the evidence for EEG theta/beta power ratio for diagnosing, or helping to diagnose, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: We identified relevant studies and classified them using American Academy of Neurology criteria. Results: Two Class I studies assessing the ability of EEG theta/beta power ratio and EEG frontal beta power to identify patients with ADHD correctly identified 166 of 185 participants. Both studies evaluated theta/beta power ratio and frontal beta power in suspected ADHD or in syndromes typically included in an ADHD differential diagnosis. A bivariate model combining the diagnostic studies shows that the combination of EEG frontal beta power and theta/beta power ratio has relatively high sensitivity and specificity but is insufficiently accurate. Conclusions: It is unknown whether a combination of standard clinical examination and EEG theta/beta power ratio increases diagnostic certainty of ADHD compared with clinical examination alone. Recommendations: Level B: Clinicians should inform patients with suspected ADHD and their families that the combination of EEG theta/beta power ratio and frontal beta power should not replace a standard clinical evaluation. There is a risk for significant harm to patients from ADHD misdiagnosis because of the unacceptably high false-positive diagnostic rate of EEG theta/beta power ratio and frontal beta power. Level R: Clinicians should inform patients with suspected ADHD and their families that the EEG theta/beta power ratio should not be used to confirm an ADHD diagnosis or to support further testing after a clinical evaluation, unless such diagnostic assessments occur in a research setting. PMID:27760867

Formulated Beta-Cyfluthrin Shows Wide Divergence in Toxicity among Bird Species

PubMed Central

Addy-Orduna, Laura M.; Zaccagnini, María-Elena; Canavelli, Sonia B.; Mineau, Pierre

2011-01-01

It is generally assumed that the toxicity of pyrethroid insecticides to birds is negligible, though few species have been tested. The oral acute toxicity of formulated beta-cyfluthrin was determined for canaries (Serinus sp.), shiny cowbirds (Molothrus bonariensis), and eared doves (Zenaida auriculata). Single doses were administered to adults by gavage. Approximate lethal doses 50 (LD50) and their confidence intervals were determined by approximate D-optimal design. Canaries were found to be substantially more sensitive to formulated beta-cyfluthrin (LD50 = (170 ± 41) mg/kg) than the other two species tested (LD50 = (2234 ± 544) mg/kg and LD50 = (2271 ± 433) mg/kg, resp.). The LD50 obtained for canaries was also considerably lower than typical toxicity values available in the literature for pyrethroids. This study emphasizes the need for testing a broader range of species with potentially toxic insecticides, using modern up and down test designs with minimal numbers of birds. PMID:21584255

Formulated Beta-Cyfluthrin Shows Wide Divergence in Toxicity among Bird Species.

PubMed

Addy-Orduna, Laura M; Zaccagnini, María-Elena; Canavelli, Sonia B; Mineau, Pierre

2011-01-01

It is generally assumed that the toxicity of pyrethroid insecticides to birds is negligible, though few species have been tested. The oral acute toxicity of formulated beta-cyfluthrin was determined for canaries (Serinus sp.), shiny cowbirds (Molothrus bonariensis), and eared doves (Zenaida auriculata). Single doses were administered to adults by gavage. Approximate lethal doses 50 (LD(50)) and their confidence intervals were determined by approximate D-optimal design. Canaries were found to be substantially more sensitive to formulated beta-cyfluthrin (LD(50) = (170 ± 41) mg/kg) than the other two species tested (LD(50) = (2234 ± 544) mg/kg and LD(50) = (2271 ± 433) mg/kg, resp.). The LD(50) obtained for canaries was also considerably lower than typical toxicity values available in the literature for pyrethroids. This study emphasizes the need for testing a broader range of species with potentially toxic insecticides, using modern up and down test designs with minimal numbers of birds.

Beta-papillomaviruses in anogenital hairs plucked from healthy individuals.

PubMed

Potocnik, Marko; Kocjan, Bostjan J; Seme, Katja; Luzar, Bostjan; Babic, Dunja Z; Poljak, Mario

2006-12-01

A total of 150 specimens of anogenital hairs plucked from the scrotal, pubic, and perianal region of 51 immunocompetent healthy male individuals were tested for the presence of beta-papillomaviruses (beta-HPV) using the nested M(a)/H(a) polymerase chain reaction. Beta-HPV were found in a total of 38 (25.3%) of 150 hair samples. According to the sampling sites, beta-HPV were detected in 18/51 (35.3%), 13/50 (26.0%), and 7/49 (14.3%) plucked hair samples obtained from the pubic, scrotal, and perianal region, respectively. The prevalence of beta-HPV in the plucked pubic hairs was significantly higher than in the perianal hairs (P = 0.013). In contrast, the difference in the prevalence of beta-HPV in the pubic and scrotal hairs as well as in scrotal and perianal hairs did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.302 and P = 0.227, respectively). The difference in the lifetime-cumulative sun exposure is the most likely explanation for the differences obtained on beta-HPV prevalence. Beta-HPV genotype HPV-38 was detected most frequently, followed by HPV-36, HPV-15, and HPV-14D. In addition to the beta-HPV recognized officially five partial DNA sequences suggesting putative new HPV genotypes were identified. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

[A Polish multicenter survey of antimicrobial susceptibility and prevalence of beta-lactamase production among bacterial pathogens isolated from hospitalized and ambulatory patients].

PubMed

Zwolska, Z; Jezierska-Anczuków, A; Filczak, K; Basta, M; Dworzyński, A; Rogala-Zawada, D; Samet, A

1998-05-01

The aim of the study was to establish the frequency of occurrence of bacterial pathogens with beta-lactamase activity, and pattern of resistance among aerobic and anaerobic strains isolated from: respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin and soft tissues (hospitalized patients) and throat swabs (ambulatory patients). The study was conducted in 1994 year in 6 bacteriological laboratories in four Polish towns (Warszawa, Kraków, Katowice, Gdańsk) according to the protocol. Sensitivity of bacteria was tested by the disc method on the Müeller-Hinton agar or chocolate agar according to NCCLS, activity of beta-lactamase was tested with nitrocephin. A total 2038 clinical strains--1869 aerobic and 169 anaerobic was well-defined and tested for susceptibility to ten antibiotics--amoxicilin, augmentin, ofloxacin, gentamycin, cefradin, erythromycin, cefuroxim, kotrimoxazol, cefalexin and cefaclor. Among the isolated aerobes Staphylococcus aureus (25.1%), E. coli (23.2%) and Haemophilus influenzae (14.0%) were most frequent, and in the group of anaerobes the most frequent were Bacteroides spp (40.8%) We have found 45.8% of all tested aerobic strains with beta-lactamase production, the highest proportion in pathogens isolated from respiratory tract--51.4%, 46.6% from urinary tract, and 48.4% from skin and soft tissues. Among the isolated anaerobic--68.8% of Bacteroides and 28.6% others produced beta-lactamase. Forty percentage of all strains were sensitive to amoxicilin, 70-90% of aerobic bacteria were sensitive to augmentin. Augmentin had a high activity against anaerobic bacteria too. Only a small proportion of the tested aerobic bacteria (12.2%) were resistant to ofloxacin, gentamycin showed a sufficient activity against tested strains (24.4% were resistant). The most frequent pathogen--Staphylococcus aureus was resistant to amoxicilin in 83.1% hospitalized patients, and in 73.9% in ambulatory patients.

Molecular basis for the regulation of islet beta cell mass in mice: the role of E-cadherin

PubMed Central

Wakae-Takada, N.; Xuan, S.; Watanabe, K.; Meda, P.; Leibel, R. L.

2014-01-01

Aims/hypothesis In rodents and humans, the rate of beta cell proliferation declines rapidly after birth; formation of the islets of Langerhans begins perinatally and continues after birth. Here, we tested the hypothesis that increasing levels of E-cadherin during islet formation mediate the decline in beta cell proliferation rate by contributing to a reduction of nuclear β-catenin and D-cyclins. Methods We examined E-cadherin, nuclear β-catenin, and D-cyclin levels, as well as cell proliferation during in vitro and in vivo formation of islet cell aggregates, using β-TC6 cells and transgenic mice with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labelled beta cells, respectively. We tested the role of E-cadherin using antisense-mediated reductions of E-cadherin in β-TC6 cells, and mice segregating for a beta cell-specific E-cadherin knockout (Ecad [also known as Cdh1] βKO). Results In vitro, pseudo-islets of β-TC6 cells displayed increased E-cadherin but decreased nuclear β-catenin and cyclin D2, and reduced rates of cell proliferation, compared with monolayers. Antisense knockdown of E-cadherin increased cell proliferation and levels of cyclins D1 and D2. After birth, beta cells showed increased levels of E-cadherin, but decreased levels of D-cyclin, whereas islets of Ecad βKO mice showed increased levels of D-cyclins and nuclear β-catenin, as well as increased beta cell proliferation. These islets were significantly larger than those of control mice and displayed reduced levels of connexin 36. These changes correlated with reduced insulin response to ambient glucose, both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions/interpretation The findings support our hypothesis by indicating an important role of E-cadherin in the control of beta cell mass and function. PMID:23354125

Molecular basis for the regulation of islet beta cell mass in mice: the role of E-cadherin.

PubMed

Wakae-Takada, N; Xuan, S; Watanabe, K; Meda, P; Leibel, R L

2013-04-01

In rodents and humans, the rate of beta cell proliferation declines rapidly after birth; formation of the islets of Langerhans begins perinatally and continues after birth. Here, we tested the hypothesis that increasing levels of E-cadherin during islet formation mediate the decline in beta cell proliferation rate by contributing to a reduction of nuclear β-catenin and D-cyclins. We examined E-cadherin, nuclear β-catenin, and D-cyclin levels, as well as cell proliferation during in vitro and in vivo formation of islet cell aggregates, using β-TC6 cells and transgenic mice with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labelled beta cells, respectively. We tested the role of E-cadherin using antisense-mediated reductions of E-cadherin in β-TC6 cells, and mice segregating for a beta cell-specific E-cadherin knockout (Ecad [also known as Cdh1] βKO). In vitro, pseudo-islets of β-TC6 cells displayed increased E-cadherin but decreased nuclear β-catenin and cyclin D2, and reduced rates of cell proliferation, compared with monolayers. Antisense knockdown of E-cadherin increased cell proliferation and levels of cyclins D1 and D2. After birth, beta cells showed increased levels of E-cadherin, but decreased levels of D-cyclin, whereas islets of Ecad βKO mice showed increased levels of D-cyclins and nuclear β-catenin, as well as increased beta cell proliferation. These islets were significantly larger than those of control mice and displayed reduced levels of connexin 36. These changes correlated with reduced insulin response to ambient glucose, both in vitro and in vivo. The findings support our hypothesis by indicating an important role of E-cadherin in the control of beta cell mass and function.

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

Schwartz, S. B.; Wrede, C.; Bennett, M. B.

Background: The Doppler broadening of gamma-ray peaks is due to nuclear recoil from beta-delayed nucleon emission can be used to measure the energies of the nucleons. This method has never been tested using beta-delayed proton emission or applied to a recoil heavier than A = 10. Purpose: To test and apply this Doppler broadening method using gamma-ray peaks from the P-26(beta p gamma)Al-25 decay sequence. Methods: A fast beam of P-26 was implanted into a planar Ge detector, which was used as a P-26 beta-decay trigger. The SeGA array of high-purity Ge detectors was used to detect gamma rays frommore » the P-26(beta p gamma)Al-25 decay sequence. Results: Radiative Doppler broadening in beta-delayed proton-gamma decay was observed for the first time. Moreover, the Doppler broadening analysis method was verified using the 1613-keV gamma-ray line for which the proton energies were previously known. The 1776-keV gamma ray de-exciting the 2720 keV Al-25 level was observed in P-26(beta p gamma)Al-25 decay for the first time and used to determine that the center-of-mass energy of the proton emission feeding the 2720-keV level is 5.1 +/- 1.0 (stat.) +/- 0.6 (syst.) MeV, corresponding to a Si-26 excitation energy of 13.3 +/- 1.0 (stat.) +/- 0.6 (syst.) MeV for the proton-emitting level. Conclusions: Finally, the Doppler broadening method has been demonstrated to provide practical measurements of the energies for beta-delayed nucleon emissions populating excited states of nuclear recoils at least as heavy as A = 25.« less